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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2021

Registration Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

BROOKFIELD

ASSET

MANAGEMENT INC.

  

BROOKFIELD

ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)    (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Not Applicable    Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)    (Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Ontario, Canada    Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)    (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
6512    6399
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Numbers)    (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Numbers)
Not Applicable    Not Applicable
(IRS Employer Identification Numbers)    (IRS Employer Identification Numbers)
181 Bay Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 762    c/o Brookfield Bermuda Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario    73 Front Street, 5th Floor
Canada M5J 2T3    Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda
(416) 363-9491    +1 (441) 294-3316
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants’ principal executive offices)    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants’ principal executive offices)

 

 

Brookfield Asset Management LLC

Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10281-1023

(212) 417-7000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of the Registrants)

 

 

Copies to:

Mile T. Kurta, Esq.

Torys LLP

1114 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor

New York, New York 10036

(212) 880-6000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: as soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.


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If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.    BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT
REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company  ☐

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP (as defined below), indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company  ☒

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP (as defined below), indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

  

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate

offering price

 

Amount of

registration fee

Class A Exchangeable Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

  (1)     N/A   $1,145,743,000(3)   $125,000.56(3)

Class A Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

  (2)     N/A   $—(4)   $—(4)

Total

          $1,145,743,000   $125,000.56(5)

 

 

1.

Represents an aggregate of up to 10.9 million class A exchangeable limited voting shares, $40.00 par value per share (“class A exchangeable shares”), of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (our “company”), which will be distributed (the “special dividend”) to the holders of class A limited voting shares (“Brookfield Class A Shares”) of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“Brookfield Asset Management”), as more fully described in the prospectus contained in this registration statement.

2.

Represents up to 10.9 million Brookfield Class A Shares to be issued from time to time upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares (including upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our company) following the special dividend as described in the prospectus filed as part of this registration statement. The number of Brookfield Class A Shares represents a good faith estimate of the maximum number of Brookfield Class A Shares to be issued upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares (including upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our company). Pursuant to Rule 416, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional Brookfield Class A Shares as may be issuable as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

3.

There is currently no market for class A exchangeable shares. Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act.

4.

No separate registration fee is payable pursuant to Rule 457(i) under the Securities Act.

5.

Previously paid.

 

 

The Registrants hereby amend this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not issue these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 18, 2021

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

 

 

LOGO

                 Class A Exchangeable Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

                 Class A Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

(issuable or deliverable upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of Class A Exchangeable Limited Voting Shares)

 

 

This prospectus is being furnished to you as a shareholder of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., which we refer to as Brookfield Asset Management, in connection with the planned special dividend, which we refer to as the special dividend, by Brookfield Asset Management to the holders of its Class A limited voting shares, which we refer to as Brookfield Class A Shares, and Class B limited voting shares, which we refer to as Brookfield Class B Shares, of approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable limited voting shares, which we refer to as class A exchangeable shares, of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., which we refer to as our company, an exempted company incorporated under, and governed by, the laws of Bermuda. Each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events). Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events — see “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder”. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. It is expected that following completion of the special dividend, each class A exchangeable share will receive distributions at the same time and in the same amount per share as the cash dividends paid on each Brookfield Class A Share, as more fully described in this prospectus. We therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. Our company was established by Brookfield Asset Management to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders. See “Our Business”.

This prospectus also relates to up to approximately 10.9 million Brookfield Class A Shares deliverable to holders of class A exchangeable shares if Brookfield Asset Management elects to satisfy any exchange of class A exchangeable shares by delivering Brookfield Class A Shares or if Brookfield Asset Management or our company, as applicable, elects to satisfy any redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares by delivering Brookfield Class A Shares (including in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company). Our company and Brookfield Asset Management, as applicable, currently intend to satisfy any exchange, redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash.

It is currently anticipated that immediately following the special dividend, (i) shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of our issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares; (ii) a group of individuals who have been designated by Partners Limited (which also previously designated the current holders of the Brookfield Class B Shares), whom we refer to as the BAM Re Class B Partners, will own all of our issued and outstanding class B limited voting shares, which we refer to as our class B shares; and (iii) Brookfield Asset Management will own all of our issued and outstanding class C non-voting shares, which we refer to as our class C shares. The class C shares are non-voting shares that are entitled to the residual economic interest in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of our class A exchangeable shares and our class B shares and subject to the prior rights of holders of our Preferred Shares. This residual economic interest, together with the mechanisms to create economic equivalence between the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, creates alignment between the interests of Brookfield Asset Management and our shareholders. Brookfield Asset Management will not hold any voting interest in our company.

Subject to applicable law and in addition to any other required shareholder approvals, all matters to be approved by shareholders of our company (other than the election of directors), must be approved by both: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution. Consequently, all matters requiring shareholder approval must be approved by the holder of the class B shares, whom immediately after the completion of the special dividend will be the BAM Re Class B Partners. In addition, the holders of the class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board and the holders of the class B shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board. See “Description of Our Share Capital”.

Pursuant to the special dividend, holders of Brookfield Class A Shares as of                 , 2021, the record date for the special dividend, which we refer to as the record date, will be entitled to receive one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares held as of the record date, provided that the special dividend will be subject to any applicable withholding tax and no holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interests in the class A exchangeable shares. The dividend date for the special dividend is expected to be on or about                , 2021, which we refer to as the dividend date. Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional class A exchangeable share will receive a cash payment.

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares will not be required to pay for the class A exchangeable shares to be received upon completion of the special dividend or tender or surrender Brookfield Class A Shares or take any other action in connection with the special dividend. Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares are not being asked for a proxy and are requested not to send a proxy. See “Questions and Answers Regarding the Special Dividend” for further details.

Our company may, subject to applicable law and the prior written consent of Brookfield Asset Management, at any time and in our sole discretion, upon at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to holders of class A exchangeable shares, redeem all of the outstanding class A exchangeable shares for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events as described in more detail in this prospectus) or its cash equivalent, plus unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management has the right to require our company to commence a liquidation upon the occurrence of certain events. See “Description of Our Share Capital”.

There is currently no public market for our class A exchangeable shares. We have applied to list our class A exchangeable shares on the New York Stock Exchange, which we refer to as the NYSE, and the Toronto Stock Exchange, which we refer to as the TSX, under the symbol “BAMR”. We expect that trading of our class A exchangeable shares will commence on the first trading day following the special dividend. We do not plan to have a “when-issued” market for our class A exchangeable shares prior to the special dividend. The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the NYSE. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the TSX is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the TSX on or before June 30, 2021, including distribution of the class A exchangeable shares to a minimum number of public shareholders.

Our company is an “emerging growth company” under federal securities laws and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer”.

 

 

In reviewing this prospectus, you should carefully consider the matters described in the section entitled “Risk Factors ” beginning on page 34.

NEITHER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS INFORMATION IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

NOTICE TO INVESTORS

     1  

GLOSSARY

     4  

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

     12  

SUMMARY

     21  

RISK FACTORS

     34  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

     71  

THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

     74  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     78  

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

     78  

LISTING OF OUR CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SHARES AND THE BROOKFIELD CLASS A SHARES

     79  

CAPITALIZATION

     80  

PRIOR SALES

     81  

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

     82  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     85  

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     93  

OUR BUSINESS

     94  

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

     102  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     114  

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     136  

GOVERNANCE

     140  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     147  

THE SUPPORT AGREEMENT

     155  

RELATIONSHIP WITH BROOKFIELD

     157  

DESCRIPTION OF OUR SHARE CAPITAL

     163  

COMPARISON OF THE OBCA AND THE BERMUDA ACT

     175  

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT

     187  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

     192  

CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALES

     193  

CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     195  

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     204  

LEGAL MATTERS

     218  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

     218  

INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

     218  

EXPERTS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

     218  

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

     219  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     220  

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

     221  

COSTS OF THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

     222  

APPENDIX A

     A-1  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

- i -


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NOTICE TO INVESTORS

About this Prospectus

This prospectus constitutes (i) a prospectus of our company with respect to the class A exchangeable shares to be distributed in the special dividend and (ii) a prospectus of Brookfield Asset Management with respect to the Brookfield Class A Shares to be issued or delivered in connection with the exchange, redemption or acquisition, if any, of class A exchangeable shares (including in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company).

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could have changed since that date. We expressly disclaim any duty to update this prospectus, except as required by applicable law.

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or from any person with respect to whom, it is unlawful to make any such offer in such jurisdiction.

Meaning of Certain References

Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires, when used in this prospectus, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and “our company” mean Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. together with all of its subsidiaries and the term “Brookfield” means Brookfield Asset Management, it subsidiaries and controlled companies and any investment fund sponsored, managed or controlled by Brookfield Asset Management or its subsidiaries, and does not, for greater certainty, include us or Oaktree and its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires, the disclosure in this prospectus assumes that the special dividend has been completed and we have acquired our operating subsidiaries from Brookfield Asset Management, although we will not acquire such subsidiaries until prior to the special dividend. Certain capitalized terms and phrases used in this prospectus are defined in the “Glossary”. Words importing the singular number include the plural, and vice versa, and words importing any gender include all genders.

Historical Performance and Market Data

This prospectus contains information relating to our business as well as historical performance and market data for Brookfield. When considering this data, you should bear in mind that historical results and market data may not be indicative of the future results that you should expect from us or Brookfield.

Financial Information

The financial information contained in this prospectus is presented in United States dollars and, with the exception of certain financial information relating to American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, which we refer to as AEL Holdings, and unless otherwise indicated, has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, which we refer to as IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which we refer to as the IASB. In this prospectus, all references to “$” are to United States dollars and references to “C$” are to Canadian dollars.

The financial information relating to AEL Holdings contained in this prospectus has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which we refer to as U.S. GAAP. Information prepared in accordance with IFRS may differ from financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and therefore may not be comparable.

 

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The financial information included in this prospectus has been derived from:

 

   

the audited consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, which we refer to as BAH, as at December 31, 2020 and, December 31, 2019, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, together with the accompanying notes thereto;

 

   

the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the accompanying notes thereto;

 

   

the audited statement of financial position of our company as at December 31, 2020, together with the accompanying notes thereto;

 

   

the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for three months ended March 31, 2021, together with the accompanying notes thereto;

 

   

the consolidated balance sheets of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V; and

 

   

the unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the notes thereto.

Through a series of transactions, prior to completing the special dividend and subject to regulatory approval, Brookfield Asset Management will contribute all of the net assets and operations of BAH into our company, making BAH the predecessor of our company for financial reporting purposes.

Use of Non-IFRS Measures

To measure performance, we focus on net income, an IFRS measure, as well as certain non-IFRS measures, including Funds From Operations, which we refer to as FFO, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Return on Equity, which we refer to as Adjusted ROE.

We define FFO as net income excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, breakage and transaction costs. FFO is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in accordance with, and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by, IFRS or the IASB. FFO is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. FFO has limitations as an analytical tool. Specifically, our definition of FFO may differ from the definition used by other organizations, as well as the definition of FFO used by the Real Property Association of Canada and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc., which we refer to as NAREIT, in part because the NAREIT definition is based on U.S. GAAP, as opposed to IFRS.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization, interest expense, current and deferred income taxes, as well as transaction costs. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in accordance with, and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by, IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and has limitations as an analytical tool.

We define Adjusted ROE as net income available to common shareholders, divided by average common shareholders’ equity over the period. Adjusted ROE is used to evaluate the financial performance of our invested capital and is not calculated in accordance with, and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by, IFRS.

 

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Adjusted ROE is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measure presented by other issuers and has limitations as an analytical tool.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to the nearest IFRS measures.

Market Data and Industry Data

Market and industry data presented throughout, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus was obtained from third party sources, industry publications, and publicly available information, as well as industry and other data prepared by us and Brookfield Asset Management on the basis of our collective knowledge of the Canadian, U.S. and international markets and economies (including estimates and assumptions relating to these markets and economies based on that knowledge). We believe that the market and economic data is accurate and that the estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness thereof. The accuracy and completeness of the market and economic data used throughout this prospectus, or incorporated by reference herein, are not guaranteed and we do not make any representation as to the accuracy of such information. Although we believe it to be reliable, we have not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, analyzed or verified the underlying studies or surveys relied upon or referred to by such sources, or ascertained the underlying economic and other assumptions relied upon by such sources.

 

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GLOSSARY

Account” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Investment Management Agreements”;

ACL” means authorized control level RBC;

Adjusted EBITDA” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Use of Non-IFRS Measures”;

Adjusted ROE” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Use of Non-IFRS Measures”;

Administration Agreement” means the administrative services agreement to be entered into between Brookfield and our company as of the dividend date;

AEL” means American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company;

AEL Holdings” means American Equity Investment Life Holding Company;

“AEL Investment Agreement” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Questions and Answers Regarding the Special Dividend”;

AEL Reinsurance Treaty” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Strategic Partnership”;

annuities business” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Summary — Our Business”;

Assignment Agreement” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement”;

Audit Committee” means the audit committee of our board, as further described under “Governance — Committees of the Board — Audit Committee”;

AUM” means assets under management, as further described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Performance Measures Used by Management”;

BAC options” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

BAH” means Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc.;

BAM Re Class B Partners” has the meaning ascribed thereto on the cover page of this prospectus, as further described under “Security Ownership”;

BAM Re Holdings” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”;

BEAT” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

Bermuda Act” means the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda;

Bermuda AML Framework” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Bermuda — Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Crime Legislation”;

Bermuda ESA” means the Economic Substance Act 2018 (as amended) of Bermuda and its related regulations;

 

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Bermuda Forum Provision” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares”;

Bermuda Insurance Act” means the Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda;

Bermuda-U.S. Treaty” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Our Non-U.S. Subsidiaries”;

BMA” means the Bermuda Monetary Authority;

board” means the board of directors of our company;

Brookfield” means Brookfield Asset Management, its subsidiaries and controlled companies and any investment fund sponsored, managed or controlled by Brookfield Asset Management or its subsidiaries, and does not, for greater certainty, include our company and our subsidiaries or Oaktree and its subsidiaries;

Brookfield Accounts” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Operating Subsidiaries and Industry”;

Brookfield Activities” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Conflicts of Interest”;

Brookfield Annuity” means Brookfield Annuity Company;

Brookfield Asset Management” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc.;

Brookfield Class A Shares” means the Class A limited voting shares of Brookfield Asset Management;

Brookfield Class B Shares” means the Class B limited voting shares of Brookfield Asset Management;

Brookfield Shares” means the Brookfield Class A Shares and the Brookfield Class B Shares;

Brookfields Annual Report” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s annual report on Form 40-F (as amended by Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which includes Brookfield Asset Management’s (a) audited consolidated statements of financial position as of and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, together with the report thereon of the independent registered public accounting firm and management’s discussion and analysis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and (b) annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020 dated March 23, 2021;

BSCR” means the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirements;

BSOP” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

Burgundy” means Burgundy Acquisitions I Ltd.;

CAL” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Capital and Solvency Requirements”;

Canadian Privacy Laws” means all applicable Canadian provincial and federal laws and regulations governing the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, including the PIPEDA;

 

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Cayman AML Regulations” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Legislation”;

Cayman Anti-Money Laundering Legislation” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Legislation”;

Cayman DPA” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Data Protection”;

Cayman ESA” means the International Tax Co-Operation (Economic Substance) Act (2020 Revision) (as amended) of the Cayman Islands and its related regulations;

Cayman Insurance Act” means the Insurance Act, 2010, as amended;

CDS” means CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc.;

ceding company” or “cedant” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Our Business — Annuities”;

Chair” means the chairperson of the board;

CIMA” means the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority;

class A exchangeable shares” means the class A exchangeable limited voting shares in the capital of our company, par value $40.00, as further described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares”, and “class A exchangeable share” means any one of them;

class B shares” means the class B limited voting shares in the capital of our company, par value $40.00, as further described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class B Shares”, and “class B share” means any one of them;

class C shares” means the class C non-voting shares in the capital of our company, par value $1.00, as further described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class C Shares”, and “class C share” means any one of them;

Code” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

Committees” means the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee;

company” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Notice to Investors — Meaning of Certain References”;

company notice” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Rights Agreement — Satisfaction of Exchange Right”;

Compensation Committee” means the compensation committee of our board, as further described under “Governance — Committees of the Board — Compensation Committee”;

Convention” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Brookfield Class A Shares”;

conversion number” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class C Shares — Conversion of Tendered Class A Exchangeable Shares”;

CRA” means the Canada Revenue Agency;

 

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Credit Agreement” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Credit Agreement”;

distributions” means a dividend, a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital or some combination of the two;

dividend date” has the meaning ascribed thereto on the cover page of this prospectus;

DSU” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

DSU allotment price” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

DSUP” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

DTC” means the Depository Trust Company;

EBS” means economic balance sheet;

ECR” means enhanced capital requirement;

EDGAR” means the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system at www.sec.gov;

Equity Commitment” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Equity Commitment”;

ES Test” means an economic substance test as defined within the Cayman ESA as further described under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Economic Substance”;

escrow company” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

escrowed shares” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

ESG matters” means environmental, social, and governance matters;

EU” means the European Union;

exchangeable distribution” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Distributions”;

FA” means fixed annuity;

FATCA” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

FFO” means Funds From Operations;

FIA” means fixed index annuity;

 

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forward-looking information” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information”;

Governance Committee” means the Governance and Nominating Committee of our board, as further described under “Governance — Committees of our Board — Governance Committee”;

Holder” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations”;

IASB” means the International Accounting Standards Board;

ICA” means the Insurance Companies Act (Canada);

IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB;

Initial AEL Equity Investment has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement”;

Investment Assets” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Offshore Investment Fund Property”;

Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

Investment Management Agreements” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Investment Management Agreements”;

IRS” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

JOBS Act” means Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012;

Junior Preferred Shares” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Preferred Shares”;

LIBOR” means the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate;

LICAT” means the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test;

Licensing Agreement” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Licensing Agreement”;

MMS” means minimum margin of solvency;

MSOP” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Executive Compensation — Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans”;

NAIC” means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners;

NAREIT” means the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc.;

NEOs” means the named executive officers of our company;

NER Ltd.” means North End Re Ltd.;

NER SPC” means North End Re (Cayman) SPC;

 

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non-resident entity” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Regulation”;

Non-Resident Holder” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Holders not Resident in Canada”;

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange;

Oaktree” means, collectively, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and Atlas OCM Holdings, LLC;

OBCA” means the Business Corporations Act (Ontario);

OIFP Rules” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Offshore Investment Fund Property”;

OSFI” means the Officer of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada);

Partner” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Security Ownership”;

Partnership” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Security Ownership”;

PFIC” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

PIPA” means the Bermuda Personal Information Protection Act 2016;

PIPEDA” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Canada — Privacy Laws”;

Preferred Shares” means the Junior Preferred Shares and the Senior Preferred Shares;

Proposed Amendments” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations”;

prospectus” means this prospectus dated as of                , 2021;

QEF Election” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of U.S. Holders”;

RBC” means risk-based capital;

RBC Report” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Capital and Solvency Requirements”;

record date” has the meaning ascribed thereto on the cover page of this prospectus;

Remaining AEL Equity Investment” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement”;

Resident Holder” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Holders Resident in Canada”;

rights agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association;

Rights Agreement” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Relationship with Brookfield — Rights Agreement”;

 

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RPII” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

RPII CFC” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

RPII Shareholder” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of U.S. Holders”;

Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (United States), as amended;

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission;

SEDAR” means the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com;

Senior Preferred Shares” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital”;

special dividend” has the meaning ascribed thereto on the cover page of this prospectus;

specified exchange date” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Rights Agreement — The Rights Agent and the Exchange Right”;

Superintendent” means the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada);

Support Agreement” means the support agreement to be entered into between Brookfield Asset Management and our company as of the dividend date;

TAC” means total adjusted capital;

Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act (Canada);

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Taxation — U.S. Tax Risks”;

TIA” means the Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority;

Transactions” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”;

Treasury Regulations” means the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code;

TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange;

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements” means our unaudited pro forma financial statements;

unpaid distributions” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Distributions”;

U.S. Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time thereunder;

U.S. Federal Forum Provision” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares”;

U.S. GAAP” means the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States;

 

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U.S. Holder” has the meaning ascribed thereto under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”; and

U.S. Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time thereunder.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

The following questions and answers address briefly some questions you may have regarding the special dividend. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you and these questions and answers should be read together with the more detailed information and financial data and statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus. See “Glossary” for the definitions of the various defined terms used throughout this prospectus.

 

Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

Why is Brookfield Asset Management distributing the class A exchangeable shares to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares?   

Creating our company and distributing the class A exchangeable shares, which have been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to the Brookfield Class A Shares, is intended to achieve the following objectives:

  

•  Establish a publicly-traded company to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders.

  

•  Provide investors with the flexibility to own, through the ownership of a class A exchangeable share, the economic equivalent of a Brookfield Class A Share because of the right to exchange each class A exchangeable share into a Brookfield Class A Share or its cash equivalent, and the expectation that distributions on class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount per share as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares.

  

•  Provide Canadian and U.S. investors with the opportunity to receive returns of capital instead of taxable dividends and provide non-Canadian investors with the ability to receive distributions without the imposition of withholding tax, which we believe will attract new investors who will benefit from investing in our business.

  

•  Provide access to new capital pools through the formation of a new publicly-traded company and the creation of a new reinsurance platform.

  

See “The Special Dividend — Background to and Purpose of the Special Dividend”. For additional information regarding Brookfield Asset Management, see “Brookfield Asset Management”.

How will our company’s performance track to Brookfield Asset Management’s performance?   

An investment in the class A exchangeable shares is intended to be, as nearly as practicable, functionally and economically, equivalent to an investment in Brookfield Class A Shares. We therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. As such, the company expects that investors of class A exchangeable shares will hold or purchase class A exchangeable shares as an alternative way of owning Brookfield Class A Shares rather than a separate and distinct investment. Following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares to provide holders of our class A exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. We expect to commence paying distributions on our class A exchangeable shares on September 30, 2021.

 

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Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

  

Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described below if Brookfield Asset Management is unable to maintain an effective registration statement. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events” for a description of capital events that might result in an adjustment to the exchange factor. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. However, factors that Brookfield Asset Management may consider when determining whether to satisfy any exchange request for cash rather than Brookfield Class A Shares include, without limitation, compliance with applicable securities laws, changes in law, Brookfield Asset Management’s available liquidity, and any tax consequences to Brookfield Asset Management or to a holder as a result of delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares.

Will our company satisfy exchange requests?   

No. The obligation to satisfy a request for exchange is the obligation of Brookfield Asset Management, and our company has no obligation to deliver Brookfield Class A Shares or cash, to deliver any unpaid distributions, or to cause Brookfield Asset Management to do so.

Do you intend to pay distributions on the class A exchangeable shares?   

Yes. Our board may declare distributions at its discretion, in the form of a dividend or a distribution made pursuant to a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital or a combination, each of which we refer to as a distribution. However, each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and it is expected that distributions on the class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends are paid on Brookfield Class A Shares. We expect to commence paying distributions on our class A exchangeable shares on September 30, 2021.

 

We currently intend to pay quarterly distributions, at least a portion of which are expected to be in the form of a distribution made pursuant to a capital reduction, and intend to seek shareholder approval annually for such future capital reductions as required by law.

What will our company’s relationship with Brookfield be after the special dividend?   

Brookfield will hold all of our class C shares, giving it the residual economic interest in our company, but will not initially own any voting interest in our company. This residual economic interest, together with the mechanisms to create economic equivalence between the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, creates alignment between the interests of Brookfield Asset Management and our shareholders since an investment in our class A exchangeable shares provides investors with the same economic exposure to the broader business of Brookfield Asset Management as an investment in the Brookfield Class A Shares. Brookfield will have a consent right over certain matters regarding our company and will have the right to commence a liquidation of our company upon the occurrence of certain events. See “Description of Our Share Capital”. In addition, a number of important

 

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Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

  

agreements are being entered into between our company and Brookfield to support our company following the special dividend, including:

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will enter into the Support Agreement and covenant to take various actions to support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares. The Support Agreement will continue in force so long as class A exchangeable shares not owned by Brookfield are outstanding, there has not been an amendment to the exchange feature and the Rights Agreement is still in force. For additional information, see “Support Agreement”.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management and our company will enter into the Rights Agreement with the rights agent pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree, among other things, that it will satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, the obligations pursuant to our memorandum of association and bye-laws to exchange the class A exchangeable shares for the Brookfield Class A Shares (or its cash equivalent) plus unpaid distributions. For additional information, see “Description of Our Share Capital — Rights Agreement”.

 

•  At our request, Brookfield Asset Management will provide us with the services of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer and certain other administrative services pursuant to the Administration Agreement at cost. The Administration Agreement will continue in perpetuity until terminated in accordance with its terms. For additional information, see “Relationship with Brookfield — The Administration Agreement”.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will provide our company with an Equity Commitment in the amount of $2 billion to fund future growth, which we may draw on from time to time, in exchange for which Brookfield Asset Management will be obligated to subscribe for, at its election, class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will extend to our company a revolving credit facility in the amount of $200 million for working capital purposes. For additional information, see “Relationship with Brookfield — Equity Commitment”.

 

•  Brookfield will also provide us with investment management services at market rates pursuant to the Investment Management Agreements. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements and constraints, the Investment Management Agreements are intended to continue in perpetuity until terminated in accordance with their terms. In addition to the Investment Management Agreements that will be in place prior to completion of the special dividend, under the Support Agreement, we have agreed that for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, and subject to any applicable regulatory requirements and constraints, we are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services to us without the prior consent of Brookfield. Brookfield Asset Management has also agreed that it will, or will cause the appropriate Brookfield entity, to accept such appointment. For additional information, see “Relationship with Brookfield — Investment Management Agreements” and “Support Agreement”.

 

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Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

  

 

•  Burgundy, a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, will sell to our subsidiary, NER SPC, the shares in AEL Holdings previously acquired by Burgundy pursuant to the investment agreement with AEL Holdings, which we refer to as the AEL Investment Agreement, and each of Brookfield Asset Management and Burgundy will assign to our company and NER SPC, respectively, its obligations and rights under the AEL Investment Agreement. For additional information, see “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

 

This prospectus, which forms a part of a registration statement on Form F-1, constitutes a prospectus of Brookfield Asset Management with respect to the underlying Brookfield Class A Shares deliverable to holders of class A exchangeable shares upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of the class A exchangeable shares as contemplated by our memorandum of association and bye-laws, the Rights Agreement and the Support Agreement (including in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company); however, Brookfield Asset Management has filed a registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-255310) with respect to the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with any such redemption, exchange or purchase from and after the effective date of the special dividend.

Will there be any significant shareholders of our company after the special dividend?   

Yes. Brookfield Asset Management will own all of our class C shares, which entitle Brookfield Asset Management to all of the residual value in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares and subject to the prior rights of holders of our Preferred Shares. This residual economic interest, together with the mechanisms to create economic equivalence between the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, creates alignment between the interests of Brookfield Asset Management and our shareholders. For additional information, see “The Special Dividend — Background to and Purpose of the Special Dividend”.

 

Current and former executives of Brookfield Asset Management, referred to as the Partnership, and whose members we refer to as Partners, have been and continue to be instrumental in ensuring a stability of ownership that fosters a culture of strong governance and mutual respect, a commitment to collective excellence and achievement, and a focus on long-term value creation for all stakeholders. The Partners, in the aggregate, own interests in approximately 320 million Brookfield Class A Shares (representing approximately 20% of the Brookfield Class A Shares (on a fully diluted basis)). Upon completion of the special dividend, the Partners will, in the aggregate (but not as a group), own approximately 20% of our class A exchangeable shares. In addition, the Partners have designated individuals from among their number to own and control the Brookfield Class B Shares as a group. Similarly, a group has been designated to own all of our class B shares (through a similar structure), referred to as the BAM Re Class B Partners. Holders of our class B shares are entitled to elect one-half of the board and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. Upon the completion of the special dividend, the individuals who are the

 

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Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

  

BAM Re Class B Partners are expected to also own, in the aggregate (but not as a group), approximately 10.3% of our class A exchangeable shares. See “Security Ownership”.

How will the special dividend work?   

As a result of the special dividend, holders of Brookfield Class A Shares will be entitled to receive one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares held as of the record date, provided that the special dividend will be subject to any applicable withholding tax and no holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interests in the class A exchangeable shares. Holders who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional class A exchangeable share will receive a cash payment. Holders of the Brookfield Class B Shares as of the record date will also be entitled to receive (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class B Shares held as of the record date on the same basis as noted above. For additional information, see “The Special Dividend — Mechanics of the Special Dividend”.

If I am a holder of Brookfield Class A Shares, what do I have to do to participate in the distribution?   

Nothing. You are not required to pay for the class A exchangeable shares that you will receive upon the special dividend or tender or surrender your Brookfield Class A Shares or take any other action in connection with the special dividend. No vote of Brookfield Class A Shareholders will be required for the special dividend. If you own Brookfield Class A Shares as of the close of business on the record date, a book-entry account statement reflecting your ownership of the class A exchangeable shares will be mailed to you, or your brokerage account will be credited for the class A exchangeable shares, on or about             , 2021.

Are there risks associated with owning the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares?   

Yes, our business and the ownership of class A exchangeable shares are subject to both general and specific risks and uncertainties. Owning Brookfield Class A Shares is also subject to risks. For a discussion of the factors you should consider, please see “Risk Factors”.

How will owning a class A exchangeable share be different from owning a Brookfield Class A Share?   

The class A exchangeable shares will be shares of our company and will have voting rights in respect of our company but not of Brookfield Asset Management. Each holder of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only holders of a specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote or as otherwise required by law, and will be entitled to cast one vote for each class A exchangeable share held. In the election of directors, holders of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of the board. The holder of the class B shares will be entitled to elect the other one-half of our board and all matters that require shareholder approval must also be approved by the holder of the class B shares.

 

Each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events), including distributions on each class A exchangeable share at the same time and in the same amount per share as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares. However, there are certain material differences between the

 

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Questions

  

Answers about the special dividend

  

rights of holders of class A exchangeable shares and holders of the Brookfield Class A Shares under the governing documents of our company and Brookfield Asset Management and applicable law, such as the right of holders of class A exchangeable shares to request an exchange of their class A exchangeable shares for an equivalent number of Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), the redemption right of our company, subject to the consent of Brookfield Asset Management, and the right of Brookfield Asset Management to require our company to commence a liquidation upon the occurrence of certain events. These material differences are described in the section entitled “Comparison of the OBCA and the Bermuda Act”.

What are the key dates associated with the special dividend?

  

The key dates associated with the special dividend are as follows:

 

Special dividend declaration date:

                   , 2021

Commencement of due bill trading of Brookfield Class A Shares:

   June     , 2021

Record date:

   June     , 2021

Dividend date:

   On or about June     , 2021

 

  

“Due bill” trading in the context of the special dividend refers to a sale or purchase of Brookfield Class A Shares that includes a sale or purchase of the entitlement to receive class A exchangeable shares in the special dividend.

How many class A exchangeable shares will I receive?   

You will be entitled to receive one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares you hold as of the record date of the special dividend. Based on the number of Brookfield Class A Shares expected to be outstanding on the record date for the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management expects to distribute approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares. No holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interests in the class A exchangeable shares. Holders who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional class A exchangeable share will receive a cash payment. For additional information on the distribution, see “The Special Dividend — Mechanics of the Special Dividend”.

Is the special dividend taxable for Canadian federal income tax purposes?   

For Canadian federal income tax purposes, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth below under the heading “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations”, holders of Brookfield Class A Shares who are resident in Canada and who receive class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable dividend equal to the aggregate fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received, plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares. Brookfield Asset Management is of the view that the exchange right associated with the class A exchangeable shares has only a nominal fair market value and Brookfield Asset Management will report the special dividend and the associated exchange right for tax purposes on that basis. For holders of

 

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Brookfield Class A Shares who are not resident in Canada, the special dividend will be subject to Canadian federal withholding tax under Part XIII of the Tax Act at the rate of 25% of the amount of the special dividend, subject to a possible reduction under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty or convention.

 

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares, including those who are not resident in Canada, are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the Canadian federal income tax consequences of the special dividend in light of their particular circumstances.

Is the special dividend taxable for United States federal income tax purposes?   

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth below under the heading “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”, we intend to take the position that a U.S. Holder who receives class A exchangeable shares as a special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the sum of the fair market values of (i) the class A exchangeable shares received by such holder, (ii) the fractional class A exchangeable shares sold by the distribution agent on such holder’s behalf, and (iii) the exchange rights received by such holder (in each case, without reduction for any tax withheld in respect of the special dividend). Because Brookfield Asset Management does not intend to calculate earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders should expect the entire amount of such taxable distribution to be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes.

 

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend in light of their particular circumstances.

Where will I be able to trade the class A exchangeable shares?   

There is currently no public trading market for our class A exchangeable shares. However, our company has applied to list our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE and on the TSX under the symbol “BAMR”. The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the NYSE. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the TSX is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the TSX on or before June 30, 2021, including distribution of the class A exchangeable shares to a minimum number of public shareholders.

 

We expect that trading of our class A exchangeable shares will commence on the first trading day following the special dividend. We do not plan to have a “when-issued” market for our class A exchangeable shares prior to the special dividend.

How do I exchange the class A exchangeable shares I will receive for Brookfield Class A Shares?   

As a class A exchangeable shareholder, you will be entitled to exchange your class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Asset Management for an equivalent number of Brookfield Class A Shares (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management) at any time, subject to the limitations described below if Brookfield Asset Management is unable to maintain an effective

 

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registration statement. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. For additional information, see “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares” and “—Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”. However, factors that Brookfield Asset Management may consider when determining whether to satisfy any exchange request for cash rather than Brookfield Class A Shares include, without limitation, compliance with applicable securities laws, changes in law, Brookfield Asset Management’s available consolidated liquidity and any tax consequences to Brookfield Asset Management or to a holder as a result of delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares.

 

Brookfield Asset Management will be required to maintain an effective registration statement in order to exchange any class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares. However, if Brookfield Asset Management is unable to maintain an effective registration statement, then Brookfield Asset Management will not be able to effect exchanges for Brookfield Class A Shares and will not be required to effect exchanges for cash that would result in the payment of an amount in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period; provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period.

 

The obligation to satisfy a request for exchange is the obligation of Brookfield Asset Management, and our company has no obligation to deliver Brookfield Class A Shares or cash, to deliver any unpaid distributions, or to cause Brookfield Asset Management to do so.

 

If you hold your Brookfield Class A Shares and class A exchangeable shares through a broker, please contact your broker to request an exchange. If you are a registered holder and hold your Brookfield Class A Shares and class A exchangeable shares in certificated form or in an account directly with the transfer agent, AST Trust Company (Canada), please contact the transfer agent to request an exchange.

 

An exchange of class A exchangeable shares for an equivalent number of Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent may have tax consequences. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” and “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”.

Will the number of Brookfield Class A Shares I own or the dividends I receive change as a result of the special dividend?   

The number of Brookfield Class A Shares that you own will not change as a result of the special dividend. However, if you retain the class A exchangeable shares you receive in the special dividend, you will also receive distributions each quarter paid on those class A exchangeable shares.

 

The dividend policy of Brookfield Asset Management, and the current quarterly dividend, will be unchanged as a result of the special dividend given that the fair market value of the businesses to be transferred by Brookfield Asset Management to the company represent less than 1% of the consolidated assets of Brookfield Asset Management. An adjustment

 

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of less than 1% to the quarterly dividend of Brookfield Asset Management would not change the quantum of the quarterly dividend. As a result, following completion of the special dividend, the dividend for each Brookfield Class A Share will be the same as it would have been if the special dividend had not been made and an equivalent quarterly distribution is expected to be paid on the class A exchangeable shares.

 

An illustrative example is provided based on the existing quarterly dividend payable to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares of $0.13 per share and the expected special dividend of one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares:

 

•  prior to the special dividend, a holder of 145 Brookfield Class A Shares would receive a quarterly dividend from Brookfield Asset Management of $0.13 per Brookfield Class A Share for an aggregate of $18.85 per quarter; and

  

•  following the special dividend, and assuming the holder retains the class A exchangeable share distributed in the special dividend, a holder of 145 Brookfield Class A Shares would receive a quarterly dividend from Brookfield Asset Management of $0.13 per Brookfield Class A Share (for an aggregate of $18.85) plus a quarterly distribution from the company of $0.13 on the one class A exchangeable share received on completion of the special dividend, for an aggregate of $18.98 per quarter, which is $0.13 more than what would have been received prior to the special dividend.

What will happen to the listing of Brookfield Asset Management’s Class A Shares?   

Nothing. The Brookfield Class A Shares will continue to trade on the TSX under the symbol “BAM.A” and on the NYSE under the symbol “BAM”.

Whom do I contact for information regarding our company and the special dividend?   

Before the special dividend, you should direct inquiries relating to the special dividend to:

 

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3

Attention: Company Secretary

 

After the special dividend, you should direct inquiries relating to the class A exchangeable shares to:

 

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda

Attention: Company Secretary

 

After the special dividend, the transfer agent and registrar for the class A exchangeable shares will be:

 

AST Trust Company (Canada)

1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2V6

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated herein by reference and does not contain all of the information you should know about our company, the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, especially the “Risk Factors” section and the more detailed information and financial data and statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. Some of the statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” for more information. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the disclosure in this prospectus assumes that the special dividend has been completed and we have acquired our operating subsidiaries from Brookfield Asset Management, although we will not acquire such subsidiaries until shortly prior to the special dividend. See “Glossary” for the definitions of the various defined terms used throughout this prospectus.

Special Dividend Key Dates

The key dates associated with the special dividend are as follows:

 

Special dividend declaration date:

                     , 2021  

Commencement of due bill trading of Brookfield Class A Shares:

     June     , 2021  

Record date:

     June     , 2021  

Dividend date:

     On or about June     , 2021  

“Due bill” trading in the context of the special dividend refers to a sale or purchase of Brookfield Class A Shares that includes a sale or purchase of the entitlement to receive class A exchangeable shares in the special dividend.

Our Business

Our company was established by Brookfield Asset Management to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders. Through our operating subsidiaries, we will provide annuity-based reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies and will also act as a direct issuer of pension risk transfer products for pension plan sponsors. In doing so, we seek to match long-duration liabilities with a portfolio of high-quality investments in order to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns within our business. We intend to leverage our relationship with Brookfield in order to opportunistically source new business and deploy our capital in assets that are tailored to our investment needs. Our relationship with Brookfield provides us with access to a diverse mix of leading alternative investment strategies that we believe are well suited for this purpose.

We currently have a single operating segment related to our pension risk transfer business. Going forward, we plan to focus primarily on growing our annuities-based reinsurance business, which we refer to as our annuities business. Over time, we may look for opportunities to expand our reinsurance business to cover other longer-duration products such as life insurance and structured settlements. See “Our Business” for further details.

Annuities

Within our annuities business, we are focused primarily on the reinsurance of annuity-based products, and will primarily seek to reinsure annuity-based products for direct insurers and other reinsurers operating in North America and Western Europe. We primarily seek to reinsure three types of annuity products: fixed annuities, fixed index annuities and payout annuities.



 

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In connection with the strategic partnership arrangement between Brookfield and AEL Holdings, we expect to be the reinsurance counterparty of up to $10 billion in primarily fixed index annuity liabilities of AEL, including an initial $5 billion of existing liabilities and up to an incremental $5 billion of future business, when written. We expect the reinsurance treaty in respect of these arrangements to be signed and closed in the first half of 2021. See “Our Business — Recent Developments” for more information.

Pension Risk Transfer

Pension risk transfer is the transfer by a corporate sponsor of the risks (or some of the risks) associated with the sponsorship and administration of a pension plan, in particular, investment risk and longevity risk, which is the risk of an increase in life expectancy of plan beneficiaries. These risks can be transferred either to an insurer like us through a group annuity transaction, or to an individual through a lump sum settlement payment. Pension risk transfer using insurance typically involves a single premium group annuity contract that is issued by an insurer, permitting the corporate pension plan sponsor to discharge certain pension plan liabilities from its balance sheet.

Today, our pension risk transfer business is led by a team of experts with an average of over 25 years of experience in group annuities, providing pension risk transfer solutions to organizations across Canada. We wrote our first group annuity policy in the first quarter of 2017 and, as of March 31, 2021, had $1.3 billion (C$1.6 billion) of policyholder reserves.

Recent Developments

AEL Strategic Partnership

On October 17, 2020, Brookfield entered into a strategic partnership with AEL Holdings, a leading retirement planning annuity provider, pursuant to which the parties agreed to enter into a reinsurance transaction for the reinsurance of an initial $5 billion in primarily fixed index annuity liabilities of AEL and up to an incremental $5 billion of future business. We expect to be the reinsurance counterparty under these arrangements. In addition, Brookfield agreed to acquire an up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) equity interest in AEL Holdings in two tranches and subject to certain conditions. On November 30, 2020, Brookfield acquired 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings, which represents an approximate 9.54% equity interest in AEL Holdings as at March 31, 2021, at $37.00 per share. The acquisition of the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings is subject to execution of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, regulatory approval and other closing conditions. Prior to completion of the special dividend, Brookfield intends to sell the 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings that are currently held by a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management to NER SPC along with the right to acquire the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings for a total equity investment of up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) in AEL Holdings. The special dividend is not conditional on the execution of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty or the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings.

Strategic Benefits of the Brookfield Relationship

Brookfield Asset Management is a global asset management company focused on real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, private equity and credit with over $600 billion of assets under management, approximately 150,000 operating employees and over 1,000 investment professionals worldwide. Brookfield’s strategy is to combine best-in-class operating capabilities and transaction execution to acquire and invest in targeted assets and actively manage them in order to achieve superior returns on a long-term basis. Inclusive of Oaktree, in which Brookfield owns an approximate 62% interest, Brookfield manages approximately $150 billion of assets across its credit products, which includes both liquid and private alternative strategies.

In connection with the special dividend, our company will acquire our business and assume the employment of certain officers and employees from Brookfield. In addition, we will be party to a number of agreements with



 

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Brookfield in respect of our business, including the Support Agreement, the Rights Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Investment Management Agreements, the Equity Commitment, the Assignment Agreement and the Credit Agreement. These agreements and relationships will be important to our company, in some cases because they will provide financial support to our company and will support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares. For further details regarding these agreements, see “Relationship with Brookfield”.

We believe that our ongoing relationship with Brookfield provides us with a unique competitive advantage as well as access to opportunities that would otherwise not be available to us as a stand-alone insurance or reinsurance company.

In order to execute our vision of being a leading reinsurer of long-duration liabilities and earn attractive risk-adjusted returns within our business, we will seek to leverage our relationship with Brookfield and in turn take advantage of Brookfield’s core attributes:

 

   

strong investment management and asset allocation capabilities, with significant experience managing alternative real asset investment strategies;

 

   

significant investment in and relationship with Oaktree, a leading global alternative investment management firm with an expertise in credit;

 

   

transaction structuring and origination capabilities, with a proven track record of executing large-scale, multi-faceted transactions across multiple geographies;

 

   

robust approach to risk management that emphasizes the proactive management of risks and ensuring that there is necessary capacity and resilience to respond to changing environments by evaluating both current and emerging risks; and

 

   

institutional relationships, including those developed with global insurance companies.

Strategy and Growth

Overall, our strategy is to seek to earn attractive risk-adjusted returns within our business by opportunistically sourcing long-duration insurance liabilities and investing the associated capital in a portfolio of high-quality, long-dated assets. We intend to focus on three avenues for growth:

 

   

Sourcing large-scale reinsurance transactions. The annuity and life insurance industry within our target markets of North America and Western Europe is of significant size. We believe there are numerous opportunities, including those similar to the AEL reinsurance transaction, to partner with insurers and execute both block and flow reinsurance arrangements. We believe that our history of consummating large-scale, multi-faceted transactions, and our access to capital position us well to successfully source these opportunities.

 

   

Expanding our existing pension risk transfer business. Within Canada, there is approximately $540 billion of private sector pension plans, of which 50% are now closed. This represents over $250 billion of potential pension risk transfer business that we estimate will occur over the next 10 to 20 years. We believe that we are well situated to grow in the Canadian market given our expertise through Brookfield Annuity and our relationship with Brookfield. We may look to expand our pension risk transfer capabilities to other jurisdictions, including the U.S. and U.K., subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals.

 

   

Pursuing inorganic growth on a value basis. We intend to opportunistically evaluate opportunities to acquire existing platforms or strategically invest in reinsurers and direct insurers, primarily those operating in North America and Western Europe, and earn an attractive return on the capital we deploy.



 

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Stock Exchange Listing

We have applied to list our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol “BAMR”. The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the NYSE. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the TSX is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the TSX on or before June 30, 2021, including distribution of the class A exchangeable shares to a minimum number of public shareholders.

The Special Dividend

The special dividend will entitle holders of Brookfield Class A Shares to receive one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares held as of the record date, provided that the special dividend will be subject to any applicable withholding tax and no holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interest in the class A exchangeable shares. The record date for the special dividend is                , 2021 and the dividend date is expected to be on or about                , 2021.

Creating our company and distributing the class A exchangeable shares, which will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events), is intended to achieve the following objectives:

 

   

Establish a publicly-traded company to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders.

 

   

Provide investors with the flexibility to own, through the ownership of a class A exchangeable share, the economic equivalent of a Brookfield Class A Share because of the right to exchange each class A exchangeable share into a Brookfield Class A Share or its cash equivalent, and the expectation that distributions on class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount per share as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares.

 

   

Provide Canadian and U.S. investors with the opportunity to receive returns of capital instead of taxable dividends and provide non-Canadian investors with the ability to receive distributions without the imposition of withholding tax, which we believe will attract new investors who will benefit from investing in our business.

 

   

Provide access to new capital pools through the formation of a new publicly-traded company and the creation of a new reinsurance platform.

Based on approximately 1.58 billion Brookfield Class A Shares that we expect to be outstanding on the record date for the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management intends to make a special dividend of approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares of our company to shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management. The number of Brookfield Class A Shares that you own will not change as a result of the special dividend. The dividend policy of Brookfield Asset Management, and the current quarterly dividend, will be unchanged as a result of the special dividend and following completion of the special dividend, the dividend for each Brookfield Class A Share will be the same as it would have been if the special dividend had not been made. However, if you retain the class A exchangeable shares you receive in the special dividend, you will also receive distributions each quarter paid on the class A exchangeable shares.

See “The Special Dividend — Background to and Purpose of the Special Dividend”.



 

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Corporate Structure

Prior to completion of the special dividend, our company was an indirect subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management. The following diagram provides an illustration of the simplified corporate structure of our company immediately prior to completion of the special dividend and the related reorganization.

 

LOGO

 

1 —

Jurisdiction of formation is the Province of Ontario, Canada. All entities depicted are 100% owned directly or indirectly by Brookfield Asset Management.

2 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Bermuda.

3 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Cayman Islands. NER SPC is expected to hold up to a 19.9% equity interest in AEL Holdings. See “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

4 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Canada.



 

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The following diagram provides an illustration of the simplified corporate structure of our company and its principal subsidiaries immediately after completion of the special dividend.

 

 

LOGO

 

1

— Jurisdiction of formation is the Province of Ontario, Canada. Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of our class C shares, giving it the residual economic interest in our company. Immediately upon completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will not own any of our class A exchangeable shares and will have no voting interest in our company.

2

— Jurisdiction of formation is Bermuda. All subsidiaries of our company are 100% owned directly or indirectly by our company.

3

— Jurisdiction of formation is Cayman Islands. NER SPC is expected to hold up to a 19.9% equity interest in AEL Holdings. See “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

4

— Holders of our class B shares, all of which are held through a voting trust, are entitled to elect half of our board and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. Immediately upon completion of the special dividend, individuals who are the BAM Re Class B Partners will also own, in the aggregate (but not as a group), approximately 10.3% of our class A exchangeable shares. The voting trust will not own any class A exchangeable shares. See “Security Ownership”.

5

— Jurisdiction of formation is Canada.

6

— Immediately following completion of the special dividend, the aggregate economic interest represented by our class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and class C shares is expected to be approximately



 

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$501.8 million, $1.1 million and $781.1 million, respectively. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”. Subject to applicable law and in addition to any other required shareholder approvals, all matters to be approved by shareholders of our company (other than the election of directors), must be approved by both: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution. Consequently, all matters requiring shareholder approval must be approved by the holder of the class B shares, whom immediately after the completion of the special dividend will be the BAM Re Class B Partners. In addition, the holders of the class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board and the holders of the class B shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board. The class C shares are non-voting, will have certain consent rights and will have the residual economic interest in the company. See “Description of Our Share Capital”.

Distribution Policy

The payment of distributions on our company’s class A exchangeable shares are at the discretion of our board and may be in the form of a dividend or a return of capital distribution or a combination. We currently intend to pay quarterly distributions at least a portion of which are expected to be in the form of a return of capital distribution. Any return of capital distributions require shareholder approval, which we intend to seek annually. Distributions on the class A exchangeable shares are expected to be made quarterly, at the end of March, June, September and December of each year. Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and, following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as cash dividends are paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares to provide holders of our class A exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. We expect to commence paying distributions on our class A exchangeable shares on September 30, 2021.

Our company is unlikely to be able to pay quarterly distributions from operating cash flow for some time. Our company will receive $25 million for working capital from Brookfield prior to the dividend date. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will provide our company with the Equity Commitment in the amount of $2 billion to fund future growth, which we may draw on from time to time, and a revolving credit facility in the amount of $200 million for working capital purposes. Our company may also establish credit facilities with one or more financial institutions on an arm’s length basis. We intend to use the liquidity provided by Brookfield prior to the dividend date, the Equity Commitment and any credit facilities (including under the Credit Agreement) for working capital purposes and to fund distributions, and we may use the proceeds from the Equity Commitment to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions.

See “Brookfield Asset Management — Dividend Policy and Dividend History” for further information on Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend policy and Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend history. Future dividends by Brookfield Asset Management will be at the discretion of its board of directors, and distributions on the class A exchangeable shares also will be made at the discretion of our board, and while Brookfield Asset Management expects future dividends to be made in accordance with its dividend policy, there can be no assurance that Brookfield Asset Management or our company will make comparable distributions in the future or at all. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares — Our company cannot assure you that it will be able to pay distributions equal to the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management and holders of class A exchangeable shares may not receive distributions equal to the dividends paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares and, accordingly, may not receive the intended economic equivalence of those securities”.

Our Capital Structure

Upon completion of the special dividend, approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares, 24,000 class B shares, 16.9 million class C shares, and no Preferred Shares are expected to be issued and outstanding.



 

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The class A exchangeable shares will be shares of our company and will have voting rights in respect of our company but not Brookfield Asset Management. Each holder of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only holders of a specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote or as otherwise required by law, and will be entitled to cast one vote for each class A exchangeable share held. In the election of directors, holders of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of the board. The holder of the class B shares will be entitled to elect the other one-half of our board and all matters that require shareholder approval must also be approved by the holder of the class B shares.

Each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events). Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events — see “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations as described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder”. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. It is expected that following completion of the special dividend, each class A exchangeable share will receive distributions at the same time and in the same amount per share as the cash dividends paid on each Brookfield Class A Share, as more fully described in this prospectus. We therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management.

However, there are certain material differences between the rights of holders of class A exchangeable shares and holders of the Brookfield Class A Shares under the governing documents of our company and Brookfield Asset Management and applicable law, such as the right of holders of class A exchangeable shares to request an exchange of their class A exchangeable shares for an equivalent number of Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), the redemption right of our company, subject to the consent of Brookfield Asset Management, and the right of Brookfield Asset Management to require our company to commence a liquidation upon the occurrence of certain events. These material differences are described in the sections entitled “Description of Our Share Capital” and “Comparison of the OBCA and the Bermuda Act”.

Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of the class C shares, and will not own any voting interest in our company but will be entitled to all of the residual value in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares (consisting of any declared and unpaid distributions, and the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent on a redemption or liquidation) and subject to the prior rights of holders of Preferred Shares. Brookfield Asset Management will, however, have a consent right over certain matters regarding our company and the right to commence a liquidation of our company upon the occurrence of certain events. See “Description of Our Share Capital”.

Other than on a transitory basis as a result of an exchange, Brookfield Asset Management is not expected to own class A exchangeable shares. Instead, Brookfield Asset Management currently expects to convert any class A exchangeable shares received by it pursuant to exchanges into additional class C shares. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class C Shares — Conversion of Tendered Class A Exchangeable Shares”. However, if, from time to time, Brookfield Asset Management acquires class A exchangeable shares, including pursuant to the exercise of exchange rights by holders of class A exchangeable shares, it will have voting rights in respect of our company and will be entitled to cast one vote for each class A exchangeable share to the extent held on the record date for voting at a meeting of shareholders of the company.

This prospectus, which forms a part of a registration statement on Form F-1, constitutes a prospectus of Brookfield Asset Management with respect to the underlying Brookfield Class A Shares deliverable to holders of



 

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class A exchangeable shares upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of the class A exchangeable shares as contemplated by our memorandum of association and bye-laws, the Rights Agreement and the Support Agreement (including in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company); however, Brookfield Asset Management has filed a registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-255310) with respect to the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with any such redemption, exchange or purchase from and after the effective date of the special dividend.

Rights Agreement

On or prior to the dividend date, the rights agent, our company, and Brookfield Asset Management will enter into the Rights Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree that on the applicable specified exchange date with respect to any class A exchangeable shares submitted for exchange, Brookfield Asset Management will satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, the obligations pursuant to our memorandum of association and bye-laws to exchange such subject class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent plus any unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. For more information, see “Description of Our Share Capital — Rights Agreement”.

Summary of Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

For Canadian federal income tax purposes, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth below under the heading “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations,” holders of Brookfield Class A Shares who are resident in Canada and who receive class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable dividend equal to the aggregate fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares. Brookfield Asset Management is of the view that the exchange right associated with the class A exchangeable shares has only a nominal fair market value and Brookfield Asset Management will report the special dividend and the associated exchange right for tax purposes on that basis. For holders of Brookfield Class A Shares who are not resident in Canada, the special dividend will be subject to Canadian federal withholding tax under Part XIII of the Tax Act at the rate of 25% of the amount of the special dividend, subject to a possible reduction under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty or convention.

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares, including those who are not resident in Canada, should see “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” for further details, including with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares received on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company or Brookfield Asset Management.

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares, including those who are not resident in Canada, are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the Canadian federal income tax consequences of the special dividend and of holding and disposing of class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares received on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company our Brookfield Asset Management in light of their particular circumstances.

Summary of Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth below under the heading “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations,” we intend to take the position that a U.S. Holder who receives class A exchangeable shares as a special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the sum of the fair market values of (i) the class A exchangeable shares received by such holder, (ii) the fractional class A exchangeable shares sold by the distribution agent on such holder’s behalf, and (iii) the exchange rights received by such holder (in each case, without reduction for any tax withheld in respect of the special dividend). Because Brookfield Asset



 

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Management does not intend to calculate earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders should expect the entire amount of such taxable distribution to be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes.

Brookfield Class A Shareholders who receive class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the special dividend are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend in light of their particular circumstances.

Corporate Information

Our company’s registered and head office is located at 73 Front Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda. Our telephone number is +441-294-3316.

Summary of Risk Factors

We are subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware. Below please find a summary of the principal risks we face, organized under relevant headings. These risks are discussed more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” of this prospectus.

Risks Relating to our Company

 

   

risks relating to the intended structural equivalence of our class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Class A Shares

 

   

risks relating to our lack of separate operating history and the completion of our growth initiatives

 

   

risks relating to our ability to identify opportunities for growth or our ability to complete transactions as planned or realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions or other investments

 

   

risks relating to our company being a holding company

 

   

risks related to our company’s status as a “SEC foreign issuer” under Canadian securities regulations and a “foreign private issuer” and “emerging growth company” under U.S. securities laws

 

   

risks relating to the possibility of our company becoming an investment company under U.S. securities laws

 

   

risks relating to our ability to maintain effective internal controls and changes in IFRS accounting standards

Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares

 

   

risks relating to exchanges of our class A exchangeable shares, or upon a liquidation or redemption event, including any effect thereof on the market price of our class A exchangeable shares

 

   

risk relating to the inability of the holders of class A exchangeable shares to elect whether to receive Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent when requesting an exchange

 

   

risks relating to the terms and ownership of our share capital and our agreements with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to the trading price of our class A exchangeable shares relative to Brookfield Class A Shares

 

   

risks relating to the liquidity and de-listing of our class A exchangeable shares

 

   

risks relating to the market price volatility of our class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares

 

   

risks relating to additional issuances of class A exchangeable shares and/or Brookfield Class A Shares, or other securities that have rights and privileges that are more favorable than the rights and privileges afforded to our shareholders

 

   

risks relating to our ability to pay distributions equal to the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management

 

   

risks relating to foreign currency exchanges



 

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risks relating to differing laws in effect in Canada and Bermuda, including service of process, enforcement of judgments, and exclusive forum selection for certain litigation against us

Risks Relating to Our Operating Subsidiaries and Industry

 

   

risks relating to our reinsurance arrangements, including with AEL

 

   

risks relating to our equity interest in AEL Holdings

 

   

risks relating to our assumptions and estimates when assessing reinsurance and insurance risks

 

   

risks relating to our growth strategy, including realizing the anticipated financial benefits from reinsurance transactions

 

   

risks relating to general market conditions in the reinsurance industry (including negative publicity related thereto) and concentration risks in our investment portfolio

 

   

risks relating to our investment strategy

 

   

risks relating to changes in interest rates and credit spreads

 

   

risks relating to the valuation of our securities and investments

 

   

risks relating to the illiquidity of our company’s assets

 

   

risks relating to a rating downgrade or the absence of a rating of any of our operating subsidiaries

 

   

risks relating to the conduct of our counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements or to the derivatives we use to hedge our business risks

 

   

risks relating to the competition and consolidation in the reinsurance and insurance industries

 

   

risks relating to use of technology and cybersecurity attacks, including the failure to protect the confidentiality of information

 

   

risks relating to our current and future indebtedness

 

   

risks relating to general economic, political and market conditions, including changes in government policy and legislation

 

   

risks relating to our capital requirements

 

   

risks relating to loss resulting from fraud, bribery, corruption other illegal acts, inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, or from external events

 

   

risks relating to public health crises, illness, epidemics or pandemics

 

   

risks relating to becoming involved in disputes and possible litigation

Risks Relating to Regulation

 

   

risks relating to the highly regulated nature of our business and any future regulatory changes thereto

 

   

risks relating to applicable capital ratios/calculations of our insurance subsidiaries

 

   

risks relating to changes in regulatory requirements

 

   

risks relating to potential government intervention in the insurance industry and instability in the marketplace for insurance products

 

   

risks relating to Bermuda’s and the Cayman Islands’ reinsurance and insurance regulatory framework and legislation

 

   

risks relating to our company’s and/or our subsidiaries’ ability to receive and maintain licenses to commence or continue reinsurance operations

 

   

risks relating to obtaining required work permits for employees in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands

Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to senior executives of Brookfield Asset Management exercising influence over our company

 

   

risks relating to our dependence on Brookfield and its personnel under our arrangements with Brookfield, including the Administration Agreement and the Investment Management Agreements

 

   

risks relating to our arrangements with Brookfield



 

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risks relating to our ability to terminate our agreements entered into with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to our ability to leverage our relationship with Brookfield to access its investment management and asset allocation capabilities

 

   

risks relating to our organizational, ownership and operational management structure potentially creating conflicts of interest

Risks Relating to Taxation

 

   

risks relating to Bermuda, Canadian and United States taxation laws

Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share. See “Risk Factors” and the risk factors included in Brookfield’s Annual Report incorporated herein by reference for a discussion of the risk factors applicable to Brookfield Asset Management’s business and an investment in Brookfield Class A Shares.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer

Our company is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, which we refer to as the JOBS Act. As such, our company is eligible for certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which we refer to as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the requirement to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We do not know if some investors will find our class A exchangeable shares less attractive as a result of our utilization of these or other exemptions. The result may be a less active trading market for our class A exchangeable shares and our share price may be more volatile.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” is eligible for the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards if its financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which we refer to as U.S. GAAP. In other words, such an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. Our company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which do not have separate provisions for publicly traded and private companies.

Our company will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest of (a) the last day of the first fiscal year in which its annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (b) the date that our company becomes a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the U.S. Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our class A exchangeable shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our company’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (c) the date on which our company has issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the preceding three-year period or (d) the last day of our fiscal year containing the fifth anniversary of the dividend date.

Upon the closing of this offering, our company will also report under the U.S. Exchange Act as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. For as long as our company qualifies as a foreign private issuer under the U.S. Exchange Act, it will be exempt from certain provisions of the U.S. Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including:

 

   

the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the U.S. Exchange Act;



 

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the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

 

   

the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specific information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant events.

Both foreign private issuers and emerging growth companies are also exempt from certain more stringent executive compensation disclosure rules. Thus, even if our company no longer qualifies as an emerging growth company, but remains a foreign private issuer, it will continue to be exempt from the more stringent compensation disclosures required of companies that are neither an emerging growth company nor a foreign private issuer.

Summary of Selected Financial Information

The following table presents selected financial data for our business and is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, the “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”, the audited consolidated financial statements for BAH, which is our predecessor for financial reporting purposes, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for each of the years in the three years ended December 31, 2020, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of our company as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, in each case with the accompanying notes thereto, included elsewhere in the prospectus.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
US$ THOUSANDS    2021     2020     2020     2019     2018  

Statement of Operating Results Data

          

Gross premiums

   $ 2,739      $ 29,795     $ 431,070      $ 503,688     $ 160,146  

Premiums ceded

     (181 )      (94     (634 )      (178,579      

Net investment income

     (63,268 )      (39,455     83,918        57,097       741  

Net investment results from funds withheld

     390              (117 )             

Net benefits paid on insurance contracts

     10,774        6,521       (38,780 )      (25,143     (13,408

Net change in insurance contract liabilities

     (77,977 )      (17,360     (467,610 )      (344,776     (142,904

Operating expenses

     2,933        1,225       (5,605 )      (6,436     (4,971

Interest expense

     21        29       (93 )      (166     (111

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     3,929        (169     2,149        5,685       (507

Income tax expense

     (1,026 )      42       (541 )      (158      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the year

   $ 2,903      $ (127   $ 1,608      $ 5,527     $ (507
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Mar. 31,
2021
     Dec. 31,
2020
     Dec. 31,
2019
 

Statement of Financial Position Data

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 80,061       $ 35,461      $ 13,361  

Investments

     1,090,077         1,192,465        701,538  

Reinsurance assets

     177,949         190,070        197,164  

Total assets

     1,394,466         1,440,255        926,711  

Insurance contract liabilities

     1,263,809         1,338,730        856,364  

Total liabilities

     1,282,600         1,357,092        861,255  

Total Equity

     111,866         83,163        65,456  


 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following factors in addition to the other information set forth or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The following factors assume that the special dividend has been completed and we have acquired our operating subsidiaries from Brookfield Asset Management. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of the class A exchangeable shares would likely suffer. Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events). We therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. In addition to carefully considering the risks factors contained in this prospectus and described below, you should carefully consider the risk factors applicable to Brookfield’s business and an investment in Brookfield Class A Shares, which are incorporated by reference from Brookfield’s Annual Report. For additional information regarding Brookfield, see “Brookfield Asset Management” and “Where You Can Find More Information”.

Risks Relating to our Company

Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and therefore we expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management.

Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share. In addition to contemplating distributions on the class A exchangeable shares paid at the same time and in the same amount as the dividends paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares, each class A exchangeable share is exchangeable at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), plus unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. As a result, the business operations of Brookfield, and the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares, are expected to impact the market price of the class A exchangeable shares, which could be disproportionate in circumstances where the business operations and results of our company on a standalone basis are not indicative of such market trends. Holders of our class A exchangeable shares will have no ability to control or influence the decisions or business of Brookfield. You should therefore carefully consider the risk factors applicable to Brookfield’s business and an investment in Brookfield Class A Shares, as described in Brookfield’s Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. For additional information regarding Brookfield, see “Brookfield Asset Management”.

Our company is a newly formed corporation with no separate operating history and the historical and pro forma financial information included herein does not reflect the financial condition or operating results we would have achieved during the periods presented, and therefore may not be a reliable indicator of our future financial performance.

Our company was formed on December 10, 2020. Although our assets and operating subsidiaries have been under Brookfield Asset Management’s control prior to the formation of our company, their combined results have not previously been reported on a stand-alone basis and the historical and pro forma financial statements included in this prospectus may not be indicative of our future financial condition or operating results and will make it difficult to assess our ability to operate profitably. We currently have a single operating segment related to our pension risk transfer business. Going forward, we plan to focus primarily on growing our annuities business; however, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in doing so. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management has had a limited history of owning and operating the operating subsidiaries that will be transferred

 

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to us prior to completion of the special dividend. Our pension risk transfer business wrote its first group annuity policy in 2017 and we have not entered into any reinsurance contracts. As a result of the foregoing, our company will be subject to all of the risks inherent in developing business and has a limited operating history from which investors can evaluate our business and prospects. Our company’s prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by an early-stage company, and in evolving reinsurance and insurance markets. Some of these risks relate to enhanced regulatory oversight and requirements and to our potential inability to effectively manage our business and operations, recruit and retain key personnel, contain costs as we expand the scale of our business, navigate a complex regulatory environment, manage growth in personnel and operations, develop new products that complement our existing business and successfully address the other risks we face, as described throughout this prospectus.

We may be unable to identify opportunities for growth or we may be unable to complete transactions as planned or realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions or other investments.

The completion of future transactions, including future reinsurance contracts and other acquisitions or investments may be subject to a number of closing conditions, including, as applicable, regulatory approval (including from insurance and competition authorities) and other third-party consents and approvals that are beyond our company’s control and may not be satisfied. In particular, our company may seek to invest (or divest) in jurisdictions that may impose government consent requirements on investments by foreign persons. Consents and approvals may not be obtained, may be obtained subject to conditions which adversely affect anticipated returns, and/or may be delayed or ultimately preclude the completion of reinsurance arrangements, acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions. Government policies and attitudes with respect to foreign investment may change, which may make it more difficult for our company to complete acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions. Furthermore, interested stakeholders could take legal steps to prevent transactions from being completed. If all or some of our company’s reinsurance arrangements, acquisitions and other transactions are unable to be completed on the terms agreed, our company may need to modify or delay or, in some cases, terminate these transactions altogether, the market value of our company’s respective securities may significantly decline, and our company may not be able to achieve the expected benefits of the transactions. In addition, even if we are able to close our acquisitions and other investments, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of such reinsurance arrangements, acquisitions, or other transactions.

Although we expect to leverage Brookfield’s long-standing strategic relationships with global insurers and reinsurers in identifying potential new business opportunities, Brookfield has no obligation to source acquisition or other business opportunities for our company and may compete with us for certain investment opportunities, which may impact our ability to identify opportunities for growth.

The completion of growth initiatives, including executing future reinsurance arrangements and acquiring interests in existing reinsurance or insurance platforms, would significantly increase the scale and scope of our operations, which we may have difficulty managing, and which may involve risks to our business.

A key part of our growth strategy will involve executing new reinsurance arrangements and may also include the acquisition of, or material investments in, existing reinsurance and insurance platforms. Such initiatives, if successful, would significantly increase the scale, scope and diversity of our business.

Future growth will likely involve some or all of the following risks, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations: the difficulty of integrating the acquired operations and personnel into our current operations; potential disruption of our current operations; diversion of resources; the difficulty of managing the growth of a larger organization; the risk of entering markets in which we have little experience; the risk of becoming involved in labor, commercial or regulatory disputes or litigation related to the new enterprise; risk of other liabilities associated with the acquired business; and the risk of a change of control resulting from an acquisition triggering rights of third parties or government agencies under contracts with, or authorizations held by the business being acquired. While we intend to conduct extensive due

 

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diligence investigations into portfolios and businesses being acquired, it is possible that due diligence may fail to uncover all material risks, or to identify a change of control trigger in a material contract or authorization, or that a contractual counterparty or government agency may take a different view on the interpretation of such a provision to that taken by us, thereby resulting in a dispute.

Our company’s material assets consist predominantly of interests in our operating subsidiaries.

We depend on distributions and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to provide us with the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations, in addition to the support provided by Brookfield Asset Management pursuant to the under the Support Agreement, Credit Agreement and Equity Commitment. Our operating subsidiaries are legally distinct from our company and some of them are or may become restricted in their ability to pay distributions or otherwise make funds available to our company pursuant to local law, regulatory requirements and their contractual agreements, including agreements governing their financing arrangements. Our operating businesses will generally be required to satisfy their own working capital requirements and service any debt obligations before making distributions to our company.

Our company is expected to be a “SEC foreign issuer” under Canadian securities regulations and a “foreign private issuer” under U.S. securities law. Therefore, we will be exempt from certain requirements of Canadian securities laws and from requirements applicable to U.S. domestic registrants listed on the NYSE.

Although our company will become a reporting issuer in Canada, we expect we will be an “SEC foreign issuer” and exempt from certain Canadian securities laws relating to disclosure obligations and proxy solicitation, subject to certain conditions. Therefore, there may be less publicly available information in Canada about our company than would be available if we were a typical Canadian reporting issuer.

Although our company will be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, the periodic disclosure required of foreign private issuers under the U.S. Exchange Act is different from periodic disclosure required of U.S. domestic registrants. Therefore, there may be less publicly available information about our company than is regularly published by or about other companies in the United States. Our company is exempt from certain other sections of the U.S. Exchange Act to which U.S. domestic issuers are subject, including the requirement to provide our shareholders with information statements or proxy statements that comply with the U.S. Exchange Act. In addition, insiders and large shareholders of our company are not obligated to file reports under Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act, and we will be permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of those otherwise required under the NYSE Listed Company Manual for domestic issuers. We currently intend to follow the same corporate practices as would be applicable to U.S. domestic companies under the U.S. federal securities laws and NYSE corporate governance standards. However, we may in the future elect to follow our home country law for certain of our other corporate governance practices, as permitted by the rules of the NYSE, in which case our shareholders would not be afforded the same protection as provided under NYSE corporate governance standards to U.S. domestic registrants. Following our home country governance practices as opposed to the requirements that would otherwise apply to a U.S. domestic company listed on the NYSE may provide less protection than is accorded to investors of U.S. domestic issuers.

We are an “emerging growth company” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our class A exchangeable shares less attractive to investors.

Our company is an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the JOBS Act, and is eligible for certain exemptions from various requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies”. Most of such requirements relate to disclosures that we would only be required to make if we also ceased to be a foreign private issuer in the future, for example, the requirement to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive and severance compensation and executive compensation disclosure requirements for U.S. companies. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (a) the last day of our fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of at least $1.07 billion; (b) the last day of our fiscal

 

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year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the special dividend; (c) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the U.S. Exchange Act. We may choose to rely upon some or all of the available exemptions. When we are no longer deemed to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act discussed above. We cannot predict if investors will find our class A exchangeable shares less attractive as a result of our reliance on exemptions under the JOBS Act. If some investors find our class A exchangeable shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our class A exchangeable shares and our share price may be more volatile.

We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company under U.S. federal securities law.

In the United States, the Investment Company Act regulates certain companies that invest in or trade securities. We rely on an exemption under the Investment Company Act for an entity organized and regulated as a foreign insurance company which is engaged primarily and predominantly in the reinsurance of risks on insurance agreements. The law in this area is subjective and there is a lack of guidance as to the meaning of “primarily and predominantly” under the relevant exemption to the Investment Company Act. For example, there is no standard for the amount of premiums that need to be written relative to the level of an entity’s capital in order to qualify for the exemption. If this exemption were deemed inapplicable, we may, subject to the availability of other exemptions, have to seek to register under the Investment Company Act as an investment company which would require an order from the SEC. Our inability to obtain such an order could have a significant adverse impact on our business.

Assuming that we were permitted to register as an investment company, registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulation relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, leverage, dividends and transactions with affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their business in the manner in which we operate our business as it is currently conducted, nor are registered investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have with our affiliated companies.

If at any time it were established that we had been operating as an investment company in violation of the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, or that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period in which it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.

To the extent that the laws and regulations change in the future so that contracts we write are deemed not to be reinsurance contracts, we will be at greater risk of not qualifying for the Investment Company Act exemption. Additionally, it is possible that our classifications as an investment company would result in the suspension or revocation of our reinsurance license.

Our failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business in the future and the price of our class A exchangeable shares.

As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and stock exchange rules promulgated in response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. All of our current operating subsidiaries are, and potential future acquisitions will be, private companies and their systems of internal controls over financial reporting may be less developed as compared to public company requirements. Any failure to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting or to implement required, new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting and could result in errors or misstatements in our consolidated financial statements that could be material. If we or our independent

 

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registered public accounting firm were to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information and the price of our class A exchangeable shares could decline. Our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business, our ability to access capital markets and investors’ perception of us. In addition, material weaknesses in our internal controls could require significant expense and management time to remediate.

Changes in IFRS accounting standards applicable to us will require a change in the way in which our future results will be determined and/or a retrospective adjustment of reported results.

Our accounts are prepared in accordance with current IFRS applicable to the insurance industry. The IASB introduced a framework that it described as Phase I which, under its standard IFRS 4, permitted insurers to continue to use the statutory basis of accounting for insurance assets and liabilities that existed in their jurisdictions prior to January 2005. In May 2017, the IASB published its replacement standard on insurance accounting (IFRS 17, “Insurance Contracts”), which will have the effect of introducing fundamental changes to the statutory reporting of insurance entities that prepare accounts according to IFRS from 2021. In June 2019, the IASB published an exposure draft proposing a number of targeted amendments to this new standard including the deferral of the effective date by one year from 2021 to 2022. As a result of comments on this exposure draft, the IASB redeliberated on a number of areas of IFRS 17, and on March 17, 2020, the IASB tentatively decided that the effective date of IFRS 17 will be deferred to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. We are reviewing the complex requirements of this standard and considering its potential impact, which may include impacts to our risk-based capital requirements. The effect of changes required to our accounting policies as a result of implementing the new standard is currently uncertain, but these changes can be expected to, amongst other things, alter the timing of IFRS profit recognition.

Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares

Our company may redeem the class A exchangeable shares at any time without the consent of the holders.

Our board may, subject to applicable law and the prior written consent of the holder of the class C shares, at any time, and without the consent of holders of class A exchangeable shares, elect to redeem all of the then outstanding class A exchangeable shares upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice, including following the occurrence of any of the following redemption events: (i) the total number of class A exchangeable shares outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any six-month period; (ii) the daily market value of the outstanding class A exchangeable shares (based on the closing price on the NYSE on each trading day) (A) is less than $250 million for more than 6 consecutive months or (B) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period; (iii) a person acquires 90% of the Brookfield Class A Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by applicable securities law); (iv) shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management approve an acquisition of Brookfield Asset Management by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction; (v) shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management approve a restructuring or other reorganization of Brookfield Asset Management or a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or any other distribution of Brookfield Asset Management’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs is pending; (vi) there is a pending sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Brookfield Asset Management; (vii) there is a change of law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of our company and our shareholders, that may result in adverse tax consequences for our company or our shareholders; or (viii) our board, in its sole discretion acting in good faith, concludes that the holders of class A exchangeable shares are adversely impacted by a fact, change or other circumstance relating to our company. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will have an overriding right to acquire all, but not less than all, of the class A exchangeable shares in the event our board elects to redeem all of the then outstanding class A exchangeable shares. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Redemption by Issuer”.

 

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Holders of class A exchangeable shares do not have a right to elect whether to receive cash or Brookfield Class A Shares upon an exchange, liquidation or redemption event.

In the event that (i) there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company or any other distribution of our company’s assets among our shareholders for the purpose of winding up our affairs, including whether substantially concurrent with a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or any other distribution of Brookfield Asset Management’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, (ii) our company exercises its right to redeem (or cause the redemption of) all of the then outstanding class A exchangeable shares, or (iii) a holder of class A exchangeable shares requests an exchange of class A exchangeable shares, holders of class A exchangeable shares shall be entitled to receive one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events and certain other payment obligations in the case of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company) or its cash equivalent. The form of payment will be determined at the election of our company or Brookfield Asset Management, as applicable, or by the liquidator in the case of liquidation, so a holder will not know whether cash or Brookfield Class A Shares will be delivered in connection with any of the events described above. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares”.

Any holder requesting an exchange of their class A exchangeable shares may experience a delay in receiving such Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent.

Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations as described below. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder”. If cash is used to satisfy an exchange request, the amount payable per class A exchangeable share will be equal to the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the date that the request for exchange is received by the transfer agent. As a result, any changes in the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares after that date will not alter the amount of cash consideration received. By contrast, any holder whose class A exchangeable shares are exchanged for Brookfield Class A Shares will not receive such Brookfield Class A Shares for up to ten (10) business days after the applicable request is received. During this period, the market price of Brookfield Class A Shares may decrease. Any such decrease would affect the value of the Brookfield Class A Share consideration to be received by the holder of class A exchangeable shares on the effective date of the exchange. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash.

Brookfield Asset Management will be required to maintain an effective registration statement in order to exchange any class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares. If a registration statement with respect to the Brookfield Class A Shares issuable upon any exchange, redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares (including in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company) is not current or is suspended for use by the SEC, no exchange or redemption of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares may be effected during such period. In addition, for so long as there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with the exchange right, Brookfield Asset Management will not be able to effect exchanges for Brookfield Class A Shares and will not be required to effect exchanges for cash that would result in the payment of an amount in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period; provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period. As a result, in these circumstances, holders of class A exchangeable shares may experience a delay in receiving cash on exercise of the exchange right.

 

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The terms and ownership of our share capital, and our agreements with Brookfield, could discourage or inhibit takeovers, business combinations or other change of control transactions that our shareholders might consider in their best interests.

All of our outstanding class C shares will be held by Brookfield Asset Management. As the sole holder of our class C shares, Brookfield Asset Management will have certain rights, including the right to consent to any merger or similar reorganization of the company (including a sale of all of substantially all of our company’s assets), and the right to resolve that our company commence a voluntary liquidation in certain circumstances, including where more than 20% of the total number of the class A exchangeable shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class C Shares — Liquidation.” No consent or resolution of the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares or any other class of shares is required in connection with the commencement of such liquidation by Brookfield Asset Management. As the lender under our credit facility, Brookfield Asset Management will also have certain consent rights over material changes relating to our company. Senior members of the Partnership, the BAM Re Class B Partners, will collectively hold and control all of our outstanding class B shares, and will be entitled to elect one-half of the board and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. See “Security Ownership”. The class B shares may only be transferred to a company controlled by one or more of the Partners or to Brookfield. These features of our share capital and ownership structure, and our agreements with Brookfield, could discourage potential acquirers from making a take-over bid or seeking to effect a change of control or business combination involving our company or make it difficult for any bid, change of control or business combination to be completed.

The class A exchangeable shares may not trade at the same price as the Brookfield Class A Shares.

Although each class A exchangeable share is structured with the intention of providing an economic return that is equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events), there can be no assurance that the market price of class A exchangeable shares will be equal to the market price of Brookfield Class A Shares at any time. Factors that could cause differences in such market prices may include:

 

   

perception and/or recommendations by analysts, investors and/or other third parties that these securities should be priced differently;

 

   

actual or perceived differences in distributions to holders of class A exchangeable shares versus dividends to holders of the Brookfield Class A Shares, including as a result of any legal prohibitions;

 

   

business developments or financial performance or other events or conditions that may be specific to only Brookfield or our company; and

 

   

difficulty in the exchange mechanics between class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, including any delays or difficulties experienced by the transfer agent in processing the exchange requests.

If a sufficient amount of class A exchangeable shares are exchanged for Brookfield Class A Shares, then the class A exchangeable shares may be de-listed.

Upon completion of the special dividend, the class A exchangeable shares are expected to commence trading on the NYSE and the TSX. However, if a sufficient amount of class A exchangeable shares are exchanged for Brookfield Class A Shares following the special dividend, or our company exercises our redemption right, subject to the prior written consent of the holder of the class C shares, at any time including if the total number of class A exchangeable shares decreases by 50% or more over any twelve-month period, our company may fail to meet the minimum listing requirements on the NYSE and the TSX, and the NYSE or the TSX may take steps to de-list the class A exchangeable shares. Though holders of class A exchangeable shares will still be entitled to exchange each such share at any time for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events), or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), a de-listing of the class A exchangeable shares would have a significant adverse effect on the liquidity of the class A exchangeable shares, and holders thereof may not be able to exit their investments in the market on favorable terms.

 

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The class A exchangeable shares have never been publicly traded and an active and liquid trading market for our class A exchangeable shares may not develop.

The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares will be subject to our company fulfilling all the listing requirements of the NYSE and the TSX. Prior to the special dividend, there has not been a market for our class A exchangeable shares. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest will lead to the development of an active and liquid trading market for our class A exchangeable shares or, if such a market develops, whether it will be maintained. We cannot predict the effects on the price of our class A exchangeable shares if a liquid and active trading market for our class A exchangeable shares does not develop. In addition, if such a market does not develop, relatively small sales of our class A exchangeable shares may have a significant negative impact on the price of our class A exchangeable shares. A number of factors, principally factors relating to our company but also including factors specific to Brookfield and its business, financial condition and liquidity, economic and financial market conditions, interest rates, availability of capital and financing sources, volatility levels and other factors could lead to a decline in the value of class A exchangeable shares and a lack of liquidity in any market for class A exchangeable shares.

The market price of the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares may be volatile, and holders of class A exchangeable shares and/or Brookfield Class A Shares may lose a significant portion of their investment due to drops in the market price of class A exchangeable shares and/or Brookfield Class A Shares following the special dividend.

The market price of the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares may be volatile and, following completion of the special dividend, holders of such securities may not be able to resell their securities at or above the implied price at which they acquired such securities pursuant to the special dividend or otherwise due to fluctuations in the market price of such securities, including changes in market price caused by factors unrelated to our company or Brookfield’s operating performance or prospects. Specific factors that may have a significant effect on the market price of the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares following the special dividend include:

 

   

changes in stock market analyst recommendations or earnings estimates regarding the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares, other companies that are comparable to our company or Brookfield Asset Management or are in the industries that they serve;

 

   

with respect to the class A exchangeable shares, changes in the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares, and vice versa;

 

   

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our company and Brookfield Asset Management’s operating results or future prospects;

 

   

reactions to public announcements by our company and Brookfield Asset Management;

 

   

strategic actions taken by our company or Brookfield Asset Management;

 

   

adverse conditions in the financial market or general U.S. or international economic conditions, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism and responses to such events; and

 

   

sales of such securities by our company, Brookfield Asset Management or significant stockholders.

Exchanges of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares may negatively affect the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares, and additional issuances of class A exchangeable shares would be dilutive to the Brookfield Class A Shares.

Upon completion of the special dividend, each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable by the holder thereof for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares —

 

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Exchange by Holder”. If Brookfield Asset Management elects to deliver Brookfield Class A Shares in satisfaction of any such exchange request, additional Brookfield Class A Shares may be issued from time to time which could have a negative impact on the market price for Brookfield Class A Shares. Additionally, any class A exchangeable shares issued by our company in the future will be exchangeable on the same terms as the class A exchangeable shares distributed in the special dividend, and, accordingly, any future exchanges satisfied by the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares would dilute the percentage interest of existing holders of the Brookfield Class A Shares and may reduce the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares.

We or Brookfield Asset Management may issue additional shares in the future, including in lieu of incurring indebtedness, which may dilute shareholders. We or Brookfield Asset Management may also issue securities that have rights and privileges that are more favorable than the rights and privileges accorded to our shareholders.

Subject to the terms of any of our securities then outstanding, we may issue additional securities, including class A exchangeable shares, class B shares, class C shares, Senior Preferred Shares, Junior Preferred Shares, options, rights and warrants for any purpose and for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as our board may determine. Subject to the terms of any of our securities then outstanding, our board will be able to determine the class, designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any additional securities, including any rights to share in our profits, losses and dividends, any rights to receive our company’s assets upon our dissolution or liquidation and any redemption, conversion and exchange rights. Subject to the terms of any of our securities then outstanding, our board may use such authority to issue such additional securities, which would dilute holders of such securities, or to issue securities with rights and privileges that are more favorable than those of our class A exchangeable shares.

Similarly, subject to the terms of any preferred shares then outstanding, Brookfield Asset Management may issue additional securities, including shares, preferred shares, options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Brookfield Asset Management’s securities for any purpose and for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the board of Brookfield Asset Management may determine. Subject to the terms of any of Brookfield Asset Management’s securities then outstanding, the board of Brookfield Asset Management will be able to determine the class, designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any additional securities, including any rights to share in Brookfield Asset Management’s profits, losses and dividends, any rights to receive Brookfield Asset Management’s assets upon its dissolution or liquidation and any redemption, conversion and exchange rights. Subject to the terms of any of the Brookfield Asset Management securities then outstanding, the board of Brookfield Asset Management may use such authority to issue such additional securities, which would dilute holders of such securities, or to issue securities with rights and privileges that are more favorable than those of the Brookfield Class A Shares.

The sale or issuance of a substantial number of our class A exchangeable shares, the Brookfield Class A Shares or other securities of our company or Brookfield Asset Management in the public markets, or the perception that such sales or issuances could occur, could depress the market price of our class A exchangeable shares and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional class A exchangeable shares. We cannot predict the effect that future sales or issuances of our class A exchangeable shares, Brookfield Class A Shares or equity securities would have on the market price of our class A exchangeable shares. Subject to the terms of any of our securities then outstanding, holders of class A exchangeable shares will not have any pre-emptive right or any right to consent to or otherwise approve the issuance of any securities or the terms on which any such securities may be issued.

 

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Our company cannot assure you that it will be able to pay distributions equal to the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management and holders of class A exchangeable shares may not receive distributions equal to the dividends paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares and, accordingly, may not receive the intended economic equivalence of those securities.

The class A exchangeable shares are intended to provide an economic return per class A exchangeable share equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) and, following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares. However, distributions are at the discretion of our board of directors and unforeseen circumstances (including legal prohibitions) may prevent the same distributions from being paid on each security. The payment of any return of capital distributions will be subject to shareholder approval, which we intend to seek annually but which may not be obtained. In addition, the amount of any return of capital distributions on our class A exchangeable shares approved by shareholders could be less than the amount of the dividends declared by Brookfield Asset Management on the Brookfield Class A Shares in respect of some quarters, including as a result of dividend increases made by Brookfield Asset Management in between our annual shareholder meetings. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that holders of class A exchangeable shares will receive all distributions as a return of capital distribution or that distributions on the class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares, which may impact the market price of the class A exchangeable shares. Distributions on our class A exchangeable shares may not equal the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management for various reasons, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

our company may not have enough unrestricted funds to pay such distributions due to changes in our company’s cash requirements, capital spending plans, cash flow or financial position and may not have availability under the Equity Commitment, credit facility or other sources of funds;

 

   

decisions on whether, when and in which amounts to make any future distributions will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our company’s financial conditions, earnings, legal requirements, including limitations under Bermuda law, restrictions on our company’s borrowing agreements that limit our ability to pay distributions and other factors we deem relevant; and

 

   

our company may desire to retain cash to improve our credit profile or for other reasons.

Non-U.S. shareholders will be subject to foreign currency risk associated with our company’s distributions.

A significant number of our shareholders will reside in countries where the U.S. dollar is not the functional currency. Our distributions are denominated in U.S. dollars but are settled in the local currency of the shareholder receiving the distribution. For each non-U.S. shareholder, the value received in the local currency from the distribution will be determined based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the applicable local currency at the time of payment. As such, if the U.S. dollar depreciates significantly against the local currency of the non-U.S. shareholder, the value received by such shareholder in its local currency will be adversely affected.

Canadian and U.S. investors in our class A exchangeable shares may find it difficult or impossible to enforce service of process and enforcement of judgments against us, our board and our executive officers.

We are established under the laws of Bermuda, and certain of our subsidiaries are organized in jurisdictions outside of the United States. In addition, our executive officers and the experts identified in this prospectus are located outside of Canada and the United States. All of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States. All of our assets are, and the assets of our directors and officers and the experts identified in this prospectus may be, located outside of Canada and the United States. It may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within Canada and the United States upon our directors and officers or the experts identified in this prospectus. It may also not be possible to enforce against us, the experts identified in this prospectus, or our directors and officers, judgments obtained in Canadian courts or U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of applicable securities law in the United States.

 

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Bermuda law differs from the laws in effect in Canada and may afford protection to shareholders that differs from the protection offered under Canadian law.

As a Bermuda company, we are governed by the Bermuda Act. Bermuda corporate law differs in some material respects from laws generally applicable to Canadian corporations, including the provisions relating to interested directors, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, shareholder lawsuits and indemnification of directors. Under Bermuda law, the duties of directors and officers of a company are generally owed to the company only. Officers of a Bermuda company must, in exercising their powers and performing their duties, act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and must exercise the care and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. Shareholders of Bermuda companies do not generally have rights to take action against directors or officers of the company and may only do so in limited circumstances. See “Comparison of the OBCA and the Bermuda Act”.

Our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend designate specific courts in Bermuda as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a desired judicial forum for disputes with us.

Pursuant to our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (and our company will always provide such consent with respect to the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada and appellate Courts thereof), the Supreme Court of Bermuda shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute that arises concerning the Bermuda Act or out of or in connection with our bye-laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of our bye-laws and/or whether there has been any breach of the Bermuda Act or our bye-laws by an officer or director (whether or not such a claim is brought in the name of a shareholder or in the name of our company, which we refer to as the Bermuda Forum Provision.) The Bermuda Forum Provision will not apply to any causes of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act or the U.S. Exchange Act. In addition, our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend further provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal courts of the United States shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint filed in the United States asserting a cause of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act, which we refer to as the U.S. Federal Forum Provision. In addition, our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in our class A exchangeable shares is deemed to have notice of and consented to the Bermuda Forum Provision and the U.S. Federal Forum Provision; provided, however, that shareholders cannot and will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

The Bermuda Forum Provision and the U.S. Federal Forum Provision in our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend may impose additional litigation costs on shareholders in pursuing any such claims. Additionally, the forum selection clauses in our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend may limit our shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage the filing of lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees, even though an action, if successful, might benefit our shareholders. In addition, while the Delaware Supreme Court ruled in March 2020 that federal forum selection provisions purporting to require claims under the U.S. Securities Act be brought in federal court are “facially valid” under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts, including courts in Bermuda and other courts within the U.S. and Canada, will enforce our U.S. Federal Forum Provision. If the U.S. Federal Forum Provision is found to be unenforceable, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters. The U.S. Federal Forum Provision may also impose additional litigation costs on shareholders who assert that the provision is not enforceable or invalid. The Supreme Court of Bermuda and the federal courts in the United States may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a shareholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments may be more or less favorable to us than our shareholders.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Operating Subsidiaries and Industry

The reinsurance arrangement with AEL is expected to account for a substantial portion of our business, and is contingent on the finalization and execution of the reinsurance agreements between the parties.

We expect to enter into an arrangement with AEL to reinsure up to $10 billion in primarily fixed index annuity liabilities of AEL, including an initial $5 billion of existing liabilities and up to an incremental $5 billion of future AEL business when written. This reinsurance arrangement, which is expected to account for a substantial portion of our business, is contingent on the finalization and execution of the definitive reinsurance treaty, expected to be signed and closed in the first half of 2021. There can be no assurance that the AEL transaction will close when expected or at all, that AEL will underwrite an incremental $5 billion of business for us to reinsure or that the reinsurance arrangement will result in the expected benefits to our company. If we enter into the reinsurance arrangement with AEL on the expected terms, we will derive a significant portion of our revenue from the business reinsured from AEL. In the event that AEL fails to underwrite the incremental business for us to reinsure, our expectations regarding future cash flows, operating results, financial condition and growth strategy would be materially and adversely affected.

We expect to hold a significant equity interest in AEL Holdings, the value of which could decline due to factors outside of our control, and we will be subject to restrictions on transfer of such AEL Holdings common shares under the terms of the AEL Investment Agreement.

Prior to completion of the special dividend, Brookfield intends to sell 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings currently held by a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management to us along with the right under the AEL Investment Agreement to acquire additional common shares of AEL Holdings representing, inclusive of the 9,106,042 common shares, up to 19.9% (but no less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding common shares of AEL Holdings. Our right to acquire the additional equity interest in AEL Holdings will be subject to execution of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, regulatory approval and other closing conditions, the satisfaction of which cannot be assured. See “Our Business — Recent Developments”. The value of our equity investment in AEL Holdings will be subject to all of the risks relating to ownership of equity in AEL Holdings as described in its public disclosure filings, as well as risks relating to the investment in equity securities generally such as market volatility and market disruption, changes in interest and currency exchange rates, equity prices and other economic and business factors beyond our control. Under the terms of the AEL Investment Agreement, until November 30, 2022, we will not be permitted to transfer any of the AEL Holdings shares acquired subject to certain limited exceptions. In addition, until November 30, 2025, we will be subject to customary standstill obligations that restrict us from, among other things, purchasing additional AEL Holdings common shares, selling our AEL Holdings common shares to activists or competitors and taking or supporting certain shareholder actions, subject to certain limited exceptions. As a result of the foregoing restrictions, we may not be permitted to transfer our AEL Holdings common shares and any decline in the value of our AEL Holdings common shares could result in returns that are lower than anticipated or even in the investment being lost completely.

Our company makes assumptions and estimates when assessing reinsurance and insurance risks, and significant deviations, particularly with regards to longevity, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our company makes and relies on certain assumptions and estimates in order to make decisions regarding pricing, target returns, reserve levels and other factors affecting our business operations. Our underwriting results depend upon the extent to which our actual claims experience and benefit payments on our reinsurance contracts are consistent with the assumptions we use in setting prices and establishing liabilities for such contracts. Such amounts are established based on actuarial estimates of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims based on data and models that include many assumptions and projections, which are inherently uncertain and involve significant judgment, including assumptions as to the levels and/or timing of receipt or payment of premiums, benefits, claims, expenses, interest credits and investment results (including equity and other market returns). If our assumptions and estimates differ significantly from the actual outcomes and results, our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.

 

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If we fail to assess accurately the risks we underwrite or fail to comply with our internal guidelines on underwriting, or if events or circumstances cause our underwriters’ risk assessment to be incorrect, our premiums may prove to be inadequate to cover future benefit payments on our reinsurance contracts based on our actual claims experience. In particular, our company’s pension risk transfer and annuity-based products expose our company to longevity risks. Longevity risk is the risk that the length of time we pay pension or annuity benefits may exceed that which we assumed in pricing our reinsurance contracts. The assessment of longevity risks is a key determinant of the pricing of a reinsurance treaty. Longevity products, including pension risk transfer and other annuity-based products, may experience adverse impacts due to higher-than-expected mortality improvement. In addition, there may be instances in which the proportion of policyholders who are married is higher than predicted. Longevity experience which is less favorable than the rates that we used in pricing a reinsurance agreement may cause our net income to be less than otherwise expected because the premiums we receive for the risks we assume may not be sufficient to cover the claims and profit margin.

We regularly review our reserves and associated assumptions as part of our ongoing assessment of our business performance and risks. If we conclude that our reserves are insufficient to cover actual or expected policy and contract benefits and claim payments as a result of changes in experience, assumptions or otherwise, we may update the assumptions used to calculate reserves for in-force business, which could result in additional assets needed to meet the higher expected annuity claims or earlier expected life claims. An increase in reserves due to revised assumptions would have an immediate impact on our results of operations and financial condition; however, economically the impact is generally long term as the excess outflow is paid over time.

We use a variety of strategies to manage longevity risks, including the use of reinsurance and derivative instruments. These strategies, however, may not be fully effective and may lead to payments to counterparties in excess of recoveries depending on how actual longevity experience emerges. Moreover, advances in technology, including predictive medical technology that enables consumers to select products better matched to their individual longevity risk profile and other medical breakthroughs that extend lives, could cause our future experience to deviate significantly from our actuarial assumptions, which could adversely impact the level of reserves and profitability.

Our company often relies on the policies, procedures and expertise of the ceding companies making the original underwriting decisions. Similar to the practice of other insurers, our company does not separately evaluate each of the individual risks assumed under reinsurance treaties or each claim incurred. Accordingly, our company is dependent on the information provided by the ceding companies (or their third-party administrators), and there can be no assurance that such ceding companies have adequately evaluated the risks to be reinsured. We may rely on the ceding companies to whom we provide reinsurance, or any third-party administrators with whom they contract, to provide policy administration and policyholder services and to provide timely and accurate financial and operating information to us. We cannot assure you that erroneous information we receive will be identified and resolved such that the information is included without error, which may impact our business and servicing quality and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our growth strategy includes reinsurance of insurance obligations written by unaffiliated insurance companies and our ability to consummate these transactions on terms acceptable to us is uncertain. Even if we execute transactions on terms acceptable to us, the ability to realize the anticipated financial benefits from reinsurance transactions is uncertain.

We routinely review potential block reinsurance transactions to grow our business, some of which may be material, and at any given time, we may be in discussions with one or more clients. There can be no assurance that any such discussions will lead to definitive agreements, or if such agreements are reached, that any transactions will be consummated. To the extent we are unable to consummate suitable reinsurance transaction opportunities on terms acceptable to us, our future growth may be negatively impacted.

 

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There is increasing competition in the reinsurance market, which may make it more difficult to identify transactions with terms that are commercially acceptable to us based on our objectives and analyses. Moreover, the NAIC is considering insurance business transfer laws that permit insurers to transfer blocks of business to other insurers by operation of law. Such transfers could become a viable alternative structure to block reinsurance transactions we intend to target and consequently may materially and adversely impact our ability to identify and enter into new block reinsurance transactions.

If we reinsure a block of business, there can be no assurance that the transaction will achieve the results expected at the time of the block’s acquisition. The terms we negotiate will be determined based on qualitative and quantitative factors, including our estimates and assumptions at such time. These transactions expose us to the risk that actual results materially differ from those estimates. Factors that can cause our actual experience to vary from our estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic, asset performance, business growth, demographic, policyholder behavior, regulatory and political conditions. In addition, we face risks associated with managing reinsured blocks, such as maintaining adequate personnel and operational systems to manage such blocks. If, in connection with a reinsurance transaction, we convert a reinsured block of business to a new system, there could be disruption of servicing for policyholders. As a result of such disruption, we may experience customer complaints, regulatory intervention, or other adverse impacts. As a result of the foregoing, we may realize materially less than the anticipated financial benefits from reinsurance transactions, or our reinsurance transactions may be unprofitable or result in losses.

With respect to future reinsurance transactions, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient capital available, or to the extent we do have sufficient capital, that it will be available in the necessary entities, to continue growing this part of our business. In order to enter into reinsurance arrangements through our licensed operating subsidiaries, we need sufficient capital to be held by these entities. Our ability to move capital to these entities without adverse consequence may be limited by regulatory restrictions on dividends from our other subsidiaries, restrictions on intercompany transactions more generally, tax consequences or other considerations.

Brookfield Asset Management will provide our company with the Equity Commitment in the amount of $2 billion to fund future growth, which we may draw on from time to time, and a revolving credit facility in the amount of $200 million for working capital purposes. Our company may also establish credit facilities with one or more financial institutions on an arm’s length basis. To the extent our operations do not generate sufficient operating cash flow to fund working capital, we intend to use the liquidity provided by the Equity Commitment and any credit facilities (including under the Credit Agreement) for working capital purposes and to fund distributions, and we may use the proceeds from the Equity Commitment to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions.

If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we may choose to purchase reinsurance for certain amounts of risk underwritten within our pension risk transfer business. We may also look to retrocede certain amounts of risk we assume under our reinsurance agreements. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we seek to purchase, which may affect the level of our business and profitability. The premium rates and other fees that we charge are based, in part, on the assumption that reinsurance will be available at a certain cost. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance, which could adversely affect our ability to write future business. In addition, we may be unable to obtain reinsurance on terms acceptable to us relating to certain lines of business that we intend to begin underwriting.

 

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We could suffer losses if our investment strategy is unsuccessful.

The success of our investment strategy is central to the success of our business, and there can be no guarantee that we will be able to achieve any particular return for our investment portfolio in the future. In particular, we structure our investments to take into account and appropriately match our anticipated liabilities under our reinsurance contracts. We have entered into the Investment Management Agreements with Brookfield and, while we will establish the terms of the mandates and establish investment guidelines, Brookfield will have discretion over how investments are made and will manage our investments covered by those agreements. Our reliance on Brookfield as an investment manager, including under the Investment Management Agreements, is expected to result in us, among other things, investing in or alongside vehicles, consortiums and/or partnerships (including private funds, joint ventures and similar arrangements, which we refer to collectively as Brookfield Accounts) managed by Brookfield and/or related parties, as well as in securities issued by portfolio companies and assets of Brookfield Accounts. In addition, under the Support Agreement our company has agreed that, for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, subject to applicable regulatory approval and to approval by their respective board of directors, our operating businesses are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and will not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services without the prior consent of Brookfield. If our investments underperform or if they are not adequately structured to match our liabilities, we may be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity at a significant loss or we may be forced to reinvest cash flows from our investments at a potentially lower yield than anticipated. Additionally, a portion of our investment portfolio is considered less liquid and may be more difficult to value. As a result, we may fail to properly value, and may not be able to realize our full carrying value in, such instruments.

The success of any investment activity is affected by general economic conditions. General economic conditions may materially and adversely affect the markets for corporate debt securities and structured securities such as residential or commercial mortgage-backed or other asset backed securities. Unexpected volatility or illiquidity in the markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could materially and adversely affect us.

Before making investments, Brookfield will undertake a due diligence process. However, the due diligence investigation may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating the investment opportunity, and, as a result, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.

Changes in interest rates and credit spreads, which are out of our control, can materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

In a low interest rate environment, we may be forced to reinvest proceeds from investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold at lower yields, which will reduce our “net investment spread” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts in our general account and the rate of return we earn on general account investments intended to support the obligations under such contracts. A decline in market interest rates or credit spreads could have an adverse effect on our investment income as we invest cash in new investments that may earn less than the portfolio’s average yield. Furthermore, a low-interest rate environment with reduced investment market returns could encourage alternative capital providers to enter the insurance market in order to achieve higher returns. This could have the effect of increasing the level of competition in the insurance market and applying pressure on premiums, which could affect the gross written premium that we are able to generate.

Fluctuations in credit spreads can also contribute to the industry’s cyclicality and may materially and adversely affect our investment performance including investment income or cause realized and unrealized losses. We are subject to risks associated with potential declines in credit quality related to specific issuers or specific industries and a general weakening in the economy, which are typically reflected through credit spreads. Our exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price volatility and investment risk associated with the

 

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fluctuation in credit spreads. Credit spreads increase or decrease in response to the market’s perception of risk and liquidity of a specific issuer or specific sector and are influenced by the credit ratings, and the reliability of those ratings, published by external rating agencies. Widening credit spreads may cause unrealized losses in our investment portfolio and increase losses associated with written credit protection derivatives used in replication transactions. Increases in credit spreads of issuers due to credit deterioration may result in higher levels of impairments. Tightening credit spreads may reduce our investment income and cause an increase in the reported value of certain liabilities that are valued using a discount rate that reflects our own credit spread.

One key factor that contributes to the cyclicality in insurers’ underwriting results are interest rate movements. In a high-interest rate environment, increased investment returns may reduce insurers’ required contribution from underwriting performance to achieve an attractive overall return. This may result in a less-disciplined approach to underwriting in the market generally as some underwriters could be inclined to offer lower premium rates to generate more business. An increase in market interest rates or credit spreads could also have an adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio by decreasing the fair values of the fixed income securities in our investment portfolio. Further, an increase in market interest rates could reduce the value of certain of our alternative investments held as collateral under reinsurance agreements and require us to provide additional collateral, thereby reducing our available capital and potentially creating a need for additional capital which may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all.

Our valuation of securities and investments and the determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on our investments are subjective and, if changed, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

During periods of market disruption, including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities, including fixed maturity and equity securities as well as short-term investments that are reported at estimated fair value, if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. In addition, in times of financial market disruption, the valuation process for certain asset classes that were in active markets with observable valuations may include inputs that are less observable and require more subjectivity and management judgment. Valuations may result in estimated fair values which vary significantly from the amount at which the investments may ultimately be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within our consolidated financial statements and the period to period changes in estimated fair value could vary significantly. Decreases in the estimated fair value of securities we hold may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments varies by investment-type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. However, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances and any such future impairments or allowances could have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and financial position.

We have a risk management framework in place to identify, assess and prioritize risks, including the market and credit risks to which our investments are subject. As part of that framework, we test our investment portfolio based on various market scenarios. Under certain stressed market scenarios, unrealized losses on our investment portfolio could lead to material reductions in its carrying value. Under some extreme scenarios, total shareholders’ equity could be negative for the period of time prior to any potential market recovery.

Our investment portfolio may be subject to concentration risk.

Concentration risk arises from exposure to significant asset defaults of a single issuer, industry or class of securities, based on economic conditions, geography or as a result of adverse regulatory or court decisions. When an investor’s assets are concentrated and that particular asset or class of assets experiences significant defaults, the default of such assets could threaten the investor’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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A number of our company’s assets are illiquid, and our company may be required to dispose of such assets if there is significant amount of unanticipated withdrawal or lapse activity.

Our company strives to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to support the risk of withdrawal or lapse activity under reinsurance treaties. However, our company may hold illiquid assets, or our liquid assets may experience reduced liquidity during periods of market volatility or disruption, and if there were a significant amount of unanticipated withdrawal or lapse activity, our company may be required to dispose of such assets on unfavorable terms. For example, reinsurance agreements may provide for recapture rights on the part of the ceding company and may require that we hold or provide collateral to support performance of our reinsurance commitments. We may be forced to sell investments as a result of a lapse or surrender of all or some of the policies underlying reinsurance treaties or as a result of the need to hold additional collateral that meets the associated investment guidelines. If we are unable to liquidate assets to offset withdrawal or lapse activity, it could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations, as well as our financial ratios, which could affect compliance with our credit instruments and rating agency capital adequacy measures.

Our investment portfolio may include investments in securities of issuers based outside the U.S., including emerging markets, which may be riskier than securities of U.S. issuers.

We may invest in securities of issuers organized or based outside the U.S. that may involve heightened risks in comparison to the risks of investing in U.S. securities, including unfavorable changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations, reduced and less reliable information about issuers and markets, less stringent accounting standards, illiquidity of securities and markets, higher brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and custody fees, local economic or political instability and greater market risk in general. In particular, investing in securities of issuers located in emerging market countries involves additional risks, such as exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature than, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability than, those of developed countries; national policies that restrict investment by foreigners in certain issuers or industries of that country; the absence of legal structures governing foreign investment and private property; an increased risk of foreclosure on collateral located in such countries; a lack of liquidity due to the small size of markets for securities of issuers located in emerging markets; and price volatility.

A rating downgrade or the absence of a rating of any of our operating subsidiaries could adversely affect our existing business and our ability to compete for further business.

Financial strength ratings are an important competitive factor in the insurance and reinsurance industries. Ratings organizations periodically review the financial performance and condition of insurers and reinsurers. Ratings are based on a company’s ability to pay its obligations and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Ratings organizations assign ratings based upon several factors, including historical experience, and while most of these factors relate to the underlying company, some of the factors relate to general economic conditions and circumstances outside the company’s control. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning ratings organization. Financial strength ratings are directed toward policyholders and not holders of securities, and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. There can be no assurance that the financial strength rating assigned to any of our operating subsidiaries will remain in effect for any given period of time or that the rating will not be lowered, withdrawn or revised by the rating agency at any time.

Any downgrade in the financial strength rating of any of our operating subsidiaries could adversely affect our company’s ability to sell products, retain existing business and compete for attractive acquisition opportunities and could result in our company being removed from the approved lists of some customers and may adversely affect the ability of our company to write business to such customers. Some of the reinsurance treaties our company may enter into permit customers to reassume all or a portion of the risk formerly ceded to us due to, among other things, changes in the financial condition or ratings of our operating subsidiaries. Accordingly, we may suffer a loss of business as a result.

 

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In addition, a significant downgrade in a rating of any of our operating subsidiaries or outlook of our operating subsidiaries, among other factors, could adversely affect our ability to raise and then contribute capital to our subsidiaries for the purpose of facilitating or supporting their business or any reinsurance opportunities that may arise and may also increase our cost of capital. Accordingly, a ratings downgrade of any of our operating subsidiaries could adversely affect our ability to conduct business.

There is no assurance that our operating subsidiaries will be able to maintain or obtain a rating.

No assurance can be provided that any action taken by a rating agency would not result in a material adverse effect on the business of our company and/or the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or prospects of our company. In addition, the impact of a ratings downgrade of any of our operating subsidiaries could have an adverse effect on the market price of the class A exchangeable shares.

If the counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements or to the derivatives we use to hedge our business risks default or fail to perform, we may be exposed to risks we had sought to mitigate, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We use reinsurance, indemnification and derivatives to mitigate our risks in various circumstances. In general, reinsurance, indemnification and derivatives do not relieve us of our direct liabilities. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our counterparties. A counterparty’s insolvency, inability or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of reinsurance agreements, indemnity agreements or derivatives agreements with us or inability or unwillingness to return collateral could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. While we may manage these risks through transaction-related diligence, contract terms, collateral requirements, hedging, and other oversight mechanisms, our efforts may not be successful.

In addition, we use derivatives to hedge various business risks. We enter into a variety of derivatives, including options, forwards, interest rate, credit default and currency swaps with a number of counterparties on a bilateral basis for uncleared OTC derivatives and with clearing brokers and central clearinghouses for OTC-cleared derivatives (OTC derivatives that are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties). If our counterparties, clearing brokers or central clearinghouses fail or refuse to honor their obligations under these derivatives, our hedges of the related risk will be ineffective. Such failure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The reinsurance and insurance industries are highly competitive; competitive pressures may result in fewer reinsurance contracts underwritten, lower premium rates, increased expense for customer acquisition and retention and less favorable policy terms and conditions.

We operate in highly competitive markets. Customers may evaluate us and our competitors on a number of factors, including capital and perceived financial strength, underwriting capacity, expertise, innovation, local presence, reputation, experience and qualifications of employees, client relationships, geographic scope of business, products and services offered (including ease of doing business over the electronic placement platforms), premiums charged, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, contract terms and conditions and the speed of claims payment.

We directly compete with a number of well-established players and new entrants in the industries, including reinsurance and insurance companies, financial institutions, and traditional and alternative asset managers. Our competitors vary by offered product line and covered territory. Our competition primarily includes other reinsurance and insurance companies, larger-scale pension plans and asset management firms that provide long duration capital. There are currently six large-scale national institutions who we consider competitors of our pension risk transfer business in Canada, and there is the potential for the entry of global insurers into the Canadian market. These competitors primarily include annuity reinsurance and insurance companies and diversified financial institutions. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, have established

 

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long term and continuing business relationships throughout the industry, have greater market share, assume a greater level of risk while maintaining financial strength ratings, or have higher financial strength, claims-paying or credit ratings than we do, each of which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and the entry of alternative capital markets products and vehicles provide additional sources of reinsurance and insurance capacity and increased competition.

There is increased competition with respect to service quality and ease of use of new business paperwork and processing and ongoing administration services. Poor service quality, including by any third-party administrators, may impact our reputation and relationships and consequently our persistency and renewals.

We compete with new companies that enter the reinsurance and insurance markets, particularly companies with new or “disruptive” technologies or business models. Certain technology companies and other third parties have created, and may in the future create, technology-enabled business models, processes or platforms that may adversely impact our competitive position. New services and technologies can affect the demand for insurance and reinsurance products and services, the premiums payable, the profitability of such products and services and the risks associated with underwriting certain lines of business. In addition, certain capital markets participants have created alternative products that are intended to compete with reinsurance products. Recently, the insurance industry has faced increased competition from new underwriting capacity, such as the investment of significant amounts of capital by pension funds, mutual funds, hedge funds and other sources of alternative capital primarily into the natural catastrophe reinsurance and insurance businesses. The failure of our company to assess new services and technologies that may be applicable or disruptive to the reinsurance and insurance industries may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The nature of the competition we face may be affected by disruption and deterioration in global financial markets and economic downturns, including as a result of the effects of the novel coronavirus global pandemic, as well as by governmental responses thereto. For example, (i) government intervention might result in capital or other support for our competitors, (ii) governments may provide reinsurance and insurance capacity in markets and to consumers that we target or (iii) governments may take actions to reduce interest rates, impacting the value of and returns on fixed income investments. In addition, since numerous aspects of our business are subject to regulation, legislative and other changes affecting the regulatory environment for our business may have, over time, the effect of supporting or burdening some aspects of the financial services industry. This can affect our competitive position within the annuities industry, and within the broader financial services industry.

Because of the highly competitive nature of the insurance industry, there can be no assurance that we will maintain or grow our market share, continue to identify attractive opportunities in either our individual or institutional channels, or that competitive pressure will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Consolidation in the reinsurance and insurance industry could adversely impact us.

Participants in the reinsurance and insurance industry, including our competitors, customers and reinsurance and insurance brokers, have been consolidating. There has been a large amount of merger and acquisition activity in the reinsurance and insurance sector in recent years which may continue. We may experience increased competition as a result of that consolidation, with larger entities having enhanced market power. Increased competition could result in fewer submissions, lower premium rates, less favorable policy terms and conditions and greater costs of customer acquisition and retention.

Should the market continue to consolidate, competitors may try to use their enhanced market power to obtain a larger market share through increased line sizes or through price competition. If competitive pressures reduce our prices, this could in turn lead to reduced premiums and a reduction in expected earnings. As the insurance industry consolidates, competition for customers will become more intense and the importance of sourcing and properly servicing each customer will become greater. We could incur greater expenses relating to

 

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customer acquisition and retention, further reducing our operating margins. In addition, insurance companies that merge may be able to spread their risks across a larger capital base so that they require less reinsurance. The number of companies offering reinsurance to competitors may decline. Reinsurance intermediaries could also continue to consolidate, potentially adversely impacting our ability to access and write business. We could also experience more robust competition from larger, better capitalized competitors. As a result of the consolidation in the industry, we may experience rate declines and possibly write less business. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, results of operations, growth and prospects.

Our company’s business relies on the use of technology, and as a result, we may be exposed to cybersecurity attacks.

Our company’s business places significant reliance on information and other technology. This technology includes the computer systems used for information, processing, administrative and commercial operations. The information and embedded systems of key business partners and regulatory agencies are also important to our company’s operations. Our company’s business relies on this technology functioning as intended. The computer systems used by our company’s business may be subject to cybersecurity risks or other breaches of information technology security, noting the increasing frequency and severity of these kinds of incidents.

A breach of our company’s data or cybersecurity measures, the failure of any such computerized system or of the operating equipment used by our company’s business for a significant time period could have a material adverse effect on our company’s business prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow and it may not be possible to recover losses suffered from such incidents under our company’s insurance policies. Although our company is continuing to develop defenses to such attacks, our company can provide no assurance that our company will be successful in preventing or ameliorating damage from such an attack on our company and, as the manner in which cyber-attacks are undertaken has become more sophisticated, there is a risk that the occurrence of cyber-attack may remain undetected for an extended period.

Failure to protect the confidentiality of information, including as the result of a cybersecurity attack, could adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many jurisdictions in which we operate have enacted laws to safeguard the privacy and security of personal information. Additionally, various government agencies have established rules protecting the privacy and security of such information. These laws and rules vary greatly by jurisdiction. As described above, our company’s business relies on the use of technology, including to store and safeguard personal information of policyholders. Additionally, some of our employees have access to personal information of policyholders. We rely on internal controls to protect the confidentiality of this information. It is possible that our data could be the subject of a cybersecurity attack or an employee could, intentionally or unintentionally, disclose or misappropriate confidential information. If we fail to protect against the risk of a cyber-attack or maintain adequate internal controls, or if our employees fail to comply with our policies, misappropriation or intentional or unintentional appropriate disclosure or misuse of personal information could occur. Such internal control inadequacies or non-compliance could materially damage our reputation or lead to civil, regulatory or criminal penalties, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may analyze customer data to better manage our business. There has been increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies regarding the use of “big data” techniques. We cannot predict what, if any, actions may be taken with regard to “big data”, but any inquiries could cause reputational harm and any limitations could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We intend to incur indebtedness which may result in our company being subject to certain covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain types of activities or to make distributions to our shareholders.

We will enter into credit facilities or may incur other forms of debt, including the Credit Agreement with Brookfield. The Credit Agreement provides that the lender is entitled to consent to any decision made by our

 

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board to approve any action by our company, that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to constitute, a material change in the nature of our company’s business, including any material change in the leverage profile of our company or any action that results, or could reasonably be expected to result, in a downgrade to any credit rating held by our company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable. In addition, our credit facilities may contain other covenants applicable to the relevant borrower and events of default. Covenants can relate to matters including limitations on financial indebtedness, distributions, acquisitions, or minimum amounts for interest coverage, adjusted EBITDA, cash flow or net worth. If an event of default occurs, or minimum covenant requirements are not satisfied, this can result in a requirement to immediately repay any drawn amounts or the imposition of other restrictions including a prohibition on the payment of distributions to our shareholders.

All of our company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to general economic and political conditions and risks relating to the markets in which our company operates.

The industries in which our company operates are impacted by political and economic conditions, and in particular, adverse events in financial markets, which may have a profound effect on global or local economies. Some key impacts of general financial market turmoil include contraction in credit markets resulting in a widening of credit spreads, devaluations and enhanced volatility in global equity, commodity and foreign exchange markets and a general lack of market liquidity. A slowdown in the financial markets or other key measures of the global economy or the local economies of the regions in which our company operates, including, but not limited to, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, lack of available credit, the state of the financial markets, interest rates and tax rates may adversely affect our company’s growth and profitability.

The demand for services provided by our company’s operating subsidiaries are, in part, dependent upon and correlated to general economic conditions and economic growth of the regions in which our operating subsidiaries conduct business. Poor economic conditions or lower economic growth in a region or regions may, either directly or indirectly, reduce demand for the services provided by our company.

In addition, our company may be affected by political uncertainties in North America and Western Europe, which may have global repercussions, including in markets where our company currently operates or intends to expand into the future.

All of our company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to changes in government policy and legislation.

Our company’s financial condition and results of operations could also be affected by changes in economic or other government policies or other political or economic developments in each country or region, as well as regulatory changes or administrative practices over which our company has no control such as: the regulatory environment related to our company’s business operations, concession agreements and periodic regulatory resets; interest rates; benchmark interest rate reforms, including changes to the administration of LIBOR; currency fluctuations; exchange controls and restrictions; inflation; tariffs; liquidity of domestic financial and capital markets; policies relating to tax; and other political, social, economic, and environmental developments that may occur in or affect the countries in which our company’s operating subsidiaries are located or conduct business or the countries in which the customers of our company’s operating subsidiaries are located or conduct business or both.

In addition, operating costs can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including the need to comply with the directives of central and local government authorities. It is difficult to predict government policies and what form of laws and regulations will be adopted or how they will be construed by the relevant courts, or the extent to which any changes may adversely affect our company. Any reforms to benchmark interest rates, such as the anticipated change to LIBOR, could create significant risks and challenges for our company and our operating subsidiaries. The discontinuance of, or changes to, benchmark interest rates may require adjustments to agreements to which our company and other market participants are parties, as well as to related systems and processes.

 

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We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may only be available on unfavorable terms, including as a result of increasing barriers to free trade and the free flow of capital and fluctuations in the financial markets.

Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including regulatory requirements, the nature of any future business we underwrite and the requirement to hold appropriate capital against the liabilities we assume thereunder, the amount of which is determined based on a variety of risks inherent in our transactions including, credit risk, interest rate risk, insurance risk and operational risk, among others. We may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail our growth and reduce our assets. Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on unfavorable terms. Any disruption in the financial markets may limit our ability to access capital required to operate our business, and we may be forced to delay raising capital or bear a higher cost of capital, which could decrease our profitability and significantly reduce our financial flexibility. For instance, prolonged and severe disruptions in the overall public and private debt and equity markets, such as occurred during 2008, and are occurring in connection with the novel coronavirus global pandemic could result in significant realized and unrealized losses. Public and private debt and equity markets may experience disruption in individual market sectors, such as has occurred in the energy sector. If we cannot obtain adequate capital on favorable terms or at all, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

In addition, recent political initiatives to restrict free trade and close markets, such as Brexit and the renegotiation and/or potential termination of existing bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements, could adversely affect the reinsurance and insurance industry and our business. The reinsurance and insurance industries are disproportionately impacted by restraints on the free flow of capital and risk because the value they provide depends on the ability to globally diversify risk.

Given ongoing global economic uncertainties, evolving market conditions may affect our results of operations, financial position and capital resources. In the event that there is deterioration or volatility in financial markets or general economic conditions, our results of operations, financial position, capital resources and competitive landscape could be materially and adversely affected.

Our company may suffer a significant loss resulting from fraud, bribery, corruption other illegal acts, inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, or from external events.

Our company may suffer a significant loss resulting from fraud, bribery, corruption, other illegal acts by our company’s employees or those of companies providing services to our company, including Brookfield, inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, or from external events, such as security threats affecting our ability to operate. Both Brookfield and our company operate in different markets and rely on our company’s employees to follow our company’s policies and processes as well as applicable laws in their activities. Risk of illegal acts or failed systems is managed through our company’s infrastructure, controls, systems and people, complemented by a focus on enterprise-wide management of specific operational risks such as fraud, bribery and corruption, as well as personnel and systems risks. Specific programs, policies, standards and methodologies have been developed to support the management of these risks. However, these cannot guarantee that such conduct does not occur and if it does, it can result in direct or indirect financial loss, reputational impact or regulatory consequences.

Public health crises, illness, epidemics or pandemics could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

A local, regional, national or international outbreak of a contagious disease, such as COVID-19 which has spread across the globe at a rapid pace impacting global commercial activity and travel, may adversely affect trade and global and local economies, and could negatively impact our company.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to COVID-19. COVID-19 has spread globally, and actions taken in response to COVID-19 by government authorities across

 

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various geographies in which our company operates have interrupted business activities and supply chains; disrupted travel; contributed to significant volatility in the financial markets and lower interest rates; impacted social conditions; and adversely impacted local, regional, national and international economic conditions, as well as the labor market. As a result of the rapid spread of COVID-19, many companies and various governments have imposed restrictions on business activity and travel which may continue and could expand. To date, there have been restrictions on the conduct of business in many jurisdictions and the global movement of people and certain goods. Responses have included mandatory temporary closure of, or imposed limitations on, the operations of certain non-essential properties and businesses including office properties and retail malls and associated businesses which operate within these properties such as retailers and restaurants. In addition, shelter-in-place mandates and severe travel restrictions have had an adverse impact on consumer spending and demand. Governments and central banks around the world have enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and various other response measures, however, the overall magnitude and long-term effectiveness of these actions remain uncertain.

Our company has implemented a mitigation strategy and taken other precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that are focused on preserving the health and safety of our employees, as well as maintaining business continuity. While we have implemented preventive measures to address the challenges presented by COVID-19, no predictions of specific scenarios can be made with respect to the pandemic, and such measures may not adequately predict the impact on our business from such events.

In particular, increased economic uncertainty generated by the outbreak of COVID-19 could have adverse impacts on economic activity that affects demand for annuities. Such events or conditions could have an adverse effect on sales of new policies. Increased unemployment resulting from the economic impacts of the spread of COVID-19 may also result in policyholders seeking sources of liquidity and withdrawing at rates greater than we previously expected. If policyholder lapse and surrender rates significantly exceed our expectations, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, it is difficult to predict how significant the impact of this coronavirus outbreak, including any responses to it, will be on the global economy, our company or for how long disruptions are likely to continue. The longer-term impacts of the restrictions will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, constantly evolving and difficult to predict. These impacts may differ in magnitude depending on a number of scenarios, which we continue to monitor and take into consideration in our decision making as we continue to assess medium to long-term impacts. Our company continues to closely monitor developments related to the pandemic in light of the economic environment.

Additional actions may be taken to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, such as re-imposing previously lifted measures or putting in place additional restrictions. The pace, availability, distribution and acceptance of effective vaccines could also affect the impact of COVID-19. Such developments, depending on their nature, duration, and intensity, could have a material adverse effect on our company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, a pandemic affecting our employees or employees of Brookfield Asset Management that provide services to us under the Administration Agreement, the employees of our subsidiaries, reinsurers, if any, or the employees of other companies with which we do business could disrupt our business operations. The effectiveness of external parties, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, in combating the spread and severity of such a pandemic could have a material impact on the adverse effects we experience. These events, which are beyond our control, could cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any period and, depending on their severity, could also materially and adversely affect our financial condition.

Turbulence in the financial markets due to the spread of COVID-19 may limit our ability to access the credit or equity markets. Moreover, changes in interest rates, reduced liquidity or a continued slowdown in global

 

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economic conditions may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or prospects. If we were to decide in the future to raise capital through equity financings, the interest of our shareholders may be diluted, and the securities we issue may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our common shares. Further, extreme market volatility may leave us unable to react to market events in a prudent manner consistent with our historical practices in dealing with more orderly markets.

The global spread of COVID-19, or future public health crises, epidemics or pandemics could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition due to the disruptions to commerce, reduced economic activity and other unforeseen consequences of a pandemic that are beyond our control.

Our company’s business is at risk of becoming involved in disputes and possible litigation.

Our company’s business is at risk of becoming involved in disputes and possible litigation, the extent of which cannot be ascertained. Any material or costly dispute or litigation could adversely affect the current value or future financial performance of our company. In addition, as a result of the actions of the operating subsidiaries, our company could be subject to various legal proceedings. The final outcome of any proceeding could have a negative impact on the business, financial condition or results of operations of our company during a given quarter or financial year.

Our company may be subject to negative publicity in the reinsurance and insurance industry.

From time to time, the participants in the insurance industry have been subject to investigations, litigation and regulatory scrutiny by various insurance, governmental and enforcement authorities concerning certain industry practices. In particular, financial services companies have been the subject of broad industry inquiries by state regulators and attorneys general that do not appear to be company-specific, such as those concerning business practices upon notification of death. We may receive inquiries and informational requests from insurance regulators and other government agencies in the jurisdictions in which our company operates. In addition, consumer advocacy groups or the media may also focus attention on certain insurance industry practices. We cannot predict the effect that investigations, litigation or regulatory activity or negative publicity from consumers or the media will have on the reinsurance and insurance industry or our company. However, press coverage and other public statements that assert some form of wrongdoing, regardless of the factual basis for the assertions being made, could result in inquiry or investigation by regulators, legislators and/or law enforcement officials or in lawsuits. The involvement of our company in any investigations or litigation would cause our company to incur legal costs and can divert the time and effort of senior management, and if our company was found to have violated any laws, we could be required to pay fines and damages, potentially in material amounts. Our company could also be adversely affected by negative publicity and the implementation of any new industry-wide regulations that may result from such publicly, which could increase the regulatory burdens under which our company operates. Adverse publicity can also have a negative effect on our reputation, the morale and performance of employees, and on business retention, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Risks Relating to Regulation

Our insurance business is highly regulated, and such regulation and any supervisory and enforcement policies, or changes thereto, may materially impact our capitalization or cash flows, reduce our profitability and limit our growth.

The conduct of the reinsurance and insurance business is subject to significant legal and regulatory requirements as well as governmental and quasi-governmental supervision in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Our pension risk transfer business is currently regulated by OSFI. Our annuities business is currently regulated by CIMA and, subject to obtaining our license in Bermuda, will be regulated by the BMA. This supervision and regulation is generally intended for the benefit of policyholders and creditors rather than shareholders or other investors. Among other things, the insurance laws and regulations applicable to us may:

 

   

require the maintenance of certain solvency levels, including minimum levels of capital and surplus;

 

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require the maintenance of target capital levels, general and long-term business minimum solvency margins, enhanced capital requirements and a minimum liquidity ratio;

 

   

require periodic examinations of our financial condition;

 

   

require offices and representatives in the relevant jurisdiction;

 

   

restrict agreements with large revenue-producing agents;

 

   

require us to obtain licenses or authorizations from regulators;

 

   

regulate transactions, including investments in or transactions with affiliates or related parties (which may include Brookfield) and intra-group guarantees;

 

   

in certain jurisdictions, restrict the payment of dividends or other distributions of capital;

 

   

require the disclosure of financial and other information to regulators, including financial statements, financial conditions reports, and annual capital and solvency returns;

 

   

impose restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

 

   

regulate the admissibility of assets and capital;

 

   

provide for involvement in the payment or adjudication of claims beyond the terms of the policies;

 

   

establish certain minimum operational requirements or customer service standards such as the timeliness of finalized policy language or lead time for notice of non-renewal or changes in terms and conditions; and

 

   

allow for the performance of certain periodic examinations of its financial condition.

The impact of these regulations, including, in particular the restrictions on investments in affiliates or related parties, may have an adverse effect on our investment portfolio returns. As part of regular, mandated risk assessments, regulators may take steps that have the effect of restricting our business activities, which may in turn have a material impact on our ability to achieve growth objectives and earnings targets. All of our insurance subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. Any failure to meet applicable requirements or minimum statutory capital requirements could subject us to examination or corrective action by regulators, including limitations on our writing additional business or engaging in finance activities, supervision, receivership, or liquidation. In addition, each regulated insurance business we operate is subject to a number of restrictions on assets we may hold under relevant regulations and tax rules, and regulators may, as has happened in the past, alter such restrictions, thus potentially affecting our investment policy and any associated projected income or growth return from our investments. In addition, based on our perceived risk profile, regulators may require additional regulatory capital to be held by us (including as part of guidance provided by the regulator to us on a confidential basis), which, among other things, may affect the business we can write and the amount of dividends we are able to pay out.

As a result, in connection with the conduct of our various businesses, we believe it is crucial to establish and maintain good working relationships with the various regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over our businesses. If those relationships and that reputation were to deteriorate, our businesses could be materially and adversely affected. For example, we require various consents and approvals from our regulators, both with respect to transactions we enter into and in the ordinary course of the conduct of our businesses. If we fail to maintain good working relationships with our regulators, it may become more difficult or impossible for us to obtain those consents and approvals, either on a timely basis or at all.

The reinsurance and insurance industries have experienced substantial volatility as a result of investigations, litigation and regulatory activity by various insurance, governmental and enforcement authorities, concerning various practices within the reinsurance and insurance industry. If we or any of our subsidiaries were to be found to be in breach of any existing or new laws or regulations now or in the future, we would be exposed to the risk

 

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of intervention by regulatory authorities, including investigation and surveillance, and judicial or administrative proceedings. In addition, our reputation could suffer and we could be fined, sanctioned or suspended or prohibited from engaging in some or all of our business activities or could be sued by counterparties, as well as forced to devote significant resources to cooperate with regulatory investigations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. These events, if they occur, could affect the competitive market and the way we conduct our business and manage our capital and could result in lower revenues and higher costs.

In addition, rules on defined benefit pension plan funding may negatively impact the likelihood or timing of corporate plan sponsors terminating their plans or engaging in transactions to partially or fully transfer pension obligations to an insurance company. Consequently, such rules could indirectly affect the mix of our business, resulting in fewer pension risk transfers, and could adversely impact our results of operations.

Any future regulatory changes could result in the imposition of significant restrictions on our ability to do business.

Changes to the laws and regulations, and interpretations and enforcement of such laws and regulations, that govern the conduct of our business could adversely affect our operations and profitability. In addition, legislation and other regulatory initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to conditions in the financial markets, global supervision and other factors may lead to additional regulation of the insurance industry in the coming years. Such changes could increase our regulatory and compliance burden, resulting in increased costs, or limit the type, amount or structure of compensation arrangements into which we may enter with certain of our associates, which could negatively impact our ability to compete with other companies in recruiting and retaining key personnel. Changes in regulatory approval processes, rules and other dynamics in the regulatory process could adversely impact our ability to react to such changing conditions. We cannot predict what proposals may be made, what legislation or regulations may be introduced or enacted, or what impact any future legislation or regulations may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A decrease in applicable capital ratios/calculations of our insurance subsidiaries could result in increased scrutiny by insurance regulators and rating agencies and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The NAIC has established model regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on RBC formulas for insurance companies. NER SPC, which will predominantly be focused on reinsuring business from insurers domiciled in the U.S., has committed to follow the RBC standards based on guidelines of the NAIC. See “Our Business — Regulatory Framework — Cayman Islands — Capital and Solvency Requirements”.

Similarly, OSFI has established LICAT, which uses a risk-based approach for measuring specified risks and for aggregating the results to calculate the amount of regulatory capital required to support these risks. LICAT measures the capital adequacy of a life insurer using a Total Ratio and a Core Ratio and is one of several indicators used by OSFI to assess a life insurer’s financial condition. Brookfield Annuity has committed to follow these standards based on OSFI’s LICAT guideline. See “Our Business — Regulatory Framework — Canada — Capital Requirements”.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and applicable capital ratios in respect of our insurance subsidiaries, may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of statutory income or losses generated by the insurance subsidiary (which itself is sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital such insurer must hold to support business growth, changes in equity market levels, the value and credit ratings of certain fixed income and equity securities in its investment portfolio, the value of certain derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting and changes in interest rates, as well as changes to the applicable capital formulas and the interpretation of the applicable regulator’s

 

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instructions with respect to capital calculation methodologies. Our financial strength and credit ratings are significantly influenced by statutory surplus amounts and the capital ratios of our insurance subsidiaries. In addition, rating agencies may implement changes to their own internal models, which differ from the prescribed capital models in Canada, the Cayman Islands or Bermuda, as applicable, that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital our insurance subsidiaries should hold relative to the rating agencies’ expectations. Under stressed or stagnant capital market conditions and with the aging of existing insurance liabilities, without offsets from new business, the amount of additional statutory reserves that an insurance subsidiary is required to hold may materially increase. This increase in reserves would decrease the statutory surplus available for use in calculating the relevant subsidiary’s required capital ratio(s). To the extent that the capital ratios of any of our insurance subsidiaries are deemed to be insufficient, we may seek to take actions to increase the capitalization of that subsidiary or to reduce the capitalization requirements. If we were unable to accomplish such actions, the rating agencies may view this as a reason for a ratings downgrade. The failure of our insurance subsidiaries to meet their respective capital requirements or any other applicable minimum capital and surplus requirements could subject them or us to further examination or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including limitations on the ability to write additional business, supervision by regulators or seizure or liquidation. Any corrective action imposed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A decline in the capital ratios of any our insurance subsidiaries, whether or not such decline results in a failure to meet the applicable capital requirement, may limit the ability of that subsidiary to make dividends or distributions to us, could result in a loss of new business, or could be a factor in causing ratings agencies to downgrade financial strength ratings, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, future revisions to the applicable capital calculations relevant to our insurance subsidiaries could result in a reduction in those capital ratios below certain prescribed levels, and in case of such a reduction we may be required to hold additional capital in the applicable insurance subsidiary.

Regulatory requirements may constrain our company’s ability to complete acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions on desired terms, or at all.

Our company’s acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions may be subject to approval by regulatory authorities in one or more jurisdictions in which we, or our counterparties, operate that are beyond our company’s control and may not be satisfied. In particular, many jurisdictions in which our company seeks to invest (or divest) impose government consent requirements on investments by foreign persons. For example, all Canadian-licensed insurers are required to obtain OSFI approval for acquisitions or dispositions of assets representing more than 10% of total assets in a twelve-month period, and approval of the Minister of Finance (Canada) is required for, among other things, any amalgamation with another insurer or any transfer of a licensee’s operations. All Cayman Islands-licensed insurers are required to obtain the prior approval of CIMA in connection with certain transactions, including any transfer of shares (direct or indirect) totaling more than 10% of the issued share capital of the insurer, any amalgamation with another insurer or transfer of a licensee’s insurance operations. Similarly, Bermuda-licensed insurers are required to give notice to the BMA of their intention to affect a “material change” within the meaning of the Bermuda Insurance Act, which includes many acquisitions.

Consents and approvals may not be obtained, may be obtained subject to conditions which adversely affect anticipated returns, and/or may be delayed and delay or ultimately preclude the completion of acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions. Government policies and attitudes in relation to foreign investment may change, making it more difficult to complete acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions in such jurisdictions. Furthermore, interested stakeholders could take legal steps to prevent transactions from being completed. If all or some of our company’s acquisitions, dispositions and other transactions are unable to be completed on the terms agreed, our company may need to modify or delay or, in some cases, terminate these transactions altogether, the market value of our company’s respective securities may significantly decline, and our company may not be able to achieve the expected benefits of the transactions.

 

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Potential government intervention in the insurance industry and instability in the marketplace for insurance products could hinder our flexibility and negatively affect the business opportunities that may be available to us in the market.

Government intervention in the insurance industry and the possibility of future government intervention have created uncertainty in the reinsurance and insurance markets. Governmental authorities worldwide have become increasingly interested in potential risks posed by the insurance industry as a whole to commercial and financial systems in general, and there could be increased regulatory intervention in the reinsurance and insurance industries in the future.

Government regulators are generally concerned with the protection of policyholders to the exclusion of other constituencies, including shareholders of insurers. While we cannot predict the exact nature, timing or scope of possible governmental initiatives, such proposals could adversely affect our business by, among other things:

 

   

providing reinsurance and insurance capacity in markets and to consumers that we target;

 

   

requiring our participation in industry pools and guaranty associations;

 

   

further regulating the terms of reinsurance and insurance policies; or

 

   

disproportionately benefiting the companies of one country over those of another.

Government intervention has in the recent past taken the form of financial support of certain companies in the reinsurance and insurance industry. Governmental support of individual competitors can lead to increased pricing pressure and a distortion of market dynamics. The insurance industry is also affected by political, judicial and legal developments that may create new and expanded theories of liability, which may result in unexpected claims frequency and severity and delays or cancellations of products and services by insureds, insurers and reinsurers which could adversely affect our business.

Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies may take unpredictable action to ensure continued supply of insurance, particularly where a given event leads to withdrawal of capacity from the market. For example, regulators may seek to force us to offer certain covers to (re)insureds, constrain our flexibility to apply certain terms and conditions or constrain our ability to make changes to the pricing of our contracts. There can be no assurance as to the effect that any such governmental or regulatory actions will have on the financial markets generally or on our competitive position, business and financial condition. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Regulation — Any future regulatory changes could result in the imposition of significant restrictions on our ability to do business”.

The reinsurance and insurance regulatory framework and legislation enacted in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands as to economic substance may affect our operations.

In 2020, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands were each placed on the EU’s “whitelist” of cooperative tax jurisdictions, having delivered on the commitments each jurisdiction made to the EU in 2019 to further enhance their respective regulatory and transparency frameworks. The European Commission has proposed sanctions against non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, including restrictions on certain European sovereign wealth funds channeling funds through entities domiciled in non-cooperative jurisdictions. If, in the future, the classification of either jurisdiction changes, so that Bermuda or the Cayman Islands is again included on the EU’s non-cooperative jurisdictions list, the ability of certain European sovereign wealth funds to invest in our business may be limited. In the future, individual E.U. member states may also apply sanctions against non-cooperative jurisdictions. If, in the future, the classification of either jurisdiction changes and Bermuda or the Cayman Islands is again included on the non-cooperative jurisdictions list, and these or other sanctions are implemented, we cannot guarantee that such sanctions will not have a material and adverse impact on our business.

In addition, pursuant to the Bermuda ESA that came into force in December 2018, a registered entity other than an entity which is resident for tax purposes in certain jurisdictions outside Bermuda, which we refer to as a

 

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non-resident entity, that carries on as a business any one or more of the “relevant activities” referred to in the Bermuda ESA must comply with economic substance requirements. The “relevant activities” are carrying on any one or more of the following activities: banking, insurance, fund management, financing and leasing, headquarters, shipping, distribution and service center, intellectual property and holding entity.

Likewise, pursuant to the Cayman ESA that came into force on January 1, 2019, a “relevant entity” that carries on any one or more of the “relevant activities” referred to in the Cayman ESA must comply with economic substance requirements. Cayman Islands “relevant activities” include: banking business, distribution and service centre business, financing and leasing business, fund management business, headquarters business, holding company business, insurance business, intellectual property business and shipping business.

In each jurisdiction, an in-scope entity which is engaged in any of the “relevant activities” must satisfy an economic substance test, by performing core income-generating activities in the jurisdiction, being directed and managed in an appropriate manner in the jurisdiction and, having within the jurisdiction (i) an adequate amount of operating expenditure, (ii) adequate physical presence (including a place of business or under the Cayman ESA plant, property and equipment) and (iii) an adequate number of qualified full-time employees or other personnel.

The Bermuda ESA and the Cayman ESA could affect the manner in which we operate our business, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Non-compliance with the Bermuda ESA or the Cayman ESA could result in significant financial penalties and other sanctions.

Both NER Ltd. and NER SPC expect to have employees in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, as the case may be, to run their reinsurance businesses in those jurisdictions but may not be able to obtain the required work permits under Bermuda and/or Cayman Islands law.

Both NER Ltd. and NER SPC expect to have full time employees based in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, as the case may be, to run their respective reinsurance businesses in those jurisdictions. Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians and holders of permanent residents’ certificates) generally may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without a valid government work permit (with certain exceptions). The position is substantially the same in the Cayman Islands. A Bermuda work permit is generally granted or renewed upon showing that, after proper public advertisement, no Bermudian, spouse of a Bermudian, or holder of a permanent resident’s certificate who meets the minimum standards reasonably required by the employer has applied for the job. The position is substantially the same in the Cayman Islands. Bermuda work permit terms that are available for request range from three months to five years. Should NER Ltd. or NER SPC, as the case may be, at any point, not be able to recruit suitable Bermudian or Caymanian, as the case may be, employees, or obtain work permits for prospective non-Bermudian or non-Cayman Islands employees, NER Ltd. and/or NER SPC may not be able to use their services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Brookfield

Individuals who are members of the Partnership and also executives of Brookfield Asset Management will exercise influence over our company, and will have a veto over any decisions requiring shareholder approval.

Upon completion of the special dividend, the BAM Re Class B Partners, who have been designated by the Partnership, will hold as a group all of our outstanding class B shares and will hold individually (but not as a group) approximately 10.3% of our outstanding class A exchangeable shares. As the sole holder of the class B shares, the BAM Re Class B Partners will be entitled to elect one-half of the board of directors of our company and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. In addition, pursuant to the Administration Agreement, at our request, Brookfield will provide the services of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief

 

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Investment Officer. As a result, senior executives of Brookfield Asset Management will have oversight and influence over our company, including with respect to decisions relating to our capital structure or undertaking other extraordinary transactions. Given our ownership structure, the rationale for our formation and because each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share, and given the financial and other support Brookfield is providing to us through the various agreements being entered into in connection with the special dividend, we expect that the interests of our company and Brookfield Asset Management will be strongly aligned. See “Relationship with Brookfield” and “— Our organizational, ownership and operational management structure could potentially create conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, the interests of the BAM Re Class B Partners could differ from or conflict with the interests of our other shareholders in circumstances that we cannot foresee.

We will depend on Brookfield under the Administration Agreement and the Investment Management Agreements and the departure of some or all of Brookfield’s professionals could prevent us from achieving our objectives.

We will rely on Brookfield with respect to the provision of certain administrative services, as described under “Relationship with Brookfield — The Administration Agreement”. This means that our day-to-day operational matters and management, including the roles of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, will be dependent, in part, upon Brookfield’s ability to successfully hire, train, supervise, manage and retain its personnel and its ability to maintain its operating systems. The Administration Agreement does not require Brookfield to maintain the employment of any of its professionals or to cause any particular professionals to provide services to us or on our behalf. In addition, the employees of Brookfield that provide services to our company are not required to have as their primary responsibility the administration of our company or to act exclusively for our company. If our company were to lose the services provided by Brookfield, or if Brookfield fails to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement, we may experience a material adverse impact on our business operations. We may be unable to duplicate the quality and depth of the services available to our company by handling such services internally or by retaining another service provider. Further, if our company were to lose the services provided by Brookfield, we may be forced to commence a search and to hire a new Chief Executive Officer or Chief Investment Officer. Any such process may prove lengthy and expensive and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement for some time due to the intense competition for skilled employees and where such a replacement is found it may be at a higher cost to our company. The inability to find a suitable replacement, or to find a suitable replacement at a comparable cost, could have a material adverse effect on our business operations.

The services provided by Brookfield pursuant to the Administration Agreement are provided on a cost-recovery basis. Therefore, if Brookfield should cease for whatever reason to provide such services, the cost of obtaining substitute services will likely be greater, and this may adversely affect our company’s ability to meet its objectives and execute its strategy which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, operating results and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to shareholders. In addition, for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, we have agreed not to appoint any direct competitor of Brookfield Asset Management for the provision of any material administrative services or support services, including the provision of the services of any executive officer or senior management function, without the prior written consent of Brookfield. As a result, if Brookfield should cease for whatever reason to provide the services we require under the Administration Agreement, we would either be required to internalize such services, or look to hire a service provider other than a direct competitor to Brookfield Asset Management.

In addition, we will rely on Brookfield as an investment manager under the Investment Management Agreements. Brookfield is not required to maintain the employment of any of its professionals or to cause any particular professionals to provide services to us or on our behalf. In addition, the employees of Brookfield that provide services to our company are not required to have as their primary responsibility the provision of investment management services to our company or to act exclusively for our company. Brookfield may provide similar services to other companies, including those who compete with us. If our company were to lose the investment management services provided by Brookfield, or if Brookfield fails to perform its obligations under

 

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the Investment Management Agreements adequately, we may experience a material adverse impact on our business operations.

Our company has a limited ability to terminate our agreements entered into with Brookfield without Brookfield’s consent.

Our company has a limited ability to terminate our agreements entered into with Brookfield without Brookfield’s consent. For example, our company is not entitled to terminate the Administration Agreement unilaterally unless there is a material breach or default by Brookfield Asset Management or Brookfield Asset Management is insolvent. If Brookfield Asset Management’s performance under its agreements with us does not meet the expectations of our shareholders, or we are unable to terminate agreements restricting how we can conduct our business, the market price of our class A exchangeable shares could suffer. See “Relationship with Brookfield”.

While we will seek to leverage our relationship with Brookfield to access its investment management and asset allocation capabilities, there can be no assurance we will be able to achieve all the advantages we are seeking through such relationship.

In order for our company to execute our vision of being a leading reinsurer of long-duration liabilities and earn attractive risk-adjusted returns within our business, we will seek to leverage our relationship with Brookfield by, among other things, taking advantage of Brookfield’s core attributes as a leading global asset management company (see “Our Business — Strategic Benefits of the Brookfield Relationship” for further information). We will be a party to Investment Management Agreements with Brookfield under which Brookfield will have discretion over how investments are made and we cannot be assured as to how Brookfield will manage our investments. In addition, under the Support Agreement our company has agreed that, for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, subject to applicable regulatory approval and to approval by their respective board of directors, our operating subsidiaries are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment adviser and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services without the prior consent of Brookfield. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management has agreed that it will, or will cause the appropriate Brookfield entity to, accept such appointment. However, beyond the Investment Management Agreements, Brookfield does not have an agreement to provide our company with access to its investment management and asset allocation capabilities, institutional relationships or any other opportunities. As such, our company cannot be assured that we will be able to successfully derive all of the intended benefits of our relationship with Brookfield, which could have an adverse effect on our financial and operational results and our growth strategy.

Our organizational, ownership and operational management structure could potentially create conflicts of interest.

Our organizational, ownership and operational management structure involves a number of relationships that may give rise to perceived conflicts of interest between our company and our shareholders or Brookfield Accounts in which we invest, on the one hand, and Brookfield and/or other Brookfield Accounts on the other hand. For example, reliance on Brookfield as an investment manager, including under the Investment Management Agreements, is expected to result in us, among other things, investing in or alongside Brookfield Accounts managed by Brookfield and/or related parties, as well as in securities issued by portfolio companies and assets of Brookfield Accounts. In addition, Brookfield’s management of its broader platform, including the activities of and other considerations relating to Brookfield Accounts, could give rise to perceived conflicts considerations relating to allocation of investment opportunities, affiliate and related party transactions between Brookfield and Brookfield Accounts, investments in different parts of the capital structure, Brookfield’s economic interest in these activities (including via compensation arrangements) and other considerations. However, each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and we therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. Following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends on the

 

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Brookfield Class A Shares to provide holders of our class A exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. In addition, immediately upon completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will own all of the issued and outstanding class C shares, which are entitled to the residual economic interest in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of our class A exchangeable shares and our class B shares (consisting of any declared and unpaid distributions, and the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent on a redemption or liquidation) and subject to the prior rights of holders of our Preferred Shares. Except for the right to approve changes to the terms of the class A exchangeable shares and the Rights Agreement, or except where otherwise required by law, holders of class A exchangeable shares are unlikely to be provided an opportunity to consent to transactions involving Brookfield. However, given our ownership structure, the rationale for our formation and because each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share, and given the financial and other support Brookfield is providing to us through the various agreements being entered into in connection with the special dividend, we expect that the interests of our company and Brookfield Asset Management will be strongly aligned. See “Relationship with Brookfield”.

Arrangements with Brookfield, which will apply to our company, were negotiated in the context of an affiliated relationship and may contain terms that are less favorable than those which otherwise might have been obtained from unrelated parties.

The terms of certain arrangements with Brookfield that will apply to our company were effectively determined by Brookfield. These terms, including terms relating to the support Brookfield will provide to us, may be less favorable than otherwise might have resulted if the negotiations had involved unrelated parties.

Risks Relating to Taxation

Bermuda Tax Risks

Our company could in the future become subject to income tax in Bermuda.

Under current Bermuda law, there is no income, corporate or profits tax or withholding tax, capital gains tax or capital transfer tax payable by the company. The company has applied for and has obtained from the Minister of Finance under The Exempted Undertaking Tax Protection Act 1966, as amended, an assurance that, in the event that Bermuda enacts legislation imposing tax computed on profits, income, any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to the company or to any of its operations or its shares, debentures or other obligations, until March 31, 2035. The company could be subject to taxes in Bermuda after that date. This assurance is subject to the proviso that it is not to be construed so as to prevent the application of any tax or duty to such persons as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to prevent the application of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions of the Land Tax Act 1967 or otherwise payable in relation to any property leased to the company. The company pays annual Bermuda government fees and annual insurance license fees. In addition, all entities employing individuals in Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax and there are other sundry taxes payable, directly or indirectly, to the Bermuda government.

Canadian Tax Risks

The exchange of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to the exercise of the exchange right will result in a disposition of the class A exchangeable shares for Canadian federal income tax purposes.

The exchange of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to the exercise of the exchange right will result in a disposition of the class A exchangeable shares for Canadian federal income tax purposes. Resident Holders generally will be subject to Canadian federal income tax on any resulting capital gain as further described under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Holders Resident in Canada”. Non-Resident Holders generally will not be subject to Canadian federal income tax on any resulting capital gain unless the class A exchangeable shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Tax Act) of the Non-Resident Holder as further described under “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation of Holders not Resident in Canada”.

 

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Dividends received or deemed to be received by Resident Holders on the class A exchangeable shares will not be subject to the same Canadian federal income tax treatment as taxable dividends received or deemed to be received by Resident Holders from “taxable Canadian corporations”.

Dividends received (or deemed to be received) on the class A exchangeable shares by a Resident Holder who is an individual will be included in computing the Resident Holder’s income and will not be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable under the Tax Act to taxable dividends received from “taxable Canadian corporations” (as defined in the Tax Act).

Dividends received on the class A exchangeable shares by a Resident Holder that is a corporation will be included in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income and such Resident Holder will not be entitled to the inter-corporate dividend deduction in computing taxable income which generally applies to dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations.

Changes in Canadian federal income tax law might adversely affect our shareholders.

There can be no assurance that Canadian federal income tax laws, the judicial interpretation thereof, or the administrative policies and assessing practices of the CRA will not be changed in a manner that adversely affects our shareholders or Brookfield Asset Management, our company or their affiliates. Any such developments could have a material adverse effect on our shareholders or the business, financial condition, and operating results of Brookfield Asset Management, our company or any of their affiliates.

U.S. Tax Risks

The U.S. federal base erosion and anti-abuse tax may significantly increase our tax liability in the future.

U.S. federal income tax reform legislation signed into law on December 22, 2017, which we refer to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, introduced a number of changes to the U.S. federal tax laws, including a base erosion and anti-abuse tax, which we refer to as the BEAT. The BEAT operates as a minimum tax and generally is calculated as a percentage (10% for certain taxable years before 2026 and 12.5% thereafter) of the “modified taxable income” of an “applicable taxpayer”. Modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to a taxpayer’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to certain payments made to non-U.S. affiliates, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies only to the extent it exceeds a taxpayer’s regular corporate income tax liability (determined without regard to certain tax credits) and only in years in which the “base erosion percentage” exceeds a specified percentage. If applicable in any given year, the BEAT may significantly increase the tax liability of our U.S. subsidiaries for such year. Although we do not expect our BEAT liability to be material for the current taxable year or for the foreseeable future, no assurance can be provided that we will not structure our future operations or investments in such a manner as to incur a material BEAT liability.

Our company or our non-U.S. subsidiaries may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation in an amount greater than expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

Our company and certain of its subsidiaries are treated as foreign corporations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code. Any such non-U.S. subsidiary that is considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net basis on its income that is effectively connected with such U.S. trade or business (including a branch profits tax on the portion of its earnings and profits that is attributable to such income, subject to certain adjustments), unless otherwise provided under an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, a non-U.S. subsidiary generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a gross basis on certain U.S.-source income, as well as a U.S. federal excise tax on certain premiums earned on insurance with respect to U.S. risks that are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, unless otherwise provided under an applicable income tax treaty.

 

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We expect each of our non-U.S. subsidiaries to operate in a manner that will not cause it to be treated as engaged in a trade or business within the United States or, if applicable under an income tax treaty, engaged in a trade or business in the United States through a permanent establishment. However, the enactment of the BEAT (discussed above), the reduction of the U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to corporations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and other factors may cause some or all of the non-U.S. subsidiaries to conduct business differently. Moreover, there is considerable uncertainty as to when a foreign corporation is engaged in a trade or business within the United States and as to what constitutes a permanent establishment under the applicable tax treaties.

Based on such uncertainty, there can be no assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, will not contend successfully that one or more of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is engaged in a trade or business (or carrying on business through a permanent establishment) in the United States. If one or more of the non-U.S. subsidiaries were treated as engaged in a trade or business (or carrying on business through a permanent establishment) in the United States, then such non-U.S. subsidiaries could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on the portion of their net income treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business (or their business profits attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment), as well as the U.S. branch profits tax. Any such U.S. federal income taxation could result in substantial tax liabilities and consequently could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Changes in U.S. tax law might adversely affect us or our shareholders.

The tax treatment of our company and its subsidiaries may be the subject of future U.S. tax legislation. We cannot predict whether any particular proposed legislation will be enacted or, if enacted, what the specific provisions or the effective date of any such legislation would be, or whether it would have any effect on our company or its subsidiaries. No assurance can be provided that future legislative, administrative, or judicial developments will not result in an increase in the amount of U.S. tax payable by our company, its subsidiaries, or shareholders. Any such developments could have a material and adverse effect on shareholders or our business, financial condition, and operating results.

If our company is classified as a passive foreign investment company, U.S. persons who own class A exchangeable shares could be subject to adverse U.S federal income tax consequences.

If our company is classified as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which we refer to as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder (as defined below) who owns class A exchangeable shares could be subject to adverse tax consequences, including a greater tax liability than might otherwise apply, an interest charge on certain taxes deemed deferred as a result of our company’s non-U.S. status, and additional U.S. tax filing obligations, regardless of the number of class A exchangeable shares owned.

In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC during a taxable year if (i) 75% or more of its gross income constitutes passive income or (ii) 50% or more of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For these purposes, passive income generally includes interest, dividends, and other investment income. However, under an “active insurance” exception, income is not treated as passive if it is derived in the “active conduct” of an insurance business by a “qualifying insurance corporation”. The IRS recently issued final and proposed regulations providing guidance on various aspects of the PFIC rules, including the active insurance exception. The proposed regulations will not be effective unless and until they are adopted in final form, although taxpayers generally may rely on the proposed regulations before adoption, provided the proposed regulations are applied consistently.

Although we continue to evaluate the implications of the final and proposed regulations for our classification under the PFIC rules, based on the current and expected income, assets, and activities of our company, we do not expect our company to be classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or for the foreseeable future. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the application of the recently issued final and proposed regulations. The IRS has requested comments on several aspects of the proposed regulations

 

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governing the active conduct of an insurance business, and it is uncertain when the proposed regulations will be made final and whether the provisions of any final or temporary regulations will vary from the proposed regulations. Moreover, the PFIC determination is made annually at the end of each taxable year and depends on a number of factors, some of which are beyond our company’s control, including the value of our company’s assets and the amount and type of its income. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our company or any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries will not be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year or that the IRS will agree with our company’s belief regarding its PFIC status. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of the PFIC rules, including the recently issued final and proposed regulations, with respect to their ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares.

If any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is determined to have related person insurance income, U.S. persons who own class A exchangeable shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on their pro rata share of such income.

If, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as recognizing “related person insurance income” in a taxable year, which we refer to as RPII, and is also treated for such purposes in such taxable year as a “controlled foreign corporation”, which we refer to as an RPII CFC, then each U.S. person that owns class A exchangeable shares directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities as of the last day in such taxable year generally must include in gross income its pro rata share of the RPII, determined as if the RPII were distributed proportionately only to all such U.S. persons, regardless of whether that income is distributed (with certain adjustments).

RPII generally is any income of a non-U.S. corporation attributable to insuring or reinsuring risks of a U.S. person that owns (or is treated as owning) stock of such non-U.S. corporation, or risks of a person that is treated as related to such U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, the RPII rules do not apply to income derived from a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary if (i) direct and indirect insureds and persons related to such insureds, whether or not U.S. persons, are treated as owning (directly or indirectly through entities) less than 20% of the voting power and less than 20% of the value of the shares of such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary or (ii) RPII, determined on a gross basis, is less than 20% of the gross insurance income of such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary for the taxable year. Although our company owns interests in non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, we do not expect any of these non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries to knowingly have entered into reinsurance arrangements where the ultimate risk insured is that of a U.S. person (or a person related to such a U.S. person) that holds class A exchangeable shares. Accordingly, our company generally believes each of these non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries operates in such a manner as to qualify for at least one of the foregoing exceptions to the RPII rules. If an exception applies, U.S. Holders would not be treated as earning RPII. However, because the RPII determination is made annually and depends on a number of factors, some of which are beyond the control of our company and its non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, there can be no assurance that the above RPII rules will not apply or that the IRS will agree with our company’s conclusions regarding the expected application of the RPII rules.

U.S. persons who sell or otherwise dispose of class A exchangeable shares in a taxable transaction may be required to treat gain as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes and comply with certain reporting requirements.

In general, if a U.S. person sells or taxably disposes of shares of a non-U.S. corporation that would be taxed under the provisions of the Code applicable to U.S. insurance companies if it were a U.S. corporation, and the non-U.S. corporation is (or would be but for certain exceptions) treated as an RPII CFC, then any gain realized on the disposition may be recharacterized as a dividend to the extent of the U.S. person’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated during the period that the U.S. person owned the shares (possibly whether or not those earnings and profits are attributable to RPII). In addition, the shareholder might be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, regardless of the number of shares owned.

 

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Our company does not directly engage in an insurance or reinsurance business, but it has non-U.S. subsidiaries that do so. Based on the absence of legal authority, there is a strong argument that gain realized upon the disposition of class A exchangeable shares should not be recharacterized as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes under this special rule, because our company is not directly engaged in the insurance business. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully assert this tax treatment applies in such circumstances and thus may apply to a U.S. Holder who recognizes taxable gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of class A exchangeable shares. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares.

U.S. tax-exempt organizations that own class A exchangeable shares may recognize unrelated business taxable income.

A U.S. tax-exempt organization that directly or indirectly owns class A exchangeable shares generally will recognize unrelated business taxable income and be subject to additional U.S. tax filing obligations to the extent such tax-exempt organization is required to take into account any of our RPII pursuant to the rules described above. U.S. tax-exempt organizations are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the risk of recognizing unrelated business taxable income as a result of the ownership of class A exchangeable shares.

We may become subject to U.S. withholding tax under FATCA.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, which we refer to as FATCA, impose a 30% withholding tax on “withholdable payments” made to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity”, unless such financial institution or entity satisfies certain information reporting or other requirements. Withholdable payments include certain U.S.-source income, such as interest, dividends, and other passive income. We intend to comply with FATCA, so as to ensure that the 30% withholding tax does not apply to any withholdable payments received by our company or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, no assurance can be provided in this regard. We may become subject to withholding tax or penalties if we are unable to comply with FATCA.

There is U.S. income tax risk associated with reinsurance between U.S. insurance companies and their non-U.S. affiliates.

If a reinsurance agreement is entered into among related parties, the IRS is permitted to reallocate or recharacterize income, deductions, or certain other items, and to make any other adjustment, to reflect the proper amount, source, or character of the taxable income of each of the parties. If the IRS were to successfully challenge our reinsurance arrangements, then our business, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected.

The treatment of the class A exchangeable shares for U.S. federal income tax consequences is uncertain.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend and of the ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares will depend, in part, on whether the class A exchangeable shares are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, treated as stock of our company. No authority directly addresses the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a security with terms similar to the class A exchangeable shares, and therefore the tax treatment of the class A exchangeable shares is uncertain. We will treat the class A exchangeable shares as stock of our company for all U.S. federal income tax purposes, but alternative characterizations are possible. For example, the IRS or a court might characterize the class A exchangeable shares as Brookfield Class A Shares. Alternatively, the IRS or a court might characterize the class A exchangeable shares and related rights as a derivative financial instrument, with complex and uncertain tax consequences that could be materially different from the consequences described in this prospectus. No assurance can be provided that the IRS or a court will agree with our position that the class A exchangeable shares constitute stock of our company, and the U.S.

 

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federal income tax consequences of an alternative characterization of the class A exchangeable shares could be materially adverse to U.S. Holders. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax adviser regarding the proper treatment of the class A exchangeable shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The exchange of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to the exercise of the exchange right generally will result in the U.S. federal income taxation of any gain realized by a U.S. Holder.

In general, a U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain or loss upon the exchange of class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to the exercise of the exchange right equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the exchange and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class A exchangeable shares. The amount realized will equal the amount of cash, if any, plus the fair market value of the Brookfield Class A Shares received upon exercise of the exchange right.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This prospectus contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to our company and Brookfield’s outlook and anticipated events or results and may include information regarding the financial position, business strategy, growth strategy, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividends, distributions, plans and objectives of our company. Particularly, information regarding future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities of our company, Brookfield or the Canadian, U.S. or international markets is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

Discussions containing forward-looking information may be found, among other places, under “Risk Factors”, “Capitalization”, “Our Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, which are discussed in greater detail in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus, could cause our actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements:

 

   

risks relating to the intended structural equivalence of our class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Class A Shares

 

   

risks relating to our lack of separate operating history and the completion of our growth initiatives

 

   

risks relating to our ability to identify opportunities for growth or our ability to complete transactions as planned or realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions or other investments

 

   

risks relating to our company being a holding company

 

   

risks related to our company’s status as a “SEC foreign issuer” under Canadian securities regulations and a “foreign private issuer” and “emerging growth company” under U.S. securities laws

 

   

risks relating to the possibility of our company becoming an investment company under U.S. securities laws

 

   

risks relating to our ability to maintain effective internal controls and changes in IFRS accounting standards

 

   

risks relating to exchanges of our class A exchangeable shares, or upon a liquidation or redemption event, including any effect thereof on the market price of our class A exchangeable shares

 

   

risks relating to the terms and ownership of our share capital and our agreements with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to the trading price of our class A exchangeable shares relative to Brookfield Class A Shares

 

   

risks relating to the liquidity and de-listing of our class A exchangeable shares

 

   

risks relating to the market price volatility of our class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares

 

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risks relating to additional issuances of class A exchangeable shares and/or Brookfield Class A Shares, or other securities that have rights and privileges that are more favorable than the rights and privileges afforded to our shareholders

 

   

risks relating to our ability to pay distributions equal to the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management

 

   

risks relating to foreign currency exchanges

 

   

risks relating to differing laws in effect in Canada and Bermuda, including service of process, enforcement of judgments, and exclusive forum selection for certain litigation against us

 

   

risks relating to our equity interest in AEL Holdings

 

   

risks relating to our reinsurance arrangements, including with AEL

 

   

risks relating to our assumptions and estimates when assessing reinsurance and insurance risks

 

   

risks relating to our growth strategy, including realizing the anticipated financial benefits from reinsurance transactions

 

   

risks relating to general market conditions in the reinsurance industry (including negative publicity related thereto) and concentration risks in our investment portfolio

 

   

risks relating to our investment strategy

 

   

risks relating to changes in interest rates and credit spreads

 

   

risks relating to the valuation of our securities and investments

 

   

risks relating to the illiquidity of our company’s assets

 

   

risks to relating to a rating downgrade or the absence of a rating of any of our operating subsidiaries

 

   

risks relating to the conduct of our counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements or to the derivatives we use to hedge our business risks

 

   

risks relating to the competition and consolidation in the reinsurance and insurance industries

 

   

risks relating to use of technology and cybersecurity attacks, including the failure to protect the confidentiality of information

 

   

risks relating to our current and future indebtedness

 

   

risks relating to general economic, political and market conditions, including changes in government policy and legislation

 

   

risks relating to our capital requirements

 

   

risks relating to loss resulting from fraud, bribery, corruption other illegal acts, inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, or from external events

 

   

risks relating to public health crises, illness, epidemics or pandemics

 

   

risks relating to becoming involved in disputes and possible litigation

 

   

risks relating to the highly regulated nature of our business and any future regulatory changes thereto

 

   

risks relating to applicable capital ratios/calculations of our insurance subsidiaries

 

   

risks relating to changes in regulatory requirements

 

   

risks relating to potential government intervention in the insurance industry and instability in the marketplace for insurance products

 

   

risks relating to economic substance legislation enacted in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands

 

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risks relating to our company’s and/or our subsidiaries’ ability to receive and maintain licenses to commence or continue reinsurance operations

 

   

risks relating to obtaining required work permits for employees in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands

 

   

risks relating to senior executives of Brookfield Asset Management exercising influence over our company

 

   

risks relating to our dependence on Brookfield and its personnel under our arrangements with Brookfield, including the Administration Agreement and the Investment Management Agreements

 

   

risks relating to our arrangements with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to our ability to terminate our agreements entered into with Brookfield

 

   

risks relating to our ability to leverage our relationship with Brookfield to access its investment management and asset allocation capabilities

 

   

risks relating to our organizational, ownership and operational management structure potentially creating conflicts of interest

 

   

risks relating to Bermuda, Canadian and United States taxation laws

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on opinions, assumptions and estimates made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

 

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THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

Background to and Purpose of the Special Dividend

Our company was established by Brookfield Asset Management to own and operate a leading reinsurance and insurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders. Prior to the special dividend, we will acquire our operating subsidiaries that we do not already own and 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings from Brookfield Asset Management. Following completion of the special dividend, through these operating subsidiaries, our business will provide pension risk transfer and other annuity-based reinsurance products, matching long-duration liabilities with a portfolio of high-quality investments in order to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns within our business. Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share. We therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management.

Creating our company and distributing the class A exchangeable shares, which will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events), is intended to achieve the following objectives:

 

   

Establish a publicly-traded company to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders.

 

   

Provide investors with the flexibility to own, through the ownership of a class A exchangeable share, the economic equivalent of a Brookfield Class A Share because of the right to exchange each class A exchangeable share into a Brookfield Class A Share or its cash equivalent, and the expectation that distributions on class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount per share as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares.

 

   

Provide Canadian and U.S. investors with the opportunity to receive returns of capital instead of taxable dividends, which we believe will attract new investors who will benefit from investing in our business, and provide non-Canadian investors with the ability to receive distributions without the imposition of withholding tax, which we believe will attract new investors who will benefit from investing in our business.

 

   

Provide access to new capital pools through the formation of a new publicly-traded company and the creation of a new reinsurance platform.

Transactions Occurring Prior to the Special Dividend

The following is a summary of the steps expected to occur prior to, and in connection with, the special dividend.

 

TIMING    TRANSACTION

Prior to completion of the special dividend

  

•  Brookfield will sell its 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings to NER SPC along with the right to acquire the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings, for a total equity investment of up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) in AEL Holdings. For more information, see “— AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement” below.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will fund the purchase price of approximately $287 million for the 9,106,042 AEL Holdings common shares in exchange for the issuance of approximately 6.2 million class C shares. The purchase will ultimately be paid by NER SPC to Burgundy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management and the current holder of the AEL Holdings common shares.

 

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TIMING    TRANSACTION

After the record date and          days prior to the special dividend

  

•  Our company’s share capital will be amended such that it is authorized to issue the share classes as described in “Description of Our Share Capital”, including the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and class C shares.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will exchange the 100 common shares of the company issued to it on incorporation for 22 class A exchangeable shares.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will transfer all the shares of BAH to BAM Re Holdings, a subsidiary of our company, for consideration of approximately $112 million. The $112 million will be funded by Brookfield Asset Management by way of a loan to our company that is convertible into class C shares at the option of the holder. Our company will use the $112 million to subscribe for equity of BAM Re Holdings, which cash BAM Re Holdings will use to pay the consideration for the transfer of BAH. Brookfield Asset Management will subsequently convert the loan into approximately 2.2 million class C shares.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will subscribe for the amount of class A exchangeable shares to be distributed to holders of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the Brookfield Class B Shares in the special dividend for $500 million in cash. Brookfield Asset Management will also provide the company with $25 million in cash for working capital in exchange for approximately 542,000 class C shares. The $525 million in cash received from Brookfield Asset Management will primarily be used to fund our reinsurance business.

 

•  BAM Re Class B Partners, through a voting trust, will subscribe for 24,000 class B shares for approximately $1.1 million.

 

•  Brookfield Asset Management will fund the purchase price of approximately $366 million for the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings in exchange for the issuance of class C shares.

 

Immediately following completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will not own any class A exchangeable shares or any other voting interests in our company.

 

The fair market value of the businesses to be transferred by Brookfield Asset Management, and the common shares of AEL Holdings, will be determined by Brookfield management using commonly accepted valuation methodologies.

After closing of the special dividend, NER SPC will acquire the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings, funded by Brookfield Asset Management noted above.

Mechanics of the Special Dividend

Pursuant to the special dividend, holders of Brookfield Class A Shares as of the record date will be entitled to receive one (1) class A exchangeable share for every 145 Brookfield Class A Shares held as of the record date, provided that the special dividend will be subject to any applicable withholding tax and no holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interest in the class A exchangeable shares. Each class A exchangeable share

 

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will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events). Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to adjustment to reflect certain capital events — see “Description of Our Share Capital — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder”. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. However, factors that Brookfield Asset Management may consider when determining whether to satisfy any exchange request for cash rather than Brookfield Class A Shares include, without limitation, compliance with applicable securities laws, changes in law, Brookfield Asset Management’s available consolidated liquidity, and any tax consequences to Brookfield Asset Management or to a holder as a result of delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares.

Based on approximately 1.58 billion Brookfield Class A Shares that we expect to be outstanding on the record date for the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management intends to make a special dividend of approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares of our company to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares as of the record date. An additional approximate 1.1 million class A exchangeable shares will be distributed to holders of the Brookfield Class B Shares.

Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares as of the record date will not be required to take any action in connection with the special dividend, and no vote of the holders of Brookfield Class A Shares will be required to approve the special dividend. You are not required to pay for the class A exchangeable shares that you will receive upon the special dividend or tender or surrender your Brookfield Class A Shares or take any other action in connection with the special dividend. If a holder owns Brookfield Class A Shares as of the close of business on the record date, a book-entry account statement reflecting the holder’s ownership of the class A exchangeable shares will be mailed to the holder, or the holder’s brokerage account will be credited for the class A exchangeable shares, on the dividend date. The number of Brookfield Class A Shares that a holder owns will not change as a result of the special dividend.

Participants in Brookfield Asset Management’s distribution reinvestment plan will automatically receive the special dividend of class A exchangeable shares on the same basis as other holders of Brookfield Class A Shares, provided they continue to own such Brookfield Class A Shares on the record date. However, participants should be aware that we do not currently anticipate establishing a similar dividend reinvestment plan for our company, and future distributions paid on class A exchangeable shares will be paid in cash and not reinvested.

The number of Brookfield Class A Shares that you own will not change as a result of the special dividend. The dividend policy of Brookfield Asset Management, and the current quarterly dividend, will be unchanged as a result of the special dividend and following completion of the special dividend, the dividend for each Brookfield Class A Share will be the same as it would have been if the special dividend had not been made. However, if you retain the class A exchangeable shares you receive in the special dividend, you will also receive distributions each quarter paid on the class A exchangeable shares.

The Brookfield Class A Shares will continue to be traded on the NYSE under the symbol “BAM” and on the TSX under the symbol “BAM.A”.

No holder will be entitled to receive any fractional interests in the class A exchangeable shares. Holders who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional class A exchangeable share will receive a cash payment. Brookfield Asset Management will use the volume-weighted average of the trading price of the class A exchangeable shares for the five (5) trading days immediately following the dividend date to determine the value of the class A exchangeable shares for the purpose of calculating the cash payable in lieu of any fractional interests.

 

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Trading of Class A Exchangeable Shares

There is currently no public trading market for our class A exchangeable shares. We have applied to list our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE and the TSX, under the symbol “BAMR”. The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the NYSE. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the TSX is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the TSX on or before June 30, 2021, including distribution of the class A exchangeable shares to a minimum number of public shareholders. We expect that trading of our class A exchangeable shares will commence on the first trading day following the special dividend. We do not plan to have a “when-issued” market for our class A exchangeable shares prior to the special dividend.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Neither our company nor Brookfield Asset Management will receive any proceeds from the transactions described in this prospectus.

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

The payment of distributions on our company’s class A exchangeable shares are at the discretion of our board and may be in the form of a dividend or a return of capital distribution or a combination. We currently intend to pay quarterly distributions at least a portion of which are expected to be in the form of a return of capital distribution. Any return of capital distributions require shareholder approval, which we intend to seek annually. Distributions on the class A exchangeable shares are expected to be made quarterly, at the end of March, June, September and December of each year. Each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and, following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as cash dividends are paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares to provide holders of our class A exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. Accordingly, like Brookfield Asset Management, we expect to commence paying distributions on our class A exchangeable shares on September 30, 2021.

Our company is unlikely to be able to pay quarterly distributions from operating cash flow for some time. Our company will receive $25 million for working capital from Brookfield prior to the dividend date. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will provide our company with the Equity Commitment in the amount of $2 billion to fund future growth, which we may draw on from time to time, and a revolving credit facility in the amount of $200 million for working capital purposes. Our company may also establish credit facilities with one or more financial institutions on an arm’s length basis. We intend to use the liquidity provided by Brookfield prior to the dividend date, the Equity Commitment and any credit facilities (including under the Credit Agreement) for working capital purposes and to fund distributions, and we may use the proceeds from the Equity Commitment to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions.

The holder of our class C shares will be entitled to receive distributions if, as and when declared or authorized. Our board has adopted a policy that class C share distributions will be paid quarterly in an amount equal to our company’s distributable earnings (as determined by management of our company) after payment of distributions on the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and any other shares ranking senior to the class C shares and after reasonable provision for any other applicable obligations and commitments.

See “Brookfield Asset Management — Dividend Policy and Dividend History” for further information on Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend policy and Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend history. Future dividends by Brookfield Asset Management will be at the discretion of its board of directors, and distributions on the class A exchangeable shares also will be made at the discretion of our board, and while Brookfield Asset Management expects future dividends to be made in accordance with its dividend policy, there can be no assurance that Brookfield Asset Management or our company will make comparable distributions in the future or at all. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares — Our company cannot assure you that it will be able to pay distributions equal to the levels currently paid by Brookfield Asset Management and holders of class A exchangeable shares may not receive distributions equal to the dividends paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares and, accordingly, may not receive the intended economic equivalence of those securities”.

 

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LISTING OF OUR CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SHARES AND THE BROOKFIELD CLASS A SHARES

We have applied to list our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol “BAMR”. We expect that trading of our class A exchangeable shares will commence on the first trading day following the special dividend. We do not plan to have a “when-issued” market for our class A exchangeable shares prior to the special dividend. The NYSE has conditionally authorized our company to list on the NYSE and the TSX has conditionally approved the listing of our class A exchangeable shares. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the NYSE is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the NYSE. The listing of our class A exchangeable shares on the TSX is subject to our company fulfilling all of the requirements of the TSX on or before June 30, 2021, including distribution of the class A exchangeable shares to a minimum number of public shareholders.

The Brookfield Class A Shares are listed for trading under the symbol “BAM.A” on the TSX and “BAM” on the NYSE.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

Capitalization of Our Company

The following table sets forth our cash and capitalization as at March 31, 2021 on an actual basis and on a pro forma basis to give effect to the special dividend and the Transactions as though they had occurred on March 31, 2021.

This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, the “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of BAH as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, with the accompanying notes thereto, contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

US$ THOUSANDS              
As at March 31, 2021    Actual(1)      Pro forma  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 80,061      $ 607,927  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Insurance contract liabilities

     1,263,809        1,263,809  

Other liabilities

     18,791        27,859  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    
1,282,600
 
     1,291,668  

Equity

     

Class A exchangeable shares and class B shares(2)

     —          502,866  

Other common equity(3)

     111,866        781,027  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     111,866        1,283,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 1,394,466      $ 2,575,561  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Our company was formed on December 10, 2020. Our capitalization as at March 31, 2021 is based on the financial results of BAH as at March 31, 2021, which is our predecessor.

(2)

Brookfield Asset Management will subscribe for approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares for approximately $500 million in cash, which will be used to support our reinsurance business, including to support our risk-based capital requirements in support of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty. On the dividend date, Brookfield Asset Management will distribute all of these class A exchangeable shares to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares and Brookfield Class B Shares.

(3)

Subject to regulatory approval, Brookfield Asset Management will transfer all the shares of BAH to BAM Re Holdings, a subsidiary of our company, in exchange for class C shares. This transfer will be recorded based on Brookfield Asset Management’s book value on the date of contribution, as the transfer of these assets to our company is a transaction between entities under common control. In exchange for approximately 14 million class C shares, Brookfield Asset Management will also fund the full purchase price for NER SPC’s acquisition of approximately 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings at fair market value in addition to funding the full purchase price for NER SPC’s acquisition of additional common shares of AEL Holdings representing (after taking into account NER SPC’s acquisition of the approximate 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings currently held by Burgundy) up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will subscribe for additional class C shares for $25 million in cash for working capital.

 

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Capitalization of Brookfield Asset Management

The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of Brookfield Asset Management as at March 31, 2021 on an actual basis and on a pro forma basis to give effect to (i) the special dividend, (ii) the issuance of 2.724% notes due April 15, 2031 by Brookfield Finance Inc., a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management and (iii) the redemption in May 2021 of C$600 million principal amount of 4.54% notes due March 31, 2023 issued by Brookfield Asset Management. This information below should be read together with the detailed information and financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

US$ MILLIONS

As at March 31, 2021

   Actual      Pro forma  

Corporate borrowings

   $ 9,102      $ 9,124  

Non-recourse borrowings of managed entities

     

Property-specific borrowings

     130,043        130,043  

Subsidiary borrowings

     9,444        9,444  

Accounts payable and other

     48,862        48,862  

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale

     2,728        2,728  

Deferred income tax liabilities

     15,263        15,263  

Subsidiary equity obligations

     3,647        3,647  

Equity

     

Non-controlling interests

     88,836        88,836  

Preferred equity

     4,145        4,145  

Common equity

     32,953        32,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 345,023      $ 344,542  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

PRIOR SALES

On December 11, 2020, our company issued one hundred common shares to Brookfield Asset Management for aggregate consideration of $100 and received a further capital contribution of $900.

 

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CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Our company was formed under the Bermuda Act on December 10, 2020. Our company’s registered and head office is located at 73 Front Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda. It is currently anticipated that immediately following the special dividend, (i) shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of the issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares of our company, (ii) the BAM Re Class B Partners will own all of our issued and outstanding class B shares and (iii) Brookfield Asset Management will own all of our issued and outstanding class C shares. Brookfield Asset Management will not hold any voting interest in our company. See “Security Ownership”.

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company was an indirect subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management. The following diagram provides an illustration of the simplified corporate structure of our company immediately prior to completion of the special dividend and the related reorganization.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1 —

Jurisdiction of formation is the Province of Ontario, Canada. All entities depicted are 100% owned directly or indirectly by Brookfield Asset Management.

2 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Bermuda.

3 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Cayman Islands. NER SPC is expected to hold up to a 19.9% equity interest in AEL Holdings. See “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

4 —

Jurisdiction of formation is Canada.

 

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The following diagram provides an illustration of the simplified corporate structure of our company and its principal subsidiaries immediately after completion of the special dividend.

 

 

LOGO

 

1

— Jurisdiction of formation is the Province of Ontario, Canada. Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of our class C shares, giving it the residual economic interest in our company. Immediately upon completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will not own any of our class A exchangeable shares and will have no voting interest in our company.

2

— Jurisdiction of formation is Bermuda. All subsidiaries of our company are 100% owned directly or indirectly by our company.

3

— Jurisdiction of formation is Cayman Islands. NER SPC is expected to hold up to a 19.9% equity interest in AEL Holdings. See “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

4

— Holders of our class B shares, all of which are held through a voting trust, are entitled to elect half of our board and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. Immediately upon completion of the special dividend, individuals who are the BAM Re Class B Partners will also own, in the aggregate (but not as a group), approximately 10.3% of our class A exchangeable shares. The voting trust will not own any class A exchangeable shares. See “Security Ownership”.

5

— Jurisdiction of formation is Canada.

6

— Immediately following completion of the special dividend, the aggregate economic interest represented by our class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and class C shares is expected to be approximately $501.8 million,

 

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$1.1 million and $781.1 million, respectively. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”. Subject to applicable law and in addition to any other required shareholder approvals, all matters to be approved by shareholders of our company (other than the election of directors), must be approved by both: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution and (ii) majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution. Consequently, all matters requiring shareholder approval must be approved by the holder of the class B shares, whom immediately after the completion of the special dividend will be the BAM Re Class B Partners. In addition, the holders of the class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board and the holders of the class B shares will be entitled to elect one-half of our board. The class C shares are non-voting, will have certain consent rights and will have the residual economic interest in the company. See “Description of our Share Capital”.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our company is a newly formed company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda created for the purpose of consolidating our predecessor entities (defined below) and facilitating the special dividend by Brookfield Asset Management of our class A exchangeable shares. These unaudited consolidated pro forma financial statements of our company, or the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements, have been prepared in connection with the special dividend.

As part of the special dividend, it is anticipated that our wholly-owned subsidiary, BAM Re Holdings Ltd., will acquire Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc., which we refer to as BAH, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brookfield Annuity and NER SPC, through a series of transactions, which we refer to as the Transactions. Our company, Brookfield Annuity and BAH are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management and therefore the Transactions are common control transactions recorded at historical carrying values. BAH is our predecessor for financial reporting purposes.

In addition, we have entered into an agreement with Brookfield Asset Management pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, Burgundy, a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, is expected to sell approximately 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings, which were acquired in November 2020, to NER SPC at fair market value and we have been assigned the right to acquire additional common shares of AEL Holdings representing (after taking into account our acquisition of the approximate 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings currently held by Burgundy) up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares.

Further, we expect to enter into several agreements with Brookfield Asset Management in connection with the special dividend, among which include (1) a Credit Agreement with Brookfield Asset Management that will provide our company a $200 million revolving credit facility from Brookfield Asset Management, (2) an Administration Agreement whereby we will receive certain administrative services, and (3) a Support Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree to support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares by agreeing to, among other things, take all actions reasonably necessary to enable our company to pay quarterly distributions, the liquidation amount or the amount payable on a redemption of class A exchangeable shares, as the case may be.

These Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements reflect the following:

 

   

The transfer of Brookfield Asset Management’s interest in BAH, to our company, in exchange for class C shares of our company;

 

   

The issuance of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares of our company, for cash consideration;

 

   

The issuance of class C shares of our company to Brookfield Asset Management for cash consideration;

 

   

The related party loan;

 

   

The acquisition of a 19.9% interest in AEL Holdings; and

 

   

Additional autonomous adjustments including the Administration Agreement, Credit Agreement and Support Agreement.

The adjustments in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements that are related to the Transactions are referred to as Transaction Accounting Adjustments. The adjustments and disclosures in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements that adjust the predecessor financial results to reflect the agreements discussed above and entered into with Brookfield Asset Management are referred to as Autonomous Entity Adjustments included within the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements.

 

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It is currently anticipated that immediately following the special dividend, (i) holders of Brookfield Class A Shares and Brookfield Class B Shares will hold all of the issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares of our company, (ii) the BAM Re Class B Partners will own all of our issued and outstanding class B shares, and (iii) Brookfield Asset Management will, indirectly, own all of our issued and outstanding class C shares.

The information in the Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Statements of Operating Results gives effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2020. The information in the Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Statement of Financial Position gives effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on March 31, 2021. All financial data in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements is presented in U.S. dollars and has been prepared using accounting policies that are consistent with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements have been derived by the application of pro forma adjustments to the audited financial statements of our company, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of our company, the historical audited consolidated financial statements of BAH and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of BAH included elsewhere in this prospectus, to give effect to the Transactions.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements are based on preliminary estimates, accounting judgments and currently available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements provide a detailed discussion of how such adjustments were derived and presented in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements. The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with ‘‘Capitalization”, “Selected Historical Financial Information”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of BAH as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the audited financial statements of BAH as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of our company as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, the audited financial statements of our company as at December 31, 2020, and the accompanying notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of our financial position or results of operations had the Transactions for which we are giving pro forma effect occurred on the dates or for the periods indicated, nor is such pro forma financial information necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. A number of factors may affect our results.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED

PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

                Transaction accounting adjustments     Autonomous
entity
adjustments
             

AS OF MAR. 31, 2021

US$ THOUSANDS

  BAM
Re
    BAH     Class C
shares
    Class A
and B
shares
    AEL
Holdings
common
equity
    Related
party
loan
    Other     Total pro
forma
adjustments
    Pro forma  
                (1)     (2)     (3)     (4)     (5)              

Assets

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1   $ 80,061     $ 653,229     $ 502,865   $ (653,229   $ 25,000   $ —     $ 527,865   $ 607,927  

Investments

    —         1,090,077       —         —         —         —         —         —         1,090,077  

Accrued investment income

    —         10,881       —         —         —         —         —         —         10,881  

Reinsurance assets

    —         177,949       —         —         —         —         —         —         177,949  

Reinsurance receivable

    —         2,310       —         —         —         —         —         —         2,310  

Equity accounted investments

    —         —             653,229         —         653,229     653,229  

Other assets

    —         33,188       —         —         —         —         —         —         33,188  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 1   $ 1,394,466     $ 653,229     $ 502,865   $ —       $ 25,000   $ —     $ 1,181,094   $ 2,575,561  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

                 

Insurance contract liabilities

  $ —     $ 1,263,809     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 1,263,809  

Due to related party

    68       50       —         —         —         —         —         —         118  

Reinsurance payable

    —         423       —         —         —         —         —         —         423  

Derivative liabilities

    —         2,073       —         —         —         —         —         —         2,073  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    —         4,499       —         —         —         —         9,000     9,000     13,499  

Funds withheld liabilities

    —         11,746       —         —         —         —         —         —         11,746  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  $ 68   $ 1,282,600     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 9,000   $ 9,000   $ 1,291,668  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

                 

Share capital

                 

BAH

  $ —     $ 102,634     $ (102,634   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —       (102,634   $ —  

Class A

    1       —         —         501,758     —         —         —         501,758       501,759

Class B

    —         —         —         1,107       —         —         —         1,107       1,107  

Class C

    —       —         765,095       —         —         25,000     (9,000     781,095       781,095

Contributed surplus

      199       (199             (199     —    

Accumulated surplus (deficit)

    (68     4,549       (4,549     —         —         —         —         (4,549     (68

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    —         4,484       (4,484     —         —         —         —         (4,484 )       —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity (deficit)

    (67 )     111,866       653,229       502,865       —         25,000     (9,000     1,172,094       1,283,893  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 1   $ 1,394,466     $ 653,229     $ 502,865   $ —     $ 25,000   $ —     $ 1,181,094     $ 2,575,561
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the pro forma financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED

PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED MAR. 31, 2021

US$ THOUSANDS

(EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

              Transaction accounting adjustments     Autonomous
entity
adjustments
             
  BAM
Re
    BAH     Class
C
shares
    Class
A and
B
shares
    AEL
Holdings
common
equity
    Related
party
loan
    Other     Total pro
forma
adjustments
    Pro
forma
 
                (1)     (2)     (3)     (4)     (5)              

Premiums

                 

Gross

  $ —       $ 2,739     $ —     $ —       $ —       $ —     $ —       $ —       $ 2,739  

Ceded

    —         (181     —       —         —         —       —         —         (181
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums

    —         2,558       —       —         —         —       —         —         2,558  

Net investment income (loss)

    —         (63,268     —       —         —         136     —         136       (63,132

Net investment results from funds withheld

    —         390       —       —         —         —       —         —         390  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    —         (60,320     —       —         —         136     —         136       (60,184
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity accounted income

    —         —         —       —         54,081       —       —         54,081       54,081  

Benefit paid on insurance contracts

                 

Gross

    —         17,088       —       —         —         —       —         —         17,088  

Ceded

    —         (6,314     —       —         —         —       —         —         (6,314

Change in insurance contract liabilities

                 

Gross

    —         (92,652     —       —         —         —       —         —         (92,652

Ceded

    —         14,675       —       —         —         —       —         —         14,675  

Operating expenses

    —         2,933       —       —         —         —       500       500       3,433  

Interest expense

    —         21       —       —         —         —       —         —         21  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

    —         (64,249     —       —         —         —       500       500       (63,749
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

    —         3,929       —       —         54,081       136     (500     53,717       57,646  

Income tax (expense) recovery

    —         (1,026     —       —         (13,520     (34     125       (13,429     (14,455
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the period

  $ —       $ 2,903     $ —     $ —       $ 40,561     $ 102   $ (375   $ 40,288     $ 43,191  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share (6)

                  $ 2.47  
                 

 

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the pro forma financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED

PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

                Transaction accounting adjustments     Autonomous
entity
adjustments
             

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2020

US$ THOUSANDS

(EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

  BAM
Re
    BAH     Class C
shares
    Class A
and B
shares
    AEL
Holdings
common
equity
    Related
party
loan
    Other     Total pro
forma
adjustments
    Pro forma  
                (1)     (2)     (3)     (4)     (5)              

Premiums

                 

Gross

  $ —       $ 431,070   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 431,070

Ceded

    —         (634     —         —         —         —         —         —         (634
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums

    —         430,436     —         —         —         —         —         —         430,436

Net investment income (loss)

    —         83,918     —         —         —         538     —         538     84,456

Net investment results from funds withheld

      (117               —         (117
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    —         514,237     —         —         —         538     —         538     514,775
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity accounted income

    —         —         —         —         126,951       —         —         126,951       126,951  

Benefit paid on insurance contracts

                 

Gross

    —         63,349     —         —         —         —         —         —         63,349

Ceded

    —         (24,569     —         —         —         —         —         —         (24,569

Change in insurance contract liabilities

                 

Gross

    —         457,114     —         —         —         —         —         —         457,114

Ceded

    —         10,496       —         —         —         —         —         —         10,496  

Operating expenses

    —         5,605     —         —         —         —         2,000     2,000     7,605

Interest expense

    —         93     —         —         —         —         —         —         93
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

    —         512,088     —         —         —         —         2,000     2,000     514,088
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

    —         2,149     —         —         126,951       538     (2,000     125,489       127,638

Income tax (expense) recovery

    —         (541     —         —         (31,738     (134     500     (31,372 )     (31,913 )
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the year

  $ —       $ 1,608   $ —       $ —       $ 95,213     $ 404   $ (1,500   $ 94,117     $ 95,725
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share (6)

                  $ 5.34  
                 

 

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the pro forma financial statements.

Pro Forma Adjustments

Our company was formed on December 10, 2020 pursuant to a contribution of one hundred dollars from Brookfield Asset Management and its related companies. At this time, Brookfield Asset Management provided a further capital contribution of nine hundred dollars. The pro forma financial statements are derived from the financial statements of BAH and the financial statements of our company, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Immediately after the Transactions, our company’s capital structure will be comprised of class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and class C shares. Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share multiplied by the exchange factor (which initially shall be one and will be subject to adjustment) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of the Brookfield Class A Shares as at the date of receipt of a notice of exchange, plus unpaid distributions, if any (the form of payment to be determined at Brookfield Asset Management’s election).

 

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(1) Class C shares

Brookfield Asset Management will contribute BAH to our company in exchange for class C shares. This contribution will be recorded based on Brookfield Asset Management’s book value on the date of contribution, as the transfer of these assets to our company is a transaction between entities under common control. In exchange for approximately 14 million class C shares, Brookfield Asset Management will also fund the full purchase price for NER SPC’s acquisition of approximately 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings at fair market value in addition to funding the full purchase price for NER SPC’s acquisition of additional common shares of AEL Holdings representing (after taking into account NER SPC’s acquisition of the approximate 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings currently held by Burgundy) up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares.

The pro forma adjustments record the issuance of approximately 2 million class C shares in exchange for net assets of BAH. Following the contribution of BAH, Brookfield Asset Management will subscribe for approximately an additional 542 thousand class C shares for $25 million, as referenced in note 4 below.

Class C shares are the most subordinated class of all common shares and represent residual equity interests in our company. Upon completion of the special dividend, BAH’s historical contributed surplus of $199 thousand, retained earnings of $4,549 thousand and accumulated other comprehensive income of $4,484 thousand will be attributed to this class of equity.

(2) Class A exchangeable shares and class B shares

Brookfield Asset Management will subscribe for approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares for approximately $500 million in cash. Upon spin-out, Brookfield Asset Management will distribute approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares to the Brookfield Asset Management shareholders who hold Brookfield Class A Shares and Brookfield Class B Shares, as a special dividend. Class A exchangeable shares will be classified as equity instruments.

Upon completion of the special dividend our company expects to have approximately 24 thousand class B shares outstanding, with a value of approximately $1 million. Class B shares will be classified as equity instruments.

(3) AEL Holdings common equity investment

We have entered into an agreement with Brookfield Asset Management pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, we expect to acquire approximately 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings from Burgundy, a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, at fair market value for $287.1 million. The initial purchase of shares would be accounted for as a financial asset measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. We have also been assigned the right, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to acquire additional common shares of AEL Holdings representing (after taking into account our acquisition of the approximate 9.1 million common shares of AEL Holdings currently held by Burgundy) up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares. Based on the issued and outstanding shares of AEL Holdings on the date hereof, if we exercise our right to acquire additional common shares of AEL Holdings in full, it is probable that we would acquire an additional 9.9 million common shares of AEL Holdings at $37 per share for $366.1 million, giving us a total equity interest in AEL Holdings of 19.9% for total consideration paid of $653.2 million. In addition, for so long as we beneficially own at least 9.0% of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares (without taking into account any reduction in our ownership interest resulting from share repurchases or new issuances of AEL common shares by AEL Holdings), we will be entitled to designate an individual for appointment to the board of directors of AEL Holdings. As a result, these pro forma financial statements reflect our interest in AEL Holdings as an equity accounted investment as at March 31, 2021, under IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, and includes our share of AEL Holdings net income based on pro forma common equity ownership of 19.9% as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2020. If our total equity interest in AEL Holdings is 15.0% (instead of 19.9% as currently

 

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expected), the carrying value of the equity accounted investment would be lower by $173 million as at March 31, 2021 and our equity accounted earnings would be lower by $13 million and $31 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. The difference between our share of the carrying value of AEL Holdings’ net assets and total consideration (represented by the fair value of the 9.9% investment plus the consideration paid for the additional 10% interest) represents notional goodwill. The historical financial statements of AEL Holdings were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our company does not believe that the differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP would have a material impact on the equity accounted income pro forma adjustment included within the Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Statement of Operating Results.

In addition to the expected equity investment in AEL Holdings, our company expects to enter into an arrangement with AEL to reinsure a block of existing fixed and/or fixed index annuity liabilities of AEL. It is expected that the reinsurance agreement will include both modified coinsurance and credit for reinsurance trust related to these fixed index annuities up to an initial $5 billion, however the final value of this contract remains subject to negotiations and therefore the impact thereof has not been reflected in these pro forma financial statements. The agreement to reinsure a block of existing fixed and/or fixed index annuity liabilities would not constitute a business under IFRS or applicable securities rules. Upon completion of the reinsurance transaction with AEL Holdings, we would expect to recognize up to $5 billion in modified coinsurance and credit for reinsurance trust assets and up to $5 billion of associated insurance contract liabilities. The impact of this transaction on operating results would be the recognition of gross premiums of up to $5 billion associated with the reinsurance agreement and net investment income associated with the modified coinsurance and credit for reinsurance trust assets managed with an offsetting change in insurance contract liabilities and ceding commission associated with the reinsurance agreement and benefits paid on insurance contracts associated with the insurance contract liabilities.

(4) Issuance of related party demand deposit loan to Brookfield Asset Management

Brookfield Asset Management will contribute a further $25 million in cash in exchange for additional class C shares of our company. Our company anticipates putting the cash on deposit with an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management. The deposit is callable at any time and bears interest at LIBOR +2% annually. We recorded the demand deposit receivable within cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the unaudited consolidated pro forma statement of financial position.

(5) Other pro forma adjustments

 

i.

Transaction fees

The pro forma adjustments include provisions for transaction fees associated with the special dividend and the Transactions. As the transaction costs were incurred subsequent to the periods presented in the pro forma statements, the transaction costs of $9 million are recorded in equity.

 

ii.

Administration Agreement and Credit Agreement

Administrative fees are based on the administrative services provided to our company on a cost recovery basis from Brookfield Asset Management under the Administration Agreement. It is expected the administrative services provided by Brookfield Asset Management under the Administration Agreement will cost $2 million annually, or $500 thousand quarterly. We expect that no amounts will be drawn under the Credit Agreement as of the date of the special dividend.

 

iii.

Tax impact

The adjustment to reflect the tax effects of the pro forma adjustments is calculated at the average statutory rates in effect in each relevant jurisdiction for the periods presented. The impact of the pro forma adjustments has the effect of increasing deductible temporary differences for which no deferred income tax recoveries have been recognized.

 

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(6) Earnings per share

Immediately after the transfer of BAH and the subscription by Brookfield Asset Management of our class B and class C shares, our company’s capital structure will be comprised of class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and class C shares. Upon completion of the special dividend, our company expects to have approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares, 24 thousand class B shares and approximately 16.9 million class C shares outstanding.

The payment of distributions on our company’s class A exchangeable shares and our class B shares are at the discretion of our board. Distributions on these shares are expected to be made quarterly, at the end of March, June, September and December of each year. The class A exchangeable shares and the class B shares have been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share. Each class A exchangeable share will be exchangeable with Brookfield Asset Management at the option of the holder for one Brookfield Class A Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described under “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder”. Following the special dividend it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares and class B shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends are paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares. Under the terms of the Support Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management will agree to support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares by agreeing to take all actions reasonably necessary to enable our company to pay quarterly distributions, the liquidation amount or the amount payable on a redemption of class A exchangeable shares.

The holder of our class C shares will be entitled to received distributions if, as and when declared or authorized. Our board has adopted a policy that class C share distributions will be paid quarterly in an amount equal to our company’s distributable earnings (as determined by management of our company) after payment of distributions on the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and any other shares ranking senior to the class C shares and after provision for expenses, anticipated cash needs and other similar adjustments.

Total outstanding class C shares of 16,934,688 have been used to calculate basic and diluted pro forma earnings per share. Class A exchangeable shares and class B shares are not considered participating securities or considered to be ordinary shares as defined within IFRS and consequently per share amounts for these classes of shares has not been presented.

 

US$ THOUSANDS

(EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

   Three months ended
March 31, 2021
     Year ended
December 31, 2020
 

Net income for the period

   $ 43,191      $ 95,725  

Dividends

     

Class A

     (1,414 )       (5,222

Class B

     (3 )       (12
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income attributable to class C shareholders

   $ 41,774      $ 90,491  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per class C share

   $ 2.47      $ 5.34  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table presents selected financial data for our business and is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, the “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements”, the audited consolidated financial statements for BAH, which is our predecessor for financial reporting purposes, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for each of the years in the three years ended December 31, 2020, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of out company as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, in each case with the accompanying notes thereto, included elsewhere in the prospectus.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,  
US$ THOUSANDS    2021     2020     2020     2019     2018  

Statement of Operating Results Data

          

Gross premiums

   $ 2,739      $ 29,795     $ 431,070      $ 503,688     $ 160,146  

Premiums ceded

     (181 )      (94     (634 )      (178,579      

Net investment income

     (63,268 )      (39,455     83,918        57,097       741  

Net investment results from funds withheld

     390              (117 )             

Net benefits paid on insurance contracts

     10,774        6,521       (38,780 )      (25,143     (13,408

Net change in insurance contract liabilities

     (77,977 )      (17,360     (467,610 )      (344,776     (142,904

Operating expenses

     2,933        1,225       (5,605 )      (6,436     (4,971

Interest expense

     21        29       (93 )      (166     (111

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     3,929        (169     2,149        5,685       (507

Income tax expense

     (1,026 )      42       (541 )      (158      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the year

   $ 2,903      $ (127   $ 1,608      $ 5,527     $ (507
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Mar. 31,
2021
     Dec. 31,
2020
     Dec. 31,
2019
 

Statement of Financial Position Data

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 80,061       $ 35,461      $ 13,361  

Investments

     1,090,077         1,192,465        701,538  

Reinsurance assets

     177,949         190,070        197,164  

Total assets

     1,394,466         1,440,255        926,711  

Insurance contract liabilities

     1,263,809         1,338,730        856,364  

Total liabilities

     1,282,600         1,357,092        861,255  

Total Equity

     111,866         83,163        65,456  

 

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OUR BUSINESS

Overview

Our company was established by Brookfield Asset Management to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders. Through our operating subsidiaries, we will provide annuity-based reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies and will also act as a direct issuer of pension risk transfer products for pension plan sponsors. In doing so, we seek to match long-duration liabilities with a portfolio of high-quality investments in order to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns within our business. We intend to leverage our relationship with Brookfield in order to opportunistically source new business and deploy our capital in assets that are tailored to our investment needs. Our relationship with Brookfield provides us with access to a diverse mix of leading alternative investment strategies that we believe are well suited for this purpose.

We currently have a single operating segment related to our pension risk transfer business. Going forward, we plan to focus primarily on growing our annuities business. Over time, we may look for opportunities to expand our reinsurance business to cover other longer-duration products such as life insurance and structured settlements.

Annuities

Within our annuities business, we are focused primarily on the reinsurance of annuity-based products, and will primarily seek to reinsure annuity-based products for direct insurers and other reinsurers operating in North America and Western Europe.

Annuities are insurance contracts that provide a defined income stream, typically for retirement planning. Policyholders deposit money with an insurance company in return for a fixed stream of cash flows either immediately or in the future. Reinsurance is an arrangement whereby an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance company, which we refer to as the ceding company or cedant, for all or a portion of the insurance risks that are underwritten by the ceding company. Reinsurance serves multiple purposes, including to (1) transfer insurance risk off of a ceding company’s balance sheet, enabling it to more efficiently manage balance sheet capacity to increase the volume of business it can underwrite, (2) stabilize a ceding company’s operating results, (3) assist the cedant in achieving applicable regulatory requirements, and (4) optimize the overall financial strength and capital structure of the cedant.

Reinsurance may be structured as a block transaction, pursuant to which a reinsurer contractually assumes assets and liabilities associated with an in-force book of business, or as a flow arrangement, pursuant to which a reinsurer contractually agrees to assume assets and liabilities for future business.

We primarily seek to reinsure three types of annuity products: fixed annuities, fixed index annuities and payout annuities.

Fixed Annuities

A fixed annuity, which we refer to as FA, is a type of insurance contract that provides a fixed rate of investment return (often referred to as a crediting rate) for a specified period of time. Fixed rate reset annuities have a crediting rate that is typically guaranteed for a period of one year, after which insurers are able to change the crediting rate at their discretion, generally to any rate at or above a previously guaranteed minimum rate.

Insurers earn income on FA contracts by generating a net investment spread, which is based on the difference between income earned on the investments supporting the liabilities and the crediting rate owed to customers.

 

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Fixed Index Annuities

A fixed index annuity, which we refer to as FIA, is an insurance contract in which the policyholder makes one or more premium deposits that earn interest at a crediting rate based on a specified market index. Policyholders are entitled to recurring or lump sum payments for a specified period of time. FIAs provide policyholders with the ability to earn interest without significant downside risk to their principal balance. A market index tracks the performance of a specific group of stocks or other assets representing a particular segment of the market, or in some cases, an entire market. A policyholder’s crediting rate in relation to a market index is based on the change in the relevant market index, subject to a pre-defined cap (a maximum rate that may be credited), spread (a credited rate determined by reducing a specific rate from the index return) and/or a participation rate (a credited rate equal to a percentage of the index return).

Insurers earn income on FIA contracts based on a net investment spread, which is the difference between income generated on investments supporting the liabilities and the interest that is credited to policyholders.

Payout Annuities

A payout annuity is an income-generating insurance product. In exchange for a lump sum premium, the policyholder receives a series of guaranteed income payments for one lifetime, two lifetimes or a specified period of time.

Insurers earn income on payout annuity contracts based on a net investment spread, which is the difference between income generated on investments supporting the liabilities and the interest that is credited to policyholders.

We intend to operate our annuities business through NER SPC and NER Ltd. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not entered into any reinsurance contracts.

Pension Risk Transfer

Pension risk transfer is the transfer by a corporate sponsor of the risks (or some of the risks) associated with the sponsorship and administration of a pension plan, in particular, investment risk and longevity risk, which is the risk of an increase in life expectancy of plan beneficiaries. These risks can be transferred either to an insurer like us through a group annuity transaction, or to an individual through a lump sum settlement payment. Pension risk transfer using insurance typically involves a single premium group annuity contract that is issued by an insurer, permitting the corporate pension plan sponsor to discharge certain pension plan liabilities from its balance sheet.

A pension risk transfer insurance transaction may be structured as either a buy-out annuity or a buy-in annuity. Under a buy-out annuity, a direct insurer enters into a group annuity contract with the plan sponsor and assumes the liability to fund, administer and pay benefits covered under the contract directly to the individual pension plan members covered under the contract. Under a buy-in annuity, the insurer enters into a group annuity contract with the plan sponsor and is liable to fund and pay the benefits covered under the contract to the pension plan fund, with the plan sponsor retaining the liability to administer and pay pension benefits to plan members. In both cases, the insurer assumes the investment and longevity risk.

Insurers earn income on buy-out and buy-in group annuities by generating a net investment spread, which is based on the difference between income earned on the investments supporting the annuity contract and the cost of the pension liabilities assumed.

Today, our pension risk transfer business is operated primarily through Brookfield Annuity, a Canadian domiciled, licensed and regulated direct life insurance company that provides pension risk transfer solutions to organizations across Canada. Brookfield Annuity is led by a team of experts with an average of over 25 years of experience in group annuities, pensions, insurance and investments.

 

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Brookfield Annuity was incorporated in August 2016 as a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management and wrote its first group annuity policy in the first quarter of 2017. As of March 31, 2021, Brookfield Annuity had $1.3 billion (C$1.6 billion) of policyholder reserves.

Life Insurance

Although today our business is focused primarily on annuity-based products, in the future we may look to expand our reinsurance business to cover other longer-duration products, including life insurance. Life insurance is a contract between an insurer and the insured person in which the insurer guarantees payment of a death benefit to named beneficiaries in exchange for premiums paid by the insured person. Insurers generate income based upon the income earned on assets invested in connection with the policy relative to the cost of administration and the death benefit paid.

Recent Developments

AEL Strategic Partnership

On October 17, 2020, Brookfield entered into a strategic partnership with AEL Holdings, a leading retirement planning annuity provider, pursuant to which the parties agreed to enter into a reinsurance transaction for the reinsurance of up to $10 billion of AEL’s primarily fixed index annuity liabilities and Brookfield agreed to acquire an up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) equity interest in AEL Holdings in two tranches and subject to certain conditions.

The reinsurance arrangement with AEL is expected to be structured on a coinsurance/modified coinsurance basis through an agreement between NER SPC and a subsidiary of AEL Holdings, AEL, an insurance company domiciled in Iowa, which we refer to as the AEL Reinsurance Treaty. Pursuant to the terms of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, AEL will cede, and we will reinsure, (a) 100% quota share of a block of existing fixed and/or fixed indexed annuities, expected to equal approximately $5 billion and (b) up to 90% quota share (or such other amount to be agreed upon by the parties) of certain future origination products, expected to equal approximately $5 billion, that will be issued by AEL or its affiliates after the effective date of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty.

In order to allow AEL to receive full credit for reinsurance in Iowa in connection with the liabilities ceded under the coinsurance portion of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, we will establish a credit for reinsurance trust under Iowa law, which will hold certain assets backing the ceded liabilities. All other assets backing the ceded liabilities will be held by AEL in a segregated account. It is expected that in connection with the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, AEL will enter into an investment management agreement with an affiliate of Brookfield for investment management services that will apply to the management of the assets backing the liabilities reinsured under the AEL Reinsurance Treaty.

Servicing and administration of the policies reinsured under the AEL Reinsurance Treaty will be conducted by AEL or an affiliate in accordance with applicable law and other customary performance standards set out in the AEL Reinsurance Treaty.

The AEL Reinsurance Treaty is expected to be signed and closed in the first half of 2021, subject to any required regulatory approvals. The special dividend is not conditional on the execution of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty or the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in AEL Holdings.

AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement

In accordance with the AEL Investment Agreement, on November 30, 2020, Burgundy acquired 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings, which represents an approximate 9.54% equity interest in AEL Holdings as at March 31, 2021, at a price of $37.00 per share, which we refer to as the Initial AEL Equity Investment.

 

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On February 28, 2021, we entered the Assignment Agreement, Consent and Waiver in Anticipation of Regulatory Form A Filing with AEL Holdings, Burgundy, NER SPC and Brookfield, which we refer to as the Assignment Agreement, pursuant to which AEL Holdings agreed, subject to certain conditions, to (i) the transfer by Burgundy of the Initial AEL Equity Investment to NER SPC, and (ii) the assignment of Brookfield’s and Burgundy’s rights and obligations under the AEL Investment to our company and NER SPC, respectively, including Brookfield’s right to acquire additional AEL Holdings common shares representing (inclusive of the Initial AEL Equity Investment) up to 19.9% (but not less than 15.0%) of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares at a price per share equal to the greater of $37.00 and the most recently announced adjusted book value per share of AEL Holdings, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain limited dilutive events set forth in the AEL Investment Agreement, which we refer to as the Remaining AEL Equity Investment.

Burgundy expects to transfer the Initial AEL Equity Investment to NER SPC prior to completion of the special dividend. The closing of the Remaining AEL Equity Investment is subject to execution of the AEL Reinsurance Treaty, regulatory approval and other closing conditions, and is expected to occur subsequent to the special dividend. See “— AEL Strategic Partnership” above for more information on the AEL Reinsurance Treaty.

Upon effectiveness of the assignment of rights and obligations pursuant to the Assignment Agreement:

 

   

For so long as we beneficially own at least 9.0% of the issued and outstanding AEL Holdings common shares (without taking into account any reduction in our ownership interest resulting from share repurchases or new issuances of AEL Holdings common shares), we will be entitled to designate an individual for appointment to the board of directors of AEL Holdings. Our Chief Executive Officer, Sachin Shah, currently serves on the AEL Holdings board as Brookfield’s designee and will remain as our designee following the special dividend.

 

   

Until November 30, 2022, we agree not to transfer any of the AEL Holdings common shares acquired, subject to certain limited exceptions. In addition, until November 30, 2025, we will be subject to customary standstill obligations that restrict us from, among other things, purchasing additional AEL Holdings common shares, selling AEL Holdings common shares to activists or competitors, and taking or supporting certain shareholder actions, subject to certain limited exceptions. AEL Holdings has agreed that it will file a registration statement on or before November 30, 2022 to register the resale of the AEL Holdings common shares owned by us.

 

   

The AEL Investment Agreement may be terminated by us or AEL Holdings if the Remaining AEL Equity Investment has not closed by June 17, 2021, subject to extension to August 17, 2021 in certain circumstances if certain regulatory approvals have not been obtained. Certain provisions of the AEL Investment Agreement survive termination, including the standstill obligations and AEL Holdings board designation rights.

 

   

Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, Brookfield will remain bound by certain obligations under the AEL Investment Agreement, including with respect to the ownership limitations, standstill obligations and transfer and voting restrictions described above. In addition, to the extent that we do not satisfy the obligations assigned to us in the AEL Investment Agreement, Brookfield will be obligated to consummate such transactions.

The foregoing description of the AEL Investment Agreement, the Assignment Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to each of the AEL Investment Agreement and the Assignment Agreement, which are attached as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

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Industry Overview

Market Overview and Industry Trends

The annuities and life insurance industry in our target markets of North America and Western Europe consists of over $13 trillion of assets and is growing by approximately 4% annually. As described above, we will participate in this industry primarily by providing annuity-based reinsurance products and pension risk transfer solutions and over time may look for opportunities to expand our reinsurance business into life insurance, structured settlements, and other long-duration products in order to take advantage of the growing industry.

The products that we intend to reinsure, underwrite and/or acquire are designed to help individuals and organizations with their retirement planning and long-term financial objectives. In general, the demand for the products we intend to offer is supported by two long-term tailwinds:

 

   

Populations worldwide, particularly those within our target markets of North America and Western Europe, are aging and over the next few decades, the cohort of retirement-aged individuals is expected to experience significant growth. These individuals are increasingly looking to products, like annuities and life insurance, for their retirement planning.

 

   

Interest rates in these same geographic regions are at near historical lows (near zero) and it is our expectation that interest rates are likely to remain low for the foreseeable future. Financial products, like annuities, provide stable yields and protected returns, often on a tax-efficient basis, that position them well relative to other competing financial products.

In addition to being a large and growing sector, we believe that traditional insurers are facing a number of longer-term structural challenges that will create attractive investment opportunities for our company:

 

   

Low interest rates are differentiating those with access to higher-yielding investments. Insurers invest primarily in fixed income products and declining yields have put pressure on profitability, creating opportunities for those with higher-yielding alternative investment management capabilities to outperform. Through our relationship with Brookfield, we have access to a diverse portfolio of suitable higher-yielding alternative investment products.

 

   

Many insurers are looking for ways to shift toward less asset-intensive insurance products. Given the capital-intensive nature of life and annuity products, many insurance companies with diversified exposure are looking to reduce their exposure to life and annuity liabilities, including through reinsurance, in order to free up capital that they can deploy in support of less asset-intensive products and business lines.

 

   

Recent market conditions are exposing under-capitalized companies. Some writers of annuity products are facing higher hedging costs amidst volatile markets, and changes in regulatory standards are increasing the transparency of liability valuations in the current low-rate environment. This has necessitated a need to raise or otherwise free up capital, and the reinsurance market offers writers of annuity products an opportunity to do so. We have access to capital and are able to provide capital support to these companies.

 

   

Public market valuations have compressed while capital needs have grown. Insurers are trading at cyclical lows on a book value basis, and given the prevailing market environment, are looking to partner with organizations like our company that can provide solutions to address capital needs.

Customers and Market Intermediaries

Reinsurance contracts within our annuities business can be written directly with the ceding companies, or through intermediaries, such as professional reinsurance brokers.

Although it is possible that we may from time to time use a reinsurance broker, the direct reinsurance market is expected to be the primary source of business that is to be underwritten. Direct placement of

 

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reinsurance enables us to better understand the specific needs and requirements of a ceding company and develop a customized solution. It also allows us to develop a direct relationship with ceding companies, which we believe is beneficial in establishing ourselves as a preferred partner for future reinsurance needs. The ceding companies that we seek to partner with to conduct our reinsurance business are direct insurance companies and other reinsurance companies, with an initial focus on those operating in North America and Western Europe.

The broker reinsurance market consists of several national and international brokers and a number of smaller specialized brokers. Brokers do not have the authority to bind a reinsurer with respect to reinsurance agreements, nor does a reinsurer commit in advance to accept any portion of a broker’s submitted business. Rather, the liabilities to be reinsured is subject in each case to acceptance by the reinsurer.

Today, the principal customers of our pension risk transfer business are corporate pension plan sponsors, principally located in Canada. The pension risk transfer market in Canada is primarily intermediated by large employee benefit consulting firms who advise these corporate pension plan sponsors on de-risking strategies and manage the request for quote and insurer selection process. Generally, a request for quote is distributed to all insurers on an intermediary’s approval list when a plan sponsor wishes to proceed with a transaction. Through Brookfield Annuity, we have established a relationship with all major intermediaries in Canada and are on their approved lists of providers.

Strategic Benefits of the Brookfield Relationship

Brookfield Asset Management is a global asset management company focused on real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, private equity and credit with over $600 billion of assets under management, approximately 150,000 operating employees and over 1,000 investment professionals worldwide. Brookfield’s strategy is to combine best-in-class operating capabilities and transaction execution to acquire and invest in targeted assets and actively manage them in order to achieve superior returns on a long-term basis.

Inclusive of Oaktree, in which Brookfield owns an approximate 62% interest, Brookfield manages approximately $150 billion of assets across its credit products, which includes both liquid and private alternative strategies.

In order to execute our vision of being a leading reinsurer of long-duration liabilities and earn attractive risk-adjusted returns within our business, we will seek to leverage our relationship with Brookfield and in turn take advantage of Brookfield’s core attributes:

 

   

strong investment management and asset allocation capabilities, with significant experience managing alternative real asset investment strategies;

 

   

significant investment in and relationship with Oaktree, a leading global alternative investment management firm with an expertise in credit;

 

   

transaction structuring and origination capabilities, with a proven track record of executing large-scale, multi-faceted transactions across multiple geographies;

 

   

robust approach to risk management that emphasizes the proactive management of risks and ensuring that there is necessary capacity and resilience to respond to changing environments by evaluating both current and emerging risks; and

 

   

institutional relationships, including those developed with global insurance companies.

We believe that our ongoing relationship with Brookfield provides us with a unique competitive advantage as well as access to opportunities that would otherwise not be available to us as a stand-alone insurance or reinsurance company. See “Relationship with Brookfield”.

 

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Strategy and Growth

Overall, our strategy is to seek to earn attractive risk-adjusted returns within our business by opportunistically sourcing long-duration insurance liabilities and investing the associated capital in a portfolio of high-quality, long-dated assets. We believe we can execute our strategy based on the following factors:

 

   

Through our relationship with Brookfield, we have best-in-class insurance and risk management capabilities and processes that have been developed over Brookfield’s more than 100-year history as a global alternative asset manager.

 

   

Our management team has a strong track record of being highly flexible and long-term oriented, with the ability to execute on and structure transactions in an efficient manner.

 

   

We have access to Brookfield’s leading asset origination and alternative investment management strategies particularly those focused on private credit, which we expect will allow us to generate enhanced investment returns within our various investment portfolios.

 

   

Support from Brookfield allows us to take a long-term, value-oriented approach to new business opportunities and to be disciplined in our investment portfolio strategies throughout market cycles.

 

   

We will benefit from Brookfield’s long-standing strategic relationships with global insurers and reinsurers around the world, that have in part been formed through 1) Brookfield’s asset management franchise and reputation as a leading alternative asset manager, and 2) Brookfield’s loan origination and credit offerings that are attractive products for insurers and are often acquired by them.

We intend to focus on three avenues for growth:

 

   

Sourcing large-scale reinsurance transactions. The annuity and life insurance industry within our target markets of North America and Western Europe is of significant size. We believe there are numerous opportunities, similar to the AEL reinsurance transaction, to partner with insurers and execute both block and flow reinsurance arrangements. We believe that our history of consummating large-scale, multi-faceted transactions, and our access to capital position us well to successfully source these opportunities.

 

   

Expanding our existing pension risk transfer business. Within Canada, there is approximately $540 billion of private sector pension plans, of which 50% are now closed. This represents over $250 billion of potential pension risk transfer business that we estimate will occur over the next 10 to 20 years. We believe that we are well situated to grow in the Canadian market given our expertise through Brookfield Annuity and our relationship with Brookfield. We may look to expand our pension risk transfer capabilities to other jurisdictions, including the U.S. and U.K., subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals.

 

   

Pursuing inorganic growth on a value basis. We intend to opportunistically evaluate opportunities to acquire existing platforms or strategically invest in reinsurers and direct insurers, primarily those operating in North America and Western Europe, and earn an attractive return on the capital we deploy.

Competitors

Our business faces competition from both well-established players and new entrants in the industry, including insurance and reinsurance companies, financial institutions, and traditional and alternative asset managers.

The reinsurance market is increasingly competitive as interest rates are at historical lows globally and traditional life and annuity insurance providers are challenged to find places to invest into stable, income-oriented investment products using their existing investment capabilities and are looking to external parties to reinsure existing liabilities. Competition within our annuities reinsurance business includes other insurance and reinsurance companies, larger-scale pension plans and asset management firms that provide long duration capital.

 

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In the pension risk transfer market in Canada, there are currently six large-scale national institutions who we consider competitors, and there is the potential for the entry of global insurers into the Canadian market. Our competition includes life and annuity companies and diversified financial institutions.

There is also growing competition in the pursuit of inorganic growth through investments and/or strategic partnerships in insurers and reinsurers. Overall, we face competition from other well-capitalized insurance companies, financial institutions and alternative asset managers looking to grow through direct investment and platform acquisitions. We believe our relationship with Brookfield, its strong reputation with financial regulators and potential counterparties, and its extensive track record of sourcing and executing complex transactions is a competitive advantage over others in this space.

Employees and Facilities

Immediately following the dividend date, we expect to have over 20 full time employees located in Canada, the U.S., Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. The majority of these employees are currently employed by Brookfield. These employees will be responsible for the execution of all material aspects of the business including management, underwriting, oversight and decision-making responsibilities.

Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, at our request we will receive the services of our company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, and we will also receive certain administrative and other support services as may from time to time be agreed in writing by our company and Brookfield, which may include assisting our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer with the standard functions of a public company, such as financial reporting, investor relations, human resources, information technology, compliance, shareholder correspondence, and ongoing disclosure obligations. The services provided to us by Brookfield under the Administration Agreement will be provided on a cost-recovery basis. See “Relationship with Brookfield — The Administration Agreement”. We may also outsource some of our administrative services to third parties, in each case on market terms. Our registered office is located in Hamilton, Bermuda. The registered office of Brookfield Annuity is in Toronto, Ontario and the registered offices of NER SPC and NER Ltd. are in George Town, Grand Cayman and Hamilton, Bermuda, respectively.

Intellectual Property

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company and Brookfield Asset Management will enter into the Licensing Agreement. Pursuant to the Licensing Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management will grant a non-exclusive, royalty-free sub-license to use the name “Brookfield” and the Brookfield logo. Other than under this limited license, we will not have a legal right to the “Brookfield” name and the Brookfield logo on a global basis. Brookfield Asset Management may terminate the Licensing Agreement immediately upon termination of the Support Agreement and it may be terminated in the circumstances described under “Relationship with Brookfield — Licensing Agreement”.

 

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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Our annuities reinsurance business will operate through NER SPC and NER Ltd. NER SPC is subject to regulation and supervision by CIMA and compliance with all applicable Cayman Islands’ laws, including Cayman Islands’ insurance statutes and regulations. NER Ltd. is subject to and must comply with all applicable Bermuda law and is subject to regulation and supervision by BMA and compliance with Bermuda insurance statutes and regulations.

Our pension risk transfer business, operating through our Canadian insurer Brookfield Annuity, is subject to regulation and supervision by The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada), which we refer to as OSFI, and compliance with all applicable Canadian law and federal, provincial and territorial insurance statutes and regulations.

A summary of certain of the laws, regulations and frameworks to which we are subject is set forth below.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Insurance Act regulates the insurance business of our Cayman Islands reinsurance subsidiary, NER SPC, and provides that no person may carry on any insurance business in or from within the Cayman Islands unless that person holds a license issued by CIMA. CIMA is required by the Cayman Insurance Act to determine whether the business to which the application for a license relates would be carried on by persons who are fit and proper persons to be directors or officers of the licensee and, in particular, whether such persons have adequate knowledge and expertise as CIMA considers appropriate to conduct their respective functions. See “—Fit and Proper Requirements” below.

Regulation under the Cayman Insurance Act is a combination of self-regulation, filings of statutory financial statements and certifications as to compliance with the applicable statutory requirements, together with review and investigation by CIMA in specified circumstances. CIMA has wide powers to examine the affairs of insurance companies, with full access to business and other records of these companies and power to call on the insurance manager to provide any information or explanation.

Fit and Proper Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that the business to which the application for a license under the Cayman Insurance Act relates will be carried on by persons who are fit and proper persons to carry on their respective functions. In determining whether a person is “fit and proper”, CIMA will consider, among other things, a person’s (a) honesty, integrity and reputation, (b) competence and capability, and (c) financial soundness. CIMA is also bound by the Cayman Insurance Act to consider whether the applicant will be able to comply not only with the requirements of the Cayman Insurance Act but also with the Cayman Islands Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (2020 Revision) (as amended) and to consider whether the applicant employs personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience and maintains appropriate facilities, books and records.

Categories of Insurance Licenses

There are four main categories of insurance licenses: (a) Class A (‘domestic’) insurers; (b) Class B (‘captives’); (c) Class C (‘cat-bond’ or ‘special purpose insurers’); and (d) Class D (‘reinsurers’).

Class B captives are divided into three sub-categories. Class B(i) insurers carry on non-domestic insurance business in respect of which at least 95% of net written premiums will originate from the insurer’s related business. For the purposes of a Class B insurer, “related business” means business which will originate from the insurer’s members or the members of any group with which the insurer is related through common ownership or

 

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a common risk management plan, or as is determined by CIMA. For Class B(ii) insurers, the threshold for net premiums written to originate from the insurer’s related business is set at over 50%. In the case of Class B(iii) insurers, 50% or less of the net written premiums originate from related business. NER SPC operates as a licensed Class B(iii) insurer.

A class B insurer may carry on domestic business if such business forms less than 5% of net written premiums or where CIMA has otherwise granted prior approval. Only exempted companies that have a minimum of two directors may be licensed as class B insurers.

Capital and Solvency Requirements

Because NER SPC will be predominately focused on reinsuring business from insurers domiciled in the U.S., NER SPC has committed to follow RBC requirements based on guidelines of the NAIC. The NAIC is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

Under RBC requirements, an insurer submits a RBC Report, which compares an insurer’s TAC to its ACL, each such term as defined pursuant to applicable law. A company’s RBC is calculated by using a specified formula that applies factors to various risks inherent in the insurer’s operations, including risks attributable to its assets, underwriting experience, interest rates and other business expenses. The factors are higher for those items deemed to have greater underlying risk and lower for items deemed to have less underlying risk. Statutory RBC is measured on two bases, ACL and company action level RBC, which we refer to as CAL, with ACL calculated as one-half of CAL. Regulators typically use ACL in assessing companies and reviewing solvency requirements. Companies themselves typically report and are compared using the CAL standard.

RBC is a method of measuring the level of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations, in light of its size and risk profile. It provides a means of assessing capital adequacy, where the degree of risk taken by the insurer is the primary determinant. The value of an insurer’s TAC in relation to its RBC, together with its trend in its TAC, is used as a basis for determining regulatory action that an insurance regulator may be authorized or required to take with respect to an insurer. The four action levels include:

 

   

CAL: The insurer is required to submit a plan for corrective action when its TAC is equal to or less than 200% of ACL;

 

   

Regulatory Action Level: The insurer is required to submit a plan for corrective action and is subject to examination, analysis and specific corrective action when its TAC is equal to or less than 150% of ACL;

 

   

ACL: Regulators may place the insurer under regulatory control when its TAC is equal to or less than 100% of ACL; and

 

   

Mandatory Control Level: Regulators are required to place the insurer under regulatory control when its TAC is equal to or less than 70% of ACL.

Every insurer must calculate and record its minimum capital requirement. Any insurer which fails to meet its minimum capital requirement must notify CIMA as soon as possible. CIMA may require such insurer to submit a remedial action plan or provide additional information, or it may direct the insurer to take any action CIMA deems appropriate.

Financial Statements and Auditors

Every licensed insurer is required to prepare audited financial statements in accordance with internationally recognized accounting standards by an independent auditor approved by CIMA. Auditors approved by CIMA

 

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must be appointed. An insurer carrying on long term business must, in addition to preparing audited financial statements, prepare annually an actuarial valuation of its assets and liabilities (including loss and loss expense provisions), certified by an approved actuary, so as to enable CIMA to be satisfied as to the insurer’s solvency.

Economic Substance

The Cayman ESA applies, subject to certain exceptions, to a defined class of relevant entities, which includes NER SPC.

Relevant entities that carry on relevant activities are required to meet an ES Test in respect of their relevant activities conducted in the Cayman Islands. Each of these categories is further defined within the Cayman ESA and the related guidance notes. Included within the definition of “relevant activity” under the Cayman ESA includes “insurance business”. NER SPC carries on insurance business and, as noted above, is a relevant entity. Accordingly, NER SPC is required to comply with the obligations under the Cayman ESA.

All Cayman Islands entities are required to notify the TIA on an annual basis of, among other things, whether they are carrying on a “relevant activity” (as defined in the Cayman ESA) and, if so, whether they are a “relevant entity”. A relevant entity that is carrying on a relevant activity and is required to satisfy the ES Test must also prepare and submit to the TIA an economic substance return for the purpose of the TIA’s determination of whether the ES Test has been satisfied in relation to that relevant activity.

Non-compliance with the Cayman ESA will result in significant financial penalties and continued non-compliance may result in an application by the TIA to the Cayman Islands Grand Court for an order that the entity is defunct.

Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Legislation

The Proceeds of Crime Act (2020 Revision), the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (2020 Revision), which we refer to as the Cayman AML Regulations, as amended and the Guidance Notes on the Prevention and Detection of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing in the Cayman Islands dated 5 June 2020, collectively which we refer to as the Cayman Anti-Money Laundering Legislation, constitute the Cayman Islands’ anti-money laundering regime.

The Cayman AML Regulations have specific provisions which apply to relevant financial businesses including banks, trust companies and licensed insurers. In addition to creating offences relating to money laundering (or the giving of assistance in such activities), the Cayman Anti-Money Laundering Legislation confers expansive information gathering powers upon the Cayman Islands Financial Reporting Authority. There are also provisions empowering the court to make client information, seizure and/or confiscation orders. Regulated institutions have a duty of vigilance, meaning they must, amongst other things, (i) verify their clients’ identity and bona fides, (ii) monitor, recognize and report suspicious transactions, (iii) maintain certain records for the time period prescribed, and (iv) train employees and staff to recognize possible unlawful activities.

Data Protection

To the extent the NER SPC will be collecting and processing personal data, it will be a data controller under the Cayman Islands Data Protection Act, 2017, which we refer to as the Cayman DPA. Data controllers must provide data subjects with a privacy notice containing certain prescribed information.

If a third party is engaged to process personal data on behalf of NER SPC (such as “know your client” information), the Cayman DPA requires that a contract be put in place between the two parties under which the data processor is to act only on the data controller’s instructions and comply with obligations equivalent to those imposed on the data controller.

 

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Data controllers must ensure the personal data they hold is accurate and is not kept for longer than necessary to fulfil the original collection purpose.

Bermuda

The Bermuda Insurance Act regulates the insurance business of Bermuda reinsurance entities and provides that no person may carry on any insurance business in or from within Bermuda unless registered as an insurer under such act by the BMA. The BMA is required by the Bermuda Insurance Act to determine whether the applicant is a fit and proper body to be engaged in the insurance business and, in particular, whether it has, or has available to it, adequate knowledge and expertise to operate an insurance business.

The continued registration of an insurer is subject to the insurer complying with the terms of its registration and such other conditions as the BMA may impose from time to time. The Bermuda Insurance Act also grants to the BMA powers to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies.

The Bermuda Insurance Act imposes on Bermuda insurance companies solvency standards as well as auditing and reporting requirements.

NER Ltd. is expected to be registered under the Bermuda Insurance Act to carry on long-term business, generally defined to include life, annuity and accident and health insurance, as a Class E insurer. Class E is the license class for long-term insurers and reinsurers with total assets of more than $500 million that are not registrable as a single-parent or multi-owner long-term captive insurer or reinsurer. NER Ltd. is not licensed to conduct general business and has not sought authorization as reinsurer in any state or jurisdiction of the U.S.

Cancellation of Insurer’s Registration

The BMA is entitled to cancel the registration of NER Ltd. if it fails to comply with its obligations under the Bermuda Insurance Act, or if the BMA believes that NER Ltd. has not been carrying on business in accordance with sound insurance principles.

Public Disclosure

The BMA requires all commercial insurers and insurance groups, subject to certain exceptions, to prepare and publish a financial condition report on their website.

Non-insurance Business

Class E insurers are not permitted to engage in non-insurance business unless such non-insurance business is ancillary to its core business. Non-insurance business means any business other than insurance business and includes carrying on investment business, managing an investment fund as operator, carrying on business as a fund administrator, carrying on banking business, underwriting debt or securities or otherwise engaging in investment banking, engaging in commercial or industrial activities and carrying on the business of management, sales or leasing of real property.

Annual Financial Statements, Annual Statutory Financial Return and Annual Capital and Solvency Return

Class E insurers must file annual statutory financial statements, a capital and solvency return and annual audited financial statements within four months of the end of each fiscal year, unless such deadline is specifically extended. The Bermuda Insurance Act also prescribes rules for the preparation and substance of statutory financial statements, which include detailed information and analysis regarding premiums, claims, reinsurance and investments of the insurer.

 

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Minimum Margin of Solvency, Enhanced Capital Requirement and Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions

Class E insurers must at all times maintain a minimum margin of solvency, which we refer to as MMS, and an enhanced capital requirement, which we refer to as ECR, in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Insurance Act and related regulation. The Bermuda Insurance Act and related regulation mandates certain actions and filings with the BMA if an insurer fails to meet and/or maintain its ECR or MMS including the filing of a written report detailing the circumstances giving rise to the failure and the manner and time within which the insurer intends to rectify the failure.

The MMS that a Class E insurer is required to maintain with respect to its long-term business is the greater of (1) $8 million, (2) 2% of the first $500 million of assets plus 1.5% of applicable assets above $500 million or (3) 25% of the ECR as reported at the end of the relevant year.

The BMA has embedded an EBS framework as part of the BSCR that forms the basis for an insurer’s ECR. The premise underlying the EBS framework is the idea that assets and liabilities should be valued on a consistent economic basis. Under the Bermuda Regulatory framework there are two solvency calculations: (1) a Class E insurer must have total statutory capital and surplus as reported on the insurer’s statutory balance sheet greater than the MMS calculated pursuant to the Insurance Account Rules 2016; and (2) under the Insurance (Prudential Standards) (Class C, Class D and Class E Solvency Requirement) Rules 2011 an insurer is required to maintain available statutory economic capital and surplus in an amount that is equal to or exceeds the value of its ECR.

A Class E insurer’s ECR is established by reference to the Class E BSCR model. Each BSCR model provides a method for determining an insurer’s capital requirements (statutory economic capital and surplus) by taking into account the risk characteristics of different aspects of the insurer’s business. The BSCR formula establishes capital requirements for fourteen categories of risk: fixed income investment risk, equity investment risk, long-term interest rate/liquidity risk, currency risk, concentration risk, credit risk, operational risk and seven categories of long-term insurance risk. For each category, the capital requirement is determined by applying shocks to asset, premium, reserve, creditor, probable maximum loss and operation items, with higher shocks applied to items with greater underlying risk and lower shocks for less risky items.

A Class E insurer which at any time fails to meet its applicable ECR shall, upon becoming aware of such failure or upon having reason to believe that such a failure has occurred, immediately notify the BMA in writing. Within 14 days of such notification, such insurer shall file with the BMA a written report containing details of the circumstances leading to the failure and a plan detailing the specific actions to be taken to rectify the failure, and the time within which the insurer intends to rectify the failure. Within 45 days of becoming aware of such failure, or of having reason to believe that such a failure has occurred, such insurer shall furnish the BMA with: (1) unaudited statutory economic balance sheets and unaudited interim statutory financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP covering such period as the BMA may require; (2) an opinion of the approved actuary in relation to total long-term business insurance technical provisions as set out in the statutory economic balance sheet, where applicable; (3) a long-term business solvency certificate in respect of the financial statements; and (4) a capital and solvency return reflecting an ECR prepared using post-failure data where applicable.

Under the Bermuda Insurance Act, an insurer is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if in breach of its ECR or MMS or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would cause such a breach. Where an insurer fails to meet its MMS on the last day of any financial year, it is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year without the approval of the BMA. The Bermuda Insurance Act also prohibits certain classes of insurer, including a Class E insurer, from paying a dividend in an amount exceeding 25% of the prior year’s total statutory capital and surplus, unless at least two members of the insurer’s board of directors and its principal representative sign and submit to the BMA an affidavit attesting that a dividend in excess of this amount would not cause such insurer to fail to meet its relevant margins. In certain instances, insurers are also required to provide prior notice to the BMA in advance of the payment of dividends. In the

 

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event that such an affidavit is submitted to the BMA in accordance with the Bermuda Insurance Act, and further subject to the insurer meeting its applicable MMS and ECR, such insurer is permitted to distribute up to the sum of 100% of statutory surplus and an amount less than 15% of its total statutory capital. Distributions in excess of this amount require the approval of the BMA. Further, certain insurers, including a Class E insurer, must obtain the BMA’s prior approval before reducing its total statutory capital as shown in its previous financial year statutory balance sheet by 15% or more. NER Ltd. will also be prohibited after registration as a Class E insurer from declaring or paying any dividends unless the value of its long-term business assets exceeds its long-term business liabilities, as certified by its approved actuary, by the amount of the dividend and at least the MMS. These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the Bermuda Insurance Act are in addition to those under the BCA which apply to all Bermuda companies. Under the BCA a company may not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that: (1) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or (2) the realizable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than its liabilities.

Eligible Capital

To enable the BMA to better assess the quality of the insurer’s capital resources, Class E insurers are required to disclose the makeup of its capital in accordance with the ‘3-tiered capital system.’ Under this system, all of the insurer’s capital instruments must be classified as either basic or ancillary capital. All capital instruments are further classified into one of three tiers based on their “loss absorbency” characteristics. Highest quality capital will be classified as Tier 1 Capital, lesser quality capital will be classified as either Tier 2 Capital or Tier 3 Capital. Under this regime, up to certain specified percentages of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 Capital may be used to support the insurer’s MMS, ECR and TCL. The Bermuda Insurance Act requires that Class E insurers have Tier 1 Capital equal to or greater than 50% of the value of its ECR, Tier 2 Capital not greater than Tier 1 Capital and Tier 3 Capital of not more than 17.65% of the aggregate of its Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital.

The characteristics of the capital instruments that must be satisfied to qualify as Tier 1, 2 and 3 Capital are set forth in the Insurance (Eligible Capital) Rules 2012, and any amendments thereto. Under those rules, Tier 1, 2 and 3 Capital may, until January 1, 2026, include capital instruments with the following characteristics: (1) non-redeemable or settled only with the issuance of an instrument of equal or higher quality upon a breach in the ECR (Tier 1, 2 and 3 Capital); (2) coupon payment on the instrument be cancellable or deferrable indefinitely, upon breach in the ECR (Tier 1 and 2 Capital); or (3) coupon payment on the instrument be cancellable or deferrable indefinitely upon breach in the MMS (Tier 3 Capital).

Code of Conduct

Every Bermuda registered insurer must comply with the Insurance Code of Conduct, which we refer to as the Bermuda Code of Conduct, which prescribes the duties and standards that must be complied with to ensure sound corporate governance, risk management and internal controls are implemented. The BMA will assess an insurer’s compliance with the Bermuda Code of Conduct in a proportionate manner relative to the nature, scale and complexity of its business. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Bermuda Code of Conduct will be taken into account by the BMA in determining whether an insurer is conducting its business in a sound and prudent manner as prescribed by the Bermuda Insurance Act and may result in the BMA exercising its powers of intervention and investigation (see below) and, if applicable, will be a factor in calculating the operational risk charge under each insurer’s BSCR or approved internal model.

Fit and Proper Controllers

The BMA maintains supervision over the “controllers” of all registered insurers in Bermuda. For these purposes, a “controller” includes (1) the managing director of the registered insurer or its parent company, (2) the chief executive of the registered insurer or of its parent company, (3) a shareholder controller, and (4) any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the registered insurer or its parent company are accustomed to act.

 

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The definition of shareholder controller is set out in the Bermuda Insurance Act but generally refers to (1) a person who holds 10% or more of the shares carrying rights to vote at a shareholders’ meeting of the registered insurer or its parent company, (2) a person who is entitled to exercise 10% or more of the voting power at any shareholders’ meeting of such registered insurer or its parent company or (3) a person who is able to exercise significant influence over the management of the registered insurer or its parent company by virtue of its shareholding or its entitlement to exercise, or control the exercise of, the voting power at any shareholders’ meeting.

Under the Bermuda Insurance Act, shareholder controller ownership is defined as follows:

 

Actual Shareholder Controller Voting Power

   Defined Shareholder
Controller Voting Power
 

10% or more but less than 20%

     10

20% or more but less than 33%

     20

33% or more but less than 50%

     33

50% or more

     50

Where the shares of a registered insurer, or the shares of its parent company, are traded on a recognized stock exchange, and such shareholder becomes a 10%, 20%, 33%, or 50% shareholder controller of the insurer, that shareholder shall, within 45 days, notify the BMA in writing that such shareholder has become, or as a result of a disposition ceased to be, a controller of any such category.

Any person or entity who contravenes the Bermuda Insurance Act by failing to give notice or knowingly becoming a controller of any description before the required 45 days has elapsed is guilty of an offense under Bermuda law and liable to a fine of $25,000 on summary conviction.

The BMA may file a notice of objection to any person or entity who has become a controller of any category when it appears that such person or entity is not, or is no longer, fit and proper to be a controller of the registered insurer. Before issuing a notice of objection, the BMA is required to serve upon the person or entity concerned a preliminary written notice stating the BMA’s intention to issue formal notice of objection. Upon receipt of the preliminary written notice, the person or entity served may, within 28 days, file written representations with the BMA which shall be taken into account by the BMA in making its final determination. Any person or entity who continues to be a controller of any description after having received a notice of objection is guilty of an offense and liable on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 (and a continuing fine of $500 per day for each day that the offense is continuing) or, if convicted on indictment, to a fine of $100,000 and/or 2 years in prison.

Notification of Material Changes

All registered insurers are required to give notice to the BMA of their intention to effect a material change within the meaning of the Bermuda Insurance Act. For the purposes of the Bermuda Insurance Act, the following changes are material: (1) the transfer or acquisition of insurance business, including portfolio transfers or corporate restructurings, pursuant to a court-approved scheme of arrangement under Section 25 of the Bermuda Insurance Act or Section 99 of the BCA, (2) the amalgamation with or acquisition of another firm, (3) engaging in unrelated business that is retail business, (4) the acquisition of a controlling interest in an undertaking that is engaged in non-insurance business which offers services and products to persons who are not affiliates of the insurer, (5) outsourcing all or substantially all of the company’s actuarial, risk management, compliance or internal audit functions, (6) outsourcing all or a material part of an insurer’s underwriting activity, (7) the transfer other than by way of reinsurance of all or substantially all of a line of business, (8) the expansion into a material new line of business, (9) the sale of an insurer and (10) outsourcing of an “officer” role, as such term is defined by the Bermuda Insurance Act.

 

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As a Class E insurer, NER Ltd. may not take any steps to give effect to a material change unless they have first served notice on the BMA that they intend to effect such material change and before the end of 30 days, either the BMA has notified NER Ltd. in writing that the BMA has no objection to such change or that period has lapsed without the BMA having issued a notice of objection.

Before issuing a notice of objection, the BMA is required to serve upon the insurer a preliminary written notice stating the BMA’s intention to issue formal notice of objection. Upon receipt of the preliminary written notice, the insurer may, within 28 days, file written representations with the BMA, which the BMA would take into account in making its final determination.

Supervision, Investigation and Intervention

The BMA may appoint an inspector with powers to investigate the affairs of an insurer if the BMA believes that an investigation is required in the interests of the insurer’s policyholders or potential policyholders. In order to verify or supplement information otherwise provided to the inspector, the BMA may direct an insurer to produce documents or information relating to matters connected with its business.

If it appears to the BMA that there is a risk of an insurer becoming insolvent, or that it is in breach of the Bermuda Insurance Act or any conditions imposed upon its registration, the BMA may, among other things, direct the insurer (1) not to take on any new insurance business, (2) not to vary any insurance contract if the effect would be to increase its liabilities, (3) not to make certain investments, (4) to liquidate certain investments, (5) to maintain or transfer to the custody of a specified bank, certain assets, (6) not to declare or pay any dividends or other distributions or to restrict the making of such payments, (7) to limit its premium income, (8) not to enter into any specified transaction with any specified persons or persons of a specified class, (9) to provide the BMA with such financial information regarding the insurer as the BMA may request, (10) to obtain the opinion of an actuary loss reserve specialist for submission to the BMA, and (11) to remove a controller or officer.

Exchange Control

The permission of the BMA is required, pursuant to the provisions of the Exchange Control Act 1972 and related regulations, for all issuances and transfers of shares of Bermuda companies to or from a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, other than in cases where the BMA has granted permission. The BMA, in its notice to the public dated June 1, 2005, granted a general permission on which we intend to rely, for the issue and subsequent transfer of securities of a Bermuda company from and/or to a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes in a number of circumstances, including for so long as any shares of the company entitled to vote for or appoint one or more directors of the company are listed on an “Appointed Stock Exchange” (which includes the NYSE and the TSX).

Economic Substance Act 2018

Similar to the economic substance legislation in the Cayman Islands, in December 2018, the Bermuda ESA came into effect in Bermuda. Under the provisions of the Bermuda ESA, every Bermuda registered entity, other than an entity which is resident for tax purposes in certain jurisdictions outside of Bermuda, that carries on as a business any one or more “relevant activities” referred to in the Bermuda ESA must satisfy economic substance requirements by maintaining a substantial economic presence in Bermuda. Under the Bermuda ESA, insurance or holding entity activities (both as defined in the Bermuda ESA and Economic Substance Regulations 2018) are relevant activities. To the extent that the Bermuda ESA applies to any of our entities registered in Bermuda, we will be required to demonstrate compliance with economic substance requirements by filing an annual economic substance declaration with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda.

 

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Any entity that must satisfy economic substance requirements but fails to do so could face automatic disclosure to competent authorities in the E.U. of the information filed by the entity with the Bermuda Registrar of Companies in connection with the economic substance requirements and may also face financial penalties, restriction or regulation of its business activities and/or removal from the list of registered entities in Bermuda.

Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Crime Legislation

The key elements of the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist framework in Bermuda include the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997, the Proceeds of Crime (Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2008, the Anti-Terrorism (Financial and Other Measures) Act 2004, the Financial Intelligence Agency Act 2007; the Proceeds of Crime (Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2008 and Guidance Notes for Regulated Financial Institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing, September 2016 (which we collectively refer to as the Bermuda AML Framework).

Our company and NER Ltd. must each comply with their respective obligations under the Bermuda AML Framework including the requirement to report suspicious activity in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997. Bermuda money laundering offences include: (i) concealing or transferring proceeds of criminal conduct; (ii) assisting another to retain proceeds of criminal conduct; (iii) acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct; (iv) failure to disclose knowledge or suspicion of money laundering; and (v) tipping off.

Bermuda incorporated entities, such as our company and NER Ltd., must also comply with the requirements imposed under the International Sanctions Act 2003 and International Sanctions Regulations 2013, which we refer to as the Bermuda Sanctions Regime. Each of our company and NER Ltd. will have risk-based systems and procedures in place to ensure that it is not subject to, involved with, or does business within a sanctioned or embargoed country or with a sanctioned entity or individual.

There are serious consequences for failing to comply with the Bermuda AML Framework and Bermuda Sanctions Regime, including criminal penalties. The Bermuda AML Framework also gives investigative powers to law enforcement agencies to undertake production orders, search warrants and monitoring orders. The BMA has enforcement powers and can impose civil penalties on institutions that it determines have failed to comply.

Privacy Laws

PIPA regulates how any individual, entity or public authority may use personal information. PIPA reflects a set of internationally accepted privacy principles and good business practices for the use of personal information. Although PIPA was passed on July 27, 2016, the sections that are currently in effect are limited to those that relate to the establishment and appointment of the PIPA commissioner, the hiring of the PIPA commissioner’s staff, and the general authority of the PIPA commissioner to inform the public about PIPA. The date for further implementation of the PIPA has yet to be confirmed, but is expected to occur in the first half of 2021.

Canada

Brookfield Annuity is governed by the ICA. The ICA is administered, and activities of Brookfield Annuity are supervised, by OSFI, the primary regulator of Canadian federal financial institutions.

The ICA requires the filing of annual and other reports on the financial condition of insurance companies, provides for periodic examinations of insurance companies’ affairs, imposes restrictions on transactions with related parties, and sets out requirements governing certain aspects of insurance companies’ businesses.

OSFI has extensive powers to intervene in the affairs of regulated insurance companies, including the power to request information or documents, to conduct investigations, to require that appropriate actions are taken to address issues identified by OSFI and to levy fines. OSFI may intervene and assume control of an insurance company governed by the ICA if OSFI deems that the amount of the company’s available capital is not sufficient.

 

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Capital Requirements

The ICA requires Canadian insurance companies to maintain adequate levels of capital at all times.

Capital requirements for Brookfield Annuity are governed by the LICAT guideline. LICAT uses a risk-based approach for measuring specified risks and for aggregating the results to calculate the amount of regulatory capital required to support these risks. LICAT measures the capital adequacy of a life insurer using a Total Ratio and a Core Ratio and is one of several indicators used by OSFI to assess a life insurer’s financial condition. The Total Ratio is the Available Capital plus Surplus Allowance and Eligible Deposits divided by a Base Solvency Buffer as described below.

Available Capital under LICAT includes common shares, contributed surplus, retained earnings, the participating account, accumulated currency translation account, unrealized gains and losses on available for sale equity and debt securities, qualifying preferred shares, innovative capital instruments and subordinated debt. Under LICAT, certain deductions are made from Available Capital, including but not limited to goodwill, intangible assets, a portion of deferred tax assets, and controlling interests in non-life financial corporations.

The calculation of the Total Ratio takes into consideration other aspects of the balance sheet that are available as loss absorbing capacity, including the Surplus Allowance and Eligible Deposits. The Surplus Allowance includes the provisions for adverse deviations for non-economic and risk-free interest rate assumptions. The Eligible Deposits consist of the excess deposits held for unregistered reinsurers and claims fluctuation reserves.

The Base Solvency Buffer is equal to the aggregated capital requirements, net of credits for diversification and qualifying participating and adjustable products, multiplied by a scalar of 1.05. The capital requirements cover the following five risk components: market risk, credit risk, insurance risk, operational risk and segregated funds guarantee risk.

LICAT sets a Supervisory Target Total Ratio of 100% and a minimum Total Ratio of 90%. OSFI expects each life insurance company to establish an internal target capital level that provides a cushion above the regulatory requirements. This cushion allows for coping with volatility in markets and economic conditions and enhances flexibility in capital management to consider aspects such as innovations in the industry, consolidation trends and international developments. OSFI may require that a higher amount of capital be available, taking into account such factors as operating experience and diversification of asset or insurance portfolios.

Investment Powers

Under the ICA, Brookfield Annuity must maintain a prudent portfolio of investments and loans, subject to certain overall limitations on the amount it may invest in certain classes of investments. Additional restrictions (and in some cases, the need for regulatory approvals) limit the type of investment that Brookfield Annuity can make in excess of 10% of the voting rights or 25% of the equity of any entity.

Restrictions on Shareholder Dividends and Capital Transactions

The ICA prohibits the declaration or payment of any dividend on shares of an insurance company if there are reasonable grounds for believing an insurance company does not have adequate capital and adequate and appropriate forms of liquidity, or declaration or the payment of the dividend would cause the insurance company to be in contravention of any regulation made under the ICA respecting the maintenance of adequate capital and adequate and appropriate forms of liquidity, or any direction made to the company by the Superintendent. The ICA also requires an insurance company to notify the Superintendent of the declaration of a dividend at least 15 days prior to the date fixed for its payment. There is no current intention that Brookfield Annuity will pay dividends.

 

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The ICA also prohibits the purchase for cancellation of shares issued by an insurance company or the redemption of redeemable shares or other similar capital transactions, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company does not have, or the payment would cause the company not to have, adequate capital or liquidity, or upon any direction made by the Superintendent. Further, any redemption or purchase for cancellation of shares issued by an insurance company or similar capital transactions are prohibited without the prior approval of the Superintendent.

Constraints on Shares

The ICA contains restrictions on the purchase or other acquisition, issue, transfer and voting of the shares of Brookfield Annuity. Pursuant to these restrictions, no person is permitted to acquire any shares of Brookfield Annuity if the acquisition would cause the person to have a “significant interest” in any class of shares of Brookfield Annuity, unless the prior approval of the Minister of Finance (Canada) is obtained. In addition, Brookfield Annuity is not permitted to record in its securities register any transfer or issue of shares if the transfer or issue would cause the person to have a “significant interest” in Brookfield Annuity.

A person has a significant interest in a class of shares of Brookfield Annuity where the aggregate of any shares of that class beneficially owned by that person, any entity controlled by that person and by any person associated or acting jointly or in concert with that person exceeds 10% of all the outstanding shares of that class of shares of Brookfield Annuity.

If a person contravenes these restrictions, the Minister of Finance may, by order, direct such person to dispose of all or any portion of those shares. In addition, the ICA prohibits life insurance companies, including Brookfield Annuity, from recording in its securities register a transfer or issue of any share to Her Majesty in right of Canada or of a province, an agent or agency of Her Majesty, a foreign government or an agent or agency of a foreign government and provides further that no person may exercise the voting rights attached to those shares of an insurance company. The ICA exempts from such constraints certain foreign financial institutions which are controlled by foreign governments and eligible agents provided certain conditions are satisfied.

Provincial/Territorial Insurance Regulation

In Canada, life insurance is also subject to regulation and supervision in each province and territory in Canada. Provincial/territorial insurance regulation is primarily concerned with market conduct matters, the rights and obligations under insurance contracts, and the licensing and oversight of insurance intermediaries. In addition to those regulations, guidelines adopted by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association govern several aspects of Brookfield Annuity’s business.

Client Protection for Financial Institution Failure

Brookfield Annuity’s policyholders are provided protection from an insolvency through Assuris, a not for profit organization that is funded by its member insurance companies, which we refer to as Assuris. Every life insurance company authorized to sell insurance policies in Canada is required, by the federal, provincial and territorial regulators, to become a member of Assuris. Assuris provides separate protection for individual, group, registered and non-registered, life insurance policies and annuity policies.

Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Legislation

The Criminal Code (Canada) establishes offences relating to money laundering (and the giving of assistance in such activities). The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), which we refer to as the PCMLTA, and its regulations apply to relevant financial businesses including banks, trust companies and licensed insurers. The PCMLTFA confers expansive information gathering powers upon the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. Regulated institutions must, amongst other things,

 

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(i) verify their clients’ identity and bona fides, (ii) assess money laundering and terrorist financing risks and take appropriate mitigation measures, (iii) monitor, recognize and report suspicious transactions, (iv) maintain certain records for the time period prescribed, and (v) train employees and staff to recognize possible unlawful activities.

Privacy Laws

Canadian Privacy Laws, primarily the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, which we refer to as PIPEDA, govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by Brookfield Annuity, including how personal information must be protected domestically and when transferred outside of Canada. Canadian Privacy Laws are enforced by the federal Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and provincial Information and Privacy Commissioners. The federal government has recently tabled a bill that proposes to replace the data protection parts of PIPEDA with new legislation that will increase organizations’ obligations to individuals in some respects. However, that legislation is not expected to come into force before 2022.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

This management’s discussion and analysis, which we refer to as MD&A, dated as of the date of this prospectus, covers the financial position as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and the financial position as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. The information in this MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of BAH, which is our predecessor, as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, and the accompanying notes to such financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.

In addition to historical information, this MD&A contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information”.

Basis of Presentation

Our company is a newly formed company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda created for the purpose of consolidating our predecessor entities and facilitating the special dividend by Brookfield Asset Management of our class A exchangeable shares.

As part of the special dividend, our wholly-owned subsidiary, BAM Re Holdings, will acquire BAH and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brookfield Annuity, NER Ltd. and NER SPC, through the Transactions. As part of the Transactions, on March 12, 2021, BAM Re Holdings acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of NER Ltd. from its sole shareholder BAH. BAH, including its subsidiaries Brookfield Annuity and NER SPC, will be acquired by BAM Re Holdings in advance of the special dividend. Our company and BAH are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management and therefore the Transactions are common control transactions recorded at historical carrying values. BAH is our predecessor for financial reporting purposes.

The principal operating entities of our company generally maintain their own independent management and infrastructure.

Overview of Our Business

Our company was established by Brookfield Asset Management to own and operate a leading reinsurance business focused on providing capital-based solutions to insurance companies and their stakeholders. Through our operating subsidiaries, we will provide annuity-based reinsurance products to insurance and reinsurance companies and will also act as a direct issuer of pension risk transfer products for pension plan sponsors. In doing so, we seek to match long-duration liabilities with a portfolio of high-quality investments in order to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns within our business. We intend to leverage our relationship with Brookfield in order to opportunistically source new business and deploy our capital in assets that are tailored to our investment needs. Our relationship with Brookfield provides us with access to a diverse mix of leading alternative investment strategies that we believe are well suited for this purpose.

Our principal investment is a 100% economic interest in BAH, which in turn fully owns our pension risk transfer business operated through Brookfield Annuity, a Canadian domiciled, licensed and regulated direct life insurance company.

 

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We currently have a single operating segment related to our pension risk transfer business. Going forward, we plan to focus primarily on growing our annuities-based reinsurance business, which we refer to as our annuities business. Over time, we may look for opportunities to expand our reinsurance business to cover other longer-duration products such as life insurance and structured settlements. See “Our Business” for further details.

Annuities

Within our annuities business, we are focused primarily on the reinsurance of annuity-based products, and will primarily seek to reinsure annuity-based products for direct insurers and other reinsurers operating in North America and Western Europe.

Annuities are insurance contracts that provide a defined income stream, typically for retirement planning. Policyholders deposit money with an insurance company in return for a fixed stream of cash flows either immediately or in the future. Reinsurance is an arrangement whereby an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance company, referred to as the ceding company or cedant, for all or a portion of the insurance risks that are underwritten by the ceding company. Reinsurance serves multiple purposes, including to (1) transfer insurance risk off of a ceding company’s balance sheet, enabling it to more efficiently manage balance sheet capacity to increase the volume of business it can underwrite, (2) stabilize a ceding company’s operating results, (3) assist the cedant in achieving applicable regulatory requirements, and (4) optimize the overall financial strength and capital structure of the cedant.

Reinsurance may be structured as a block transaction, pursuant to which a reinsurer contractually assumes assets and liabilities associated with an in-force book of business, or as a flow arrangement, pursuant to which a reinsurer contractually agrees to assume assets and liabilities for future business.

We primarily seek to reinsure three types of annuity products: fixed annuities, fixed index annuities and payout annuities.

Fixed Annuities

A FA is a type of insurance contract that provides a fixed rate of investment return (often referred to as a crediting rate) for a specified period of time. Fixed rate reset annuities have a crediting rate that is typically guaranteed for a period of one year, after which insurers are able to change the crediting rate at their discretion, generally to any rate at or above a previously guaranteed minimum rate.

Insurers earn income on FA contracts by generating a net investment spread, which is based on the difference between income earned on the investments supporting the liabilities and the crediting rate owed to customers.

Fixed Index Annuities

A FIA is an insurance contract in which the policyholder makes one or more premium deposits that earn interest at a crediting rate based on a specified market index. Policyholders are entitled to recurring or lump sum payments for a specified period of time. FIAs provide policyholders with the ability to earn interest without significant downside risk to their principal balance. A market index tracks the performance of a specific group of stocks or other assets representing a particular segment of the market, or in some cases, an entire market. A policyholder’s crediting rate in relation to a market index is based on the change in the relevant market index, subject to a pre-defined cap (a maximum rate that may be credited), spread (a credited rate determined by reducing a specific rate from the index return) and/or a participation rate (a credited rate equal to a percentage of the index return).

Insurers earn income on FIA contracts based on a net investment spread, which is the difference between income generated on investments supporting the liabilities and the interest that is credited to policyholders.

 

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Payout Annuities

A payout annuity is an income-generating insurance product. In exchange for a lump sum premium, the policyholder receives a series of guaranteed income payments for one lifetime, two lifetimes or a specified period of time.

Insurers earn income on payout annuity contracts based on a net investment spread, which is the difference between income generated on investments supporting the liabilities and the interest that is credited to policyholders.

We intend to operate our annuities business through licensed operating companies, NER SPC and NER Ltd. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not entered into any reinsurance contracts.

Pension Risk Transfer

Pension risk transfer is the transfer by a corporate sponsor of the risks (or some of the risks) associated with the sponsorship and administration of a pension plan, in particular, investment risk and longevity risk, which is the risk of an increase in life expectancy of plan beneficiaries. These risks can be transferred either to an insurer like us through a group annuity transaction, or to an individual through a lump sum settlement payment. Pension risk transfer using insurance typically involves a single premium group annuity contract that is issued by an insurer, permitting the corporate pension plan sponsor to discharge certain pension plan liabilities from its balance sheet.

A pension risk transfer insurance transaction may be structured as either a buy-out annuity or a buy-in annuity. Under a buy-out annuity, a direct insurer enters into a group annuity contract with the plan sponsor and assumes the liability to fund, administer and pay benefits covered under the contract directly to the individual pension plan members covered under the contract. Under a buy-in annuity, the insurer enters into a group annuity contract with the plan sponsor and is liable to fund and pay the benefits covered under the contract to the pension plan fund, with the plan sponsor retaining the liability to administer and pay pension benefits to plan members. In both cases, the insurer assumes the investment and longevity risk.

Insurers earn income on buy-out and buy-in group annuities by generating a net investment spread, which is based on the difference between income earned on the investments supporting the annuity contract and the cost of the pension liabilities assumed.

Today, our pension risk transfer business is operated primarily through Brookfield Annuity, a Canadian domiciled, licensed and regulated direct life insurance company that provides pension risk transfer solutions to organizations across Canada. Brookfield Annuity is led by a team of experts with an average of over 25 years of experience in group annuities, pensions, insurance and investments.

Brookfield Annuity was incorporated in August 2016 as a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management and wrote its first group annuity policy in the first quarter of 2017. As of March 31, 2021, Brookfield Annuity had $1.3 billion (C$1.6 billion) of policyholder reserves.

Life Insurance

Although today our business is focused primarily on annuity-based products, in the future we may look to expand our reinsurance business to cover other longer-duration products, including life insurance. Life insurance is a contract between an insurer and the insured person in which the insurer guarantees payment of a death benefit to named beneficiaries in exchange for premiums paid by the insured person. Insurers generate income based upon the income earned on assets invested in connection with the policy relative to the cost of administration and the death benefit paid.

The following financial data is derived from our predecessor’s financial statements that are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS measures used in this MD&A are reconciled to or calculated from such values. All dollar references, unless otherwise stated, are in U.S. Dollars.

 

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Key Financial Data

The following presents key financial data of our company:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31     Year Ended December 31  

US$ THOUSANDS

          2021                   2020            2020     2019     2018  

Gross premiums

   $ 2,739     $ 29,795     $ 431,070     $ 503,688   $ 160,146

Net premiums

     2,558       29,701       430,436       325,109     160,146

Net income (loss) for the period

     2,903       (127     1,608       5,527     (507

Net income (loss) per share

     27.43       (1.51     18.92       67.72     (7.20

FFO1

     3,010       (46     2,054       5,744     (278

Adjusted EBITDA1

     4,057       (59     2,688       6,068     (167

Adjusted ROE1

     3     —         2     9     (1 )% 

Net investment spread2

     0.3     0.7     0.5     0.6     0.7

AUM2

     1,090,077       688,738       1,192,465       701,538     372,747

 

1.

FFO, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted ROE are Non-IFRS measures. See “—Performance Measures Used by Management” and “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures”.

2.

For a description of net investment spread and AUM, see “—Performance Measures Used by Management”.

Operating Results and Financial Review

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table summarizes the financial results of our business for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Premiums

     

Gross

   $ 2,739      $ 29,795  

Ceded

     (181 )       (94
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums

     2,558        29,701  

Net investment loss

     (63,268 )       (39,455

Net investment results from funds withheld

     390        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     (60,320 )       (9,754
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefits paid on insurance contracts

     

Gross

     17,088        12,718  

Ceded

     (6,314 )       (6,197

Change in insurance contract liabilities

     

Gross

     (92,652 )       (30,890

Ceded

     14,675        13,530  

Operating expenses

     2,933        1,225  

Interest expense

     21        29  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

     (64,249 )       (9,585
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     3,929        (169

Income tax (expense) recovery

     (1,026 )       42  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the period

   $ 2,903      $ (127
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

   $ 27.43      $ (1.51

 

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Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we reported net income of $2.9 million. This compares to a net loss of $0.1 million for the prior year period.

Gross premiums decreased by $27.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 relative to the same period in 2020. This decrease was due to a lower total value of pension risk transfer, or pension risk transfer, deals closed during the period.

Net investment income decreased by $23.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, relative to the same period in 2020. Net investment income is comprised of interest and dividends received, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments. Interest and dividends received during the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $3.9 million from the same period in 2020, reflecting the growth in the investment portfolio. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments were impacted by increased interest rates during the current period, resulting in unrealized losses on investments and derivatives of $86 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared with unrealized losses of $47 million in the same period in 2020. The losses on investments and derivatives were offset by the reduction in insurance contract liabilities, as discussed below.

Gross benefits paid to policyholders increased by $4.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the increase in new pension risk transfer business since the prior year period. Ceded benefits represent amounts received from reinsurers. Ceded benefits for three months ended March 31, 2021 were in line with the same period in 2020.

The gross change in insurance contract liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by $61.8 million compared to the same period in 2020. The change in gross contract liabilities was primarily due to the impact of market movements, primarily increased interest rates and the associated impact of new pension risk transfer deals closed since the prior year period. Ceded change in insurance contract liabilities in the period was in line with ceded reserves for same period in 2020.

Operating expenses increased by $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 as a result of additional personnel and professional services expenses related to growth of the business.

 

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Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

The following table summarizes the financial results of our business for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2020      2019      2018  

Premiums

        

Gross

   $ 431,070      $ 503,688    $ 160,146

Ceded

     (634      (178,579      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums

     430,436        325,109      160,146

Net investment income

     83,918        57,097      741

Net investment results from funds withheld

     (117      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     514,237        382,206      160,887
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefits paid on insurance contracts

        

Gross

     63,349        38,645      13,408

Ceded

     (24,569      (13,502      —    

Change in insurance contract liabilities

        

Gross

     457,114        537,809      142,904

Ceded

     10,496        (193,033      —    

Operating expenses

     5,605        6,436      4,971

Interest expense

     93        166      111
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

     512,088        376,521      161,394
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     2,149        5,685      (507

Income tax expense

     (541      (158      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the year

   $ 1,608      $ 5,527    $ (507
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

   $ 18.92      $ 67.72    $ (7.20
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2020 vs. 2019

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we reported net income of $1.6 million. This compares to net income of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Gross premiums decreased by $72.6 million in 2020 relative to the same period in 2019. This decrease was due to a lower number of pension risk transfer deals closed during the period. Ceded premiums decreased by $177.9 million relative to the prior year. This is primarily related to one significant coinsurance reinsurance transaction in 2019 where we ceded $178.6 million of premiums.

Net investment income increased by $26.8 million in 2020, relative to the same period in 2019. Net investment income comprises of interest and dividends received, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments. Interest and dividends received increased by $8.5 million reflecting the growth in the investment portfolio. Realized gains on financial instruments were lower by $5.8 million in 2020, relative to 2019, due to lower disposal activity in the year. Unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments in 2020 were positively impacted by strong mark-to-market performance of investments during the second half of the year resulting in $51.3 million of unrealized gains on investments and derivatives in 2020, relative to $27.0 million in 2019.

Gross benefits paid to policyholders increased by $24.7 million in 2020 due to the increase in new business within pension risk transfer. Ceded benefits represent amounts received from reinsurers. Ceded benefits in 2020 increased by $11.1 million compared with the same period in 2019 as 2020 reflects the first full year of amounts

 

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received from reinsurers on treaties entered into in 2019. The company also entered into one additional reinsurance treaty in 2020.

The gross change in insurance contract liabilities in 2020 decreased by $80.7 million compared to the same period in 2019. The change in gross contract liabilities was primarily due to the impact of market movements, such as decreasing interest rates. Ceded change in insurance contract liabilities increased by $203.5 million due to the impact of market movements on the ceded reserves in 2020.

Operating expenses decreased by $0.8 million due to a capital and sales tax recovery recognized in 2020.

2019 vs. 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we reported net income of $5.5 million. This compares to a net loss of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Gross premiums increased by $343.5 million in 2019 relative to the same period in 2018. This increase was due to a higher number of pension risk transfer deals closed during the period. Ceded premiums increased by $178.6 million relative to the prior year. This is primarily related to one coinsurance reinsurance transaction where we ceded $178.3 million of premiums.

Net investment income increased by $56.4 million in 2019, relative to the same period in 2018. Net investment income comprises of interest received, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments. Unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments in 2018 was negatively impacted by the market-wide negative performance in late December 2018. Interest received increased by $10.6 million reflecting the growth in the investment portfolio. In 2019, we reported a gain on financial instruments of $36.2 million compared to a loss of $9.3 million in 2018. The increase in fair value movements is largely due to the positive impact of market movements in 2019 from a reduction in risk free rates and a tightening of credit spreads.

Gross benefits paid to policyholders increased by $25.2 million in 2019 due to the increase in new business within pension risk transfer. In 2019, we entered into our first reinsurance transactions with third party reinsurers.

The net change in insurance contract liabilities was comprised of a gross increase of $394.9 million and a decrease due to ceded insurance contract liabilities of $193.0 million, compared to the prior year. The change in gross and ceded insurance contract liabilities were primarily due to new pension risk transfer and reinsurance transactions within our pension risk transfer business completed during the year and the impact of market movements, such as decreasing interest rates. This was partially offset by benefit payments to policyholders and the impact of actuarial assumptions.

Operating expenses increased by $1.5 million due to higher professional fees incurred during 2019.

 

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Consolidated Financial Position

Comparison as at March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

The following table summarizes the financial position as at March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Mar. 31,
2021
     Dec. 31,
2020
     Dec. 31,
2019
 

Statement of Financial Position

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 80,061    $ 35,461    $ 13,361

Investments

     1,090,077      1,192,465      701,538

Reinsurance assets

     177,949      190,070      197,164

Other assets

     46,379      22,259      14,648
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,394,466      1,440,255      926,711
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance contract liabilities

     1,263,809      1,338,730      856,364

Other liabilities

     18,791      18,362      4,891
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,282,600      1,357,092      861,255

Total equity

     111,866      83,163      65,456
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 1,394,466    $ 1,440,255    $ 926,711
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

March 31, 2021 vs. December 31, 2020

Cash increased by $44.6 million during the quarter as a result of investment portfolio rebalancing activities as well as a $5 million capital contribution from BAM into NER SPC. We expect cash on hand as at March 31, 2021 will be deployed into new investment strategies over the remainder of 2021.

Investments decreased by $102.4 million over the quarter, primarily as a result of negative mark-to-market adjustments recorded in the period as a result of the impact of rising interest rates on the investment portfolio, as noted above. Insurance contract liabilities also decreased by $74.9 million during the period as a result of rising interest rates during the period, as noted above.

December 31, 2020 vs. December 31, 2019

Investments increased by $490.9 million over the period, primarily as a result of pension risk transfer deals closed during the period. Insurance contract liabilities increased $482.4 million during the year as a result of the new pension risk transfer deals closed during the year, as noted above.

Pension Risk Transfer Business

Our operations are organized into one business segment, pension risk transfer.

Pension risk transfer includes the management of assets to fund future pension risk transfer obligations of our annuitants. We measure operating performance primarily using FFO. FFO measures our ability to acquire net pension assets at a positive margin, and invest these assets at a return that is greater than the accretion of the annuitants’ liabilities.

Our pension risk transfer business also includes the management of our corporate overhead and liquidity to fund our on-going operations. Corporate costs generally consist of our corporate interest expense and on-going overhead costs to support the business.

 

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Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table presents gross premiums, FFO and Adjusted EBITDA of our operating performance, disaggregated between our pension risk transfer operations and the corporate, general and administrative costs incurred to run the operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   Gross premiums      FFO1     Adjusted EBITDA1  
   2021      2020      2021     2020     2021     2020  

Gross premiums / pension risk transfer earnings

   $ 2,739    $ 29,795    $ 6,883   $ 1,085   $ 6,883   $ 1,085

Interest expense

     —          —          (21     (29     —         —    

Income taxes

     —          —          (1,026     42     —         —    

Other corporate overhead

     —          —          (2,826     (1,144     (2,826     (1,144
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pension risk transfer

   $ 2,739    $ 29,795    $ 3,010   $ (46   $ 4,057   $ (59
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1.

FFO and Adjusted EBITDA are Non-IFRS measures. See “—Performance Measures Used by Management” and “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures”.

The following table presents net investment spread, Adjusted ROE, and AUM:

 

AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2021     2020  

Net investment spread1

     0.3     0.7

Adjusted ROE2

     3.0     (0.2 )% 

AUM1

     1,090,077     688,738  

 

  1.

For a description of net investment spread and AUM, see “—Performance Measures Used by Management”.

  2.

Adjusted ROE is a Non-IFRS measure. See “—Performance Measures Used by Management” and “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures”.

Gross premiums and earnings in our pension risk transfer business were $2.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $29.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for the same period in 2020. The decrease in gross premiums was a result of the lower total value of new agreements written in the 2021 period. The increase in FFO and adjusted EBITDA were primarily as a result of a decrease in the value of insurance contract liabilities in the 2021 period, due to rising interest rates as noted above, which more than offset the decrease in the investment portfolio.

Corporate overhead increased to $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $1.1 million in the 2020 period, as a result of additional personnel and professional services expenses related to growth of the business over the last twelve months.

Net investment spread decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from the same period in 2020, from 0.7% to 0.3%. The net investment spread in the current year period decreased due to the increased balance of cash on hand as at March 31, 2021 due to portfolio rebalancing activities, as noted above. We plan to deploy the increased cash on hand as at March 31, 2021 into higher yielding investment strategies over the remainder of 2021.

Adjusted ROE increased from 2020 to 2021, primarily as a result of the increase in net income in the period, as discussed in the “Operating Results and Financial Review - Results of Operations” section of this MD&A.

AUM, representing the gross value of our managed insurance assets, decreased by $102 million in the current year period to $1.1 billion as at March 31, 2021, as a result of the decrease in investments noted above. In

 

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the prior year period, AUM decreased $13 million to $689 million as a result of the market volatility experienced in March 2020 as a result of the economic shutdown.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

The following table presents gross premiums, FFO and Adjusted EBITDA of our operating performance, disaggregated between our pension risk transfer operations and the corporate, general and administrative costs incurred to run the operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
  Gross premiums     FFO1     Adjusted EBITDA1  
  2020     2019     2018     2020     2019     2018     2020     2019     2018  

Gross premiums / pension risk transfer earnings

  $ 431,070     $ 503,688   $ 160,146   $ 7,847     $ 12,287   $ 4,575   $ 7,847     $ 12,287     $ 4,575

Interest expense

    —         —         —         (93     (166     (111     —         —         —    

Income taxes

    —         —         —         (541     (158     —         —         —         —    

Other corporate overhead

    —         —         —         (5,159     (6,219     (4,742     (5,159     (6,219     (4,742
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pension risk transfer

  $ 431,070     $ 503,688   $ 160,146   $ 2,054     $ 5,744   $ (278   $ 2,688     $ 6,068   $ (167
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1.

FFO and Adjusted EBITDA are Non-IFRS measures. See “—Performance Measures Used by Management” and “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures”.

The following table presents net investment spread, Adjusted ROE, and AUM:

 

AS AT AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020     2019     2018  

Net investment spread1

     0.49     0.64     0.69

Adjusted ROE2

     2     9     (1 )% 

AUM1

   $ 1,192,465     $ 701,538   $ 372,747

 

  1.

For a description of net investment spread and AUM, see “—Performance Measures Used by Management”.

  2.

Adjusted ROE is a Non-IFRS measure. See “—Performance Measures Used by Management” and “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures”.

2020 vs. 2019

Gross premiums and earnings in our pension risk transfer business were $431.1 million and $7.8 million in 2020 compared to $503.7 million and $12.3 million in 2019, respectively. The decrease in gross premiums and associated decreases in FFO and adjusted EBITDA were primarily as a result of a fewer number of new agreements written in 2020.

Corporate overhead decreased to $5.2 million in 2020 from $6.2 million during 2019. The decrease in corporate was primarily as a result of a capital and sales tax recovery recognized in 2020.

Net investment spread decreased slightly in 2020 from 2019, at 0.49% and 0.64%, respectively, due to the overall lower rate environment experienced in 2020. In December 2020 we closed a large pension risk transfer deal. The impact of this transaction had an impact on net investment spread as a result of us being required to hold low yielding investments until our capital could be fully deployed and have adjusted our net investment spread for the period accordingly.

Adjusted ROE decreased from 2019 to 2020, primarily as a result of the decrease in net income in the period, as discussed in the “Operating Results and Financial Review - Results of Operations” section of this MD&A.

 

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AUM increased $490.9 million, primarily as a result of pension risk transfer deals closed during 2020, as well as positive mark-to-market valuations within our investment portfolio.

2019 vs. 2018

Gross premiums and earnings in our pension risk transfer business in 2019 were $503.7 million and $12.3 million for the year compared to $160.1 million and $4.6 million in 2018, respectively. The increase in gross premiums and associated increases in FFO and adjusted EBITDA were primarily as a result of more businesses written in 2019 than in 2018 and higher net investment income earned on our portfolio of financial assets.

Corporate overhead increased to $6.2 million in 2019 from $4.7 million during 2018. The increase in overhead was primarily as a result of higher compensation expense and professional fees incurred during the year as we continue to grow our franchise.

Net investment spread remained relatively flat from 2018 to 2019, at 0.64% and 0.69%, respectively. As a newly regulated business that started its pension risk transfer operations approximately three years ago, our company is a highly regulated entity with greater restrictions around investment thresholds and how we can deploy our capital than companies who have a longer history of operations.

Adjusted ROE increased from 2018 to 2019, primarily as a result in the positive increase in net income in the period, as discussed in the “Operating Results and Financial Review — Results of Operations” section of this MD&A.

AUM increased $328.8 million as a result of pension risk transfer deals closed during 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Resources

We attempt to maintain sufficient financial liquidity at all times so that we are able to participate in attractive opportunities as they arise, better withstand sudden adverse changes in economic circumstances within our operating subsidiaries and maintain their payments to policyholders, as well as maintain distributions to our shareholders. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from our operations, and access to our company’s third-party credit facility and our credit facility with Brookfield Asset Management. We proactively manage our liquidity position to meet liquidity needs while looking to minimize adverse impacts on investment returns. We look to structure the ownership of our assets to enhance our ability to monetize them to provide additional liquidity, if needed. Our liquidity for the period-ends noted below consisted of the following:

 

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Mar. 31, 2021      Dec. 31, 2020      Dec. 31, 2019  

Cash

   $ 80,061      $ 35,461      $ 13,361

Credit facilities

     42,193        41,621        40,804

Capital commitment from Brookfield Asset Management

     —          —          13,088
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liquidity

   $ 122,254      $ 77,082      $ 67,253
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our liquidity is sufficient to meet our present requirements for the foreseeable future. Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company will enter into the Support Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree to support the distributions of the class A exchangeable shares in the event there is not sufficient liquidity within our company to do so. See “The Support Agreement” for further details.

 

 

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Brookfield Asset Management will also provide our company with an equity commitment in the amount of $2 billion, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will be obligated to subscribe for, at its election, class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares. In addition, Brookfield Asset Management will extend to our company a revolving credit facility in the amount of $200 million for working capital purposes. See “Relationship with Brookfield — Equity Commitment” and “Relationship with Brookfield — Credit Agreement” for further details. In addition, for a description of certain other related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, please see Note 7 “Related Party Transactions” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of BAH.

Liquidity within our operating subsidiaries may be restricted from time to time due to regulatory constraints. As such, our company has credit facilities with arm’s length banks. We use the liquidity provided by the capital commitment and credit facilities for working capital purposes, and we may use the proceeds from the capital commitment to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions. The determination of which of these sources of funding our company will access in any particular situation will be a matter of optimizing needs and opportunities at that time.

Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows and ending cash balances for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Operating activities

   $ (15,538    $ 21,152

Investing activities

     32,544      (15,787

Financing activities

     24,592      (62

Cash and cash equivalents

     

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     35,461      13,361

Net increase (decrease) during the period

     41,598      5,303  

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

     3,002      (1,689
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 80,061    $ 16,975
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we used $15.5 million of cash for operating activities compared to generating $21.2 million during same period in 2020. The decrease was primarily as a result of a lower total value of pension risk transfer deals completed in the period, compared to the prior year period.

Investing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we generated $32.5 million from investing activities compared to using $15.8 million during 2020. The greater amount of cash generated in the 2021 period was primarily due to portfolio rebalancing activities during the quarter. We expect that the increased cash as at March 31, 2021 will be deployed into new strategies throughout the remainder of 2021.

Financing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we generated $24.6 million from financing activities compared to $62 thousand used in same period in 2020. The cash generated in the current period primarily relates cash received from the issuance of common shares.

 

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Financial Instruments

To the extent that we believe it is economic to do so, our strategy is to hedge a portion of our equity investments and/or cash flows exposed to foreign currencies by the company. The following key principles form the basis of our foreign currency hedging strategy:

 

   

we leverage any natural hedges that may exist within our operations;

 

   

we utilize local currency debt financing to the extent possible; and

 

   

we may utilize derivative contracts to the extent that natural hedges are insufficient.

As at March 31, 2021, our common equity was $111.9 million and primarily invested in Canadian dollars. All cumulative translation adjustments recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were related to foreign exchange movements on the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.

As at March 31, 2021, we had a notional $302.3 million (December 31, 2020 — $235.1 million) of foreign exchange forward contracts in place to hedge against foreign currency risk.

For additional information, see Note 3, “Financial Instruments” in the notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of BAH included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Future Capital Obligations and Requirements

A subsidiary of our company has a loan commitment agreement with a third party to the maximum of $14.6 million exclusive of taxes and other operating expenses (December 31, 2020 — $14.5 million). As at March 31, 2021, $10.0 million was loaned (December 31, 2020 — $10.0 million). The amount was recognized as an unrated bond. For additional information, see Note 15, “Financial Commitment” in the notes to our December 31, 2020 annual audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows and ending cash balances for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2020      2019      2018  

Operating activities

   $ 426,592      $ 308,490    $ 149,552  

Investing activities

     (412,473      (267,742      (198,891

Financing activities

     13,096        (34,693      46,458  

Cash and cash equivalents

        

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     13,361        7,745      9,213  

Net increase (decrease) during the year

     27,215        6,055      (2,881

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

     (5,115      (439      1,413  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 35,461      $ 13,361    $ 7,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

2020 vs. 2019

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated $426.6 million of cash from operating activities compared to $308.5 million during 2019. The increase was primarily as a result of new business written, compared to the prior year.

 

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2019 vs. 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we generated $308.5 million of cash from operating activities compared to $149.6 million during 2018. The increase was primarily as a result of new business written, compared to the prior year.

Investing Activities

2020 vs. 2019

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we used $412.5 million to fund investing activities compared to $267.7 million during 2019. The greater use of cash in 2020 was primarily due to greater amount of business written and retained compared to the prior year.

2019 vs. 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we used $267.7 million to fund investing activities compared to $198.9 million during 2018. The increase in cash used was primarily as a result of a greater amount of pension risk transfer activity compared to 2018. This was partially offset by greater amounts of cash received from the maturity of certain investments.

Financing Activities

2020 vs. 2019

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated $13.1 million from financing activities compared to $34.7 million used in the prior period. The cash generated in the current period primarily relates cash received from the issuance of common shares. Cash used in financing activities in the prior year primarily related to net repayments on various repurchase agreements.

2019 vs. 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we used $34.7 million for financing activities compared to $46.5 million generated from the prior period. The cash used in the current period primarily relates to a net repayment on various repurchase agreements partially offset by cash received from the issuance of common shares. Cash received from financing activities in the prior year primarily related to net proceeds received on various repurchase agreements.

Financial Instruments

As at December 31, 2020, our common equity was $83.2 million and primarily invested in Canadian dollars. All cumulative translation adjustments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were related to foreign exchange movements on the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.

As at December 31, 2020, we had a notional $235.1 million (2019 - $125.1 million, 2018 - $21.6 million) of foreign exchange forward contracts in place to hedge against foreign currency risk.

For additional information regarding our Financial Instruments, see Note 5, “Financial Instruments” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of BAH included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Future Capital Obligations and Requirements

As at December 31, 2020, a subsidiary of our company entered into a loan commitment agreement with a third party to the maximum of $14.5 million exclusive of taxes and other operating expenses (2019 - $8.4 million). As at December 31, 2020, $10.0 million was loaned (2019 - $5.4 million). The amount was recognized as an unrated bond. We did not have any outstanding loan commitments in 2018. For additional information, see Note 15, “Financial Commitment” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of BAH.

 

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Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The tables below outline the contractual obligations of our company as at December 31, 2020:

 

AS AT DEC. 31, 2020
US$ THOUSANDS
   Payments due by period  
   Total      Less than 1 year      1- 3 years      4 - 5 years      More than 5 years  

Insurance contract liabilities

   $ 1,338,730      $ 21,482      $ 84,910      $ 83,862      $ 1,148,476  

Due to related party

     4      4      —        —          —  

Reinsurance payable

     410      410      —          —          —    

Derivative liabilities

     122      122      —          —          —    

Current tax liability

     676        676        —          —          —    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     4,771      3,793      570        408        —    

Funds withheld liabilities

     12,379      12,379      —        —          —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,357,092    $ 38,866    $ 85,480    $ 84,270      $ 1,148,476
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Industry Trends and Factors Affecting Our Performance

Pension Risk Transfer

The Canadian pension risk transfer market in which our pension risk transfer business currently operates has expanded over the last several years, with a growth rate of ~19% per annum since 2015. With over C$1.3 trillion of defined benefit plan assets and approximately C$540 billion of private sector pension plans, we believe there are significant opportunities for us to grow our Canadian pension risk transfer business organically.

Life Insurance and Annuities

The annuities and life insurance industry in our target markets of North America and Western Europe consists of over $13 trillion of assets and is growing by approximately 4% annually. As described above, we will participate in this industry primarily by providing annuity-based reinsurance products and pension risk transfer solutions and over time may look for opportunities to expand our reinsurance business into life insurance, structured settlements, and other long-duration products in order to take advantage of the growing industry.

 

   

Low interest rates are differentiating those with access to higher-yielding investments. Insurers invest primarily in fixed income products and declining yields have put pressure on profitability, creating opportunities for those with higher-yielding alternative investment management capabilities to outperform. Through our relationship with Brookfield, we have access to a diverse portfolio of suitable higher-yielding alternative investment products.

 

   

Many insurers are looking for ways to shift toward less asset-intensive insurance products. Given the capital-intensive nature of life and annuity liabilities, many insurance companies with diversified exposure are looking to reduce their exposure to life and annuity products, including through reinsurance, in order to free up capital that they can deploy in support of less asset-intensive products and business lines.

 

   

Recent market conditions are exposing under-capitalized companies. Some writers of annuity products are facing higher hedging costs amidst volatile markets, and changes in regulatory standards are increasing the transparency of liability valuations in the current low-rate environment. This has necessitated a need to raise or otherwise free up capital, and the reinsurance market offers writers of annuity products an opportunity to do so. We have access to capital and are able to provide capital support to these companies.

 

   

Public market valuations have compressed while capital needs have grown. Insurers are trading at cyclical lows on a book value basis, and given the prevailing market environment, are looking to partner with organizations like our company that can provide solutions to address capital needs.

 

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Market Risk

Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position include substantial amounts of assets and liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risks. Our significant market risks are primarily associated with interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and credit risk. The fair values of our investment portfolios remain subject to considerable volatility. The following sections address the significant market risks associated with our business activities.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

Our company’s obligations under its insurance contracts are denominated in Canadian dollars but a portion of the assets supporting these liabilities are denominated in non-Canadian dollars. Our company manages foreign exchange risk using foreign exchange forwards. Our investment policy sets out the foreign currency exposure limits and types of derivatives permitted for hedging purposes.

Our net assets are subject to financial statement translation into U.S. Dollars. All of our financial statement translation-related impact from changes in foreign currency rates is recorded in other comprehensive income.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rates currently remain at low levels in many jurisdictions in which we operate. These rates may remain relatively low, but they may rise significantly at some point in the future, either gradually or abruptly. A sudden or unexpected increase in interest rates may cause certain market dislocations that could negatively impact our financial performance. Interest rate increases would also increase the amount of cash required to service our obligations and our earnings could be adversely impacted as a result thereof.

Our company manages interest rate risk through their asset liability management, which we refer to as ALM, framework whereby the effective and key rate durations of the investment portfolio are closely matched to that of the insurance contract liabilities. Within the context of the ALM framework, our company uses derivatives including interest rate swaps and futures to reduce market risk. For the annuity business, where the timing and amount of the benefit payment obligations can be readily determined, the matching of asset and liability cash flows is effectively controlled through this comprehensive duration management process.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss from amounts owed by counterparties and arises any time funds are extended, committed, owed or invested through actual or implied contractual arrangements including reinsurance. Our company is primarily exposed to credit risk through its investments in debt securities.

Our company manages exposure to credit risk by establishing concentration limits by counterparty, credit rating and asset class. To further minimize credit risk, the financial condition of the counterparties is monitored on a regular basis. These requirements are outlined in our investment policy.

Insurance Risk

Our company makes assumptions and estimates when assessing reinsurance and insurance risks, and significant deviations, particularly with regards to longevity, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Any transaction’s terms are likely to be determined by qualitative and quantitative factors, including our estimates. If we reinsure a block of business, there can be no assurance that the transaction will achieve the results expected at the time of the block’s acquisition. These transactions expose us to the risk that actual results materially differ from those estimates.

Our company manages insurance risk through choosing whether to purchase reinsurance for certain amounts of risk underwritten within our pension risk transfer business, and we may also look to further reinsure certain amounts of risk we assume under our reinsurance agreements.

 

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Legal Risk

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by our subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We are also involved from time to time in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Operational Risk

Operational risk is the potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external events. The company’s internal control processes are supported by the maintenance of a risk register and independent internal audit review. The risk of fraud is managed through a number of processes including background checks on staff on hire, annual code of conduct confirmations, anti-bribery training and segregation of duties.

Our company has significant outsourcing arrangements in respect of pension administration and other functions. These arrangements are subject to agreements with formal service levels, operate within agreed authority limits and are subject to regular review by senior management. Material outsourcing arrangements are approved and monitored by the Board.

Disaster recovery and business continuity plans have also been established to manage our company’s ability to operate under adverse conditions.

Impact of COVID-19

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on March 11, 2020. To date, there have been restrictions on the conduct of business in many jurisdictions and the global movement of people and certain goods. Our company continues to closely monitor the related developments in light of the economic environment. The longer-term impacts from COVID-19 will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, constantly evolving and difficult to predict. These impacts may differ in magnitude depending on a number of scenarios, which we continue to monitor and take into consideration in our decision making as we continue to assess medium to long-term impacts. Where COVID-19 relates specifically to our business, specifically in valuing our insurance and reinsurance liabilities, we have allowed for identified deaths, but we have not made any changes to our longevity assumptions as it remains too early to quantify what long-term impacts of COVID-19 there might be on longevity.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

Critical Accounting Policy and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make critical judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources, during the reporting period. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

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The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgments made by management and used in preparing these consolidated financial statements, including those specified by OSFI which comply with IFRS, are summarized below:

 

i.

Insurance contract liabilities

Liabilities for insurance contracts are determined using the Canadian Asset Liability Method, which we refer to as CALM, in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, which we refer to as CIA, and as permitted by IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts.

Contract classifications

Contracts under which our company accepts significant insurance risk from a policyholder are classified as insurance contracts in accordance with IFRS 4 on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. A contract is considered to have significant insurance risk if, and only if, an insured event could cause an insurer to make significant additional payments in any scenario, excluding scenarios that lack commercial substance at the inception of the contract. Contracts under which the company does not accept significant insurance risk are classified as either investment contracts or considered a service contract and are accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, respectively. Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the remainder of its term, even if the insurance risk reduces significantly during the year, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire. Investment contracts can be reclassified as insurance contracts if insurance risk subsequently becomes significant.

Measurement

Insurance contract liabilities represent the amount required to provide for future benefits payments and administrative expenses on policies in force with the company. Insurance contract liabilities are presented gross of reinsurance assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The company’s Appointed Actuary is responsible for determining the amount of insurance contract liabilities in accordance with standards established by the CIA. Insurance contract liabilities have been determined using CALM as permitted by IFRS 4. It is used to determine insurance contract liabilities and incorporates best-estimate assumptions for longevity, future investment yields, administration costs, margins for adverse deviation and inflation. Margins for adverse deviation are necessary to provide for possibilities of misestimation and future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions and provide reasonable assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. Margins are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

The company has designated invested assets supporting insurance contract liabilities as fair value through profit or loss, which we refer to as FVTPL, or as loans and receivables. Since the value of the insurance contract liabilities is determined by reference to the assets supporting those liabilities, changes in the insurance contract liabilities offset a significant portion of the changes in fair value of these FVTPL assets recorded in net income (loss).

 

ii.

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, we are also a user of reinsurance in order to limit the potential for losses arising from certain exposures. To the extent that third-party reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, we remain liable to our policyholders for the portion reinsured. At each reporting date, the reinsurance asset and reinsurance receivable, if any, are tested for impairment. If there is objective evidence that the reinsurance asset or reinsurance receivable are not recoverable and the impact of the event can be reliably measured, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

 

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Longevity reinsurance

Brookfield Annuity enters into longevity reinsurance transactions with third party reinsurers. As part of the agreements, Brookfield Annuity commits to pay the reinsurers a schedule of fixed payments relating to defined blocks of policyholder benefits. In return, the reinsurers reimburse the actual cost of benefit expenses on those blocks to Brookfield Annuity. Settlement of fixed and actual payments between Brookfield Annuity and the reinsurers are on a net basis. The difference between fixed and actual payments on past service is recognized in the same period as the related claim is incurred within benefits ceded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any unsettled amounts on past service from the reinsurers is recognized as a reinsurance receivable or payable in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of BAH.

Brookfield Annuity is liable for reinsurance fees for the transactions. The fees are recognized as incurred and are included in ceded premiums in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within the audited financial statements of BAH.

The benefits to which Brookfield Annuity is entitled under its reinsurance transactions are recognized as reinsurance assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and change in insurance contract liabilities ceded on the Consolidated Statement of Operating Results of BAH.

Quota share reinsurance

Brookfield Annuity enters into quota share reinsurance transactions with third-party reinsurers. The agreement covers policyholder benefits for a proportion of business reinsured. The proportion varies for certain discrete blocks of business. At the inception of each quota share reinsurance contract, premiums ceded and a corresponding decrease in cash or payable is recognized in proportion to the business reinsured by the external reinsurer. Brookfield Annuity recognizes a reinsurance asset on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and change in insurance contract liabilities ceded on the Consolidated Statement of Operating Results in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of BAH. The benefits to which Brookfield Annuity is entitled under its reinsurance contracts are recognized as reinsurance assets.

The reinsurer is committed to pay Brookfield Annuity a proportion of actual benefit expenses. The amounts are reported in benefits ceded in the same period as the related benefit expense is incurred. In cases where the benefit payments are due but not fully received from the reinsurer, Brookfield Annuity will recognize a reinsurance receivable. In cases where benefit payments are due, but amounts are received in excess from the reinsurer, Brookfield Annuity will recognize a reinsurance payable.

Under reinsurance contracts with unregistered reinsurers, assets are required to be pledged to Brookfield Annuity in order to secure payment of liabilities under the reinsurance agreement. Unregistered reinsurers are reinsurers which are not regulated by OSFI. The pledged assets are held in Canada by a Canadian financial institution that is not affiliated with the third party reinsurer. Brookfield Annuity maintains a valid and enforceable security interest that has priority over any other security interest in the collateral. In the event of default by the reinsurer, Brookfield Annuity has the right to liquidate or take legal possession of these assets, in a timely manner.

At each reporting date, the reinsurance asset and reinsurance receivable, if any, are tested for impairment. If there is objective evidence that the reinsurance asset or reinsurance receivable are not recoverable and the impact of the event can be reliably measured, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds recoverable amount.

 

iii.

Premiums

Gross premiums are recognized as revenue when due and collection is reasonably assured. When premiums are recognized, insurance contract liabilities are computed, with the result that benefits and expenses are matched with such revenue. Premiums ceded are recognized when due and in accordance with the terms of the contractual agreement between the company and reinsurer. Premium refunds, if any, are recognized on an accrual basis.

 

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iv.

Benefits paid

Gross benefits and benefits ceded are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations when they are due and incurred.

Future Accounting Policy Changes

 

i.

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

In May 2017, the IASB issued the new standard IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts which will replace IFRS 4 and will be applied retrospectively. In June 2020, the IASB proposed an amendment to IFRS 17 providing a one-year deferral on the effective date of the standard to January 1, 2023. In addition, the IASB extended the exemption for insurers to apply IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, so that both IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 will have the same effective date. OSFI expects life insurers to adopt IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 simultaneously.

IFRS 17 sets out the requirements for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of insurance contracts a company issues and reinsurance contracts it holds.

The future profit for providing insurance coverage is recognized in profit or loss over time as the insurance coverage is provided.

IFRS 17 will affect how BAH accounts for its insurance contracts and how it reports financial performance in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. BAH continues to assess the impact for IFRS 17, which is expected to be significant on the timing of earnings recognition, as well as presentation and disclosure, for its insurance contracts.

 

ii.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

In July 2014, the IASB published the complete version of IFRS 9, which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application and replaces IAS 39. IFRS 9 provides changes to the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model and new hedge accounting guidance.

BAH has deferred the implementation of IFRS 9 until IFRS 17 is adopted on January 1, 2023 on the basis that the company’s activities are predominantly connected with insurance, with insurance contract liabilities making up over 99% of the company’s total liabilities.

The disclosure for the measurement and classification of BAH’s investments provides most of the information required by IFRS 9. BAH is currently assessing the impact of implementing IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.

Performance Measures Used by Management

To measure performance, we focus on net income, an IFRS measure, as well as certain non-IFRS measures, including FFO and adjusted EBITDA. In addition, we provide certain metrics such as, assets under management, which we refer to as AUM, net investment spread and adjusted return on equity, which we believe are useful to investors to provide additional insights into the base upon which we earn investment income. Refer to the “—Pension Risk Transfer Business” section of this MD&A further for discussion on our performance measures.

 

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Non-IFRS Measures

We regularly monitor certain non-IFRS measures that are used to evaluate our performance and analyze underlying business performance and trends. We use these measures to establish budgets and operational goals, manage our Business and evaluate our performance. We also believe that these measures help investors compare our operating performance with our results in prior periods. These non-IFRS financial measures are provided as supplemental information to the financial measures presented in this prospectus that are calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures are not comparable to IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly described non-IFRS measures reported by other companies, including those within our industry. Consequently, our non-IFRS measures should not be evaluated in isolation, but rather, should be considered together with the most directly comparable IFRS measure and our consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the periods presented. The non-IFRS financial measures we present in this prospectus should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures determined or calculated in accordance with IFRS.

FFO

FFO is a key measure of our financial performance. We use FFO to assess operating results and the performance of our businesses. We define FFO as net income excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, breakage and transaction costs. FFO is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in accordance with, and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS as issued by the IASB. FFO is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Specifically, our definition of FFO may differ from the definition used by other organizations, as well as the definition of Funds from Operations used by the Real Property Association of Canada, or REALPAC, and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc., or NAREIT.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization, interest expense, current and deferred income taxes, as well as transaction costs. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in accordance with, and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by, IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and has limitations as an analytical tool.

Adjusted ROE

Adjusted ROE is used to evaluate our financial performance of our invested capital. Adjusted ROE is calculated as net income available to common shareholders, divided by average common shareholders’ equity over the period.

We believe our presentation of FFO, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted ROE is useful to investors because it supplements investors’ understanding of our operating performance by providing information regarding our ongoing performance that excludes items we believe do not directly affect our core operations. Our presentation of FFO also provide investors enhanced comparability of our ongoing performance across periods.

For further details regarding our use of our Non-IFRS measures, as well as a reconciliation of net income to these measures, see the “—Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A.

 

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Operating Metrics

Net Investment Spread

In addition to FFO, we use net investment spread as a key metric of our financial performance and profitability. Net investment spread is defined as our investment performance less the total cost of our liabilities. Our investment performance is measured as net investment income as a percentage of total insurance and reinsurance assets managed. Our total cost of liabilities is measured as the cost of policyholder benefits and liabilities as a percentage of total insurance and reinsurance assets managed. We believe this metric is useful in assessing the performance of our investments in relation to the costs associated with our underlying liabilities.

AUM

We define AUM as the total gross value of our managed insurance assets, identified as investments in our consolidated financial statements. We believe this metric is useful in gauging the scale and growth of the business over time, and can be an indicator of future results when viewed in conjunction with our insurance liabilities and the net investment spread.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures

The following table reconciles our net income to total FFO:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS/YEAR ENDED    Three Months Ended
March 31
    Year Ended December 31  
US$ THOUSANDS        2021              2020         2020      2019      2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,903    $ (127   $ 1,608    $ 5,527    $ (507

Depreciation expense

     107      81     446      217      229
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total FFO

   $ 3,010    $ (46   $ 2,054    $ 5,744    $ (278
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table reconciles our net income to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS/YEAR ENDED    Three Months Ended
March 31
    Year Ended December 31  
US$ THOUSANDS        2021              2020         2020      2019      2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,903    $ (127   $ 1,608    $ 5,527    $ (507

Interest expense

     21      29     93      166      111

Income tax expense

     1,026      (42     541      158      —    

Depreciation expense

     107      81     446      217      229

Transaction costs

     —          —         —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 4,057    $ (59   $ 2,688    $ 6,068    $ (167
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table reconciles our net income to Adjusted ROE:

 

AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS/YEAR ENDED    March 31     December 31  
US$ THOUSANDS    2021     2020     2020     2019     2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,903   $ (127   $ 1,608   $ 5,527   $ (507

Opening total equity

     83,163     65,456     65,456     51,961     49,707  

Ending total equity

     111,866     60,181     83,163     65,456     51,961  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average total equity

   $ 97,515   $ 62,819   $ 74,310   $ 58,709   $ 50,834  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted ROE

     3     —       2     9     (1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Directors and Executive Officers of our Company

The table below sets forth information regarding the directors and executive officers of our company.

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, the size of our company’s board of directors will be set at a minimum of four (4) members and a maximum of eight (8) members. Initially, our board will be comprised of four members and our board will be given the authority to fill the remaining four seats prior to the first annual general meeting of shareholders of the company. A majority of our directors will be independent under applicable law and the regulations of the securities exchanges on which our class A exchangeable shares will be listed. Currently, our board is comprised of three (3) directors: James Bodi, Gregory McConnie and Gregory Morrison. Prior to the date of the final prospectus, our board is expected to be comprised of four (4) directors: William Cox, Gregory Morrison, Anne Schaumburg, and Sachin Shah. William Cox and Anne Schaumburg will be the directors identified for election by the holders of class A exchangeable shares and Gregory Morrison and Sachin Shah will be the directors identified for election by the holder of class B shares.

 

Name, City, Province and
Country of Residence

  

Position/Title

  

Independent

  

Principal Occupation(1)

James Bodi(2)(3)

Hamilton, Bermuda

   Director    No    Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Bermuda Ltd.

William Cox(4)(5)(6)(7)

Devonshire, Bermuda

   Director    Yes    Director

Gregory McConnie(2)(3)

Christ Church, Barbados

   Director, Chief Executive Officer of NER SPC, Chief Executive Officer of NER Ltd.    No    Chief Executive Officer of NER SPC and NER Ltd.

Gregory Morrison(5)(6)

Smith’s Parish, Bermuda

   Director    Yes    Corporate Director

Anne Schaumburg(4)(5)(6)

New Jersey, USA

   Director    Yes   

Business Executive;

Director

Sachin Shah(3)(4)(8)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  

Chief Executive Officer(9)

Director

   No    Managing Partner of Brookfield Asset Management

Thomas Corbett(10)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

   Interim Chief Financial Officer(9)    N/A    Managing Director of Brookfield Asset Management

Paul Forestell

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

   Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Annuity    N/A    Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Annuity

Bahir Manios

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

   Chief Investment Officer(9)    N/A    Managing Partner of Brookfield Asset Management

Mabel Wong(10)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

   Chief Financial Officer    N/A    Chief Financial Officer of our company

 

(1)

See “—Biographical Information Regarding the Directors and Executive Officers of our Company” for the five-year history of each director and executive officer.

(2)

Expected to resign from our board prior to the date of the final prospectus. As such, will not be liable as a director for any misrepresentations in the final prospectus for the purposes of Canadian securities laws.

(3)

Compensation is not expected to be paid for any services rendered as a director.

(4)

Expected to be appointed to our board prior to the filing of the final prospectus.

(5)

Expected to serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Gregory Morrison is expected to serve as the chair of the Audit Committee and will be the Audit Committee financial expert. Our Audit Committee will consist solely of independent directors, each of whom are persons determined by our company to be financially literate within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 — Audit Committees. Each of the Audit Committee

 

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members has the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can be reasonably be expected to be raised by our company’s financial statements.

(6)

Expected to serve as a member of the Governance Committee and Compensation Committee. Anne Schaumburg is expected to serve as the chair of the Governance Committee and William Cox is expected to serve as the chair of the Compensation Committee.

(7)

Expected to serve as lead independent director.

(8)

Expected to serve as Chair of our board.

(9)

Services provided pursuant to the Administration Agreement. See “Relationship with Brookfield — The Administration Agreement”.

(10)

Mabel Wong is currently on maternity leave. For the duration of Ms. Wong’s leave, Thomas Corbett has been appointed to act as interim Chief Financial Officer.

The business address of each of Mr. Bodi, Mr. Cox and Mr. Morrison is 73 Front Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda. The business address of Ms. Schaumburg is Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281. The business address of Mr. McConnie is Rendezvous Corporate Center, 2nd Floor, Rendezvous, Christ Church, Barbados, BB15131. The business address of each of Mr. Shah, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Manios and Ms. Wong is Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3. The business address of Mr. Forestell is 333 Bay Street, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2R2.

Our current and proposed directors and executive officers do not currently own any class A exchangeable shares or class B shares. Except as disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus, our directors and executive officers are expected to beneficially own, or control or direct, directly or indirectly, less than 1.0% of the issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares and class B shares immediately following the special dividend. See “Security Ownership”.

Each of the company’s and Brookfield Asset Management’s directors, officers and employees will be subject to our personal trading policy and/or Brookfield Asset Management’s personal trading policy, as applicable.

Biographical Information Regarding the Proposed Directors and Executive Officers of our Company

William Cox (59). William has served as a director of Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation since March 31, 2020 and as a director of the general partner of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. since November 3, 2016. He is the President and Chairman of Waterloo Properties in Bermuda; a fifth generation family owned business which operates real estate and retail investment companies in Bermuda. He has developed large scale, commercial projects in Bermuda and operates a successful group of retail operations. Will graduated from Saltus Grammar School, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and completed his education at Lynchburg University in Virginia.

Gregory McConnie (49). Gregory McConnie is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield International Holdings Inc. (formerly Brookfield International Bank Inc.), a position he has held since 2012, and will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of NER SPC and of NER Ltd. In his current role, Mr. McConnie is responsible for Brookfield’s Barbados operations and serves as director on several Brookfield entities in Bermuda. Mr. McConnie is a director of BIBA — The Association for Global Business and previously served as BIBA’s President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and as Chair of the Banking & Wealth Management Committee. Mr. McConnie is a member of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation plan monitoring committee, an independent committee responsible for monitoring the performance of the Government of Barbados against targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund under a fund facility provided by the IMF. Mr. McConnie has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mr. McConnie was educated at the University of the West Indies and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados. He also earned the Associate in Reinsurance designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.

Gregory Morrison (63). Mr. Morrison has more than 35 years of experience in the life and non-life insurance and reinsurance industries. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Trisura Group Ltd. (TSX:TSU), Imagine Group Holdings Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. (previously a NYSE company)

 

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and London Reinsurance Group Inc. Mr. Morrison currently sits on a number of property, casualty and life insurance company boards and their subsidiaries, including Trisura Group Ltd., Aetna Life and Casualty (Bermuda) Limited, Multi-Strat Holdings Ltd., Altera Infrastructure L.P., Aspen Bermuda Ltd., Stonybrook Capital LLC and various international subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management. Mr. Morrison is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (retired).

Anne Schaumburg (71). Anne has served as a director and Chair of Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation since March 31, 2020 and as a director of the general partner of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. since November 3, 2008, including serving as Chair since February 2020. She has been a member of the board of directors of NRG Energy, Inc., a power generation company listed on NYSE, since 2005. From 1984 until her retirement in 2002, Anne was a Managing Director and senior banker in the Global Energy Group of Credit Suisse First Boston. Anne has worked in the investment banking industry for 28 years specializing in the power sector. Anne ran Credit Suisse’s Power Group from 1994 - 1999, prior to its consolidation with Natural Resources and Project Finance, where she was responsible for assisting clients on advisory and finance assignments. Her transaction expertise, across the spectrum of utility and unregulated power, includes mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity capital market financings, project finance and leasing, utility disaggregation and privatizations. Anne is a graduate of the City University of New York.

Sachin Shah (44). Sachin Shah is a Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer of Brookfield Asset Management, a Vice Chair of Brookfield’s renewable power group, and will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of our company. Mr. Shah also serves as a director of Brookfield Renewable Corporation and as a director the general partner of Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. As Chief Investment Officer of Brookfield Asset Management, he is actively involved in all investments made by Brookfield Asset Management and oversees its growth into new lines of business. As Vice Chair, he continues to support business development initiatives for Brookfield Asset Management’s renewables business. Mr. Shah joined Brookfield in 2002 and most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Renewable Partners. In that role, he was instrumental in growing the platform into a global business diversified across multiple technologies. Mr. Shah also serves as a director of AEL Holdings. He is on the board of the Ryerson University Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Mr. Shah holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.

Thomas Corbett (41). Thomas Corbett is a Managing Director of Brookfield Asset Management and will serve as interim Chief Financial Officer of our company. Since joining Brookfield in 2008, Mr. Corbett has held a number of senior finance positions in Brookfield’s Renewable Power group including Chief Financial Officer of its Brazilian operations as well as Chief Financial Officer of Brookfield’s energy marketing group. Mr. Corbett is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University.

Paul Forestell (52). Paul Forestell is President and Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Annuity. Mr. Forestell joined Brookfield in 2015 and was responsible for the establishment and licensing of Brookfield Annuity as a licensed insurance company in Canada. Mr. Forestell is responsible for the strategy, operations and oversite of Brookfield Annuity. Prior to joining Brookfield, Mr. Forestell was a senior partner in a large global consulting firm with responsibility for their retirement consulting business in Canada. Mr. Forestell is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries. Mr. Forestell holds a Bachelor of Science with High Distinction and a Master of Arts — Economics both from the University of Toronto.

Bahir Manios (42). Bahir Manios is a Managing Partner of Brookfield Asset Management, Chief Strategy Officer of Brookfield’s infrastructure business, and will serve as the Chief Investment Officer of our company. In that capacity, he will have overall responsibility for investment performance, growth initiatives and funding activities across the business. Mr. Manios joined Brookfield in 2004 and most recently held the role of Chief Financial Officer of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. Mr. Manios is a graduate of the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University and he is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Mabel Wong (38). Mabel Wong is a Managing Director of Brookfield Asset Management and will serve as Chief Financial Officer of our company. Since joining Brookfield in 2007, Ms. Wong has held a number of

 

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senior finance positions in a variety of Brookfield’s business groups, most recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the infrastructure group’s private funds. Prior to joining Brookfield, Ms. Wong was part of the assurance and advisory group at Deloitte. Ms. Wong holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance and accounting from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She serves as Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the board of directors for UNICEF Canada.

Penalties or Sanctions

To the knowledge of our company, no current or proposed director of our company, nor any personal holding company thereof owned or controlled by them: (i) has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (ii) has been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

Individual Bankruptcies

To the knowledge of our company, within the past 10 years, no current or proposed director of our company, nor any personal holding company thereof owned or controlled by them, has become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, has become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or as had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold his or her assets or the assets of his or her holding company.

Corporate Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcies

To the knowledge of our company, within the past 10 years, none of the current or proposed directors of our company have: (i) served as a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company that was subject to a “cease trade” or similar order, or an order denying the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, which remained in effect for more than thirty (30) consecutive days, and that was issued: (a) while the current or proposed nominee was acting as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or (b) after the current or proposed nominee ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while the current or proposed nominee was a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; (ii) served as a director or executive officer of any company that, while the current or proposed nominee was acting in that capacity, or within a year after the current or proposed nominee ceased to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold our company’s assets; or (iii) become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or as become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold his or her assets.

Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers

To the knowledge of our company, no current or former director, officer or employee of our company, nor any associate or affiliate of any of them, is or was indebted to our company at any time since its formation.

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

The directors and officers of our company are or will be covered by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. Under this insurance coverage, our company will be reimbursed for insured claims where payments have been made under indemnity provisions on behalf of the directors and officers of our company, subject to a deductible for each loss, which will be paid by us. Individual directors and officers of our company will also be reimbursed for insured claims arising during the performance of their duties for which they are not indemnified by our company. Excluded from insurance coverage are illegal acts, acts which result in personal profit and certain other acts.

 

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GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, the size of our company’s board of directors will be set at a minimum of four (4) members and a maximum of eight (8) members. Initially, our board will be comprised of four members and our board will be given the authority to fill the remaining four seats prior to the first annual general meeting of shareholders of the company. A majority of our directors will be independent under applicable law and the regulations of the securities exchanges on which our class A exchangeable shares will be listed. Currently, our board is comprised of three (3) directors: James Bodi, Gregory McConnie and Gregory Morrison. James Bodi and Gregory McConnie are expected to resign from our board immediately prior to the date of the final prospectus. Prior to the date of the final prospectus, our board is expected to be comprised of four (4) directors: William Cox, Gregory Morrison, Anne Schaumburg, and Sachin Shah. William Cox and Anne Schaumburg will be the directors identified for election by the holders of class A exchangeable shares and Gregory Morrison and Sachin Shah will be the directors identified for election by the holder of class B shares.

Board Structure, Practices and Committees

The structure, practices and committees of our board, including matters relating to the size, independence and composition of our board, the election and removal of directors, requirements relating to board action and the powers delegated to board committees are governed by our memorandum of association, bye-laws and policies adopted by our board. Our board is responsible for exercising the management, control, power and authority of our company except as required by applicable law, the memorandum of association or the bye-laws. The following is a summary of certain provisions of the memorandum of association, bye-laws and policies that affect our company’s governance.

Meetings of the Board

Following completion of the special dividend, our board will meet at least four times each year, with additional meetings held to consider specific items of business or as deemed necessary. Meeting frequency and agenda items may change depending on the opportunities or risks faced by our company. Our board is responsible for its agenda. At all quarterly meetings, the independent directors meet without the presence of management and the directors that are not independent.

Our board has held one meeting since its formation in December 2020, at which all of our directors as of that date were in attendance.

Size, Independence and Composition of Our Board

Following completion of the special dividend, the size of our board will be set at a minimum of four (4) members and a maximum of eight (8) members or such number in excess thereof as the shareholders may determine, with (i) at least two directors being local residents of Bermuda, (ii) no more than three directors being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda), (iii) no more than two directors elected by holders of class A exchangeable shares being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda) and (iv) no more than two directors elected by holders of class B shares being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda). In addition, our bye-laws will provide that no directors or employees of Brookfield Asset Management will serve as a director of our company elected by holders of class A exchangeable shares. At least a majority of the directors holding office must be independent of our company and Brookfield, as determined by the full board using the standards for independence established by the NYSE.

If the death, resignation or removal of an independent director results in our board consisting of less than a majority of independent directors, the vacancy must be filled promptly. Pending the filling of such vacancy, our board may temporarily consist of less than a majority of independent directors and those directors who do not meet the standards for independence may continue to hold office.

 

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Election and Removal of Directors

In the election of directors, holders of class A exchangeable shares are entitled to elect one-half of the board of directors of our company. The BAM Re Class B Partners, who will collectively hold all of the class B shares, are entitled to elect the other one-half of the board of directors of our company. Consistent with Brookfield Asset Management, our bye-laws will provide for cumulative voting. Accordingly, our bye-laws will provide that each holder of shares of a class or series of shares of our company entitled to vote in an election of directors has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and the holders of shares of the classes or series of shares entitled to vote with the holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favor of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Each of our current directors will serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of our company or his or her death, resignation or removal from office, whichever occurs first. Our bye-laws provide that any director may be removed as follows: (a) with respect to the directors elected by holders of the class A exchangeable shares, an affirmative vote of class A exchangeable shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a director; and (b) with respect to the directors elected by the holders of the class B shares, an affirmative vote of class B shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding class B shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a director; provided, that the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a director must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and be served on the director not less than 14 days before the meeting, and that the director shall be entitled to be heard at the meeting on the motion for his or her removal. A director will be automatically removed from our board if he or she becomes bankrupt, insolvent or suspends payments to his or her creditors or becomes prohibited by law from acting as a director.

Majority Voting Policy

Our board will adopt a policy stipulating that, if the total number of shares voted in favor of the election of a director nominee represents less than a majority of the total shares voted and withheld for that director, the nominee will tender his or her resignation immediately after the meeting. Within 90 days of the meeting, our board will determine whether or not to accept a director’s resignation and will issue a press release announcing our board of director’s decision, a copy of which will be provided to the TSX. Absent exceptional circumstances, our board will accept the resignation. The resignation will be effective when accepted by our board. If our board determines not to accept a resignation, the press release will fully state the reasons for that decision. A director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in a meeting of our board at which the resignation is considered. The majority voting policy does not apply in circumstances involving contested director elections.

Mandate of the Board

Our board oversees the management of our company’s business and affairs directly and through three standing committees: the Audit Committee, Governance Committee and Compensation Committee, which we refer to as the Committees. The responsibilities of our board and each Committee, respectively, will be set out in written charters, which will be reviewed and approved annually by our board.

Our board is responsible for:

 

   

overseeing our company’s long-term strategic planning process and reviewing and approving its annual business plan;

 

   

overseeing management’s approach to managing the impact of key risks facing our company;

 

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safeguarding shareholders’ equity interests through the optimum utilization of our company’s capital resources;

 

   

promoting effective corporate governance;

 

   

overseeing our company’s environmental, social and governance program and related practices;

 

   

reviewing major strategic initiatives to determine whether management’s proposed actions accord with long-term corporate goals and shareholder objectives;

 

   

assessing management’s performance against approved business plans;

 

   

approving any change in the identity of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Investment Officer under the terms of the Administration Agreement and overseeing the Chief Executive Officer’s selection of other members of senior management and reviewing succession planning; and

 

   

reviewing and approving the reports issued to shareholders, including annual and interim financial statements.

Term Limits and Board Renewal

The Governance Committee leads the effort to identify and recruit candidates to join our board. In this context, the Governance Committee’s view is that our board should reflect a balance between the experience that comes with longevity of service on our board and the need for renewal and fresh perspectives.

The Governance Committee does not support a mandatory retirement age, director term limits or other mandatory board of directors turnover mechanisms because its view is that such policies are overly prescriptive; therefore, our company does not have term limits or other mechanisms that compel board of directors turnover. The Governance Committee does believe that periodically adding new voices to our board can help our company adapt to a changing business environment and board of directors renewal is a priority.

The Governance Committee will review the composition of our board on a regular basis in relation to approved director criteria and skill requirements and recommends changes as appropriate to renew our board.

Transactions in which a Director has an Interest

A director who directly or indirectly has an interest in a contract, transaction or arrangement with our company or certain of our affiliates is required to disclose the nature of his or her interest to the full board. Such disclosure may take the form of a general notice given to our board to the effect that the director has an interest in a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract, transaction or arrangement which may after the date of the notice be made with that company or firm or its affiliates. A director may participate in any meeting called to discuss or any vote called to approve the transaction in which the director has an interest and any transaction approved by our board will not be void or voidable solely because the director was present at or participates in the meeting in which the approval was given provided that our board or a board committee authorizes the transaction in good faith after the director’s interest has been disclosed or the transaction is fair to our company at the time it is approved.

Board Diversity Policy

Our company is committed to enhancing the diversity of our board. Our company’s view is that our board should reflect a diversity of backgrounds relevant to its strategic priorities. This includes such factors as diversity of business expertise and international experience, in addition to geographic and gender diversity.

To achieve our board of director’s diversity goals, our company intends to adopt the following written policy:

 

   

Board of directors appointments will be based on merit, having due regard for the benefits of diversity on our board, so that each nominee possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to serve effectively as a director; and

 

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In the director identification and selection process, diversity on our board, including the level of representation of women on our board, will influence succession planning and be a key criterion in identifying and nominating new candidates for election to our board.

The diversity policy does not set any formal targets on diversity for directors at this time, because of the current need for geographic diversity of directors and the emphasis on subject matter expertise. The Governance Committee will be responsible for implementing our board diversity policy, once adopted, monitoring progress towards the achievement of its objectives and recommending to our board any necessary changes that should be made to the policy.

Three of the executive officers of our company and its major subsidiary are women and women represent 37.5% of executive officers of our company and its major subsidiary. Our company does not have a target for the representation of women in executive officer positions because such targets do not accurately reflect the full range of factors considered in hiring or promoting executive officers.

Director Share Ownership Requirements

We believe that directors can better represent shareholders if they have economic exposure to our company themselves. We expect that directors of our company hold sufficient class A exchangeable shares and/or Brookfield Class A Shares such that the acquisition costs of our class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares held by such directors is equal to at least two times their aggregate annual retainer for serving as a director of our company, as determined by our board from time to time. Directors of our company are required to meet this requirement within five (5) years of their date of appointment.

Director Orientation and Education

New directors of our company are provided with comprehensive information about our company and our operating subsidiaries. Arrangements are made for specific briefing sessions from appropriate senior personnel to help new directors better understand our strategies and operations. They also participate in the continuing education measures discussed below.

Our board receives annual operating plans for our business and more detailed presentations on particular strategies. Existing directors are invited to join the orientation sessions for new directors as a refresher. The directors have the opportunity to meet and participate in work sessions with management to obtain insight into the operations of our company and our operating subsidiaries. Directors are regularly briefed to help better understand industry-related issues such as accounting rule changes, transaction activity, capital markets initiatives, significant regulatory developments, as well as trends in corporate governance.

Committees of the Board

The three standing Committees of our board will assist in the effective functioning of our board and help ensure that the views of independent directors are effectively represented:

 

   

Audit Committee;

 

   

Governance Committee; and

 

   

Compensation Committee.

The responsibilities of these Committees will be set out in written charters, which will be reviewed and approved annually by our board. It is our board of director’s policy that all Committees must consist entirely of independent directors. Special committees may be formed from time to time to review particular matters or transactions. While our board retains overall responsibility for corporate governance matters, each standing Committee has specific responsibilities for certain aspects of corporate governance in addition to its other responsibilities, as described below.

 

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Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring our company’s systems and procedures for financial reporting and associated internal controls, and the performance of our company’s external and internal auditors. It is responsible for reviewing certain public disclosure documents before their approval by our full board of directors and release to the public, such as our company’s quarterly and annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis. The Audit Committee is also responsible for recommending the independent registered Public accounting firm to be nominated for appointment as the external auditor, and for approving the assignment of any non-audit work to be performed by the external auditor, subject to the Audit Committee’s Audit Policy. The Audit Committee will meet regularly in private session with our company’s external auditor and internal auditors, without management present, to discuss and review specific issues as appropriate. In addition to being independent directors as described above, all members of the Audit Committee must meet an additional “independence” test under Canadian and U.S. securities laws, in that their directors’ fees must be and are the only compensation they receive, directly or indirectly, from our company. Further, the Audit Committee requires that all its members disclose any form of association with a present or former internal or external auditor of our company to our board for a determination as to whether this association affects the independent status of the director.

Our audit committee charter is attached as Appendix A to this prospectus.

Governance Committee

It is the responsibility of the Governance Committee, in consultation with the Chair, to assess from time to time the size and composition of our board and its Committees; to review the effectiveness of our board operations and its relations with management; to assess the performance of our board, its Committees and individual directors; to review our company’s statement of corporate governance practices and to review and recommend the directors’ compensation. Our board will implement a formal procedure for evaluating the performance of our board, its Committees and individual directors — the Governance Committee will review the performance of our board, its Committees and the contribution of individual directors on an annual basis.

The Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the credentials of proposed nominees for election or appointment to our board and for recommending candidates for membership on our board, including the candidates proposed to be nominated for election to our board at the annual meeting of shareholders. To do this, the Governance Committee maintains an “evergreen” list of candidates to ensure outstanding candidates with needed skills can be quickly identified to fill planned or unplanned vacancies. Candidates are assessed in relation to the criteria established by our board to ensure that our board has the appropriate mix of talent, quality, skills, diversity, perspectives and other requirements necessary to promote sound governance and the effectiveness of our board. The Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing our company’s approach to ESG matters, which includes a review of our company’s current and proposed ESG initiatives and any material disclosures regarding ESG matters.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting to our board on management resource matters, including ensuring a diverse pool for succession planning, the job descriptions and annual objectives of senior executives, the form of executive compensation in general including an assessment of the risks associated with the compensation plans and the levels of compensation of the senior executives, other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer provided by Brookfield at our request under the Administration Agreement and for whom our company will pay a pro rata share of their annual cash compensation. The Compensation Committee will also review the performance of senior management against written objectives and reports thereon. In addition, the Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing any allegations of workplace misconduct claims that are brought to the Committee’s attention through our company’s ethics hotline, a referral from our company’s human resources department.

 

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All members of the Compensation Committee will meet the standard director independence test in that they will have no relationship which could, in the view of our board, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment.

Our board will also adopt a heightened test of independence for all members of the Compensation Committee, which will entail that our board has determined that no Compensation Committee member has a relationship with senior management that would impair the member’s ability to make independent judgments about our company’s executive compensation. This additional independence test will comply with the test in the listing standards of the NYSE. Additionally, the Compensation Committee will evaluate the independence of any advisor it retains in order to comply with the aforementioned NYSE listing standards.

In reviewing our company’s compensation policies and practices each year, the Compensation Committee will seek to ensure the executive compensation program provides an appropriate balance of risk and reward consistent with the risk profile of our company. The Compensation Committee will also seek to ensure our company’s compensation practices do not encourage excessive risk-taking behavior by the senior management team.

The participation in long-term incentive plans is intended to discourage executives from taking excessive risks in order to achieve short-term unsustainable performance.

All of our company’s directors, officers and employees will be subject to our personal trading policy, which will prohibit trading in the securities of our company while in possession of material undisclosed information about our company. Those individuals will also be prohibited from entering into certain types of hedging transactions involving the securities of our company, such as short sales, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps and put options. In addition, our personal trading policy will prohibit trading in our company’s securities during prescribed blackout periods. We will also require all executives and directors to pre-clear trades in our company’s securities.

Board, Committee and Director Evaluation

Our board believes that a regular and formal process of evaluation improves the performance of our board as a whole, the Committees and individual directors. A survey will be sent annually to independent directors inviting comments and suggestions on areas for improving the effectiveness of our board and its Committees. The results of this survey will be reviewed by the Governance Committee, which will make recommendations to our board as required. Each independent director will also receive a self-assessment questionnaire and all directors will be required to complete a skill-set evaluation which will be used by the Governance Committee for planning purposes. The Chair will also hold private interviews with each non-management director annually to discuss the operations of our board and its Committees, and to provide any feedback on the individual director’s contributions.

Position Descriptions

In connection with the special dividend, the board of directors will adopt a written position description for the Chair, which will set out the Chair’s key responsibilities, including, as applicable, duties relating to setting board of directors meeting agendas, chairing board of directors and shareholder meetings and communicating with shareholders and regulators. The board of directors will also adopt a written position description for each of the Committee chairs which will set out each of the Committee chair’s key responsibilities, including duties relating to setting Committee meeting agendas, chairing Committee meetings and working with the Committee and management to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, the effective functioning of the Committee.

The board of directors will also adopt written position descriptions for the Chief Executive Officer which will set out the key responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer. The primary functions of the Chief Executive

 

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Officer will be to lead management of the business and affairs of our company, to lead the implementation of the resolutions and the policies of the board of directors, to supervise day to day management and to communicate with shareholders and regulators.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our company’s policy is that all its activities be conducted with the utmost honesty, integrity, fairness and respect and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. To that end, our company will maintain a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, a copy of which will be filed following completion of the special dividend on our SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will set out the guidelines and principles for how directors and employees should conduct themselves as members of our team. Preserving our corporate culture is vital to the organization and following the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will help us do that.

All directors, officers and employees of our company will be required to provide a written acknowledgment upon joining our company that they are familiar with and will comply with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. All directors, officers and employees of our company will be required to provide this same acknowledgment annually. Our board will review the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics annually to consider whether to approve changes in our company’s standards and practices.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Philosophy of our Company

Our NEOs comprise the core senior management team of our company, some of whom are employees of Brookfield and are provided to our company pursuant to the Administration Agreement. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer are employees of Brookfield who perform functions for our company that would make them NEOs of our company. Brookfield, and not our company, determines the compensation of the NEOs who are Brookfield employees. Our company expects to adopt an approach to compensation that is intended to foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages management to consider the risks associated with the decisions they make and take actions that will create long-term sustainable cash flow growth and will improve long-term shareholder value.

Compensation Elements for our NEOs

The primary elements of total compensation for our NEOs include base salary, annual management incentive plan awards, which we refer to as a cash bonus, and participation in long-term incentive plans. Our company pays fees to Brookfield under the Administration Agreement on a cost recovery basis for the services of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, equal to the pro rata portion of their annual base salary, cash bonus and overhead costs attributable to the services they provide to our company. Our company does not reimburse Brookfield for any costs associated with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Investment Officer in Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans.

Our NEOs, other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, will transition from Brookfield to our company in connection with the special dividend. Our company expects to adopt an approach to compensation that aligns with Brookfield’s approach and that will continue to consist of the three primary elements of base salary, cash bonus, and participation in long-term incentive plans. As executives progress within our company, we expect that an increasingly larger share of annual compensation for these executives will be represented by awards pursuant to one of Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans, which vest over time, in order for the executives to increase their ownership interest under one of Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans and to be consistent with our company’s focus on long-term value creation. Our company has no control over the form or amount of the compensation paid by Brookfield to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Investment Officer and their participation in Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans is not allocated to or payable by our group. However, our company will reimburse Brookfield for the participation of our NEOs that are not employed by Brookfield in Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans.

Compensation of the NEOs is determined and approved by Brookfield, in the case of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, and by the Compensation Committee, in the case of all other NEOs.

Base Salaries

Base salaries tend to remain fairly constant from one year to another unless the scope and responsibility of a position has changed. Base salaries deliver the only form of fixed compensation for the NEOs and are not intended to be the most significant component of their compensation.

Cash Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plans

Given the NEOs’ focus on long-term decision making, the impact of which is difficult to assess in the short-term, Brookfield and our company believes that a heavy emphasis on annual incentives and a formulaic calculation based on specific operational or individual targets may not appropriately reflect their long-term objectives. Accordingly, the cash bonus and compensation under long-term incentive plans are determined primarily through an evaluation of the progress made in executing the company’s strategy and the performance of the business as a whole. Significant contributions to the business strategy of Brookfield are also considered.

 

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The level of cash bonus and long-term incentive compensation granted to each NEO is discretionary. While no specific weight is given to the achievement of any individual objective, consideration is given to their performance and the achievement of objectives that are set at the beginning of the year with our Chief Executive Officer. These pertain, in part, to the performance of the company’s FFO, capital improvement programs, operational expenditures, environment, health and safety programs, growth of its portfolio, financing activities, as well as sound management and governance practices.

Brookfield Asset Management’s long-term incentive plans are intended to enable participants to create wealth through increases in the value of Brookfield Class A Shares. The purpose of these arrangements is to align the interests of Brookfield Asset Management’s shareholders and management and to motivate executives to improve Brookfield’s and our company’s long-term financial success, measured in terms of enhanced shareholder value over the long-term. This opportunity for wealth creation enables us to attract and retain talented executives.

Brookfield has four long-term incentive plans in which certain NEOs of our company participate. They are described below in more detail:

 

1.

Management Share Option Plan. The management share option plan of Brookfield Asset Management, which we refer to as the MSOP, governs the granting to executives of options to purchase Brookfield Class A Shares at a fixed price. The options typically vest as to 20% per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of the award and are exercisable over a ten-year period. The MSOP is administered by the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management. Options are typically granted in late February or early March of each year as part of the annual compensation review. Brookfield Asset Management’s compensation committee has a specific written mandate to review and approve executive compensation. Brookfield Asset Management’s compensation committee makes recommendations to the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management with respect to the proposed allocation of options based, in part, upon the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management must then give its final approval. The number of options granted to NEOs is determined based on the scope of their roles and responsibilities and their success in achieving the company’s objectives. Consideration is also given to the number and value of previous grants of options. Since the annual option awards are generally made during a blackout period, the effective grant date for such options is set six (6) business days after the end of the blackout period. The exercise price for such options is the volume-weighted average trading price for Brookfield Class A Shares on the NYSE for the five (5) business days preceding the effective grant date.

 

2.

Deferred Share Unit Plan. The deferred share unit plan of Brookfield Asset Management, which we refer to as the DSUP, provides for the issuance of deferred share units, which we refer to as DSUs, the value of which are equal to the value of a Brookfield Class A Share. DSUs vest over periods of up to five years, with the exception of DSUs awarded in lieu of a cash bonus which vest immediately. DSUs can only be redeemed for cash upon cessation of employment through retirement, resignation, termination or death. The DSUP is administered by Brookfield Asset Management’s compensation committee. DSUs are issued based on the value of Brookfield Class A Shares at the time of the award, which we refer to as the DSU allotment price. In the case of DSUs acquired through the reinvestment of cash bonus awards, the DSU allotment price is equal to the exercise price for options granted at the same time as described above. Holders of DSUs will be allotted additional DSUs as dividends are paid on Brookfield Class A Shares on the same basis as if the dividends were reinvested pursuant to Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend reinvestment plan. These additional DSUs are subject to the same vesting provisions as the underlying DSUs. The redemption value of DSUs will be equivalent to the market value of an equivalent number of Brookfield Class A Shares on the cessation of employment with Brookfield.

 

3.

Restricted Stock Plans. Brookfield Asset Management has a restricted stock plan and an escrowed stock plan, which we refer to as the restricted stock plan and escrowed stock plan, respectively. These plans were

 

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established to provide Brookfield and its executives with alternatives to Brookfield Asset Management’s existing plans which would allow executives to increase their share ownership. Restricted shares have the advantage of allowing executives to become Brookfield Asset Management shareholders, receive dividends, and to have full ownership of the shares after the restriction period ends. Restricted shares must be held until the vesting date (or in certain jurisdictions until the fifth anniversary of the award date). Holders of restricted shares receive dividends that are paid on the Brookfield Class A Shares in the form of cash, unless otherwise elected. The escrowed stock plan governs the award of non-voting common shares, which we refer to as escrowed shares, of one or more private companies, which we refer to as an escrow company, to executives or other individuals designated by Brookfield Asset Management’s compensation committee. Each escrow company is capitalized with common shares and preferred shares issued to Brookfield Asset Management for cash proceeds. Each escrow company uses its cash resources to directly and indirectly purchase Brookfield Class A Shares. Dividends paid to each escrow company on the Brookfield Class A Shares acquired by the escrow company will be used to pay dividends on the preferred shares which are held by Brookfield Asset Management. The Brookfield Class A Shares acquired by an escrow company will not be voted. Escrowed shares typically vest 20% each year commencing on the date of the first anniversary of the award date and must generally be held until the fifth anniversary of the award date. Each holder may exchange escrowed shares for Brookfield Class A Shares issued from treasury no more than 10 years from the award date. The value of Brookfield Class A Shares issued to a holder on an exchange is equal to the increase in value of the Brookfield Class A Shares held by the applicable escrow company.

 

4.

Brookfield Annuity Share Option Plan. The Brookfield Annuity share option plan, which we refer to as the BSOP, governs the granting to executives of options to purchase Brookfield Annuity preferred shares at a fixed price, which we refer to as BAC options. The BAC options typically vest as to 20% per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of the award and are exercisable over a ten-year period. The BSOP is administered by the board of directors of Brookfield Annuity. BAC options are typically granted in late February or early March of each year as part of the annual compensation review. Brookfield Annuity’s human resources committee of the board of directors has a specific written mandate to review and approve executive compensation. Brookfield Annuity’s human resources committee makes recommendations to the board of directors of Brookfield Annuity with respect to the proposed allocation of BAC options based, in part, upon the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors of Brookfield Annuity must then give its final approval. The number of BAC options granted to Brookfield Annuity’s leadership is determined based on the scope of their roles and responsibilities and their success in achieving Brookfield Annuity’s business objectives. Consideration is also given to the number and value of previous grants of BAC options. The exercise price for the BAC options is based on the book value of Brookfield Annuity less the value of the Brookfield investment.

In addition to these plans, executives who have responsibilities in Brookfield’s dedicated fund management groups may have compensation arrangements that also include a component more directly linked to the long-term performance of the fund being managed. However, the payments made under such plans are directly related to the value created for the fund’s investors which, in turn, benefit Brookfield. The timing of these payments to executives who participate in these plans are therefore delayed until the funds’ performance is substantially realized and risk outcomes are determined.

Summary of Compensation

The following table sets out information concerning the compensation earned by, paid to or awarded to the NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2020, during which time the NEOs provided services to Brookfield and which is indicative of the compensation expected to be earned by the NEOs when our company becomes a public company. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer are employed by Brookfield and their services are provided to our company pursuant to the Administration Agreement. Our company is not responsible for determining their compensation. The compensation information for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer in the following table reflects the total compensation received in respect of all services provided to Brookfield.

 

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The NEOs, other than Mr. McConnie, are paid in Canadian dollars. Mr. McConnie is paid in Barbadian dollars. All Canadian dollar compensation amounts have been converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of C$1.00 = US$0.7464, which was the average exchange rate for 2020 as reported by Bloomberg, unless otherwise noted. All Barbadian dollar compensation amounts have been converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of BBD$1.00 = US$0.50, which was the average exchange rate for 2020 as reported by Bloomberg, unless otherwise noted.

Summary Compensation Table

 

                      Share-based Awards     Options-
based
Awards
                   

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Annual
Base
Salary
($)
    Annual
Cash
Bonus(a)
($)
    Deferred
Share
Units
(DSUs)(b)
($)
    Restricted
Shares

($)
    Escrowed
Shares(c)
($)
    Options(d)
($)
    Pension
Value
($)
    All Other
Compensation(e)
($)
    Total Annual
Compensation
($)
 

Sachin Shah

Chief Executive Officer

    2020       522,480       522,480                   4,182,000                   30,340       5,257,300  

Mabel Wong

Chief Financial Officer

   
2020
 
 
    246,312       73,894       9,237       9,237 (b)            143,582             9,976       492,237  

Bahir Manios

Chief Investment Officer

   
2020
 
 
    410,520       205,260       205,260                   348,675             24,849       1,194,564  

Paul Forestell

Chief Executive Officer, Brookfield Annuity

    2020       259,747       306,770             373,200                         11,689       951,406  

Gregory McConnie

Chief Executive Officer, NER SPC and NER Ltd.

   
2020
 
 
    256,000       192,000             128,000                   39,055       7,500       622,555  

 

(a)

Each NEO is awarded an annual incentive which he or she can elect to receive in cash, DSUs or restricted shares. One of the NEOs elected to receive some or all of the annual incentive in DSUs and restricted shares.

(b)

Reflects DSUs and restricted shares issued in lieu of a cash bonus, at the election of the individual. DSU and restricted share awards in this column for 2020 were awarded effective on February 22, 2021. The value in this column reflects the entire value of the incentive awarded converted to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of C$1.00 = US$0.7464. The number of DSUs or restricted shares awarded was based on a price of US$43.4264, the volume-weighted average price of the Brookfield Class A Shares on the NYSE for the five days preceding the award date of February 22, 2021.

(c)

The amount for 2020 reflects an annual grant of escrowed shares for Sachin Shah made in February 2021.

The value awarded under the escrowed stock plan for annual grants is determined by Brookfield Asset Management and considers the stock market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares at the time of the award and the potential increase in value. For awards made in 2021, this is based on a hold period of 7.5 years, a volatility of 24.4%, a risk free rate of 1.0% and a dividend yield of 1.65%. This value for all grants has been discounted by 25% to reflect the five-year vesting and mandatory hold period.

(d)

The amounts for 2020 reflect annual grants of options to two of our NEOs and grants of carried interest in a Brookfield fund managed plan to one of our NEOs.

The value awarded to Bahir Manios and Mabel Wong under the MSOP for annual grants is determined by Brookfield Asset Management and considers the stock market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares at the time of the award and the potential increase in value based on a hold of 7.5 years, a volatility of 24.4%, a risk free rate of 1.0% and a dividend yield of 1.65%. This value, for the annual grants, has been discounted by 25% to reflect the five-year vesting.

 

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The value of carried interests awarded to Bahir Manios in February 2021 was calculated based on an equivalent number of options using the discounted Black Scholes methodology relative to the option grants on February 22, 2021.

(e)

These amounts include annual retirement savings contributions, participation in the executive benefits program and, for Gregory McConnie, costs associated with the provision of a corporate vehicle.

Option Awards and Share-Based Awards at December 31, 2020

The following table shows the options, BAC options, restricted shares, escrowed shares and DSUs outstanding at December 31, 2020.

 

    Option Awards Vested
and Unvested
    Share-Based Awards  
    Restricted Shares     Escrowed Shares     Deferred Share Units (DSUs)  

Name and
Principal Position

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
    Market
Value of
Unexercised
in-the-money
Options(a,b)
($)
    Number
of
Unvested
RSs

(#)
    Market
Value of
Unvested
RSs(b)

($)
    Market
Value of
Vested
RSs(b)
($)
    Number
of
Unvested
ESs
(#)
    Market
Value of
Unvested
ESs(b,c)

($)
    Market
Value of
Vested
ESs(b,c)

($)
    Number
of
Unvested
DSUs

(#)
    Market
Value of
Unvested
DSUs(b)
($)
    Market
Value of
Vested
DSUs(b) ($)
 

Sachin Shah

                                  4,110,000       34,452,006       26,822,754                   10,470,610  

Mabel Wong

    82,927       996,126       155       6,395       26,328                                     34,722  

Bahir Manios

    541,799       7,173,678                         150,000       825,570                         1,068,136  

Paul Forestell

    52,231 (d)                        372,009                                      

Gregory McConnie

    33,000       598,760       8,249       340,441                                            

 

(a)

The market value of the options is the amount by which the closing price of the Brookfield Class A Shares on December 31, 2020 exceeded the exercise price of the options.

(b)

All values are calculated using the closing price of a Brookfield Class A Share on December 31, 2020 on the TSX and NYSE, as applicable, according to the currency in which the awards were originally made. The closing price of a Brookfield Class A Share on the TSX on December 31, 2020 was $41.32 (C$ 52.62 converted to U.S. dollars at the Bloomberg mid-market exchange rate on that day of C$1.00 = US$0.7853) and $ 41.27 on the NYSE, as applicable.

(c)

The value of the escrowed shares is equal to the value of the Brookfield Class A Shares held by the escrow company less the net liabilities and preferred share obligations of the escrow company.

(d)

Reflects outstanding BAC options.

 

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Outstanding Option Awards at December 31, 2020

The following table shows the details of each option and BAC option outstanding at December 31, 2020.

 

Name

   Option-based Awards  
   Number of securities
underlying
unexercised options
(#)
     Options exercise
price

($)
     Options expiration
date
     Market value of
unexercised
options(a)(b)
($)
 

Mabel Wong

    

3,375

6,000

1,800

12,240

17,400

24,450

17,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

24.22

22.50

20.39

24.59

26.93

29.48

38.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

23-Feb-2025

22-Nov-2025

22-Feb-2026

16-Feb-2027

25-Feb-2028

25-Feb-2029

13-Dec-2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

57,557

112,260

37,583

204,186

249,582

288,187

46,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bahir Manios

    

9,300

2,400

72,750

67,425

69,000

303,262

17,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

22.50

20.39

24.59

24.59

26.93

29.48

38.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

22-Nov-2025

22-Feb-2026

16-Feb-2027

16-Feb-2027

25-Feb-2028

25-Feb-2029

13-Dec-2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

175,461

50,111

1,213,608

1,124,777

989,722

3,574,489

46,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Forestell

    

12,857

12,605

12,257

8,462

6,050

 

 

 

 

 

    


 

 

 

 

 

    

27-Feb-2026

26-Feb-2027

29-Feb-2028

28-Feb-2029

28-Feb-2030

 

 

 

 

 

    


 

 

 

 

 

Gregory McConnie

    

11,250

10,500

11,250

 

 

 

    

24.22

20.39

24.59

 

 

 

    

23-Feb-2025

22-Feb-2026

16-Feb-2027

 

 

 

    

191,855

219,234

187,671

 

 

 

 

(a)

The market value of the options is the amount by which the closing price of the Brookfield Class A Shares on December 31, 2020 exceeded the exercise price of the options. All values are calculated using the closing price of a Brookfield Class A Share on December 31, 2020 on the TSX and on the NYSE, as applicable. The closing price of a Brookfield Class A Share on the TSX on December 31, 2020 was $41.32 (C$52.62 converted to U.S. dollars at the Bloomberg mid-market exchange rate on that day of C$1.00 = US$0.7853) and on the NYSE on December 31, 2020 was $41.27.

(b)

The market value of the BAC options is calculated as the difference between the book value of Brookfield Annuity and the Brookfield capital investment plus an 8% compounding capital charge. All outstanding BAC options held by Mr. Forestell are under water.

 

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Value Vested or Earned During 2020

The following table shows the value of all option, BAC options, share-based awards, and non-equity plan compensation which vested during 2020.

 

Named Executive Officer

   Value Vested During 2020(a)      Non-equity incentive plan compensation
– Value earned during the year
 
   Options(b)
($)
     DSUs(c)
($)
     Restricted
Shares(d)
($)
     Escrowed
Shares
($)
 

Sachin Shah

            219,255               15,194,972        522,480  

Mabel Wong

     370,130               3,469               73,894  

Bahir Manios

     2,324,684                             205,260  

Paul Forestell

                   55,455               306,770  

Gregory McConnie

     141,544               66,059               192,000  

 

(a)

All values are calculated using the closing price of a Brookfield Class A Share on the vesting date on the TSX and on the NYSE, as applicable. Canadian dollar amounts are converted into U.S. dollars using the average Bloomberg mid-market exchange rate for 2020 of C$1.00 = US$0.7464. The value of the escrowed shares is equal to the value of the Brookfield Class A Shares held by the escrow company less the net liabilities and preferred share obligations of the escrow company.

(b)

Values represent the amount by which the value of Brookfield Class A Shares exceeded the exercise price on the day the options vested. All outstanding BAC options held by Mr. Forestell are under water.

(c)

Values in this column represent the value of DSUs vested in 2020, including DSUs awarded on February 24, 2020 in lieu of the cash bonus related to performance in 2019.

(d)

Values in this column represent the value of restricted shares vested in 2020, including restricted shares awarded in lieu of the cash bonus related to performance in 2019.

Pension and Retirement Benefits

With the exception of Mr. McConnie, our NEOs do not participate in any registered defined benefit or defined contribution plans or any other post-retirement supplementary compensation plans. The NEOs based in Canada receive an annual contribution to their registered retirement savings plans equal to 4.5% of their base salary, subject to an annual registered retirement savings plan contribution limit established by the CRA.

Mr. McConnie participates in a defined contribution pension plan sponsored by Brookfield International Bank Inc. The employer contribution for Mr. McConnie under the plan is equal to 15% of his annual base salary. Mr. McConnie’s pension entitlement under the plan is fully vested as he has over 36 months of continuous service with Brookfield. Membership in the plan terminates upon cessation of employment. The retirement age under the plan is 65 years.

The following table sets forth details regarding Mr. McConnie’s participation in the defined contribution pension plan in respect of 2020.

 

Name

 

Accumulated value at
start of year

 

Compensatory

 

Accumulated value at
year end

Gregory McConnie

  $545,305   $39,055   $584,746

Termination and Change of Control Benefits

With the exception of Mr. McConnie, there are no employment contracts between the NEOs and our company or Brookfield. With the exception of Mr. McConnie, none of the NEOs have any termination, change of control arrangement or other compensatory plan, contract or arrangement with our company or Brookfield.

Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that Mr. McConnie’s employment is terminated by his employer, he is eligible to receive a severance payment as determined under the Severance Payments Act of

 

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Barbados (Chapter 355A), plus a one-time payment in the amount of BBD$300,000 (equivalent to USD$150,000 at an exchange rate of BBD$1.00 = US$0.50).

The following table provides a summary of the termination provisions in Brookfield’s long-term incentive plans. No incremental entitlements are triggered by termination, resignation, retirement or a change in control. Any exceptions to these provisions are approved on an individual basis at the time of cessation of employment. Exceptions are approved by the chair of Brookfield Asset Management’s compensation committee or its board of directors, depending on the circumstances.

 

Termination Event

 

DSUs

 

Options

 

Restricted Shares /
Escrowed Shares

Retirement

(as determined at the discretion of Brookfield Asset Management’s board of directors)

  Vested units are redeemable on the day employment terminates. Unvested units are forfeited.   Vesting ceases on retirement. Vested options are exercisable until their expiration date. Unvested options are cancelled.  

Vested shares are redeemable on the day employment terminates, subject to the hold period.

Unvested shares are forfeited.

Termination Without Cause   Vested units are redeemable on the day employment terminates. Unvested units are forfeited.   Upon date of termination, unvested options are cancelled and vested options continue to be exercisable for 60 days (a) from the termination date, after which unexercised options are cancelled immediately.  

Vested shares are redeemable on the day employment terminates, subject to the hold period.

Unvested shares are forfeited.

Termination With Cause   Upon date of termination, all unvested and vested units are forfeited, with the exception of DSUs awarded as a result of a participant’s election to take their annual bonus in the form of DSUs.   Upon date of termination, all vested and unvested options are cancelled.   Upon date of termination, all vested and unvested shares are forfeited.
Resignation   Vested units are redeemable on the day employment terminates. Unvested units are forfeited.   Upon date of termination, all vested and unvested options are cancelled.   Vested shares are redeemable on the day employment terminates, and remain subject to the hold period. Unvested shares are forfeited.
Death   Vested units are redeemable on the date of death. Unvested units are forfeited.   Options continue to vest and are exercisable for six months following date of death (a) after which all unexercised options are cancelled immediately.  

Vested shares are redeemable on the date of death, and remain subject to the hold period.

Unvested shares are forfeited.

 

(a)

Up to but not beyond the expiry date of options.

 

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THE SUPPORT AGREEMENT

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company will enter into the Support Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree to support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares for so long as class A exchangeable shares not owned by Brookfield are outstanding and there has not been an amendment to the exchange feature. The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Support Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the agreement. Because this description is only a summary of the Support Agreement, it does not necessarily contain all of the information that you may find useful. We therefore urge you to review the Support Agreement in its entirety. The Support Agreement will be available electronically on EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Economic Equivalence

Pursuant to the Support Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management will agree to:

 

   

take all actions reasonably necessary to enable our company to pay quarterly distributions, the liquidation amount or the amount payable on a redemption of class A exchangeable shares, as the case may be;

 

   

cooperate with our company as necessary or desirable from time to time in respect of the public disclosure of our company and Brookfield Asset Management, including consenting to our company referencing Brookfield Asset Management’s public disclosure (and will permit our company and its advisors to do reasonable diligence on such disclosure, if requested) and providing our company with prompt written notice of any material change or misrepresentation in respect of Brookfield Asset Management’s public disclosure; and

 

   

cooperate with our company for purposes of qualifying or registering the underlying Brookfield Class A Shares in the event that our company issues or qualifies or registers for issuance or distribution class A exchangeable shares.

In addition, our company will agree to:

 

   

ensure that the payment dates for distributions on the class A exchangeable shares and class B shares are the same as those for any corresponding dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares; and

 

   

cooperate with Brookfield Asset Management as necessary or desirable from time to time in respect of the public disclosure of our company and Brookfield Asset Management, including sharing financial information with Brookfield Asset Management as reasonably requested and reasonably cooperating with Brookfield Asset Management on the timing of financial reporting.

Our company and Brookfield Asset Management also acknowledge and agree that the terms and provisions of the class A exchangeable shares will provide that the one for one exchange factor for the exchange of the class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares will be subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events that take place at our company or Brookfield Asset Management without an equivalent event taking place at the other company. Our company and Brookfield Asset Management will agree to cooperate with respect to these kinds of capital events so that it is possible to maintain the economic equivalence without the need to adjust the exchange factor. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events” for a description of capital events that might result in an adjustment to the exchange factor.

In addition to the Investment Management Agreements that will be in place prior to completion of the special dividend, under the Support Agreement, we have agreed that for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, and subject to any applicable regulatory rules and requirements, (i) without the prior written consent of Brookfield, we will not appoint any direct competitor of Brookfield Asset Management for the provision of any material administrative services or support services, including the provision of the services of any executive

 

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officer or senior management function; and (ii) we are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services to us without the prior consent of Brookfield. Brookfield Asset Management has also agreed that it will, or will cause the appropriate Brookfield entity to, accept such appointment. See “Relationship with Brookfield — Investment Management Agreements”.

Consent Rights

Brookfield Asset Management will have the right to consent to: (i) any new issuance of class A exchangeable shares; (ii) the entry by our company into any registration rights agreement granting any person (other than Brookfield) the right to cause the registration of class A exchangeable shares under securities laws in any jurisdiction; or (iii) the filing of any registration statement or prospectus for the distribution or sale of any class A exchangeable shares. Any consent may be withheld, conditioned or delayed in Brookfield Asset Management’s sole discretion.

Brookfield Class A Shares

Upon notice from our company of any event that requires our company to cause to be delivered Brookfield Class A Shares to any holder of class A exchangeable shares, Brookfield Asset Management will, forthwith, issue and deliver or cause to be delivered the requisite number of Brookfield Class A Shares to our company (for fair value consideration), and our company will forthwith deliver or cause to be delivered the requisite number of Brookfield Class A Shares to or for the benefit of the former holder of the surrendered class A exchangeable shares. All such Brookfield Class A Shares will be duly authorized and validly issued as fully paid, non-assessable, free of pre-emptive rights and will be free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance.

Amendments

Except for limited amendments described below, the Support Agreement may not be amended without approval by (a) the holders of the class A exchangeable shares not held by Brookfield and the class B shares, each voting as a class (with an approval threshold of a majority of the votes cast by each class) and (b) the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management. The Support Agreement may be amended in writing by our company and Brookfield Asset Management without the foregoing approvals in limited circumstances for the purposes of (i) adding to the covenants of any or all of the parties thereto if the board of directors of each of our company and Brookfield Asset Management is of the opinion that such additions will not be prejudicial to the rights or interests of non-Brookfield affiliated holders of class A exchangeable shares, (ii) evidencing the succession of a person or continuing entity of Brookfield Asset Management as a result of any transaction whereby all of Brookfield Asset Management’s undertaking, property and assets would become the property of such person or entity and the covenants of and obligations assumed by each such person or continuing entity, (iii) making such amendments or modifications that, in the opinion of the board of directors of each of our company and Brookfield Asset Management, is expedient to make, provided such amendments or modifications are not prejudicial to the rights or interests of the non-Brookfield affiliated holders of class A exchangeable shares, or (iv) making such changes or corrections that are required for the purpose of curing or correcting any ambiguity, defect, inconsistent provision, clerical omission or manifest error, provided such changes or corrections are not prejudicial to the rights or interests of the non-Brookfield affiliated holders of class A exchangeable shares.

Termination

The Support Agreement will have a perpetual term and may only be terminated at such time as (a) no class A exchangeable shares (or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire class A exchangeable shares) are held by any person other than Brookfield or (b) the following have occurred: (i) an amendment to the terms of the class A exchangeable shares that eliminates the right of the holders to exchange the class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares and the terms that require the distributions on the class A exchangeable shares to be in the same amount as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares and (ii) the termination of the Rights Agreement.

 

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RELATIONSHIP WITH BROOKFIELD

Brookfield Asset Management

Brookfield is a leading global alternative asset manager with a history spanning more than 100 years, Brookfield has over $600 billion of assets under management across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, private equity and credit. Brookfield Asset Management is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “BAM” and on the TSX under the symbol “BAM.A”.

Our class A exchangeable shares have been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to the Brookfield Class A Shares. Therefore, we expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield Asset Management will own all of our class C shares, which entitle Brookfield Asset Management to all of the residual value in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares (consisting of any declared and unpaid distributions, and the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent on a redemption or liquidation) and subject to the prior rights of holders of Preferred Shares. This residual economic interest, together with the mechanisms to create economic equivalence between the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, creates alignment between the interests of Brookfield Asset Management and our shareholders since an investment in our class A exchangeable shares provides investors with the same economic exposure to the broader business of Brookfield Asset Management as an investment in the Brookfield Class A Shares.

In connection with the special dividend, our company will acquire our operating subsidiaries and assume the employment of certain officers and employees from Brookfield. In addition, we will be party to a number of agreements with Brookfield in respect of our business, including the Support Agreement, the Rights Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Investment Management Agreements, the Equity Commitment and the Credit Agreement. These agreements and relationships will be important to our company, in some cases because they will provide financial support to our company and will support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares and the Brookfield Class A Shares. We describe below these relationships and other material considerations arising from our relationship with Brookfield.

For a description of certain related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, please see Note 7 “Related Party Transactions” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of BAH.

AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, each of Brookfield Asset Management and Burgundy will assign to our company and NER SPC, respectively, its obligations and rights under the AEL Investment Agreement with AEL Holdings and Burgundy will transfer to NER SPC the 9,106,042 common shares of AEL Holdings previously acquired by Burgundy pursuant to the AEL Investment Agreement. For more information, see “Our Business — Recent Developments”.

Support Agreement

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company will enter into the Support Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree to support the economic equivalence of the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares for so long as class A exchangeable shares not owned by Brookfield are outstanding and there has not been an amendment to the exchange feature by agreeing to, among other things, take all actions reasonably necessary to enable our company to pay quarterly distributions, the liquidation amount or the amount payable on a redemption of class A exchangeable shares, as the case may be.

In addition to the Investment Management Agreements that will be in place prior to completion of the special dividend, under the Support Agreement, we have agreed that for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, and subject to any applicable regulatory rules and requirements, we are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services to us without the prior consent of Brookfield. Brookfield Asset Management has also agreed that it will, or will cause the appropriate Brookfield entity, to accept such appointment.

 

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For more information, see “The Support Agreement” and “—Investment Management Agreements” below for the terms of the Investment Management Agreements to be in place on completion of the special dividend.

Rights Agreement

On or prior to the dividend date, the rights agent, our company, and Brookfield Asset Management will enter into the Rights Agreement, pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management has agreed that on the applicable specified exchange date with respect to any class A exchangeable shares submitted for exchange, Brookfield Asset Management will satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, the obligations pursuant to our memorandum of association and bye-laws to exchange such subject class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent plus any unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. For more information, see “Description of Our Share Capital — Rights Agreement”.

The Administration Agreement

Brookfield Asset Management will provide administrative services to our company on a cost recovery basis under the Administration Agreement. The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Administration Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the agreement. Because this description is only a summary of the Administration Agreement, it does not necessarily contain all of the information that you may find useful. We therefore urge you to review the Administration Agreement in its entirety. The Administration Agreement will be available electronically on EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

General

Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management will provide, or cause to be provided, if and as requested by our company, and in each case, subject to the overriding supervision and direction of our board:

 

   

our company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, as approved by our board from time to time; and

 

   

certain administrative and other support services as may from time to time be agreed in writing by our company and Brookfield, which may include assisting our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer with the standard functions of a public company, such as financial reporting, investor relations, human resources, information technology, compliance, shareholder correspondence, and ongoing disclosure obligations.

Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to provide these services to our company on a cost-recovery basis.

Our company’s Chief Executive Officer will be Sachin Shah and our company’s Chief Investment Officer will be Bahir Manios, both of whom are executives of Brookfield Asset Management and whose services will be provided to our company pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer, including Messrs. Shah and Manios or any replacement Chief Executive Officer or Chief Investment Officer, cannot be changed by Brookfield Asset Management without our company’s prior approval. Messrs. Shah and Manios will each continue to have roles at Brookfield Asset Management and will spend a portion of their time on services provided to our company, and our company will reimburse Brookfield for the annual cash compensation paid to them (not including the costs associated with any equity compensation or long term incentive compensation received by them) that is proportionate to the time they have spent serving as executives of our company.

The Administration Agreement will contain an acknowledgement that Brookfield Asset Management (including the individuals serving as Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer during the portion of time they act on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management) may engage in other businesses that may be similar to or in competition with our company’s affairs. In the event of a conflict that results in the provision of services under the Administration Agreement being impracticable, Brookfield Asset Management will provide our company with written notice of the conflict and our company will be entitled to retain one or more third parties to perform the administrative services to which the conflict relates.

 

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Termination

The term of the Administration Agreement will continue in perpetuity, provided that the Administration Agreement or any of the services thereunder may be terminated by mutual consent of our company and Brookfield Asset Management. Our company may also terminate the Administration Agreement at any time in the event of a material breach or material default of Brookfield Asset Management’s obligations under the Administration Agreement not cured within 60 days of receiving written notice of the breach or default, or upon not less than 30 days’ written notice to Brookfield Asset Management in the event of insolvency of Brookfield Asset Management, in all cases without payment of any termination fees. Brookfield Asset Management has the right to terminate the Administration Agreement upon not less than 90 days’ prior written notice to our company in the event of a material breach or material default of our company’s obligations under the Administration Agreement not cured within 60 days of receiving written notice of the breach or default, or upon not less than 30 days’ written notice to our Company in the event of insolvency of our company, in all cases without payment of any termination fees.

Investment Management Agreements

We expect to enter into one or more Investment Management Agreements appointing Brookfield as the investment manager of certain of our assets and accounts, including assets backing the liabilities assumed by us under our insurance and reinsurance arrangements, and any assets held as surplus. Depending on the structure of the reinsurance arrangement, Brookfield may enter into such Investment Management Agreements with us or directly with the ceding company that is our counterparty to such reinsurance arrangements.

Pursuant to each such Investment Management Agreement, Brookfield will have discretionary authority to manage the investment and reinvestment of the funds and assets of the accounts holding the assets backing the assumed liabilities, which we refer to as an Account, in accordance with the investment guidelines specified therein. The investment guidelines will generally permit Brookfield to invest such assets in a wide range of private and/or public debt, loans, securitizations, structured products, loan originations and other credit instruments or lending opportunities, co-investments, and other types of investment arrangements, including investments in Brookfield Accounts, determined by the investment manager or any sub-advisors on a discretionary basis and otherwise, in each case, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant Investment Management Agreement and applicable insurance investment laws.

Generally, Brookfield, as investment manager, will receive an asset management fee based on invested assets in the relevant Account for the services provided under the Investment Management Agreements. The Investment Management Agreements will permit Brookfield to engage sub-advisors (including sub-advisors that are affiliates of Brookfield) to provide sub-advisory services with respect to some or all of the assets of the Account. Sub-advisors under the Investment Management Agreements will typically receive an asset management fee based on invested assets for their services pursuant to the relevant sub-advisory agreement. In addition, typically the Account will bear and be charged for, directly or indirectly, the costs and expenses relating to the Investment Management Agreements and sub-advisory agreements, including the costs and expenses relating to the investment activities performed thereunder.

Brookfield acts as the investment manager in respect of various assets and accounts of Brookfield Annuity. We also expect Brookfield to enter into Investment Management Agreements with AEL and NER SPC in respect of the assets backing the liabilities to be assumed by us pursuant to the AEL Reinsurance Treaty.

Equity Commitment

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will provide to our company an equity commitment in the amount of $2 billion to fund future growth, which we may draw on from time to time, which we refer to as the Equity Commitment. The Equity Commitment may be called by our company in exchange for the issuance of a number of class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares, as the case may be, to Brookfield Asset Management, corresponding to the amount of the Equity Commitment called divided (i) in the case of a

 

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subscription for class C shares, for an amount equal to the fair market value of the class C shares as determined by our company, acting reasonably, and accepted by Brookfield Asset Management (ii) in the case of a subscription for Junior Preferred Shares, $25.00. The Equity Commitment will be available in minimum amounts of $10 million and the amount available under the Equity Commitment will be reduced permanently by the amount so called. Before funds may be called on the Equity Commitment, a number of conditions precedent must be met, including that (i) the Support Agreement is in effect and there is no material breach by the company thereunder; (ii) the company shall have provided notice of a draw down on the Equity Commitment to Brookfield Asset Management; (iii) the board of the company shall have (a) authorized the issuance of the class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares, as the case may be, (b) if applicable, determined the value of the class C shares, (c) if applicable, created the Junior Preferred Shares to be issued and (d) determined that the class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares to be issued will be fully paid and non-assessable.

The rationale for the Equity Commitment is to provide our company with access to equity capital on an as-needed basis to fund growth and to maximize our flexibility. As discussed below, our company will also enter into a Credit Agreement with Brookfield Asset Management for purposes of providing our company with access to debt financing on an as-needed basis and to maximize our flexibility. Our company may also establish credit facilities with one or more financial institutions on an arm’s length basis. We intend to use the liquidity provided by the Equity Commitment and any credit facilities (including under the Credit Agreement) for working capital purposes and to fund distributions, and we may use the proceeds from the Equity Commitment to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions. The determination of which of these sources of funding our company will access in any particular situation will be a matter of optimizing needs and opportunities at that time.

The Equity Commitment will have a perpetual term and may only be terminated at such time as the Support Agreement has been terminated.

Credit Agreement

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, we expect to enter into a credit agreement with Brookfield as lender, which we refer to as the Credit Agreement, providing for a five-year revolving $200 million credit facility. We expect that no amounts will be drawn under this credit facility as of the date of the special dividend.

The credit facility will be available in U.S. or Canadian dollars, and advances will be made by way of LIBOR, base rate, bankers’ acceptance rate or prime rate loans. Both operating facilities are expected to bear interest at the specified LIBOR or bankers’ acceptance rate plus 2%, plus an applicable spread, in each case subject to adjustment from time to time as the parties may agree. In addition, the credit facility will contemplate deposit arrangements pursuant to which the lender would, with the consent of a borrower, deposit funds on a demand basis to such borrower’s account at a reduced rate of interest.

The Credit Agreement provides that the lender is entitled to consent to any decision made by our board to approve any action by our company that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to constitute, a material change in the nature of our company’s business, including any material change in the leverage profile of our company or any action that results, or could reasonably be expected to result, in a downgrade to any credit rating held by our company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable.

Licensing Agreement

Prior to the completion of the special dividend, our company and Brookfield Asset Management will enter into a licensing agreement, which we refer to as the Licensing Agreement. Pursuant to the Licensing Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management will grant a non-exclusive, royalty-free sub-license to use the name “Brookfield” and the Brookfield logo. Other than under this limited license, we will not have a legal right to the “Brookfield” name and the Brookfield logo on a global basis.

 

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The Licensing Agreement may be terminated by Brookfield Asset Management upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice if our company defaults in the performance of any material term, condition or agreement contained in the agreement and the default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of termination of the breach is given to Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield Asset Management may also terminate the Licensing Agreement upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination if any of the following occurs:

 

   

our company defaults in the performance of any material term, condition or agreement contained in the agreement and the default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of termination of the breach is given to the licensee;

 

   

our company assigns, sublicenses, pledges, mortgages or otherwise encumbers the intellectual property rights granted to it pursuant to the Licensing Agreement;

 

   

certain events relating to a bankruptcy or insolvency of our company; or

 

   

the Support Agreement has been terminated.

Conflicts of Interest

Brookfield will provide investment management services at market rates to us pursuant to the Investment Management Agreements. The Investment Management Agreements are expected to result in us, among other things, investing in or alongside other vehicles, consortiums and/or partnerships (including private funds, joint ventures and similar arrangements, collectively referred to as Brookfield Accounts) managed by Brookfield and/or related parties, as well as in securities issued by portfolio companies and assets of Brookfield Accounts. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements and constraints, the Investment Management Agreements are intended to continue in perpetuity until terminated in accordance with their terms. In addition, under the Support Agreement, our company has agreed that, for so long as the Support Agreement is in place, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and constraints, and approval by their respective board of directors, our operating subsidiaries are expected to, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services without the prior consent of Brookfield. In addition, we will enter into agreements pursuant to which our company and/or one or more of our operating subsidiaries will receive administrative services and other support from Brookfield, including the Administration Agreement, the Rights Agreement, the Equity Commitment Agreement, the Credit Agreement, and the Licensing Agreement.

As noted elsewhere herein, Brookfield is a global alternative asset manager with significant assets under management and a long history of owning, managing and operating assets, businesses and investment vehicles across various industries, sectors, geographies and strategies. Brookfield’s activities include, among others: investment and asset management; managing and investing reinsurance capital; sponsoring, offering and managing private and public investment vehicles that invest in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equities, private and other markets; developing, constructing, owning, managing, operating and servicing real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and other companies and assets, including among others residential, commercial, storage and mixed-use real estate, data centers, transportation facilities, electric utilities, industrial and manufacturing facilities, energy companies, metals and mining companies, timberlands and agrilands, natural gas pipelines, and other assets; providing capital and financing solutions, as well as financial advisory, business development and other financial services; and other activities, which we refer to, collectively, as Brookfield Activities.

We intend to enter into the Investment Management Agreements because we expect that our company will benefit from Brookfield’s experience, expertise, broad reach, market positioning and connectivity that arise from Brookfield Activities. Brookfield believes that this is in the best interests of our company and those of Brookfield Accounts in which we invest.

The relationship with Brookfield and its broader platform, as well as activities of and other considerations relating to Brookfield Accounts, may give rise to perceived conflicts of interest between our company, our

 

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shareholders and Brookfield Accounts in which we invest, on the one hand, and Brookfield and/or other Brookfield Accounts, on the other hand. Except for the right to approve changes to the terms of the class A exchangeable shares and the Rights Agreement, or except where otherwise required by law, holders of class A exchangeable shares are unlikely to be provided an opportunity to consent to transactions involving Brookfield. However, each class A exchangeable share has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share and we therefore expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management. Following the special dividend, it is expected that distributions on our class A exchangeable shares will be paid at the same time and in the same amount as dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares to provide holders of our class A exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. In addition, immediately upon completion of the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will own all of the issued and outstanding class C shares of our company, which are entitled to the residual economic interest in our company after payment in full of the amount due to holders of our class A exchangeable shares and our class B shares (consisting of any declared and unpaid distributions, and the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares or the cash equivalent on a redemption or liquidation) and subject to the prior rights of holders of our Preferred Shares. As a result, given our ownership structure, the rationale for our formation and because each class A exchangeable share will be structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one Brookfield Class A Share, and given the financial and other support Brookfield is providing to us through the various agreements being entered into in connection with the special dividend, we expect that the interests of our company and Brookfield Asset Management will be strongly aligned.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR SHARE CAPITAL

Upon completion of the special dividend, our authorized share capital will consist of: (i) 1,000,000,000 class A exchangeable shares, par value of $40.00 per share; (ii) 500,000 class B shares, par value of $40.00 per share; (iii) 1,000,000,000 class C shares, par value of $1.00 per share; (iv) (a) 1,000,000,000 Class A Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of $25.00 per share, and (b) 1,000,000,000 Class B Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00, which we refer to together with the Class A Junior Preferred Shares as the Junior Preferred Shares; and (v) (a) 100,000,000 Class A Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of $25.00 per share, and (b) 100,000,000 Class B Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00 per share, which we refer to together with the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as the Senior Preferred Shares, and collectively with the Junior Preferred Shares, as the Preferred Shares.

Upon completion of the special dividend, approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares, 24,000 class B shares, approximately 16.9 million class C shares, and no Preferred Shares are expected to be issued and outstanding. Some of the terms of our share capital described below and our share ownership could discourage or inhibit takeovers, business combinations or other change of control transactions that our shareholders might consider in their best interests. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Class A Exchangeable Shares — The terms and ownership of our share capital, and our agreements with Brookfield, could discourage or inhibit takeovers, business combinations or other change of control transactions that our shareholders might consider in their best interests.”

Class A Exchangeable Shares

The following description of class A exchangeable shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions of class A exchangeable shares. This description is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by applicable law and the provisions of our company’s memorandum of association and bye-laws. Through the rights and governance structures described in this prospectus, each class A exchangeable share is intended to provide its holder with an economic return that is equivalent to that of a Brookfield Class A Share. Consequently, we expect that the market price of our class A exchangeable shares should be impacted by the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and the business performance of Brookfield Asset Management.

Voting

Each holder of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only holders of a specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote or as otherwise required by law. Except as set out below under “— Election of Directors”, each holder of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to cast one vote for each class A exchangeable share held at the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in our memorandum of association or bye-laws or as required by law, all matters to be approved by shareholders must be approved by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution. As a result, all matters that require shareholder approval must be approved by the holder of the class B shares.

Election of Directors

In the election of directors, holders of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to elect one-half of the board. Our bye laws provide that each holder of a class A exchangeable share has the right to cast a number of

 

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votes equal to the number of votes attached to the class A exchangeable shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and all holders of class A exchangeable shares entitled to vote with such holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favor of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

At our company’s first annual shareholder meeting held following completion of the special dividend, any registered or beneficial holder of class A exchangeable shares holding class A exchangeable shares representing at least 5% of the outstanding class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to nominate one or more of the individuals to be proposed for election by holders of the class A exchangeable shares. To ensure that all holders of class A exchangeable shares receive adequate notice of and information about the nominated directors, a holder of class A exchangeable shares eligible to exercise such nomination right and wishing to nominate one or more individuals for election will be required to provide notice to our company in a prescribed form as set out in our memorandum of association or bye-laws not later than the close of business on the 30th day prior to the date of the annual meeting. After the first annual shareholder meeting following completion of the special dividend, holders of class A exchangeable shares will not have any board nomination rights except as prescribed by law.

Distributions

The holders of class A exchangeable shares will be entitled to receive distributions as and when declared by our board subject to receipt of sufficient shareholder approval (where applicable) and the prior rights of the holders of all classes and series of the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the class A exchangeable shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions. It is expected that each class A exchangeable share will receive distributions at the same time and in the same amount as the cash dividends paid on each Brookfield Class A Share. We expect to commence paying distributions on our class A exchangeable shares on September 30, 2021.

Subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Senior Preferred Shares at the time outstanding having prior rights as to distributions, and in preference to the Junior Preferred Shares and class C shares, each class A exchangeable share will entitle its holder to cumulative distributions per share in an amount equal to (i) the amount of any cash dividend made on a Brookfield Class A Share multiplied by (ii) the exchange factor (which initially shall be one, subject to adjustment in the event of certain dilutive or other capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management) determined in accordance with our memorandum of association or bye-laws and in effect on the payment date of such distribution, which we refer to as the exchangeable distribution. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”.

If the full amount of an exchangeable distribution is not paid concurrently with a dividend on the Brookfield Class A Shares, then the unpaid amount of such exchangeable distribution shall accrue and accumulate (without interest), whether or not our company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof, and whether or not such exchangeable distribution has been earned, made or authorized. Any exchangeable distribution payment made shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid exchangeable distribution due which remains payable, which we refer to as unpaid distributions. All exchangeable distributions shall be paid prior and in preference to any dividends or distributions on the class C shares. The holders of class A exchangeable shares shall not be entitled to any distributions from our company other than the exchangeable distributions.

The class A exchangeable shares may be consolidated or split in the event of, and equally with, a share consolidation or stock split of the Brookfield Class A Shares. As an alternative, stock dividends may be paid in lieu of stock splits concurrently with a stock split of the Brookfield Class A Shares. In that case, the stock dividend on the class A exchangeable shares will be paid in additional class A exchangeable shares.

 

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Exchange by Holder

At any time after the dividend date and before the 15th business day prior to the date of any redemption, holders of class A exchangeable shares shall have the right to exchange all or a portion of their class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Asset Management for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment in the event of certain dilutive or other capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described below in “— Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the date that the request for exchange is received by our transfer agent (or if not a trading day, the next trading day thereafter) plus all unpaid distributions, if any (the form of payment to be determined at the sole election of Brookfield Asset Management), subject to certain limitations described below if Brookfield Asset Management is unable to maintain an effective registration statement. If you hold class A exchangeable shares through a broker, please contact your broker to request an exchange on your behalf. If you are a registered holder of class A exchangeable shares, please contact the transfer agent and follow the process described below.

Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management has agreed it will satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, any request made pursuant to our memorandum of association or bye-laws to exchange such class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent, plus unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash.

The obligation to satisfy a request for exchange is the obligation of Brookfield Asset Management, and our company has no obligation to deliver Brookfield Class A Shares or cash, to deliver any unpaid distributions, or to cause Brookfield Asset Management to do so.

Each holder of class A exchangeable shares who wishes to exchange one or more of his or her class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Asset Management for Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent is required to complete and deliver a notice of exchange in the form available from our transfer agent. Upon receipt of a notice of exchange, Brookfield Asset Management shall, within ten (10) business days after the date that the notice of exchange is received by our transfer agent, or the specified exchange date, deliver to the tendering holder of class A exchangeable shares, in accordance with instructions set forth in the notice of exchange, one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustments in the event of certain capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described below in “—Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the date that the request for exchange is received by our transfer agent (or if not a trading day, the next trading day thereafter) plus all unpaid distributions, if any (the form of payment to be determined at the sole election of Brookfield Asset Management). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with the exchange right, Brookfield Asset Management will not be able to effect exchanges for Brookfield Class A Shares and will not be required to effect exchanges for cash that would result in the payment of an amount in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period; provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period. Upon completion of the exchange of any class A exchangeable shares as described herein, the holder of class A exchangeable shares who has exchanged their class A exchangeable shares will have no further right, with respect to any class A exchangeable shares so exchanged, to receive any distributions on class A exchangeable shares on or after the date on which such class A exchangeable shares are exchanged. For greater certainty, a tendering holder will, despite a notice of exchange being delivered, be entitled to receive any distributions on class A exchangeable shares that have a record date or otherwise accrued prior to the date on which such notice of exchange is received.

Subject to the limitations on exchange as described above, in the event that a tendering holder of class A exchangeable shares has not received the number of Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent (the form of

 

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payment to be determined by Brookfield Asset Management in its sole discretion) in satisfaction of the tendered class A exchangeable shares on or prior to the specified exchange date, then, pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the holder of the subject class A exchangeable shares or the rights agent, on behalf of the holder of the subject class A exchangeable shares, will have the right to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against Brookfield Asset Management to enforce the obligations of Brookfield Asset Management to exchange our class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares (or their cash equivalent) plus unpaid distributions. See the section entitled “— Rights Agreement” below for more information on the Rights Agreement.

No Fractional Shares. No fractional Brookfield Class A Shares will be issued or delivered upon exchange of class A exchangeable shares. In lieu of any fractional Brookfield Class A Shares to which the tendering holder of class A exchangeable shares would otherwise be entitled at Brookfield Asset Management’s election, Brookfield Asset Management will pay an amount in cash equal to the Brookfield Class A Share value on the trading day immediately preceding the exchange date multiplied by such fraction of a Brookfield Class A Share.

Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events. The exchange factor (which initially shall be one) is subject to adjustment in accordance with our company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws to reflect certain capital events, including (i) if Brookfield Asset Management declares or pays a dividend to its shareholders consisting wholly or partly of Brookfield Class A Shares or if or our company declares or pays a distribution to our shareholders consisting wholly or partly of class A exchangeable shares, in each case, without a corresponding dividend or distribution, as applicable, being paid by the other entity; (ii) if Brookfield Asset Management or our company splits, subdivides, reverse-splits or combines its outstanding Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares, as applicable, without a corresponding event occurring at the other entity; (iii) if Brookfield Asset Management or our company distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of its Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares (or other securities or rights convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares), as applicable, without a corresponding distribution of comparable rights, options or warrants by the other entity; (iv) if Brookfield Asset Management effects a spin-off, unless a corresponding event (or a distribution/equivalent compensation) occurs at our company in respect of class A exchangeable shares; (v) if Brookfield Asset Management distributes to all or substantially all holders of Brookfield Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities), or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities but excluding all distributions where a comparable distribution (or the cash equivalent) is made by our company; or (vi) if Brookfield Asset Management or one of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the Brookfield Class A Shares (but excluding for all purposes any exchange or tender offer to exchange Brookfield Class A Shares for class A exchangeable shares or any other security economically equivalent to Brookfield Class A Shares), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per Brookfield Class A Share exceeds certain thresholds.

Redemption by Issuer

Our board will have the right, subject to the prior written consent of Brookfield Asset Management, as the sole holder of the class C shares, and upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to holders of class A exchangeable shares, to redeem all of the then outstanding class A exchangeable shares at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, including without limitation following the occurrence of any of the following redemption events: (i) the total number of class A exchangeable shares outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any six-month period; (ii) the daily market value of the class A exchangeable shares (based on the closing price on the NYSE on each trading day) (A) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (B) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period; (iii) a person acquires 90% of the Brookfield Class A Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by applicable securities law); (iv) shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management approve an acquisition of Brookfield Asset Management by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction; (v) shareholders of Brookfield Asset

 

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Management approve a restructuring or other reorganization of Brookfield Asset Management or a liquidation, insolvency or winding-up of Brookfield Asset Management is pending; (vi) there is a pending sale of all or substantially all of Brookfield Asset Management’s assets; (vii) there is a change of law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of our company and our shareholders, that may result in adverse tax consequences for our company or our shareholders; or (viii) our board, in its sole discretion, concludes that the holders of class A exchangeable shares are adversely impacted by a fact, change or other circumstance relating to our company. For greater certainty, shareholders do not have the ability to vote on such redemption and the board’s decision to redeem all of the then outstanding class A exchangeable shares will be final.

Upon any such redemption event, the holders of class A exchangeable shares shall be entitled to receive pursuant to such redemption one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment in the event of certain capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described above in “— Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the trading day immediately preceding the announcement of such redemption plus all unpaid distributions, if any (the form of payment to be determined at the election of our company).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any redemption event, Brookfield Asset Management may elect to acquire all of the outstanding class A exchangeable shares in exchange for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment in the event of certain capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described above in “— Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the trading day immediately preceding the announcement of such redemption plus all unpaid distributions, if any (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management). Shareholders are not entitled to vote on Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of the overriding call right described in the preceding sentences.

Liquidation

Brookfield Asset Management, as the sole holder of our class C shares, will have the right, subject to applicable law, to require our company to commence a liquidation of the company following the occurrence of certain events. See “—Class C Shares — Liquidation” below.

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company or any other distribution of our assets among our shareholders for the purpose of winding up our affairs, including whether substantially concurrent with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Brookfield Asset Management or any other distribution of Brookfield Asset Management’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, and subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Senior Preferred Shares and any other class of shares of our company ranking in priority or ratably with the class A exchangeable shares and after the payment in full of any unpaid distributions, the holders of class A exchangeable shares shall be entitled to one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment in the event of certain capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described above in “ Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) or its cash equivalent based on the NYSE closing price of one Brookfield Class A Share on the trading day immediately preceding announcement of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up (the form of payment to be determined at the election of our company). If, upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the assets of our company are insufficient to make such payment in full, then the assets of our company will be distributed among the holders of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares ratably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, Brookfield Asset Management may elect to acquire all but not less than all of the outstanding class A exchangeable shares

 

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for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment in the event of certain capital events by our company or Brookfield Asset Management as described above in “— Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events”) plus all unpaid distributions, if any. The acquisition by Brookfield Asset Management of all the outstanding class A exchangeable shares will occur on the day prior to the effective date of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company. Shareholders are not entitled to vote on Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of the overriding call right described in the preceding sentences.

Book-Based System

The class A exchangeable shares may be represented in the form of one or more fully registered share certificates held by, or on behalf of, CDS or DTC, as applicable, as custodian of such certificates for the participants of CDS or DTC, registered in the name of CDS or DTC or their respective nominee, and registration of ownership and transfers of the class A exchangeable shares may be effected through the book-based system administered by CDS or DTC, as applicable.

Treatment of Class A Exchangeable Shares in Connection with a Takeover Bid, Issuer Bid or Tender Offer

The class A exchangeable shares are not Brookfield Class A Shares and will not be treated as Brookfield Class A Shares for purposes of the application of applicable Canadian and U.S. rules relating to takeover bids, issuer bids and tender offers. Brookfield Class A Shares and class A exchangeable shares are not securities of the same class. As a result, holders of class A exchangeable shares will not be entitled to participate in an offer or bid made to acquire Brookfield Class A Shares, unless such offer is extended to holders of class A exchangeable shares and holders of Brookfield Class A Shares will not be entitled to participate in an offer or bid made to acquire class A exchangeable shares, unless such offer is extended to holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. In the event of a takeover bid for Brookfield Class A Shares, a holder of class A exchangeable shares who would like to participate would be required to first tender his or her class A exchangeable shares for exchange, in order to receive a Brookfield Class A Share, or the cash equivalent, at the election of Brookfield Asset Management, pursuant to the exchange right. If an issuer tender offer or issuer bid is made for the Brookfield Class A Shares at a price in excess of the market price of the Brookfield Class A Shares and a comparable offer is not made for the class A exchangeable shares, then the exchange factor for the class A exchangeable shares may be adjusted. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Exchange by Holder — Adjustments to Reflect Certain Capital Events” for more information on the circumstances in which adjustments may be made to the exchange factor.

Choice of Forum for Bermuda Act and U.S. Securities Act Claims

Pursuant to our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (and our company will always provide such consent with respect to the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada and appellate Courts thereof), the Supreme Court of Bermuda shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute that arises concerning the Bermuda Act or out of or in connection with our bye-laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of our bye-laws and/or whether there has been any breach of the Bermuda Act or our bye-laws by an officer or director (i.e., the Bermuda Forum Provision.) The Bermuda Forum Provision will not apply to any causes of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act or the U.S. Exchange Act. In addition, our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend further provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal courts of the United States shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint filed in the United States asserting a cause of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act (i.e., the U.S. Federal Forum Provision). Our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in our class A exchangeable shares is deemed to have notice of and consented to the Bermuda Forum Provision and the U.S. Federal Forum Provision; provided, however, that shareholders cannot and will not be deemed to have waived

 

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our compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Bermuda Forum Provision and the U.S. Federal Forum Provision in our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend may impose additional litigation costs on shareholders in pursuing any such claims. Additionally, the forum selection clauses in our bye-laws to be in effect after completion of the special dividend may limit our shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage the filing of lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees, even though an action, if successful, might benefit our shareholders. See “Risk Factors— Our bye-laws to be in effect upon completion of the special dividend designate specific courts in Bermuda as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a desired judicial forum for disputes with us.”

Class B Shares

The following description of class B shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions of class B shares. This description is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable law and the provisions of our company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. All of the outstanding class B shares will be held, collectively, by the BAM Re Class B Partners.

Voting

Each holder of class B shares will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of our shareholders, other than meetings at which only holders of a specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote or as otherwise required by law. Each holder of class B shares will be entitled to cast one vote for each class B share held at the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter.

Except as set out below under “—Election of Directors” below, or as otherwise expressly provided in our memorandum of association or bye-laws or as required by law, all matters to be approved by shareholders must be approved by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

Election of Directors

In the election of directors, holders of class B shares will be entitled to elect one-half of the board. Our bye-laws provide that each holder of a class B share has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the class B shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and all holders of class B shares entitled to vote with such holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favor of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Distributions

The holders of class B shares will be entitled to the same distributions as the class A exchangeable shares as described above, and the class B shares will rank pari passu with the class A exchangeable shares with respect to the payment of distributions (if, as and when made by our board). In the event a distribution is paid on the class A exchangeable shares, the board shall, subject to applicable law, contemporaneously pay an equivalent distribution on the class B shares.

 

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Liquidation

Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, holders of class B shares will be entitled to the same rights as holders of class A exchangeable shares described above and will rank on parity with the class A exchangeable shares.

Restrictions on Transfer

The class B shares may only be held by the BAM Re Class B Partners, a company controlled by one or more of the Partners or Brookfield. However, Brookfield does not currently have any intention to hold any class B shares.

Class C Shares

The following description of class C shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions of class C shares. This description is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable law and the provisions of our company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. All of the outstanding class C shares will be held by Brookfield Asset Management.

Voting

Except as described below or as required by law, the holder of the class C shares shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend, any meetings of shareholders of the company, but shall not otherwise be entitled to vote at any such meetings. Under our memorandum of association and bye-laws, the holder of the class C shares will be entitled to consent to (a) any redemption of the class A exchangeable shares by our company; (b) any amendment to our memorandum of association or bye-laws, including, for greater certainty, the terms attached to the class A exchangeable shares, the class B shares or any other shares ranking senior to the class C shares; (c) any merger or similar reorganization of the company (including a sale of all or substantially all of its assets); (d) a continuance to another jurisdiction of incorporation or (e) the commencement of a voluntarily liquidation of our company.

Distributions

The holder of class C shares will be entitled to receive distributions as and when declared by our board subject to the prior rights of the holders of all classes and series of the Preferred Shares, class A exchangeable shares, class B shares, and any other shares ranking senior to the class C shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions. The holder of our class C shares will be entitled to receive distributions if, as and when declared or authorized. Our board has adopted a policy that class C share distributions will be paid quarterly in an amount equal to our company’s distributable earnings (as determined by management of our company) after payment of distributions on the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares and any other shares ranking senior to the class C shares and after reasonable provision for any other applicable obligations and commitments.

The class C shares will not be consolidated or split in the event of, and equally with, a share consolidation or stock split of the Brookfield Class A Shares unless the holder of class C shares agrees to such split or consolidation.

Liquidation

The holder of class C shares will have the right, subject to applicable law, to resolve that our company commence a voluntary liquidation of the company following the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the total number of class A exchangeable shares outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any six-month period; (ii) the daily market value of the class A exchangeable shares (based on the closing price on each trading day) (A) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (B) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period; (iii) a person acquires 90% of the Brookfield Class A Shares in a take-over

 

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bid (as defined by applicable securities law); (iv) the shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management approve a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Brookfield Asset Management or an acquisition of Brookfield Asset Management by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction; (v) the shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management approve a restructuring or other reorganization of Brookfield Asset Management or the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Brookfield Asset Management, or any other distribution of Brookfield Asset Management’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, is pending; (vi) there is a change of law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of our company and our shareholders, that may result in adverse tax consequences for our company or our shareholders; (vii) the holder, in good faith, concludes that it is materially adversely impacted by an external fact unrelated to the company, a change, or other circumstance relating to the company or Brookfield that was not known to it on the effective date of the special dividend; or (viii) on any day during the months of January and June commencing in 2022 and every year thereafter, more than 20% of the total number of the class A exchangeable shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert within the meaning of applicable securities laws; provided that, in the case of all circumstances other than (ii), the circumstance cannot be cured within a period of 30 days. The foregoing right will only be exercisable following the expiration of such cure period (or in the case of (ii), following the occurrence of the event) and shall expire (A) in the case of all circumstances other than (viii), on the 90th day thereafter, (B) in the case of (viii), on the 60th day thereafter, and (C) in the case of (viii), the right will only be exercisable in the event that more than 20% of the total number of class A exchangeable shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly and in concert within the meaning of applicable securities laws at the time such right is exercised. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares, or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the commencement of such liquidation by the holder of the class C shares.

Any liquidation of our company pursuant to the foregoing will be subject to no less than 60 days’ prior written notice of the date of liquidation being provided to holders of class A exchangeable shares.

Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, subject to the prior rights of holders of Preferred Shares and after the payment in full of the amount due to the holders of class A exchangeable shares and class B shares described under the section entitled “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares and Class B Shares — Liquidation”, the remaining assets and property of our company will be distributed among the holders of class C shares.

Conversion of Tendered Class A Exchangeable Shares

Subject to applicable law, the holder of class C shares will be entitled, from time to time, to convert any class A exchangeable shares held by it or its subsidiaries into class C shares. The number of class C shares (which may include a fraction of a class C share) that will be received on conversion of any class A exchangeable share will be equal to the number obtained by dividing the fair market value of a class A exchangeable share by the fair market value of a class C share, in each case as determined by the board, which we refer to as the conversion number. If the conversion number from time to time is not equal to one (1), then the conversion will include any necessary subdivision or consolidation necessary to convert the class A exchangeable shares in the conversion number of class C shares.

Restrictions on Transfer

The class C shares may only be transferred within Brookfield.

Preferred Shares

The following description of Preferred Shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions of Senior Preferred Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares. This description is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable law and the provisions of our memorandum of association or bye-laws.

 

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Priority

Each series of Senior Preferred Shares will rank on a parity with every other series of Senior Preferred Shares with respect to distributions, and each series of Junior Preferred Shares will rank on a parity with every other series of Junior Preferred Shares with respect to distributions.

The Senior Preferred Shares shall be entitled to a preference over the Junior Preferred Shares, the class A exchangeable shares, the class B shares, the class C shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Senior Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of our company among our shareholders for the specific purpose of winding up our affairs.

So long as any Senior Preferred Shares are outstanding, our company will not, without the approval of the holder(s) of the Senior Preferred Shares make, pay or set apart for payment any distributions on any class A exchangeable shares, class B shares, class C shares or Junior Preferred Shares or any other shares ranking behind the Senior Preferred Shares, or purchase or otherwise retire for value any such junior-ranking shares, unless in each case, all distributions on the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares of our company ranking as to dividends prior to or on a parity with the Senior Preferred Shares are current and our company is not otherwise in default under the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares of our company ranking as to distributions prior to or on a parity with the Senior Preferred Shares.

The Junior Preferred Shares shall be entitled to a preference over the class C shares, and after the Senior Preferred Shares, the class A exchangeable shares, the class B shares, and any other senior-ranking shares outstanding from time to time, with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of our company among our shareholders for the specific purpose of winding up our affairs.

Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series

The Preferred Shares may be issued at any time and from time to time in one or more series. Before any shares of a series are issued, our board shall fix the number of shares that will form such series, if any, and shall, subject to any limitations set out in our memorandum of association or bye-laws or in applicable law, determine the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions to be attached to the Preferred Shares as the case may be, of such series.

Voting

Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by law or as specified in the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached from time to time to any series of Preferred Shares, the holders of such Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of our shareholders.

Amendment with Approval of Holder of Preferred Shares

The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of such class of Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified and subject to applicable law.

Approval of Holders of Preferred Shares

The approval of the holders of a class of Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to such class of Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of such class of Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of such class of Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3rds) of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of such class of Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose.

 

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The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such meeting or any adjourned meeting, the quorum required therefor and the conduct thereof shall be those from time to time required by applicable law as in force at the time of the meeting and those, if any, prescribed by our memorandum of association or bye-laws with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of a class of Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of a class of Preferred Shares, each holder of such class of Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each such Preferred Share held.

Rights Agreement

Brookfield Asset Management and our company will enter into the Rights Agreement with the rights agent pursuant to which Brookfield Asset Management will agree that Brookfield Asset Management will satisfy, or will cause to be satisfied, the obligations pursuant to our memorandum of association and bye-laws to exchange our class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares (or their cash equivalent) plus unpaid distributions. Brookfield Asset Management currently intends to satisfy any exchange requests on the class A exchangeable shares through the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares rather than cash. The Rights Agreement will be available electronically on EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The Rights Agent and the Exchange Right

The rights agent will agree to act as the rights agent for the holders, as a class and not individually, of the class A exchangeable shares. Pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in our memorandum of association and bye-laws and the Rights Agreement, holders of class A exchangeable shares may request to exchange all or a portion of their class A exchangeable shares with Brookfield Asset Management for one Brookfield Class A Share per class A exchangeable share held (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of Brookfield Asset Management) plus unpaid distributions, if any. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Exchange by Holder”.

Upon receipt of a notice of exchange, Brookfield Asset Management will, within ten (10) business days after the date that the notice of exchange is received by our transfer agent, which we refer to as the specified exchange date, deliver or cause to be delivered to the tendering holder of class A exchangeable shares, such Brookfield Class A Shares or cash amount. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, Brookfield Asset Management has agreed that Brookfield Asset Management will satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, the obligations pursuant to our memorandum of association and bye-laws to exchange such subject class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares (or the cash amount) plus unpaid distributions.

However, for so long as there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the delivery of Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with the exchange right, Brookfield Asset Management will not be able to effect exchanges for Brookfield Class A Shares and will not be required to effect exchanges for cash that would result in the payment of an amount in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period; provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period. As a result, in these circumstances, holders of class A exchangeable shares may experience a delay in receiving cash on exercise of the exchange right.

The exchange right is a part of the terms of the class A exchangeable shares and may not be evidenced, transferred or assigned separate or apart from the class A exchangeable shares. The obligations of the rights agent under the Rights Agreement, which the holders of the class A exchangeable shareholders shall have a right to enforce, will become effective on the dividend date.

Satisfaction of Exchange Right

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notice of exchange. The company notice must set forth the identity of the tendering holder of class A exchangeable shares, the share amount and the cash amount for such subject class A exchangeable shares and any necessary wire transfer or other delivery instructions. The Rights Agreement provides that, following receipt of the company notice, Brookfield Asset Management will deliver, or caused to be delivered, on or prior to the applicable specified exchange date with respect to any tendered class A exchangeable shares, the share amount or the cash amount.

Subject to the limitations described above, if Brookfield Asset Management has failed to deliver, or failed to cause to be delivered, the share amount or cash amount on or prior to the specified exchange date, the holder of the subject class A exchangeable shares or the rights agent, on behalf of the holder of the subject class A exchangeable shares, without the consent of any holder of class A exchangeable shares, shall have the right pursuant to the Rights Agreement to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against Brookfield Asset Management in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, the obligations of Brookfield Asset Management to exchange our class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares (or their cash equivalent) plus unpaid distributions. The rights agent may engage one or more co-agents in connection with instituting or maintaining any such action.

Receipt of Subject Class A Exchangeable Shares; Withholding

Holders of subject class A exchangeable shares will deliver such class A exchangeable shares free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, and should any such liens, claims and encumbrances exist with respect to such subject class A exchangeable shares, the holder of such subject class A exchangeable shares will not be entitled to exercise its exchange rights with respect to such shares. Each holder of subject class A exchangeable shares will pay to Brookfield Asset Management the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of such shares and, in the event Brookfield Asset Management elects to acquire some or all of the subject class A exchangeable shares in exchange for the cash amount, will authorize Brookfield Asset Management to retain a portion of the cash amount to satisfy tax withholding obligations. If Brookfield Asset Management elects to acquire some or all of the subject class A exchangeable shares in exchange for the share amount, Brookfield Asset Management may elect to either satisfy the amount of any tax withholding by retaining Brookfield Class A Shares with a fair market value equal to the amount of such obligation, or satisfy such tax withholding obligation using amounts paid by Brookfield Asset Management, which amounts will be treated as a loan by Brookfield Asset Management to the holder of the subject class A exchangeable shares, in each case, unless the holder, at the holder’s election, has made arrangements to pay the amount of any such tax withholding.

Brookfield Class A Shares Record Date

Each former holder of subject class A exchangeable shares who receives the share amount will be deemed to have become the owner of the Brookfield Class A Shares as of the date upon which such subject class A exchangeable shares are duly surrendered.

Termination or Amendment

The Rights Agreement will have a perpetual term and will terminate automatically on the earlier of such time as (i) no class A exchangeable shares (or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire class A exchangeable shares) are held by any person other than Brookfield and (ii) an amendment to the terms of the class A exchangeable shares that eliminates the right of the holders to exchange the class A exchangeable shares for Brookfield Class A Shares or its cash equivalent (plus unpaid distributions).

Brookfield Asset Management may not materially amend, modify, or alter the Rights Agreement or repeal, terminate or waive any rights under the Rights Agreement, without approval by (a) the holders of the class A exchangeable shares not held by Brookfield and the holders of the class B shares, each voting as a class (with an approval threshold of a majority of the votes cast by each class) and (b) the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management.

 

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COMPARISON OF THE OBCA AND THE BERMUDA ACT

The rights of holders of Brookfield Shares, are governed by the OBCA and Brookfield Asset Management’s articles of incorporation and by-laws. Holders of Brookfield Shares receiving our class A exchangeable shares on the dividend date will become shareholders of our company, which is governed by Bermuda law, our memorandum of association and bye-laws.

The following comparison is a summary of certain material differences between the rights of holders of class A exchangeable shares and holders of the Brookfield Shares under the governing documents of our company and Brookfield Asset Management, respectively, and the applicable laws noted above. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of (i) the Bermuda Act, (ii) the OBCA, (iii) our company’s memorandum of association and bye-laws, and (iv) the articles and by-laws of Brookfield Asset Management.

This section does not include a complete description of all of the differences between the rights of holders of class A exchangeable shares and holders of the Brookfield Shares, nor does it include a complete description of the specific rights of such holders. Furthermore, the identification of some of the differences in the rights of such holders is not intended to indicate that other differences that may be equally important do not exist. You are urged to read carefully the relevant provisions of Bermuda law and Ontario law, as well as the governing documents of each of our company and Brookfield Asset Management, each as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, copies of which are available, without charge, to any person, including any beneficial owner of Brookfield Shares to whom this prospectus is delivered, by following the instructions listed under “Where You Can Find More Information”.

Charter Documents

Under the OBCA, a corporation’s charter documents consist of “articles of incorporation”, which set forth the name of the corporation and the amount and type of authorized capital, and the “by-laws”, which govern the management of the corporation. Under the Bermuda Act, the charter documents consist of a “memorandum of association”, which sets forth, among other things, the name of the company and the amount and type of authorized share capital, and “bye-laws”, which govern the management of the company.

Shareholder Resolution Approvals

Under the OBCA, the vote of shareholders required to pass a resolution is typically a majority or two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution, depending upon the action being voted upon. A “special resolution” is a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by the shareholders who voted in respect of that resolution, or that is signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on that resolution. Matters requiring approval by special resolution include most amendments to the articles, approval of an amalgamation agreement, authorizing continuance in another jurisdiction, authorizing the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation’s assets except in the ordinary course of business, authorizing the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the corporation, authorizing a reduction of stated capital in certain cases, and authorizing approval of additions to the stated capital. Matters requiring approval by a majority of the votes cast include confirmation, rejection or amendment of by-laws, and removal of directors. Only a single vote in favor is required to vote for the election of directors or auditors in an uncontested situation (but subject to the terms of any majority voting policy in respect of director elections).

Under the Bermuda Act, in addition to the election of directors, the approval of the shareholders of a company is required for, among other things, the following matters: (i) discontinuance of a company out of Bermuda to another jurisdiction; (ii) appointment of the auditor; (iii) alteration of the memorandum of association and bye-laws; (iv) an increase or reduction of capital; (v) removal of directors; and (vi) voluntary winding up or dissolution. Generally, the vote of shareholders required to pass resolutions approving matters is a

 

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simple majority of votes cast at a meeting (or such other percentage vote as is specified in the bye-laws). However, a narrow set of other matters require higher majorities under the Bermuda Act including loans to directors and statutory schemes of arrangements. Further, there are circumstances under the Bermuda Act where shareholders are permitted to vote, whether or not their shares carry the right to vote, such as the alteration of the rights attached to their class of shares, amalgamations or mergers.

Our bye-laws provide that any alteration of our memorandum of association and bye-laws, including any variation in the terms attached to any class of shares, or an amalgamation or merger (other than with a wholly-owned subsidiary) is subject to the approval by a majority of the votes cast on the resolution (instead of two-thirds as would generally be required under the OBCA). Our bye-laws further provide that, Brookfield Asset Management, as the sole holder of our class C shares, is entitled to consent to resolutions relating to a number of fundamental matters and will have the right, subject to applicable law, to require our company to commence a members’ voluntary liquidation of the company following the occurrence of certain events. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the class A exchangeable shares, class B shares, or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the commencement of such members’ voluntary liquidation by the holder of the class C shares. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class C Shares”.

Under our bye-laws, in addition to the approval by the board of directors, and consistent with Brookfield Asset Management, any matter requiring the approval of holders of shares (excluding those matters that only require approval of our class C shareholder) must be approved by a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and by a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the class B shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

Further, like Brookfield Asset Management, with respect to the election of directors, our bye-laws will provide for cumulative voting and we intend to adopt a majority voting policy consistent with TSX requirements. See “—Cumulative Voting” below.

Annulment of Amendments to Charter Documents

Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20% in par value of a company’s issued share capital or any class thereof have the right to apply to the Bermuda courts for an annulment of any amendment to the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting. Upon such application, the alteration may only take effect when, and insofar as, it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. The Bermuda court may annul or confirm the amendment in question, either wholly or in part, and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit. An application for an annulment of an amendment to the memorandum of association must be made within 21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the company’s memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose. No such application may be made by shareholders voting in favor of the amendment or those who have given the company a statement recognizing receipt of notice and consenting to the amendment in writing. Furthermore, no application may be made in respect of an amendment that alters or reduces a company’s share capital.

Shareholder Rights to Requisition Meetings

The OBCA permits the holders of not less than 5% of the issued shares of a corporation that carry the right to vote to require the directors to call and hold a meeting of the shareholders of the corporation for the purposes stated in the requisition. Subject to certain exceptions, if the directors fail to provide notice of a meeting within 21 days of receiving the requisition, any shareholder who signed the requisition may call the meeting.

Under the Bermuda Act, holders of not less than one-tenth of the paid-up capital of the company that carry the right to vote can require the directors to convene a special general meeting of the company for the purposes

 

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stated in the requisition. If the directors do not within 21 days of the date of deposit of the requisition proceed duly to convene a meeting, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than one-half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene the meeting, but any meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three months.

Shareholder Proposals

Under the OBCA, a registered or beneficial shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may submit to a company notice of any proposal to be raised at the meeting. If the company solicits proxies in connection with the meeting, the company shall set out the proposal in the management information circular for the meeting; provided that, among other things: (i) it is submitted at least 60 days before the anniversary of the date of the previous annual meeting, or, if the matter is proposed to be raised at a meeting other than the annual meeting, the date of a meeting other than the annual meeting; (ii) it has not been submitted in the last five years and did not obtain the required level of support; (iii) the person submitting the proposal is the registered or beneficial owner of shares that are entitled to be voted at a meeting of shareholders; and (iv) the right to submit a proposal is not being abused to enforce a personal claim or redress a personal grievance against the corporation or its directors, officers or securityholders. A proposal may include nominations for the election of directors if it is signed by holders of not less than 5% of the shares or 5% of the shares of a class or series of shares of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting.

As noted above, under the Bermuda Act, shareholders holding not less than one-tenth of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right of voting at general meetings of the company may requisition a special meeting of shareholders. In addition, a company must give to its shareholders entitled to receive notice of the next annual general meeting notice of any resolutions which may be moved at that meeting (including the removal and appointment of directors), and must circulate to shareholders entitled to have notice of any general meeting any statement of not more than one thousand words with respect to the matter referred to in any proposed resolution or the business to be dealt with at that meeting. The number of shareholders necessary for this latter requisition is either: (i) any number of registered shareholders representing not less than one-twentieth (or 5%) of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having at the date of the requisition a right to vote at the meeting to which the requisition relates, or (ii) not less than one hundred shareholders.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

Under the OBCA, a resolution in writing signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of shareholders is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the shareholders.

Under the Bermuda Act and our bye-laws, any action that may be taken by the shareholders at a meeting may also be taken by a resolution of shareholders consented to in writing. Such a written resolution may be validly passed, if consented to in writing by shareholders holding shares to which are attached such majority of the votes as would be required if the resolution had been voted on at a meeting of the shareholders.

Inspection Rights

Under the OBCA, a shareholder of a corporation and the shareholder’s agents and legal representatives have the right to inspect copies of the following during the usual business hours of the corporation, free of charge: (i) the articles and the by-laws and all amendments thereto, and a copy of any unanimous shareholder agreement known to the directors; (ii) minutes of meetings and resolutions of shareholders; (iii) a register of directors which sets out the names and residence addresses, while directors, including the street and number, if any, of all persons who are or have been directors of the corporation with the dates on which each became or ceased to be a director; (iv) a securities register; and (v) a register of ownership interests in land in Ontario. A shareholder has the right to obtain, free of charge, one copy of the articles, by-laws and unanimous shareholders’ agreement of a corporation, including amendments. Applicants who are shareholders of an OBCA corporation, their agents and

 

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legal representatives and, where the corporation is an offering corporation, any other person, may require the corporation to furnish a registered shareholder list to the applicant upon payment of a reasonable fee and delivery of a statutory declaration as to the name and address of the applicant and to the effect that such list will not be used except in connection with an effort to influence voting by shareholders of the corporation, an offer to acquire shares of the corporation or any other matter relating to the affairs of the corporation. In addition, under the OBCA, a securityholder of a corporation may apply to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for an order directing that an investigation be made of a corporation or of any affiliated corporation.

Under the Bermuda Act, a shareholder of a company may request in writing to inspect during normal business hours the share register and the register of directors and officers of the company, minutes of general shareholder meetings of the company and to receive copies of the same. Upon refusal of the request, the shareholder may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an order allowing inspection. The share register and register of directors and officers are open for inspection by members of the public. As provided under the Bermuda Act, a company may keep one or more overseas or branch registers in any place which may also be open for inspection by members of the public. The Bermuda Act provides that any member of the public may request a copy of the company’s shareholder register, or of any part thereof, on payment of a prescribed nominal fee.

Dividends and Repurchases of Shares

Under the OBCA, the directors may declare, and the corporation may pay a dividend by issuing fully paid shares of the corporation and, subject to the solvency test described in the following sentence, a corporation may pay a dividend in money or property. The directors are prohibited from declaring and the corporation is prohibited from paying a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the corporation is or, after the payment would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or if the realizable value of the corporation’s assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its stated capital of all classes. The OBCA also permits a corporation, subject to its articles, to purchase or otherwise acquire any of its issued shares, provided that no payment to purchase or otherwise acquire shares issued by it may be made unless the solvency test described above is satisfied at the time of, and after, such payment. Shares repurchased by an OBCA corporation are generally cancelled.

Under the Bermuda Act, subject to any limitations or provisions to the contrary in the memorandum of association and bye-laws of a company, a company may, by resolution of directors, declare and pay dividends in money, shares or other property. A company must not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or the realizable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than its liabilities.

Under the OBCA, a corporation may, subject to its articles and to the solvency test mentioned below, purchase or redeem any redeemable shares issued by it at prices not exceeding the redemption price thereof stated in the articles or calculated according to a formula stated in the articles. However, a corporation may not make any payment to purchase or redeem any redeemable shares issued by it if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the corporation is or, after the payment, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or after the payment, the realizable value of the corporation’s assets would be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and the amount that would be required to pay the holders of shares who have a right to be paid, on a redemption or in a liquidation, rateably with or before the holders of the shares to be purchased or redeemed, to the extent that the amount has not been included in its liabilities.

Under the Bermuda Act, a company may only redeem its shares if permitted to do so by its memorandum of association and bye-laws, and if a solvency test similar to the test applicable under the OBCA is satisfied.

 

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Authority to Issue Shares

The OBCA requires that any maximum number of shares which a corporation has the authority to issue be specified in its articles. Brookfield Asset Management is currently authorized to issue an unlimited number of Brookfield Class A Shares and preference shares, and 85,120 Brookfield Class B Shares.

The Bermuda Act requires that the amount of shares that a company has authority to issue must be stated and specified in its memorandum of association. Under our memorandum of association and bye-laws, we are authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 class A exchangeable shares, 500,000 class B shares, 1,000,000,000 class C shares, 1,000,000,000 Class C Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series), 1,000,000,000 Class D Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series), 100,000,000 Class A Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series), and 100,000,000 Class B Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series).

Our bye-laws provide that, for as long our class A exchangeable shares are listed on the TSX or the NYSE, class A exchangeable shares issued shall be non-assessable and shall not be issued until the consideration for the share is fully paid in money or in property (the issuance of promissory notes is not sufficient) or past services that are not less in value than the fair equivalent of the money that would have been received if the share had been issued for money.

Director Qualifications

The board of directors of an OBCA corporation that is an offering corporation whose shares are held by more than one person must consist of at least three individuals, at least one-third of whom are not officers or employees of the corporation or its affiliates. Currently, at least 25% of the directors of an OBCA corporation must be resident Canadians; however, if a corporation has less than four directors, at least one director must be a resident Canadian.

Under Bermuda law, the affairs of a company must be managed by at least one director (or at least two directors in the case of a regulated entity). Subject to any provision in the bye-laws, there is no requirement for a company to have executive directors, and a director can be of any nationality and be resident in any jurisdiction. A Bermuda company must have at least one Bermuda resident statutory officer who may be a director, secretary or resident representative.

Our bye-laws provide that the board will be set at a minimum of four (4) members and a maximum of eight (8) members or such number in excess thereof as the shareholders may determine, with (i) at least two directors being local residents of Bermuda, (ii) no more than three directors being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda), (iii) no more than two directors elected by holders of class A exchangeable shares being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda), and (iv) no more than two directors elected by holders of class B shares being resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda). In addition, our bye-laws will provide that, with respect to the directors elected by holders of class A exchangeable shares, no director or employee of Brookfield Asset Management will be eligible to serve. Our bye-laws may be amended to change the number of directors with the approval of a majority of the votes cast by holders of class A exchangeable shares and a majority of the votes cast by the class B shares, in each case who vote in respect of the amendment.

Term of the Board of Directors

Where the articles or a unanimous shareholder agreement of a corporation so provide, the OBCA permits, but does not require, that directors may be elected at a meeting of shareholders for different terms of up to three years. The Bermuda Act does not require that the directors elected at a meeting of shareholders be elected for different terms; however, in the absence of such determination by the shareholders, directors shall serve until the termination of the next annual general meeting following their appointment. In addition, the bye-laws of the company can provide for different terms. Under our bye-laws, similar to Brookfield Asset Management, no director term limits have been fixed. In addition, a majority voting policy consistent with TSX requirements is to be adopted.

 

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Removal of Directors

Under the OBCA, other than where cumulative voting applies for the election of directors and subject to a unanimous shareholder agreement, the shareholders of a corporation may by ordinary resolution at an annual or special meeting remove any director or directors from office. An ordinary resolution under the OBCA requires the resolution to be passed, with or without amendment, at the meeting by at least a majority of the votes cast. The OBCA further provides that where the holders of any class or series of shares of a corporation have an exclusive right to elect one or more directors, a director so elected may only be removed by an ordinary resolution at a meeting of the shareholders of that class or series.

Under Bermuda law, subject to a company’s bye-laws, the shareholders of a company may, at a special general meeting called for that purpose, remove any director provided that the notice of the meeting is served on the director or directors concerned not less than 14 days before such meeting. Like the OBCA, if holders of a class or series of shares have the exclusive right to elect or appoint one or more directors, a director so elected or appointed may only be removed by an affirmative vote of the shareholders of that class or series. Any director given notice of removal will be entitled to be heard at the special general meeting. A vacancy created by the removal of a director at a special general meeting may be filled at that meeting by the election of another director in his or her place or in the absence of any such election by the other directors.

Our bye-laws provide that any director may be removed as follows: (a) with respect to the directors elected by holders of the class A exchangeable shares, an affirmative vote of class A exchangeable shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding class A exchangeable shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a director; (b) with respect to the directors elected by the holders of the class B shares, an affirmative vote of class B shareholders holding a majority of the issued and outstanding class B shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a director; provided, that the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a director must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and be served on the director not less than 14 days before the meeting, and that the director shall be entitled to be heard at the meeting on the motion for his or her removal.

Cumulative Voting

Under the OBCA, cumulative voting is only permitted in the election of directors if the articles provide for it, and cumulative voting is provided for in Brookfield Asset Management’s articles. As a result, each holder of Brookfield Shares has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the Brookfield Shares held by the holder, multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and the holders of shares of the classes or series of shares entitled to vote with the shareholder in the election of directors.

Bermuda law does not expressly provide for cumulative voting on any matter. However, consistent with Brookfield Asset Management, our bye-laws will provide for cumulative voting. Accordingly, our bye-laws will provide that each holder of shares of a class or series of shares of our company entitled to vote in an election of directors has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and the holders of shares of the classes or series of shares entitled to vote with the holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favor of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

Under the OBCA, a quorum of directors may fill a vacancy among the directors, except for the following vacancies, which must be filled by the shareholders: (i) a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number or minimum number of directors; and (ii) a vacancy resulting from a failure to elect the number or minimum number of directors required by the articles of a corporation.

 

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Under the Bermuda Act, subject to any limitations in a company’s bye-laws, a vacancy among the directors may be filled by a resolution of shareholders or, if authorized by the shareholders or the bye-laws, by the directors who remain in office. If no quorum of directors remains, the vacancy must be filled by a general meeting of the shareholders.

Our bye-laws provide that if a director elected by holders of the class A exchangeable shares is removed from the board, the class A exchangeable shareholders may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such director is removed and if a director elected by the holder of the class B shares is removed from the board, the class B shareholder may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such director is removed. In the absence of such election or appointment, the board may fill the vacancy.

The board, or the class of shareholders having the exclusive right to elect such director at any general meeting, shall have the power to appoint any person as a director to fill a vacancy on the board occurring as a result of the death, disability, disqualification or resignation of any director. In all other cases, only the shareholders shall have the power to fill a vacancy on the board and the board shall forthwith call a general meeting of shareholders to fill such vacancy or vacancies arising; provided that if the board fails to call a general meeting within fourteen (14) days of the vacancy arising, or if there are no directors then in office, then the secretary or any shareholder may summon the general meeting.

Fiduciary Duties of Directors

The OBCA provides that every director and officer of a corporation governed by the OBCA, in exercising his or her powers and discharging his or her duties, shall act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation, and exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. Every director and officer of a corporation governed by the OBCA must comply with the provisions of the OBCA, the regulations thereunder, and the articles and by-laws and any unanimous shareholder agreement of such corporation. No provision in a contract, the articles, the by-laws or any resolution relieves a director or officer from the duty to act in accordance with the OBCA or the regulations thereunder, or relieves him or her of liability for a breach of either, except where an unanimous shareholder agreement restricts the powers of the directors to manage the business and affairs of a corporation, in which case the shareholders incur the liabilities of the directors to the extent to which said powers are restricted and the directors are thereby relieved of their duties and liabilities.

The Bermuda Act provides that every director and officer of a company in performing their functions shall act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. Each director also has certain fiduciary duties at common law which he or she must exercise in good faith for the benefit of the company as a whole. In doing so, he or she must use his or her powers for the purposes for which they are intended and fulfil the duties of his or her office honestly.

Conflicts of Interest of Directors and Officers

Subject to certain specified exceptions, the OBCA restricts interested directors from voting on or participating in board deliberations in respect of any transactions in which such director has an interest. Interested directors and officers must disclose in writing to the corporation or request to have entered in the minutes of meetings of directors the nature and extent of their interest.

Pursuant to the Bermuda Act, if a director is interested in a material contract or a proposed material contract with the company or any of its subsidiaries, or has a material interest in any party to such a contract or proposed contract with the company or any of its subsidiaries, they must declare the nature and extent of that interest to the other directors at the first opportunity. Such disclosure may take the form of a general notice given to our board to the effect that the director has an interest in a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in

 

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any contract, transaction or arrangement which may after the date of the notice be made with that company or firm or its affiliates. A director may participate in any meeting called to discuss or any vote called to approve the transaction in which the director has an interest and any transaction approved by our board will not be void or voidable solely because the director was present at or participates in the meeting in which the approval was given provided that our board or a board committee authorizes the transaction in good faith after the director’s interest has been disclosed or the transaction is fair to our company at the time it is approved.

Under Bermuda law, a director will be deemed not to be acting honestly and in good faith, in accordance with their statutory duty of good faith and common law duty to avoid a conflict of interest and not to make a secret profit, if the director fails to disclose at the first opportunity, at a meeting of the board or in writing, an interest in any material contract or his or her material interest in any person that is a party to a material contract.

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Others

The OBCA permits indemnification of a director or officer, a former director or officer or a person who acts or acted at the corporation’s request as a director or officer of another entity, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or other proceeding to which he or she is involved by reason of being or having been a director or officer of the corporation or another entity, if: (i) he or she acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation or other entity, and (ii) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that his or her conduct was lawful.

Under the OBCA, a corporation may also, with court approval, indemnify an indemnifiable person in respect of an action by or on behalf of the corporation or other entity to procure a judgment in its favor, to which the person is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or an officer of the corporation or other entity, against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action if he or she fulfills the conditions set out in clauses (i) and (ii) above.

In any event, an indemnifiable person is entitled to indemnity from the corporation in respect of all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense of any civil, criminal, administrative investigative action or other proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of the corporation of the body corporate, if the indemnifiable person was not judged by a court or other competent authority to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that the individual ought to have done, fulfills the conditions set out in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity.

The directors and officers of a Bermuda company may be indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets of such company from and against all actions, costs, charges, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of their heirs, executors or administrators, shall or may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution of the company’s business, or their duty, or supposed duty, or in their respective offices or trusts. However, the indemnity described above shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty which may attach to any of the persons described above, in which case it would be rendered void and unenforceable. Our bye-laws permit our company to enter into agreements with certain persons, including a director or officer, a former director or officer or a person who acts or acted at our company’s request as a director or officer of another entity evidencing the terms of the indemnity provisions in our bye-laws.

 

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Director Liability

Under the OBCA, directors who vote for or consent to a resolution authorizing the issuance of a share of a corporation for consideration other than money are jointly and severally liable to the corporation to make good any amount by which the consideration received by the corporation is less than the fair equivalent of the money that the corporation would have received if the share had been issued for money on the date of the resolution, provided that a director is not liable pursuant to the foregoing if he or she proves he or she did not know and could not reasonably have known that the share was issued for consideration less than the fair equivalent of the money that the corporation would have received had the share been issued for money. In addition, directors who vote or consent to certain resolutions, including, resolutions approving payments or distributions by the corporation contrary to the OBCA are jointly and severally liable to restore to the corporation any amounts so paid and the value of any property so distributed and not otherwise recovered by the corporation. The OBCA does not otherwise permit the substantive limitation of a director’s liability for breach of fiduciary obligations to the corporation, whether through the articles or otherwise.

Where an auditor, director or officer is found liable to any person for damages arising out of the performance of any function as such auditor, director or officer as contemplated by the Bermuda Act, an auditor, director or officer may be liable jointly and severally only if it is proved that he or she knowingly engaged in fraud or dishonesty. In all other cases, the court may determine the percentage of responsibility of an auditor, director or officer.

Shareholder Suits

Under the OBCA, a current or former registered or beneficial shareholder may apply to the court for leave to bring an action in the name of and on behalf of a corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or intervene in an action to which any such body corporate is a party, for the purpose of prosecuting, defending or discontinuing the action on behalf of the body corporate. The court must be satisfied that the complainant has given reasonable notice to the directors of the corporation or its subsidiary of his or her intention to apply to court, the directors of the corporation or its subsidiaries will not bring, diligently prosecute, defend or discontinue the action, that the complainant is acting in good faith and that it appears to be in the interests of the corporation or its subsidiaries that the action be brought, prosecuted, defended or discontinued.

The OBCA provides that the court in a derivative action may make any order it thinks fit including, without limitation: (i) an order authorizing the complainant or any other person to control the conduct of the action; (ii) an order giving directions for the conduct of the action; (iii) an order directing that any amount adjudged payable by a defendant in the action shall be paid, in whole or in part, directly to the former and present shareholders of the corporation or its subsidiary instead of to the corporation or its subsidiary; and (iv) an order requiring the corporation or its subsidiary to pay reasonable legal fees incurred by the complainant in connection with the action.

Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or is illegal or would result in the violation of the company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would be given by a Bermuda court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than that which actually approved it.

Oppression Remedy

The OBCA provides an oppression remedy that enables the court to make any order, both interim and final, to rectify the matters complained of, if the court is satisfied upon the application by a complainant that: (i) any act or omission of a corporation or an affiliate effects or threatens to effect a result; (ii) the business or affairs of

 

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a corporation or an affiliate are or have been carried on or conducted in a manner; or (iii) the powers of the directors of a corporation or an affiliate are, have been or are threatened to be exercised in a manner that is oppressive or unfairly prejudicial to, or unfairly disregards the interest of, any security holder, creditor, director or officer of the corporation. A complainant means (i) a registered holder or beneficial owner, or a former registered holder or beneficial owner, of a security of a corporation or any of its affiliates; (ii) a director or an officer or a former director of officer of a corporation or of any of its affiliates; or (iii) any other person who, in the discretion of the court, is a proper person to make such application.

Because of the breadth of conduct which can be complained of and the scope of the court’s remedial powers, the oppression remedy is very flexible and is sometimes relied upon to safeguard the interests of shareholders and other complainants with a substantial interest in the corporation. Under the OBCA, it is not necessary to prove that the directors of a corporation acted in bad faith in order to seek an oppression remedy.

Furthermore, a court may order the corporation to pay the interim expenses of a complainant seeking an oppression remedy, but the complainant may be held accountable for such interim costs on final disposition of the complaint (as in the case of a derivative action).

Under the Bermuda Act, an oppression remedy also exists. When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner which is oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, a shareholder appearing in the register of shareholders may apply to the Bermuda court, which may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company.

Investigation/Appointment of Inspectors

Under the OBCA, a registered holder or a beneficial owner of a security of a corporation can apply to the court for the appointment of an inspector.

Similarly, under Bermuda law, the Minister of Finance, or on the application of a proportion of shareholders as in the Minister’s opinion warrants the application, may appoint one or more inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company. The Minister must consider whether there are reasonable grounds for believing there has been oppressive, unfairly prejudicial, fraudulent, unlawful or dishonest conduct.

Reorganizations, Mergers and Extraordinary Transactions

The OBCA provides that certain extraordinary corporate actions, such as certain amalgamations, any continuance, and sales, leases or exchanges of all or substantially all of the property of a corporation other than in the ordinary course of business, and other extraordinary corporate actions such as liquidations and dissolutions, are to be approved by special resolution. A special resolution to approve an extraordinary corporate action is also required to be approved separately by the holders of a class or a series of shares, only if that class or series of shares is affected by the extraordinary corporate action in a manner different from the shares of another class or series of shares.

Under Bermuda law, there are three key statutory methods for acquiring a Bermuda company which generally require shareholder approval and comprise a take-over offer, a merger/amalgamation or a scheme of arrangement. In order to effect a scheme of arrangement, a majority of shareholders in number representing 75% in value, present and voting in person or by proxy as well as the approval of the Bermuda Court is required. In the case of a merger/amalgamation, our bye-laws require approval by a majority of the votes cast by holders of the class A exchangeable shares who vote in respect of the merger/amalgamation and a majority of the votes cast by holders of the class B shares who vote in respect of the merger/amalgamation. For purposes of approval of an amalgamation or merger, all shares, whether or not otherwise entitled to vote, carry the right to vote (including

 

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class C shares). Any shareholder who does not vote in favor of the amalgamation or merger and who is not satisfied that they have been offered fair value for their shares may, within one month of receiving the notice of shareholder meeting to consider the amalgamation, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the fair value of the shares.

Dissent and Appraisal Rights

The OBCA provides that the shareholders of a corporation entitled to vote on certain matters are entitled to exercise dissent rights and to be paid the fair value of their shares in connection therewith. Such matters include: (i) an amendment to its articles to add, remove or change restrictions on the issue, transfer or ownership of shares of a class or series of the shares of the corporation; (ii) an amendment to its articles to add, remove or change any restriction upon the business or businesses that the corporation may carry on; (iii) any amalgamation with another corporation (other than certain affiliated corporations); (iv) a continuance under the laws of another jurisdiction; (v) the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of its property other than in the ordinary course of business; or (vi) going private or squeeze out transactions. Dissent rights may also be granted by the court in connection with a court approved arrangement of a corporation, as the court may make any order that it sees fit. A properly dissenting shareholder is also entitled to elect to receive the appraised value of his or her shares in connection with certain compulsory acquisitions, as described below under the heading “—Compulsory Acquisition”.

The Bermuda Act requires that an amalgamating or merging company determine the fair value for its shares and states that a dissenting shareholder is entitled to be paid fair value for their shares. It further provides shareholders who did not vote in favor of the merger/amalgamation and who do not believe that they have been offered fair value with the right to seek the appraisal of the fair value of their shares by the Supreme Court of Bermuda. Further, the shareholders of a Bermuda company are entitled, by application to the Bermuda court, to exercise dissent rights in the event of a compulsory acquisition of shares in the circumstances described below under the heading “— Compulsory Acquisition”.

Compulsory Acquisition

Under the OBCA, where over 90% of the shares of an offering corporation (other than shares held at the date of the bid by or on behalf of the bidder or an affiliate or associate of the bidder) are acquired pursuant to a take-over bid or issuer bid, by complying with the provisions of the OBCA, (i) the bidder can force the non-tendering shareholders to either sell their shares on the same terms as the tendering shareholders, or (ii) the non-tendering shareholders can demand payment from the corporation of the fair value of their securities in exchange for the surrender of their securities to the corporation.

Pursuant to the Bermuda Act, where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares of a Bermuda company has been approved by the holders of not less than 90% in value of the shares, the offeror can then give notice in the prescribed form to the holders of the remaining shares of the fact of the acquisition within one month of the transfer. The transferee company may, within one month from the date on which the notice was given, pay the price payable to the remaining shareholders. A dissenting shareholder (that is a shareholder who has not assented to the scheme or contract or who has failed or refused to transfer his or her shares to the transferee company) may, within one month from the date of the notice, require the transferee company to acquire the shares in question and may also apply to the Bermuda Court to order such other terms as it thinks fit to order.

Pursuant to the Bermuda Act, holder(s) of not less than 95% of the shares of a Bermuda company can, on giving notice to the minority shareholders, force them to sell their interest to the 95% holder(s) provided that the terms offered are the same for all of the holders of the shares whereupon the acquiring shareholder is bound to acquire the outstanding shares on the terms set out in the notice. The 5% shareholders can apply to the Bermuda court for an appraisal of the value of their shares, and the majority holder will be entitled to acquire the shares at the price so fixed by the Bermuda court.

 

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Transferability of Shares

Unless the articles of a corporation contain a restriction on the transfer of shares, under the OBCA, shares are presumed to be freely transferable. Brookfield Asset Management’s articles do not contain any restriction on the transfer of shares. However, the sole holder of the Brookfield Class B Shares is a party to a trust agreement in which it has agreed not to sell any Brookfield Class B Shares, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a takeover bid, unless a concurrent bid is made to all holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. The concurrent offer must be: (i) for the same percentage of Brookfield Class A Shares as the percentage of Brookfield Class B Shares offered to be purchased from the holder; and (ii) the same in all material respects as the offer for the Brookfield Class B Shares. Among other things, the trust agreement permits: (i) a sale by the sole holder of Brookfield Class B Shares at a price per share less than 115% of the market price of Brookfield Class A Shares and as part of a transaction involving not more than five persons in the aggregate; and (ii) a direct or indirect sale of shares of the sole holder of the Brookfield Class B Shares to a purchaser who is or will become a shareholder of that holder and will not hold more than 20% of that holder’s outstanding shares as a result of the transaction.

The class A exchangeable shares will not be treated as securities that are convertible into Brookfield Class A Shares for purposes of the application of applicable Canadian or U.S. rules relating to takeover bids, issuer bids and tender offers. As a result, holders of class A exchangeable shares will not be entitled to participate in an offer or bid made to acquire Brookfield Class A Shares unless such offer has been extended to holders of class A exchangeable shares. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Treatment of Class A Exchangeable Shares in Connection with a Takeover Bid, Issuer Bid or Tender Offer”.

Subject to (i) Bermuda exchange control regulations and any consent of, or notification to, the Bermuda Monetary Authority as required thereunder, and (ii) any limitations or provisions to the contrary in its bye-laws, registered shares of a company incorporated under the Bermuda Act may be transferred by a written instrument of transfer. In the absence of a written instrument of transfer, the directors may accept such evidence of a transfer of shares as they consider appropriate.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

In the event that any dispute arises concerning the Bermuda Act or out of or in connection with our bye-laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of our bye-laws and/or whether there has been any breach of the Bermuda Act or our bye-laws by an officer or director (whether or not such a claim is brought in the name of a shareholder or in the name of our company), any such dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Bermuda, unless our company consents in writing to an alternate jurisdiction (and our company will always provide such consent with respect to the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada and appellate Courts thereof).

The aforementioned provision will not apply to any causes of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act or the U.S. Exchange Act. Further, our memorandum of association and bylaws will provide that unless our company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the U.S. Securities Act. In the absence of this provision, under the U.S. Securities Act, U.S. federal and state courts have been found to have concurrent jurisdiction over suits brought to enforce duties or liabilities created by the U.S. Securities Act. This choice of forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce duties or liabilities created by the U.S. Exchange Act and could be found to be inapplicable or unenforceable if it is challenged in a legal proceeding or otherwise.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT

About Brookfield Asset Management

Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with a history spanning more than 100 years. Brookfield has over $600 billion of assets under management across a broad portfolio of real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, private equity and credit. Its $312 billion in fee-bearing capital is invested on behalf of some of the world’s largest institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds and pension plans, along with thousands of individuals.

Brookfield Asset Management provides a diverse product mix of private funds and dedicated public vehicles, which allow investors to invest in its five key asset classes and participate in the strong performance of the underlying portfolio. Brookfield Asset Management invests in a disciplined manner, targeting returns of 12-15% over the long-term with strong downside protection, allowing its investors and their stakeholders to meet their goals and protect their financial futures.

Brookfield Asset Management operations are organized into its asset management business, five operating groups and its corporate activities, which collectively represent seven operating segments for internal and external reporting purposes. Brookfield Asset Management measures operating performance primarily using FFO generated by each operating segment and the amount of capital invested by it in each segment using common equity. Common equity relates to invested capital allocated to a particular business segment.

Brookfield Asset Management manages $312 billion of fee-bearing capital, including $84 billion in long-term private funds, $94 billion in perpetual strategies, $121 billion in funds managed by Oaktree and $13 billion within its public securities group. It earns recurring long-term fee revenues from this fee-bearing capital, in the form of:

 

   

Long-term, diversified base management fee revenues from third-party capital in its closed-end funds and perpetual fee revenues based on the total capitalization of its perpetual listed vehicles and net asset value of its perpetual private funds;

 

   

Incentive distributions from Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P., Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation, Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P., Brookfield Renewable Corporation, Brookfield Property Partners L.P., and Brookfield Property REIT Inc., all of which have exceeded pre-determined thresholds; and

 

   

Performance fees, linked to the unit price performance of Brookfield Business Partners L.P., and other transaction and advisory fees.

Included within Brookfield Asset Management’s private fund fee-bearing capital is $140 billion of carry eligible capital. It earns carried interest from this capital when fund performance achieves its preferred return, allowing Brookfield Asset Management to receive a portion of fund profits returned to investors.

Description of Capital

As of May 14, 2021 Brookfield Asset Management’s authorized share capital consists of:

 

   

an unlimited number of preference shares designated as Class A Preference Shares, issuable in series:

 

  (i)

the second series, which consists of 10,457,685 Class A Preference Shares, Series 2;

 

  (ii)

the fourth series, which consists of 3,995,910 Class A Preference Shares, Series 4;

 

  (iii)

the sixth series, which consists of 111,633 Class A Preference Shares, Series 6;

 

  (iv)

the eighth series, which consists of 7,996,600 Class A Preference Shares, Series 8;

 

  (v)

the ninth series, which consists of 7,995,566 Class A Preference Shares, Series 9;

 

  (vi)

the thirteenth series, which consists of 9,640,096 Class A Preference Shares, Series 13;

 

  (vii)

the fifteenth series, which consists of 2,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 15;

 

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  (viii)

the seventeenth series, which consists of 7,840,204 Class A Preference Shares, Series 17;

 

  (ix)

the eighteenth series, which consists of 9,066,749 Class A Preference Shares, Series 18;

 

  (x)

the twenty-fourth series, which consists of 10,812,027 Class A Preference Shares, Series 24;

 

  (xi)

the twenty-fifth series, which consists of 10,996,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 25;

 

  (xii)

the twenty-sixth series, which consists of 9,770,928 Class A Preference Shares, Series 26;

 

  (xiii)

the twenty-seventh series, which consists of 10,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 27;

 

  (xiv)

the twenty-eighth series, which consists of 9,723,927 Class A Preference Shares, Series 28;

 

  (xv)

the twenty-ninth series, which consists of 9,890,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 29;

 

  (xvi)

the thirtieth series, which consists of 9,787,090 Class A Preference Shares, Series 30;

 

  (xvii)

the thirty-first series, which consists of 10,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 31;

 

  (xviii)

the thirty-second series, which consists of 11,750,299 Class A Preference Shares, Series 32;

 

  (xix)

the thirty-third series, which consists of 12,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 33;

 

  (xx)

the thirty-fourth series, which consists of 9,876,735 Class A Preference Shares, Series 34;

 

  (xxi)

the thirty-fifth series, which consists of 10,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 35;

 

  (xxii)

the thirty-sixth series, which consists of 7,842,909 Class A Preference Shares, Series 36;

 

  (xxiii)

the thirty-seventh series, which consists of 7,830,091 Class A Preference Shares, Series 37;

 

  (xxiv)

the thirty-eighth series, which consists of 7,906,132 Class A Preference Shares, Series 38;

 

  (xxv)

the thirty-ninth series, which consists of 8,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 39;

 

  (xxvi)

the fortieth series, which consists of 11,841,025 Class A Preference Shares, Series 40;

 

  (xxvii)

the forty-first series, which consists of 12,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 41;

 

  (xxviii)

the forty-second series, which consists of 11,887,500 Class A Preference Shares, Series 42;

 

  (xxix)

the forty-third series, which consists of 12,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 43;

 

  (xxx)

the forty-fourth series, which consists of 9,831,929 Class A Preference Shares, Series 44;

 

  (xxxi)

the forty-fifth series, which consists of 10,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 45;

 

  (xxxii)

the forty-sixth series, which consists of 11,740,797 Class A Preference Shares, Series 46;

 

  (xxxiii)

the forty-seventh series, which consists of 12,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 47;

 

  (xxxiv)

the forty-eighth series, which consists of 11,885,972 Class A Preference Shares, Series 48; and

 

  (xxxv)

the forty-ninth series, which consists of 12,000,000 Class A Preference Shares, Series 49;

 

   

an unlimited number of preference shares designated as Class AA Preference Shares, issuable in series, of which no series have been created or issued;

 

   

an unlimited number of Brookfield Class A Shares; and

 

   

85,120 Class B Shares.

As at May 14, 2021, the following shares of Brookfield Asset Management were issued and outstanding: 10,457,685 Class A Preference Shares, Series 2; 3,995,910 Class A Preference Shares, Series 4; 2,476,185

 

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Class A Preference Shares, Series 8; 5,515,981 Class A Preference Shares, Series 9; 9,640,096 Class A Preference Shares, Series 13; 7,840,204 Class A Preference Shares, Series 17; 7,866,749 Class A Preference Shares, Series 18; 9,278,894 Class A Preference Shares, Series 24; 1,529,133 Class A Preference Shares, Series 25; 9,770,928 Class A Preference Shares, Series 26; 9,233,927 Class A Preference Shares, Series 28; 9,787,090 Class A Preference Shares, Series 30; 11,750,299 Class A Preference Shares, Series 32; 9,876,735 Class A Preference Shares, Series 34; 7,842,909 Class A Preference Shares, Series 36; 7,830,091 Class A Preference Shares, Series 37; 7,906,132 Class A Preference Shares, Series 38; 11,841,025 Class A Preference Shares, Series 40; 11,887,500 Class A Preference Shares, Series 42; 9,831,929 Class A Preference Shares, Series 44; 11,740,797 Class A Preference Shares, Series 46; 11,885,972 Class A Preference Shares, Series 48; 1,577,518,146 Brookfield Class A Shares; and 85,120 Class B Shares.

Information Regarding the Brookfield Class A Shares

The outstanding Brookfield Class A Shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “BAM” and the TSX under the symbol “BAM.A”. The following table sets forth the price ranges and trading volumes of the Brookfield Class A Shares as reported by the TSX for the periods indicated, in Canadian dollars:

 

     Brookfield Class A Shares  
     High      Low      Volume  
     (C$)      (C$)         

2020

        

January

     55.25        49.60        28,090,572  

February

     60.48        51.27        46,947,834  

March

     56.76        31.35        127,305,083  

April

     60.99        39.04        42,068,436  

May

     47.57        40.93        39,729,516  

June

     50.41        42.95        52,720,486  

July

     47.59        42.71        28,606,958  

August

     46.27        42.44        36,397,778  

September

     45.74        42.00        41,440,214  

October

     47.39        38.77        39,789,908  

November

     56.10        39.38        55,289,971  

December 

     54.43        49.96        43,677,651  

2021

        

January

     52.81        48.34        36,910,904  

February

     56.01        49.95        37,918,923  

March

     57.72        51.17        50,279,631  

April

     58.33        55.21        23,695,890  

May 1 to May 14

     58.75        54.27        17,352,903  

 

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The following table sets forth the price ranges and trading volumes of the Brookfield Class A Shares as reported by the NYSE for the periods indicated, in U.S. dollars:

 

     Brookfield Class A Shares  
     High      Low      Volume  
     ($)      ($)         

2020

        

January

     42.06        38.19        35,813,618  

February

     45.61        38.11        46,428,769  

March

     42.34        21.57        133,194,237  

April

     35.92        27.25        53,694,851  

May

     33.91        29.47        48,006,385  

June

     37.73        31.42        49,977,385  

July

     35.13        31.65        34,872,959  

August

     35.15        31.31        45,350,935  

September

     34.92        31.30        39,672,197  

October

     35.83        29.09        49,644,761  

November

     43.14        29.72        70,656,481  

December 

     42.60        38.83        38,390,973  

2021

        

January

     41.63        37.92        64,252,805  

February

     44.24        38.94        52,867,467  

March

     45.88        40.30        57,035,994  

April

     46.69        43.96        43,829,860  

May 1 to May 14

     48.52        44.67        23,649,014  

In the twelve-month period before the date of this prospectus, Brookfield Asset Management made the following issuances of Brookfield Class A Shares (as adjusted for the three-for-two stock split on April 1, 2020):

 

   

on March 31, 2021, in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, Brookfield Asset Management issued an aggregate of 37,613 Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $45.3122 and C$57.0707 (as applicable) per Brookfield Class A Shares;

 

   

on December 31, 2020, in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, Brookfield Asset Management issued an aggregate of 38,709 Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $40.9805 and C$52.5247 (as applicable) per Brookfield Class A Shares;

 

   

on September 30, 2020, in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, Brookfield Asset Management issued an aggregate of 56,274 Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $32.5797 and C$43.5884 (as applicable) per Brookfield Class A Shares;

 

   

on June 30, 2020, in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, Brookfield Asset Management issued an aggregate of 58,377 Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $33.0677 and C$45.0448 (as applicable) per Brookfield Class A Shares.

During the twelve-month period before this prospectus, Brookfield Asset Management issued an aggregate of 4,443,462 Brookfield Class A Shares at a weighted average exercise price of $19.3376 under long-term incentive plans.

 

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Dividend Policy and Dividend History

Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Policy

The declaration and payment of dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares and Brookfield Class B Shares are at the discretion of the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management. Dividends on the Brookfield Class A Shares and Brookfield Class B Shares are paid quarterly, at the end of March, June, September and December of each year. The board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management supports a stable and consistent dividend policy and will consider increasing dividends from time to time at a rate based on a portion of the growth rate in cash flow from operations per share. Special dividends may also be declared from time to time to implement corporate strategic initiatives.

The following table presents Brookfield Asset Management’s dividend history for the dates indicated:

 

Record Date

   Dividend Payment Date    Amount per
share*
     Amount per
share*
 

May 28, 2021

   June 30, 2021 (expected)      —        $ 0.1300  

February 26, 2021

   March 31, 2021    C$ 0.162045      $ 0.1300  

November 30, 2020

   December 31, 2020     C$ 0.152616      $ 0.1200  

August 31, 2020

   September 30, 2020    C$ 0.158016      $ 0.1200  

May 29, 2020

   June 30, 2020    C$ 0.162696      $ 0.1200  

February 28, 2020

   March 31, 2020    C$ 0.170100      $ 0.1200  

November 29, 2019

   December 31, 2019    C$ 0.140373      $ 0.1067  

August 30, 2019

   September 30, 2019    C$ 0.141312      $ 0.1067  

May 31, 2019

   June 28, 2019    C$ 0.142773      $ 0.1067  

February 28, 2019

   March 29, 2019    C$ 0.142315      $ 0.1067  

 

*

All historical dividend amounts have been adjusted to reflect the three-for-two stock split on April 1, 2020.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP

The table below presents information regarding the beneficial ownership of our class A exchangeable shares by each person or entity that we know will beneficially own 5% or more of our class A exchangeable shares and the beneficial ownership of our class B shares and class C shares. Our class A exchangeable shares held by the principal shareholder listed below do not entitle such shareholder to different voting rights than those of other holders of our class A exchangeable shares.

The current directors and officers of our company, as well as the directors and officers who will serve following completion of the special dividend, together are expected to beneficially own less than 1% of our class A exchangeable shares.

 

Name    Class A Exchangeable
Shares Beneficially
Owned After the Special
Dividend(1)(2)(3)
    Class B Shares
Beneficially Owned
After the Special
Dividend(1)
   

Class C Shares
Beneficially Owned
After the Special
Dividend(1)

 
     Number      Percentage     Number      Percentage     Number      Percentage  

BAM Re Class B Partners(4)

                             10.3     24,000        100     —         

Brookfield Asset Management(5)

     —              —              16,934,708        100

 

(1)

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Exchangeable shares relating to securities currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty (60) days of the date of this table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.

(2)

Immediately prior to the special dividend, Brookfield Asset Management will hold all of the class A exchangeable shares.

(3)

The percentages shown are based on approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares expected to be outstanding after the dividend date.

(4)

Holders of our class B shares, all of which are held through a voting trust, are entitled to elect half of our board and approve all other matters requiring shareholder approval. Individuals who are the BAM Re Class B Partners will also beneficially own, in the aggregate (but not as a group), approximately 10.3% of our class A exchangeable shares, of which                  class A exchangeable shares (8.6%) will be beneficially owned by Bruce Flatt. The voting trust will not own any class A exchangeable shares. Immediately upon completion of the special dividend, Partners Value Investments Inc., which we refer to as PVI and which holds approximately 9% of the Brookfield Class A Shares, will transfer all of the class A exchangeable shares received by PVI and its subsidiaries to the BAM Re Class B Partners in consideration for an equal number of Brookfield Class A Shares. This acquisition of class A exchangeable shares, which is reflected above, will result in increased ownership by the BAM Re Class B Partners of class A exchangeable shares and will, indirectly, facilitate greater alignment with Brookfield and the shareholders of the company. PVI is an investment holding company whose primary assets are Brookfield Class A Shares. The business address of Mr. Shah is Brookfield Place, Suite 300, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3. The business address of Mr. Kingston is Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281. The BAM Re Class B Partners disclaim status as a “group” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b) under the U.S. Exchange Act) and there are no contracts, arrangements or understandings among them as to the ownership, disposition or voting of class A exchangeable shares.

(5)

The business address of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3.

 

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Additionally, upon completion of the special dividend, as described further below, the BAM Re Class B Partners, collectively, will beneficially own all of our class B shares, which shares have different voting rights than our class A exchangeable shares. See “Description of Our Share Capital — Class A Exchangeable Shares — Voting” and “Description of Our Share Capital — Class B Shares — Voting”.

For close to 50 years, executives of Brookfield Asset Management have held a substantial portion of their investment in Brookfield Class A Shares, as well as stewardship of the Brookfield Class B Shares, in partnership with one another, which we refer to as the Partnership. This Partnership, whose members include both current and former senior executives of Brookfield, each a Partner and collectively the Partners, has been and continues to be instrumental in ensuring orderly management succession while fostering a culture of strong governance and mutual respect, a commitment to collective excellence and achievement, and a focus on long-term value creation for all stakeholders of Brookfield Asset Management.

Brookfield’s management believes that the Partnership promotes decision-making that is entrepreneurial, aligned with the long-term interests of Brookfield, and collaborative. The financial strength and sustainability of the Partnership is underpinned by a consistent focus on renewal – longstanding members mentoring new generations of leaders and financially supporting their admission as partners. This is a critical component to preserving Brookfield’s culture and vision.

Over several decades, and through economic downturns and financial disruptions, the Partnership has proven itself resolutely focused on the long-term success of Brookfield for the benefit of all stakeholders of Brookfield Asset Management. This long-term focus is considered critical to the sustainability of Brookfield’s asset management franchise.

In order to foster within our company the same benefits of long-term stability and continuity as Brookfield has benefited from, the share capital of our company has been structured to mirror that of Brookfield Asset Management, providing holders of our class A exchangeable shares with governance rights that are substantially the same as the rights of holders of Brookfield Class A Shares. See “Comparison of the OBCA and the Bermuda Act”. Similarly, our class B shares will be held in a manner that has been created to mirror the structure and terms of the voting trust that holds the Brookfield Class B Shares.

The beneficial interests in this voting trust, and the voting interests in its trustee, will be held by entities which are owned by the BAM Re Class B Partners, long-standing Partners who span generations in order to foster the long-term nature of the Partnership, as follows: (i) Bruce Flatt (40%), (ii) Brian Kingston (40%), and (iii) Sachin Shah, Anuj Ranjan and Connor Teskey (20% in equal parts). The trustee will vote the class B shares with no single individual or entity controlling the voting trust.

In the event of a fundamental disagreement among the shareholders of the trustee (and until the disagreement is resolved), as with the Brookfield voting trust, three individuals have been granted (subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals) the authority to govern and direct the actions of the trustee until the disagreement is resolved. These individuals, none of whom are Partners, are Marcel R. Coutu, Frank J. McKenna and Lord Gus O’Donnell. These individuals are, and their successors are required to be, longstanding and respected business colleagues associated with Brookfield and our company.

CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALES

Immediately following the special dividend, we expect to have approximately 10.9 million class A exchangeable shares outstanding. The actual number of class A exchangeable shares to be distributed will be determined on the record date. All of the class A exchangeable shares issued in connection with the special dividend will be freely transferable by persons other than our “affiliates” without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our class A exchangeable shares in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of Brookfield Class A Shares and our ability to issue Brookfield Class A Shares in the future.

 

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Under Rule 144, a person who has beneficially owned restricted Brookfield Class A Shares for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such person is not one of our affiliates at the time of, or has not been one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding, a sale and (ii) we are subject to the U.S. Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least ninety (90) days before the sale.

Persons who have beneficially owned Brookfield Class A Shares for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person could not sell within any three-month period a number of class A exchangeable shares in excess of the greater of: (i) 1% of the total number of class A exchangeable shares then outstanding and (ii) the average weekly reported trading volume of the class A exchangeable shares during the four preceding calendar weeks.

Sales under Rule 144 must be made through unsolicited brokers’ transactions. They are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

 

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CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences under the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder with respect to the receipt, holding and disposition of class A exchangeable shares received pursuant to the special dividend, and Brookfield Class A Shares received on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company or Brookfield Asset Management, to a shareholder who is a beneficial owner of such shares, and who, at all relevant times, for the purposes of the Tax Act, (i) deals at arm’s length with our company and Brookfield Asset Management, (ii) is not affiliated with our company and Brookfield Asset Management and (iii) holds the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares as capital property, which we refer to as a Holder. Generally, the class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares will be capital property to a Holder provided the Holder does not acquire or hold such shares in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities and has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.

Certain Holders whose Brookfield Class A Shares might not otherwise qualify as capital property may be entitled to make the irrevocable election permitted by subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act, the effect of which may be to deem any such Brookfield Class A Shares (and all other “Canadian securities”, as defined in the Tax Act) owned by such Holder to be capital property in the taxation year in which the election is made and in all subsequent taxation years. Holders whose Brookfield Class A Shares might not otherwise be considered to be capital property should consult their own tax advisors concerning this election. The class A exchangeable shares will not be “Canadian securities” for the purpose of the irrevocable election under subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act and therefore no such election will apply to the class A exchangeable shares. Holders who do not hold the class A exchangeable shares as capital property should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular circumstances.

This summary assumes that our company is not and will not become, at any time, a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Tax Act. If our company is (or becomes) resident in Canada for the purposes of the Tax Act, the Canadian federal income tax consequences to a Holder will be different in some material respects from those described in this summary.

This summary is not applicable to a Holder: (i) that is a “specified financial institution”, (ii) an interest in which is a “tax shelter investment”, (iii) that is a “financial institution” for purposes of the “mark-to-market property” rules, (iv) that reports its “Canadian tax results” in a currency other than Canadian currency, (v) in respect of whom our company is or will be, at any time, a “foreign affiliate” for the purposes of the Tax Act, or (vi) that has or will enter into a “derivative forward agreement” or a “dividend rental arrangement” in respect of the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares. Such Holders should consult their own tax advisors. This summary does not address the deductibility of interest on money borrowed with respect to the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares.

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder, and counsel’s understanding of the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the CRA published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister prior to the date hereof, which we refer to as the Proposed Amendments, and assumes that all Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurances can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted as proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative policy or assessing practice whether by legislative, administrative or judicial action or decision, nor does it take into account tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or foreign jurisdiction, which may differ from those discussed herein.

This summary is of a general nature only and is not, and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular Holder, and no representation concerning the tax consequences to any particular Holder or prospective Holder are made. This summary is not exhaustive of

 

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all Canadian federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, prospective Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to an investment in the class A exchangeable shares having regard to their particular circumstances.

Generally, for purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the special dividend and the acquisition, holding or disposition or deemed disposition of class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares must be expressed in Canadian currency. Amounts denominated in another currency must be converted into Canadian currency using the applicable rate of exchange (pursuant to the Tax Act) quoted by the Bank of Canada on the date such amounts arose, or such other rate of exchange as is acceptable to the CRA.

Taxation of Holders Resident in Canada

The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Holder who, at all relevant times is resident or is deemed to be resident in Canada under the Tax Act which we refer to as a Resident Holder.

Special Dividend

Resident Holders who receive class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable dividend equal to the aggregate fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares. The adjusted cost base to a Resident Holder of the class A exchangeable shares received pursuant to the special dividend will be equal to the fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received. In computing the adjusted cost base of the class A exchangeable shares at any time, the adjusted cost base of a Resident Holder’s class A exchangeable shares will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of all of the class A exchangeable shares, if any, held by the Resident Holder as capital property at that particular time. Brookfield Asset Management is of the view that the exchange right associated with the class A exchangeable shares has only a nominal fair market value and Brookfield Asset Management will report the special dividend and the associated exchange right for tax purposes on that basis. However, this determination of fair market value is not binding on Resident Holders or the CRA.

The special dividend received by a Resident Holder who is an individual will be included in computing the Resident Holder’s income subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable under the Tax Act to taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations. The special dividend will be eligible for the enhanced gross-up and dividend tax credit if Brookfield Asset Management designates the special dividend as an “eligible dividend”. Such special dividend received by an individual, or certain trusts, may give rise to alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Subject to the potential application of subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act, such special dividend received by a Resident Holder that is a corporation will be included in the corporation’s income and will generally be deductible in computing its taxable income. Certain corporations, including “private corporations” or “subject corporations” (as these terms are defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay a refundable tax under Part IV of the Tax Act on the special dividend to the extent that the special dividend is deductible in computing taxable income.

Subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act provides that where a corporate Resident Holder receives a dividend and such dividend is deductible in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income and is not subject to Part IV tax or is subject to Part IV tax that is refundable as part of the series of transactions that includes the receipt of the dividend, all or part of the dividend may in certain circumstances be treated as a capital gain from the disposition of a capital property, the taxable portion of which must be included in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income for the year in which the dividend was received. Accordingly, corporate Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors for specific advice with respect to the potential application of this provision.

 

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Neither Brookfield Asset Management nor our company has any obligation to distribute cash to pay any taxes owed by a Resident Holder as a result of the special dividend and neither Brookfield Asset Management nor our company has any intention to do so. Accordingly, a Resident Holder may need to satisfy any Canadian federal income tax liability resulting from the receipt of the class A exchangeable shares with cash from such Resident Holder’s own funds or by selling all or a portion of the class A exchangeable shares received.

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a “Canadian-controlled private corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its “aggregate investment income”, which is defined in the Tax Act to include dividends or deemed dividends that are not deductible in computing taxable income.

Distributions on the Class A Exchangeable Shares

Dividends

The full amount of dividends received (or deemed to be received) on the class A exchangeable shares by a Resident Holder who is an individual will be included in computing the Resident Holder’s income and will not be subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable under the Tax Act to taxable dividends received from “taxable Canadian corporations” (as defined in the Tax Act).

Dividends received on the class A exchangeable shares by a Resident Holder that is a corporation will be included in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income and such Resident Holder will not be entitled to the inter-corporate dividend deduction in computing taxable income which generally applies to dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations.

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its aggregate investment income, which is defined in the Tax Act to include dividends or deemed dividends that are not deductible in computing taxable income.

Subject to the detailed rules in the Tax Act, a Resident Holder may be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for any foreign withholding tax paid with respect to dividends received by the Resident Holder on the class A exchangeable shares to the extent and under the circumstances described in the Tax Act. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the availability of a foreign tax credit or deduction having regard to their own particular circumstances.

Returns of Capital

Any return of capital distributions paid or payable to a Resident Holder in a taxation year on the class A exchangeable shares will not be included in computing the Resident Holder’s income but will reduce the adjusted cost base of the Resident Holder’s class A exchangeable shares. To the extent that a Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base would otherwise be a negative amount, the negative amount will be deemed to be a capital gain realized by the Resident Holder and the adjusted cost base of the class A exchangeable shares to the Resident Holder will be nil immediately thereafter. The income tax consequences discussed below for Resident Holders under “— Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses” will generally apply to any such deemed capital gains realized by the Resident Holder.

Redemptions, Exchanges and Other Dispositions of the Class A Exchangeable Shares

A Resident Holder who disposes of, or who is deemed to dispose of, a class A exchangeable share, including a disposition to our company (whether on a redemption by our company or otherwise) or a disposition to Brookfield Asset Management (whether on an exchange at the request of the Resident Holder, pursuant to the exercise by Brookfield Asset Management of its call rights or otherwise), will realize a capital gain (or sustain a

 

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capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of such share and any reasonable costs of disposition. Such capital gain (or capital loss) will be subject to the tax treatment described below.

Where class A exchangeable shares are redeemed by our company or our company is liquidated, dissolved or wound-up and the redemption amount or liquidation entitlement, as applicable, is satisfied by our company in Brookfield Class A Shares or where Brookfield Asset Management satisfies the exchange request of a Resident Holder or exercises its call rights in connection with a redemption or liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, as applicable, and the consideration for the satisfaction of the exchange request, or the exercise of the call rights, as applicable, is satisfied by Brookfield Asset Management in Brookfield Class A Shares, the proceeds of disposition will be equal to the fair market value, at the time of the acquisition, of the Brookfield Class A Shares acquired by such Resident Holder plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional Brookfield Class A Shares. The cost of the Brookfield Class A Shares so acquired by the Resident Holder will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of all other Brookfield Class A Shares, if any, held by the Resident Holder as capital property at such time for the purpose of determining thereafter the adjusted cost base of each Brookfield Class A Share held by the Resident Holder.

Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses

In general, one-half of a capital gain realized by a Resident Holder must be included in computing such Resident Holder’s income as a taxable capital gain. One-half of a capital loss must be deducted as an allowable capital loss against taxable capital gains realized in the year and any remainder may be deducted against taxable capital gains in any of the three preceding taxation years or any subsequent taxation year, to the extent and under the circumstances described in the Tax Act.

Individuals or trusts (other than certain trusts) may be subject to an alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act in respect of net capital gains realized by them.

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its aggregate investment income, which is defined in the Tax Act to include an amount in respect of taxable capital gains, for the year.

Foreign Property Information Reporting

Generally, a Resident Holder that is a “specified Canadian entity” (as defined in the Tax Act) for a taxation year or a fiscal period and whose total “cost amount” of “specified foreign property” (as such terms are defined in the Tax Act), including the class A exchangeable shares, at any time in the year or fiscal period exceeds C$100,000 will be required to file an information return with the CRA for the year or fiscal period disclosing certain prescribed information in respect of such property. Subject to certain exceptions, a Resident Holder generally will be a specified Canadian entity. The class A exchangeable shares will be specified foreign property of a Resident Holder for these purposes. Penalties may apply where a Resident Holder fails to file the required information return in respect of such Resident Holder’s specified foreign property on a timely basis in accordance with the Tax Act.

The reporting rules in the Tax Act relating to specified foreign property are complex and this summary does not purport to address all circumstances in which reporting may be required by a Resident Holder. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding compliance with the reporting rules contained in the Tax Act.

Offshore Investment Fund Property

The “offshore investment fund property rules”, which we refer to as OIFP Rules, in the Tax Act may require a Resident Holder to include in income in each taxation year an amount in respect of acquiring, holding or having a class A exchangeable share.

 

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These rules could apply to a Resident Holder in respect of a class A exchangeable share if two conditions are satisfied: (a) the value of the class A exchangeable share may reasonably be considered to be derived, directly or indirectly, primarily from portfolio investments in: (i) shares of the capital stock of one or more corporations, (ii) indebtedness or annuities, (iii) interests in one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, organizations, funds or entities, (iv) commodities, (v) real estate, (vi) Canadian or foreign resource properties, (vii) currency of a country other than Canada, (viii) rights or options to acquire or dispose of any of the foregoing, or (ix) any combination of the foregoing, which we refer to as Investment Assets; and (b) it may reasonably be concluded, having regard to all the circumstances (including certain specified circumstances), that one of the main reasons for the Resident Holder acquiring, holding or having a class A exchangeable share was to derive a benefit from portfolio investments in Investment Assets in such a manner that the taxes, if any, on the income, profits and gains from such Investment Assets for any particular year are significantly less than the tax that would have been applicable under Part I of the Tax Act had the income, profits and gains been earned directly by the Resident Holder.

If applicable, these rules would generally require a Resident Holder to include in income for each taxation year in which the Resident Holder owns a class A exchangeable share an imputed return for the taxation year for each class A exchangeable share owned that is determined by reference to a prescribed rate of interest plus two percent applied to the “designated cost” (as defined in section 94.1 of the Tax Act) of the class A exchangeable share less the Resident Holder’s income for the year (other than a capital gain) from the class A exchangeable share determined without reference to the OIFP Rules. Any amount required to be included in computing a Resident Holder’s income under these provisions will be added to the adjusted cost base and the designated cost to the Resident Holder of the class A exchangeable share.

The OIFP Rules are complex and their application will potentially depend, in part, on the reasons for a Resident Holder acquiring, holding or having the class A exchangeable shares. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application and consequences of these rules in their own particular circumstances.

Brookfield Class A Shares

The following portion of the summary is applicable to a Resident Holder who receives Brookfield Class A Shares on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company or Brookfield Asset Management.

Dividends on Brookfield Class A Shares

Dividends received or deemed to be received on Brookfield Class A Shares by a Resident Holder who is an individual (other than in respect of certain trusts) will be included in computing the Resident Holder’s income subject to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable under the Tax Act to taxable dividends received from taxable Canadian corporations. Such dividends will be eligible for the enhanced gross-up and dividend tax credit if Brookfield Asset Management designates such dividends as an eligible dividend. Dividends received by an individual, or certain trusts, may give rise to alternative minimum tax under the Tax Act, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Subject to the potential application of subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act, dividends received or deemed to be received on the Brookfield Class A Shares by a Resident Holder that is a corporation will be included in computing the corporation’s income and generally will also be deductible in computing its taxable income. Certain corporations, including private corporations or subject corporations may be liable to pay a refundable tax under Part IV of the Tax Act on dividends received or deemed to be received on the Brookfield Class A Shares to the extent that such dividends are deductible in computing taxable income.

Subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act provides that where a corporate Resident Holder receives a dividend and such dividend is deductible in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income and is not subject to Part IV

 

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tax or is subject to Part IV tax that is refundable as part of the series of transactions that includes the receipt of the dividend, all or part of the dividend may in certain circumstances be treated as a capital gain from the disposition of a capital property, the taxable portion of which must be included in computing the corporate Resident Holder’s income for the year in which the dividend was received. Accordingly, corporate Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors for specific advice with respect to the potential application of this provision.

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a Canadian-controlled private corporation may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its aggregate investment income, which is defined in the Tax Act to include dividends or deemed dividends that are not deductible in computing taxable income.

Disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares

A disposition or deemed disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares (other than to Brookfield Asset Management, unless purchased by Brookfield Asset Management in the open market in the manner in which shares are normally purchased by any member of the public in the open market) by a Resident Holder will generally result in a capital gain (or a capital loss) equal to the amount by which the proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of such share and any reasonable costs of disposition. For this purpose, the adjusted cost base to a Resident Holder of Brookfield Class A Shares will be determined at any time by averaging the cost of such Brookfield Class A Shares with the adjusted cost base of any other Brookfield Class A Shares owned by the Resident Holder as capital property at that time.

The tax treatment of such capital gains and capital losses is described above under “— Taxation of Capital Gains and Capital Losses”. However, the amount of any capital loss realized by a Resident Holder that is a corporation on the disposition of a Brookfield Class A Share may be reduced by the amount of any dividends received or deemed to be received by the Resident Holder on such Brookfield Class A Share to the extent and in the circumstances prescribed by the Tax Act. Similar rules may apply where a Brookfield Class A Share is owned by a partnership or trust of which a corporation, trust or partnership is a member or beneficiary. Such Resident Holders should consult their own advisors.

Taxation of Holders not Resident in Canada

The following portion of the summary is generally applicable to a Holder who, at all relevant times, for the purposes of the Tax Act, is not, and is not deemed to be, resident in Canada and does not use or hold the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares received on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company or Brookfield Asset Management in a business carried on in Canada, which we refer to as a Non-Resident Holder. Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a Non-Resident Holder that is an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.

Special Dividend

Non-Resident Holders who receive class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable dividend equal to the aggregate fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares. The special dividend will be subject to Canadian federal withholding tax under Part XIII of the Tax Act at the rate of 25% of the amount of the special dividend, subject to a possible reduction under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty or convention. Brookfield Asset Management is of the view that the exchange right associated with the class A exchangeable shares has only a nominal fair market value and Brookfield Asset Management will make the applicable withholdings and will report the special dividend and the associated exchange right for tax purposes on that basis. However, this determination of fair market value is not binding on Non-Resident Holders or the CRA.

 

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To satisfy this withholding tax liability, Brookfield Asset Management will withhold a portion of the class A exchangeable shares otherwise distributable and a portion of any cash distribution in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares otherwise distributable. Brookfield Asset Management will purchase withheld class A exchangeable shares at a price equal to the fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares determined by reference to the five-day volume-weighted average of the trading price of the class A exchangeable shares following completion of the special dividend. The proceeds of this sale of the withheld class A exchangeable shares together with the amount of any cash withheld from any cash distribution in lieu of fractional class A exchangeable shares will be remitted to the Canadian federal government in satisfaction of the withholding tax liabilities described above. Where the rate at which tax is withheld with respect to a Non-Resident Holder’s taxable dividend exceeds the rate that is applicable after giving effect to the terms of any relevant income tax treaty or convention, a refund or credit may be claimed by the Non-Resident Holder.

The adjusted cost base to a Non-Resident Holder of the class A exchangeable shares received pursuant to the special dividend will be equal to the fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares so received. In computing the adjusted cost base of the class A exchangeable shares at any time, the adjusted cost base of a Non-Resident Holder’s class A exchangeable shares will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of all of the class A exchangeable shares, if any, held by the Non-Resident Holder as capital property at the particular time.

Distributions on the Class A Exchangeable Shares

Dividends

Dividends paid in respect of class A exchangeable shares to a Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to Canadian withholding tax or other income tax under the Tax Act.

Returns of Capital

Any return of capital distributions paid or payable to a Non-Resident Holder in a taxation year on the class A exchangeable shares will not be subject to Canadian withholding tax or other income tax under the Tax Act but will reduce the adjusted cost base of the Non-Resident Holder’s class A exchangeable shares. To the extent that a Non-Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base would otherwise be a negative amount, the negative amount will be deemed to be a capital gain realized by the Non-Resident Holder and the adjusted cost base of the class A exchangeable shares to the Non-Resident Holder will be nil immediately thereafter.

A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on such deemed capital gain realized by the Non-Resident Holder unless the class A exchangeable shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Tax Act) of the Non-Resident Holder at that time. The circumstances under which the class A exchangeable shares will constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder and the consequences of realizing a capital gain for a Non-Resident Holder are discussed below under “— Redemptions, Exchanges and Other Dispositions of the Class A Exchangeable Shares”. Our company has advised counsel that it does not believe the class A exchangeable shares will constitute taxable Canadian property as discussed further below under “— Taxable Canadian Property”.

Redemptions, Exchanges and Other Dispositions of the Class A Exchangeable Shares

A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a disposition or deemed disposition of a class A exchangeable share, including a disposition to our company (whether on a redemption by our company or otherwise) or a disposition to Brookfield Asset Management (whether on an exchange at the request of the Non-Resident Holder, pursuant to the exercise by Brookfield Asset Management of its call rights or otherwise), unless the class A exchangeable share constitutes taxable Canadian property of the Non-Resident Holder at the time of the disposition or deemed disposition. The circumstances under which the class A exchangeable shares will constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder are discussed below. Our company has advised counsel that it does not believe the class A exchangeable shares will constitute taxable Canadian property, as discussed further below under “— Taxable Canadian Property”.

 

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In the event that the class A exchangeable share constitutes taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder and any capital gain that would be realized on the disposition thereof is not exempt from tax under the Tax Act pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty or convention between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Holder is resident, then the income tax consequences discussed above for Resident Holders under “Taxation of Holders Resident in Canada — Redemptions, Exchanges and Other Dispositions of the Class A Exchangeable Shares” will generally apply to the Non-Resident Holder.

Where class A exchangeable shares are redeemed by our company or our company is liquidated, dissolved or wound-up and the redemption amount or liquidation amount, as applicable, is satisfied by our company in Brookfield Class A Shares or where Brookfield Asset Management satisfies the exchange request of a Non-Resident Holder or exercises its call rights in connection with such redemption or liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, as applicable, and the consideration for the satisfaction of the exchange request, or exercise of the call rights, as applicable, is satisfied by Brookfield Asset Management in Brookfield Class A Shares, the proceeds of disposition will be equal to the fair market value, at the time of the acquisition, of the Brookfield Class A Shares acquired by such Non-Resident Holder plus the amount of any cash received in lieu of fractional Brookfield Class A Shares. The cost of the Brookfield Class A Shares so acquired by the Non-Resident Holder will be averaged with the adjusted cost base of all other Brookfield Class A Shares, if any, held by the Non-Resident Holder as capital property at such time for the purpose of determining thereafter the adjusted cost base of each Brookfield Class A Share held by the Non-Resident Holder.

Brookfield Class A Shares

The following portion of the summary applies to a Non-Resident Holder who receives Brookfield Class A Shares on a redemption, exchange or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares to our company or Brookfield Asset Management.

Dividends on Brookfield Class A Shares

Dividends paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, on Brookfield Class A Shares by Brookfield Asset Management to a Non-Resident Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25%, subject to a possible reduction under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty or convention. For example, the rate of withholding tax applicable to a dividend paid on a Brookfield Class A Share to a Non-Resident Holder who is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended, which we refer to as the Convention, beneficially owns the dividend and is fully entitled to the benefits of the Convention, will generally be reduced to 15% (or 5% in certain cases where such Non-Resident Holder is a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10% of Brookfield Asset Management’s voting shares). Non-Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.

Disposition of Brookfield Class A shares

A Non-Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of a Brookfield Class A Share, unless the Brookfield Class A Share constitutes taxable Canadian property of the Non-Resident Holder for purposes of the Tax Act at the time of the disposition or deemed disposition and the Non-Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax convention between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Holder is resident.

The circumstances under which a Brookfield Class A Share will constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder are discussed below. Brookfield Asset Management has advised counsel that it does not believe the Brookfield Class A Shares will constitute taxable Canadian property, as discussed further below under “— Taxable Canadian Property”.

In the event that the Brookfield Class A Share constitutes taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder and any capital gain that would be realized on the disposition thereof is not exempt from tax under the

 

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Tax Act pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty or convention between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Holder is resident, then the income tax consequences discussed above for Resident Holders under “Taxation of Holders Resident in Canada — Redemptions, Exchanges and Other Dispositions of the Class A Exchangeable Shares” will generally apply to the Non-Resident Holder.

Taxable Canadian Property

Provided that the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares, as applicable, are listed on a “designated stock exchange” (as defined in the Tax Act and which currently includes the TSX and the NYSE), the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares, as applicable, will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder at a particular time unless, at any time during the sixty-month period immediately preceding that time, the following two conditions are met concurrently: (a) 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of our company or Brookfield Asset Management, as applicable, were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of (i) the Non-Resident Holder, (ii) persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder did not deal at arm’s length, and (iii) partnerships in which the Non-Resident Holder or persons with whom the Non-Resident Holder did not deal at arm’s length holds a membership interest, directly or indirectly through one or more other partnerships; and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares, as applicable, was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) “Canadian resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), (iii) “timber resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), and (iv) options in respect of, or interests or rights in, property described in (i) to (iii), whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain circumstances set out in the Tax Act, the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares may be deemed to be taxable Canadian property of a Non-Resident Holder.

Our company and Brookfield Asset Management have advised counsel that they do not believe the class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares, as applicable, will constitute taxable Canadian property at any relevant time because none of the conditions in (b) above are expected to be met at any relevant time.

 

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discussion summarizes certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to U.S. Holders (as defined below) with respect to the receipt of class A exchangeable shares as a special dividend and the ownership and disposition of such class A exchangeable shares, as well as certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to our company and its subsidiaries. This discussion only addresses persons that hold Brookfield Class A Shares, and will hold class A exchangeable shares received as a special dividend, as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not constitute tax advice and does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular holders of Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares in light of their personal circumstances, or to any holders subject to special treatment under the Code, such as:

 

   

banks, mutual funds, and other financial institutions;

 

   

real estate investment trusts and regulated investment companies;

 

   

traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

dealers or brokers in securities or foreign currency;

 

   

individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts;

 

   

persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

   

passive foreign investment companies, controlled foreign corporations, or corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

   

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

persons who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of the total voting power of all classes of shares entitled to vote or of the total value of all classes of shares of either of Brookfield Asset Management or our company;

 

   

persons who own Brookfield Class B Shares;

 

   

persons who hold their Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion, constructive sale, or other risk-reduction transaction;

 

   

persons who purchase or sell their Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares as part of a wash sale for tax purposes;

 

   

partnerships or other entities or arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

 

   

persons who are subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code; and

 

   

persons who received their Brookfield Class A Shares or class A exchangeable shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Brookfield Class A Shares or, after the completion of the special dividend, class A exchangeable shares, that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

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a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership, including for this purpose any arrangement or entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds Brookfield Class A Shares or, after completion of the special dividend, class A exchangeable shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Holders that are partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend and the ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, published positions of the IRS, and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. This discussion does not address all U.S. federal tax laws (such as estate or gift tax laws), nor does it address any aspects of U.S. state or local or non-U.S. taxation. We do not intend to seek any ruling from the IRS or opinion of counsel regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend or the other matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions reflected herein or that a court would not sustain any such challenge.

This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. Holders of Brookfield Class A Shares or, after the completion of the special dividend, class A exchangeable shares are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of the special dividend and the ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares in light of their particular circumstances, as well as any tax consequences of such matters arising under the U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to income tax, including estate or gift tax laws, or under any state, local, or non-U.S. tax laws or any applicable income tax treaty.

Taxation of Our Non-U.S. Subsidiaries

Our company and its non-U.S. subsidiaries are treated as foreign corporations under the Code. Any non-U.S. subsidiary that is considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net basis on its income that is effectively connected with such U.S. trade or business (including a branch profits tax on the portion of its earnings and profits that is attributable to such income, subject to certain adjustments), unless otherwise provided under an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, a non-U.S. subsidiary generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a gross basis on certain U.S.-source income, as well as a U.S. federal excise tax on certain premiums earned on insurance with respect to U.S. risks that are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, unless otherwise provided under an applicable income tax treaty.

We expect each of the non-U.S. subsidiaries to operate in a manner that will not cause it to be treated as engaged in a trade or business within the United States or, if applicable under an income tax treaty, engaged in a trade or business in the United States through a permanent establishment. However, the enactment of the BEAT (discussed below), the reduction of the U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to corporations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and other factors may cause some or all of the non-U.S. subsidiaries to conduct business differently. Moreover, there is considerable uncertainty as to when a foreign corporation is engaged in a trade or business within the United States and as to what constitutes a permanent establishment under the applicable tax treaties.

Based on such uncertainty, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend successfully that one or more of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is engaged in a trade or business (or carrying on business through a permanent

 

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establishment) in the United States. If one or more of the non-U.S. subsidiaries were treated as engaged in a trade or business (or carrying on business through a permanent establishment) in the United States, then any such non-U.S. subsidiary could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on the portion of its net income treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business (or its business profits attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment), as well as the U.S. branch profits tax on effectively connected earnings and profits. The current marginal U.S. federal income tax rates are 21% for a non-U.S. corporation’s effectively connected income and 30% for a non-U.S. corporation’s effectively connected earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), subject to certain adjustments.

Bermuda-U.S. Treaty Benefits

If any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that are insurance enterprises are entitled to the benefits of the income tax treaty between Bermuda and the United States, which we refer to as the Bermuda-U.S. Treaty, for a given taxable year, they will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on certain of their business profits for that year, unless those business profits are attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States. Our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries currently intend to conduct their activities in such a manner as to avoid having a permanent establishment in the United States, but because the determination of whether a person has a permanent establishment in the United States is highly factual, and must be made annually, there can be no assurance that they will be successful in that regard.

An insurance enterprise resident in Bermuda whose shares are not traded on an exchange will be entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda-U.S. Treaty only if (i) more than 50% of its shares are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any combination of individual residents of the United States or Bermuda or U.S. citizens and (ii) its income is not used in substantial part, directly or indirectly, to make certain disproportionate distributions to, or to meet certain liabilities of, persons who are neither residents of the United States or Bermuda nor U.S. citizens. It is not certain that any of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries organized in Bermuda will qualify for the benefits of the Bermuda-U.S. Treaty, because it cannot be predicted whether such subsidiary’s direct or indirect ownership will satisfy the requirements described above. Our company would not be eligible for treaty benefits, because it is not an insurance company. Accordingly, our company and the non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries organized in Bermuda intend to conduct substantially all of their non-U.S. operations outside the United States and otherwise to structure their operations and investments so as to avoid being treated as engaged in the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, although no assurance can be provided in this regard.

Net Investment Income

Non-U.S. insurance corporations carrying on an insurance business within the United States may be treated under the Code as having a certain minimum amount of effectively connected net investment income, determined in accordance with a formula that depends, in part, on the amount of U.S. risk insured or reinsured by such corporations. If, contrary to its intention, one of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries is considered to be engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United States and such company (i) is not entitled to the benefits of an applicable tax treaty in general or (ii) is entitled to the benefits of the treaty in general, but the treaty is interpreted not to apply to investment income, then a significant portion of the investment income of such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary could be subject to U.S. income tax.

Withholding Tax

A non-U.S. corporation generally is subject to a 30% U.S. federal income tax (imposed on a gross basis and generally collected by withholding) on certain “fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income” from sources within the United States that are not effectively connected with such non-U.S. corporation’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Such income includes certain distributions from U.S. corporations and certain interest on investments, but does not include insurance premiums paid with respect to a

 

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contract that is subject to the excise tax described below. If a U.S. corporate subsidiary of our company makes a distribution out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), such distribution will be treated as a dividend subject to the 30% withholding tax, except as reduced under any applicable income tax treaty.

Excise Tax

The United States imposes an excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premiums paid to non-U.S. insurers or reinsurers with respect to risks located in the United States, except to the extent waived by an applicable tax treaty. The applicable tax rates are 4% for direct casualty insurance premiums and 1% for reinsurance premiums and direct premiums for life insurance and annuity contracts.

Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax

The BEAT operates as a minimum tax and generally is calculated as a percentage (10% for certain taxable years before 2026 and 12.5% thereafter) of the “modified taxable income” of an “applicable taxpayer”. Modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to a taxpayer’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to certain payments made to non-U.S. affiliates, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies only to the extent it exceeds a taxpayer’s regular corporate income tax liability (determined without regard to certain tax credits) and only in years in which the “base erosion percentage” exceeds a specified percentage. If applicable in any given year, the BEAT may significantly increase the tax liability of our U.S. subsidiaries for such year. Although we do not expect our BEAT liability to be material for the current taxable year or for the foreseeable future, no assurance can be provided that we will not structure our future operations or investments in such a manner as to incur a material BEAT liability.

Characterization of the Class A Exchangeable Shares

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the special dividend and of the ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares will depend, in part, on whether the class A exchangeable shares are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, treated as stock of our company. No authority directly addresses the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a security with terms similar to the class A exchangeable shares, and therefore the tax treatment of the class A exchangeable shares is uncertain. We will treat the class A exchangeable shares as stock of our company for all U.S. federal income tax purposes, but alternative characterizations are possible. For example, the IRS or a court might characterize the class A exchangeable shares as Brookfield Class A Shares. In such case, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of owning and disposing of class A exchangeable shares are expected to be substantially similar to the consequences described below under the heading “Taxation of U.S. Holders — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares Received Pursuant to the Exercise of the Exchange Right”, except that the exercise of the exchange right may qualify for tax-free treatment, and the special dividend itself may qualify as a tax-free distribution to U.S. Holders. Alternatively, the IRS or a court might characterize the class A exchangeable shares and related rights as a derivative financial instrument, with complex and uncertain tax consequences that could be materially different from the consequences described in this summary. No assurance can be provided that the IRS or a court will agree with our position that the class A exchangeable shares constitute stock of our company, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an alternative characterization of the class A exchangeable shares could be materially adverse to U.S. Holders. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax adviser regarding the proper treatment of the class A exchangeable shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The remainder of this summary assumes that the class A exchangeable shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as stock of our company.

 

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Taxation of U.S. Holders

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Special Dividend

A U.S. Holder who receives class A exchangeable shares as a special dividend will be considered to have received a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the sum of the fair market values of (i) the class A exchangeable shares received by such holder, (ii) the fractional class A exchangeable shares sold by the distribution agent on such holder’s behalf, and (iii) the exchange rights received by such holder (in each case, without reduction for any tax withheld in respect of the special dividend). This distribution would be treated as a dividend, taxable as ordinary income, to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s share of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Brookfield Asset Management, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If the amount of the distribution were to exceed Brookfield Asset Management’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess would be treated as a recovery of basis to the extent of the holder’s basis in Brookfield Class A Shares and then as capital gain. Because Brookfield Asset Management does not intend to calculate earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, however, U.S. Holders should expect the entire amount of the distribution to be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes. Brookfield Asset Management intends to treat the fair market value of the exchange right associated with the class A exchangeable shares as nominal for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes.

Dividends received by an individual or other non-corporate U.S. Holder of Brookfield Class A Shares traded on the NYSE generally would be “qualified dividend income” subject to tax at preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that such holder meets certain holding period and other requirements, and Brookfield Asset Management is not treated as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or for the preceding taxable year. Based upon the composition of its income and its assets, Brookfield Asset Management does not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year and does not believe it was a PFIC for the preceding taxable year. However, no assurance can be provided that the IRS will agree with such position. Dividends on Brookfield Class A Shares generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax adviser regarding the application of the relevant rules in light of such holder’s particular circumstances.

Dividends received pursuant to the special dividend generally will be treated as foreign-source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Accordingly, any Canadian federal withholding tax assessed on dividends received by U.S. Holders pursuant to the special dividend may, subject to certain limitations, be claimed as a foreign tax credit or as a deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules relating to foreign tax credits are complex, and the availability of a foreign tax credit depends on numerous factors. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the application of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules.

A U.S. Holder will have a basis in the class A exchangeable shares received as a special dividend equal to the fair market value of the class A exchangeable shares on the date of the special dividend, and the holding period for such class A exchangeable shares will begin on such date. A U.S. Holder will have a basis in the fractional class A exchangeable share to be sold by the distribution agent on such U.S. Holder’s behalf equal to the fair market value of such fractional class A exchangeable share on the date of the special dividend. Upon the sale of the fractional class A exchangeable share by the distribution agent on behalf of a U.S. Holder, such U.S. Holder generally will recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized and such U.S. Holder’s basis in the fractional class A exchangeable share.

Neither Brookfield Asset Management nor our company has any obligation to distribute cash to pay any taxes owed by a U.S. Holder as a result of the special dividend, and neither Brookfield Asset Management nor our company has any intention to do so. Accordingly, as with any taxable dividend, U.S. Holders may need to satisfy any U.S. federal income tax liability resulting from the receipt of class A exchangeable shares with cash from their own funds. In the alternative, a U.S. Holder may need to satisfy such holder’s tax liability by selling all or a portion of the class A exchangeable shares received.

 

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U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares Received as a Special Dividend

Distributions on Class A Exchangeable Shares

Subject to the discussion below under the headings “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations” and “—Related Person Insurance Income”, the gross amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to class A exchangeable shares will be included in such holder’s gross income as a dividend to the extent paid out of our company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent that the amount of a distribution exceeds our company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess would be treated as a recovery of basis to the extent of such holder’s basis in class A exchangeable shares and then as capital gain.

Dividends received by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders of class A exchangeable shares traded on the NYSE generally will be “qualified dividend income” subject to tax at preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that such holders meet certain holding period and other requirements and our company is not treated as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or for the preceding taxable year. Dividends on class A exchangeable shares generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax adviser regarding the application of the relevant rules in light of such holder’s particular circumstances.

Dividends paid by our company generally will constitute foreign-source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. Dividends distributed by our company with respect to class A exchangeable shares generally will constitute “passive category income”. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with respect to their particular circumstances.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares

Subject to the discussion below under the headings “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, “—Related Person Insurance Income”, and “—Application of Section 1248 of the Code”, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange (including pursuant to the U.S. Holder’s exercise of the exchange right), redemption (other than a redemption that is treated as a distribution, as described in the following paragraph), or other taxable disposition of the class A exchangeable shares (including pursuant to Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of its overriding call right) equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class A exchangeable shares so disposed. The amount realized will equal the amount of cash, if any, plus the fair market value of any property received (such as Brookfield Class A Shares received upon the U.S. Holder’s exercise of the exchange right or pursuant to Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of its overriding call right). Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if such holder’s holding period for the class A exchangeable shares exceeds one year at the time of disposition. Gain or loss, as well as the holding period for the class A exchangeable shares, will be determined separately for each block of class A exchangeable shares (that is, shares acquired at the same cost in a single transaction) sold or otherwise subject to a taxable disposition. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as U.S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders generally are taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. A U.S. Holder receiving Brookfield Class A Shares pursuant to the holder’s exercise of the exchange right or pursuant to Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of its overriding call right will have a tax basis in the shares equal to their fair market value at the time of the disposition, and the holding period for such class A exchangeable shares will begin on the following day.

A redemption of class A exchangeable shares by our company will be treated as a sale or exchange as described above if such redemption is (i) in “complete redemption” of the U.S. Holder’s equity interest in our company (within the meaning of Section 302(b)(3) of the Code), (ii) a “substantially disproportionate” redemption of stock (within the meaning of Section 302(b)(2) of the Code), or (iii) “not essentially equivalent to

 

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a dividend” (within the meaning of Section 302(b)(1) of the Code). In determining whether any of these tests has been met with respect to the redemption of class A exchangeable shares, each U.S. Holder may be required to take into account not only the class A exchangeable shares and other equity interests in our company actually owned by such holder, but also other equity interests in our company that are constructively owned by such holder within the meaning of Section 318 of the Code, including by reason of owning Brookfield Class A Shares. If a U.S. Holder owns (actually or constructively) only an insubstantial percentage of the total equity interests in our company and exercises no control over our company’s corporate affairs, such holder may be entitled to sale or exchange treatment on a redemption of the class A exchangeable shares if such holder experiences a reduction in its equity interest in our company (taking into account any constructively owned equity interests) as a result of the redemption. If a U.S. Holder meets none of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code, the redemption will be treated as a distribution subject to the rules described above under “Distributions on Class A Exchangeable Shares”. The amount of the distribution will be equal to the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. Because the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code is satisfied with respect to any particular U.S. Holder of class A exchangeable shares will depend upon the facts and circumstances as of the time the determination is made, each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of a redemption, including the calculation of such holder’s tax basis in any remaining class A exchangeable shares in the event of a redemption that is treated as a distribution.

For a general discussion of the tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of owning and disposing of Brookfield Class A Shares received in exchange for class A exchangeable shares pursuant to the U.S. Holder’s exercise of the exchange right or pursuant to Brookfield Asset Management’s exercise of its overriding call right, see the discussion below under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares Received Pursuant to the Exercise of the Exchange Right”.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to a U.S. Holder if our company is treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which the U.S. Holder holds class A exchangeable shares. In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC during a taxable year if (i) 75% or more of its gross income constitutes passive income or (ii) 50% or more of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For these purposes, a non-U.S. corporation that owns at least 25% of the value of the stock of another corporation generally is treated as if it received directly its proportionate share of the income, and held its proportionate share of the assets, of the other corporation. Passive income generally includes interest, dividends, and other investment income. However, under an “active insurance” exception, income is not treated as passive if it is derived in the “active conduct” of an insurance business by a “qualifying insurance corporation”. The IRS recently issued final and proposed regulations providing guidance on various aspects of the PFIC rules, including the active insurance exception. The proposed regulations will not be effective unless and until they are adopted in final form, although taxpayers generally may rely on the proposed regulations before adoption, provided the proposed regulations are applied consistently.

A “qualifying insurance corporation” is a foreign corporation (i) which would be subject to tax under Subchapter L of the Code (that is, the provisions generally applicable to a domestic insurance company) if such corporation were a U.S. domestic corporation and (ii) the applicable insurance liabilities of which constitute more than 25% of its total assets. We expect that the “applicable insurance liabilities” of each of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries will constitute more than 25% of its total assets and that each such subsidiary will be a “qualifying insurance corporation”. However, the application of the rules for determining the applicable insurance liabilities of each of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries is subject to uncertainty, and no assurance can be provided that each such subsidiary will be a qualifying insurance corporation for any given taxable year.

Under the proposed regulations, a qualifying insurance corporation is engaged in the active conduct of an insurance business if it satisfies either (i) a factual requirements test or (ii) an active conduct percentage test. To satisfy the factual requirements test, a qualifying insurance corporation’s officers and employees must carry out substantial managerial and operational activities on a regular and continuous basis with respect to all of its core

 

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functions and perform virtually all of the active decision-making functions relevant to underwriting. Core functions generally include underwriting, investment, contract and claim management, and sales activity. To satisfy the active conduct percentage test, (i) the total costs incurred by a qualifying insurance corporation with respect to its officers and employees for services rendered with respect to its core functions (other than investment activities) must equal at least 50% of the total costs incurred for all services rendered with respect to the qualifying insurance corporation’s core functions (other than investment activities), and (ii) if any part of a qualifying insurance corporation’s core functions (including investment management) is outsourced to an unrelated entity, the qualifying insurance corporation’s officers and employees must conduct robust oversight with respect to the outsourced activities.

Regardless whether a qualifying insurance corporation satisfies the foregoing active conduct tests, a qualifying insurance corporation is not treated as engaged in the active conduct of an insurance business if it has no employees (or a nominal number of employees) and relies exclusively (or almost exclusively) on independent contractors to perform its core functions. In addition, certain securitization vehicles designed to provide a passive investment return (such as vehicles used to issue catastrophe bonds, sidecars, or collateralized reinsurance vehicles, as well as insurance-linked securities funds that invest in securitization vehicles) are also excluded from qualifying under the active conduct tests. Based on our current and expected operations, we expect each of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries to be treated under the proposed regulations as engaged in the active conduct of an insurance business under the factual requirements test or the active conduct percentage test (or both), and we do not expect any such company to be subject to the special rules that apply to companies that have a nominal number of employees or to vehicles designed to provide passive investment returns.

Although we continue to evaluate the implications of the final and proposed regulations for our classification under the PFIC rules, based on the current and expected income, assets, and activities of our company, we do not expect our company to be classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or for the foreseeable future. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the application of the recently issued final and proposed regulations. The IRS has requested comments on several aspects of the proposed regulations governing the active conduct of an insurance business, and it is uncertain when the proposed regulations will be made final and whether the provisions of any final or temporary regulations will vary from the proposed regulations. Moreover, the PFIC determination is made annually at the end of each taxable year and depends on a number of factors, some of which are beyond our company’s control, including the value of our company’s assets and the amount and type of its income. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our company or any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries will not be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year or that the IRS will agree with our company’s belief regarding its PFIC status.

If our company were a PFIC for any taxable year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for class A exchangeable shares, then gain recognized by such U.S. Holder upon the sale or other taxable disposition of the class A exchangeable shares would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the class A exchangeable shares. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other taxable disposition and to any year before our company became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax on such amount. Further, to the extent that any distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its class A exchangeable shares were to exceed 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the class A exchangeable shares received during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner as gain, described immediately above. If our company were classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for class A exchangeable shares, our company generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such holder in all succeeding years, even if our company ceased to satisfy the requirements for being a PFIC. In addition, if our company were classified as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder, to the extent any of our subsidiaries were also PFICs, such holder might be deemed to own shares in any such lower-tier PFICs directly or indirectly owned by our company in that proportion which the value of the class A exchangeable shares owned by such holder bears to the value of all of our shares, and such holder

 

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therefore might be subject to the adverse tax consequences described above with respect to the shares of such lower-tier PFICs deemed owned by the holder.

Certain elections may be available to mitigate the adverse tax consequences of PFIC status described above. If a U.S. Holder were to elect to treat its interest in our company as a “qualified electing fund”, which we refer to as a QEF Election, for the first year such holder were treated as holding such interest, then in lieu of the tax consequences described above, such holder would be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of our company, even if not distributed to the holder. A QEF Election must be made by a U.S. Holder on an entity-by-entity basis. To make a QEF Election, a U.S. Holder must, among other things, obtain a PFIC annual information statement from our company and prepare and submit IRS Form 8621 with such holder’s annual income tax return. If, contrary to our expectations, we determine that our company is a PFIC for any taxable year, then to the extent reasonably practicable, we intend to timely provide U.S. Holders with information related to the PFIC status of our company and each non-U.S. subsidiary we are able to identify as a PFIC, including information necessary to make a QEF Election with respect to each such entity.

In lieu of making a QEF Election, if our company is a PFIC for any taxable year and the class A exchangeable shares are treated as “marketable stock” in such year, then a U.S. Holder may avoid the unfavorable rules described above by making a mark-to-market election with respect to such holder’s class A exchangeable shares. The class A exchangeable shares will be marketable if they are regularly traded on certain qualifying stock exchanges, including the NYSE. However, there can be no assurance that trading in the class A exchangeable shares will be sufficiently regular for the shares to qualify as marketable stock. Moreover, we do not expect the mark-to-market election to be available with respect to any non-U.S. subsidiary classified as a PFIC. In general, if a U.S. Holder were to make a timely and effective mark-to-market election, such holder would include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the holder’s class A exchangeable shares at the end of the taxable year over its adjusted basis in class A exchangeable shares. Any gain recognized by such holder on the sale or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares would be ordinary income, and any loss would be an ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election and, thereafter, a capital loss.

Subject to certain exceptions, a U.S. person who owns an interest in a PFIC generally is required to file an annual report on IRS Form 8621, and the failure to file such report could result in the imposition of penalties on such U.S. person and the extension of the statute of limitations with respect to federal income tax returns filed by such U.S. person. The application of the PFIC rules to U.S. Holders is uncertain in certain respects, and the treatment of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries under the recently issued final and proposed regulations is under continuing review by our company. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of the PFIC rules, including the foregoing filing requirements and the recently issued final and proposed regulations, as well as the advisability of making any available election under the PFIC rules, with respect to their ownership and disposition of the class A exchangeable shares.

Related Person Insurance Income

Certain adverse U.S. federal income and tax reporting rules may apply to a U.S. person who, directly or indirectly, owns stock of a non-U.S. corporation that earns RPII. Because our company is a holding company and is not itself licensed as an insurance company, our company does not expect to have income treated as RPII. However, the RPII rules of the Code generally will apply to U.S. Holders who, through their ownership of class A exchangeable shares, are indirect shareholders of a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary that is an RPII CFC. Subject to the exceptions described below, an entity treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be considered an RPII CFC if, on any day of its taxable year, U.S. persons who own (directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities) any of its stock (each such person, an RPII Shareholder), own (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities, or constructively) 25% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of its voting stock or 25% or more of the total value of all of its stock.

 

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RPII generally includes “insurance income” (as defined below) from the direct or indirect insurance or reinsurance of any U.S. person who holds shares of the applicable non-U.S. insurance subsidiary (directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities) or of a person related to such a U.S. person. In general, and subject to certain limitations, “insurance income” is income, including investment income and premium income, attributable to the issuing of any insurance or reinsurance contract that would be taxed under the portions of the Code relating to insurance companies if the income were the income of a U.S. insurance company. A non-U.S. insurance subsidiary may be considered to indirectly reinsure the risk of a U.S. person that holds shares, directly or indirectly, and thus generate RPII, if an unrelated company that insured such risk in the first instance reinsures the risk with such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary. Generally, for purposes of the RPII rules, a related person is someone who controls or is controlled by an RPII Shareholder or who is controlled by the same person or persons that control the RPII Shareholder. Control of a corporation means ownership of more than 50% of either the value or voting power of the stock after applying certain constructive ownership rules.

The RPII rules do not apply to income derived from a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary if (i) direct and indirect insureds and persons related to such insureds, whether or not U.S. persons, are treated as owning (directly or indirectly through entities) less than 20% of the voting power and less than 20% of the value of the shares of such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary or (ii) RPII, determined on a gross basis, is less than 20% of the gross insurance income of such non-U.S. insurance subsidiary for the taxable year. Although our company owns interests in non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, we do not expect any of these non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries to knowingly have entered into reinsurance arrangements where the ultimate risk insured is that of a U.S. person (or a person related to such a U.S. person) that holds class A exchangeable shares. Accordingly, our company generally believes each of these non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries operates in such a manner as to qualify for at least one of the foregoing exceptions to the RPII rules. If an exception applies, U.S. Holders would not be treated as earning RPII. However, we have only a limited ability to determine whether any of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries is treated as recognizing RPII in a taxable year, the amount of any such RPII, or any U.S. person’s share of such RPII. Thus, there can be no assurance that the above RPII rules will not apply or that the IRS will agree with our company’s conclusions regarding the expected application of the RPII rules.

If none of the exceptions described above applies to a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary for a taxable year, then each U.S. Holder of class A exchangeable shares on the last day of the taxable year will be taxable currently on its allocable share of the RPII of such subsidiary. RPII will be taxable to such U.S. Holder regardless of whether the holder is an insured or related to an insured. For this purpose, all of the RPII of such subsidiaries would be allocated solely to U.S. Holders, but not in excess of a U.S. Holder’s ratable share, based on the extent of the holder’s interest in our company, of the total income of such subsidiaries and limited by the relevant subsidiary’s current year earnings and profits.

RPII that is taxed to a U.S. Holder will increase the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the class A exchangeable shares to which it is allocable. Dividends distributed by a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary to our company and by our company to U.S. Holders will, under regulations, be deemed to come first out of taxed RPII and to that extent will not constitute income to the holder. This will be the result whether the dividend is distributed by our company in the same year in which the RPII is taxed or a later year. The untaxed dividend will decrease a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such holder’s class A exchangeable shares. Our company may seek information from its shareholders as to whether beneficial owners of class A exchangeable shares at the end of the year are U.S. persons, so that RPII may be apportioned among such persons. To the extent our company is unable to determine whether a beneficial owner of shares is a U.S. person, our company may assume that such owner is not a U.S. person for purposes of apportioning RPII, thereby increasing the per share RPII amount for all known U.S. Holders.

A U.S. Holder that is a tax-exempt organization will be required to treat RPII as unrelated business taxable income. U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the potential impact of the unrelated business taxable income provisions of the Code, including any related reporting requirements, with respect to their ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares.

 

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The RPII provisions are complex, and regulations interpreting the RPII provisions of the Code exist only in proposed form. Thus, the application of the RPII rules to a U.S. person who owns shares of a holding corporation, such as a U.S. Holder owning class A exchangeable shares of our company, are uncertain. In addition, any U.S. Holder who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of either the total voting power or total value of all classes of stock of our company generally will be subject to additional rules under the complex regime for taxing U.S. shareholders of CFCs generally, which additional rules are not addressed in this summary. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares, including any information reporting requirements on IRS Form 5471 (disclosing certain information regarding direct or constructive ownership of a non-U.S. insurance subsidiary) or other applicable IRS form.

Application of Section 1248 of the Code

A U.S. Holder who recognizes taxable gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of class A exchangeable shares (including by reason of the exercise of the exchange right), as described above under the heading “—Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares”, may be subject to additional rules under Section 1248 of the Code. Under Section 953(c)(7) of the Code, the rules of Section 1248 of the Code apply to the sale or exchange of shares of a non-U.S. corporation by a U.S. person if the non-U.S. corporation would be taxed under the provisions of the Code applicable to U.S. insurance companies if it were a U.S. corporation and the non-U.S. corporation is (or would be but for certain exceptions) treated as an RPII CFC. If Section 1248 of the Code applies under such circumstances, gain on the disposition of shares in the non-U.S. corporation may be recharacterized as a dividend to the extent of the U.S. person’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated during the period that the U.S. person owned the shares (possibly whether or not those earnings and profits are attributable to RPII).

As discussed above, our company does not directly engage in an insurance or reinsurance business, but it has non-U.S. subsidiaries that do so. Existing proposed Treasury Regulations do not address whether Section 953(c)(7) of the Code may apply to the sale of stock of a non-U.S. corporation which has a non-U.S. subsidiary that is an RPII CFC and that would be taxed under the provisions of the Code applicable to U.S. insurance companies if it were a U.S. corporation. In the absence of legal authority, there is a strong argument that this specific rule should not apply to a disposition of class A exchangeable shares, because our company is not directly engaged in the insurance business. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully assert that Section 953(c)(7) of the Code applies in such circumstances and thus may apply to a U.S. Holder who recognizes taxable gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of class A exchangeable shares. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the potential for Section 1248 of the Code to apply to the sale or other taxable disposition of class A exchangeable shares, including any information reporting requirements on IRS Form 5471 or other applicable IRS form.

Foreign Tax Credits

If U.S. persons own (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities, or constructively) 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our company shares or 50% or more of the total value of our company shares, a portion of the current income inclusions, if any, under the RPII and PFIC provisions and of any dividends paid by our company that otherwise would have been treated as non-U.S.-source income may instead be treated as U.S.-source income for purposes of calculating a U.S. Holder’s U.S. foreign tax credit limitation. This non-U.S.-source limitation also applies to any gain from the sale of class A exchangeable shares that is treated as a dividend under Section 1248 of the Code. Thus, it may not be possible for U.S. Holders to utilize excess foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. tax on such income. The rules relating to U.S. foreign tax credits are complex, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of such rules.

 

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U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares Received Pursuant to the Exercise of the Exchange Right

Distributions on Brookfield Class A Shares

Subject to the discussion below under the heading “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, a U.S. Holder who receives distributions on Brookfield Class A Shares generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax consequences substantially similar to those described above under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares Received as a Special Dividend — Distributions on Class A Exchangeable Shares”. Brookfield Asset Management currently does not, and does not intend to, calculate its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, U.S. Holders should expect each distribution generally to be reported as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a recovery of basis or as capital gain under the rules described above.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares

Subject to the discussion below under the heading “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, upon the sale, exchange, redemption, or other taxable disposition of Brookfield Class A Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax consequences substantially similar to those described above in the first paragraph under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares Received as a Special Dividend — Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares”.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

If Brookfield Asset Management were a PFIC for any taxable year during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for Brookfield Class A Shares, then such holder generally would be subject to U.S. federal income tax consequences substantially similar to those described above under the heading “—U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares Received as a Special Dividend — Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”.

Based on the current and anticipated composition of the income, assets, and operations of Brookfield Asset Management and its subsidiaries, Brookfield Asset Management does not believe that it will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the current taxable year or for future taxable years. However, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects, and a separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to whether Brookfield Asset Management is a PFIC for that year. Changes in the composition of Brookfield Asset Management’s income or assets may cause Brookfield Asset Management to become a PFIC. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Brookfield Asset Management will not be a PFIC for any taxable year.

As discussed above under the heading “—U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Ownership and Disposition of Class A Exchangeable Shares Received as a Special Dividend — Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, certain elections may be available to mitigate the adverse tax consequences of PFIC status. However, a U.S. Holder may make a QEF Election with respect to Brookfield Class A Shares only if Brookfield Asset Management furnishes certain tax information to U.S. Holders annually, and there can be no assurance that such information will be provided. In lieu of making a QEF Election, if Brookfield Asset Management is a PFIC for any taxable year and the Brookfield Class A Shares are treated as “marketable stock” in such year, then a U.S. Holder may avoid the unfavorable rules described above by making a mark-to-market election with respect to such holder’s Brookfield Class A Shares. The Brookfield Class A Shares will be marketable if they are regularly traded on certain qualifying stock exchanges, including the NYSE. However, there can be no assurance that trading in the Brookfield Class A Shares will be sufficiently regular for the shares to qualify as marketable stock. Moreover, the mark-to-market election is not expected to be available with respect to any non-U.S. subsidiary classified as a PFIC.

 

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U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of the PFIC rules, including any applicable filing requirements and the recently issued final and proposed regulations, as well as the advisability of making any available election under the PFIC rules, with respect to their ownership and disposition of the Brookfield Class A Shares.

Medicare Tax

U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates, or trusts may be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on the lesser of (i) the excess of such U.S. Holders’ “modified adjusted gross income” (or “adjusted gross income” in the case of estates and trusts) over certain thresholds and (ii) such U.S. Holders’ “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of estates and trusts). For these purposes, “net investment income” will include a U.S. Holder’s share of dividends on class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares, as well as gain upon the sale or other taxable disposition of class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares. Unless a U.S. Holder elects otherwise or holds class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares in connection with certain trades or businesses, the RPII and PFIC provisions generally will not apply for purposes of determining a U.S. Holder’s net investment income. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the implications of the 3.8% Medicare tax for the ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares and Brookfield Class A Shares.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments of dividends to a U.S. Holder and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or, in the case of backup withholding, furnishes its taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Financial Asset Reporting

Certain U.S. persons are required to report information relating to interests in “specified foreign financial assets”, including shares issued by a non-U.S. corporation, for any year in which the aggregate value of all specified foreign financial assets exceeds certain thresholds, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for shares held in custodial accounts maintained with a U.S. financial institution). Penalties may be imposed for a failure to disclose such information. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of these additional reporting requirements on their ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares or Brookfield Class A Shares.

Changes in U.S. Tax Law

The tax treatment of non-U.S. companies, their U.S. and non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, and investors in such non-U.S. companies has been significantly altered by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. There is significant uncertainty regarding how certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are interpreted. Although some guidance has been provided, much of it is only in proposed form, and further guidance may not be forthcoming. In addition, it is possible that “technical corrections” or other legislation could be enacted that would alter or clarify the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and any such alterations or clarifications could have retroactive effect. The effect of any changes to, clarifications of, or guidance under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could add significant expense and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results or a U.S. Holder’s ownership and disposition of class A exchangeable shares.

The tax treatment of non-U.S. companies and their U.S. and non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries may be the subject of future legislation. We cannot predict whether any particular proposed legislation will be enacted or, if

 

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enacted, what the specific provisions or the effective date of any such legislation would be, or whether it would have any effect on us. As a result, no assurance can be given that future legislative, administrative, or judicial developments will not result in an increase in the amount of U.S. tax payable by us or by a holder of class A exchangeable shares or will not reduce the attractiveness of our products. If any such developments occur, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially and adversely affected, and such developments could have a material and adverse effect on an investment in class A exchangeable shares.

The U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretation, including with respect to whether a company is engaged in a U.S. trade or business (or has a U.S. permanent establishment) or is a PFIC, or whether U.S. persons would be required to include RPII in their gross income, are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. Furthermore, new regulations or pronouncements interpreting or clarifying these or other rules may be forthcoming. We cannot predict the effect of any new guidance on our company or U.S. Holders.

FATCA

FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on “withholdable payments” made to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity”, unless such financial institution or entity satisfies certain information reporting or other requirements. Withholdable payments include certain U.S.-source income, such as interest, dividends, and other passive income. The IRS has issued regulations that provide for the phased implementation of the FATCA withholding requirements.

We intend to comply with FATCA, so as to ensure that the 30% withholding tax does not apply to any withholdable payments received by our company or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. In compliance with FATCA, information regarding ownership of our class A exchangeable shares may be reported to the IRS or to a non-U.S. governmental authority. FATCA remains subject to modification by an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another country, such as the agreement in effect between the United States and Bermuda for cooperation to facilitate the implementation of FATCA, or by future Treasury Regulations or guidance. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the consequences under FATCA of owning and disposing of class A exchangeable shares.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the class A exchangeable shares offered pursuant to this prospectus and other matters of Bermuda law will be passed upon for our company by Appleby (Bermuda) Limited. The validity of the Brookfield Class A Shares offered by this prospectus will be passed upon by Torys LLP. Certain legal matters relating to Canadian and U.S. federal income tax considerations will be passed upon on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management and our company by Torys LLP. As at the date of this prospectus, the partners and associates of each of Torys LLP and Appleby (Bermuda) Limited beneficially own, directly and indirectly, less than 1.0% of the outstanding securities or other property of Brookfield Asset Management and our company, its associates or its affiliates.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS

Our company is, from time to time, involved in legal proceedings of a nature considered normal to our business. We believe that none of the litigation in which we are currently involved or have been involved since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, individually or in the aggregate, is material to our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

Except as discussed in this prospectus, there are no material interests, direct or indirect, of any director or executive officer of our company, any shareholder that beneficially owns, or controls or directs (directly or indirectly), more than 10% of any class or series of our company’s outstanding voting securities, or any associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons, in any transaction within the three years before the date hereof that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect our company or any of its subsidiaries.

EXPERTS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Brookfield Asset Management’s Annual Report on Form 40-F (as amended by Amendment No. 1), and the effectiveness of Brookfield Asset Management’s internal control over financial reporting, have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of BAH as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and the related financial statement schedule included in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of our company as at December 31, 2020 included in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

Deloitte LLP is independent with respect to our company, BAH, and Brookfield Asset Management within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and within the meaning of the rules of professional conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. The offices of Deloitte LLP are located at 8 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 0A9.

 

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The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 have been included herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, included herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. KPMG LLP is independent within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The address of KPMG LLP is 2500 Ruan Center, 666 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

The transfer agent and registrar for the Brookfield Class A Shares and class A exchangeable shares is or will be AST Trust Company (Canada), at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

Our company is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. A substantial portion of our company’s assets are located outside of Canada and the United States and certain of the directors of our company may be residents of jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States. Our company has expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the Ontario courts and have appointed an attorney for service of process in Ontario and in the United States. However, it may be difficult for investors to effect service within Ontario or elsewhere in Canada or the United States upon those directors who are not residents of Canada or the United States, as applicable. Investors are advised that it may also not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada or the United States against any person or company that is incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada or the United States, even if the party has appointed an agent for directors of our company or our directors since a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of such persons may be located outside of Canada and the United States. We have been advised by counsel that there is no treaty in force between Canada and Bermuda or the United States and Bermuda providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. As a result, whether a Canadian or U.S. judgment would be capable of being the subject of enforcement proceedings in Bermuda against us or our directors depends on whether the Canadian or U.S. court that entered the judgment is recognized by a Bermuda court as having jurisdiction over our company or our directors, as determined by reference to Bermuda conflict of law rules. The courts of Bermuda would issue a valid, final and conclusive judgment in personam in respect of a judgment obtained in a Canadian or U.S. court pursuant to which a sum of money is payable (other than a sum of money payable in respect of multiple damages, taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty) as long as (i) the court had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to the judgment according to Bermuda’s conflicts of law principles; (ii) the court did not contravene the rules of natural justice of Bermuda; (iii) the judgment was not obtained by fraud; (iv) the enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of Bermuda; and (v) there is due compliance with the applicable common law rules in Bermuda governing the enforcement of a foreign judgment.

In addition to and irrespective of jurisdictional issues, Bermuda courts will not enforce a provision of Canadian or U.S. federal securities laws that is either penal in nature or contrary to public policy. It is the advice of our counsel that an action brought pursuant to a public or penal law, the purpose of which is the enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of the state in its sovereign capacity, is unlikely to be enforced by a Bermuda court. Specified remedies available under the laws of Canadian or U.S. jurisdictions, including specified remedies under Canadian securities laws or U.S. federal securities laws, would not likely be available under Bermuda law or enforceable in a Bermuda court, as they may be contrary to Bermuda public policy. Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against our company or our directors in the first instance for a violation of Canadian securities laws or U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no extraterritorial application under Bermuda law and do not have force of law in Bermuda.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Our Company

This prospectus is a part of the registration statement filed with the SEC on Form F-1 and does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit from this prospectus certain information included in the registration statement. For further information about us and our class A exchangeable shares, you should refer to the registration statement. This prospectus summarizes material provisions of contracts and other documents. Since this prospectus may not contain all of the information that you may find important, you should review the full text of these contracts and other documents. We have included copies of these documents as exhibits to our registration statement.

Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the U.S. Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities laws in the United States that are applicable to domestic U.S. issuers, including:

 

   

the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;

 

   

the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the U.S. Exchange Act;

 

   

the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

 

   

the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material non-public information under Regulation FD.

As long as we are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, we expect to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be filed or furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC may be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. issuers.

The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding registrants like us that file electronically with the SEC where you can access the registration statement and its exhibits and the other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. Copies of documents that have been filed with the Canadian securities authorities can be obtained at www.sedar.com.

Brookfield Asset Management

Brookfield Asset Management is currently subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, as applicable to Canadian issuers subject to the multijurisdictional disclosure system (MJDS). Accordingly, Brookfield Asset Management is required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 40-F, and other information with the SEC. Brookfield Asset Management’s SEC filings are available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents that have been filed with the Canadian securities authorities can be obtained at www.sedar.com. Information about Brookfield Asset Management, including its SEC filings, is also available at its Internet site at https://bam.brookfield.com. However, the information on Brookfield Asset Management’s Internet site is not a part of this prospectus.

The SEC allows Brookfield Asset Management to incorporate by reference information into this document. This means that Brookfield Asset Management can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this document, except for any information superseded by information that is included directly in this prospectus or incorporated by reference subsequent to the date of this prospectus.

 

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Brookfield Asset Management incorporates by reference the following:

 

1.

Brookfield’s Annual Report;

 

2.

management information circular of Brookfield Asset Management filed on Brookfield Asset Management’s Form 6-K with the SEC on May 12, 2021.

 

3.

the unaudited comparative interim consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, included on pages 62 through 88 of Exhibit 99.1 to Brookfield Asset Management’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021; and

 

4

the management’s discussion and analysis of Brookfield Asset Management for the unaudited comparative interim consolidated financial statements referred to in paragraph (3) above, included on pages 10 through 61 of Exhibit  99.1 to Brookfield Asset Management’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021.

Copies of the documents incorporated by reference herein may be obtained on written or oral request without charge from the office of Brookfield Asset Management’s Corporate Secretary at Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 762, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3, and are also available electronically on EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Any statement contained in this prospectus or in such publicly filed documents with respect to Brookfield Asset Management shall be deemed to be modified or superseded, for the purposes of this prospectus, to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document, modifies or supersedes that statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

The following are the only material contracts, other than the contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, which (i) have been entered into by us since our formation or which are proposed to be entered into by us, (ii) have been entered into by Brookfield Asset Management or Brookfield in connection with the special dividend or which are proposed to be entered into by Brookfield Asset Management or Brookfield in connection with the special dividend, or (iii) are otherwise material to our company:

 

1.

Rights Agreement, to be dated as of or prior to the dividend date, between Brookfield Asset Management, our company and the rights agent described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — Rights Agreement”.

 

2.

Administration Agreement, to be dated as of the dividend date, between our company and Brookfield Asset Management described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — The Administration Agreement”.

 

3.

Support Agreement, to be dated as of the dividend date, between our company and Brookfield Asset Management, described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — Support Agreement”.

 

4.

Licensing Agreement, to be dated as of the dividend date, between our company and Brookfield Asset Management, described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — Licensing Agreement”.

 

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5.

Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the dividend date, between our company, as lender, and Brookfield US Holdings Inc. and Brookfield International Holdings Inc., as lenders, and BAM Re Holdings Ltd., North End RE (Cayman) SPC, North End RE Ltd. and Brookfield Annuity Company, as borrowers, described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — Credit Agreement”.

 

6.

Equity Commitment Agreement, to be dated as of the dividend date, between our company and Brookfield Asset Management, described under the heading “Relationship with Brookfield — Equity Commitment”.

 

7.

AEL Investment Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2020, between Brookfield Asset Management, AEL Holdings and Burgundy, described under the heading “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement”.

 

8.

Assignment Agreement, Consent and Waiver in Anticipation of Regulatory Form A Filing, dated as of February 28, 2021, between Brookfield Asset Management, Burgundy, our company, NER SPC, and AEL Holdings, described under the heading “Our Business — Recent Developments — AEL Investment Agreement and Assignment Agreement”.

Copies of the foregoing documents will be available following completion of the special dividend on EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

COSTS OF THE SPECIAL DIVIDEND

We estimate that the costs in connection with the special dividend will be as set forth below. All of these costs will be paid by Brookfield Asset Management.

 

Item

   Amount
($)
 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

     125,101  

Listing fees

     65,493  

Printing costs

     1,700,000  

Legal fees and costs

     4,750,000  

Transfer agent and related fees

     450,000  

Accounting fees and costs

     1,850,000  

Miscellaneous costs

     59,406  
  

 

 

 

TOTAL

     9,000,000  
  

 

 

 

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

May 2021

A committee of the board of directors (the “Board”) of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”) to be known as the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall have the following terms of reference:

MEMBERSHIP AND CHAIR

Following each annual meeting of shareholders, the Board shall appoint from its number three or more directors (the “Members” and each a “Member”) to serve on the Committee until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until the Member ceases to be a director, resigns or is replaced, whichever occurs first.

The Members will be selected by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board (the “Governance and Nominating Committee”). Any Member may be removed from office or replaced at any time by the Board. All of the Members will be Independent Directors.1 In addition, every Member will be Financially Literate and at least one Member will be an Audit Committee Financial Expert. Members may not serve on more than three other public company audit committees, except with the prior approval of the Board.

The Board shall appoint one Member as the chair of the Committee (the “Chair”). If the Chair is absent from a meeting, the Members shall select an Acting Chair from among those Members in attendance at the meeting.

SUBCOMMITTEES

The Committee may form subcommittees for any purpose and may delegate to a subcommittee such of the Committee’s powers and authorities as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

1 

Capitalized terms used in this Charter but not otherwise defined herein have the meaning attributed to them in the Board’s “Definitions for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners’ Board and Committee Charters” which is annexed hereto as “Annex A”. The Governance and Nominating Committee will review the Definitions for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners’ Board and Committee Charters at least annually and submit any proposed amendments to the Board for approval as it deems necessary and appropriate.

 

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   Audit Committee Charter

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Committee shall:

Auditor

 

  (a)

oversee the work of the Company’s external auditor (the “auditor”) engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor’s report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company;

 

  (b)

require the auditor to report directly to the Committee;

 

  (c)

review and evaluate the auditor’s independence, experience, qualifications and performance (including the performance of the lead audit partner) and determine whether the auditor should be appointed or re-appointed, and nominate the auditor for appointment or re-appointment by the shareholders;

 

  (d)

where appropriate, terminate the auditor;

 

  (e)

when a change of auditor is proposed, review all issues related to the change, including the information to be included in the notice of change of auditor as required, and the orderly transition of such change;

 

  (f)

review the terms of the auditor’s engagement and the appropriateness and reasonableness of the proposed audit fees;

 

  (g)

at least annually, obtain and review a report by the auditor describing:

 

  (i)

the auditor’s internal quality-control procedures; and

 

  (ii)

any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the auditor, or review by any independent oversight body such as the Canadian Public Accountability Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or inquiry or investigation by any governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditor, and the steps taken to deal with any issues raised in any such review;

 

  (h)

at least annually, confirm that the auditor has submitted a formal written statement describing all of its relationships with the Company; discuss with the auditor any disclosed relationships or services that may affect its objectivity and independence; obtain written confirmation from the auditor that it is objective within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct/Code of Ethics adopted by the provincial institute or order of chartered accountants to which it belongs and is an independent public accountant within the meaning of the federal securities legislation administered by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and of the Independence Standards of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, and is in compliance with any independence requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and, confirm that the auditor has complied with applicable laws respecting the rotation of certain members of the audit engagement team;

 

  (i)

ensure the regular rotation of the audit engagement team members as required by law, and periodically consider whether there should be regular rotation of the auditor;

 

  (j)

meet privately with the auditor as frequently as the Committee feels is appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities, which will not be less frequently than annually, to discuss any items of concern to the Committee or the auditor, including:

 

  (i)

planning and staffing of the audit;

 

  (ii)

any material written communications between the auditor and management;

 

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   Audit Committee Charter

 

 

  (iii)

whether or not the auditor is satisfied with the quality and effectiveness of financial recording procedures and systems;

 

  (iv)

the extent to which the auditor is satisfied with the nature and scope of its examination;

 

  (v)

whether or not the auditor has received the full co-operation of management of the Company;

 

  (vi)

the auditor’s opinion of the competence and performance of the Chief Financial Officer and other key financial personnel of the Company;

 

  (vii)

the items required to be communicated to the Committee in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards;

 

  (viii)

all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by the Company;

 

  (ix)

all alternative treatments of financial information within International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the auditor;

 

  (x)

any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, any restrictions imposed on the scope of activities or access to requested information, any significant disagreements with management and management’s response; and

 

  (xi)

any illegal act that may have occurred and the discovery of which is required to be disclosed to the Committee pursuant to paragraphs 240.41-42 and 250.22-24 of the Canadian Auditing Standards and the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

  (k)

annually review and approve the Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the “Pre-Approval Policy”), which sets forth the parameters by which the auditor can provide certain audit and non-audit services to the Company and its subsidiaries not prohibited by law and the process by which the Committee pre-approves such services. At each quarterly meeting of the Committee, the Committee will ratify all audit and non-audit services provided by the auditor to the Company and its subsidiaries for the then-ended quarter;

 

  (l)

resolve any disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting;

 

  (m)

set clear policies for hiring partners and employees and former partners and employees of the external auditor;

Financial Reporting

 

  (a)

prior to disclosure to the public, review, and, where appropriate, recommend for approval by the Board, the following:

 

  (i)

audited annual financial statements, in conjunction with the report of the external auditor;

 

  (ii)

interim financial statements;

 

  (iii)

annual and interim management discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operation;

 

  (iv)

reconciliations of the annual or interim financial statements, to the extent required under applicable rules and regulations; and

 

  (v)

all other audited or unaudited financial information contained in public disclosure documents, including without limitation, any prospectus, or other offering or public disclosure documents and financial statements required by regulatory authorities;

 

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  (b)

review and discuss with management prior to public dissemination earnings press releases and other press releases containing financial information (to ensure consistency of the disclosure to the financial statements), as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts including the use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” non-IFRS information in such press releases and financial information. Such review may consist of a general discussion of the types of information to be disclosed or the types of presentations to be made;

 

  (c)

review the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as any asset or debt financing activities of the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiaries that are not required under IFRS to be incorporated into the Company’s financial statements (commonly known as “off-balance sheet financing”);

 

  (d)

review disclosures made to the Committee by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company during their certification process for applicable securities law filings about any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and any fraud involving management or other employees;

 

  (e)

review the effectiveness of management’s policies and practices concerning financial reporting, any proposed changes in major accounting policies, the appointment and replacement of management responsible for financial reporting and the internal audit function;

 

  (f)

review the adequacy of the internal controls that have been adopted by the Company to safeguard assets from loss and unauthorized use and to verify the accuracy of the financial records and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies;

 

  (g)

for the financial information of any other subsidiary entity below the Company that has an audit committee which is comprised of a majority of independent directors, and which is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, it is understood that the Committee will rely on the review and approval of such information by the audit committee and the board of directors of each such subsidiary;

Internal Audit; Controls and Procedures; and Other

 

  (a)

meet privately with the person responsible for the Company’s internal audit function, as applicable (the “internal auditor”), as frequently as the Committee feels appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities, which will not be less frequently than annually, to discuss any items of concern;

 

  (b)

require the internal auditor, as applicable, to report directly to the Committee;

 

  (c)

review the mandate, budget, planned activities, staffing and organizational structure of the internal audit function (which may be outsourced to a firm other than the auditor) to confirm that it is independent of management and has sufficient resources to carry out its mandate. The Committee will discuss this mandate with the auditor, review the appointment and replacement of the internal auditor, as applicable, and review the significant reports to management prepared by the internal auditor, as applicable, and management’s responses. As part of this process, the Committee reviews and approves the governing charter of the internal audit function on an annual basis;

 

  (d)

review the controls and procedures that have been adopted to confirm that material financial information about the Company and its subsidiaries that is required to be disclosed under applicable law or stock exchange rules is disclosed, review the public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Company’s financial statements and periodically assess the adequacy of such controls and procedures;

 

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  (e)

review of allegations of fraud related to financial reporting that are brought to or come to the attention of the Committee through the Company’s ethics hotline, a referral by management, or otherwise;

 

  (f)

periodically review the status of taxation matters of the Company; and

 

  (g)

consider other matters of a financial nature as directed by the Board.

LIMITATION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE ROLE

The Committee’s function is one of oversight. The Company’s management is responsible for preparing the Company’s financial statements and, along with the internal audit function, for developing and maintaining systems of internal accounting and financial controls. The auditor will assist the Committee and the Board in fulfilling their responsibilities for review of the financial statements and internal controls, and the auditor will be responsible for the independent audit of the financial statements. The Committee expects the auditor to call to its attention any accounting, auditing, internal accounting control, regulatory or other related matters that the auditor believes warrant consideration or action. The Committee recognizes that the Company’s finance team, the internal audit team and the auditor have more knowledge and information about the Company’s financial affairs than do the Committee’s members. Accordingly, in carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Committee does not provide any expert or special assurance as to the Company’s financial statements or internal controls or any professional certification as to the auditor’s work.

REPORTING

The Committee will regularly report to the Board on:

 

  (a)

the auditor’s independence;

 

  (b)

the performance of the auditor and the Committee’s recommendations regarding its reappointment or termination;

 

  (c)

the performance of the internal audit function;

 

  (d)

the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and disclosure controls;

 

  (e)

its recommendations regarding the annual and interim financial statements of the Company and, to the extent applicable, any reconciliation of the Company’s financial statements, including any issues with respect to the quality or integrity of the financial statements;

 

  (f)

its review of any other public disclosure document including the annual report and the annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations;

 

  (g)

the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly those related to financial reporting; and

 

  (h)

all other significant matters it has addressed and with respect to such other matters that are within its responsibilities.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Company’s Code of Business Conduct requires employees to report to their supervisor or internal legal counsel any suspected violations of the Code, including (i) fraud or deliberate errors in the preparation, maintenance, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement or financial record; (ii) deficiencies in, or noncompliance with, internal accounting controls; (iii) misrepresentations or false statements in any public disclosure documents; and (iv) any deviations from full, true and plain reporting of the Company’s financial

 

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Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

   Audit Committee Charter

 

condition, as well as any other illegal or unethical behavior. Alternatively, employees may report such behavior through the Company’s reporting hotline which is managed by an independent third party. The Company also maintains a Whistleblower Policy which reinforces the Company’s commitment to providing a mechanism for employees to report suspected wrongdoing.

The Audit Committee will establish and periodically review the procedure for the receipt, retention, treatment and follow-up of complaints received by the Company through the reporting hotline or otherwise regarding accounting, internal controls, disclosure controls or auditing matters and the procedure for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees of the Company regarding such matters.

REVIEW AND DISCLOSURE

The Committee will review this Charter at least annually and submit it to the Governance and Nominating Committee together with any proposed amendments. The Governance and Nominating Committee will review this Charter and submit it to the Board for approval with such further amendments as it deems necessary and appropriate.

This Charter will be posted on the Company’s website. The Management Information Circular of the Company will state that this Charter is available on the Company’s website.

ASSESSMENT

At least annually, the Governance and Nominating Committee will review the effectiveness of this Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities and duties as set out in this Charter and in a manner consistent with the corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board. The Committee will also conduct its own assessment of the Committee’s performance on an annual basis.

ACCESS TO OUTSIDE ADVISORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The Committee may retain any outside advisor, including legal counsel, at the expense of the Company, without the Board’s approval, at any time. The Committee has the authority to determine any such advisor’s fees and any other retention terms.

The Company will provide for appropriate funding, for payment of compensation to any auditor engaged to prepare or issue an audit report or perform other audit, review or attest services, and ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee.

Members will meet privately with senior management as frequently as they feel is appropriate to fulfill the Committee’s responsibilities, but not less than annually.

MEETINGS

Meetings of the Committee may be called by any Member, the Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the internal auditor, as applicable, or the auditor. Meetings will be held each quarter and at such additional times as is necessary for the Committee to fulfill its responsibilities. The Committee shall appoint a secretary to be the secretary of each meeting of the Committee and to maintain minutes of the meeting and deliberations of the Committee.

The powers of the Committee shall be exercisable at a meeting at which a quorum is present. A quorum shall be not less than a majority of the Members at the relevant time. Matters decided by the Committee shall be decided

 

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Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

   Audit Committee Charter

 

by majority vote. Subject to the foregoing, the Companies Act (Bermuda) and the memorandum of association and bye-laws of the Company, and, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall have the power to regulate its procedure.

Notice of each meeting shall be given to each Member, the internal auditor, as applicable, the auditor, and to the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Notice of meeting may be given orally or by letter, electronic mail, telephone or other generally accepted means not less than 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. Members may waive notice of any meeting and attendance at a meeting is deemed waiver of notice. The notice need not state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is being held.

The Committee may invite from time to time such persons as it may see fit to attend its meetings and to take part in discussion and consideration of the affairs of the Committee. The Committee may require the auditors and/or members of the Company’s management to attend any or all meetings.

This Charter of the Audit Committee was reviewed and approved by the board of directors of the Company on May         , 2021.

 

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Annex A

Definitions for Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners’ Board and Committee Charters

Audit Committee Financial Expert” means a person who has the following attributes:

 

  (a)

an understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board, and financial statements;

 

  (b)

the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;

 

  (c)

experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;

 

  (d)

an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and

 

  (e)

an understanding of audit committee functions, acquired through any one or more of the following:

 

  (i)

education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions;

 

  (ii)

experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person performing similar functions;

 

  (iii)

experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or

 

  (iv)

other relevant experience.

Board Interlocks” means when two directors of one public company sit together on the board of another company.

Committee Interlocks” means when a Board Interlock exists, plus the relevant two directors also sit together on a board committee for one or both of the companies.

Financially Literate” means the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements.

Immediate Family Member” means an individual’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, mother or father-in-law, son or daughter-in-law, brother or sister-in-law, and anyone (other than an employee of either the individual or the individual’s immediate family member) who shares the individual’s home.

Independent Director” means a director who has been affirmatively determined by the Board to have no material relationship with the Company, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company. A material relationship is one that could reasonably be expected to interfere with a director’s exercise of independent judgment. In addition to any other requirement of applicable securities laws or stock exchange provisions, a director who:

 

  (a)

is or was an employee or executive officer, or whose Immediate Family Member is or was an executive officer, of the Company is not independent until three years after the end of such employment relationship;

 

  (b)

is receiving or has received, or whose Immediate Family Member is an executive officer of the Company and is receiving or has received, during any 12-month period within the last three years

 

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more than Cdn$75,000 in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of fixed compensation under a retirement plan (including deferred compensation) for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service), is not independent;

 

  (c)

is or was a partner of, affiliated with or employed by, or whose Immediate Family Member is or was a partner of or employed in an audit, assurance, or tax compliance practice in a professional capacity by, the Company’s present or former internal or external auditor, is not independent until three years after the end of such partnership, affiliation, or employment relationship, as applicable, with the auditor;

 

  (d)

is or was employed as, or whose immediate family member is or was employed as, an executive officer of another company (or its parent or a subsidiary) where any of the present (at the time of review) executive officers of the Company serve or served on that company’s (or its parent’s or a subsidiary’s) compensation committee, is not independent until three years after the end of such service or the employment relationship, as applicable; and

 

  (e)

is an executive officer or an employee of, or whose Immediate Family Member is an executive officer of, another company (or its parent or a subsidiary) that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years exceeds the greater of US$1 million or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues, in each case, is not independent.

Additionally, an Independent Director for the purposes of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee, specifically may not:

 

  (x)

accept directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of fixed compensation under a retirement plan (including deferred compensation) for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service); or

 

  (y)

be an affiliated person of the Company (within the meaning of applicable rules and regulations).

For the purposes of the definition of Independent Director, the term Company includes any parent or subsidiary in a consolidated group with the Company.

In addition to the requirements for independence set out in paragraph (c) above, Members of the Audit and Governance and Nominating Committees must disclose any other form of association they have with a current or former external or internal auditor of the Company to the Governance and Nominating Committee for a determination as to whether this association affects the Member’s status as an Independent Director.

Unaffiliated Director” means any director who (a) does not own greater than a de minimis interest in the Company (exclusive of any securities compensation earned as a director) and (b) within the last two years has not directly or indirectly (i) been an officer of or employed by the Company or any of its respective affiliates, (ii) performed more than a de minimis amount of services for the Company or any of its affiliates, or (iii) had any material business or professional relationship with the Company other than as a director of the Company. “de minimis” for the purpose of this test includes factors such as the relevance of a director’s interest in the Company to themselves and to the Company.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, together with the notes thereto

     F-2  

Unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the notes thereto

     F-51  

Financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. as at December 31, 2020, together with the accompanying notes thereto

     F-67  

Unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, together with the accompanying notes thereto

     F-72  

Consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and for each of the years in the three-year period ending December 31, 2020, together with the notes and schedules thereto

     F-80  

Unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the notes thereto

     F-150  

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019 AND 2018

 

 

 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operating results, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the schedule of the Condensed Financial Statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Canada

March 5, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

US$ THOUSANDS    Note      Dec. 31,
2020
     Dec. 31,
2019
 

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     5      $ 35,461      $ 13,361  

Investments

     5        1,192,465        701,538  

Accrued investment income

        7,061        4,130  

Reinsurance receivable

     3        2,310        5,481  

Other assets

     4        3,846        2,377  

Deferred tax asset

     14        44        —    

Derivative assets

     5        7,199        2,344  

Property and equipment

     6        1,799        316  

Reinsurance assets

     9        190,070        197,164  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      $ 1,440,255      $ 926,711  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Insurance contract liabilities

     9        1,338,730        856,364  

Due to related party

     7        4        28  

Reinsurance payable

     3        410        480  

Derivative liabilities

     5        122        661  

Current tax liability

     14        676        172  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     8        4,771        3,550  

Funds withheld liabilities

     5        12,379         
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

        1,357,092        861,255  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

        

Share capital

     12        77,976        64,612  

Accumulated surplus

        1,646        38  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        3,541        806  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

        83,163        65,456  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

      $ 1,440,255      $ 926,711  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS

   Note      2020     2019     2018  

Premiums

         

Gross

      $ 431,070     $ 503,688     $ 160,146  

Ceded

        (634     (178,579     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums

        430,436       325,109       160,146  

Net investment income

     5        83,918       57,097       741  

Net investment results from funds withheld

     5        (117     —         —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

        514,237       382,206       160,887  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefits paid on insurance contracts

         

Gross

        63,349       38,645       13,408  

Ceded

        (24,569     (13,502     —    

Change in insurance contract liabilities

     9         

Gross

        457,114       537,809       142,904  

Ceded

        10,496       (193,033     —    

Operating expenses

     13        5,605       6,436       4,971  

Interest expense

        93       166       111  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

        512,088       376,521       161,394  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

        2,149       5,685       (507

Income tax expense

     14        (541     (158     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the year

      $ 1,608     $ 5,527     $ (507
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

     12      $ 18.92     $ 67.72     $ (7.20

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2020     2019     2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,608     $ 5,527     $ (507

Other comprehensive income (loss) that will be reclassified to net income (loss)

      

Net unrealized income (loss) on available for sale securities

     938       381       (103

Income tax expense

     (237     (11     —    

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     2,034       2,876       (3,126
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,735       3,246       (3,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) for the year

   $ 4,343     $ 8,773     $ (3,736
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2020
US$ THOUSANDS
   Common
Shares
     Accumulated
surplus (deficit)
     Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
     Total
Equity
 

Balance as at December 31, 2019

   $ 64,612      $ 38      $ 806      $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in period:

           

Net income (loss)

     —          1,608        —          1,608  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —          2,735        2,735  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          1,608        2,735        4,343  

Other items

           

Equity issuances

     13,364        —          —          13,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total change in period

     13,364        1,608        2,735        17,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2020

   $ 77,976      $ 1,646      $ 3,541      $ 83,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2019
US$ THOUSANDS
   Common
Shares
     Accumulated
surplus (deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Total
Equity
 

Balance as at December 31, 2018

   $ 59,890      $ (5,489   $ (2,440   $ 51,961  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in period:

         

Net income (loss)

     —          5,527       —         5,527  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         3,246       3,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          5,527       3,246       8,773  

Other items

         

Equity issuances

     4,722        —         —         4,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total change in period

     4,722        5,527       3,246       13,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2019

   $ 64,612      $ 38     $ 806     $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

AS AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2018

US$ THOUSANDS

   Common
Shares
     Accumulated
surplus (deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Total
Equity
 

Balance as at January 1, 2018

   $ 53,900      $ (4,982   $ 789     $ 49,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in period:

         

Net income (loss)

     —          (507     —         (507

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         (3,229     (3,229
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          (507     (3,229     (3,736

Other items

         

Equity issuances

     5,990        —         —         5,990  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total change in period

     5,990        (507     (3,229     2,254  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2018

   $ 59,890      $ (5,489   $ (2,440   $ 51,961  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2020     2019     2018  

Operating activities

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,608     $ 5,527     $ (507

Items not involving cash

      

Depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use asset

     446       217       229  

Unrealized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives

     (51,316     (27,033     6,785  

Income tax expense

     541       158       —    

Impairment of investments

     —         406       —    

Non-cash items affecting net income

      

Changes in reinsurance assets

     10,496       (193,033     —    

Changes in insurance contract liabilities

     457,114       537,809       142,904  

Changes in funds withheld

     12,262       —         —    

Changes in working capital

     (814     (6,349     (2,377

Operating activities affecting cash

      

Interest paid

     (53     (10     (15

Income tax paid

     (331     —         —    

Realized (gains) losses on investments

     (3,361     (9,202     2,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash from operating activities

     426,592       308,490       149,552  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Proceeds on disposal of investments

     501,553       737,237       321,757  

Purchase of investments

     (975,573     (1,023,002     (526,857

Maturities of investments

     62,164       18,058       6,211  

Purchase of property and equipment

     (617     (35     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

     (412,473     (267,742     (198,891
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Issuance of common shares

     13,364       4,722       5,990  

Credit facility drawdown

     —         —         27,309  

Credit facility repayment

     —         —         (27,250

Principal portion of lease liabilities

     (268     (144     (137

Proceeds from repurchase agreement

     221,820       245,620       40,546  

Repayment of repurchase agreement

     (221,820     (284,891     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used in) from financing activities

     13,096       (34,693     46,458  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

      

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     13,361       7,745       9,213  

Net increase (decrease) during the year

     27,215       6,055       (2,881

Foreign exchange on cash balances held in foreign currencies

     (5,115     (439     1,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 35,461     $ 13,361     $ 7,745  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplementary Information

      

Cash balances

   $ 16,496     $ 7,773     $ 1,970  

Short term investments

     18,965       5,588       5,775  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 35,461     $ 13,361     $ 7,745  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company incorporated on August 13, 2015. The registered address of the Company is 333 Bay Street, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2R2, Canada. The Company is domiciled in Canada and wholly owns Brookfield Annuity Company (“BAC”), Brookfield Annuity US Inc., North End Re (Bermuda) Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”), and North End Re (Cayman) SPC (“NER SPC”). BAC is a life insurance company incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act of Canada (the “Act”) on August 11, 2016.

BAC received its order to commence business from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”) on October 3, 2016 and has obtained its licenses in all provinces of Canada. BAC provides pension de-risking solutions through group annuity policies.

NER Ltd. was incorporated on July 13, 2018 in Bermuda under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. Under the provisions of Section 14, the status of NER Ltd. is that of an exempted company within the meaning of Section 127. NER Ltd. is currently in the process of obtaining a license to conduct commercial long-term life and annuity reinsurance business with third party direct insurers.

NER SPC was incorporated on April 17, 2019 under the laws of the Cayman Islands. NER SPC is approved as a Class B (iii) insurer under the Cayman Islands’ Insurance Act, 2010 (as amended). NER SPC is licensed to conduct commercial long-term life and annuity reinsurance business with third-party direct insurers.

The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”). The Company will enter into a series of transactions with BAM, whereby BAM will contribute all of the net assets and operations of the Company into a newly formed entity, Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (“BAM Re”). BAM Re was incorporated on December 10, 2020, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAM. Subsequent to BAM contributing the net assets of the Company into BAM Re, BAM will distribute the shares of BAM Re on a pro rata basis to BAM’s shareholders and BAM Re will become a stand-alone public company. The Company is the predecessor of BAM Re.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a.

Statement of Compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 5, 2021.

 

b.

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements are comprised of the financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

The assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements have been presented on a historical cost basis, as immediately prior to the spin-off, all the assets and liabilities presented are wholly owned by BAM. The

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

consolidated financial statements represent the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and cash flows of the business that will be contributed to BAM Re. The Company maintains its own independent management and infrastructure and does not rely on any resources from BAM. As a result, no corporate costs have been allocated to the Company.

In accordance with IFRS, presentation of assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is in order of liquidity.

The Company uses a management approach to determine operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocation of resource and assessing performance. The Company’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer who reviews the results of operations when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Company which is currently managed as a single segment; pension risk transfer. All of the Company’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was generated from the pension risk transfer operating segment and was earned in Canada. All of the long-lived assets of the Company were included in the pension risk transfer operating segment and reside in Canada.

 

c.

Accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are subject to uncertainty and can therefore differ significantly from actual results. The items most susceptible to changes in estimates and assumptions include the measurement of reinsurance assets, insurance contract liabilities, and impairment of financial instruments. Actual results may differ from our estimates thereby impacting the consolidated financial statements. Information on our use of estimates and assumptions is discussed in Note 2(d).

Management judgment is also used in applying the accounting policies used to prepare financial statements. The item most susceptible to changes in judgements is the evaluation of indicators of impairment of our investments.

 

d.

Significant accounting policies

The significant accounting policies used in preparing these consolidated financial statements are summarized below.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company changed its accounting policy for longevity reinsurance transactions such that the fixed payments made by the Company to the reinsurer relating to defined blocks of policyholder benefits (the “fixed leg”) are recognized on a net basis with payments received from the reinsurer (the “variable leg”) within benefits ceded in the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results. Previously, the Company’s policy was to record the fixed leg in premiums ceded and the variable leg in benefits ceded on a gross basis. IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 4”) does not specify the presentation for this type of arrangement and the Company believes that the revised policy and presentation provides more reliable and relevant information to users of the consolidated financial statements as the presentation more clearly aligns the cashflows between the Company and the reinsurer, as contractual terms require settlement of the amounts on a net basis and as both the fixed and variable legs relate to the payment of benefits to the annuitant. The change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively. The Company has restated the comparative figures in the Consolidated Statements

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

of Operating Results resulting in a reduction to both premiums ceded and benefits ceded in the amount of $9,963 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019. There is no impact on net income, net income per share or shareholder’s equity in the current or any prior year.

 

i.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company has classified cash and cash equivalents as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) if the asset supports insurance contract liabilities or available for sale (“AFS”) if the asset supports capital and surplus.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and short-term investments that are not available for use by the Company as part of the funds withheld (“FWH”) arrangement (Note 2(d)(iii)).

 

ii.

Investments

Investments are financial assets which are comprised of bonds and fixed-income instruments. The Company uses the trade date to account for investment transactions.

Financial assets are classified into one of the following categories:

 

   

AFS assets are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss);

 

   

FVTPL assets are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss); and

 

   

Loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost.

Financial assets are classified according to their nature and use by the Company at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets supporting capital and surplus are classified as AFS and are measured at fair value. Unrealized gains (losses) are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Upon realization, gains or losses are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results and recorded in Net investment income.

Financial assets supporting insurance contract liabilities are designated as FVTPL or as loans and receivables. Any changes in the fair value of the underlying assets matched to the insurance contract liabilities are directly reflected in the insurance contract liabilities. Unless the asset is deemed to be impaired, changes in fair value of assets matching these liabilities and changes in the corresponding insurance contract liabilities are directly recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results in order to avoid a mismatch that would otherwise arise.

Loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any applicable provision for impairment.

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognized directly in net income (loss) and presented in realized gains (losses) on investments.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

iii.

Funds withheld

Funds withheld (“FWH”) represents a payable for amounts contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with reinsurance agreements where the Company acts as cedant. In 2020 the Company entered into a FWH arrangement with a third-party reinsurer. Under the FWH arrangement, the Company retained funds of the reinsurer. While the assets in the FWH are legally owned by the Company, the reinsurer is subject to all investment performance and economic rights and obligations to the FWH assets similar to invested assets held directly by the reinsurer. The Company’s FWH balance includes cash and cash equivalents, investments, and derivatives carried at fair value and is credited with premiums, investment income (loss), benefits payable and other expenses deducted as incurred at cost.

 

iv.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company manages foreign currency exposure and other market risks associated with certain assets and liabilities by using derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forwards, bond futures, bond forwards and interest rate swaps. Derivative financial instruments are classified as held for trading which are measured as FVTPL investments. Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on acquisition date and subsequently revalued at fair value at each reporting date. Derivative financial instruments with positive values are recorded as derivative assets and negative fair values are reported as derivative liabilities. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in Net investment income, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

v.

Assets Pledged as Collateral

The Company receives and pledges collateral in respect of certain derivative contracts, in order to meet its contractual obligations. The amount of collateral required is determined by the valuation of each contract on a mark-to-market basis and the type of collateral to be deposited is specified within the agreement with each counterparty.

Collateral pledged continues to be recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the Company retains all rights related to these assets.

Collateral received is not recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position unless the Company acquires the rights relating to the economic risks and rewards related to these assets.

 

vi.

Collateralized Financing Transactions

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions. A repurchase agreement provides the lender of securities the right to receive from the counterparty sufficient cash to purchase the same securities at the maturity of the agreement. These transactions are measured at cost plus accrued interest.

The Company recognizes an asset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, representing the cash received, and a liability for the same amount, representing the obligation to repurchase the loaned bonds. Repurchase agreements with the same counterparty are presented net in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

vii.

Right to Offset

Amounts presented in these consolidated financial statements are presented on a net basis when there exists both a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

viii.

Impairment

At each reporting date, financial assets are tested for impairment. The Company considers an impairment loss if it deems it unlikely that it will be able to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the obligation. Evidence of impairment must be objective. For AFS equity investments, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment. For all other financial assets, there must be observable data about the loss events, such as, but not limited to, the issuer’s financial difficulty, a bankruptcy, default of payment of principal or interest, or specific adverse conditions affecting an industry or a region.

For financial assets measured at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. The impairment loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For financial assets measured at amortized cost, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not have been recognized. In respect to AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognized in profit or loss are not reversed through profit or loss. Any increases in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. In respect of AFS debt securities, impairment losses are subsequently reversed through profit or loss if an increase in the fair value of the investment can be objectively related to an event occurring after the recognition of the impairment loss. The reversal cannot exceed the impairment expense amount. The amount of reversal is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

At each reporting date, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, non-financial assets that are measured at amortized cost are reviewed for impairment. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

 

ix.

Classification of Financial Instruments

Accrued investment income, reinsurance receivable and other assets have been classified as loans and receivables. Due to related party, reinsurance payable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities have been classified as other financial liabilities. Loans and receivables and other liabilities are measured at amortized cost. For these items, carrying value approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

x.

Leases

IFRS 16 Leases (“IFRS 16”) specifies how to recognize, measure, present and disclose leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

If a contract contains a lease, the Company will recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The ROU asset and lease liability are initially measured as an amount equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease. The discount rate used is the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company has one lease. The Company leases an office suite for its own use. As of December 31, 2020, the lease has a remaining term of 4.5 years.

The ROU is depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life or lease term using the straight-line method as this reflects the expected pattern of use. At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is any indication that the ROU asset may be impaired. If an impairment indicator exists, then the Company will adjust the value of the ROU asset to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized.

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in rates or there is a change in the Company’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable.

 

xi.

Insurance contract liabilities

Liabilities for insurance contracts are determined using the Canadian Asset Liability Method (“CALM”), in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (“CIA”) and as permitted by IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 4”).

Contract classifications

Contracts under which the Company accepts significant insurance risk from a policyholder are classified as insurance contracts in accordance with IFRS 4 on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. A contract is considered to have significant insurance risk if, and only if, an insured event could cause an insurer to make significant additional payments in any scenario, excluding scenarios that lack commercial substance at the inception of the contract. Contracts under which the Company does not accept significant insurance risk are classified as either investment contracts or considered a service contract and are accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, respectively. Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the remainder of its term, even if the insurance risk reduces significantly during the year, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire. Investment contracts can be reclassified as insurance contracts if insurance risk subsequently becomes significant.

Measurement

Insurance contract liabilities represent the amount required to provide for future benefits payments and administrative expenses on policies in force with the Company. Insurance contract liabilities are presented gross

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

of reinsurance assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The Company’s Appointed Actuary is responsible for determining the amount of insurance contract liabilities in accordance with standards established by the CIA. Insurance contract liabilities have been determined using CALM as permitted by IFRS 4. It is used to determine insurance contract liabilities and incorporates best-estimate assumptions for longevity, future investment yields, administration costs, margins for adverse deviation and inflation. Margins for adverse deviation are necessary to provide for possibilities of misestimation and future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions and provide reasonable assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. Margins are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

The Company has designated invested assets supporting insurance contract liabilities as FVTPL or as loans and receivables. Since the value of the insurance contract liabilities is determined by reference to the assets supporting those liabilities, changes in the insurance contract liabilities offset a significant portion of the changes in fair value of these FVTPL assets recorded in net income (loss).

 

xii.

Reinsurance

BAC, in the normal course of business, is also a user of reinsurance in order to limit the potential for losses arising from certain exposures. To the extent that third party reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, BAC remains liable to its policyholders for the portion reinsured. At each reporting date, the reinsurance asset and reinsurance receivable, if any, are tested for impairment. If there is objective evidence that the reinsurance asset or reinsurance receivable are not recoverable and the impact of the event can be reliably measured, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

BAC has two types of reinsurance arrangements.

Longevity reinsurance

BAC enters into longevity reinsurance transactions with third party reinsurers. As part of the agreements, BAC commits to pay the reinsurers a schedule of fixed payments relating to defined blocks of policyholder benefits. In return, the reinsurers reimburse the actual cost of benefit expenses on those blocks to BAC. Settlement of fixed and actual payments between BAC and the reinsurers are on a net basis. The difference between fixed and actual payments on past service is recognized in the same period as the related claim is incurred within benefits ceded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any unsettled amounts on past service from the reinsurers is recognized as a reinsurance receivable or payable in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

BAC is liable for reinsurance fees for the transactions. The fees are recognized as incurred and are included in ceded premiums in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The benefits to which BAC is entitled under its reinsurance transactions are recognized as reinsurance assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and change in insurance contract liabilities ceded on the Consolidated Statement of Operating Results.

Quota share reinsurance

BAC enters into quota share reinsurance transactions with third-party reinsurers. The agreement covers policyholder benefits for a proportion of business reinsured. The proportion varies for certain discrete blocks of

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

business. At the inception of each quota share reinsurance contract, Premiums ceded and a corresponding decrease in cash or payable is recognized in proportion to the business reinsured by the external reinsurer. BAC recognizes a reinsurance asset on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and change in insurance contract liabilities ceded on the Consolidated Statement of Operating Results. The benefits to which BAC is entitled under its reinsurance contracts are recognized as reinsurance assets.

The reinsurer is committed to pay BAC a proportion of actual benefit expenses. The amounts are reported in benefits ceded in the same period as the related benefit expense is incurred. In cases where the benefit payments are due but not fully received from the reinsurer, BAC will recognize a reinsurance receivable. In cases where benefit payments are due, but amounts are received in excess from the reinsurer, BAC will recognize a reinsurance payable.

Under reinsurance contracts with unregistered reinsurers, assets are required to be pledged to BAC in order to secure payment of liabilities under the reinsurance agreement. Unregistered reinsurers are reinsurers which are not regulated by OSFI. The pledged assets are held in Canada by a Canadian financial institution that is not affiliated with the third party reinsurer. BAC maintains a valid and enforceable security interest that has priority over any other security interest in the collateral. In the event of default by the reinsurer, BAC has the right to liquidate or take legal possession of these assets, in a timely manner.

At each reporting date, the reinsurance asset and reinsurance receivable, if any, are tested for impairment. If there is objective evidence that the reinsurance asset or reinsurance receivable are not recoverable and the impact of the event can be reliably measured, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds recoverable amount.

 

xiii.

Premiums

Gross premiums are recognized as revenue when due and collection is reasonably assured. When premiums are recognized, insurance contract liabilities are computed, with the result that benefits and expenses are matched with such revenue. Premiums ceded are recognized when due and in accordance with the terms of the contractual agreement between the Company and reinsurer. Premium refunds, if any, are recognized on an accrual basis.

 

xiv.

Benefits paid

Gross benefits and benefits ceded are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations when they are due and incurred.

 

xv.

Net investment income

Interest income is calculated using the effective interest method.

Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payments is established.

Realized gains (losses) on investments represent the difference between net sale proceeds and the purchase price.

Unrealized gains (losses) on FVTPL investments measure the difference between the fair value of investments at the end of each reporting date and their purchase price. The net movement reflects both unrealized gains and losses recognized during the year adjusted for any prior period unrealized gains and losses which have been realized in the current accounting period.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

xvi.

Income taxes

Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to taxation authorities within a year. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amounts are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each year.

Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the unused tax losses or unused tax credits can be utilized by the Company. To the extent that it is not probable that taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses or unused tax credit can be utilized, the deferred tax asset is not recognized.

 

xvii.

Foreign currencies

The Company’s functional currency is CAD. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in USD as the functional currency of BAM Re is USD. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of the Company are translated using the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Revenues and expenses are measured at average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in net income.

For purposes of presenting the consolidated financial statements, assets and liabilities of the Company are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date. Revenue and expenses are measured at transactional or average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in other comprehensive income.

 

xviii.

Future accounting policy changes

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 17”) which will replace IFRS 4 and will be applied retrospectively. In June 2020, the IASB proposed an amendment to IFRS 17 providing a one-year deferral on the effective date of the standard to January 1, 2023. In addition, the IASB extended the exemption for insurers to apply IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), so that both IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 will have the same effective date. OSFI expects life insurers to adopt IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 simultaneously for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

IFRS 17 sets out the requirements for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of insurance contracts a company issues and reinsurance contracts it holds.

The future profit for providing insurance coverage is recognized in profit or loss over time as the insurance coverage is provided.

IFRS 17 will affect how the Company accounts for its insurance contracts and how it reports financial performance in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company continues to assess the impact for IFRS 17, which is expected to be significant on the timing of earnings recognition, as well as presentation and disclosure, for its insurance contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

In July 2014, the IASB published the complete version of IFRS 9, which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application and replaces IAS 39. IFRS 9 provides changes to the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model and new hedge accounting guidance.

The Company has deferred the implementation of IFRS 9 until IFRS 17 is adopted on January 1, 2023 on the basis that the Company’s activities are predominantly connected with insurance, with insurance contract liabilities making up over 99% of the Company’s Total liabilities.

The disclosure for the measurement and classification of the Company’s investments provides most of the information required by IFRS 9.The Company is currently assessing the impact of implementing IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3. REINSURANCE RECEIVABLE / PAYABLE

In 2020 and 2019, reinsurance receivable and payable relate to amounts recoverable from or payable to third-party reinsurers. All amounts are expected to be settled within a year.

NOTE 4. OTHER ASSETS

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Accounts receivable

   $ 979      $ 48  

Prepaid expenses

     2,867        2,329  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,846      $ 2,377  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts receivable relate to amounts recoverable from third parties. All amounts are expected to be recovered within one year. These financial instruments are short-term in nature and their fair values approximate carrying values. Prepaid expenses relates to benefit payments made to policyholders in advance.

NOTE 5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

a.

Designation

Assets supporting insurance contract liabilities are designated as FVTPL or amortized cost. Assets supporting capital and surplus are classified as AFS. Assets with fixed or determinable payments not quoted in an active market are classified as amortized cost. Derivatives are classified as held for trading and are measured as FVTPL.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

b.

Summary of cash and cash equivalents, investments and derivative assets and liabilities

The summary of financial assets and financial liabilities is as follows:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     FVTPL     AFS      Amortized
Cost
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

          

Cash

   $ 14,108     $ 2,388      $ —        $ 16,496  

Cash equivalents

     15,903       3,062        —          18,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     30,011       5,450        —        $ 35,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign exchange forwards

     4,723       —          —          4,723  

Currency swaps

     1       —          —          1  

Interest rate swaps

     34       —          —          34  

Bond futures

     2,441       —          —          2,441  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     7,199       —          —        $ 7,199  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
          

Bond

          

Government

     372,026       29,023        —          401,049  

Corporate and other

     730,971       36,139        21,159        788,269  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     1,102,997       65,162        21,159        1,189,318  

Total preferred shares

     —         3,019        —          3,019  

Total mortgages

     —         —          128        128  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     1,102,997       68,181        21,287        1,192,465  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
          

Funds withheld liabilities

     (12,379     —          —          (12,379 ) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bond futures

     (122     —          —          (122 ) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     (122     —          —          (122 ) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-19


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The Company has assessed and determined that the fair value of loans and receivables approximates their carrying values.

 

AS AT DEC. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2019  
     FVTPL     AFS      Amortized
Cost
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

          

Cash

   $ 5,963     $ 1,810      $ —        $ 7,773  

Cash equivalents

     4,896       692        —          5,588  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     10,859       2,502        —          13,361  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign exchange forwards

     2,344       —          —          2,344  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     2,344       —          —          2,344  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bond

          

Government

     175,562       25,005        —          200,567  

Corporate and other

     447,168       29,132        21,309        497,609  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     622,730       54,137        21,309        698,176  

Total preferred shares

     —         2,872        —          2,872  

Total mortgages

     —         —          490        490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     622,730       57,009        21,799        701,538  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bond futures

     (661     —          —          (661
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     (661     —          —          (661 ) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company has assessed and determined that the fair value of loans and receivables approximates their carrying values.

 

c.

Fair value hierarchy

Investments measured at fair value are classified in accordance with a valuation hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in determining their fair value, as per IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. Under Level 1 of this hierarchy, fair value is derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. Under Level 2, fair value is derived from market inputs that are directly or indirectly observable other than unadjusted quoted prices for identical investments. Under Level 3, fair value is derived from inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The following sets out the financial assets and financial liabilities classified in accordance with the above-mentioned fair value hierarchy. Also included are financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost.

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     Level 1      Level 2     Total  

Financial Assets

       

Fair value through profit or loss

       

Cash

   $ 14,108      $ —       $ 14,108  

Cash equivalents

     15,903        —         15,903  

Bonds

     —          1,102,996       1,102,996  

Derivative assets

     2,441        4,758       7,199  

Available for sale

       

Cash

     2,388        —         2,388  

Cash equivalents

     3,062        —         3,062  

Bonds

     —          65,162       65,162  

Preferred Shares

     3,019        —         3,019  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 40,921      $ 1,172,916     $ 1,213,837  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

       

Fair value through profit or loss

       

Funds withheld liabilities

     —          (12,379   $ (12,379

Derivative liabilities

     —          (122   $ (122
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

   $ —        $ (12,501   $ (12,501
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-21


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2019  
     Level 1     Level 2      Total  

Financial Assets

       

Fair value through profit or loss

       

Cash

   $ 5,963     $ —        $ 5,963  

Cash equivalents

     4,896       —          4,896  

Bonds

     —         622,730        622,730  

Derivative assets

     —         2,344        2,344  

Available for sale

       

Cash

     1,810       —          1,810  

Cash equivalents

     692       —          692  

Bonds

     —         54,137        54,137  

Preferred Shares

     2,872       —          2,872  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 16,233     $ 679,211      $ 695,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

       

Fair value through profit or loss

       

Derivative liabilities

   $ (661   $ —        $ (661
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

   $ (661   $ —        $ (661
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and key inputs used in the fair value measurement of Level 2 financial instruments:

 

Type of Asset   

Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs

Bonds

  

Valuation model is based on quoted prices of similar traded securities in active markets. For example, interest rates and yield curves observed at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatility, credit spread and market-corroborated inputs.

Derivative assets/Derivative liabilities

  

Foreign currency forward contracts — discounted cash flow model — forward exchange rates (from observable forward exchange rates at the end of the reporting period); discounted at a credit adjusted rate.

 

Interest rate contracts — discounted cash flow model — forward interest rates (from observable yield curves) and applicable credit spreads discounted at a credit adjusted rate.

Funds withheld liabilities

  

Valuation model is based on quoted prices of similar traded securities in active markets. For example, interest rates and yield curves observed at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatility, credit spread and market-corroborated inputs.

Investments measured at amortized cost are individually evaluated for impairment in establishing the allowance for impairment. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment expense of $nil (2019 — $406 thousand).

 

F-22


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no Level 3 investments during or for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

d.

Net investment income

Net investment income is comprised of income earned from the following:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019      2018  

Interest income

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19      $ 79      $ 36  

FVTPL investments

     28,132        19,464        9,237  

AFS investments

     1,320        1,365        989  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest income

     29,471        20,908        10,262  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividend income

        

AFS investments

     143        148        62  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total dividend income

     143        148        62  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives

        

FVTPL investments

     3,019        9,351        (1,418

Derivatives

     109        (85      (1,005

Gain on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortized cost

     201        —          53  

AFS investments

     32        (64      (163
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total realized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives

     3,361        9,202        (2,533
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives

        

FVTPL investments

     45,813        26,021        (7,210

Derivatives

     5,503        1,012        425  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total unrealized gains (losses) on investments and derivatives

     51,316        27,033        (6,785
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impairment expense

     —          (406      —    

Investment manager fees

     (576      (321      (265
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

     83,715        56,564        741  

Investment upfront fees

     203        533        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 83,918      $ 57,097      $ 741  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

On November 19, 2018, the Company derecognized $4,089.0 thousand of financial assets as the rights to receive cash flows and risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. The proceeds were $4,141.0 thousand, resulting in a gain of $53.0 thousand.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

e.

Net investment results from funds withheld

Net investment results from FWH assets are attributable to the reinsurer and not included in the Company’s net income for the year. Investment results from FWH assets are credited to the FWH liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and is comprised of the following:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019      2018  

Interest income

        

FVTPL investments

     (19              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest income attributable to FWH

     (19              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

        

FVTPL investments

     (64              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total realized gains (losses) on investments attributable to FWH

     (64              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net gains on FVTPL derivatives attributed to FWH

     (34              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other investment income attributed to FWH

     (34              
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment results from FWH

   $ (117    $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

f.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company manages foreign currency exposure and other market risks associated with certain assets and liabilities by using derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forwards, bond futures, bond forwards and interest rate swaps. Derivative financial instruments are financial contracts whose value is derived from underlying interest rates, exchange rates or other financial instruments.

Foreign exchange forwards are over-the-counter (OTC) contractual agreements negotiated between counterparties. Futures contracts are traded on an organized market and are contractual obligations to buy or to sell a financial instrument at a predetermined future time at a given price.

The notional principal represents the amount to which a rate or price is applied to determine the cash flows to be exchanged periodically and does not represent credit exposure. Maximum credit risk is the estimated cost of replacing derivative financial instruments which have a positive value, should the counterparty default. As at December 31, 2020, the derivative counterparty credit risk was $7.2 million (2019 — $2.3 million) and the counterparties credit rating was A+ or higher (2019 — A+ or higher).

 

F-24


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

Notional principal and the fair value of derivatives are presented in the table below.

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     Notional
principal
     Fair value
assets
     Fair value
liabilities
     Collateral
pledged
 

Exchange traded

           

Bond futures

   $ 192,099      $ 2,441      $ —        $ 12,639  

Over-the-counter

           

Foreign exchange forwards

     235,070        4,723        (122      —    

Bond forwards

     401        1        —          —    

Interest rate swaps

     6,973        34        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 434,543      $ 7,199      $ (122    $ 12,639  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2019  
     Notional
principal
     Fair value
assets
     Fair value
liabilities
     Collateral
pledged
 

Exchange traded

           

Bond futures

   $ 154,441      $ —        $ (661    $ 5,010  

Over-the-counter

           

Foreign exchange forwards

     125,093        2,344        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 279,534      $ 2,344      $ (661    $ 5,010  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company monitors the fair values of bond futures and forwards on a daily basis, with additional cash collateral obtained or refunded as necessary.

Bond futures, bond forwards and foreign exchange forward contracts mature in less than two years. Interest rate swaps mature in two years and settle on a semi-annual basis. Derivatives are measured at FVTPL and are reported on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities. The fair value of exchange-traded futures contracts is determined based on Level 1 inputs. OTC foreign currency forwards and interest rate swaps are valued on the contract notional amounts, which is the difference between contract and market rates. These inputs are derived from observable market data and as such are classified as Level 2 instruments.

As at December 31, 2020, the Company has pledged $13 million of financial assets as collateral under the terms of the derivative contracts (2019 — $5.0 million).

For an analysis of the Company’s risks arising from financial instruments and the policies and procedures to manage these risks refer to Note 10 Risk Management.

 

g.

Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at contract price. Under these agreements, the Company may sell securities from its portfolio for periods of time. In exchange, the Company obtains possession of cash from the financial institution with market

 

F-25


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

values equal to the principal amount sold under these agreements. As at December 31, 2020, the Company did not have amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements (2019 — $nil). For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest expense paid related to the use of the repurchase agreements was $45 thousand (2019 — $153 thousand, 2018 — $66 thousand).

The cash received by the Company is equal to the market value of the securities sold on the trade date. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, all of the Company’s repurchase agreements mature within two years.

 

h.

Summary of Investments

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in financial assets:

 

AS AT DEC. 31 US$ THOUSANDS    2020     2019  
     Carrying
Amount
     Percent     Carrying
Amount
     Percent  

Corporate Bonds

          

Corporate securities

   $ 764,482        64   $ 468,646        67

Asset backed securities

     23,787        2     28,963        4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     788,269        66     497,609        71

Government Bonds

          

United States government

     24,510        2     16,818        2

Canada government

     35,395        3     18,834        3

Canada provincials

     341,144        28     164,915        23
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     401,049        33     200,567        28

Derivatives

          

Foreign exchange forwards

     4,723        <1     2,344        <1

Bond futures

     2,441        <1     —          <1

Other derivatives

     35        <1     —          <1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     7,199        1     2,344        1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Preferred shares

          

Canada corporate

     3,019        <1     2,872        <1

Mortgages

     128        <1     490        <1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,199,664        100   $ 703,882        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-26


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

NOTE 6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND ROU ASSET

The Company’s property and equipment and ROU asset consist of the following:

 

     Computers
and office
equipment
    Furniture
and
fixtures
     Leasehold
improvements
    Software     ROU
Asset
    Total  

Cost

             

As at December 31, 2018

     41       82        109       140       476       848  

Additions

     2       —          26       7       —         35  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2019

   $ 43     $ 82      $ 135     $ 147     $ 476     $ 883  

Additions, net of disposals

     (1     87        255       65       822       1,228  

Foreign currency translations .

     2       9        19       6       66       102  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2020

   $ 44     $ 178      $ 409     $ 218     $ 1,364     $ 2,213  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation

             

As at December 31, 2018

     24       54        55       65       166       364  

Charges for the year

     6       11        22       45       119       203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2019

   $ 30     $ 65      $ 77     $ 110     $ 285     $ 567  

Depreciation, net of disposals

     8       3        (16     (57     (53     (115

Foreign currency translations .

     1       2        —         —         (41     (38
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2020

   $ 39     $ 70      $ 61     $ 53     $ 191     $ 414  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amount

             

December 31, 2020

   $ 5     $ 108      $ 348     $ 165     $ 1,173     $ 1,799  

December 31, 2019

     13       17        58       37       191       316  

NOTE 7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On March 10, 2020, the Company entered into a lease arrangement with Brookfield Properties (Canada) Inc. (“BPO”), a related party of BAM. The lease arrangement was conducted in the normal course of operations and on market terms. The amount paid to BPO for the leased office facilities and building maintenance for 2020 totaled $230 thousand (2019 — $Nil).

In May 2020, a loan to Cardone Industries, Inc. was extinguished and replaced with warrants of Cardone Partners, LP. Subsequently, the Company entered into a sale transaction with Brookfield Private Equity Direct Investments Holdings LP (“BPEDIH”) relating to its warrants in Cardone Partners, LP. The amount paid by BPEDIH to the Company was $5,965 thousand resulting in a gain of $195 thousand. As at December 31, 2020, all amounts were collected. There were no transactions in 2019 with BPEDIH.

The Company entered into outsourcing arrangements with BAM related to information technology, investment fund management, building maintenance, and internal audit services. The amount paid to BAM for these services for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $411 thousand (2019 — $355 thousand, 2018 — $315 thousand). Amounts due to BAM related to outsourcing arrangements at December 31, 2020 totaled $nil (2019 — $28 thousand).

The Company entered into derivative arrangements related to foreign exchange forwards and interest rate swaps with third party financial institutions through BAM. Amounts outstanding related to unsettled derivative

 

F-27


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

arrangements at December 31, 2020 totaled $7.2 million (2019 — $2.1 million). The amounts were repaid in full on settlement.

Lastly, the Company has a C$50 million revolving demand credit facility with BAM that matures at the earlier of when repayment is demanded or maturity. The facility is renewed annually for the period of one year. The facility’s current maturity is December 2021. The facility is unsecured and bears interest at a money market rate plus a margin. As at December 31, 2020, there were no amounts owing under the facility (2019 — $nil). Interest expense paid in 2020 relating to the use of the credit facility with BAM was $nil (2019 — $nil, 2018 — $31 thousand).

Key management personnel

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, directly or indirectly, including any director of the Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, short-term employee benefits were paid to key management personnel in the amount of $1.4 million (2019 — $1.3 million, 2018 — $1.3 million).

NOTE 8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Premium owing to pension plans

   $ 1,269      $ 1,873  

Accrued liabilities

     2,162        655  

Lease liabilities

     1,246        198  

Trade payables

     94        778  

Other

     —          46  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 4,771      $ 3,550  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Details relating to the Company’s lease liabilities balance, which is reported within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, is as follows:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Less than one year

   $ 316      $ 144  

One to five years

     1,052        204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

   $ 1,368      $ 348  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest expense on lease obligations for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $50 thousand (2019 — $10 thousand, 2018 — $15 thousand). Total cash outflow for leases was $316 thousand (2019 — $144 thousand, 2018 — $137 thousand).

 

F-28


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

NOTE 9. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES

The Company’s insurance contract liabilities are as follows:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Gross

   $ 1,338,730      $ 856,364  

Reinsurance

     (190,070      (197,164
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total insurance contract liabilities

   $ 1,148,660      $ 659,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reinsurance assets reflect immediate and deferred annuity payments ceded under the longevity reinsurance and quota share reinsurance arrangements.

 

a.

Nature and composition

The Company’s insurance liabilities represent contracts that provide immediate annuities for current pensioners and deferred annuities for members who have not reached pensionable age. The Company’s insurance contracts are a mixture of group annuity “buy-in” policies, where the policyholder is the pension fund and group annuity “buy-out” policies, where the policyholder is the administrator. The Company provides group annuity policies across Canada.

 

b.

Valuation assumptions

The insurance contract liabilities represent the present value of the future annuity payments and expenses measured according to the CALM described in Note 2(d) Summary of significant accounting policies, section xi) Insurance contract liabilities. It incorporates best-estimate assumptions for longevity, future investment yields, administration costs, margins for adverse deviation and inflation. These margins are necessary to provide for possibilities of misestimation and future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions and provide reasonable assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. Best-estimate assumptions and margins are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

The principal valuation assumptions and the methods for arriving at these valuation assumptions are outlined below.

Longevity

Mortality assumptions are derived by adjusting a base mortality table and applying mortality multipliers that vary by plan based on factors including, but not limited to, gender, age, job description, latest known salary, geography, and pension amount. These characteristics are further analyzed using a supporting database of over 500,000 Canadian pensioner lives. The data comprises of a diverse range of survival patterns reflective of the recent past. Models generated from this data are mapped into curves which can then be applied for analysis on an annuitant basis. Further, the Company monitors views and research published by governments, industry and academia on the factors influencing mortality changes and maintains longevity assumptions that are consistent with emerging trends.

Mortality improvement assumptions follow the prescribed mortality improvement scales issued by the CIA.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

Investment returns

Projected cash flows from the current assets and liabilities are used in CALM to determine insurance contract liabilities. Assumptions are made regarding rates of returns on supporting assets. Projected cash flows from assets used in the actuarial calculations are reduced to provide for potential asset default losses. The calculation for future credit losses on assets is based on the credit quality underlying the asset portfolio.

Other assumptions

The internal costs of maintaining the insurance contract liabilities, the fees paid to third-party administrators engaged to manage payments under the in-force policies, and fees due to reinsurers and investment management expenses, as well as inflation are factored into the calculation of liabilities where applicable.

 

c.

Net change in insurance contract liabilities

The following table summarizes the movement of insurance contract liabilities from the beginning of the year by its major components:

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2020
US$ THOUSANDS
   Gross
liability
     Reinsurance
assets
     Net  

Beginning of year

   $ 856,364      $ 197,164      $ 659,200  

Changes during the year

        

New business

     413,716        —          413,716  

Normal changes

     52,673        (8,703      61,376  

Management actions and changes in assumptions

     (24,195      (1,792      (22,403
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     442,194        (10,495      452,689  

Impact of foreign exchange1

     40,172        3,401        36,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 1,338,730      $ 190,070      $ 1,148,660  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2019
US$ THOUSANDS
   Gross
liability
     Reinsurance
assets
     Net  

Beginning of year

   $ 292,369      $ —        $ 292,369  

Changes during the year

        

New business

     521,537        —          521,537  

Reinsurance entered into in the year

     —          198,670        (198,670

Normal changes

     17,583        (9,607      27,190  

Management actions and changes in assumptions

     (1,311      3,970        (5,281
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     537,809        193,033        344,776  

Impact of foreign exchange1

     26,186        4,131        22,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 856,364      $ 197,164      $ 659,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1.

Presentation currency translation reported as a separate component of Other comprehensive income. See Note 2d(xvii) Foreign currencies.

Under fair value accounting, movement in the fair value of the supporting assets is a major factor in the movement of insurance contract liabilities. Changes in the fair value of assets are largely offset by corresponding

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

changes in the fair value of liabilities. The change in the value of the insurance contract liabilities associated with the change in the value of the supporting assets is included in the normal changes above. In 2020, the main contributors to the increase in net insurance contract liabilities were the impact of new business of $414 million and the impact of normal changes of $61 million. Management actions and changes in assumptions lowered the reserves by $22 million. The decrease was primarily due to modelling enhancements related to the reinvestment assumption and asset cash flows.

In 2019, the main contributors to the increase in net insurance contract liabilities were the impact of new business of $521.5 million partially offset by reinsurance transactions of $198.7 million. Management actions and changes in assumptions lowered the reserves by $5.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to updating the expense assumption to reflect the most recent experience analysis, the execution of longevity swaps offset by a revision to the methodology in setting the interest rate risk assumption.

The Company’s risks arising from insurance contract liabilities are principally interest rate and longevity. The policies and procedures to manage these risks and sensitivity analysis are described in Note 10 Risk Management.

 

d.

Reinsurance results

For the year ended December 31, 2020, BAC entered into a FWH arrangement with a third-party reinsurer which did not result in after-tax gains on inception. In December 2020, the Company entered into a third-party longevity reinsurance arrangement which resulted in after-tax losses on inception of approximately $1.3 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, BAC entered into two longevity reinsurance arrangements which resulted in after-tax gains on inception of approximately $4 million. In 2019, BAC also entered into a quota share reinsurance arrangement which resulted in no after-tax gains on inception recognized by BAC on the ceded portion to the reinsurer.

In 2020, the Company’s total fixed and actual payments under longevity reinsurance transactions are $13.8 million and $22.7 million (2019 — $10.0 million and $15.2 million). The difference between fixed and actual payments on past service is recognized in the same period as the related claim is incurred within benefits ceded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Amounts payable relating to reinsurance fees in respect of longevity reinsurance contracts are included in premiums ceded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED    2020      2019  

Amounts payable in respect of reinsurance fees

   $ 481      $ 329  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 10. RISK MANAGEMENT

The management of risk is central to the success of the business. The Company seeks to create and protect enterprise value by enabling risk-informed decision making and by balancing risk and return in business processes.

The Board has overall responsibility for the management of risk and is supported through formal committees of the Board including the Risk Committee.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The Company manages risk by applying the principles and guidelines outlined in the enterprise risk management policy (the “ERM Policy”). The ERM Policy establishes the overall risk management framework that includes the following:

 

   

Risk inventory — identifies and defines the risks arising from the Company’s business strategy and operations using a consistent language that enables an enterprise-wide approach to measurement, reporting and disclosure of risk;

 

   

Risk appetite — determines the nature and amount of risk the Company is prepared to take, the adherence to which is measured and reported through an extensive set of Board-approved risk appetite tolerances;

 

   

Risk governance — establishes clear ownership and accountability for risk management oversight and a risk-aware culture across the Company; and

 

   

Risk management process — codifies a consistent approach to the identification, assessment, measurement, control, monitoring and reporting of risks faced by the Company.

As part of the risk governance framework, the Company operates a three lines of defense model. Under this model, the accountabilities of each line of defense are:

 

   

First line — business management: day to day responsibility for managing and identifying risks, ensuring activities are within risk appetite and established policies, and designing and implementing effective internal controls;

 

   

Second line — risk management function: establish enterprise governance, risk and control strategies and policies; provide oversight and independent effective challenge to the first line, as well as training, tools and advice; and

 

   

Third line — internal audit: independently verify the adequacy and effectiveness of the first and second lines of defense, and that the enterprise risk management framework is operating effectively.

An Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (“ORSA”) is undertaken at least annually. The ORSA involves a comprehensive assessment of the Company’s risks, capital needs and solvency position, as well as solvency forecasting across a range of scenarios including plausible stresses that could jeopardize the Company’s business plans. The Company also evaluates its exposure to sustained adverse scenarios through other stress testing techniques such as Dynamic Capital Adequacy Testing (the “DCAT”). Effective 2020, the Company adopted the Financial Condition Testing (“FCT”). FCT is a modernization of the DCAT with the objective of providing a more robust approach to satisfying reporting requirements on expected future financial condition as well as for allowing for better alignment with ORSA.

The Company has established recurring routines for monitoring and reporting on risks. Risk management reports are provided to the Management Oversight Committee (“MOC”) on a monthly basis and to the Board and Risk Committee on a quarterly basis. The reports include risk exposures measured against Board-approved risk appetite tolerances, and where relevant, management actions are identified to ensure risk mitigation and controls are effective.

The principal risk factors that affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition include financial risks such as market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk, insurance risk and other risks such as regulatory risk.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The following sections describe the primary financial risks and associated risk management strategies in place that affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition.

a. Market risk

The Company’s most significant market risks are interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.

 

i.

Interest rate risk

The Company manages interest rate risk through an asset liability management (“ALM”) framework whereby the effective and key rate durations of the investment portfolio are closely matched to that of the insurance contract liabilities. Within the context of the ALM framework, the Company uses derivatives including interest rate swaps and bond futures to reduce market risk. For the annuity business, where the timing and amount of the benefit payment obligations can be readily determined, the matching of asset and liability cash flows is effectively controlled through this comprehensive duration management process.

The Investment Policy outlines the duration constraints that have been approved by the Board. In operationalizing these constraints, considerably more confining duration-based targets have been established that are closely monitored and reported to the MOC on a monthly basis and to the Board and Risk Committees on a quarterly basis.

The following table shows the sensitivity to changes in interest rates:

 

AS AT DEC . 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020     2019  
     50 bps
increase
    50 bps
decrease
    50 bps
increase
    50 bps
decrease
 

Movement in liabilities

   $ 62,847     $ (62,604   $ 33,434     $ (33,247

Movement in assets

     (62,240     62,240       (35,897     35,897  

Tax effect

     (161     96       653       (702
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact on comprehensive income

   $ 446     $ (268   $ (1,810   $ 1,948  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Investment Policy is reviewed at least annually and approved by the Board.

 

ii.

Foreign exchange risk

The Company’s obligations under its insurance contracts are denominated in CAD but a portion of the assets supporting these liabilities are denominated in non-Canadian dollars (“non-CAD”). The percentage of assets denominated in non-CAD as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 is 25% and 17%, respectively.

The Company manages foreign exchange risk using foreign exchange forwards. The Investment Policy sets out the foreign currency exposure limits and types of derivatives permitted for hedging purposes.

As at December 31, 2020, a 10% fluctuation in CAD against non-CAD currencies would have an impact of approximately $188 thousand on net income and $nil on OCI (2019 — $37 thousand on net income and $nil on OCI, 2018 — $2 thousand on net income, $nil on OCI).

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

b. Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss from amounts owed by counterparties and arises any time funds are extended, committed, owed or invested through actual or implied contractual arrangements including reinsurance. The Company is primarily exposed to credit risk through its investments in debt securities.

The Company manages exposure to credit risk by establishing concentration limits by counterparty, credit rating and asset class. To further minimize credit risk, the financial condition of the counterparties is monitored on a regular basis. These requirements are outlined in the Investment Policy.

 

i.

Asset quality

The following table summarizes the external credit ratings for cash and cash equivalents and investments:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 35,461        3    $ 13,361        2

Bonds

           

AAA

     407,608        33      43,442        6

AA

     11,487        1      155,634        22

A

     121,486        10      132,004        18

BBB

     617,060        50      335,816        47

BB

     9,574        1      8,719        1

B

     967        <1      1,252        <1

Unrated

     21,136        2      21,309        3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,189,318        97      698,176        97

Preferred shares

           

P2

     3,019        <1      2,872        1

Mortgages

           

Guaranteed by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”)

     128        <1      490        <1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents and investments

   $ 1,227,926        100    $ 714,899        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s overall target credit quality for the portfolio is a credit rating of A minus. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company met this requirement.

 

ii.

Concentration

Concentrations of credit risk arise from exposures to a single issuer or a group of related issuers or groups of issuers that have similar risk characteristics.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

Bonds

The following table provides the fair value of investments by groups of issuers of bonds:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Government bond holdings

   $ 401,049        34    $ 200,567        29

Corporate and other bond holdings

     788,269        66      497,609        71
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total bond holdings

   $ 1,189,318        100    $ 698,176        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table discloses the Company’s top 5 holdings of issuers (excluding governments), as well as exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds.

 

AS AT DEC. 31    Unit      2020      2019  

Exposure to the top 5 largest issuers of corporate bonds

   US$  (000’s)        90,123        67,998  

% of total cash and cash equivalents and investments

     %        7        10  

Exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds

   US$ (000’s)        18,173        13,889  

% of total cash and cash equivalents and investments

     %        2        2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Preferred shares

The Company’s holdings of preferred shares are all issued by Canadian companies, with 100% (2019 — 100%) of these investments rated as P-2.

Mortgages

All mortgages are guaranteed by CMHC (2019 — 100%).

 

iii.

Derivative counterparties

Credit risk also arises in respect of derivative contracts to the extent that there is the potential for the counterparties to default on their obligations. To manage this risk, derivative transactions are limited to an approved list of counterparties and in some cases are fully collateralized with highly rated instruments. The derivative counterparty risk as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $7.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, these counterparties have a credit rating of A+ or higher.

 

iv.

Reinsurance counterparties

The Company has reinsurance contracts with third-party registered reinsurers and one third-party unregistered reinsurer with a total exposure of $190.1 million at December 31, 2020 (2019 — $197.2 million). To manage counterparty risk, reinsurance transactions are limited to an approved list of reinsurers with concentration limits to any single reinsurer.

Under the reinsurance contracts with third-party unregistered reinsurers, highly rated assets are required to be pledged to the Company to fully support the ceded liabilities. The Company maintains a valid and enforceable security interest that has priority over any other security interest in the collateral. In the event of default by the reinsurer, the Company has the right to liquidate or take legal possession of these assets, in a timely manner.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

As at December 31, 2020, the credit ratings of the reinsurers are A+.

 

v.

Impaired Assets

The Company reviews all reinsurance assets at each reporting date and determined that there is no evidence of impairment as at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

c.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to raise the necessary funds, at the appropriate time, to meets its financial liabilities.

Cash outflows primarily consist of benefit payments to policyholders and to a lesser extent, operating expenses and settlement of derivative contracts.

The following table sets out the expected maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities:

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     Within 1 year      1 – 5 years      Over 5 years      Total  

Insurance contract liabilities

   $ 21,482      $ 168,772      $ 1,148,476      $ 1,338,730  

Due to related party

     4        —          —          4  

Reinsurance payable

     410        —          —          410  

Derivative liabilities

     122        —          —          122  

Current tax liability

     676        —          —          676  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     3,793        978        —          4,771  

Funds withheld liabilities

     12,379        —          —          12,379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 38,866      $ 169,750      $ 1,148,476      $ 1,357,092  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2019  
     Within 1 year      1 – 5 years      Over 5 years      Total  

Insurance contract liabilities

   $ 17,128      $ 128,455      $ 710,781      $ 856,364  

Due to related party

     28        —          —          28  

Reinsurance payable

     480        —          —          480  

Derivative liabilities

     661        —          —          661  

Current tax liability

     172        —          —          172  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     3,550        —          —          3,550  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 22,019      $ 128,455      $ 710,781      $ 861,255  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

To manage liquidity risk, the Company as part of its ALM framework, purchases assets to support the liabilities under its insurance contracts. The effective and key rate duration of these investments are constructed to closely match those of the annuity policy liabilities. The Company has established liquidity risk tolerances and operational targets that are closely monitored. Stress testing is conducted to ensure that there are sufficient liquid assets at all times to meet obligations.

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

In addition, the Company has access to a $50 million CAD revolving credit facility with BAM, $118 million repurchase agreement, and $3 million CAD revolving credit facility with highly rated financial institutions. As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 there were no amounts outstanding under these facilities.

The Management Investment Committee (“MIC”) continuously monitors market, credit and liquidity risk. The MIC meets monthly and reports quarterly to the Investment Committee of the Board.

 

d.

Insurance risk

Insurance risk is the risk that actual experience related to benefit payments and expenses does not emerge as expected. The Company is primarily exposed to longevity risk.

Longevity risk is the risk that mortality experience occurs at lower rates than that assumed at the time of pricing which exposes the Company to benefit payments that will be paid for longer periods than anticipated.

Longevity assumptions are derived by adjusting a base mortality table and applying mortality multipliers that vary by plan based on factors established at the time of pricing. These factors take into consideration the characteristics of the annuitants including but not limited to gender, age, job description, latest known salary, geography, and pension amount. These characteristics are further analyzed using a supporting database of over 500,000 Canadian pensioner lives. The data is comprised of a diverse range of survival patterns reflective of the recent past. Models generated from this data are mapped into curves which can then be applied for analysis on an annuitant basis. Further, the Company monitors views and research published by governments, industry and academia on the factors influencing mortality changes and maintains longevity assumptions that are consistent with emerging trends.

These inputs and analytics support the Company’s assessment of longevity risk.

To reduce longevity risk, the Company enters into longevity reinsurance transactions with third party reinsurers. Under these contracts, the Company commits to pay the reinsurers a schedule of fixed payments relating to defined blocks of policyholder benefits. In return, the reinsurers reimburse the actual cost of benefit expenses on those blocks to the Company. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has entered into longevity reinsurance contracts and has reinsured approximately 54% of its longevity risk (2019 — 59%, 2018 — No reinsurance transactions).

The following table shows the sensitivity to changes in longevity risk:

 

AS AT DEC. 31, 2020
US$ THOUSAND
   Mortality Rate     Mortality Improvement  
     5% Increase     5% Decrease     50% Increase     50% Decrease  

(Increase) decrease in insurance contract liabilities

   $ 7,793     $ (8,138   $ (10,693   $ 10,855  

Tax effect

     (1,948     2,035       2,673       (2,714
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact on comprehensive income

   $ 5,845     $ (6,103   $ (8,020   $ 8,141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

AS AT DEC. 31, 2019
US$ THOUSAND
   Mortality Rate     Mortality Improvement  
     5% Increase     5% Decrease     50% Increase     50% Decrease  

(Increase) decrease in insurance contract liabilities

   $ 4,362     $ (4,597   $ (5,580   $ 5,652  

Tax effect

     (1,156     1,216       1,479       (1,498
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact on comprehensive income

   $ 3,206     $ (3,381   $ (4,101   $ 4,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

AS AT DEC. 31, 2018
US$ THOUSANDS
   Mortality Rate     Mortality Improvement  
     5% Increase     5% Decrease     50% Increase     50% Decrease  

(Increase) decrease in insurance contract liabilities

   $ 3,708     $ (4,178   $ (6,134   $ 5,284  

Tax effect

     (983     1,107       1,626       (1,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact on comprehensive income

   $ 2,725     $ (3,071   $ (4,508   $ 3,884  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

e.

Operational risk

Operational risk is the potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external events. The Company’s internal control processes are supported by the maintenance of a risk register and independent internal audit review. The risk of fraud is managed through a number of processes including background checks on staff on hire, annual code of conduct confirmations, anti-bribery training and segregation of duties.

The Company has significant outsourcing arrangements in respect of pension administration and other functions. These arrangements are subject to agreements with formal service levels, operate within agreed authority limits and are subject to regular review by senior management. Material outsourcing arrangements are approved and monitored by the Board.

Disaster recovery and business continuity plans have also been established to manage the Company’s ability to operate under adverse conditions.

 

f.

Regulatory risk

Regulatory risk stems principally from the risk of changes to the regulatory environment in which the Company operates. To manage this risk, the Company seeks to a have a regular dialogue with regulators to ensure compliance. Furthermore, senior management participates in industry groups and professional bodies to stay apprised of regulatory changes.

NOTE 11. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Capital management is the on-going process of determining and maintaining the quantity and quality of capital appropriate to take advantage of the Company’s growth opportunities, to support the risks associated with the business and to optimize shareholder returns while fully complying the regulatory capital requirements.

The Company takes an integrated approach to risk management that involves the Company’s risk appetite and capital requirements. The enterprise risk management framework includes a capital management policy that describes the key processes related to capital management. The capital management policy is reviewed at least

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

annually and approved by the Board. The operating capital levels are determined by the Company’s risk appetite and ORSA. Furthermore, stress techniques that include the FCT are used to evaluate the Company’s capital adequacy under sustained adverse scenarios.

Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (“LICAT”) replaced the prior Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements. The LICAT ratio compares the regulatory capital resources of a company to its Base Solvency Buffer or required capital. The Base Solvency Buffer, defined by OSFI, is the aggregate of all defined capital requirements multiplied by a scalar of 1.05. The total capital resources are provided by the sum of Available Capital, Surplus Allowance and Eligible Deposits. As a Canadian life insurer, BAC is subject to LICAT. With a LICAT ratio of 137%, 164% and 202% as at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, BAC’s LICAT ratio is above OSFI’s Supervisory Target Total Ratio of 100% and minimum Total Ratio of 90%.

The Company’s capital base consists entirely of total equity of $83.0 million and $65.5 million as at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

NOTE 12. SHARE CAPITAL

On December 17, 2020, the Company issued an additional 17,000 common shares to BAM for cash consideration of $13 million (2019 — 5,000 common shares at $4 million). The Company’s shares have no stated par value.

BAH’s authorized share capital comprises an unlimited number of common shares of which a total of 101,314 were issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2020 (2019 — 84,314), all of which were issued by the Company for total cash consideration of $78 million (2019 — $65 million).

Shares issued and outstanding changed as follows:

 

AS AT DEC. 31    2020      2019  
     Number
of Shares
(000’s)
     Value      Number of
Shares
(000’s)
     Value  

Outstanding, beginning of year

     84      $ 64,612        78      $ 59,890  

Issued

     17        13,364        6        4,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of year

     101        77,976        84        64,612  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no preferred share distributions during the period and the Company has no dilutive instruments outstanding. The components of basic earnings per share are summarized in the following table:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019      2018  

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

   $ 1,608      $ 5,527      $ (507
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average — common shares

     85.0        81.6        70.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common shares

     85.0        81.6        70.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

NOTE 13. OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses include the following:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS

   2020     2019      2018  

Salaries and benefits expense

   $ 2,694     $ 2,509      $ 2,227  

Professional services

     2,270       1,853        1,216  

Software

     776       693        587  

Sales and capital taxes1

     (1,347     435        111  

Director fees

     151       125        108  

Depreciation of property, equipment and ROU assets .

     446       217        229  

Licenses and fees

     89       84        51  

Credit rating

     63       76        76  

Other

     463       444        366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   $ 5,605     $ 6,436      $ 4,971  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1.

Due to new information and experience in 2020, the Company recognized the effect of a change in accounting estimate prospectively in profit and loss.

NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES

Reconciliation to statutory income tax rate:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020     2019      2018  

Current tax:

       

Current tax on profits for the year

   $ 596     $ 158      $  

Adjustments in respect of prior years

     (13             
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current tax

     583       158         

Deferred tax:

       

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

     (42             
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 541     $ 158      $  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory income tax rate is as follows:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020     2019     2018  

Net income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 2,149     $ 5,685     $ (507

Statutory income tax rate

     25     26.7     26.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax at statutory rates

     537       1,518       (135

Tax effect of:

      

Non-taxable investment income

     (36            

Non-deductible items

     2       43        

Adjustments relating to prior years

     (13            

Unrecognized (recognized) deferred taxes

     (47     (1,459     135  

Other

     98       56        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

     541       158        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The tax expense relating to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:

 

 

   

Unrealized gain/(loss) on AFS assets

     938       381       (103

Tax (charge)/credit

     (237     (11      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

After tax

     701       267       (103
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current tax expense

     237       11        

Deferred tax expense

                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total tax expense

     237       11        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The current enacted corporate tax rate as it impacts the Company in 2020 is 25.0% (2019 — 26.7%). Due to new information and experience in 2020, the Company prospectively changed its estimate for sales and capital taxes that had been paid in years prior to 2020, resulting in a refund and a change to the tax rate for 2020. Non-taxable investment income includes dividend income from Canadian corporations. Nondeductible items and adjustments relating to prior years relate to differences in property, equipment, leases and meals & entertainment. Unrecognized (recognized) deferred taxes recorded in 2019 primarily relate to non-capital loss carryforwards. Other includes the effects of change in accounting estimates due to new information and experience in 2020 relating to the effective tax rate, operations in a low tax foreign jurisdiction and foreign exchange translation.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Beginning Balance, January 1

          $  

Tax booked to income statement

     44        48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tax booked to OCI

            1  

Ending Balance, December 31

     44        49  

Derecognition of deferred tax assets

            (49
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred taxes recognized in the year

     44         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset

 

     
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019  

Property and equipment

   $ 39      $ 47  

Lease liability (net of lease assets)

     5        2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred taxes

     44        49  

Derecognition of deferred tax assets

            (49
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred taxes recognized in the year

     44         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset recognized relates to temporary differences.

NOTE 15. FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

As at December 31, 2020, BAC had loan commitment agreements with a third party to the maximum of $14.5 million exclusive of taxes and other operating expenses (2019 — $8.4 million), As at December 31, 2020, $10.0 million was loaned (2019 — $5.4 million). The amount was recognized as an unrated bond.

NOTE 16. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

The following table presents supplementary information for our insurance operations:

 

AS AT AND

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS

  Insurance
contract
liabilities
    Reinsurance
assets
    Net
investment
income on
reserve
    Benefit
expenses
    Benefit
expenses
ceded
    Gross
premiums
    Ceded
premiums
 

Dec. 31, 2020

  $ 1,338,730     $ 190,070     $ 82,305     $ 63,349     $ (24,569   $ 431,070     $ (634

Dec. 31, 2019

    856,364       197,164       55,569       38,645       (13,502     503,688       (178,579

Dec. 31, 2018

        (236     13,408       —         160,146       —    

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the years ended

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

NOTE 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In December 2020, the Company issued 17,000 common shares to BAM for a total value of $13.4 million.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to COVID-19. To date, there have been restrictions on the conduct of business in many jurisdictions. The longer-term impacts of the global pandemic will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, constantly evolving and difficult to predict. These impacts may differ in magnitude depending on a number of scenarios, which we continue to monitor and take into consideration in our decision making as we continue to assess medium to long-term impacts on our business.

 

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

(PARENT COMPANY)

All operating activities of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. (the “Parent Company”) are conducted by its subsidiaries, Brookfield Annuity Company (“BAC”), Brookfield Annuity US Inc. (“BAUS”), North End Re (Bermuda) Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”), and North End Re (Cayman) SPC (“NER SPC”). BAUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAC. The Company is a holding company that does not conduct any substantive business operations and does not have any assets other than investments in its subsidiaries. The operating subsidiaries are regulated insurance companies and therefore have restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, loan funds and make other upstream distributions to the Company without prior approval by local regulators.

These condensed parent company financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting principles and policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes presented above for additional information and disclosures with respect to these condensed financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

AS AT
US$ THOUSANDS
   Dec. 31, 2020      Dec. 31, 2019  

Assets

     

Investments in subsidiaries

   $ 83,163      $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 83,163      $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

     

Share capital

   $ 77,976      $ 64,612  

Accumulated surplus (deficit)

     1,646        38  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     3,541        806  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

   $ 83,163      $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019      2018  

Income (loss) of equity method investments

   $ 1,608      $ 5,527      $ (507
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,608      $ 5,527      $ (507
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020      2019      2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,608      $ 5,527      $ (507

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,735        3,246        (3,229
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 4,343      $ 8,773      $ (3,736
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   Share Capital      Accumulated
Surplus
(Deficit)
    AOCI     Total  

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2019

   $ 64,612      $ 38     $ 806     $ 65,456  

Net income (loss)

     —          1,608       —         1,608  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         2,735       2,735  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          1,608       2,735       4,343  

Equity issuances

     13,364        —         —         13,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2020

   $ 77,976      $ 1,646     $ 3,541     $ 83,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2018

   $ 59,890      $ (5,489   $ (2,440   $ 51,961  

Net income (loss)

     —          5,527       —         5,527  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         3,246       3,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          5,527       3,246       8,773  

Equity issuances

     4,722        —         —         4,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2019

   $ 64,612      $ 38     $ 806     $ 65,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at Jan. 1, 2018

   $ 53,900      $ (4,982   $ 789     $ 49,707  

Net income (loss)

     —          (507     —         (507

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     —          —         (3,229     (3,229
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     —          (507     (3,229     (3,736

Equity issuances

     5,990        —         —         5,990  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at Dec. 31, 2018

   $ 59,890      $ (5,489   $ (2,440   $ 51,961  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020     2019     2018  

Operating activities

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,608     $ 5,527     $ (507

Items not affecting cash

      

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary

     (1,608     (5,527     507  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Investments in shares of subsidiary

     (13,364     (4,722     (5,990
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

     (13,364     (4,722     (5,990
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Issuance of common shares

     13,364       4,722       5,990  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash from financing activities

     13,364       4,722       5,990  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

      

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

     —         —         —    

Net increase (decrease) during the year

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

   $ —       $ —       $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

SCHEDULE I — NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc (the “Parent Company”) is a holding company that conducts all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. The Parent Company (an Ontario corporation) was incorporated on August 13, 2015.

The Parent Company is domiciled in Canada and wholly owns Brookfield Annuity Company (“BAC”), Brookfield Annuity US Inc. (“BAUS”), North End Re (Bermuda) Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”), and North End Re (Cayman) SPC (“NER SPC”). BAC is a life insurance company incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act of Canada (the “Act”) on August 11, 2016.

BAC received its order to commence business from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”) on October 3, 2016 and has obtained its licenses in all provinces of Canada. BAC provides pension de-risking solutions through group annuity policies.

NER Ltd. was incorporated on July 13, 2018 in Bermuda under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. Under the provisions of Section 14, the status of NER Ltd. is that of an exempted company. NER Ltd. is currently in the process of obtaining a license to conduct commercial long-term life and annuity reinsurance business with third party direct insurers.

NER SPC was incorporated on April 17, 2019 under the laws of the Cayman Islands. NER SPC is approved as a Class B (iii) insurer under the Cayman Islands’ Insurance Act, 2010 (as amended). The Company is licensed to conduct commercial long-term life and annuity reinsurance business with third-party direct insurers.

The Parent Company has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in these unconsolidated condensed financial statements.

The Parent Company’s functional currency is CAD. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in USD as the functional currency of BAM Re is USD. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of the Company are translated using the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Revenues and expenses are measured at average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in net income.

For purposes of presenting the consolidated financial statements, assets and liabilities of the Company are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date. Revenue and expenses are measured at transactional or average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in other comprehensive income.

No dividends have been received from any of our subsidiaries in the past three years.

NOTE 2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Parent Company has no material commitments or contingencies during the reported periods.

 

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UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC. AS AT MARCH 31, 2021

AND DECEMBER 31, 2020, AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020

 

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BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

(UNAUDITED)

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Note      Mar. 31, 2021      Dec. 31, 2020  

Assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     3      $ 80,061    $ 35,461

Investments

     3        1,090,077      1,192,465

Accrued investment income

        10,881      7,061

Reinsurance receivable

        2,310      2,310

Other assets

        3,335      3,846

Current tax asset

     7        662      —    

Deferred tax asset

     7        17,692      44

Derivative assets

     3        9,442      7,199

Property and equipment

        2,057      1,799

Reinsurance assets

     4        177,949      190,070
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      $ 1,394,466    $ 1,440,255
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Insurance contract liabilities

     4        1,263,809      1,338,730

Due to related party

        50      4

Reinsurance payable

        423      410

Derivative liabilities

     3        2,073      122

Current tax liability

     7        —          676

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

        4,499      4,771

Funds withheld liabilities

     3        11,746      12,379
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

        1,282,600      1,357,092
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

        

Share capital

     6        102,634      77,976

Contributed surplus

     8        199      —    

Accumulated surplus

        4,549      1,646

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        4,484      3,541
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

        111,866      83,163
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

      $ 1,394,466    $ 1,440,255
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

(UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS

   Note      2021     2020  

Premiums

       

Gross

      $ 2,739   $ 29,795

Ceded

        (181     (94
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums

        2,558     29,701

Net investment loss

        (63,268     (39,455

Net investment results from funds withheld

        390     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

        (60,320     (9,754
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefits paid on insurance contracts

       

Gross

        17,088     12,718

Ceded

        (6,314     (6,197

Change in insurance contract liabilities

     4       

Gross

        (92,652     (30,890

Ceded

        14,675     13,530

Operating expenses

        2,933     1,225

Interest expense

        21     29
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

        (64,249     (9,585
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

        3,929     (169

Income tax (expense) recovery

     7        (1,026     42
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the period

      $ 2,903   $ (127
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share

     6      $ 27.43     $ (1.51

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

(UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021     2020  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,903   $ (127

Other comprehensive income (loss) that will be reclassified to net income (loss)

    

Net unrealized loss on available for sale securities

     (487     (544

Income tax expense

     122     136

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     1,308     (4,740
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     943     (5,148
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) for the period

   $ 3,846   $ (5,275
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

(UNAUDITED)
AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED
MAR. 31, 2021
US$ THOUSANDS
   Note      Common
Shares
     Contributed
surplus
     Accumulated
surplus (deficit)
     Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
     Total
Equity
 

Balance as at December 31, 2020

      $ 77,976    $ —      $ 1,646    $ 3,541    $ 83,163
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in period:

                 

Net income

        —          —          2,903      —          2,903

Other comprehensive income

        —          —          —          943      943
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

        —          —          2,903      943      3,846

Other items

                 

Equity issuances

     8        24,658      —          —          —          24,658

Contributed surplus

     8        —          199      —          —          199
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total change in period

        24,658      199      2,903      943      28,703
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at March 31, 2021

      $ 102,634    $ 199    $ 4,549    $ 4,484    $ 111,866
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(UNAUDITED)

AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MAR. 31, 2020
US$ THOUSANDS

          Common
Shares
     Contributed
surplus
     Accumulated
surplus (deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Total
Equity
 

Balance as at December 31, 2019

      $ 64,612    $ —      $ 38   $ 806   $ 65,456
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in period:

               

Net loss

        —          —          (127       (127

Other comprehensive loss

        —          —          —         (5,148     (5,148
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

        —          —          (127     (5,148     (5,275

Total change in period

        —          —          (127     (5,148     (5,275
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at March 31, 2020

      $ 64,612    $ —      $ (89   $ (4,342   $ 60,181
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ANNUITY HOLDINGS INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021     2020  

Operating activities

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,903   $ (127

Items not involving cash

    

Depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use asset

     107     81

Unrealized losses on investments and derivatives

     86,137     46,999

Income tax expense

     1,026     (42

Non-cash items affecting net income

    

Changes in reinsurance assets

     14,675     (13,530 )

Changes in insurance contract liabilities

     (92,652     (30,890

Changes in funds withheld

     (633     —    

Changes in working capital

     (24,661     (7,383

Operating activities affecting cash

    

Interest paid

     (15     (4

Realized (gains) on investments

     (2,425     (1,012
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash (used in) from operating activities

     (15,538     21,152
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Proceeds on disposal of investments

     291,011     164,537

Purchase of investments

     (283,254     (198,609

Maturities of investments

     25,115     18,298

Purchase of property and equipment

     (328     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash from (used in) investing activities

     32,544     (15,787
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

    

Issuance of common shares

     24,658     —    

Principal portion of lease liabilities

     (66     (62

Proceeds from repurchase agreement

     2,879     29,025

Repayment of repurchase agreement

     (2,879     (29,025
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash from (used in) financing activities

     24,592     (62
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

    

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     35,461     13,361

Net increase during the period

     41,598     5,303

Foreign exchange on cash balances held in foreign currencies

     3,002     (1,689
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     80,061     16,975
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplementary Information

    

Cash balances

     39,978     3,181

Short term investments

     40,083     13,794
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 80,061   $ 16,975
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. (the “Company” or “BAH”) is a holding company incorporated on August 13, 2015. The registered address of the Company is 333 Bay Street, Suite 1200, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2R2, Canada. The Company is domiciled in Canada and wholly owns Brookfield Annuity Company (“BAC”), Brookfield Annuity US Inc., and North End Re (Cayman) SPC (“NER SPC”). BAC is a life insurance company incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act of Canada (the “Act”) on August 11, 2016.

BAC received its order to commence business from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”) on October 3, 2016 and has obtained its licenses in all provinces of Canada. BAC provides pension de-risking solutions through group annuity policies.

NER SPC was incorporated on April 17, 2019 under the laws of the Cayman Islands. NER SPC is approved as a Class B (iii) insurer under the Cayman Islands’ Insurance Act, 2010 (as amended). NER SPC is licensed to conduct commercial long-term life and annuity reinsurance business with third-party direct insurers.

The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”). The Company will enter into a series of transactions with BAM, whereby BAM will contribute the Company into a newly formed entity, Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (“BAM Re”). BAM Re was incorporated on December 10, 2020, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAM.

Subsequent to BAM contributing the Company into BAM Re, BAM will distribute the shares of BAM Re on a pro rata basis to BAM’s shareholders and BAM Re will become a public company. The Company is the predecessor of BAM Re.

On March 12, 2021, BAM Re Holdings Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BAM Re, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of North End Re (Bermuda) Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”) from the Company, its sole shareholder. NER Ltd. was incorporated on July 13, 2018 in Bermuda under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. Under the provisions of Section 14, the status of NER Ltd. is that of an exempted company within the meaning of Section 127. BAH, including BAC and NER SPC, will also be acquired by BAM Re Holdings in advance of the special dividend.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a.

Statement of Compliance

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Statements as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) on a basis consistent with the accounting policies disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Revenues and net income for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on May 12, 2021.

 

b.

Basis of presentation

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are comprised of the financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

 

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The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements represent the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and cash flows of the business that will be contributed to BAM Re. The Company maintains its own independent management and infrastructure and does not rely on any resources from BAM. As a result, no corporate costs have been allocated to the Company.    

In accordance with IFRS, presentation of assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is in order of liquidity.

The Company uses a management approach to determine operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocation of resource and assessing performance. The Company’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer who reviews the results of operations when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Company which is currently managed as a single segment; pension risk transfer. All of the Company’s revenue for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was generated from the pension risk transfer operating segment and was earned in Canada. All of the long-lived assets of the Company were included in the pension risk transfer operating segment and reside in Canada.

 

c.

Accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are subject to uncertainty and can therefore differ significantly from actual results. The items most susceptible to changes in estimates and assumptions include the measurement of reinsurance assets, insurance contract liabilities, and impairment of financial instruments. Actual results may differ from our estimates thereby impacting the consolidated financial statements. Information on our use of estimates and assumptions is discussed in Note 2(d) on our December 31, 2020 audited consolidated financial statements.

Management judgment is also used in applying the accounting policies used to prepare financial statements. The item most susceptible to changes in judgements is the evaluation of indicators of impairment of our investments.

 

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NOTE 3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

a)

Summary of cash and cash equivalents, investments and derivative assets and liabilities

The summary of financial assets and financial liabilities is as follows:

 

AS AT MAR. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2021  
     FVTPL      AFS      Amortized Cost      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

           

Cash

   $ 30,043    $ 9,935    $ —      $ 39,978

Cash equivalents

     38,827      1,256      —          40,083
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     68,870      11,191      —          80,061
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign exchange forwards

     6,309      —          —          6,309

Interest rate swaps

     247      —          —          247

Bond futures

     2,886      —          —          2,886
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     9,442      —          —          9,442
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Bonds

           

Government

     231,060      27,232      —          258,292

Corporate and other

     769,543      38,760      20,284      828,587
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     1,000,603      65,992      20,284      1,086,879

Total preferred shares

     —          3,156      —          3,156

Total mortgages

     —          —          42      42
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     1,000,603      69,148      20,326      1,090,077
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Foreign exchange forwards

     (2,003      —          —          (2,003

Cross currency swaps

     (70      —          —          (70
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     (2,073      —          —          (2,073
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds withheld liabilities

     (11,746      —          —          (11,746
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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AS AT DEC. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     FVTPL      AFS      Amortized Cost      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

           

Cash

   $ 14,108    $ 2,388    $ —      $ 16,496

Cash equivalents

     15,903        3,062        —          18,965  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     30,011        5,450        —          35,461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives

           

Foreign exchange forwards

     4,723        —          —          4,723  

Currency swaps

     1        —          —          1  

Interest rate swaps

     34        —          —          34  

Bond futures

     2,441        —          —          2,441  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

     7,199        —          —          7,199  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Bonds

           

Government

     372,026        29,023        —          401,049  

Corporate and other

     730,971        36,139        21,159        788,269  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     1,102,997        65,162        21,159        1,189,318  

Total preferred shares

     —          3,019        —          3,019  

Total mortgages

     —          —          128        128  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     1,102,997        68,181        21,287        1,192,465  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bond futures

     (122      —          —          (122
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

     (122      —          —          (122
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds withheld liabilities

     (12,379      —          —          (12,379
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company assesses that the fair value of loans and receivables approximates their carrying values.

 

b)

Fair value hierarchy

Investments carried at fair value are classified in accordance with a valuation hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in determining their fair value, as per IFRS 13-Fair Value Measurement. Under Level 1 of this hierarchy, fair value is derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. Under Level 2, fair value is derived from market inputs that are directly or indirectly observable other than unadjusted quoted prices for identical investments. Under Level 3, fair value is derived from inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

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The following sets out the financial assets and financial liabilities classified in accordance with the above-mentioned fair value hierarchy. Also included are financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at amortized cost.

 

AS AT MAR. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2021  
     Level 1      Level 2      Total  

Financial assets

        

Fair value through profit or loss:

        

Cash

   $ 30,043    $ —      $ 30,043

Cash equivalents

     38,827        —          38,827  

Bonds

     —          1,000,603        1,000,603  

Derivative assets

     2,886        6,556        9,442  

Available for sale:

        

Cash

     9,935        —          9,935  

Cash equivalents

     1,256        —          1,256  

Bonds

     —          65,992        65,992  

Preferred shares

     3,156        —          3,156  

Amortized cost:

        

Bonds

     —          —          —    

Mortgages

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 86,103    $ 1,073,151    $ 1,159,254
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

        

Fair value through profit or loss:

        

Derivative liabilities

     —          (2,073      (2,073

Funds withheld liabilities

     —          (11,746      (11,746
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

   $ —      $ (13,819    $ (13,819
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

AS AT MAR. 31
US$ THOUSANDS
   2020  
     Level 1      Level 2      Total  

Financial assets

        

Fair value through profit or loss:

        

Cash

     14,108        —          14,108  

Cash equivalents

     15,903        —          15,903  

Bonds

     —          1,102,996        1,102,996  

Derivative assets

     2,441        4,758        7,199  

Available for sale:

        

Cash

     2,388        —          2,388  

Cash equivalents

     3,062        —          3,062  

Bonds

     —          65,162        65,162  

Preferred shares

     3,019        —          3,019  

Amortized cost:

        

Bonds

     —          —          —    

Mortgages

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 40,921    $ 1,172,916    $ 1,213,837
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

        

Fair value through profit or loss:

        

Derivative liabilities

     —          (122      (122

Funds withheld liabilities

     —          (12,379      (12,379
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

   $ —      $ (12,501    $ (12,501
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Investments measured at amortized cost are individually evaluated for impairment in establishing the allowance for impairment. For the period ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not incur an impairment expense (March 31, 2020 – $nil).

The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and key inputs used in the fair value measurement of Level 2 financial instruments:

 

Type of Asset

  

Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs

Bonds

  

Valuation model is based on quoted prices of similar traded securities in active markets. For example, interest rates and yield curves observed at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatility, credit spread and market-corroborated inputs.

Derivative assets/Derivative liabilities

  

Foreign currency forward contracts—discounted cash flow model—forward exchange rates (from observable forward exchange rates at the end of the reporting period); discounted at a credit adjusted rate.

 

Interest rate contracts—discounted cash flow model—forward interest rates (from observable yield curves) and applicable credit spreads discounted at a credit adjusted rate.

Funds withheld liabilities

  

Valuation model is based on quoted prices of similar traded securities in active markets. For example, interest rates and yield curves observed at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatility, credit spread and market-corroborated inputs.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no Level 3 investments during or for the period ended March 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - Nil).

NOTE 4. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES

The Company’s insurance contract liabilities are as follows:

 

AS AT MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Gross

   $ 1,263,809    $ 1,338,730

Reinsurance

     (177,949      (190,070
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total insurance contract liabilities

   $ 1,085,860    $ 1,148,660
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reinsurance assets reflect immediate and deferred annuity payments ceded under the longevity reinsurance and quota share reinsurance arrangements.

 

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The following table summarizes the movement between insurance contract liabilities at the beginning and end of the period by its major components:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31, 2021

US$ THOUSANDS

   Gross liability      Reinsurance
assets
     Net  

Beginning of period

   $ 1,338,730      190,070    $ 1,148,660

Changes during the period

        

New business

     3,002        —          3,002  

Normal changes

     (99,352      (14,620      (84,732

Management actions and changes in assumptions

     3,765        —          3,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (92,585      (14,620      (77,965

Impact of foreign exchange1

     17,664      2,499      15,165
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 1,263,809    $ 177,949    $ 1,085,860
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31, 2020

US$ THOUSANDS

   Gross liability      Reinsurance
assets
     Net  

Beginning of period

   $ 856,364    $ 197,164    $ 659,200

Changes during the period

        

New business

     29,509        —          29,509  

Normal changes

     (58,993      (13,641      (45,352

Management actions and changes in assumptions

     (1,406      —          (1,406
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (30,890      (13,641      (17,249

Impact of foreign exchange1

     (67,913      (14,413      (53,500
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 757,561    $ 169,110    $ 588,451
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1.

Presentation currency translation reported as a separate component of Other comprehensive income. See Note 2d(xvii) Foreign currencies in the accompanying December 31, 2020 consolidated statements of financial statements of the Company.

Under fair value accounting, movement in the fair value of the supporting assets is a major factor in the movement of insurance contract liabilities. Changes in the fair value of assets are largely offset by corresponding changes in the fair value of liabilities. The change in the value of the insurance contract liabilities associated with the change in the value of the supporting assets is included in the normal changes above.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the main contributor to the decrease in net insurance contract liabilities was the impact of normal changes of $85 million (March 31, 2020—$45 million), which related to the rise in interest rates in the period, partially offset by $3 million of new business (March 31, 2020—$30 million). In the current period, management actions and changes in assumptions related to the reinvestment assumption increased the reserves by $4 million. In the prior period, management actions and changes in assumptions related to revised investment expense assumptions lowered the reserves by $1 million. The Company’s risks arising from insurance contract liabilities are principally interest rate and longevity.

NOTE 5. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Capital management is the on-going process of determining and maintaining the quantity and quality of capital appropriate to take advantage of the Company’s growth opportunities, to support the risks associated with the business and to optimize shareholder returns while fully complying the regulatory capital requirements.

The Company takes an integrated approach to risk management that involves the Company’s risk appetite and capital requirements. The enterprise risk management framework includes a capital management policy that describes the key processes related to capital management. The capital management policy is reviewed at least

 

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annually and approved by the Board. The operating capital levels are determined by the Company’s risk appetite and ORSA. Furthermore, stress techniques that include the Financial Conditions Test are used to evaluate the Company’s capital adequacy under sustained adverse scenarios.

Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (“LICAT”) replaced the prior Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements. The LICAT ratio compares the regulatory capital resources of a company to its Base Solvency Buffer or required capital. The Base Solvency Buffer, defined by OSFI, is the aggregate of all defined capital requirements multiplied by a scalar of 1.05. The total capital resources are provided by the sum of Available Capital, Surplus Allowance and Eligible Deposits. As a Canadian life insurer, BAC is subject to LICAT. With a LICAT ratio of 148% and 137% as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, BAC’s LICAT ratio remains above OSFI’s Supervisory Target Total Ratio of 100% and minimum Total Ratio of 90%.

The Company’s capital base consists entirely of total equity of $112 million and $83 million as at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 6. SHARE CAPITAL

On February 4, 2021, the Company issued 6,413 shares to BAM for cash consideration of $5 million (March 31, 2020 - nil).

On March 29, 2021, the Company issued an additional 24,750 common shares to BAM for cash consideration of $20 million (March 31, 2020 - nil). The Company’s shares have no stated par value.

BAH’s total authorized share capital comprises an unlimited number of common shares of which a total of 132,477 were issued and outstanding as at March 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - 101,314), all of which were issued by the Company for total cash consideration of $103 million (December 31, 2020 - $78 million).

Shares issued and outstanding changed as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares (000’s)
     Value
(000’s)
 

Outstanding, as at January 1, 2021

     101    $ 77,976

Issued

     31      24,658
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding, as at March 31, 2021

     132      102,634
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company has no dilutive instruments outstanding. The components of basic earnings per share are summarized in the following table:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

   $ 2,903    $ (127
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average—common shares

     105.8      84.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share

   $ 27.43      (1.51
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES

Reconciliation to statutory income tax rate:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Current tax:

     

Current tax on profits for the period

   $ —      $ (42
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current tax

     —          (42

Deferred tax:

     

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

     1,026      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense (recovery)

   $ 1,026    $ (42
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory income tax rate is as follows:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021     2020  

Net income (loss) before income taxes

     3,929     (169

Statutory income tax rate

     25.00     25.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax at statutory rates

     982     (42

Tax effect of:

    

Non-taxable investment income

     (9     —    

Other

     53     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

     1,026     (42
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The tax expense relating to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:

 

Unrealized gain/(loss) on AFS assets

     (487      (544

Tax (charge)/credit

     122      136
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

After tax

     (365      (408
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current tax expense

     (122      (136

Deferred tax expense

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total tax expense

     (122      (136
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The current enacted corporate tax rate as it impacts the Company in 2021 is 25.0% (2020—25.0%). Non-taxable investment income includes dividend income from Canadian corporations. Nondeductible items and adjustments relate to differences in property, equipment, leases and meals & entertainment. Other includes the impact of foreign exchange translation.

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$ THOUSANDS

   2021      2020  

Beginning Balance, January 1

   $ 44    $ —  

Tax booked to income statement

     (1,026      —    

Tax booked to OCI

     122      —    

Recognition of non-capital loss carryforwards

     18,411      —    

Foreign currency translation

     141      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance, March 31

   $ 17,692    $ —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The components of the deferred tax asset are set out below:

 

AS AT

US$ THOUSANDS

   Mar. 31, 2021      Dec. 31, 2020  

Property and equipment

   $ (21    $ 39

Lease liability (net of lease assets)

     6      5

Non-capital loss carryforwards

     17,707      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred taxes recognized in the period

   $ 17,692    $ 44
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset recognized in the period relates to tax losses the Company transferred from its parent, BAM. The transfer also resulted in capital tax recoveries related to prior periods, resulting in a current tax asset of $662 thousand as at March 31, 2021.

NOTE 8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On March 29, 2021, the Company’s parent, BAM, transferred $79 million of deductions related to Part Vl.1 tax at a cost of $0.99 per $1.00 of tax savings, resulting in a contributed surplus balance of $199 thousand as at March 31, 2021. The total value of tax deductions acquired was $19.9 million dollars. In exchange, the Company paid cash of $19.7 million.

On March 12, 2021, the Company sold its 100 common shares of NER Ltd. to BAM Re Holdings Ltd. for $100, as part of the transactions in connection with the special dividend. This transaction is common control transaction recorded at historical carrying values. This is a common control transaction and $68 thousand of intercompany balances were derecognized on transfer.

On March 10, 2020, the Company entered into a lease arrangement with Brookfield Properties (Canada) Inc. (“BPO”), a subsidiary of BAM. The lease arrangement was conducted in the normal course of operations and on market terms. The amount paid to BPO for the leased office facilities and building maintenance for the three months ended March 31, 2021 totaled $93 thousand (March 31, 2020—$nil).

The Company has outsourcing arrangements with BAM related to information technology, investment fund management, building maintenance, and internal audit services. The amount paid to BAM for these services for the three months ended March 31, 2021 totaled $64 thousand (March 31, 2020 – $49 thousand).

The Company has derivative arrangements related to foreign exchange forwards and interest rate swaps with third party financial institutions through BAM. Amounts outstanding related to unsettled derivative arrangements at March 31, 2021 totaled $9.4 million (March 31, 2020 – $0.8 million). The amounts were repaid in full on settlement.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”) as at December 31, 2020, and the related notes (referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Canada

March 26, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

AS AT
US$
   Note      Dec 31, 2020  

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

     3      $ 1,000  
     

 

 

 

Total Assets

      $ 1,000  
     

 

 

 

Equity

     

Capital

     4      $ 1,000  
     

 

 

 

Total equity

      $ 1,000  
     

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (“BAM Re” or the “Company”) is a Bermuda corporation incorporated on December 10, 2020 and governed by, the laws of Bermuda. The Company is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., which we also refer to as the parent company or BAM. BAM contributed $1,000. Subsequent to BAM contributing the net assets of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. into BAM Re, BAM will distribute the shares of BAM Re on a pro rata basis to BAM’s shareholders and BAM Re will become a stand-alone public company.

The Company’s registered head office is 73 Front Street 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and authorized for issuance on March 26, 2021.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a.

Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). Separate Statements of Operating Results, Changes in Equity and Cash Flows have not been presented as there have been no activities for the Company since incorporation.

 

b.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand of nil and demand deposits with original maturities of three months or less.

 

c.

Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make critical judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources, during the reporting period. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

On December 11, 2020, the Company provided $1,000 to Brookfield International Corporate Finance Ltd. (“BICFL”) in exchange for the issuance by BICFL of a demand note in the amount of $1,000. Amounts outstanding related to demand deposit as at December 31, 2020 totaled $1,000.

NOTE 4. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

As at December 31, 2020, one hundred common shares of par value $1.00 each were issued and outstanding. An additional $900 was contributed to the company as additional paid in capital. The Company is currently authorized to issue 100 common shares.

 

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NOTE 5. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On March 12, 2021, BAM Re acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of North End Re Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”), from its sole shareholder Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. for total consideration of $100. At the time of transfer, NER Ltd.’s total share capital consisted of one hundred common shares with par value of $1.00 per share.

 

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UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE

PARTNERS LTD. AS AT MARCH 31, 2021

AND DECEMBER 31, 2020, AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

(UNAUDITED)

AS AT

US$

   Note      Mar 31, 2021     Dec 31, 2020  

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

     3      $ 1,000   $ 1,000

Interest receivable

        6     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

        1,006     1,000
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Due to related party

     3        67,600     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

        67,600     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity (deficit)

       

Share capital

     4        1,000     1,000

Accumulated deficit

        (67,594     —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        —         —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity (deficit)

        (66,594     1,000
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)

      $ 1,006   $ 1,000
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

(UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

US$

   Note      Mar 31, 2021  

Interest income

     3      $ 6
     

 

 

 

Total revenues

        6
     

 

 

 

Operating expenses

        —    
     

 

 

 

Total expenses

        —    
     

 

 

 

Net income before income taxes

        6

Income tax expense

        —    
     

 

 

 

Net income

      $ 6
     

 

 

 

Net income per share

     4      $ 0.06  
     

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31

US$

   2021  

Net income

   $ 6

Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to net income

  

Foreign exchange gain

     —    
  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

     —    
  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period

   $ 6
  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

(UNAUDITED)

AS AT MAR. 31, 2021

US$

   Note      Share capital      Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
     Total
equity (deficit)
 

Balance as at December 31, 2020

      $ 1,000    $ —       $ —        $ 1,000
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in period:

             

Net income

        —          6     —          6

Other comprehensive income

        —          —         —          —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

        —          6     —          6

Other items

             

Common control transaction adjustment

     3        —          (67,600     —          (67,600
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total change in period

        —          (67,594     —          (67,594
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as at March 31, 2021

      $ 1,000    $ (67,594   $ —        $ (66,594
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

US$

   Mar 31, 2021  

Operating activities

  

Net income

   $ 6

Change in working capital:

  

Interest receivable

     (6
  

 

 

 

Cash from operating activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

Investing activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

Cash from investing activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

Financing activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

Cash from financing activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,000

Net increase (decrease) during the year

     —    

Foreign exchange on cash balances held in foreign currencies

     —    
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,000
  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (“BAM Re” or the “Company”) is a Bermuda corporation incorporated on December 10, 2020 and governed by the laws of Bermuda. The Company is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., which we also refer to as the parent company or BAM.

As part of the special dividend (described below), it is anticipated that our wholly-owned subsidiary, BAM Re Holdings Ltd. will acquire Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc., which we refer to as BAH, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brookfield Annuity and NER SPC, through a series of transactions. As part of the transactions, on March 12, 2021, BAM Re acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of North End Re Ltd. (“NER Ltd.”) from BAH, for total consideration of a $100 non-interest bearing promissory note.

Subsequent to BAM contributing the net assets of BAH into BAM Re (the “special dividend”), BAM will distribute the shares of BAM Re on a pro rata basis to BAM’s shareholders and BAM Re will become a stand-alone public company.

The Company’s registered head office is 73 Front Street 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and authorized for issuance on May 12, 2021.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

a.

Statement of Compliance

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on a basis consistent with the accounting policies disclosed in the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

b.

Basis of Consolidation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, which are the entities over which the Company has control. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

 

c.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand of nil and demand deposits with original maturities of three months or less.

 

d.

Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make critical judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources, during the reporting period. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

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The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On December 11, 2020, the Company provided $1,000 to Brookfield International Corporate Finance Ltd. (“BICFL”) in exchange for the issuance by BICFL of a demand note in the amount of $1,000. Amounts outstanding related to the demand deposit as at March 31, 2021 totaled $1,000. Interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 related to the demand deposit totaled $6.

On March 12, 2021, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of NER Ltd., from its sole shareholder, BAH, for total consideration of $100. At the time of transfer, NER Ltd.’s total share capital consisted of one hundred common shares with par value of $1.00 per share. The transaction represents a common control transaction and is recorded at NER Ltd.’s historical carrying value, which represented amounts due to related parties, net of $67,500.

NOTE 4. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

As at March 31, 2021, one hundred common shares of par value $1.00 each were issued and outstanding. An additional $900 was contributed to the Company as additional paid in capital on December 11, 2020. The Company is currently authorized to issue 100 common shares.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

 

 

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V) (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 1, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Des Moines, Iowa

March 1, 2021

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 

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Valuation of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements and liability for lifetime income benefit riders

As discussed in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s fixed index and fixed rate annuity contract deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) and deferred sales inducements (DSI) are amortized in proportion to actual and expected gross profits. Actual and expected gross profits include the excess of net investment income earned over the interest credited or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholders, or the “investment spread”; and to a lesser extent, product charges and fees net of expected excess payments for lifetime income benefit riders and certain policy expenses. The liability for lifetime income benefit riders (LIBR) is based on the actual and present value of expected benefit payments to be paid in excess of projected policy values recognizing the excess over the expected lives of the underlying policies based on the actual and present value of expected assessments including investment spreads, product charges, and fees. The DAC, DSI, and liability for LIBR balances were $2.0 billion, $1.3 billion, and $1.9 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2020.

We identified the assessment of the valuation of DAC and DSI and the liability for LIBR as a critical audit matter. Due to significant measurement uncertainty associated with the valuation of DAC and DSI and the liability for LIBR, there was subjective auditor judgment. Additionally, specialized actuarial knowledge and skills, as well as experience in the insurance industry, were required to evaluate certain key assumptions (assumptions) used to calculate estimated future gross profits, assessments, and benefit payments expected to be paid in excess of projected policy values, including:

 

   

future yields on invested assets

 

   

future cost of money, which includes the expected policy crediting rates on fixed rate annuities and with respect to fixed index annuities 1) the expected cost of annual call options the Company will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and 2) the expected policy crediting rates on amounts allocated to the fixed rate strategy

 

   

future policyholder decrements, including lapse and mortality rates

 

   

future policyholder behavior related to LIBR utilization.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. With the involvement of actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, when appropriate, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s assumption setting process. This included controls related to the determination of assumptions. In addition, we involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

 

   

comparing estimated gross profits and assessments for the current year developed from the application of the Company’s assumptions to actual gross profits and assessments during the current year

 

   

comparing the assumptions used by the Company to actual and historical invested asset yields, cost of money, and internal and industry policyholder experience, including future policyholder decrements and future policyholder behavior related to LIBR utilization

 

   

developing an independent estimate of gross profits, assessments, and excess benefits for selected policies based on the assumptions used by the Company and comparing them to the Company’s estimates

 

   

evaluating period over period trends in the valuation of DAC and DSI and the liability for LIBR in relation to the assumptions used by the Company.

Fair value for embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has established policies and procedures for determining the fair value of embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts with crediting strategies linked to market indices. As of December 31, 2020, the recorded balance of the

 

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embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts, net of coinsurance ceded, was $7.9 billion, which was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company estimates the fair value of the embedded derivative component of fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves by projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on the Company’s best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements.

We identified the evaluation of the fair value for embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts as a critical audit matter. Due to significant measurement uncertainty associated with the fair value of embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts, subjective auditor judgment was required. Additionally, specialized actuarial knowledge and skills, as well as experience in the insurance industry, were required to evaluate certain key assumptions (assumptions) used to estimate the fair value, including: 1) the expected cost of annual call options the Company will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary, and 2) future policyholder decrements, including lapse rates.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. With the involvement of actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, when appropriate, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s assumption setting process. This included controls related to the determination of assumptions. In addition, we involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

 

   

comparing the assumptions used by the Company to actual and historical cost of annual call options and internal and industry policyholder experience, including future policyholder decrements; and

 

   

developing an independent estimate of the fair value of the embedded derivatives for selected policies based on the assumptions used by the Company and comparing the estimate to the Company’s estimate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

Des Moines, Iowa

March 1, 2021

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Assets

     

Investments:

     

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $42,304,736 as of 2020 and $48,238,946 as of 2019; allowance for credit losses of $64,771 as of 2020)

   $ 47,538,893      $ 51,580,490  

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowance for credit losses of $31,029 as of 2020 and $9,179 as of 2019)

     4,165,489        3,448,793  

Derivative instruments

     1,310,954        1,355,989  

Other investments

     590,078        492,301  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     53,605,414        56,877,573  

Cash and cash equivalents

     9,095,522        2,293,392  

Coinsurance deposits (net of allowance for credit losses of $1,888 as of 2020 and $0 as of 2019)

     4,844,927        5,115,013  

Accrued investment income

     398,082        472,826  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     2,045,812        2,923,454  

Deferred sales inducements

     1,328,857        1,966,723  

Income taxes recoverable

     862        —    

Other assets

     70,198        47,571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 71,389,674      $ 69,696,552  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Policy benefit reserves

   $ 61,768,246      $ 61,893,945  

Other policy funds and contract claims

     240,904        256,105  

Notes payable

     495,668        495,116  

Subordinated debentures

     78,112        157,265  

Deferred income taxes

     564,003        177,897  

Income taxes payable

     —          429  

Other liabilities

     1,668,025        2,145,676  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     64,814,958        65,126,433  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, Series A; par value $1 per share; $400,000 aggregate liquidation preference; 20,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2020 - 16,000 shares;

     16        16  

2019 - 16,000 shares

Preferred stock, Series B; par value $1 per share; $300,000 aggregate liquidation preference; 12,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2020 - 12,000 shares;

     12        —    

2019 - no shares

Common stock; par value $1 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2020 - 95,720,622 shares (excluding 6,516,525 treasury shares);

     95,721        91,107  

2019 - 91,107,555 shares (excluding 1,344,193 treasury shares)

Additional paid-in capital

     1,681,127        1,212,311  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     2,429,285        1,497,921  

Retained earnings

     2,368,555        1,768,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,574,716        4,570,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 71,389,674      $ 69,696,552  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Revenues:

      

Premiums and other considerations

   $ 39,382     $ 23,534     $ 26,480  

Annuity product charges

     251,227       240,035       224,488  

Net investment income

     2,182,078       2,307,635       2,147,812  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     34,666       906,906       (777,848

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (80,680     6,962       (37,178

Other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investments:

      

Total OTTI losses

     —         (18,511     (35,005

Portion of OTTI losses recognized from other comprehensive income

     —         (215     (1,651
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net OTTI losses recognized in operations

     —         (18,726     (36,656

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (2,024     (2,001     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     2,424,649       3,464,345       1,547,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefits and expenses:

      

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits

     49,742       35,418       39,530  

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

     1,543,270       1,287,576       1,610,835  

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

     438,164       88,585       222,201  

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

     (1,286,787     1,454,042       (1,389,491

Interest expense on notes payable

     25,552       25,525       25,498  

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

     5,557       15,764       15,491  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     649,554       87,717       327,991  

Other operating costs and expenses

     183,636       154,153       129,301  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

     1,608,688       3,148,780       981,356  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     815,961       315,565       565,742  

Income tax expense

     144,501       69,475       107,726  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     671,460       246,090       458,016  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     33,515       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 637,945     $ 246,090     $ 458,016  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

   $ 6.93     $ 2.70     $ 5.07  

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution

   $ 6.90     $ 2.68     $ 5.01  

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

      

Earnings per common share

     92,055       91,139       90,348  

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution

     92,392       91,782       91,423  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Net income

   $ 671,460     $ 246,090     $ 458,016  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses (1)

     1,162,252       1,954,044       (1,129,213

Noncredit component of OTTI losses (1)

     —         103       775  

Reclassification of unrealized investment gains/losses to net income (1)

     16,690       8,323       (16,606
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax

     1,178,942       1,962,470       (1,145,044

Income tax effect related to other comprehensive income (loss)

     (247,578     (412,117     240,459  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     931,364       1,550,353       (904,585
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 1,602,824     $ 1,796,443     $ (446,569
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Preferred
Stock
     Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   $ —        $ 89,331     $ 791,446     $ 724,599     $ 1,244,781     $ 2,850,157  

Net income for the year

     —          —         —         —         458,016       458,016  

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —         —         (904,585     —         (904,585

Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects

     —          —         —         127,554       (127,554     —    

Share-based compensation

     —          —         11,097       —         —         11,097  

Issuance of common stock

     —          1,038       8,643       —         —         9,681  

Dividends on common stock ($0.28 per share)

     —          —         —         —         (25,265     (25,265
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

     —          90,369       811,186       (52,432     1,549,978       2,399,101  

Net income for the year

     —          —         —         —         246,090       246,090  

Other comprehensive income

     —          —         —         1,550,353       —         1,550,353  

Issuance of preferred stock

     16        —         388,877       —         —         388,893  

Share-based compensation

     —          —         11,295       —         —         11,295  

Issuance of common stock

     —          738       953       —         —         1,691  

Dividends on common stock ($0.30 per share)

     —          —         —         —         (27,304     (27,304
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

     16        91,107       1,212,311       1,497,921       1,768,764       4,570,119  

Net income for the year

     —          —         —         —         671,460       671,460  

Other comprehensive income

     —          —         —         931,364       —         931,364  

Issuance of preferred stock

     12        —         290,248       —         —         290,260  

Share-based compensation

     —          —         10,215       —         —         10,215  

Issuance of common stock

     —          10,053       328,008       —         —         338,061  

Treasury stock acquired, common

     —          (5,439     (159,655     —         —         (165,094

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —          —         —         —         (9,295     (9,295

Dividends on preferred stock

     —          —         —         —         (33,515     (33,515

Dividends on common stock ($0.32 per share)

     —          —         —         —         (28,859     (28,859
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

   $ 28      $ 95,721     $ 1,681,127     $ 2,429,285     $ 2,368,555     $ 6,574,716  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Operating activities

 

 

Net income

   $ 671,460     $ 246,090     $ 458,016  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

     1,543,270       1,287,576       1,610,835  

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

     438,164       88,585       222,201  

Annuity product charges

     (251,227     (240,035     (224,488

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

     (1,286,787     1,454,042       (1,389,491

Change in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves

     8,694       (3,546     (163

Policy acquisition costs deferred

     (255,154     (422,516     (388,222

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     649,554       87,717       327,991  

Provision for depreciation and other amortization

     5,199       4,068       3,474  

Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments

     57,437       25,846       19,204  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     2,024       2,001       —    

Realized gains/losses on investments

     80,680       11,764       73,834  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     (34,668     (906,201     777,575  

Distributions from equity method investments

     1,968       2,753       1,270  

Deferred income taxes

     141,071       56,947       (12,563

Share-based compensation

     10,215       11,295       11,097  

Change in accrued investment income

     74,744       (4,097     (39,721

Change in income taxes recoverable/payable

     (1,291     26,966       (60,822

Change in other assets

     (849     (5,607     (844

Change in other policy funds and contract claims

     (21,865     (21,971     (19,029

Change in collateral held for derivatives

     (72,413     1,190,656       (1,296,629

Change in collateral held for securities lending

     (495,039     495,101       —    

Change in other liabilities

     38,995       (28,607     (17,318

Other

     804       (7,425     (13,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,304,986       3,351,402       43,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:

 

 

Fixed maturity securities—available for sale

     8,291,316       3,266,821       3,870,415  

Mortgage loans on real estate

     378,812       294,356       298,100  

Derivative instruments

     860,520       657,885       1,446,948  

Other investments

     4,324       472,549       358,372  

Acquisitions of investments:

 

 

Fixed maturity securities—available for sale

     (2,429,114     (5,509,314     (6,852,481

Mortgage loans on real estate

     (1,121,756     (799,037     (575,367

Derivative instruments

     (730,333     (823,077     (864,717

Other investments

     (105,925     (611,047     (85,318

Purchases of property, furniture and equipment

     (13,240     (4,022     (4,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     5,134,604       (3,054,886     (2,408,331
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Financing activities

      

Receipts credited to annuity policyholder account balances

   $ 3,648,936     $ 4,951,211     $ 4,381,150  

Coinsurance deposits

     430,644       91,238       (23,838

Return of annuity policyholder account balances

     (4,040,054     (3,584,960     (3,159,700

Repayment of subordinated debentures

     (81,450     (88,160     —    

Net proceeds from (repayments of) amounts due under repurchase agreements

     —         (109,298     109,298  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     338,061       1,691       9,681  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     (165,094     —         —    

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net

     290,260       388,893       —    

Change in checks in excess of cash balance

     3,611       29,169       (15,829

Dividends paid on common stock

     (28,859     (27,304     (25,265

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (33,515     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     362,540       1,652,480       1,275,497  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     6,802,130       1,948,996       (1,089,649

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     2,293,392       344,396       1,434,045  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 9,095,522     $ 2,293,392     $ 344,396  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest expense

   $ 31,427     $ 42,879     $ 39,575  

Income taxes

     4,842       28,413       181,202  

Non-cash operating activity:

      

Deferral of sales inducements

     93,610       177,941       179,465  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.

Significant Accounting

Policies Nature of Operations

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“we”, “us”, “our” or “parent company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (“American Equity Life”), American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York (“American Equity Life of New York”) and Eagle Life Insurance Company (“Eagle Life”), is licensed to sell insurance products in 50 states and the District of Columbia at December 31, 2020. We operate solely in the insurance business.

We market fixed index and fixed rate annuities. Annuity deposits (net of coinsurance) collected in 2020, 2019 and 2018, by product type were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

Product Type

   2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed index annuities

   $ 2,309,580      $ 4,603,490      $ 3,898,366  

Annual reset fixed rate annuities

     7,846        10,665        46,744  

Multi-year fixed rate annuities

     1,295,843        47,016        22,818  

Single premium immediate annuities (SPIA)

     33,461        12,002        23,813  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,646,730      $ 4,673,173      $ 3,991,741  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Agents contracted with us through two national marketing organizations accounted for more than 10% of annuity deposits we collected during 2020 representing 17% and 10%, individually, of the annuity deposits collected. Agents contracted with us through two national marketing organization accounted for more than 10% of annuity deposits we collected during 2019 representing 24% and 14%, individually, of the annuity deposits collected. Agents contracted with us through two national marketing organization accounted for more than 10% of annuity deposits we collected during 2018 representing 20% and 14%, individually, of the annuity deposits collected.

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries: American Equity Life, American Equity Life of New York, Eagle Life, AERL, L.C., American Equity Capital, Inc., American Equity Investment Properties, L.C., American Equity Advisors, Inc. and American Equity Investment Service Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of December 31, 2018, American Equity Capital, Inc., American Equity Advisors, Inc. and American Equity Investment Service Company have been dissolved.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the calculation of deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, policy benefit reserves, including the liability for lifetime income benefit riders and the fair value of embedded derivatives in fixed index annuity contracts, valuation of derivatives, valuation of investments, allowances for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, allowances for loan losses on mortgage loans and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. A description of each critical estimate is incorporated within the discussion of the related accounting policies which follow. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized.

 

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Investments

Fixed maturity securities (bonds maturing more than one year after issuance) that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities are included directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Fair values, as reported herein, of fixed maturity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets when available, or for those fixed maturity securities not actively traded, yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics are used. See Note 2 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments for more information on the determination of fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized/accrued using methods which result in a constant yield over the securities’ expected lives. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on residential and commercial mortgage backed securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities’ expected lives. Interest income is recognized as earned.

Beginning in 2020, available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are subject to an allowance for credit loss and changes in the allowance are reported in net income as a component of net realized gains (losses) on investments. Prior to 2020, the amortized cost of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities was adjusted for declines in value that were other than temporary and impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary were reported as other than temporary impairment losses on investments. See Note 3 - Investments for further discussion of the allowance for credit losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities and other than temporary impairment losses.

Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is recorded when earned; however, interest ceases to accrue for loans on which interest is more than 90 days past due based upon contractual terms and/or when the collection of interest is not considered probable. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on a cash basis. Any changes in the loan valuation allowances are reported in net realized gains (losses) on investments. See Note 4 - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate for further discussion of the valuation allowance on the mortgage loan portfolios.

Other invested assets include company owned life insurance, equity securities, limited partnerships accounted for using the equity method, short-term debt securities with maturities of greater than three months but less than twelve months when purchased and policy loans. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the end of the reporting period, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Dividends are recognized when declared. Policy loans are stated at current unpaid principal balances.

Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification based on the trade date.

Derivative Instruments

Our derivative instruments include call options used to fund fixed index annuity credits. Prior to the redemption of our floating rate subordinated debentures in 2019 and 2020, our derivative instruments also included an interest rate swap and interest rate caps which were used to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. All of our derivative instruments are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in operations. See Note 5 - Derivative Instruments for more information on derivative instruments.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Book Overdrafts

Under our cash management system, checks issued but not yet presented to banks frequently result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified as Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We report the changes in the amount of the overdraft balance as a financing activity in our consolidated statement of cash flows as Change in checks in excess of cash balance.

Securities Lending

The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby we loan certain securities to other institutions, through a lending agent, for short periods of time. The Company has the right to approve any institution with whom the lending agent transacts on its behalf. Borrowers post cash collateral in an amount equal to or greater than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities. The lending agent retains the collateral and invests it in short-term liquid assets on behalf of the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates. The lending agent indemnifies the Company against losses resulting from the failure of a counterparty to return securities pledged where collateral is insufficient to cover the loss. During 2020, the Company decided to wind down its securities lending program. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of loaned securities was $0.1 million and $477.5 million, respectively, and is included in Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, collateral retained by the lending agent and invested in liquid assets on our behalf was $0.1 million and $495.1 million, respectively, and is recorded in Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, liabilities to return collateral of $0.1 million and $495.1 million, respectively, are included in Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements

For annuity products, these costs are being amortized in proportion to actual and expected gross profits. Actual and expected gross profits include the the excess of net investment income earned over the interest credited or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholders, or the “investment spread”; and to a lesser extent, product charges and fees net of expected excess payments for lifetime income benefit riders and certain policy expenses. Actual and expected gross profits for fixed index annuities also include the impact of amounts recorded for the change in fair value of derivatives and the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. Current period amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of actual and expected gross profits (including the impact of net realized gains (losses) on investments) to be realized from a group of products are revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are also adjusted for the change in amortization that would have occurred if available for sale fixed maturity securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value at the end of the reporting period and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within consolidated stockholders’ equity, net of applicable taxes. See Note 6 - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements and Liability for Lifetime Income Benefit Riders for more information on deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Policy Benefit Reserves

Policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component of the contracts. The host value is established at inception of the contract and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest. Future policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities earning a fixed rate of interest and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, interest crediting rates for these products ranged from 1.45% to 2.60%.

The liability for lifetime income benefit riders is based on the actual and present value of expected benefit payments to be paid in excess of projected policy values recognizing the excess over the expected lives of the underlying policies based on the actual and present value of expected assessments including investment spreads, product charges and fees. The inputs used in the calculation of the liability for lifetime income benefit riders include actual policy values, actual income account values, actual payout factors, actual roll-up rates and our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth, expected utilization of lifetime income benefit riders, which includes the ages at which policyholders are expected to elect to begin to receive lifetime income benefit payments and the percentage of policyholders who elect to receive lifetime income benefit payments, the type of income benefit payments selected upon election and future assumptions for lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates. See Note 6 - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements and Liability for Lifetime Income Benefit Riders for more information on lifetime income benefit rider reserves.

Policy benefit reserves are not reduced for amounts ceded under coinsurance agreements which are reported as coinsurance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions for more information on reinsurance.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulting from a change in the enacted marginal tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will more likely than not be realized. The realization of deferred income tax assets primarily depends on generating future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations, is considered. The realization of deferred income tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities is also based upon our intent and ability to hold those securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and not realize the unrealized loss.

Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs

Revenues for annuity products include surrender and living income benefit rider charges assessed against policyholder account balances during the period. Interest sensitive and index product benefits related to annuity products include interest credited or index credits to policyholder account balances pursuant to accounting by

 

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insurance companies for certain long-duration contracts. The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives for fixed index annuities equals the change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities computed under the derivative accounting standard and the long-duration contracts accounting standard at each balance sheet date.

Considerations from immediate annuities and supplemental contract annuities with life contingencies are recognized as revenue when the policy is issued.

All insurance-related revenues, including the change in the fair value of derivatives for call options related to the business ceded under coinsurance agreements (see Note 7 - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions), benefits, losses and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. Other comprehensive income (loss) excludes net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income which merely represents transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) that requires recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU affects accounting and disclosure more dramatically for lessees as accounting and disclosure for lessors is mainly unchanged. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU resulted in the recognition of a lease asset and lease liability of $6.0 million, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that applies to certain callable debt securities where the amortized cost basis is at a premium to the price repayable by the issuer at the earliest call date. Under this guidance, the premium is amortized to the first call date. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that allowed a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a reclassification of $128 million between accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and retained earnings within our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.

In June 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that expanded the scope of Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services to nonemployees and eliminated the existing accounting model for nonemployee share-based payment awards. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019. While this ASU results in an earlier measurement date for our nonemployee restricted stock units that have not vested as of January 1, 2019, there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that significantly changed the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments from an incurred loss model to an expected loss

 

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model that requires these assets be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. In addition, credit losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities will be recorded through an allowance account subsequent to the adoption of this ASU. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU resulted in an increase in our mortgage loan allowance for credit losses of $8.6 million and the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable/coinsurance deposits balances of $3.2 million on the date of adoption. Retained earnings was decreased by $9.3 million, which reflects the net of tax impact of the increase in the mortgage loan allowance for credit losses and the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable/coinsurance deposits balances on the date of adoption.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that revises certain aspects of the measurement models and disclosure requirements for long duration insurance and investment contracts. The FASB’s objective in issuing this ASU is to improve, simplify, and enhance the accounting for long-duration contracts. The revisions include updating cash flow assumptions in the calculation of the liability for traditional life products, introducing the term ‘market risk benefit’ (“MRB”) and requiring all contract features meeting the definition of an MRB to be measured at fair value, simplifying the method used to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements to a constant basis over the expected term of the related contracts rather than based on actual and estimated gross profits and enhancing disclosure requirements. While this ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2023, the transition date (the remeasurement date) is January 1, 2021. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

2.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:

 

    December 31,  
    2020     2019  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

       

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

  $ 47,538,893     $ 47,538,893     $ 51,580,490     $ 51,580,490  

Mortgage loans on real estate

    4,165,489       4,327,885       3,448,793       3,536,446  

Derivative instruments

    1,310,954       1,310,954       1,355,989       1,355,989  

Other investments

    590,078       590,078       492,301       492,301  

Cash and cash equivalents

    9,095,522       9,095,522       2,293,392       2,293,392  

Coinsurance deposits

    4,844,927       4,411,051       5,115,013       4,635,926  

Interest rate caps

    —         —         6       6  

Liabilities

       

Policy benefit reserves

    61,406,599       52,928,174       61,540,992       51,800,247  

Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves

    240,226       247,679       255,698       263,773  

Notes payable

    495,668       567,345       495,116       541,520  

Subordinated debentures

    78,112       87,951       157,265       168,357  

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value

 

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measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.

We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

Level 1 -

 

Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Level 2 -

 

Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3 -

 

Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security. There were no transfers between levels during any period presented.

 

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Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:

 

     Total
Fair Value
     Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
            (Dollars in thousands)         

December 31, 2020

           

Assets

           

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

           

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 39,771      $ 33,940      $ 5,831      $ —    

United States Government sponsored agencies

     1,039,551        —          1,039,551        —    

United States municipalities, states and territories

     3,776,131        —          3,776,131        —    

Foreign government obligations

     202,706        —          202,706        —    

Corporate securities

     31,156,827        8        31,156,819        —    

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,512,831        —          1,512,831        —    

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,261,227        —          4,261,227        —    

Other asset backed securities

     5,549,849        —          5,549,849        —    

Derivative instruments

     1,310,954        —          1,310,954        —    

Cash and cash equivalents

     9,095,522        9,095,522        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 57,945,369      $ 9,129,470      $ 48,815,899      $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

   $ 7,938,281      $ —        $ —        $ 7,938,281  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

           

Assets

           

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

           

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 161,765      $ 155,945      $ 5,820      $ —    

United States Government sponsored agencies

     625,020        —          625,020        —    

United States municipalities, states and territories

     4,527,671        —          4,527,671        —    

Foreign government obligations

     205,096        —          205,096        —    

Corporate securities

     32,536,839        4        32,536,835        —    

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,575,664        —          1,575,664        —    

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     5,786,279        —          5,786,279        —    

Other asset backed securities

     6,162,156        —          6,162,156        —    

Derivative instruments

     1,355,989        —          1,355,989        —    

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,293,392        2,293,392        —          —    

Interest rate caps

     6        —          6        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 55,229,877      $ 2,449,341      $ 52,780,536      $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

   $ 9,624,395      $ —        $ —        $ 9,624,395  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Fixed maturity securities

The fair values of fixed maturity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:

 

   

reported trading prices,

 

   

benchmark yields,

 

   

broker-dealer quotes,

 

   

benchmark securities,

 

   

bids and offers,

 

   

credit ratings,

 

   

relative credit information, and

 

   

other reference data.

The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security’s terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.

The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.

We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, comparison of the prices to a secondary pricing source, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis using inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have

 

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considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are determined by our investment team using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.

Other investments

Financial instruments included in other investments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are policy loans, equity method investments and company owned life insurance (“COLI”). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying values and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair values of our equity method investments are obtained from third parties and are determined using a variety of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, valuation multiples analysis for comparable investments and appraisal values. As the risk spread and liquidity discount are unobservable market inputs, the fair value of our equity method investments falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our COLI approximates the cash surrender value of the policies and falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Interest rate caps

The fair values of our interest rate caps were obtained from third parties and were determined by discounting expected future cash flows using a projected London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the term of the caps.

Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves

The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly issued immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy

 

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benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.

Notes payable

The fair values of our senior unsecured notes are based upon quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Subordinated debentures

Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

Within this determination we have the following significant unobservable inputs: 1) the expected cost of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and 2) our best estimates for future policy decrements, primarily lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we utilized an estimate of 2.10% and 2.90%, respectively, for the expected cost of annual call options, which are based on estimated long-term account value growth and a historical review of our actual option costs. The decrease in the expected cost of annual call options was due to an update in our estimated long-term account value growth as a result of current economic conditions and the low interest rate environment.

 

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Our best estimate assumptions for lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates are based on our actual experience and our outlook as to future expectations for such assumptions. These assumptions, which are consistent with the assumptions used in calculating deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are updated as our experience develops and/or as future expectations change. The following table presents average lapse rate and partial withdrawal rate assumptions, by contract duration, used in estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each reporting date:

 

     Average Lapse Rates     Average Partial Withdrawal Rates  

Contract Duration (Years)

   December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  

1 - 5

     1.22     0.90     2.63     3.33

6-10

     1.50     1.29     3.14     3.84

11- 15

     5.66     3.31     3.58     4.12

16- 20

     7.08     8.52     3.79     4.18

20+

     7.36     7.10     3.63     4.12

Lapse rates are generally expected to increase as surrender charge percentages decrease. Lapse expectations reflect a significant increase in the year in which the surrender charge period on a contract ends. We review assumptions quarterly and as a result of this review during 2020, for certain annuity products without a lifetime income benefit rider, lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions were increased while for certain annuity products with a lifetime income benefit rider, lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions were decreased.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

     

Beginning balance

   $ 9,624,395      $ 8,165,405  

Premiums less benefits

     235,971        896,688  

Change in fair value, net

     (1,922,085      562,302  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 7,938,281      $ 9,624,395  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives is net of coinsurance ceded of $655.3 million and $644.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Change in fair value, net for each period in our embedded derivatives is included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.

Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a “series of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by the method described above under fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rates reflect our nonperformance

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at December 31, 2020, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $614.1 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $258.3 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $639.0 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding increase of $278.3 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

We review these assumptions quarterly and as a result of these reviews, we made updates to assumptions in 2020, 2019 and 2018. In addition, we implemented an enhanced actuarial valuation system during 2019, and as a result, our 2019 assumption updates include model refinements resulting from the implementation.

The most significant assumption update to the calculation of the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves in 2020 was a decrease in the crediting rate/option budget to 2.10% from 2.90% as a result of a revised estimate of the cost of options. This assumption change resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves due to a reduction in the projected policy contract values over the expected lives of the contracts. During 2020, we revised the derivation of the discount rate used in calculating the fair value of embedded derivatives which increased the discount rate and resulted in a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. The net impact of the updates to lapse and partial withdrawal assumptions noted above resulted in an increase in the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves as more funds ultimately qualify for excess benefits.

The most significant assumption updates to the calculation of the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves in 2019 were to decrease lapse rate assumptions. We had credible lapse and utilization data based upon a comprehensive experience study spanning over 10 years on our products with lifetime income benefit riders and have experienced lapse rates that are lower than previously estimated. The impact of the lapse rate assumption changes was partially offset by a decrease in the option budget from 3.10% to 2.90% as a result of a revised estimate of the cost of options over the 20 year mean reversion period.

The most significant revisions to the calculation of the fair value of embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves in 2018 were to decrease lapse rate assumptions.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

3.

Investments

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities were as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost (1)
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross Unrealized
Losses (2)
    Allowance for
Credit Losses
    Fair Value  
                   (Dollars in thousands)              

December 31, 2020

            

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

            

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 37,471      $ 2,300      $ —       $ —       $ 39,771  

United States Government sponsored agencies

     995,465        44,132        (46     —         1,039,551  

United States municipalities, states and territories

     3,236,767        543,252        (1,044     (2,844     3,776,131  

Foreign government obligations

     177,062        25,644        —         —         202,706  

Corporate securities

     26,745,196        4,507,716        (35,892     (60,193     31,156,827  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,399,956        117,135        (2,526     (1,734     1,512,831  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,119,650        206,255        (64,678     —         4,261,227  

Other asset backed securities

     5,593,169        103,320        (146,640     —         5,549,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 42,304,736      $ 5,549,754      $ (250,826   $ (64,771   $ 47,538,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

            

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

            

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 161,492      $ 369      $ (96   $ —       $ 161,765  

United States Government sponsored agencies

     601,672        28,133        (4,785     —         625,020  

United States municipalities, states and territories

     4,147,343        388,578        (8,250     —         4,527,671  

Foreign government obligations

     186,993        18,103        —         —         205,096  

Corporate securities

     29,822,172        2,796,926        (82,259     —         32,536,839  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,477,738        101,617        (3,691     —         1,575,664  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     5,591,167        208,895        (13,783     —         5,786,279  

Other asset backed securities

     6,250,369        90,978        (179,191     —         6,162,156  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 48,238,946      $ 3,633,599      $ (292,055   $ —       $ 51,580,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Amortized cost excludes accrued interest receivable of $377.5 million as of December 31, 2020.

(2)

Gross unrealized losses are net of allowance for credit losses.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2020, by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.

 

     Available for sale  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 496,563      $ 505,387  

Due after one year through five years

     7,229,621        7,718,178  

Due after five years through ten years

     8,167,106        9,166,066  

Due after ten years through twenty years

     9,254,579        11,396,733  

Due after twenty years

     6,044,092        7,428,622  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     31,191,961        36,214,986  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,399,956        1,512,831  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,119,650        4,261,227  

Other asset backed securities

     5,593,169        5,549,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 42,304,736      $ 47,538,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity were comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities

   $ 5,297,040      $ 3,341,544  

Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements

     (2,250,520      (1,473,966

Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal

     22,534        22,534  

Deferred income tax expense

     (639,769      (392,191
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 2,429,285      $ 1,497,921  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO’s”). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered “investment grade” while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered “non-investment grade.” Based on the NAIC designations, we had 97% and 98% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

NAIC Designation

   Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

1

   $ 23,330,149      $ 26,564,542      $ 27,781,525      $ 30,122,657  

2

     17,312,485        19,377,013        19,278,355        20,316,911  

3

     1,292,124        1,299,455        1,001,087        977,191  

4

     282,049        256,651        114,497        112,534  

5

     29,396        16,288        57,952        45,205  

6

     58,533        24,944        5,530        5,992  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 42,304,736      $ 47,538,893      $ 48,238,946      $ 51,580,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 843 and 1,033 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

December 31, 2020

               

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

               

United States Government sponsored agencies

   $ 250,475      $ (46   $ —        $ —       $ 250,475      $ (46

United States municipalities, states and territories

     31,802        (3,887     868        (1     32,670        (3,888

Corporate securities:

               

Finance, insurance and real estate

     109,789        (1,733     —          —         109,789        (1,733

Manufacturing, construction and mining

     —          —         19,335        (1,384     19,335        (1,384

Utilities and related sectors

     310,823        (27,509     35,408        (3,628     346,231        (31,137

Wholesale/retail trade

     65,567        (4,344     16,000        (26     81,567        (4,370

Services, media and other

     120,098        (11,564     83,890        (45,897     203,988        (57,461

Residential mortgage backed securities

     156,016        (2,384     13,599        (1,876     169,615        (4,260

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     934,593        (54,834     35,153        (9,844     969,746        (64,678

Other asset backed securities

     1,013,781        (16,607     2,567,723        (130,033     3,581,504        (146,640
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,992,944      $ (122,908   $ 2,771,976      $ (192,689   $ 5,764,920      $ (315,597
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses (1)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

December 31, 2019

               

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

               

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 144,582      $ (96   $ —        $ —       $ 144,582      $ (96

United States Government sponsored agencies

     168,732        (1,229     201,444        (3,556     370,176        (4,785

United States municipalities, states and territories

     285,481        (8,173     3,081        (77     288,562        (8,250

Corporate securities:

               

Finance, insurance and real estate

     267,521        (4,785     121,993        (4,744     389,514        (9,529

Manufacturing, construction and mining

     161,633        (6,039     44,606        (3,951     206,239        (9,990

Utilities and related sectors

     334,635        (7,730     51,269        (3,482     385,904        (11,212

Wholesale/retail trade

     54,289        (1,751     129,364        (9,411     183,653        (11,162

Services, media and other

     275,135        (6,135     316,086        (34,231     591,221        (40,366

Residential mortgage backed securities

     212,404        (2,686     11,332        (1,005     223,736        (3,691

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     602,394        (9,366     194,328        (4,417     796,722        (13,783

Other asset backed securities

     752,413        (11,709     3,375,016        (167,482     4,127,429        (179,191
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,259,219      $ (59,699   $ 4,448,519      $ (232,356   $ 7,707,738      $ (292,055
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Unrealized losses have not been reduced to reflect the allowance for credit losses of $64.8 million as of December 31, 2020.

The unrealized losses at December 31, 2020 are principally related to the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on credit markets. In addition, certain unrealized losses at December 31, 2020 are related to the timing of the purchases of certain securities, which carry less yield than those currently available. Approximately 75% and 79% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations.

We expect to recover our amortized cost on all securities except for those securities on which we recognized an allowance for credit loss. In addition, because we did not have the intent to sell fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses and it was not more likely than not that we would be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost, which may be maturity, we did not write down these investments to fair value through operations.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Changes in net unrealized gains/losses on investments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost

   $ —        $ —        $ 581  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities available for sale carried at fair value

   $ 1,955,496      $ 3,549,007      $ (2,463,693
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:

        

Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements

     (776,554      (1,586,537      1,318,649  

Deferred income tax asset/liability

     (247,578      (412,117      240,459  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,024,132      (1,998,654      1,559,108  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investments carried at fair value

   $ 931,364      $ 1,550,353      $ (904,585
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Components of net investment income are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 2,035,762      $ 2,171,768      $ 2,027,599  

Equity securities

     1,090        4,083        4,735  

Mortgage loans on real estate

     170,749        145,344        131,259  

Cash and cash equivalents

     4,871        5,164        2,320  

Other

     2,078        3,119        1,548  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,214,550        2,329,478        2,167,461  

Less investment expenses

     (32,472      (21,843      (19,649
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 2,182,078      $ 2,307,635      $ 2,147,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $5.4 billion, $1.0 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $2.9 billion, $2.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Available for sale fixed maturity securities:

        

Gross realized gains

   $ 305,170      $ 21,449      $ 12,245  

Gross realized losses

     (276,847      (6,397      (47,974

Credit losses (1)

     (94,560      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (66,237      15,052        (35,729

Other investments:

        

Gross realized gains

     —          7,296        —    

Gross realized losses

     —          (14,446      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     —          (7,150      —    

Mortgage loans on real estate:

        

Increase in allowance for credit losses

     (15,447      (940      (3,165

Recovery of specific allowance

     712        —          1,592  

Gain on sale of mortgage loans

     292        —          124  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (14,443      (940      (1,449
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (80,680    $ 6,962      $ (37,178
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Prior to adopting authoritative guidance effective January 1, 2020, credit losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities were classified as other than temporary impairments and reported in a separate line item in the Consolidated statements of operations. We recognized $18.7 million and $36.7 million, respectively, of other than temporary impairments during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Realized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities in 2020, 2019 and 2018 were realized primarily due to strategies to reposition the fixed maturity security portfolio that result in improved net investment income, credit risk or duration profiles as they pertain to our asset liability management. In addition, realized gains and losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities in 2020 were realized as a result of efforts to de-risk the portfolio. Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date.

The following table summarizes the carrying value of our investments that have been non-income producing for 12 consecutive months:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

   $ 5,766      $ 5,792  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for credit loss is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

We have a policy and process to identify securities that could potentially have credit loss. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:

 

   

the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;

 

   

whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;

 

   

the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;

 

   

the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;

 

   

the fair value of any underlying collateral;

 

   

the existence of any credit protection available;

 

   

our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;

 

   

consideration of rating agency actions; and

 

   

changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.

We determine whether an allowance for credit loss should be established for debt securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in fair value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to have credit loss because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity.

If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, credit loss has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.

If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, a credit loss would be recognized in operations for the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security’s acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The recognized credit loss is limited to the total unrealized loss on the security (i.e., the fair value floor).

The determination of the credit loss component of a mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer’s ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.

We utilize models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security’s seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies

 

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a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the “best estimate” cash flow projection discounted at the security’s effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as credit loss.

The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.

We do not measure a credit loss allowance on accrued interest receivable as we write off any accrued interest receivable balance to net investment income in a timely manner when we have concerns regarding collectability.

Amounts on available for sale fixed maturities that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off and removed from the allowance for credit loss. A write-off may also occur if we intend to sell a security or when it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost.

The following table provides a rollforward of the allowance for credit loss:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020  
     United States
Municipalities,
States and
Territories
     Corporate
Securities
     Commercial
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
    Residential
Mortgage Backed
Securities
     Other Asset
Backed Securities
    Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Beginning balance (1)

   $ —        $ —        $ —       $ —        $ —       $ —    

Additions for credit losses not previously recorded

     2,844        60,193        29,241       1,734        548       94,560  

Reduction for securities with credit losses due to intent to sell

     —          —          (21,888     —          (548     (22,436

Reduction for securities sold during the period

     —          —          (7,353     —          —         (7,353
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 2,844      $ 60,193      $ —       $ 1,734      $ —       $ 64,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

The allowance for credit loss associated with available for sale fixed maturity securities was applied prospectively upon adoption of authoritative guidance effective January 1, 2020. See Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies for further details.

 

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Prior to the implementation of authoritative guidance in 2020, we evaluated our investments for other than temporary impairments using a method consistent with our current credit loss evaluation process discussed above. In addition, we also considered length of time the fair value had been less than amortized cost or cost in our evaluation.

If we did not intend to sell and it was not more likely than not we would be required to sell the debt security but also did not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an impairment loss was recognized in operations in the amount of the expected credit loss. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security was the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The remaining amount of the other than temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income.

In addition, for debt securities which we did not intend to sell and it was not more likely than not we would be required to sell, but our intent changed due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other than temporary impairment charge was recognized. Once an impairment charge had been recorded, we then continued to review the other than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Unrealized losses may have been recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings should we have later concluded that the decline in fair value below amortized cost was other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy.

The cumulative portion of other than temporary impairments determined to be credit losses which have been recognized in operations for debt securities are summarized as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2019  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Cumulative credit loss at beginning of year

  $ (175,398

Additions for the amount related to credit losses for which OTTI has not previously been recognized

    (18,271

Additional credit losses on securities for which OTTI has previously been recognized

    (455

Accumulated losses on securities that were disposed of during the period

    24,422  
 

 

 

 

Cumulative credit loss at end of year

  $ (169,702
 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the cumulative noncredit portion of OTTI and the change in fair value since recognition of OTTI, both of which were recognized in other comprehensive income, by major type of security, for securities that are part of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2019:

 

    Amortized Cost     OTTI Recognized
in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
    Change in Fair Value
Since OTTI was
Recognized
    Fair Value  
          (Dollars in thousands)        

December 31, 2019

       

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

       

Corporate securities

  $ 50,755     $ (3,700   $ 9,268     $ 56,323  

Residential mortgage backed securities

    183,948       (145,446     172,577       211,079  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    12,776       —         (401     12,375  

Other asset backed securities

    977       —         261       1,238  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 248,456     $ (149,146   $ 181,705     $ 281,015  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash and invested assets of $53.5 billion and $51.6 billion, respectively, were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. There are no restrictions on these assets.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no investment in any person or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity.

 

4.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our financing receivables consist of the following three portfolio segments: commercial mortgage loans, agricultural mortgage loans and residential mortgage loans. Our mortgage loan portfolios are summarized in the following table. There were commitments outstanding of $75.3 million at December 31, 2020.

 

     December 31,  
     2020     2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial mortgage loans:

    

Principal outstanding

   $ 3,580,154     $ 3,407,611  

Deferred fees and costs, net

     (1,266     (899
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     3,578,888       3,406,712  

Valuation allowance

     (25,529     (8,979
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans, carrying value

     3,553,359       3,397,733  

Agricultural mortgage loans:

    

Principal outstanding

     245,807       51,303  

Deferred fees and costs, net

     (634     (43
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     245,173       51,260  

Valuation allowance

     (2,130     (200
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Agricultural mortgage loans, carrying value

     243,043       51,060  

Residential mortgage loans:

    

Principal outstanding

     366,320       —    

Deferred fees and costs, net

     925       —    

Unamortized discounts and premiums, net

     5,212       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     372,457       —    

Valuation allowance

     (3,370     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans, carrying value

     369,087       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, carrying value

   $ 4,165,489     $ 3,448,793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020     2019  
     Principal      Percent     Principal      Percent  
            (Dollars in thousands)         

Geographic distribution

          

East

   $ 699,741        19.5   $ 645,991        19.0

Middle Atlantic

     281,971        7.9     284,597        8.4

Mountain

     391,025        10.9     389,892        11.4

New England

     24,774        0.7     9,152        0.3

Pacific

     659,743        18.4     618,336        18.1

South Atlantic

     832,739        23.3     751,199        22.0

West North Central

     266,050        7.4     288,413        8.5

West South Central

     424,111        11.9     420,031        12.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,580,154        100.0   $ 3,407,611        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property type distribution

          

Office

   $ 297,065        8.3   $ 250,287        7.3

Medical Office

     20,584        0.6     29,990        0.9

Retail

     1,187,484        33.2     1,225,670        36.0

Industrial/Warehouse

     929,325        25.9     896,558        26.3

Apartment

     939,084        26.2     858,679        25.2

Mixed Use/Other

     206,612        5.8     146,427        4.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,580,154        100.0   $ 3,407,611        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our agricultural mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans with an outstanding principal balance of $245.8 million. These loans are collateralized by agricultural land and are diversified as to location within the United States. Our residential mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans with an outstanding principal balance of $366.3 million that have been purchased throughout 2020. These loans are collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to location within the United States.

Mortgage loans on real estate are generally reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts, computed using the interest method and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Interest income is included in Net investment income on our consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest receivable, which was $16.6 million as of December 31, 2020, is included in Accrued investment income on our consolidated balance sheets.

Loan Valuation Allowance

We establish a valuation allowance to provide for the risk of credit losses inherent in our mortgage loan portfolios. The valuation allowance is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb estimated expected credit losses. The valuation allowance is based on amortized cost, which excludes accrued

 

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interest receivable. We do not measure a credit loss allowance on accrued interest receivable as we write off any uncollectible accrued interest receivable balances to net investment income in a timely manner. We did not charge off any uncollectible accrued interest receivable on our commercial, agricultural or residential mortgage loan portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The valuation allowance for commercial mortgage loans is calculated by pooling our loans based on risk rating and property collateral type and applying an estimated loss ratio against each risk pool. Risk ratings are based on an analysis of the current state of the borrower’s credit quality, which considers factors such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios, loan performance and economic outlook, among others. The loss ratios are generally based upon historical loss experience for each risk pool and are adjusted for current and forecasted economic factors management believes to be relevant and supportable. Economic factors are forecasted for two years with immediate reversion to historical experience.

A commercial loan is individually evaluated for impairment if it does not continue to share similar risk characteristics of a pool. A commercial mortgage loan that is individually evaluated is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If we determine that the value of any specific mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell.

The valuation allowances for agricultural and residential mortgage loans are estimated by deriving probability of default and recovery rate assumptions based on the characteristics of the loans in our portfolio, historical economic data and loss information, and current and forecasted economics conditions. Key loan characteristics impacting the estimate include delinquency status, time to maturity, original credit scores and loan-to-value ratios.

The following table represents a rollforward of the valuation allowance on our mortgage loan portfolios:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020  
     Commercial     Agricultural     Residential     Total  
           (Dollars in thousands)        

Beginning allowance balance (1)

   $ (17,579   $ (200   $ —       $ (17,779

Charge-offs

     1,485       —         —         1,485  

Recoveries

     712       —         —         712  

Change in provision for credit losses

     (10,147     (1,930     (3,370     (15,447
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance

   $ (25,529   $ (2,130   $ (3,370   $ (31,029
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Upon adoption of authoritative guidance effective January 1, 2020, we updated our accounting policies and methodology for calculating the general loan loss allowance, resulting in an adjustment to our mortgage loan valuation allowance. See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies for further details.

Charge-offs include allowances that have been established on loans that were satisfied either by taking ownership of the collateral or by some other means such as discounted pay-off or loan sale. When ownership of the property is taken it is recorded at the lower of the loan’s carrying value or the property’s fair value (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The real estate owned is recorded as a component of Other investments and the loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. Fair

 

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value of the real estate is determined by third party appraisal. Recoveries are situations where we have received a payment from the borrower in an amount greater than the carrying value of the loan (principal outstanding less specific allowance). We did not own any real estate during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Credit Quality Indicators

We evaluate the credit quality of our commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by analyzing LTV and DSC ratios and loan performance. We evaluate the credit quality of our residential mortgage loans by analyzing loan performance.

LTV and DSC ratios for our commercial mortgage loans are originally calculated at the time of loan origination and are updated annually for each loan using information such as rent rolls, assessment of lease maturity dates and property operating statements, which are reviewed in the context of current leasing and in place rents compared to market leasing and market rents. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. An LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the value of the underlying collateral. All of our commercial mortgage loans that have a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.0 are performing under the original contractual loan terms at December 31, 2020.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The amortized cost of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio by LTV and DSC ratios based on the most recent information collected was as follows at December 31, 2020 (by year of origination):

 

    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016     Prior     Total  
As of
December 31, 2020:
  Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
(Dollars in thousands)        

Debt Service Coverage Ratio:

                           

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 364,574       63   $ 442,370       66   $ 399,193       62   $ 316,738       57   $ 359,321       54   $ 715,706       47   $ 2,597,902       57

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    161,779       66     226,166       70     124,267       72     124,564       67     52,513       62     111,690       55     800,979       66

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    17,638       82     22,917       67     2,769       71     7,597       66     —         —       32,327       65     83,248       69

Less than 1.0

    —         —       64,131       58     1,441       89     10,156       80     —         —       21,031       60     96,759       61
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 543,991       65   $ 755,584       67   $ 527,670       64   $ 459,055       60   $ 411,834       55   $ 880,754       49   $ 3,578,888       59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LTV and DSC ratios for our agricultural mortgage loans are calculated at the time of loan origination and are evaluated annually for each loan using land value averages. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. An LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the value of the underlying collateral. All of our agricultural mortgage loans that have a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.0 are performing under the original contractual loan terms at December 31, 2020.

 

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The amortized cost of our agricultural mortgage loan portfolio by LTV and DSC ratios based on the most recent information collected was as follows at December 31, 2020 (by year of origination):

 

    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016     Prior     Total  
As of
December 31, 2020:
  Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
(Dollars in thousands)  

Debt Service Coverage Ratio:

                           

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 78,631       52   $ 13,985       47   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 117,616       43

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    101,879       44     3,425       23     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       105,304       44

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    4,213       37     6,573       43     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       10,786       41

Less than 1.0

    11,467       48     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       11,467       48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 196,190       47   $ 23,983       42   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 245,173       43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

We closely monitor loan performance for our commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loan portfolios. Aging of financing receivables is summarized in the following table (by year of origination):

 

     2020      2019      2018      2017      2016      Prior      Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

As of December 31, 2020:

                    

Commercial mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 543,991      $ 755,584      $ 527,670      $ 459,055      $ 411,834      $ 880,754      $ 3,578,888  

30 - 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 - 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

   $ 543,991      $ 755,584      $ 527,670      $ 459,055      $ 411,834      $ 880,754      $ 3,578,888  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Agricultural mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 196,190      $ 23,983      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 245,173  

30 - 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 - 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total agricultural mortgage loans

   $ 196,190      $ 23,983      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 245,173  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 321,779      $ 24,951      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 346,730  

30 - 59 days past due

     25,150        299        —          —          —          —          25,449  

60 - 89 days past due

     111        —          —          —          —          —          111  

Over 90 days past due

     167        —          —          —          —          —          167  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total residential mortgage loans

   $ 347,207      $ 25,250      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 372,457  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, none of our mortgage loans were 30 days or more past due.

Commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days or more past due. When loans become more than 90 days past due they are considered nonperforming and we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current, we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. There was one loan in non-accrual status at December 31, 2020. We recognized no interest income on loans in non-accrual status during the year ended December 31, 2020. There were no loans in non-accrual status at December 31, 2019. We recognized no interest income on loans in non-accrual status during the years ended December 31 2019, and 2018.

Collateral dependent loans consist of loans for which we will depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan. There were no collateral dependent commercial, agricultural or residential loans as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

 

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Troubled Debt Restructuring

A Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:

 

   

borrower is in default,

 

   

borrower has declared bankruptcy,

 

   

there is growing concern about the borrower’s ability to continue as a going concern,

 

   

borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,

 

   

borrower’s inability to obtain funds from other sources, and

 

   

there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower is granted a concession:

 

   

assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,

 

   

interest rate is modified,

 

   

maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,

 

   

capitalization of interest,

 

   

delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and

 

   

partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDRs are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. There were no mortgage loans that we determined to be a TDR at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

5.

Derivative Instruments

None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

    December 31,  
    2020     2019  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

   

Derivative instruments

   

Call options

  $ 1,310,954     $ 1,355,989  

Other assets

   

Interest rate caps

    —         6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1,310,954     $ 1,355,995  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

   

Policy benefit reserves - annuity products

   

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives, net

  $ 7,938,281     $ 9,624,395  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Change in fair value of derivatives:

     

Call options

  $ 34,604     $ 908,556     $ (778,899

Interest rate swap

    —         (1,059     869  

Interest rate caps

    62       (591     182  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 34,666     $ 906,906     $ (777,848
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:

     

Fixed index annuities - embedded derivatives

  $ (1,922,085   $ 562,302     $ (2,167,628

Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting

    635,298       891,740       778,137  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (1,286,787   $ 1,454,042     $ (1,389,491
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amounts presented as “Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting” represents the total change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities computed under the derivative accounting standard and the long-duration contracts accounting standard at each balance sheet date, less the change in fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives that is presented as Level 3 liabilities in Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the index credit is reset and we purchase new call options to fund the next index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy’s anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.

Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss due to the nonperformance of the counterparties to these call options through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program’s effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All non-exchange traded options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor’s credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty’s current credit rating are as follows:

 

                December 31,  
                2020     2019  

Counterparty

  Credit Rating
(S&P)
    Credit Rating
(Moody’s)
    Notional
Amount
    Fair Value     Notional
Amount
    Fair Value  
                      (Dollars in thousands)        

Bank of America

    A+       Aa2     $ 2,835,420     $ 95,378     $ 2,680,543     $ 80,692  

Barclays

    A       A1       5,710,978       277,692       5,753,868       217,536  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    A+       Aa2       6,593,815       279,053       4,110,525       154,917  

Citibank, N.A.

    A+       Aa3       3,118,979       96,757       4,075,544       109,046  

Credit Suisse

    A+       Aa3       4,422,798       78,823       4,526,414       116,659  

J.P. Morgan

    A+       Aa2       3,600,636       54,762       4,703,234       151,651  

Morgan Stanley

    A+       Aa3       2,856,466       62,969       1,886,995       41,253  

Royal Bank of Canada

    AA-       A2       1,289,699       32,753       2,565,202       101,511  

Societe Generale

    A       A1       1,494,904       34,394       3,280,286       139,101  

Truist

    A       A2       2,375,124       96,573       2,051,229       74,910  

Wells Fargo

    A+       Aa2       4,848,541       196,801       4,221,408       163,520  

Exchange traded

        214,819       4,999       191,948       5,193  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 39,362,179     $ 1,310,954     $ 40,047,196     $ 1,355,989  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we held $1.3 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and other investments from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $35.1 million and $25.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The future index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a “series of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.

We entered into an interest rate swap and interest rate caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See Note 10 - Subordinated Debentures for more information on our subordinated debentures. As of December 31, 2020, all of our floating rate subordinated debentures have been redeemed and the interest rate swap and interest rate caps have been terminated. The terms of the interest rate swap provided that we paid a fixed rate of interest and received a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limited the three month LIBOR to 2.50%. The interest rate swap and caps were not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we recorded the interest rate swap and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid were included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

6.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Deferred Sales Inducements and Liability for Lifetime Income Benefit Riders

Policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 2,923,454      $ 3,535,838      $ 2,714,523  

Costs deferred during the year:

        

Commissions

     251,429        419,165        384,432  

Policy issue costs

     3,725        3,351        3,790  

Amortization:

        

Amortization

     (2,769      (280,699      (358,563

Impact of unlocking

     (646,785      192,982        30,572  

Effect of net unrealized gains/losses

     (483,242      (947,183      761,084  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 2,045,812      $ 2,923,454      $ 3,535,838  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Sales inducements deferred and amortized are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,966,723      $ 2,516,721      $ 2,001,892  

Costs deferred during the year

     93,610        177,941        179,465  

Amortization:

        

Amortization

     (10,063      (193,292      (243,666

Impact of unlocking

     (428,101      104,707        21,465  

Effect of net unrealized gains/losses

     (293,312      (639,354      557,565  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 1,328,857      $ 1,966,723      $ 2,516,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents a rollforward of the liability for lifetime income benefit riders (net of coinsurance ceded):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,303,451      $ 808,167      $ 704,441  

Benefit expense accrual

     311,211        179,901        157,333  

Impact of unlocking

     285,825        315,383        (53,607

Claim payments

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 1,900,487      $ 1,303,451      $ 808,167  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We periodically update the key assumptions used in the calculation of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. In addition, we periodically update the assumptions used in determining the liability for lifetime income benefit riders.

We review these assumptions quarterly and as a result of these reviews, we made updates to assumptions in 2020, 2019 and 2018. In addition, we implemented an enhanced actuarial valuation system during 2019, and as a result, our 2019 assumption updates include model refinements resulting from the implementation.

The most significant assumption updates made in 2020 were to investment spread assumptions, including the net investment earned rate and crediting rates on policies, as well as updates to lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions.

Due to the current economic and low interest rate environments, we updated our assumption for aggregate investment spread to 2.40% in the near-term increasing to 2.60% over an eight-year reversion period and our assumption for crediting/discount rate to 1.60% increasing to 2.10% over an eight-year reversion period. Prior to these assumption updates, our long-term assumption for aggregate investment spread was steady at 2.60%, with a near term crediting/discount rate of 1.90% increasing to 2.90% over a 20 year reversion period. The assumption update to decrease aggregate investment spread resulted in lower expected future gross profits as compared to previous estimates and a decrease in the balances of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

inducements. The decrease in the crediting rate, which is used as the discount rate in the calculation of the liability for lifetime income benefit riders, resulted in an increase in the liability for lifetime income benefit riders.

We updated lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions based on actual historical experience. For certain annuity products without a lifetime income benefit rider, lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions were increased while for certain annuity products with a lifetime income benefit rider, lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions were decreased. The net impact of the updates to lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions resulted in lower expected future gross profits as compared to previous estimates and a decrease in the balances of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. The net impact of the updates to lapse rate and partial withdrawal assumptions resulted in an increase in the liability for lifetime income benefit riders due to a greater amount of expected benefit payments in excess of account values.

The most significant assumption updates made during 2019 were to lapse and utilization assumptions. We had credible lapse and utilization data based upon a comprehensive experience study spanning over 10 years on our products with lifetime income benefit riders and have experienced lapse rates that are lower than previously estimated.

Lower lapse assumptions resulted in an expectation that more policyholders will turn on their lifetime income benefit than previously anticipated which results in a greater amount of benefit payments in excess of account value and the need for a greater liability for lifetime income benefit riders. The decrease in lapse rate assumptions also resulted in policies being in force for a longer period of time and an increase in expected gross profits as compared to previous estimates. The higher level of expected future gross profits resulted in an increase in the balances of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

Our historical experience also indicated that the ultimate utilization of certain lifetime income benefit riders was expected to be less than our prior assumptions and the timing of utilization of lifetime income benefit riders is later than in our prior assumptions. We reduced our ultimate utilization assumptions for fee riders from 75% to 60% and for no-fee riders from 37.5% to 30%, for policies issued in 2014 and prior years. The net effect of the utilization assumption revisions resulted in a decrease in the liability for lifetime income benefit riders and partially offset the increase in the reserve for lifetime income benefit riders from the change in lapse assumptions.

In addition, we updated our assumptions regarding future crediting/discount rates. We assumed a 3.80% U.S. Treasury rate with a 20 year mean revision period. Our assumption for aggregate investment spread was 2.60% which translated to an ultimate discount rate of 2.90%. While the aggregate spread of 2.60% did not change from prior estimates, our estimates of the profitability of individual cohorts changed with the use of an aggregate portfolio yield across all cohorts. This assumption update resulted in a change in the allocation of profitability by cohort, which caused a reduction in the deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements assets and partially offset the increase in the deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements assets from the change in lapse assumptions.

The most significant updates made during 2018 as a result of our quarterly reviews were account balance true-ups which were favorable to us due to stronger index credits than we assumed due to strong equity market performance and adjustments to generally decrease lapse rate assumptions to reflect better persistency experienced than assumed. The favorable impact of the account balance true-ups and lapse rate assumption changes was partially offset by updates to lower our future investment spread assumptions primarily due to an increase in the cost of money we had been experiencing.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The 2018 updates to the liability for lifetime income benefit riders were consistent with the updates used in the calculation of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements described above. The 2018 updates were primarily attributable to account balance true-ups and future investment spread assumptions. The impact of the account balance true-ups and future investment spread changes was partially offset by the lapse rate assumptions changes described above.

 

7.

Reinsurance and Policy Provisions

Coinsurance

We have two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (“EquiTrust”), covering 70% of certain of American Equity Life’s fixed index and fixed rate annuities issued from August 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001, 40% of those contracts issued during 2002 and 2003, and 20% of those contracts issued from January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004. The business reinsured under these agreements may not be recaptured. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements) were $428.0 million and $481.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We remain liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should EquiTrust fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. The balance due under these agreements to EquiTrust was $9.7 million and $10.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and represents the fair value of call options held by us to fund index credits related to the ceded business net of cash due to or from EquiTrust related to monthly settlements of policy activity and other expenses.

We have three coinsurance agreements with Athene Life Re Ltd. (“Athene”), an unauthorized life reinsurer domiciled in Bermuda. One agreement ceded 20% of certain of American Equity Life’s fixed index annuities issued from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. The second agreement ceded 80% of American Equity Life’s multi-year rate guaranteed annuities issued from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2013 and 80% of Eagle Life’s multi-year rate guaranteed annuities issued from November 20, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The third agreement cedes 80% of certain of American Equity Life’s and Eagle Life’s multi-year rate guaranteed annuities issued on or after January 1, 2014, 80% of Eagle Life’s fixed index annuities issued prior to January 1, 2017, 50% of certain of Eagle Life’s fixed index annuities issued from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018, 20% of certain of Eagle Life’s fixed index annuities issued on or after January 1, 2019 and 80% of certain of American Equity Life’s fixed index annuities issued from August 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The business reinsured under any of the Athene agreements may not be recaptured. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to Athene under these agreements) were $4.4 billion and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. American Equity Life is an intermediary for reinsurance of Eagle Life’s business ceded to Athene. American Equity Life and Eagle Life remain liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to Athene should Athene fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. The annuity deposits that have been ceded to Athene are secured by assets held in trusts and American Equity Life is the sole beneficiary of the trusts. The assets in the trusts are required to remain at a value that is sufficient to support the current balance of policy benefit liabilities of the ceded business on a statutory basis. If the value of the trust accounts would ever be less than the amount of the ceded policy benefit liabilities on a statutory basis, Athene is required to either establish a letter of credit or deposit securities in the trusts for the amount of any shortfall. The balance due under these agreements to Athene was $105.8 million and $100.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and represents the fair value of call options held by us to fund index credits related to the ceded business net of cash due from Athene related to monthly settlements of policy activity. Effective January 1, 2021, no new business is being ceded to Athene.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Amounts ceded to EquiTrust and Athene under these agreements are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

        

Annuity product charges

   $ 7,021      $ 7,792      $ 7,074  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     43,080        97,195        (41,487
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 50,101      $ 104,987      $ (34,413
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

   $ 152,485      $ 132,127      $ 165,485  

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

     4,352        109,002        (92,649

Other operating costs and expenses

     17,663        18,778        20,415  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 174,500      $ 259,907      $ 93,251  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

        

Annuity deposits

   $ (35,667    $ (290,040    $ (413,222

Cash payments to policyholders

     466,311        381,276        389,384  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 430,644      $ 91,236      $ (23,838
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We calculate estimated losses on reinsurance recoverable balances by determining an expected loss ratio. The expected loss ratio is based on industry historical loss experience and expected recovery timing adjusted for certain current and forecasted environmental factors management believes to be relevant. Estimated losses related to our reinsurance recoverable balances were $1.9 million as of December 31, 2020.

Financing Arrangements

We have a reinsurance agreement with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (“Hannover”), which is treated as reinsurance under statutory accounting practices and as a financing arrangement under GAAP. The statutory surplus benefit under this agreement is eliminated under GAAP and the associated charges are recorded as risk charges and included in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The agreement became effective April 1, 2019 (the “2019 Hannover Agreement”).

The 2019 Hanover Agreement is a coinsurance funds withheld reinsurance agreement for statutory purposes covering 80% of lifetime income benefit rider payments in excess of policy fund values and waived surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals on certain business. We may recapture the risks reinsured under this agreement without penalty as of the end of the accounting period in which every reinsured policy in the issue year cohort reaches its 12th anniversary date. We can elect to recapture the business by issue year cohort any time prior to the 12th anniversary date however we are subject to paying a make-whole payment to Hannover in the event of an early recapture. The agreement incentivizes us to recapture the business on or before the 12th anniversary of each issue year cohort.

The 2019 Hannover Agreement replaced a yearly renewable term reinsurance transaction we had with Hannover, which was effective July 1, 2013 and was subsequently amended effective October 1, 2016 (the “2013 Hannover Agreement”). The 2013 Hannover Agreement was also treated as reinsurance under statutory accounting practices and as a financing arrangement for GAAP. The 2013 Hannover Agreement covered 45.6% of waived surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals, deaths and lifetime income benefit rider payments as well as lifetime income benefit rider payments in excess of policy fund values on certain business.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life was $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We pay a quarterly risk charge based on the pretax statutory benefit as of the end of each calendar quarter. Risk charges attributable to our agreements with Hannover were $44.7 million, $37.8 million, and $30.8 million during 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

8. Income Taxes

We file consolidated federal income tax returns that include all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Our income tax expense as presented in the consolidated financial statements is summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Consolidated statements of operations:

        

Current income taxes

   $ 3,430      $ 12,528      $ 120,289  

Deferred income taxes (benefits)

     141,071        56,947        (12,563
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of operations

     144,501        69,475        107,726  

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Expense (benefit) relating to:

        

Adoption of expected credit loss model

     (2,543      —          —    

Change in net unrealized investment losses

     247,578        412,117        (240,459
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit) included in consolidated financial statements

   $ 389,536      $ 481,592      $ (132,733
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations differed from the amount computed at the applicable statutory federal income tax rates of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Income before income taxes

   $ 815,961     $ 315,565     $ 565,742  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense on income before income taxes

   $ 171,352     $ 66,269     $ 118,806  

Tax effect of:

      

State income taxes

     5,749       5,111       5,777  

Tax exempt net investment income

     (4,602     (4,385     (4,223

Tax rate differential on net operating loss carryback

     (30,041     —         —    

Worthless stock deduction

     —         —         (7,448

Other

     2,043       2,480       (5,186
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 144,501     $ 69,475     $ 107,726  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     17.7     22.0     19.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was positively impacted by $30.0 million related to the provision of the CARES ACT which allowed net operating losses for 2018 through 2020 to be carried back to previous tax years in which a 35% statutory tax rate was in effect.

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in deductible or taxable amounts, respectively, in future years. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Deferred income tax assets:

     

Policy benefit reserves

   $ 1,463,227      $ 1,733,672  

Credit losses/Impairments

     28,519        15,166  

Amounts due reinsurer

     —          8,784  

Other policyholder funds

     3,789        4,359  

Deferred compensation

     2,161        3,705  

Share-based compensation

     2,189        2,775  

Net operating loss carryforwards

     —          37,509  

Other

     3,569        14,677  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

     1,503,454        1,820,647  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

     

Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements

     (1,146,016      (1,303,385

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities

     (639,769      (392,189

Derivative instruments

     (119,444      (109,287

Policy benefit reserves

     (123,270      (147,924

Investment income items

     (28,719      (42,105

Amounts due reinsurer

     (5,636      —    

Other

     (4,603      (3,654
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     (2,067,457      (1,998,544
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

   $ (564,003    $ (177,897
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in deferred income taxes is the expected income tax benefit attributable to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities. There is no valuation allowance provided for the deferred income tax asset attributable to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities. Management expects that the passage of time will result in the reversal of these unrealized losses due to the fair value increasing as these securities near maturity. We have the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity and do not believe it would be necessary to liquidate these securities at a loss. In addition, we have the ability to sell fixed maturity securities in unrealized gain positions to offset realized deferred income tax assets attributable to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities.

Realization of our deferred income tax assets is more likely than not based on expectations as to our future taxable income and considering all other available evidence, both positive and negative. Therefore, no valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets has been established as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

There were no material income tax contingencies requiring recognition in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2016 and prior.

At December 31, 2020, we have no net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.

9. Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements

Notes payable includes the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Senior notes due 2027

     

Principal

   $ 500,000      $ 500,000  

Unamortized debt issue costs

     (4,086      (4,607

Unamortized discount

     (246      (277
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 495,668      $ 495,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On June 16, 2017, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2027 which bear interest at 5.0% per year and will mature on June 15, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2027 Notes were issued at a $0.3 million discount, which is being amortized over the term of the 2027 Notes using the effective interest method. Contractual interest is payable semi-annually in arrears each June 15th and December 15th. The initial transaction fees and costs totaling $5.8 million were capitalized as deferred financing costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2027 Notes using the effective interest method.

On September 30, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement with six banks that provided for a $150 million unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Facility”) that terminates on September 30, 2021 and a $100 million term loan that was scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2019 but was repaid on June 16, 2017 without penalty. We utilized the proceeds from the Term Loan to make a contribution to the capital and surplus of our subsidiary, American Equity Life. Any proceeds from the Revolving Facility will be used to finance our general corporate purposes. The interest rate for all borrowings under the credit agreement is floating at a rate based on our election that will be equal to the alternate base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin or the adjusted LIBOR rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. We also pay a commitment fee based on the available unused portion of the Revolving Facility. The applicable margin and commitment fee rate are based on our credit rating and can change throughout the period of the borrowings. Based upon our current credit rating, the applicable margin is 0.75% for alternate base rate borrowings and 1.75% for adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings, and the commitment fee is 0.275%. Under this agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at our subsidiary, American Equity Life, of 275%, a maximum ratio of adjusted debt to total adjusted capital of 0.35, and a minimum level of statutory surplus at American Equity Life equal to the sum of 1) 80% of statutory surplus at June 30, 2016, 2) 50% of the statutory net income for each fiscal quarter ending after June 30, 2016, and 3) 50% of all capital contributed to American Equity Life after June 30, 2016. The Revolving Facility contains an accordion feature that allows us, on up to three occasions and subject to credit availability, to increase the credit facility by an additional $50 million in the aggregate. We also have the ability to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Facility by an additional one year past the initial maturity date of September 30, 2021 with the consent of the extending banks. There are currently no guarantors of the Revolving Facility, but certain of our subsidiaries must

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

guarantee our obligations under the credit agreement if such subsidiaries guarantee other material amounts of our debt. No amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Facility at December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2020, $1,038.0 million is unrestricted and could be distributed to shareholders and still be in compliance with all covenants under this credit agreement.

As part of our investment strategy, we enter into securities repurchase agreements (short-term collateralized borrowings). When we do borrow cash on these repurchase agreements, we pledge collateral in the form of debt securities with fair values approximately equal to the amount due and we use the cash to purchase debt securities ahead of the time we collect the cash from selling annuity policies to avoid a lag between the investment of funds and the obligation to credit interest to policyholders. We earn investment income on the securities purchased with these borrowings at a rate in excess of the cost of these borrowings. Such borrowings averaged $14.3 million, $33.0 million and $51.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The maximum amount borrowed during 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $186.4 million, $243.6 million and $544.1 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 1.73%, 2.99% and 1.90% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

10. Subordinated Debentures

Our wholly-owned subsidiary trusts (which are not consolidated) have issued fixed rate and floating rate trust preferred securities and have used the proceeds from these offerings to purchase subordinated debentures from us. We also issued subordinated debentures to the trusts in exchange for all of the common securities of each trust. The sole assets of the trusts are the subordinated debentures and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the subordinated debentures correspond to the distribution dates on the trust preferred securities issued by the trusts. The trust preferred securities mature simultaneously with the subordinated debentures. Our obligations under the subordinated debentures and related agreements provide a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due under the trust preferred securities. All subordinated debentures are callable by us at any time, except for the Trust II subordinated debt obligations.

Following is a summary of subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     December 31,        
     2020      2019     Interest Rate     Due Date  
     (Dollars in thousands)                     

American Equity Capital Trust II

   $ 78,112      $ 77,822          5     June 1, 2047  

American Equity Capital Trust III

     —          27,840       *LIBOR +        3.90     April 29, 2034  

American Equity Capital Trust IV

     —          12,372       *LIBOR +        4.00     January 8, 2034  

American Equity Capital Trust XII

     —          41,238       *LIBOR +        3.50     April 7, 2036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

        
     78,112        159,272         

Unamortized debt issue costs

     —          (2,007       
  

 

 

    

 

 

        
   $ 78,112      $ 157,265         
  

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

*—three

month London Interbank Offered Rate

The principal amount of the subordinated debentures issued by us to American Equity Capital Trust II (“Trust II”) is $100.0 million. These debentures were assigned a fair value of $74.7 million at the date of issue (based upon an effective yield-to-maturity of 6.8%). The difference between the fair value at the date of issue and the principal amount is being accreted over the life of the debentures. The trust preferred securities issued by Trust II

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

were issued to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, which owns more than 50% of the voting capital stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (“FBL”). The consideration received by Trust II in connection with the issuance of its trust preferred securities consisted of fixed income securities of equal value which were issued by FBL.

We redeemed subordinated debentures issued to the following trusts during December 2019: American Equity Capital Trust VII, American Equity Capital Trust VIII, American Equity Capital Trust IX, American Equity Capital Trust X and American Equity Capital Trust XI. In addition, we redeemed subordinated debentures issued to American Equity Capital Trust IV and American Equity Capital Trust XII during January 2020 and subordinated debentures issued to American Equity Capital Trust III during February 2020.

11. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans

We have adopted a contributory defined contribution plan which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all of our full-time employees subject to minimum eligibility requirements. Employees can contribute a percentage of their annual salary (up to a maximum annual contribution of $19,500 in 2020, $19,000 in 2019 and $18,500 in 2018) to the plan. We contribute an additional amount, subject to limitations, based on the voluntary contribution of the employee. Further, the plan provides for additional employer contributions based on the discretion of the Board of Directors. Plan contributions charged to expense were $2.4 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following table summarizes compensation expense recognized for employees and directors as a result of share-based compensation:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

ESOP

   $ 2,908      $ 2,547      $ 2,194  

Employee Incentive Plans

     7,855        6,559        5,434  

Director Equity Plans

     1,056        922        966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 11,819      $ 10,028      $ 8,594  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The principal purpose of the American Equity Investment Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) is to provide each eligible employee with an equity interest in us. Employees become eligible once they have completed a minimum of six months of service. Employees become 100% vested after two years of service. Our contribution to the ESOP is determined by the Board of Directors.

During 2020, the 2016 Employee Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”) was amended and renamed the American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (“Amended Plan”). The Amended Plan increased the number of shares of Common stock reserved for issuance by 3,000,000 shares to 5,500,000 shares of our Common stock which may be issued in the form of grants of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. In addition, the Amended Plan allows for awards to be granted to members of the Board of Directors of the Company.

At December 31, 2020, we had 3,485,509 shares of common stock available for future grant under the Amended Plan.

 

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In 2016, we adopted the 2016 Plan which authorized the issuance of up to 2,500,000 shares of our Common stock in the form of grants of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. As the 2016 Plan was amended and replaced by the Amended Plan, at December 31, 2020, there were no shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2016 Plan.

We have a long-term performance incentive plan under which certain members of our senior management team are granted performance-based restricted stock units pursuant to the Amended Plan or the 2016 Plan. During 2020, 2019 and 2018, we granted 217,781, 152,678 and 105,617 restricted stock units under these plans, respectively. For the 2020, 2019 and 2018 grants, vesting is tied to threshold, target and maximum performance goals for the three year periods ending December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Fifty percent of the restricted stock units will vest if we meet threshold goals, 100% of the restricted stock units will vest if we meet target performance goals and 150% of the restricted stock units will vest if we meet maximum performance goals. Compensation expense is recognized over the three year vesting period based on the likelihood of meeting threshold, target and maximum goals. Restricted stock units that ultimately vest are payable in an equal number of shares of our common stock. Restricted stock units are accounted for as equity awards and the estimated fair value of restricted stock units is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

During 2020, 2019 and 2018 we granted 133,429, 72,696 and 85,500, respectively, time-based restricted stock units to employees under the Amended Plan or the 2016 Plan. These grants vest one to three years following the grant date provided the participant remains employed with us. Shares will vest early upon an employee reaching 65 years of age with 10 years of service with us. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. Restricted stock units that ultimately vest are payable in an equal number of shares of our common stock. Restricted stock units are accounted for as equity awards and the estimated fair value of restricted stock units is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

During 2018, we issued 36,270 shares of restricted common stock under the 2016 Plan to certain employees. These shares will generally vest on the date three years following the grant date provided the participant remains employed with us. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. Shares vest immediately for participants over 65 years of age with 10 years of service with us, and compensation expense under this plan for these participants was recognized upon approval of the incentive award by the compensation committee.

During 2020, we granted 105,809 options to employees under the Amended Plan or the 2016 Plan at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. These options vest over a period of three to five years and expire 10 years after the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period.

During 2020, we granted 709,958 performance-based options (“Performance Options”) to employees under the Amended Plan at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. These Performance Options vest based upon the timing of meeting the market condition of a 30-day volume weighted average common stock price of $37.00 per common share. Fifty percent of the Performance Options granted vest upon the later of: (i) the market condition noted above being met; and (ii) the one year anniversary of the Grant Date. The remaining fifty percent of the Performance Options granted vest on the one year anniversary of the vesting of the initial fifty percent of the Performance Options. If the Company does not achieve the market condition on or before the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Performance Options shall be forfeited. Compensation expense for the Performance Options is recognized over the requisite service period.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

During 2020, we issued 51,450 shares of common stock under the Amended Plan to our Directors, all of which are restricted stock, and which vest on the earlier of the next annual meeting date or one year from the grant date provided the individual remains a Director during that time period.

The 2013 Director Equity and Incentive Plan authorized the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units convertible into or based upon our common stock of up to 250,000 shares to our Directors. During 2019 and 2018, we issued 32,000 and 28,600 shares of common stock, respectively, all of which are restricted stock, and which vested on the earlier of the next annual meeting date or one year from the grant date provided the individual remains a Director during that time period. At December 31, 2020, there were no shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2013 Director and Equity Incentive Plan.

During 2014, we established the 2014 Independent Insurance Agent Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Plan, which was amended during 2016. Under the amended plan, agents of American Equity Life may receive grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units based upon their individual sales. The plan authorizes grants of up to 1,800,000 shares of our common stock. At December 31, 2020, we had 730,564 shares of common stock available for future grant under the amended 2014 Independent Insurance Agent Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Plan. We recognize commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation equal to the fair value of the restricted stock and restricted stock units as they are earned.

In January 2017, American Equity Life’s agents were granted 363,624 restricted stock units based on their production during 2016. In January 2019, agents vested in 57,562 restricted stock units granted in January 2017 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2018 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $1.6 million in 2018. In January 2020, agents vested in 58,617 restricted stock units granted in January 2017 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2019 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $1.4 million in 2019. In January 2021, agents vested in 41,735 restricted stock units granted in January 2017 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2020 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $0.9 million in 2020.

In January 2016, American Equity Life’s agents were granted 650,683 restricted stock units based on their production during 2015. In January 2019, agents vested in 89,367 restricted stock units granted in January 2016 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2018 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $2.4 million in 2018. In January 2020, agents vested in 89,382 restricted stock units granted in January 2016 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2019 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $2.2 million in 2019. In January 2021, agents vested in 4,042 restricted stock units granted in January 2016 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2020 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $0.1 million in 2020.

For the restricted stock units granted to agents in January of 2017 and 2016, 20% of the restricted stock units vested one year from the grant date if the agent was in good standing with American Equity Life at that date. The remaining 80% of the restricted stock units granted to retirement eligible individuals vest over a three year period if the agent remains in good standing with American Equity Life. The remaining 80% of the restricted stock units granted to non-retirement eligible individuals vest based on the agent’s individual sales and continued service as an independent agent over a period of time not to exceed five years.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

In January 2015, American Equity Life’s agents were granted 27,985 shares of restricted stock and 221,489 restricted stock units based on their production during 2014. In January 2019, agents vested in 28,575 restricted stock units granted in January 2015 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2018 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $0.9 million in 2018. In January 2020, agents vested in 2,943 restricted stock units granted in January 2015 based on their continued service as an independent agent and their 2019 individual sales of our products, and for which we recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $0.1 million in 2019. The restricted stock was granted to retirement eligible individuals and vested immediately upon grant. 20% of the restricted stock units vested one year from the grant date if the agent was in good standing with American Equity Life at that date. The remaining 80% of the restricted stock units granted vest based on the agent’s individual sales and continued service as an independent agent over a period of time not to exceed five years.

Our 2000 Director Stock Option Plan, 2009 Employee Incentive Plan and 2011 Director Stock Option Plan authorized grants of options to officers, directors and employees for an aggregate of up to 2,975,000 shares of our common stock. All options granted under these plans have ten year terms and a six month or three year vesting period after which they become fully exercisable immediately.

During 2007, 2010 and 2012 we established Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option plans. Under these plans, agents of American Equity Life received grants of options to acquire shares of our common stock based upon their individual sales. The plans authorize grants of options to agents for an aggregate of up to 8,000,000 shares of our common stock. We recognized commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation equal to the fair value of the options as they were earned.

Changes in the number of stock options granted to employees and agents outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

per Share
     Total
Exercise
Price
 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  

Outstanding at January 1, 2018

     1,980,265      $ 16.20      $ 32,084  

Granted

     —          —          —    

Canceled

     (40,850      18.87        (771

Exercised

     (717,550      13.99        (10,040
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

     1,221,865        17.41        21,273  

Granted

     —          —          —    

Canceled

     (22,600      18.14        (410

Exercised

     (370,352      11.76        (4,357
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

     828,913        19.91        16,506  

Granted

     815,767        26.70        21,778  

Canceled

     (31,200      21.50        (670

Exercised

     (355,563      16.98        (6,038
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2020

     1,257,917        25.10      $ 31,576  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020:

 

     Stock Options Outstanding      Stock Options Vested  
Range of Exercise Prices    Number of
Awards
     Remaining
Life (yrs)
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Per Share
     Number of
Awards
     Remaining
Life (yrs)
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Per Share
 

$10.52 - $12.26

     87,000        0.92      $ 11.42        87,000        0.92      $ 11.42  

$21.89 - $26.70

     460,959        2.17        24.68        355,150        0.04        24.79  

$27.05

     709,958        9.88        27.05        —          0.00        —    
  

 

 

          

 

 

       

$10.52 - $27.05

     1,257,917        6.44        25.10        442,150        0.21        22.16  
  

 

 

          

 

 

       

The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and vested awards was $3.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the total intrinsic value of options exercised by officers, directors and employees was $2.2 million, $3.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Intrinsic value for stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the price of our common stock as of the reporting date. Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $6.0 million, $4.4 million and $10.0 million, respectively.

We have deferred compensation arrangements with certain officers, directors, and consultants, whereby these individuals agreed to take our common stock at a future date in lieu of cash payments at the time of service. The common stock is to be issued in conjunction with a “trigger event,” as that term is defined in the individual agreements. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, these individuals have earned, and we have reserved for future issuance, 4,500 and 335,875 shares of common stock, respectively, pursuant to these arrangements. No equity-based deferred compensation arrangements were in effect during 2020, 2019 or 2018.

We have deferred compensation agreements with certain former officers whereby these individuals have deferred certain salary and bonus compensation which is deposited into the American Equity Officer Rabbi Trust (Officer

Rabbi Trust). The amounts deferred for certain former employees are invested in assets at the direction of the former employee. The assets of the Officer Rabbi Trust are included in our assets and a corresponding deferred compensation liability is recorded. The deferred compensation liability is recorded at the fair market value of the assets in the Officer Rabbi Trust with the change in fair value included as a component of compensation expense. The deferred compensation liability related to these agreements was $0.8 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Officer Rabbi Trust held 27,661 shares and 30,532 shares of our common stock at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which are treated as treasury shares.

 

12.

Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions

Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities for our life insurance subsidiaries differ from GAAP. Net income (loss) for our primary life insurance subsidiary as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

American Equity Life

   $ (34,467    $ 143,309      $ 210,049  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Statutory capital and surplus for our primary life insurance subsidiary was as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

American Equity Life

   $ 3,728,732      $ 3,490,196  

American Equity Life is domiciled in the State of Iowa and is regulated by the Iowa Insurance Division. In some instances, the Iowa Insurance Division has adopted prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices that differ from the required accounting outlined in National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”). For the year ended December 31, 2020, American Equity Life’s use of prescribed statutory accounting practices resulted in lower statutory capital and surplus of $366.3 million relative to NAIC SAP due to its accounting for call option derivative instruments and fixed index annuity reserves. For the year ended December 31, 2019, American Equity Life’s use of the same prescribed statutory accounting practice resulted in lower statutory capital and surplus of $411.7 million. We purchase call options to hedge the growth in interest credited on fixed index products. The Iowa Insurance Division allows an insurer to elect (1) to use an amortized cost method to account for such call options and (2) to use a fixed index annuity reserve calculation methodology under which call options associated with the current index interest crediting term are valued at zero.

Life insurance companies are subject to the NAIC risk-based capital (RBC) requirements which are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. Calculations using the NAIC formula indicated that American Equity Life’s ratio of total adjusted capital to the highest level of required capital at which regulatory action might be initiated (Company Action Level) is as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2020     2019  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Total adjusted capital

   $ 3,978,901     $ 3,824,457  

Company Action Level RBC

     1,069,434       1,028,662  

Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC

     372     372

Prior approval of regulatory authorities is required for the payment of dividends to the parent company by American Equity Life which exceed an annual limitation. American Equity Life may pay dividends without prior approval, unless such payments, together with all other such payments within the preceding twelve months, exceed the greater of (1) net gain from operations before net realized capital gains/losses for the preceding calendar year or, (2) 10% of the American Equity Life’s surplus at the preceding year-end. The amount of dividends permitted to be paid by American Equity Life to its parent company without prior approval of regulatory authorities is $372.9 million as of December 31, 2020. No dividends were paid by any of our insurance subsidiaries for any of the years presented in these financial statements.

The Parent Company relies on its subsidiaries for cash flow, which has primarily been in the form of investment management fees. Retained earnings in our consolidated financial statements primarily represent undistributed earnings of American Equity Life. As such, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the regulatory restriction placed upon insurance companies as described above. In addition, American Equity Life retains funds to allow for sufficient capital for growth.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

13.

Commitments and Contingencies

We lease our home office space and certain equipment under various operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled $4.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate future minimum lease payments are $11.2 million. The following represents payments due by period for operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):

 

Year Ending December 31:

  

2021

   $ 2,354  

2022

     2,085  

2023

     1,866  

2024

     1,832  

2025

     1,711  

2026 and thereafter

     1,397  

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state and federal regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Department of Labor, regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not, the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

There can be no assurance that any pending or future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

In addition to our commitments to fund mortgage loans, we have unfunded commitments at December 31, 2020 to limited partnerships of $40.2 million and to fixed maturity securities of $27.0 million.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

14.

Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders’ Equity

Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share - assuming dilution:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  

Numerator:

        

Net income available to common stockholders - numerator for earnings per common share

   $ 637,945      $ 246,090      $ 458,016  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     92,055,035        91,139,453        90,347,915  

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Stock options and deferred compensation agreements

     93,014        304,196        709,433  

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

     244,447        338,593        365,237  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator for earnings per common
share - assuming dilution

     92,392,496        91,782,242        91,422,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

   $ 6.93      $ 2.70      $ 5.07  

Earnings per common share - assuming dilution

   $ 6.90      $ 2.68      $ 5.01  

There were no options to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as the exercise price of all options outstanding was less than the average market price of our common shares for those periods.

Stockholders’ Equity

On June 10, 2020, we issued 12,000 shares of 6.625% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B”) with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of $290.3 million.

On November 21, 2019 we issued 16,000 shares of 5.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A”) with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of $388.9 million. We used a portion of the proceeds to redeem all of our floating rate subordinated debentures. See Note 10 - Subordinated Debentures for more information on the redemption of our subordinated debentures.

Dividends on the Series A and Series B preferred stock are payable on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared, quarterly in arrears on the first day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 1, 2020 for Series A and on December 1, 2020 for Series B. For the year ended

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

December 31, 2020, we paid dividends totaling $24.5 million and $9.0 million on the Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock, respectively. The Series A and Series B preferred stock rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividends, to the extent declared, and in liquidation, to the extent of the liquidation preference. The Series A and Series B preferred stock are not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, retirement fund, purchase fund or similar provisions.

Brookfield Asset Management Equity Investment

On October 18, 2020, we announced an agreement with Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Brookfield”) under which Brookfield will acquire up to a 19.9% ownership interest in the Company. The equity investment by Brookfield will take place in two stages: an initial purchase of a 9.9% equity interest at $37.00 per share which closed on November 30, 2020 with Brookfield purchasing 9,106,042 shares, and a second purchase of up to an incremental 10.0% equity interest, at the greater value of $37.00 per share or adjusted book value per share (excluding AOCI and the net impact of fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives). The second equity investment is subject to finalization of a proposed reinsurance transaction that has been agreed to in principle, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Brookfield also received one seat on the Company’s Board of Directors following the initial equity investment.

Share Repurchase Program

On October 18, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program. The purpose of the share repurchase program is to both offset dilution from the issuance of shares to Brookfield and to institute a regular cash return program for shareholders. We started the buyback program on October 30, 2020 and repurchased 1.9 million shares of our common stock for $50 million in the open market.

On November 30, 2020 we entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Citibank, N.A. to repurchase an aggregate of $115 million of our common stock. Under the ASR agreement, we received an initial share delivery of approximately 3.5 million shares. The final settlement of 0.5 million shares, which was based on the volume-weighted average price of our common stock during the term of the transaction, less a discount and subject to customary adjustments, was delivered on February 25, 2021. The average price paid for shares repurchased under the ASR was $28.45 per common share. The ASR agreement was determined to be an equity contract.

Treasury Stock

As of December 31, 2020, we held 6,516,525 shares of treasury stock with a carrying value of $151.6 million. As of December 31, 2019, we held 1,344,193 shares of treasury stock with a carrying value of $11.9 million.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

15.

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Unaudited quarterly results of operations are summarized below.

 

     Quarter Ended  
     March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  

2020

        

Premiums and product charges

   $ 67,213     $ 74,470     $ 72,684     $ 76,242  

Net investment income

     573,318       543,704       543,331       521,725  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     (941,874     327,662       205,011       443,867  

Net realized losses on investments

     (20,336     (25,888     (22,321     (12,135

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (2,024     —         —         —    

Total revenues

     (323,703     919,948       798,705       1,029,699  

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

     236,336       (253,379     661,250       (6,262

Earnings (loss) per common share

     2.58       (2.76     7.20       (0.07

Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

     2.57       (2.76     7.17       (0.07

2019

        

Premiums and product charges

   $ 58,376     $ 64,826     $ 68,799     $ 71,568  

Net investment income

     558,438       570,568       590,412       588,217  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     384,469       76,045       (20,042     466,434  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (563     (3,832     4,328       7,029  

Net OTTI losses recognized in operations

     —         (1,213     (101     (17,412

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         —         —         (2,001

Total revenues

     1,000,720       706,394       643,396       1,113,835  

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

     (30,010     18,590       37,360       220,150  

Earnings (loss) per common share

     (0.33     0.20       0.41       2.41  

Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution

     (0.33     0.20       0.41       2.40  

Earnings (loss) per common share for each quarter is computed independently of earnings per common share for the year. As a result, the sum of the quarterly earnings (loss) per common share amounts may not equal the earnings per common share for the year.

The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives for each quarter primarily correspond to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. The comparability of net income is impacted by the application of fair value accounting to our fixed index annuity business as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended  
     March 31,      June 30,      September 30,      December 31,  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

2020

   $ (94,557    $ 332,519      $ (923,874    $ 71,133  

2019

     118,491        78,397        196,396        (100,305

 

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Schedule I—Summary of Investments—

Other Than Investments in Related Parties

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

December 31, 2020

 

Column A

   Column B      Column C      Column D  

Type of Investment

   Amortized
Cost (1)
     Fair Value      Amount at
which shown
in the balance
sheet
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities:

        

Available for sale:

        

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 37,471      $ 39,771      $ 39,771  

United States Government sponsored agencies

     995,465        1,039,551        1,039,551  

United States municipalities, states and territories

     3,236,767        3,776,131        3,776,131  

Foreign government obligations

     177,062        202,706        202,706  

Corporate securities

     26,745,196        31,156,827        31,156,827  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,399,956        1,512,831        1,512,831  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,119,650        4,261,227        4,261,227  

Other asset backed securities

     5,593,169        5,549,849        5,549,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

     42,304,736        47,538,893        47,538,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans on real estate

     4,165,489        4,327,885        4,165,489  

Derivative instruments

     363,276        1,310,954        1,310,954  

Other investments

     590,078           590,078  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 47,423,579         $ 53,605,414  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1)

On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts for fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, original cost for derivative instruments and unpaid principal balance less allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 486,670      $ 332,526  

Equity securities of subsidiary trusts

     2,343        4,785  

Receivable from subsidiaries

     2,418        1,210  

Deferred income taxes

     —          5,818  

Other assets

     3,078        3,067  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     494,509        347,406  

Investment in and advances to subsidiaries

     6,674,652        4,891,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 7,169,161      $ 5,238,837  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Notes payable

   $ 495,668      $ 495,116  

Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts

     78,112        157,265  

Deferred income taxes

     590        —    

Federal income tax payable

     5,395        9,274  

Other liabilities

     14,680        7,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     594,445        668,718  

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, Series A

     16        16  

Preferred stock, Series B

     12        —    

Common stock

     95,721        91,107  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,681,127        1,212,311  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     2,429,285        1,497,921  

Retained earnings

     2,368,555        1,768,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,574,716        4,570,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 7,169,161      $ 5,238,837  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)

 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Revenues:

      

Net investment income

   $ 1,115     $ 1,755     $ 773  

Dividends from subsidiary trusts

     167       469       461  

Dividends from dissolved subsidiaries

     —         —         10,393  

Investment advisory fees

     114,228       107,945       92,335  

Surplus note interest from subsidiary

     4,080       4,080       4,080  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     62       (1,650     1,051  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (2,024     (2,001     —    

Other

     346       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     117,974       110,598       109,093  

Expenses:

      

Interest expense on notes payable

     25,552       25,525       25,498  

Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts

     5,557       15,764       15,491  

Other operating costs and expenses

     46,686       28,357       18,579  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     77,795       69,646       59,568  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     40,179       40,952       49,525  

Income tax expense

     13,142       11,586       2,603  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     27,037       29,366       46,922  

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     644,423       216,724       411,094  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     671,460       246,090       458,016  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     33,515       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 637,945     $ 246,090     $ 458,016  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)

 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Operating activities

      

Net income

   $ 671,460     $ 246,090     $ 458,016  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Provision for depreciation and amortization

     1,138       1,136       916  

Accrual of discount on equity security

     (3     (8     (8

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries

     (644,423     (216,724     (411,094

Change in fair value of derivatives

     (62     945       (1,325

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     2,024       2,001       —    

Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust

     289       270       254  

Share-based compensation

     3,303       2,923       1,626  

Deferred income taxes

     6,408       2,087       40  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Receivable from subsidiaries

     (1,208     (40     (1,004

Federal income tax recoverable/payable

     (3,879     382       9,951  

Other assets

     (320     (1,229     (229

Other liabilities

     7,617       (1,846     4,860  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     42,344       35,987       62,003  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Repayment of equity securities

   $ 2,445     $ 2,660     $ —    

Contribution to subsidiaries

     (210,000     (50,000     —    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (48     (117     (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (207,603     (47,457     (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Repayment of subordinated debentures

   $ (81,450   $ (88,160   $ —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     338,061       1,691       9,681  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     (165,094     —         —    

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net

     290,260       388,893       —    

Dividends paid on common stock

     (28,859     (27,304     (25,265

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (33,515     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     319,403       275,120       (15,584
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     154,144       263,650       46,390  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     332,526       68,876       22,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 486,670     $ 332,526     $ 68,876  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest on notes payable

   $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000  

Interest on subordinated debentures

     6,181       16,891       13,593  

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued)

 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Note to Condensed Financial Statements

December 31, 2019

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (Parent Company).

In the Parent Company financial statements, its investment in and advances to subsidiaries are stated at cost plus equity in undistributed income (losses) of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition and net unrealized gains/losses on the subsidiaries’ fixed maturity securities classified as “available for sale” and equity securities.

See Note 9 - Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements and Note 10 - Subordinated Debentures to our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for a description of the Parent Company’s notes payable and subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts.

 

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Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

 

Column A

   Column B      Column C      Column D      Column E  
     Deferred policy
acquisition
costs
     Future policy
benefits,
losses, claims
and loss
expenses
     Unearned
premiums
     Other policy
claims and
benefits
payable
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

As of December 31, 2020:

           

Life insurance

   $ 2,045,812      $ 61,768,246      $      $ 240,904  

As of December 31, 2019:

           

Life insurance

   $ 2,923,454      $ 61,893,945      $      $ 256,105  

As of December 31, 2018:

           

Life insurance

   $ 3,535,838      $ 57,606,009      $      $ 270,858  

 

Column A

   Column F      Column G      Column H      Column I      Column J  
     Premium
revenue
     Net
investment
income
     Benefits,
claims,
losses and
settlement
expenses
     Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
     Other
operating
expenses
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

For the year ended December 31, 2020:

              

Life insurance

   $ 290,609      $ 2,182,078      $ 744,389      $ 649,554      $ 214,745  

For the year ended December 31, 2019:

              

Life insurance

   $ 263,569      $ 2,307,635      $ 2,865,621      $ 87,717      $ 195,442  

For the year ended December 31, 2018:

              

Life insurance

   $ 250,968      $ 2,147,812      $ 483,075      $ 327,991      $ 170,290  

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Table of Contents

Schedule IV—Reinsurance

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

 

Column A

  Column B      Column C      Column D      Column E      Column F  
    Gross amount      Ceded to
other
companies
     Assumed
from
other
companies
     Net
amount
     Percent of
amount
assumed
to net
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2020

             

Life insurance in force, at end of year

  $ 52,234      $ 5,925      $ 49,577      $ 95,886        51.70
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance premiums and other considerations:

             

Annuity product charges

  $ 258,248      $ 7,021      $ —        $ 251,227        —    

Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums

    39,323        139        198        39,382        0.50
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 297,571      $ 7,160      $ 198      $ 290,609        0.07
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

             

Life insurance in force, at end of year

  $ 56,451      $ 6,722      $ 52,653      $ 102,382        51.43
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance premiums and other considerations:

             

Annuity product charges

  $ 247,827      $ 7,792      $ —        $ 240,035        —    

Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums

    23,395        145        284        23,534        1.21
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 271,222      $ 7,937      $ 284      $ 263,569        0.11
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

             

Life insurance in force, at end of year

  $ 64,544      $ 7,832      $ 53,658      $ 110,370        48.62
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance premiums and other considerations:

             

Annuity product charges

  $ 231,562      $ 7,074      $ —        $ 224,488        —    

Traditional life, accident and health insurance, and life contingent immediate annuity premiums

    26,319        189        350        26,480        1.32
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 257,881      $ 7,263      $ 350      $ 250,968        0.14
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

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Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

 

     Balance
January 1,
    Charged to Costs
and Expenses
    Translation
Adjustment
     Write-offs/
Payments/Other
     Balance
December 31,
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2020 (1)

            

Valuation allowance on mortgage loans

   $ (17,779   $ (15,447   $ —        $ 2,197      $ (31,029

Valuation allowance on available for sale fixed maturity securities

     —         (94,560     —          29,789        (64,771

Valuation allowance on coinsurance deposits

     (3,238     1,350       —          —          (1,888

Year ended December 31, 2019

            

Valuation allowance on mortgage loans

   $ (8,239   $ (940   $ —        $ —        $ (9,179

Year ended December 31, 2018

            

Valuation allowance on mortgage loans

   $ (7,518   $ (3,165   $ —        $ 2,444      $ (8,239

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

(1)

Upon adoption of authoritative guidance effective January 1, 2020, we updated our accounting policies and methodology for calculating the valuation allowance on mortgage loans, available for sale fixed maturity securities and coinsurance deposits, resulting in an adjustment to the valuation allowances. See Note 1-Significant Accounting Policies for further details.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AS OF MARCH 31, 2021 AND DECEMBER 31, 2020,

AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     March 31,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 
     (Unaudited)         

Assets

     

Investments:

     

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $42,114,459 as of 2021 and $42,304,736 as of 2020; allowance for credit losses of $59,698 as of 2021 and $64,771 as of 2020)

   $ 45,690,341      $ 47,538,893  

Mortgage loans on real estate (net of allowance for credit losses of $28,514 as of 2021 and $31,029 as of 2020)

     4,290,602        4,165,489  

Derivative instruments

     1,509,892        1,310,954  

Other investments

     908,437        590,078  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     52,399,272        53,605,414  

Cash and cash equivalents

     11,087,125        9,095,522  

Coinsurance deposits (net of allowance for credit losses of $2,032 as of 2021 and $1,888 as of 2020)

     4,646,406        4,844,927  

Accrued investment income

     410,112        398,082  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     2,470,851        2,225,199  

Deferred sales inducements

     1,587,653        1,448,375  

Income taxes recoverable

     —          862  

Other assets

     76,247        70,198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 72,677,666      $ 71,688,579  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Policy benefit reserves

   $ 63,519,546      $ 62,352,882  

Other policy funds and contract claims

     234,468        240,904  

Notes payable

     495,811        495,668  

Subordinated debentures

     78,187        78,112  

Deferred income taxes

     376,895        504,000  

Income taxes payable

     19,599        —    

Other liabilities

     2,024,400        1,668,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     66,748,906        65,339,591  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, Series A; par value $1 per share; $400,000 aggregate liquidation preference; 20,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2021 — 16,000 shares;

     

2020 — 16,000 shares

     16        16  

Preferred stock, Series B; par value $1 per share; $300,000 aggregate liquidation preference; 12,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2021 — 12,000 shares;

     

2020 — 12,000 shares

     12        12  

Common stock; par value $1 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

     

2021 — 95,482,733 shares (excluding 6,916,584 treasury shares);

     

2020 — 95,720,622 shares (excluding 6,516,525 treasury shares)

     95,483        95,721  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,687,669        1,681,127  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,505,260        2,203,557  

Retained earnings

     2,640,320        2,368,555  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     5,928,760        6,348,988  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 72,677,666      $ 71,688,579  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  

Revenues:

    

Premiums and other considerations

   $ 13,213     $ 7,664  

Annuity product charges

     60,082       59,549  

Net investment income

     497,190       573,318  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     396,305       (941,874

Net realized losses on investments

     (4,583     (20,336

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         (2,024
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     962,207       (323,703
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefits and expenses:

    

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits

     16,424       10,072  

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

     476,595       400,219  

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

     122,975       73,591  

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

     (282,413     (1,250,061

Interest expense on notes payable

     6,393       6,385  

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

     1,326       1,588  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     203,823       120,702  

Other operating costs and expenses

     55,865       43,626  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefits and expenses

     600,988       (593,878
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     361,219       270,175  

Income tax expense

     78,535       27,228  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     282,684       242,947  

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     10,919       6,611  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 271,765     $ 236,336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

   $ 2.84     $ 2.58  

Earnings per common share — assuming dilution

   $ 2.82     $ 2.57  

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Earnings per common share

     95,735       91,644  

Earnings per common share — assuming dilution

     96,216       92,021  

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  

Net income

   $ 282,684     $ 242,947  

Other comprehensive loss:

    

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses(1)

     (880,509     (1,472,630

Reclassification of unrealized investment gains/losses to net income(1)

     (3,411     7,420  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before income tax

     (883,920     (1,465,210

Income tax effect related to other comprehensive loss

     185,623       307,695  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (698,297     (1,157,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (415,613   $ (914,568
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements, deferred policy acquisition costs and policy benefit reserves

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Preferred
Stock
     Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021

             

Balance at December 31, 2020

   $ 28      $ 95,721     $ 1,681,127     $ 2,203,557     $ 2,368,555     $ 6,348,988  

Net income for period

     —          —         —         —         282,684       282,684  

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —         —         (698,297     —         (698,297

Share-based compensation

     —          —         4,296       —         —         4,296  

Issuance of common stock

     —          402       4,604       —         —         5,006  

Treasury stock acquired, common

     —          (640     (2,358     —         —         (2,998

Dividends on preferred stock

     —          —         —         —         (10,919     (10,919
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2021

   $ 28      $ 95,483     $ 1,687,669     $ 1,505,260     $ 2,640,320     $ 5,928,760  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Preferred
Stock
     Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

             

Balance at December 31, 2019

   $ 16      $ 91,107     $ 1,212,311     $ 1,354,324     $ 1,768,764     $ 4,426,522  

Net income for period

     —          —         —         —         242,947       242,947  

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —         —         (1,157,515     —         (1,157,515

Share-based compensation

     —          —         2,289       —         —         2,289  

Issuance of common stock

     —          391       864       —         —         1,255  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —          —         —         —         (9,295     (9,295

Dividends on preferred stock

     —          —         —         —         (6,611     (6,611
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

   $ 16      $ 91,498     $ 1,215,464     $ 196,809     $ 1,995,805     $ 3,499,592  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 282,684     $ 242,947  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Interest sensitive and index product benefits

     476,595       400,219  

Amortization of deferred sales inducements

     122,975       73,591  

Annuity product charges

     (60,082     (59,549

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives

     (282,413     (1,250,061

Change in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves

     5,374       (38

Policy acquisition costs deferred

     (97,004     (64,444

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

     203,823       120,702  

Provision for depreciation and other amortization

     1,518       1,082  

Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments

     8,097       9,802  

Realized gains/losses on investments

     4,583       20,336  

Distributions from equity method investments

     7,631       —    

Change in fair value of derivatives

     (396,305     941,874  

Deferred income taxes

     58,514       71,427  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         2,024  

Share-based compensation

     4,296       2,289  

Change in accrued investment income

     (12,030     159  

Change in income taxes recoverable/payable

     20,461       (46,753

Change in other assets

     (1,166     2,033  

Change in other policy funds and contract claims

     (7,571     (9,488

Change in collateral held for derivatives

     236,558       (1,106,464

Change in collateral held for securities lending

     —         (489,047

Change in other liabilities

     (92,813     (27,216

Other

     (11,844     (125
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     471,881       (1,164,700
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

     1,116,965       1,916,960  

Mortgage loans on real estate

     105,378       83,584  

Derivative instruments

     400,322       320,953  

Other investments

     4,189       2,980  

Acquisitions of investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

     (757,301     (956,095

Mortgage loans on real estate

     (228,049     (315,091

Derivative instruments

     (165,390     (181,640

Other investments

     (351,661     (5,249

Purchases of property, furniture and equipment

     (3,724     (10,110
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     120,729       856,292  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  

Financing activities

    

Receipts credited to annuity policyholder account balances

   $ 2,420,777     $ 699,455  

Coinsurance deposits

     218,987       114,531  

Return of annuity policyholder account balances

     (1,250,244     (1,025,021

Repayment of subordinated debentures

     —         (81,450

Net proceeds from amounts due under repurchase agreements

     —         186,105  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     (2,998     —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

     5,006       1,255  

Change in checks in excess of cash balance

     18,384       (40,149

Preferred stock dividends

     (10,919     (6,611
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,398,993       (151,885
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,991,603       (460,293

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     9,095,522       2,293,392  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 11,087,125     $ 1,833,099  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

    

Cash paid during period for:

    

Interest expense

   $ 1,250     $ 2,523  

Income taxes

     —         11  

Income tax refunds received

     (440     —    

Non-cash operating activity:

    

Deferral of sales inducements

     24,850       24,552  

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. All of the adjustments in the consolidated financial statements are normally recurring items which are necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations on a basis consistent with the prior audited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other period, including for the year ended December 31, 2021. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements requires management estimates and assumptions using subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Our actual results could differ from these estimates.. For further information related to a description of areas of judgment and estimates and other information necessary to understand our financial position and results of operations, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

There were no accounting pronouncements that were adopted during the current period.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) that significantly changed the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model that requires these assets be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. In addition, credit losses on available for sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance account subsequent to the adoption of this ASU. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU resulted in an increase in our mortgage loan allowance for credit losses of $8.6 million and the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable/coinsurance deposits balances of $3.2 million on the date of adoption. Retained earnings was decreased by $9.3 million, which reflects the net of tax impact of the increase in the mortgage loan allowance for credit losses and the recognition of an allowance for credit losses on our reinsurance recoverable/coinsurance deposits balances on the date of adoption.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that revises certain aspects of the measurement models and disclosure requirements for long duration insurance and investment contracts. The FASB’s objective in issuing this ASU is to improve, simplify, and enhance the accounting for long-duration contracts. The revisions include updating cash flow assumptions in the calculation of the liability for traditional life products, introducing the term ‘market risk benefit’ (“MRB”) and requiring all contract features meeting the definition of an MRB to be measured at fair value, simplifying the method used to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements to a constant basis over the expected term of the related contracts rather than based on actual and estimated gross profits and enhancing disclosure requirements. While this ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2023, the transition date (the remeasurement date) is January 1, 2021. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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2.

Revision of Immaterial Misstatement in Prior Year Financial Statements

Management identified an error in the Company’s historical financial statements as further described below. In accordance with the guidance set forth in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality, and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, management concluded that the error was not material to the consolidated financial statements as presented in the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements that had been previously filed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. As a result, amendment of such reports is not required. The Company revised the previously issued annual consolidated financial statements for 2020 in this Form 10-Q to correct this error.

The corrected immaterial error was in the calculation of the impact of unrealized gains and losses on lifetime income benefit reserves as of December 31, 2020 determined in the first quarter of 2021. This immaterial error resulted in an increase in the lifetime income benefit reserves which are included in policy benefit reserves in the consolidated balance sheet, an increase in the deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements and a decrease in deferred income taxes with an offsetting change in accumulated other comprehensive income which is a component of total stockholders’ equity. The immaterial error had no impact on the consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows.

The effect of the revisions on the Company’s previously issued financial statements are provided in the tables below. Amounts throughout the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted to incorporate the revised amounts, where applicable. The following tables reconcile selected lines from the Company’s year-end December 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet and the three months ended March 31, 2020 consolidated statement of comprehensive loss from the previously reported amounts to the revised amounts.

Revised Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2020  
    As Reported     Adjustment     As Revised  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

     

Deferred policy acquisition costs

  $ 2,045,812     $ 179,387     $ 2,225,199  

Deferred sales inducements

    1,328,857       119,518       1,448,375  

Total assets

    71,389,674       298,905       71,688,579  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Policy benefit reserves

    61,768,246       584,636       62,352,882  

Deferred income taxes

    564,003       (60,003     504,000  

Total liabilities

    64,814,958       524,633       65,339,591  

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    2,429,285       (225,728     2,203,557  

Total stockholders’ equity

    6,574,716       (225,728     6,348,988  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    71,389,674       298,905       71,688,579  

 

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Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2020  
    As Reported     Adjustment     As Revised  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Other comprehensive loss:

     

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses(1)

  $ (1,625,075   $ 152,445     $ (1,472,630

Other comprehensive loss before income tax

    (1,617,655     152,445       (1,465,210

Income tax effect related to other comprehensive loss

    339,708       (32,013     307,695  

Other comprehensive loss

    (1,277,947     120,432       (1,157,515

Comprehensive loss

    (1,035,000     120,432       (914,568

 

(1)

Net of related adjustments to amortization of deferred sales inducements, deferred policy acquisition costs and policy benefit reserves

 

3.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following sets forth a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments:

 

     March 31, 2021      December 31, 2020  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  
            (Dollars in thousands)         

Assets

           

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

   $ 45,690,341      $ 45,690,341      $ 47,538,893      $ 47,538,893  

Mortgage loans on real estate

     4,290,602        4,400,228        4,165,489        4,327,885  

Derivative instruments

     1,509,892        1,509,892        1,310,954        1,310,954  

Other investments

     908,437        908,437        590,078        590,078  

Cash and cash equivalents

     11,087,125        11,087,125        9,095,522        9,095,522  

Coinsurance deposits

     4,646,406        4,265,420        4,844,927        4,411,051  

Liabilities

           

Policy benefit reserves

     62,755,460        54,495,993        61,406,599        52,928,174  

Single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) benefit reserves

     233,628        240,883        240,226        247,679  

Notes payable

     495,811        555,150        495,668        567,345  

Subordinated debentures

     78,187        81,039        78,112        87,951  

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine that price for each financial instrument at each measurement date. We meet this objective using various methods of valuation that include market, income and cost approaches.

 

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We categorize our financial instruments into three levels of fair value hierarchy based on the priority of inputs used in determining fair value. The hierarchy defines the highest priority inputs (Level 1) as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The lowest priority inputs (Level 3) are our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value such as estimated future cash flows. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. We categorize financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

Level 1 —

 

Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. We do not adjust the quoted price for these financial instruments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Level 2 —

 

Quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in markets that are not active; and models and other valuation methodologies using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable.

Level 3 —

 

Models and other valuation methodologies using significant inputs that are unobservable for financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in Level 3 are securities for which no market activity or data exists and for which we used discounted expected future cash flows with our own assumptions about what a market participant would use in determining fair value.

Transfers of securities among the levels occur at times and depend on the type of inputs used to determine fair value of each security. There were no transfers between levels during any period presented.

 

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Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are presented below based on the fair value hierarchy levels:

 

    Total Fair
Value
    Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
          (Dollars in thousands)        

March 31, 2021

       

Assets

       

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

       

United States Government full faith and credit

  $ 38,727     $ 33,228     $ 5,499     $ —    

United States Government sponsored agencies

    1,027,441       —         1,027,441       —    

United States municipalities, states and territories

    3,655,844       —         3,655,844       —    

Foreign government obligations

    193,944       —         193,944       —    

Corporate securities

    29,890,265       11       29,890,254       —    

Residential mortgage backed securities

    1,346,473       —         1,346,473       —    

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    4,177,242       —         4,177,242       —    

Other asset backed securities

    5,360,405       —         5,360,405       —    

Other investments: equity securities

    352,552       350,000       2,552       —    

Derivative instruments

    1,509,892       —         1,509,892       —    

Cash and cash equivalents

    11,087,125       11,087,125       —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 58,639,910     $ 11,470,364     $ 47,169,546     $ —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives

  $ 7,680,951     $ —       $ —       $ 7,680,951  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

       

Assets

       

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

       

United States Government full faith and credit

  $ 39,771     $ 33,940     $ 5,831     $ —    

United States Government sponsored agencies

    1,039,551       —         1,039,551       —    

United States municipalities, states and territories

    3,776,131       —         3,776,131       —    

Foreign government obligations

    202,706       —         202,706       —    

Corporate securities

    31,156,827       8       31,156,819       —    

Residential mortgage backed securities

    1,512,831       —         1,512,831       —    

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    4,261,227       —         4,261,227       —    

Other asset backed securities

    5,549,849       —         5,549,849       —    

Derivative instruments

    1,310,954       —         1,310,954       —    

Cash and cash equivalents

    9,095,522       9,095,522       —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 57,945,369     $ 9,129,470     $ 48,815,899     $ —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives

  $ 7,938,281     $ —       $ —       $ 7,938,281  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Fixed maturity securities

The fair values of fixed maturity securities in an active and orderly market are determined by utilizing independent pricing services. The independent pricing services incorporate a variety of observable market data in their valuation techniques, including:

 

   

reported trading prices,

 

   

benchmark yields,

 

   

broker-dealer quotes,

 

   

benchmark securities,

 

   

bids and offers,

 

   

credit ratings,

 

   

relative credit information, and

 

   

other reference data.

The independent pricing services also take into account perceived market movements and sector news, as well as a security’s terms and conditions, including any features specific to that issue that may influence risk and marketability. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of observable market inputs may change as some observable market inputs may not be relevant or additional inputs may be necessary.

The independent pricing services provide quoted market prices when available. Quoted prices are not always available due to market inactivity. When quoted market prices are not available, the third parties use yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics to determine fair value for securities that are not actively traded. We generally obtain one value from our primary external pricing service. In situations where a price is not available from this service, we may obtain quotes or prices from additional parties as needed. Market indices of similar rated asset class spreads are considered for valuations and broker indications of similar securities are compared. Inputs used by the broker include market information, such as yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. Valuations and quotes obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and do not represent quotes on which one may execute the disposition of the assets.

We validate external valuations at least quarterly through a combination of procedures that include the evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing services, comparison of the prices to a secondary pricing source, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against trends, and maintenance of a securities watch list. Additionally, as needed we utilize discounted cash flow models or perform independent valuations on a case-by-case basis using inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing services. Although we do identify differences from time to time as a result of these validation procedures, we did not make any significant adjustments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Mortgage loans on real estate

Mortgage loans on real estate are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of mortgage loans on real estate are calculated using discounted expected cash flows using competitive market interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. The fair values of impaired mortgage loans on real estate that we have considered to be collateral dependent are based on the fair value of the real estate collateral (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The inputs utilized to determine fair value of all mortgage loans are unobservable market data (competitive market interest rates); therefore, fair value of mortgage loans falls into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Derivative instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments, primarily call options, are based upon the amount of cash that we will receive to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are determined by our investment team using industry accepted valuation models and are adjusted for the nonperformance risk of each counterparty net of any collateral held. Inputs include market volatility and risk free interest rates and are used in income valuation techniques in arriving at a fair value for each option contract. The nonperformance risk for each counterparty is based upon its credit default swap rate. We have no performance obligations related to the call options purchased to fund our fixed index annuity policy liabilities.

Other investments

Equity securities are the only financial instruments included in other investments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value for these securities are determined using the same methods discussed above for fixed maturity securities. Financial instruments included in other investments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are policy loans, equity method investments and company owned life insurance (“COLI”). We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying values and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived. The fair values of our equity method investments are obtained from third parties and are determined using a variety of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, valuation multiples analysis for comparable investments and appraisal values. As the risk spread and liquidity discount are unobservable market inputs, the fair value of our equity method investments falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of equity method investments was $180.1 million and $179.7 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value of our COLI approximates the cash surrender value of the policies and falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of COLI was $374.9 million and $373.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments are reported at their historical cost which approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets assigned to this category.

Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves

The fair values of the liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost we would incur to extinguish the liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The coinsurance deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. For period-certain annuity benefit contracts, the fair value is determined by discounting the benefits at the interest rates currently in effect for newly issued immediate annuity contracts. We are not required to and have not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosures of fair value. Policy benefit reserves, coinsurance deposits and SPIA benefit reserves are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the fair values presented within these categories fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as most of the inputs are unobservable market data.

Notes payable

The fair values of our senior unsecured notes are based upon quoted market prices and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

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Subordinated debentures

Fair values for subordinated debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based principally on observable inputs including our incremental borrowing rates, which reflect our credit rating, for similar types of borrowings with maturities consistent with those remaining for the debt being valued. These fair values are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Subordinated debentures are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives

We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for our nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

Within this determination we have the following significant unobservable inputs: 1) the expected cost of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary and 2) our best estimates for future policy decrements, primarily lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates. As of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we utilized an estimate of 2.10% for the expected cost of annual call options, which is based on estimated long-term account value growth and a historical review of our actual option costs.

Our best estimate assumptions for lapse, partial withdrawal and mortality rates are based on our actual experience and our outlook as to future expectations for such assumptions. These assumptions, which are consistent with the assumptions used in calculating deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements, are reviewed on a quarterly basis and are updated as our experience develops and/or as future expectations change. The following table presents average lapse rate and partial withdrawal rate assumptions, by contract duration, used in estimating the fair value of the embedded derivative component of our fixed index annuity policy benefit reserves at each reporting date:

 

     Average Lapse Rates     Average Partial Withdrawal Rates  

Contract Duration (Years)

   March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020     March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  

1- 5

     1.25     1.22     2.61     2.63

6 - 10

     1.42     1.50     3.12     3.14

11 - 15

     5.99     5.66     3.57     3.58

16 - 20

     6.88     7.08     3.80     3.79

20+

     7.43     7.36     3.64     3.63

Lapse rates are generally expected to increase as surrender charge percentages decrease. Lapse expectations reflect a significant increase in the year in which the surrender charge period on a contract ends.

 

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The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our Level 3 liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2021      2020  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives

     

Beginning balance

   $ 7,938,281      $ 9,624,395  

Premiums less benefits

     119,791        112,158  

Change in fair value, net

     (377,121      (1,285,071
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 7,680,951      $ 8,451,482  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives is net of coinsurance ceded of $631.6 million and $655.3 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Change in fair value, net for each period in our embedded derivatives is included in change in fair value of embedded derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Certain derivatives embedded in our fixed index annuity contracts are our most significant financial instrument measured at fair value that are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The contractual obligations for future annual index credits within our fixed index annuity contracts are treated as a “series of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We estimate the fair value of these embedded derivatives at each valuation date by the method described above under fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values.

The most sensitive assumption in determining policy liabilities for fixed index annuities is the rates used to discount the excess projected contract values. As indicated above, the discount rate reflects our nonperformance risk. If the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values at March 31, 2021, were to increase by 100 basis points, the fair value of the embedded derivatives would decrease by $560.3 million recorded through operations as a decrease in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding decrease of $229.5 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as an increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. A decrease by 100 basis points in the discount rates used to discount the excess projected contract values would increase the fair value of the embedded derivatives by $592.7 million recorded through operations as an increase in the change in fair value of embedded derivatives and there would be a corresponding increase of $250.6 million to our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements recorded through operations as a decrease in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.

 

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4.

Investments

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities were as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost(1)
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses(2)
    Allowance for
Credit Losses
    Fair Value  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

March 31, 2021

            

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

            

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 38,488      $ 661      $ (422   $ —       $ 38,727  

United States Government sponsored agencies

     995,405        32,086        (50     —         1,027,441  

United States municipalities, states and territories

     3,258,694        405,772        (5,831     (2,791     3,655,844  

Foreign government obligations

     177,075        17,081        (212     —         193,944  

Corporate securities

     26,976,452        3,028,857        (59,329     (55,715     29,890,265  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,263,013        88,251        (3,599     (1,192     1,346,473  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,019,810        190,057        (32,625     —         4,177,242  

Other asset backed securities

     5,385,522        70,498        (95,615     —         5,360,405  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 42,114,459      $ 3,833,263      $ (197,683   $ (59,698   $ 45,690,341  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

            

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

            

United States Government full faith and credit

   $ 37,471      $ 2,300      $ —       $ —       $ 39,771  

United States Government sponsored agencies

     995,465        44,132        (46     —         1,039,551  

United States municipalities, states and territories

     3,236,767        543,252        (1,044     (2,844     3,776,131  

Foreign government obligations

     177,062        25,644        —         —         202,706  

Corporate securities

     26,745,196        4,507,716        (35,892     (60,193     31,156,827  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,399,956        117,135        (2,526     (1,734     1,512,831  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,119,650        206,255        (64,678     —         4,261,227  

Other asset backed securities

     5,593,169        103,320        (146,640     —         5,549,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 42,304,736      $ 5,549,754      $ (250,826   $ (64,771   $ 47,538,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Amortized cost excludes accrued interest receivable of $389.2 million and $377.5 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(2)

Gross unrealized losses are net of allowance for credit losses.

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2021, by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to

 

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call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage and other asset backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives and are shown below as separate lines.

 

     Available for sale  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 890,969      $ 899,102  

Due after one year through five years

     6,970,380        7,416,931  

Due after five years through ten years

     7,771,264        8,448,559  

Due after ten years through twenty years

     9,332,336        10,859,556  

Due after twenty years

     6,481,165        7,182,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     31,446,114        34,806,221  

Residential mortgage backed securities

     1,263,013        1,346,473  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

     4,019,810        4,177,242  

Other asset backed securities

     5,385,522        5,360,405  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 42,114,459      $ 45,690,341  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity were comprised of the following:

 

     March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net unrealized gains on available for sale fixed maturity securities

   $ 3,635,679     $ 5,297,040  

Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements and policy benefit reserves

     (1,758,810     (2,536,251

Deferred income tax valuation allowance reversal

     22,534       22,534  

Deferred income tax expense

     (394,143     (579,766
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains reported as accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 1,505,260     $ 2,203,557  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns designations to fixed maturity securities. These designations range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). In general, securities are assigned a designation based upon the ratings they are given by the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO’s”). The NAIC designations are utilized by insurers in preparing their annual statutory statements. NAIC Class 1 and 2 designations are considered “investment grade” while NAIC Class 3 through 6 designations are considered “non-investment grade.” Based on the NAIC designations, we had 97% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

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The following table summarizes the credit quality, as determined by NAIC designation, of our fixed maturity portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2021      December 31, 2020  

NAIC Designation

   Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

1

   $ 23,074,878      $ 25,301,796      $ 23,330,149      $ 26,564,542  

2

     17,431,710        18,833,794        17,312,485        19,377,013  

3

     1,305,190        1,310,371        1,292,124        1,299,455  

4

     209,974        189,560        282,049        256,651  

5

     40,511        27,540        29,396        16,288  

6

     52,196        27,280        58,533        24,944  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 42,114,459      $ 45,690,341      $ 42,304,736      $ 47,538,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 819 and 843 securities, respectively) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

 

    Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total    

 

 
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
                (Dollars in thousands)        

March 31, 2021

           

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

           

United States Government full faith and credit

  $ 22,652     $ (422   $ —       $ —       $ 22,652     $ (422

United States Government sponsored agencies

    159,997       (50     —         —         159,997       (50

United States municipalities, states and territories

    232,070       (8,611     8,110       (11     240,180       (8,622

Foreign government obligations

    13,953       (212     —         —         13,953       (212

Corporate securities:

           

Finance, insurance and real estate

    360,414       (24,862     —         —         360,414       (24,862

Manufacturing, construction and mining

    139,787       (4,867     18,107       (2,045     157,894       (6,912

Utilities and related sectors

    351,801       (14,178     159,078       (6,697     510,879       (20,875

Wholesale/retail trade

    121,015       (7,039     14,720       (1,191     135,735       (8,230

Services, media and other

    347,679       (15,635     99,895       (38,530     447,574       (54,165

Residential mortgage backed securities

    250,527       (2,435     52,433       (2,356     302,960       (4,791

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    97,296       (4,390     493,065       (28,235     590,361       (32,625
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other asset backed securities

    710,247       (4,576     2,484,451       (91,039     3,194,698       (95,615
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,807,438     $ (87,277   $ 3,329,859     $ (170,104   $ 6,137,297     $ (257,381
           

 

 

 

 

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    Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total    

 

 
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Losses(1)
 
                (Dollars in thousands)        

December 31, 2020

           

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:

           

United States Government sponsored agencies

  $ 250,475     $ (46   $ —       $ —       $ 250,475     $ (46

United States municipalities, states and territories

    31,802       (3,887     868       (1     32,670       (3,888

Corporate securities:

           

Finance, insurance and real estate

    109,789       (1,733     —         —         109,789       (1,733

Manufacturing, construction and mining

    —         —         19,335       (1,384     19,335       (1,384

Utilities and related sectors

    310,823       (27,509     35,408       (3,628     346,231       (31,137

Wholesale/retail trade

    65,567       (4,344     16,000       (26     81,567       (4,370

Services, media and other

    120,098       (11,564     83,890       (45,897     203,988       (57,461

Residential mortgage backed securities

    156,016       (2,384     13,599       (1,876     169,615       (4,260

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    934,593       (54,834     35,153       (9,844     969,746       (64,678

Other asset backed securities

    1,013,781       (16,607     2,567,723       (130,033     3,581,504       (146,640
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,992,944     $ (122,908   $ 2,771,976     $ (192,689   $ 5,764,920     $ (315,597
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Unrealized losses have not been reduced to reflect the allowance for credit losses of $59.7 million and $64.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The unrealized losses at March 31, 2021 are principally related to the the timing of the purchases of certain securities, which carry less yield than those available at March 31, 2021, and the continued impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on credit markets. Approximately 77% and 75% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table for March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being the highest two NAIC designations.

We expect to recover our amortized cost on all securities except for those securities on which we recognized an allowance for credit loss. In addition, because we did not have the intent to sell fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses and it was not more likely than not that we would be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost, which may be maturity, we did not write down these investments to fair value through operations.

Changes in net unrealized gains/losses on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities available for sale carried at fair value

   $ (1,661,361   $ (2,862,408
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:

    

Deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and policy benefit reserves

     777,441       1,397,198  

Deferred income tax asset/liability

     185,623       307,695  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     963,064       1,704,893  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investments carried at fair value

   $ (698,297   $ (1,157,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $122.2 million and $910.3 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for

 

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available for sale fixed maturity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively.

Net realized losses on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Available for sale fixed maturity securities:

     

Gross realized gains

   $ 2,367      $ 14,238  

Gross realized losses

     (8,196      (1,206

Credit losses

     (1,437      (31,371
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (7,266      (18,339

Mortgage loans on real estate:

     

Decrease (increase) in allowance for credit losses

     2,515        (1,997

Gain on sale of mortgage loans

     168        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,683        (1,997
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (4,583    $ (20,336
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities in 2021 and 2020 were realized primarily due to strategies to reposition the fixed maturity security portfolio that result in improved net investment income, credit risk or duration profiles as they pertain to our asset liability management. In addition, certain realized gains and losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities in 2020 were realized as a result of efforts to de-risk the portfolio. Realized gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments based on the trade date.

We review and analyze all investments on an ongoing basis for changes in market interest rates and credit deterioration. This review process includes analyzing our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of each investment that has a fair value that is materially lower than its amortized cost and requires a high degree of management judgment and involves uncertainty. The evaluation of securities for credit loss is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties.

We have a policy and process to identify securities that could potentially have credit loss. This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers. The evaluation includes but is not limited to such factors as:

 

   

the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost;

 

   

whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as agreed;

 

   

the remaining payment terms and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;

 

   

the lack of ability to refinance due to liquidity problems in the credit market;

 

   

the fair value of any underlying collateral;

 

   

the existence of any credit protection available;

 

   

our intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not we would be required to sell prior to recovery for debt securities;

 

   

consideration of rating agency actions; and

 

   

changes in estimated cash flows of mortgage and asset backed securities.

 

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We determine whether an allowance for credit loss should be established for debt securities by assessing all facts and circumstances surrounding each security. Where the decline in fair value of debt securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates or to factors such as market volatility, liquidity and spread widening, and we anticipate recovery of all contractual or expected cash flows, we do not consider these investments to have credit loss because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell these investments before a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity.

If we intend to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, credit loss has occurred and the difference between amortized cost and fair value will be recognized as a loss in operations.

If we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security but also do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, a credit loss would be recognized in operations for the amount of the expected credit loss. We determine the amount of expected credit loss by calculating the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected discounted at each security’s acquisition yield based on our consideration of whether the security was of high credit quality at the time of acquisition. The difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security is the amount of credit loss recognized in operations. The recognized credit loss is limited to the total unrealized loss on the security (i.e., the fair value floor).

The determination of the credit loss component of a mortgage backed security is based on a number of factors. The primary consideration in this evaluation process is the issuer’s ability to meet current and future interest and principal payments as contractually stated at time of purchase. Our review of these securities includes an analysis of the cash flow modeling under various default scenarios considering independent third party benchmarks, the seniority of the specific tranche within the structure of the security, the composition of the collateral and the actual default, loss severity and prepayment experience exhibited. With the input of third party assumptions for default projections, loss severity and prepayment expectations, we evaluate the cash flow projections to determine whether the security is performing in accordance with its contractual obligation.

We utilize models from a leading structured product software specialist serving institutional investors. These models incorporate each security’s seniority and cash flow structure. In circumstances where the analysis implies a potential for principal loss at some point in the future, we use the “best estimate” cash flow projection discounted at the security’s effective yield at acquisition to determine the amount of our potential credit loss associated with this security. The discounted expected future cash flows equates to our expected recovery value. Any shortfall of the expected recovery when compared to the amortized cost of the security will be recorded as credit loss.

The determination of the credit loss component of a corporate bond is based on the underlying financial performance of the issuer and their ability to meet their contractual obligations. Considerations in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, credit rating changes, financial statement and ratio analysis, changes in management, significant changes in credit spreads, breaches of financial covenants and a review of the economic outlook for the industry and markets in which they trade. In circumstances where an issuer appears unlikely to meet its future obligation, an estimate of credit loss is determined. Credit loss is calculated using default probabilities as derived from the credit default swaps markets in conjunction with recovery rates derived from independent third party analysis or a best estimate of credit loss. This credit loss rate is then incorporated into a present value calculation based on an expected principal loss in the future discounted at the yield at the date of purchase and compared to amortized cost to determine the amount of credit loss associated with the security.

We do not measure a credit loss allowance on accrued interest receivable as we write off any accrued interest receivable balance to net investment income in a timely manner when we have concerns regarding collectability.

 

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Amounts on available for sale fixed maturities that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off and removed from the allowance for credit loss. A write-off may also occur if we intend to sell a security or when it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost.

The following table provides a rollforward of the allowance for credit loss:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2021  
     United States
Municipalities,
States and
Territories
    Corporate
Securities
    Commercial
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
     Residential
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
    Other
Asset
Backed
Securities
     Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Beginning balance

   $ 2,844     $ 60,193     $ —        $ 1,734     $ —        $ 64,771  

Additions for credit losses not previously recorded

     —         705       —          111       —          816  

Change in allowance on securities with previous allowance

     (53     1,327       —          (653     —          621  

Reduction for securities sold during the period

     —         (6,510     —          —         —          (6,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 2,791     $ 55,715     $ —        $ 1,192     $ —        $ 59,698  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2020  
     United States
Municipalities,
States and
Territories
     Corporate
Securities
     Commercial
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
    Residential
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
     Other
Asset
Backed
Securities
    Total  
                   (Dollars in thousands)               

Beginning balance

   $ —        $ —        $ —       $ —        $ —       $ —    

Additions for credit losses not previously recorded

     —          28,332        2,491       —          548       31,371  

Reduction for securities with credit losses due to intent to sell

     —          —          (2,491     —          (548     (3,039
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ —        $ 28,332      $ —       $ —        $ —       $ 28,332  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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5. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

Our financing receivables consist of the following three portfolio segments: commercial mortgage loans, agricultural mortgage loans and residential mortgage loans. Our mortgage loan portfolios are summarized in the following table. There were commitments outstanding of $110.9 million at March 31, 2021.

 

     March 31,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial mortgage loans:

     

Principal outstanding

   $ 3,547,140      $ 3,580,154  

Deferred fees and costs, net

     (1,213      (1,266
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     3,545,927        3,578,888  

Valuation allowance

     (26,139      (25,529
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans, carrying value

     3,519,788        3,553,359  

Agricultural mortgage loans:

     

Principal outstanding

     266,269        245,807  

Deferred fees and costs, net

     (684      (634
     

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     265,585        245,173  

Valuation allowance

     (439      (2,130
     

 

 

 

Agricultural mortgage loans, carrying value

     265,146        243,043  

Residential mortgage loans:

     

Principal outstanding

     496,135        366,320  

Deferred fees and costs, net

     1,323        925  

Unamortized discounts and premiums, net

     10,146        5,212  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortized cost

     507,604        372,457  

Valuation allowance

     (1,936      (3,370
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans, carrying value

     505,668        369,087  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage loans, carrying value

   $ 4,290,602      $ 4,165,489  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. Our lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to attempt to reduce the risk of default. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows:

 

     March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
     Principal      Percent     Principal      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Geographic distribution

          

East

   $ 694,952        19.6   $ 699,741        19.5

Middle Atlantic

     277,420        7.8     281,971        7.9

Mountain

     384,719        10.8     391,025        10.9

New England

     24,624        0.7     24,774        0.7

Pacific

     672,948        19.0     659,743        18.4

South Atlantic

     828,593        23.4     832,739        23.3

West North Central

     257,546        7.3     266,050        7.4

West South Central

     406,338        11.4     424,111        11.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,547,140        100.0   $ 3,580,154        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Property type distribution

          

Office

   $ 294,760        8.3   $ 297,065        8.3

Medical Office

     22,072        0.6     20,584        0.6

Retail

     1,153,141        32.5     1,187,484        33.2

Industrial/Warehouse

     945,205        26.6     929,325        25.9

Apartment

     927,945        26.2     939,084        26.2

Mixed use/Other

     204,017        5.8     206,612        5.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,547,140        100.0   $ 3,580,154        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our agricultural mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans with an outstanding principal balance of $266.3 million and $245.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These loans are collateralized by agricultural land and are diversified as to location within the United States. Our residential mortgage loan portfolio consists of loans with an outstanding principal balance of $496.1 million and $366.3 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These loans are collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to location within the United States.

Mortgage loans on real estate are generally reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts, computed using the interest method and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Interest income is included in Net investment income on our consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest receivable, which was $17.0 million and $16.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, is included in Accrued investment income on our consolidated balance sheets.

Loan Valuation Allowance

We establish a valuation allowance to provide for the risk of credit losses inherent in our mortgage loan portfolios. The valuation allowance is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb estimated expected credit losses. The valuation allowance is based on amortized cost, which excludes accrued interest receivable. We do not measure a credit loss allowance on accrued interest receivable as we write off any uncollectible accrued interest receivable balances to net investment income in a timely manner. We did not charge off any uncollectible accrued interest receivable on our commercial, agricultural or residential mortgage loan portfolios for the three month period ended March 31, 2021.

 

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The valuation allowances for each of our mortgage loan portfolios are estimated by deriving probability of default and recovery rate assumptions based on the characteristics of the loans in each portfolio, historical economic data and loss information, and current and forecasted economics conditions. Key loan characteristics impacting the estimate for our commercial mortgage loan portfolio include the current state of the borrower’s credit quality, which considers factors such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios, loan performance, underlying collateral type, delinquency status, time to maturity, and original credit scores. Key loan characteristics impacting the estimate for our agricultural and residential mortgage loan portfolios include delinquency status, time to maturity, original credit scores and LTV ratios.

The following table represents a rollforward of the valuation allowance on our mortgage loan portfolios:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2021  
     Commercial      Agricultural      Residential      Total  
            (Dollars in thousands)         

Beginning allowance balance

   $ (25,529    $ (2,130    $ (3,370    $ (31,029

Charge-offs

     —          —          —          —    

Recoveries

     —          —          —          —    

Change in provision for credit losses

     (610      1,691        1,434        2,515  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending allowance balance

   $ (26,139    $ (439    $ (1,936    $ (28,514
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Charge-offs include allowances that have been established on loans that were satisfied either by taking ownership of the collateral or by some other means such as discounted pay-off or loan sale. When ownership of the property is taken it is recorded at the lower of the loan’s carrying value or the property’s fair value (based on appraised values) less estimated costs to sell. The real estate owned is recorded as a component of Other investments and the loan is recorded as fully paid, with any allowance for credit loss that has been established charged off. Fair value of the real estate is determined by third party appraisal. Recoveries are situations where we have received a payment from the borrower in an amount greater than the carrying value of the loan (principal outstanding less specific allowance). We did not own any real estate during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Credit Quality Indicators

We evaluate the credit quality of our commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by analyzing LTV and DSC ratios and loan performance. We evaluate the credit quality of our residential mortgage loans by analyzing loan performance.

LTV and DSC ratios for our commercial mortgage loans are originally calculated at the time of loan origination and are updated annually for each loan using information such as rent rolls, assessment of lease maturity dates and property operating statements, which are reviewed in the context of current leasing and in place rents compared to market leasing and market rents. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. An LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the value of the underlying collateral. All of our commercial mortgage loans that have a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.0 are performing under the original contractual loan terms at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

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The amortized cost of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio by LTV and DSC ratios based on the most recent information collected was as follows at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (by year of origination):

 

    2021     2020     2019     2018     2017     Prior     Total  
As of March 31, 2021:   Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
Debt Service Coverage
Ratio:
  (Dollars in thousands)  

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 40,908       66   $ 393,845       63   $ 496,170       65   $ 412,055       64   $ 314,347       57   $ 1,017,700       48   $ 2,675,025       57

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    13,226       69     130,276       67     212,153       70     94,962       73     123,465       67     162,707       57     736,789       66

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    —         —       17,490       81     8,958       68     2,744       70     7,495       65     28,608       63     65,295       69

Less than 1.0

    —         —       —         —       37,135       65     1,428       88     10,063       80     20,192       61     68,818       66
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 54,134       67   $ 541,611       64   $ 754,416       66   $ 511,189       65   $ 455,370       60   $ 1,229,207       50   $ 3,545,927       59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016     Prior     Total  
As of December 31,
2020:
  Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
Debt Service Coverage
Ratio:
                                                                                   

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 364,574       63   $ 442,370       66   $ 399,193       62   $ 316,738       57   $ 359,321       54   $ 715,706       47   $ 2,597,902       57

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    161,779       66     226,166       70     124,267       72     124,564       67     52,513       62     111,690       55     800,979       66

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    17,638       82     22,917       67     2,769       71     7,597       66     —         —       32,327       65     83,248       69

Less than 1.0

    —         —        64,131       58     1,441       89     10,156       80     —         —       21,031       60     96,759       61
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 543,991       65   $ 755,584       67   $ 527,670       64   $ 459,055       60   $ 411,834       55   $ 880,754       49   $ 3,578,888       59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LTV and DSC ratios for our agricultural mortgage loans are calculated at the time of loan origination and are evaluated annually for each loan using land value averages. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments. An LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the value of the underlying collateral. All of our agricultural mortgage loans that have a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.0 are performing under the original contractual loan terms at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

The amortized cost of our agricultural mortgage loan portfolio by LTV and DSC ratios based on the most recent information collected was as follows at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (by year of origination):

 

    2021     2020     2019     2018     2017     Prior     Total  
As of March 31, 2021:   Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
Debt Service Coverage
Ratio:
  (Dollars in thousands)  

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 12,128       39   $ 80,175       53   $ 11,901       49   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 129,204       43

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    3,748       57     104,090       43     3,401       23     —         —       —         —       —         —       111,239       43

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    7,479       44     4,186       37     4,781       50     —         —       —         —       —         —       16,446       44

Less than 1.0

    —         —       8,696       60     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       8,696       60
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 23,355       43   $ 197,147       48   $ 20,083       45   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 265,585       44
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016     Prior     Total  
As of December 31, 2020:   Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
LTV
 
Debt Service Coverage
Ratio:
                                                                                   

Greater than or equal to 1.5

  $ 78,631       52   $ 13,985       47   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 117,616       43

Greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than 1.5

    101,879       44     3,425       23     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       105,304       44

Greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than 1.2

    4,213       37     6,573       43     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       10,786       41

Less than 1.0

    11,467       48     —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       11,467       48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 196,190       47   $ 23,983       42   $ 25,000       11   $ —         —     $ —         —     $ —         —     $ 245,173       43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We closely monitor loan performance for our commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loan portfolios. Aging of financing receivables is summarized in the following table (by year of origination):

 

     2021      2020      2019      2018      2017      Prior      Total  
As of March 31, 2021:    (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 54,134      $ 541,611      $ 754,416      $ 511,189      $ 455,370      $ 1,229,207      $ 3,545,927  

30 — 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 — 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

   $ 54,134      $ 541,611      $ 754,416      $ 511,189      $ 455,370      $ 1,229,207      $ 3,545,927  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Agricultural mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 23,355      $ 197,147      $ 20,083      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ 265,585  

30 — 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 — 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total agricultural mortgage loans

   $ 23,355      $ 197,147      $ 20,083      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ 265,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 72,910      $ 275,127      $ 20,406      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 368,443  

30 — 59 days past due

     3,600        90,607        1,981        —          —          —          96,188  

60 — 89 days past due

     —          37,925        2,335        —          —          —          40,260  

Over 90 days past due

     —          2,713        —          —          —          —          2,713  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total residential mortgage loans

   $ 76,510      $ 406,372      $ 24,722      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 507,604  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     2020      2019      2018      2017      2016      Prior      Total  
As of December 31, 2020:    (Dollars in thousands)  

Commercial mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 543,991      $ 755,584      $ 527,670      $ 459,055      $ 411,834      $ 880,754      $ 3,578,888  

30 — 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 — 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commercial mortgage loans

   $ 543,991      $ 755,584      $ 527,670      $ 459,055      $ 411,834      $ 880,754      $ 3,578,888  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Agricultural mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 196,190      $ 23,983      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 245,173  

30 — 59 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

60 — 89 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Over 90 days past due

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total agricultural mortgage loans

   $ 196,190      $ 23,983      $ 25,000      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 245,173  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans

                    

Current

   $ 321,779      $ 24,951      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 346,730  

30 — 59 days past due

     25,150        299        —          —          —          —          25,449  

60 — 89 days past due

     111        —          —          —          —          —          111  

Over 90 days past due

     167        —          —          —          —          —          167  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total residential mortgage loans

   $ 347,207      $ 25,250      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 372,457  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans are considered delinquent when they become 60 days or more past due. When loans become more than 90 days past due they are considered nonperforming and we place them on non-accrual status and discontinue recognizing interest income. If payments are received on a delinquent loan, interest income is recognized to the extent it would have been recognized if normal principal and interest would have been received timely. If payments are received to bring a delinquent loan back to current, we will resume accruing interest income on that loan. There were three loans in non-accrual status at March 31, 2021 and one loan in non-accrual status at December 31, 2020. We recognized no interest income on loans in non-accrual status during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Collateral dependent loans consist of loans for which we will depend on the value of the collateral real estate to satisfy the outstanding principal of the loan. There were no collateral dependent commercial, agricultural or residential loans as of March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

A Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:

 

   

borrower is in default,

 

   

borrower has declared bankruptcy,

 

   

there is growing concern about the borrower’s ability to continue as a going concern,

 

   

borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,

 

   

borrower’s inability to obtain funds from other sources, and

 

   

there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.

 

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If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower is granted a concession:

 

   

assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,

 

   

interest rate is modified,

 

   

maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,

 

   

capitalization of interest,

 

   

delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and

 

   

partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.

Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDRs are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. There were no mortgage loans that we determined to be a TDR at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

6. Derivative Instruments

None of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, thus, any change in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed index annuity contracts, presented in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

     March 31,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

     

Derivative instruments

     

Call options

   $ 1,509,767      $ 1,310,954  

Warrants

     125        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,509,892      $ 1,310,954  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Policy benefit reserves — annuity products

     

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives, net

   $ 7,680,951      $ 7,938,281  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Change in fair value of derivatives:

    

Call options

   $ 396,276     $ (941,936

Warrants

     29       —    

Interest rate caps

     —         62  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 396,305     $ (941,874
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:

    

Fixed index annuities — embedded derivatives

   $ (377,121   $ (1,285,071

Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting

     94,708       35,010  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (282,413   $ (1,250,061
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The amounts presented as “Other changes in difference between policy benefit reserves computed using derivative accounting vs. long-duration contracts accounting” represents the total change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for fixed index annuities computed under the derivative accounting standard and the long- duration contracts accounting standard at each balance sheet date, less the change in fair value of our fixed index annuities embedded derivatives that is presented as Level 3 liabilities in Note 3.

We have fixed index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When fixed index annuity deposits are received, a portion of the deposit is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to fixed index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to fair value with the change in fair value included as a component of revenues. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term and the changes in fair value for open positions. On the respective anniversary dates of the index policies, the index used to compute the index credit is reset and we purchase new call options to fund the next index credit. We manage the cost of these purchases through the terms of our fixed index annuities, which permit us to change caps, participation rates, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each policy’s anniversary date. By adjusting caps, participation rates, or asset fees, we can generally manage option costs except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.

Our strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss due to the nonperformance of the counterparties to these call options through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program’s effectiveness. We do not purchase call options that would require payment or collateral to another institution and our call options do not contain counterparty credit-risk-related contingent features. We are exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, we purchase our option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluate the creditworthiness of all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. All non-exchange traded options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard and Poor’s credit rating of A- or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. We also have credit support agreements that allow us to request the counterparty to provide collateral to us when the fair value of our exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.

The notional amount and fair value of our call options by counterparty and each counterparty’s current credit rating are as follows:

 

                March 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  

Counterparty

  Credit
Rating
(S&P)
    Credit
Rating
(Moody’s)
    Notional
Amount
    Fair Value     Notional
Amount
    Fair Value  
                (Dollars in thousands)  

Bank of America

    A+       Aa2     $ 2,919,169     $ 113,973     $ 2,835,420     $ 95,378  

Barclays

    A       A1       5,769,640       260,349       5,710,978       277,692  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    A+       Aa2       6,784,340       300,773       6,593,815       279,053  

Citibank, N.A.

    A+       Aa3       3,476,223       142,248       3,118,979       96,757  

Credit Suisse

    A+       Aa3       3,463,465       107,932       4,422,798       78,823  

J.P. Morgan

    A+       Aa2       3,060,678       95,835       3,600,636       54,762  

Morgan Stanley

    A+       Aa3       2,464,800       97,684       2,856,466       62,969  

Royal Bank of Canada

    AA-       A2       1,201,793       31,085       1,289,699       32,753  

Societe Generale

    A       A1       1,811,079       56,516       1,494,904       34,394  

Truist

    A       A2       2,356,648       96,021       2,375,124       96,573  

Wells Fargo

    A+       Aa2       4,966,960       201,085       4,848,541       196,801  

Exchange traded

        222,264       6,266       214,819       4,999  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 38,497,059     $ 1,509,767     $ 39,362,179     $ 1,310,954  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents and other investments from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This derivative collateral limits the maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $18.3 million and $35.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The future index credits on our fixed index annuities are treated as a “series of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contract. We do not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. We must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at fair value.

We entered into an interest rate swap and interest rate caps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. See Note 10 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for more information on our subordinated debentures. As of March 31, 2021, all of our floating rate subordinated debentures have been redeemed and the interest rate swap and interest rate caps have been terminated. The terms of the interest rate swap provided that we paid a fixed rate of interest and received a floating rate of interest. The terms of the interest rate caps limited the three month LIBOR to 2.50%. The interest rate swap and caps were not effective hedges under accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Therefore, we recorded the interest rate swap and caps at fair value and any net cash payments received or paid were included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

7. Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements

Notes payable includes the following:

 

     March 31,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Senior notes due 2027

     

Principal

   $ 500,000      $ 500,000  

Unamortized debt issue costs

     (3,951      (4,086

Unamortized discount

     (238      (246
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 495,811      $ 495,668  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On June 16, 2017, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2027 which bear interest at 5.0% per year and will mature on June 15, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2027 Notes were issued at a $0.3 million discount, which is being amortized over the term of the 2027 Notes using the effective interest method. Contractual interest is payable semi-annually in arrears each June 15th and December 15th. The initial transaction fees and costs totaling $5.8 million were capitalized as deferred financing costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2027 Notes using the effective interest method.

As part of our investment strategy, we enter into securities repurchase agreements (short-term collateralized borrowings). When we do borrow cash on these repurchase agreements, we pledge collateral in the form of debt securities with fair values approximately equal to the amount due and we use the cash to purchase debt securities ahead of the time we collect the cash from selling annuity policies to avoid a lag between the investment of funds and the obligation to credit interest to policyholders. We earn investment income on the securities purchased with these borrowings at a rate in excess of the cost of these borrowings. We had no borrowings under repurchase agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Such borrowings averaged $24.6 million and the maximum amount borrowed was $186.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 1.51% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

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8. Commitments and Contingencies

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state and federal regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Department of Labor, regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidelines, we establish an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. As a litigation or regulatory matter is developing we, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the matter presents a loss contingency that meets conditions indicating the need for accrual and/or disclosure, and if not, the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments. If and when the loss contingency related to litigation or regulatory matters is deemed to be both probable and estimable, we will establish an accrued liability with respect to that matter and will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that may affect the amount of the accrued liability.

There can be no assurance that any pending or future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

In addition to our commitments to fund mortgage loans, we have unfunded commitments at March 31, 2021 to limited partnerships of $33.5 million and to fixed maturity securities of $14.0 million.

9. Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders’ Equity

Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming dilution:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020  
     (Dollars in thousands, except
per share data)
 

Numerator:

     

Net income available to common stockholders — numerator for earnings per common share

   $ 271,765      $ 236,336  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

     

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     95,734,851        91,644,315  

Effect of dilutive securities:

     

Stock options and deferred compensation agreements

     181,054        137,289  

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

     299,760        239,475  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator for earnings per common share — assuming dilution

     96,215,665        92,021,079  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

   $ 2.84      $ 2.58  

Earnings per common share — assuming dilution

   $ 2.82      $ 2.57  

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were 100,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding, with an exercise price of $30.50, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were 50,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding, with an exercise price of $26.70, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

 

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Stockholders’ Equity

On June 10, 2020, we issued 12,000 shares of 6.625% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B”) with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of $290.3 million.

On November 21, 2019 we issued 16,000 shares of 5.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A”) with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of $388.9 million.

Dividends on the Series A and Series B preferred stock are payable on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared, quarterly in arrears on the first day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 1, 2020 for Series A and on December 1, 2020 for Series B. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we paid dividends totaling $5.9 million and $5.0 million on the Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we paid dividends totaling $6.6 million on the Series A preferred stock. The Series A and Series B preferred stock rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividends, to the extent declared, and in liquidation, to the extent of the liquidation preference. The Series A and Series B preferred stock are not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, retirement fund, purchase fund or similar provisions.

Brookfield Asset Management Equity Investment

On October 18, 2020, we announced an agreement with Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Brookfield”) under which Brookfield will acquire up to a 19.9% ownership interest of common stock in the Company. The equity investment by Brookfield will take place in two stages: an initial purchase of a 9.9% equity interest at $37.00 per share which closed on November 30, 2020 with Brookfield purchasing 9,106,042 shares, and a second purchase of up to an incremental 10.0% equity interest, at the greater value of $37.00 per share or adjusted book value per share (excluding AOCI and the net impact of fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives). The second equity investment is subject to finalization of a proposed reinsurance transaction that has been agreed to in principle, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Brookfield also received one seat on the Company’s Board of Directors following the initial equity investment.

Share Repurchase Program

On October 18, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program. The purpose of the share repurchase program is to both offset dilution from the issuance of shares to Brookfield and to institute a regular cash return program for shareholders. We started the buyback program on October 30, 2020 and have repurchased 2.0 million shares of our common stock for $53 million in the open market as of March 31, 2021.

On November 30, 2020 we entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Citibank, N.A. to repurchase an aggregate of $115 million of our common stock. Under the ASR agreement, we received an initial share delivery of approximately 3.5 million shares. The final settlement of 0.5 million shares, which was based on the volume-weighted average price of our common stock during the term of the transaction, less a discount and subject to customary adjustments, was delivered on February 25, 2021. The average price paid for shares repurchased under the ASR was $28.45 per common share. The ASR agreement was determined to be an equity contract.

As of March 31, 2021, we have repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $27.63 per common share.

 

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Treasury Stock

As of March 31, 2021, we held 6,916,584 shares of treasury stock with a carrying value of $164.3 million. As of December 31, 2020, we held 6,516,525 shares of treasury stock with a carrying value of $151.6 million.

 

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LOGO

 

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT

Class A Exchangeable Limited Voting Shares of

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

Class A Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield Asset Management

(issuable or deliverable upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of Class A Exchangeable

Limited Voting Shares)

 

 

Prospectus dated                         , 2021

Until                     , 2021, all dealers that effect transactions in the class A exchangeable shares whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 6.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (our “company”)

The Companies Act 1981 (the “Companies Act”) provides generally that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company. The Companies Act further provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is awarded in their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to section 281 of the Companies Act.

Our company’s bye-laws will provide that the directors, resident representative (if any), secretary and other officers acting in relation to any of the affairs of our company or any subsidiary thereof and the liquidator or trustees (if any) acting in relation to any of the affairs of our company or any subsidiary thereof and every one of them shall be indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets of our company from and against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them shall or may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or supposed duty, or in their respective offices or trusts, and no indemnified party shall be answerable to the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the others of them or for joining in any receipts for the sake of conformity, or for any bankers or other persons with whom any moneys or effects belonging to our company shall or may be lodged or deposited for safe custody, or for insufficiency or deficiency of any security upon which any moneys of or belonging to our company shall be placed out on or invested, or for any other loss, misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of their respective offices or trusts, or in relation thereto, provided that this indemnity shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty in relation to our company which may attach to any of the indemnified parties.

Our company expects to obtain and maintain director and officer insurance.

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“Brookfield Asset Management”)

Under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), Brookfield Asset Management may indemnify a present or former director or officer or a person who acts or acted at Brookfield Asset Management’s request as a director or officer of another entity, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding in which he or she is involved by reason of being or having been a director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management or such other entity and provided that the director or officer acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Brookfield Asset Management or the other entity, as the case may be, and, in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, such director or officer had reasonable grounds for believing that his or her conduct was lawful. Such indemnification may be made in connection with an action by or on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management or such other entity to procure a judgment in its favor only with court approval. A director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management is entitled to indemnification from Brookfield Asset Management as a matter of right if he or she was not judged by a court or other competent authority to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that he or she ought to have done and fulfilled the conditions set forth above.

 

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In accordance with the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management approved a resolution dated August 1, 1997 providing for the following:

 

  (i)

Brookfield Asset Management shall indemnify a director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management, a former director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management or a person who acts or acted at Brookfield Asset Management’s request as a director or officer of a body corporate of which Brookfield Asset Management is or was a shareholder or creditor, and his or her heirs and legal representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management or such body corporate (except in respect of an action by or on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management or such body corporate to procure a judgment in its favor), if,

 

  a)

he or she acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Brookfield Asset Management, and

 

  b)

in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he or she had reasonable grounds for believing that his or her conduct was lawful;

 

  (ii)

Brookfield Asset Management shall, with the prior approval of the court having jurisdiction, indemnify a person referred to in (i) above in respect of an action by or on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management or such body corporate to procure a judgment in its favor, to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or an officer of Brookfield Asset Management or such body corporate, against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action if he or she fulfils the conditions set out in paragraphs (i)(a) and (b) above; and

 

  (iii)

notwithstanding anything in (i) and (ii) above, a person referred to in (i) above shall be indemnified by Brookfield Asset Management in respect of all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of Brookfield Asset Management or body corporate, if the person seeking indemnity,

 

  a)

was substantially successful on the merits in his or her defense of the action or proceeding, and

 

  b)

fulfills the conditions set out in paragraphs (i)(a) and (b) above.

Nothing in the by-laws or resolutions of Brookfield Asset Management limits the right of any person entitled to claim indemnity apart from the indemnity provided pursuant to the resolution described above.

A policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance is maintained by Brookfield Asset Management which insures, subject to certain exclusions, directors and officers for losses as a result of claims against the directors and officers of Brookfield Asset Management in their capacity as directors and officers and also reimburses Brookfield Asset Management for payments made pursuant to the indemnity provided by Brookfield Asset Management pursuant to the resolution or as required or permitted by law.

***

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Brookfield Asset Management and/or our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Brookfield Asset Management and our company have been advised that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

II-2


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Item 7.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

On December 11, 2020, our company issued 100 common shares to Brookfield Asset Management for aggregate consideration of $100 and received a further capital contribution of $900.

 

Item 8

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index below.

The agreements included as exhibits to this registration statement contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosure that was made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.

Brookfield Asset Management and our company acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, Brookfield Asset Management and our company are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosure of material information regarding material contractual provisions is required to make the statements in this registration statement not misleading.

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

  3.1*   

Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

  3.2#   

Form of Bye-laws of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

  3.3   

Articles of Amalgamation and Amendment of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., incorporated by reference from Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s Form F-4, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2019

  3.4   

By-laws of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., incorporated by reference from Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s Form F-4, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2019

  5.1#   

Opinion of Appleby (Bermuda) Limited with respect to certain matters of Bermuda law

  5.2#   

Opinion of Torys LLP with respect to certain matters of Canadian Law

10.1#   

Form of Administration Agreement by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. and others

10.2#   

Form of Support Agreement, by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

10.3#   

Form of Rights Agreement by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. and Wilmington Trust, National Association

10.4#   

Form of License Agreement by and between Brookfield Global Asset Management Inc. and Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

10.5#   

Form of Credit Agreement between Brookfield US Holdings Inc. and Brookfield International Holdings Inc., as lenders, and BAM Re Holdings Ltd., North End RE (Cayman) SPC, North End RE Ltd. and Brookfield Annuity Company, as borrowers

10.6#   

Form of Equity Commitment Agreement between Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

 

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Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Document

10.7*   

AEL Investment Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2020, by and among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Burgundy Acquisitions I Ltd.

10.8*   

Assignment Agreement, Consent and Waiver in Anticipation of Regulatory Form A Filing, dated as of February 28, 2021, by and among, Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Burgundy Acquisitions I Ltd., Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., North End Re (Cayman) SPC and American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

21.1#   

List of Significant Subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

21.2#   

List of Significant Subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

23.1#   

Consent of Appleby (Bermuda) Limited (included in 5.1 above)

23.2#   

Consent of Torys LLP (included in 5.2 above)

23.3#   

Consent of Deloitte LLP, with respect to Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the two years ended December 31, 2020

23.4#   

Consent of Deloitte LLP, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, together with the notes thereto

23.5#   

Consent of Deloitte LLP, with respect to the statement of financial position of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. as of December 31, 2020

23.6#   

Consent of KPMG LLP with respect to American Equity Investment Life Holding Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020.

23.7*   

Consent of Anne Schaumburg as Person Named as About to Become Director

23.8*   

Consent of William Cox as Person Named as About to Become Director

23.9*   

Consent of Sachin Shah as Person Named as About to Become Director

24.1*   

Powers of Attorney

99.1#   

Form of Notice of Exchange

 

*

Previously filed.

#

Filed herewith.

The registrants hereby agree to furnish to the SEC at its request copies of long-term debt instruments defining the rights of holders of outstanding long-term debt that are not required to be filed herewith.

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the required information is otherwise set forth in the consolidated financial statements or related notes thereto.

 

Item 9.

Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement, unless the information required to be included in a post-effective

 

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amendment by paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) below is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrants pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of a prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) To file a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrants include in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser;

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that

 

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is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, each of the registrants will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(c) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

(1) That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES OF BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Hamilton, Bermuda on May 18, 2021.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.
By:  

/s/ James Bodi

 

Name: James Bodi

Title:   Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

*

Sachin Shah

  

Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

May 18, 2021

/s/ Thomas Corbett

Thomas Corbett

  

Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 18, 2021

/s/ James A. Bodi

James A. Bodi

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Gregory N. McConnie

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Gregory E A Morrison

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

 

*By:  

/s/ James A. Bodi

Name:   James A. Bodi
Title:   Attorney-in-fact


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES OF BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on May 18, 2021.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:  

/s/  Kathy Sarpash

 

Name:  Kathy Sarpash

Title:  Senior Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

*

J. Bruce Flatt

  

Director and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

May 18, 2021

/s/ Nicholas Goodman

Nicholas Goodman

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 18, 2021

*

M. Elyse Allan

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Jeffrey M. Blidner

  

Director and Vice Chair

 

May 18, 2021

*

Angela F. Braly

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Jack L. Cockwell

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Marcel R. Coutu

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Murilo Ferreira

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Janice Fukakusa

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Maureen V. Kempston Darkes

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Howard S. Marks

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021


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*

Frank J. McKenna

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

May 18, 2021

*

Rafael Miranda

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Lord Augustine Thomas O’Donnell

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Hutham Olayan

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Ngee Huat Seek

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

*

Diana L. Taylor

  

Director

 

May 18, 2021

 

*By:  

/s/ Nicholas Goodman

Name:   Nicholas Goodman
Title:   Attorney-in-fact


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SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement has been signed below by the undersigned, solely in its capacity as the registrants’ duly authorized representative in the United States, on May 18, 2021.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC
By:  

/s/ Kathy Sarpash

 

Name: Kathy Sarpash

Title:   Secretary

Exhibit 3.2

 

LOGO

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS

OF

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

The undersigned HEREBY CERTIFIES that the attached Bye-Laws are a true copy of the Bye-Laws of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (Company) adopted by the Shareholder(s) of the Company on ∎, 2021.

________________________________

Director

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS OF BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

INDEX    

 

Bye-Law    Page  

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1  

REGISTERED OFFICE

     4  

SHARE CAPITAL

     4  

MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

     6  

SHARES

     6  

CERTIFICATES

     7  

REGISTER OF SHAREHOLDERS

     8  

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     8  

TRANSFER OF SHARES

     8  

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

     10  

INCREASE OF CAPITAL

     11  

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

     11  

REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

     12  

GENERAL MEETINGS AND RESOLUTIONS IN WRITING

     12  

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

     13  

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

     14  

VOTING

     16  

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

     18  

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

     20  

RESIGNATION AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

     24  

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

     24  

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

     25  

FEES, GRATUITIES AND PENSIONS

     26  

DELEGATION OF THE BOARD’S POWERS

     26  

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

     27  

OFFICERS

     29  

MINUTES

     30  


SECRETARY AND RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

     30  

THE SEAL

     30  

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

     31  

RESERVES

     32  

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

     33  

RECORD DATES

     33  

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

     34  

AUDIT

     34  

SERVICE OF NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

     35  

DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

     36  

WINDING UP

     37  

INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

     38  

AMALGAMATION AND MERGER

     39  

CONTINUATION

     39  

ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS

     40  

UNTRACED SHAREHOLDERS

     40  

FORUM SELECTION

     41  

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE–LAWS

OF

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

(Adopted by a Resolution dated ∎, 2021)

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.

In these Bye-Laws, unless the context otherwise requires:

Auditor: the person or firm for the time being appointed as auditor of the Company;

Bermuda: the Islands of Bermuda;

Board: the Directors of the Company appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-Laws and acting by resolution as provided for in the Companies Act and in these Bye-Laws or the Directors present at a meeting of Directors at which there is a quorum;

Class A Shares: the class A exchangeable limited voting shares, par value US$40.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Class B Shares: the class B limited voting shares, par value US$40.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Class C Shares: the class C non-voting shares, par value US$1.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

clear days: in relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day on which the notice is given or served, or deemed to be given or served, and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;

Companies Act: the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as may be amended;

Company: Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., a company incorporated in Bermuda on December 16, 2020;

Director: any person duly elected or appointed as a director of the Company and any person occupying the position of director of the Company by whatever name called;

Electronic Record: has the same meaning as in the Electronic Transactions Act 1999;

Foreign Action: has the meaning as set out in Bye-Law 174;

Indemnified Person: any Director, Officer, Resident Representative, member of a committee duly constituted under these Bye-Laws and any liquidator, manager or trustee for the time being acting in relation to the affairs of the Company (including anyone previously acting in such capacity), and his heirs, executors and administrators, administrators, personal representatives or successors or assigns;

 

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Junior Preferred Shares: the class A junior preferred shares, par value US$25.00 per share, and the class B junior preferred shares, par value C$25.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Officer: a person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company pursuant to these Bye-Laws but shall not include the Auditor;

outstanding: when used to describe a share, means a share that is issued but not held by the Company as a treasury share;

paid up: paid up or credited as paid up;

Preferred Shares: the Senior Preferred Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares;

Register: the Register of Shareholders of the Company maintained by the Company in Bermuda;

Registered Office: the registered office for the time being of the Company in Bermuda;

Resident Representative: (if any) the individual or the company appointed to perform the duties of resident representative set out in the Companies Act and includes any assistant or deputy Resident Representative appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Resident Representative;

Resolution: a resolution of the Shareholders passed in a general meeting or, where required, of a separate class or separate classes of Shareholders passed in a separate general meeting or in either case adopted by resolution in writing, in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-Laws; for greater certainty, for so long as the Class A Shares and Class B Shares are outstanding, all references to a Resolution in these bye-laws shall mean a resolution passed in accordance with Bye-Law 60;

Seal: the common seal of the Company (if any) and includes every authorised duplicate seal;

Secretary: the secretary for the time being of the Company and any person appointed to perform any of the duties of the secretary;

Senior Preferred Shares: the class A senior preferred shares, par value US$25.00 per share, and the class B senior preferred shares, par value C$25.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

 

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share: a share in the capital of the Company and includes stock, treasury shares and a fraction of a share/stock;

Shareholder: the person registered in the Register as the holder of shares;

Specified Place: the place, if any, specified in the notice of any meeting of the Shareholders, or adjourned meeting of the Shareholders, at which the chairman of the meeting shall preside;

Subsidiary and Holding Company: have the same meanings as in section 86 of the Companies Act, except that references in that section to a company shall include any body corporate or other legal entity, whether incorporated or established in Bermuda or elsewhere; and

these Bye-Laws: the amended and restated bye-laws of the Company in their present form.

 

1.1

For the purposes of these Bye-Laws, a corporation which is a Shareholder shall be deemed to be present in person at a general meeting if, in accordance with the Companies Act, its authorised representative(s) is/are present.

 

1.2

Words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa.

 

1.3

Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine gender.

 

1.4

Words importing persons include any company or association or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporated and natural persons.

 

1.5

Any reference to writing includes all modes of representing or reproducing words in a visible form, including in the form of an Electronic Record.

 

1.6

Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions defined in the Companies Act bear the same meanings in these Bye-Laws.

 

1.7

Headings are used for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of these Bye-Laws.

 

1.8

A reference to anything being done by electronic means includes its being done by means of any electronic or other communications equipment or facilities and reference to any communication being delivered or received, or being delivered or received at a particular place, includes the transmission of an Electronic Record to a recipient identified in such manner or by such means as the Board may from time to time approve or prescribe, either generally or for a particular purpose.

 

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1.9

A reference to a signature or to anything being signed or executed include such forms of electronic signature or other means of verifying the authenticity of an Electronic Record as the Board may from time to time approve or prescribe, either generally or for a particular purpose.

 

1.10

A reference to any statute or statutory provision (whether in Bermuda or elsewhere) includes a reference to any modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force and to every rule, regulation or order made under it (or under any such modification or re-enactment) and for the time being in force and any reference to any rule, regulation or order made under any such statute or statutory provision includes a reference to any modification or replacement of such rule, regulation or order for the time being in force.

 

1.11

In these Bye-Laws:

 

  (a)

powers of delegation shall not be restrictively construed but the widest interpretation shall be given thereto;

 

  (b)

the word Board in the context of the exercise of any power contained in these Bye-Laws includes any committee consisting of one or more Directors, any Director holding executive office and any local or divisional Board, manager or agent of the Company to which or, as the ease may be, to whom the power in question has been delegated;

 

  (c)

no power of delegation shall be limited by the existence or, except where expressly provided by the terms of delegation, the exercise of any other power of delegation; and

 

  (d)

except where expressly provided by the terms of delegation, the delegation of a power shall not exclude the concurrent exercise of that power by any other body or person who is for the time being authorised to exercise it under these Bye-Laws or under another delegation of the powers.

REGISTERED OFFICE

 

2.

The Registered Office shall be at such place in Bermuda as the Board shall from time to time appoint.

SHARE CAPITAL

 

3.

The authorised share capital of the Company at the date of adoption of these Bye-Laws is:

 

  (a)

1,000,000,000 Class A Shares, par value of US$40.00 per share;

 

  (b)

500,000 Class B Shares, par value of US$40.00 per share;

 

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  (c)

1,000,000,000 Class C Shares, par value of US$1.00 per share;

 

  (d)

1,000,000,000 Class A Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of US$25.00 per share;

 

  (e)

1,000,000,000 Class B Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00;

 

  (f)

100,000,000 Class A Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of US$25.00 per share; and

 

  (g)

100,000,000 Class B Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00 per share.

 

4.

The Class A Shares, the Class B Shares, the Class C Shares, the Junior Preferred Shares and the Senior Preferred Shares shall, subject to the other provisions of these Bye-Laws, entitle the holders thereof to the rights as set forth on Schedule A hereto.

 

5.

The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a Resolution, authorise the purchase by the Company of its own shares, of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), and any shares to be so purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine, provided always that such purchase is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The whole or any part of the amount payable on any such purchase may be paid or satisfied otherwise than in cash, to the extent permitted by the Companies Act.

 

6.

The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a Resolution, authorise the acquisition by the Company of its own shares, of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), and any shares to be so purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, and may be cancelled or may be held as treasury shares, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine, provided always that such acquisition is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The whole or any part of the amount payable on any such acquisition may be paid or satisfied otherwise than in cash, to the extent permitted by the Companies Act. If the acquired shares are not cancelled, the Company shall be entered in the Register as a Shareholder in respect of the shares held by the Company as treasury shares and shall be a Shareholder of the Company but subject always to the provisions of the Companies Act and for the avoidance of doubt the Company shall not exercise any rights and shall not enjoy or participate in any of the rights attaching to those shares save as expressly provided for in the Companies Act.

 

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MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

 

7.

Subject to the Companies Act, all or any of the special rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be altered or abrogated with the sanction of a Resolution.

 

8.

For the purposes of Bye-Law 7, unless otherwise expressly provided by the rights attached to any shares or class of shares, those rights attaching to any class of shares for the time being shall not be deemed to be altered by:

 

  (a)

the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with them;

 

  (b)

the creation or issue for full value (as determined by the Board) of further shares ranking as regards participation in the profits or assets of the Company or otherwise in priority to them; or

 

  (c)

the purchase or redemption by the Company of any of its own shares.

SHARES

 

9.

Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, the unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original capital or any increased capital) shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

 

10.

Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, any shares of the Company held by the Company as treasury shares shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may hold all or any of the shares, dispose of or transfer all or any of the shares for cash or other consideration, or cancel all or any of the shares.

 

11.

The Board may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by law. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, any such commission or brokerage may be satisfied by the payment of cash or by the allotment of fully or partly paid shares or partly in one way and partly in the other.

 

12.

Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or in any fractional part of a share or (except only as otherwise provided in these Bye-Laws or by law) any other right in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.

 

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13.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bye-Laws, for as long as the Class A Shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange:

 

  (a)

the Board may only issue shares as non-assessable and after the consideration for each share is fully paid in money or in property or past services that are not less in value than the fair equivalent of the money that the Company would have received if the share(s) had been issued for money; and

 

  (b)

Directors who vote for or consent to a resolution authorizing the issue of any share(s) pursuant to these Bye-Laws for consideration other than money are jointly and severally liable to the Company to make good any amount by which the consideration received is less than the fair equivalent of the money that the Company would have received if the share(s) had been issued for money on the date of the resolution.

CERTIFICATES

 

14.

No share certificates shall be issued by the Company unless, in respect of a class of shares, the Board has either for all or for some holders of such shares (who may be determined in such manner as the Board thinks fit) determined that the holder of such shares may be entitled to share certificates. In the case of a share held jointly by several persons, delivery of a certificate to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all.

 

15.

If a share certificate is defaced, lost or destroyed, it may be replaced without fee but on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and to payment of the costs and out of pocket expenses of the Company in investigating such evidence and preparing such indemnity as the Board may think fit and, in case of defacement, on delivery of the old certificate to the Company.

 

16.

All certificates for share or loan capital or other securities of the Company (other than letters of allotment, scrip certificates and other like documents) shall, except to the extent that the terms and conditions for the time being relating thereto otherwise provide, be in such form as the Board may determine and issued under the Seal or signed by a Director, the Secretary or any person authorised by the Board for that purpose. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in any particular case, that any signatures on any such certificates need not be autographic but may be affixed to such certificates by some mechanical means or may be printed thereon or that such certificates need not be signed by any persons, or may determine that a representation of the Seal may be printed on any such certificates.    If any person holding an office in the Company who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been used on, any certificate ceases for any reason to hold his office, such certificate may nevertheless be issued as though that person had not ceased to hold such office.

 

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17.

Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall prevent title to any securities of the Company from being evidenced and/or transferred without a written instrument in accordance with the Companies Act or the regulations made from time to time in this regard thereunder, and the Board shall have power to implement any arrangements which it may think fit for such evidencing and/or transfer which accord with the Companies Act or the regulations thereunder.

REGISTER OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

18.

The Register shall be kept at the Registered Office or at such other place in Bermuda as the Board may from time to time direct, in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company may keep one or more overseas or branch registers in any place, and the Board may make, amend and revoke any such regulations as it may think fit respecting the keeping of such registers. The Board may authorise any share on the Register to be included in a branch register or any share registered on a branch register to be registered on another branch register, provided that at all times the Register is maintained in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

19.

The Register or any branch register may be closed at such times and for such period as the Board may from time to time decide, subject to the Companies Act. Except during such time as it is closed, the Register and each branch register shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon (or between such other times as the Board from time to time determines) on every working day. Unless the Board so determines, no Shareholder or intending Shareholder shall be entitled to have entered in the Register or any branch register any indication of any trust or any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any fractional part of a share and if any such entry exists or is permitted by the Board it shall not be deemed to abrogate any of the provisions of Bye-Law 12.

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

20.

The Secretary shall establish and maintain a register of the Directors and Officers of the Company as required by the Companies Act. The register of Directors and Officers shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon (or between such other times as the Board from time to time determines) in Bermuda on every working day.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

21.

Subject to the Companies Act and to such of the exceptions and restrictions contained in these Bye-Laws as may be applicable, any Shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual common form or in any other form which the Board may approve.

 

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22.

The instrument of transfer of a share shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and where any share is not fully-paid, the transferee. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect thereof. All instruments of transfer when registered may be retained by the Company. The Board may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully-paid share. The Board may also decline to register any transfer unless:

 

  (a)

the instrument of transfer is duly stamped (if required by law) and lodged with the Company, at such place as the Board shall appoint for the purpose, accompanied by the certificate for the shares (if any has been issued) to which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer,

 

  (b)

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share,

 

  (c)

the instrument of transfer is in favour of less than five (5) persons jointly; and

 

  (d)

it is satisfied that all applicable consents, authorisations, permissions or approvals of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda or any other applicable jurisdiction required to be obtained under relevant law prior to such transfer have been obtained.

 

23.

Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under Bye-Laws 21 and 22.

 

24.

If the Board declines to register a transfer it shall, within three (3) months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to the transferee notice of such refusal.

 

25.

A reasonable fee determined by the Board may be charged by the Company for registering any transfer, probate, letters of administration, certificate of death or marriage, power of attorney, order of court or other instrument relating to or affecting the title to any share, or otherwise making an entry in the Register relating to any share, (except that the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed on it in connection with such transfer or entry).

 

26.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bye-Laws, shares that are listed or admitted to trading on an appointed stock exchange may be transferred in accordance with the rules and requirements of such exchange.

 

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TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

27.

In the case of the death of a Shareholder, the survivor or survivors, where the deceased was a joint holder, and the estate representative, where he was sole holder, shall be the only person recognised by the Company as having any title to his shares; but nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased holder (whether the sole or joint) from any liability in respect of any share held by him solely or jointly with other persons. For the purpose of this Bye-Law 27, estate representative means the person to whom probate or letters of administration has or have been granted in Bermuda or, failing any such person, such other person as the Board may in its absolute discretion determine to be the person recognised by the Company for the purpose of this Bye-Law 27.

 

28.

Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law may, subject as hereafter provided and upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement, either be registered himself as the holder of the share or elect to have some person nominated by him registered as the transferee thereof. If the person so becoming entitled elects to be registered himself, he shall deliver or send to the Company a notice in writing signed by him stating that he so elects. If he shall elect to have his nominee registered, he shall signify his election by signing an instrument of transfer of such share in favour of his nominee. All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the right to transfer and the registration of transfer of shares shall be applicable to any such notice or instrument of transfer as aforesaid as if the death of the Shareholder or other event giving rise to the transmission had not occurred and the notice or instrument of transfer was an instrument of transfer signed by such Shareholder.

 

29.

A person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law shall (upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement) be entitled to receive and may give a discharge for any dividends or other monies payable in respect of the share, but he shall not be entitled in respect of the share to receive notices of or to attend or vote at general meetings of the Company or, save as aforesaid, to exercise in respect of the share any of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder until he shall have become registered as the holder thereof. The Board may at any time give notice requiring such person to elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share and, if the notice is not complied with within sixty (60) days, the Board may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends and other monies payable in respect of the shares until the requirements of the notice have been complied with.

 

30.

Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under Bye-Laws 27, 28 and 29.

 

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INCREASE OF CAPITAL

 

31.

The Company may from time to time increase its capital by such sum to be divided into shares of such par value as the Board, with the sanction of a Resolution, shall prescribe.

 

32.

The Board may, with the sanction of a Resolution increasing the capital, direct that the new shares or any of them shall be offered in the first instance either at par or at a premium or (subject to the provisions of the Companies Act) at a discount to all the holders for the time being of shares of any class or classes in proportion to the number of such shares held by them respectively or make any other provision as to the issue of the new shares.

 

33.

The new shares shall be subject to all the provisions of these Bye-Laws.

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

 

34.

The Board may from time to time, and without the sanction of a Resolution:

 

  (a)

divide the Company’s shares into several classes and attach thereto respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges or conditions;

 

  (b)

consolidate and divide all or any of the Company’s share capital into shares of larger par value than its existing shares;

 

  (c)

subdivide the Company’s shares or any of them into shares of smaller par value than is fixed by the Company’s memorandum, so, however, that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; and

 

  (d)

make provision for the issue and allotment of shares which do not carry any voting rights.

 

35.

The Board may from time to time with the sanction of a Resolution:

 

  (a)

cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the Resolution in that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled; and

 

  (b)

change the currency denomination of its share capital.

 

36.

Where any difficulty arises in regard to any division, consolidation, or subdivision under Bye-Law 34, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may arrange for the sale of the shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale in due proportion amongst the Shareholders who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the Board may authorise some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to the purchaser thereof, who shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.

 

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37.

Subject to the Companies Act and to any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Company may by Resolution from time to time convert any preference shares into redeemable preference shares.

REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

 

38.

Subject to the Companies Act, its memorandum and any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Board may from time to time with the sanction of a Resolution authorise the reduction of the Company’s issued share capital or any share premium account in any manner.

 

39.

In relation to any such reduction, the Board may, with the sanction of a Resolution, determine the terms upon which such reduction is to be effected including (a) in the case of a reduction of part only of a class of shares, those shares to be affected, and (b) in the case of a reduction of capital that is not returned to the affected Shareholders, by crediting the contributed surplus account for the shares affected.

GENERAL MEETINGS AND RESOLUTIONS IN WRITING

 

40.

The Board shall convene and the Company shall hold general meetings as annual general meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act at such times and places as the Board shall appoint. The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, and shall, when requisitioned by Shareholders pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, convene general meetings other than annual general meetings, which shall be called special general meetings, at such time and place as the Board may appoint. Any annual or special general meeting may be held, in whole or in part, by telephonic or electronic means, including, without limitation, through the use of one or more of webcasting, telephone conference and/or other electronic means and a Shareholder who, through those means, votes at the meeting or establishes a communications link to the meeting shall be deemed to be present at the meeting.

 

41.

Except in the case of the removal of Auditors or Directors, anything which may be done by resolution in general meeting or by resolution of any class of Shareholders in a separate general meeting may be done by resolution in writing, signed by the Shareholders (or the holders of such class of shares) who at the date of the notice of the resolution in writing represent the votes that would be required if the resolution had been voted on at a meeting of the Shareholders. Such resolution in writing may be signed by the Shareholder or its proxy, or in the case of a Shareholder that is a corporation (whether or not a company within the meaning of the Companies Act) by its representative on behalf of such Shareholder, in as many counterparts as may be necessary.

 

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42.

Notice of any resolution in writing to be made under Bye-Law 41 shall be given to all the Shareholders who would be entitled to attend a meeting and vote on the resolution. The requirement to give notice of any resolution in writing to be made under Bye-Law 41 to such Shareholders shall be satisfied by giving to those Shareholders a copy of that resolution in writing in the same manner that is required for a notice of a general meeting of the Company at which the resolution could have been considered, except that the length of the period of notice shall not apply. The date of the notice shall be set out in the copy of the resolution in writing.

 

43.

The accidental omission to give notice, in accordance with Bye-Law 42, of a resolution in writing to, or the non-receipt of such notice by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the passing of the resolution in writing.

 

44.

For the purposes of Bye-Law 41, the date of the resolution in writing is the date when the resolution in writing is signed by, or on behalf of, the Shareholder who establishes the votes required for the passing of the resolution in writing and any reference in any enactment to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41, a reference to such date.

 

45.

A resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41 is as valid as if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or, if applicable, by a meeting of the relevant class of Shareholders of the Company, as the case may be. A resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41 shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws.

 

46.

All the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to general meetings of the Company shall mutatis mutandis apply to any separate general meeting of the holders of shares of any class.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

47.

An annual or special general meeting shall be called by not less than 21 clear days’ notice in writing, or, in each case, such other notice period as may be permitted by the Companies Act. The notice shall specify the day, time and location of the meeting (which may be held, in whole or in part, by telephonic or electronic means), and the nature of the business to be considered. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in any manner permitted by these Bye-Laws to all Shareholders other than such as, under the provisions of these Bye-Laws or the terms of issue of the shares they hold, are not entitled to receive such notice from the Company and to each Director, and to any Resident Representative who or which has delivered a written notice upon the Registered Office requiring that such notice be sent to him or it.

 

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48.

The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with the notice) the accidental omission to send such instrument of proxy to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting or such instrument of proxy by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

 

49.

A Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at any meeting of the Company or of the holders of any class of shares in the Company shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.

 

50.

The Board may cancel or postpone a meeting of the Shareholders after it has been convened and notice of such cancellation or postponement shall be served in accordance with these Bye-Laws upon all Shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting so cancelled or postponed setting out, where the meeting is postponed to a specific date, notice of the new meeting in accordance with Bye-Law 47.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

51.

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time that the meeting proceeds to business, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the appointment, choice or election of a chairman, which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting. Save as herein otherwise provided, a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of Shareholders shall be two (2) persons present and each entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

52.

If within five (5) minutes (or such longer time as the chairman of the meeting may determine to wait) after the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of Shareholders, shall be dissolved. In any other case, it shall stand adjourned to such other day and such other time and place as the chairman of the meeting may determine and at such adjourned meeting Shareholders present in person and any persons holding a valid proxy who are entitled to vote at such meeting shall be a quorum.

 

53.

A meeting of the Shareholders or any class thereof may be held by means of such telephonic, electronic or other communication facilities (including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by telephone, webcasting or video conferencing) as permit all person participating in the meeting to communicate which each other as is required to facilitate the proper conduct of the meeting. If it appears to the chairman of a general meeting that the Specified Place is inadequate to accommodate all persons entitled and wishing to attend, the meeting is duly constituted and its proceedings are valid if the chairman is satisfied that adequate facilities are available, whether at the Specified Place or elsewhere, to ensure that each such person who is unable to be accommodated at the Specified Place is able to communicate with the persons present at the Specified Place, whether through the use of one or more of webcasting, telephone conference and/or other electronic means.

 

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54.

Subject to the Companies Act, a resolution may only be put to a vote at a general meeting of the Company or of any class of Shareholders if:

 

  (a)

it is proposed by or at the direction of the Board; or

 

  (b)

it is proposed at the direction of the Court; or

 

  (c)

it is proposed on the requisition in writing of such number of Shareholders as is prescribed by, and is made in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the Companies Act; or

 

  (d)

the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that the resolution may properly be regarded as within the scope of the meeting.

 

55.

No amendment may be made to a resolution, at or before the time when it is put to a vote, unless the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that the amendment or the amended resolution may properly be put to a vote at that meeting.

 

56.

If the chairman of the meeting rules a resolution or an amendment to a resolution admissible or out of order (as the case may be), the proceedings of the meeting or on the resolution in question shall not be invalidated by any error in his ruling. Any ruling by the chairman of the meeting in relation to a resolution or an amendment to a resolution shall be final and conclusive.

 

57.

The Resident Representative, if any, upon giving the notice referred to in Bye-Law 47 above, shall be entitled to attend any general meeting of the Company and each Director shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company.

 

58.

The chairman (if any) of the Board shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company. If there is no such chairman, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five (5) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act or if only one Director is present he shall preside as chairman if willing to act.

 

59.

The chairman may, with the consent by resolution of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time (or without assigning a day for such adjourned meeting) and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. In addition to any other power of adjournment conferred by law, the chairman of the meeting may at any time without consent of the meeting adjourn the meeting (whether or not it has commenced or a quorum is present) to another time and/or place (or without assigning a day for such adjourned meeting) if, in his opinion, it would facilitate the conduct of the business of the meeting to do so or if he is so directed (prior to or at the meeting) by the Board. When a meeting is adjourned without a date being assigned for

 

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  such adjourned meeting, the time and place for the adjourned meeting shall be fixed by the Board. When a meeting is adjourned for three (3) months or more or for an indefinite period, notice shall be given as for an original meeting. Save as expressly provided by these Bye-Laws, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

VOTING

 

60.

Except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in Schedule “A” to these Bye-Laws and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions of shareholders must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

 

61.

Subject to Bye-Law 147 and to any rights or restrictions attached to any class of shares, at any meeting of the Company, each Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to vote on any question to be decided on a show of hands and each Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled on a poll to vote for each share held by him.

 

62.

At any general meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands or by a count of votes received in the form of Electronic Records, unless (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records or on the withdrawal of any other demand for a poll) a poll is demanded by:

 

  (a)

the chairman of the meeting; or

 

  (b)

at least three (3) Shareholders present in person or at least three (3) persons holding a valid proxy; or

 

  (c)

any Shareholder(s) present in person or person(s) holding a valid proxy and holding between them not less than one tenth (1/10) of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting; or

 

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  (d)

any Shareholder(s) present in person or person(s) holding a valid proxy and holding shares conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one tenth (1/10) of the total sum paid up on all such shares conferring such right.

The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn but only with the consent of the chairman and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to have invalidated the result of a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records declared before the demand was made. If the demand for a poll is withdrawn, the chairman or any other Shareholder entitled may demand a poll.

 

63.

Unless a poll is so demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records, been carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or not carried by a particular majority or lost shall be final and conclusive, and an entry to that effect in the minute book of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded for or against such resolution.

 

64.

If a poll is duly demanded, the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll is demanded.

 

65.

A poll demanded on the election of a chairman, or on a question of adjournment, shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and either forthwith or at such time (being not later than three (3) months after the date of the demand) and place as the chairman shall direct and he may appoint scrutineers (who need not be Shareholders) and fix a time and place for declaring the result of the poll. It shall not be necessary (unless the chairman otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a poll.

 

66.

The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded and it may be withdrawn at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is the earlier.

 

67.

On a poll, votes may be cast either personally or by proxy.

 

68.

A person entitled to more than one vote on a poll need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

 

69.

In the case of an equality of votes at a general meeting, whether on a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records or on a poll, the chairman of such meeting shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote and the resolution shall fail.

 

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70.

In the case of joint holders of a share, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register in respect of the joint holding.

 

71.

A Shareholder who is a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health or in respect of whom an order has been made by any Court having jurisdiction for the protection or management of the affairs of persons incapable of managing their own affairs may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person in the nature of a receiver, committee or curator bonis appointed by such Court and such receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person may vote on a poll by proxy, and may otherwise act and be treated as such Shareholder for the purpose of general meetings.

 

72.

No Shareholder shall, unless the Board otherwise determines, be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been paid.

 

73.

If:

 

  (a)

any objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter; or,

 

  (b)

any votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or which might have been rejected; or,

 

  (c)

any votes are not counted which ought to have been counted,

the objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned meeting on any resolution unless the same is raised or pointed out at the meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the decision of the meeting on any resolution if the chairman decides that the same may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be final and conclusive.

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

 

74.

A Shareholder may appoint one or more persons as his proxy, with or without the power of substitution, to represent him and vote on his behalf in respect of all or some only of his shares at any general meeting (including an adjourned meeting). A proxy need not be a Shareholder. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing executed by the appointor or his attorney authorised by him in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under its Seal or executed by an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same.

 

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75.

A Shareholder which is a corporation may, by written authorisation, appoint any person (or two (2) or more persons in the alternative) as its representative to represent it and vote on its behalf at any general meeting (including an adjourned meeting) and such a corporate representative may exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Shareholder and the Shareholder shall for the purposes of these Bye-Laws be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person so authorised is present at it.

 

76.

Any Shareholder may appoint a proxy or (if a corporation) representative for a specific general meeting, and adjournments thereof, or may appoint a standing proxy or (if a corporation) representative, by serving on the Company at the Registered Office, or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify for the purpose, a proxy or (if a corporation) an authorisation. Any standing proxy or authorisation shall be valid for all general meetings and adjournments thereof or resolutions in writing, as the case may be, until notice of revocation is received at the Registered Office or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify for the purpose. Where a standing proxy or authorisation exists, its operation shall be deemed to have been suspended at any general meeting or adjournment thereof at which the Shareholder is present or in respect to which the Shareholder has specially appointed a proxy or representative. The Board may from time to time require such evidence as it shall deem necessary as to the due execution and continuing validity of any standing proxy or authorisation and the operation of any such standing proxy or authorisation shall be deemed to be suspended until such time as the Board determines that it has received the requested evidence or other evidence satisfactory to it.

 

77.

Notwithstanding Bye-Law 61, a Shareholder may appoint a proxy which may be irrevocable in accordance with its terms and the holder thereof shall be the only person entitled to vote the relevant shares at any meeting of the Shareholders at which such holder is present. Notice of the appointment of any such proxy shall be given to the Company at its Registered Office, and shall include the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the proxy holder. The Company shall give to the proxy holder notice of all meetings of Shareholders of the Company and shall be obliged to recognise the holder of such proxy until such time as the holder notifies the Company in writing that the proxy is no longer in force.

 

78.

Subject to Bye-Laws 76 and 77, the instrument appointing a proxy or corporate representative together with such other evidence as to its due execution as the Board may from time to time require, shall be delivered at the Registered Office (or at such place or places as may be specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any notice of any adjournment or, in either case or the case of a resolution in writing, in any document sent therewith) not less than 48 hours or such other period as the Board may determine, prior to the holding of the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a meeting or adjourned meeting, before the time appointed for the taking of the poll, or, in the case of a resolution in writing, prior to the effective date of the resolution in writing and in default the instrument of proxy or authorisation shall not be treated as valid.

 

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79.

Subject to Bye-Laws 61 and 62, the 64 decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity of any appointments of a proxy shall be final.

 

80.

Instruments of proxy or authorisation shall be in any common form or in such other form as the Board may approve and the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting or any resolution in writing forms of instruments of proxy or authorisation for use at that meeting or in connection with that resolution in writing. The instrument of proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll, to speak at the meeting and to vote by way of a poll or a show of hands on any resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxyholder thinks fit, including where the person holding the proxy has conflicting instructions from more than one Shareholder. The instrument of proxy or authorisation shall, unless the contrary is stated therein, be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates. If the terms of the appointment of a proxy include a power of substitution, any proxy appointed by substitution under such power shall be deemed to be the proxy of the Shareholder who conferred such power. All the provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the execution and delivery of an instrument or other form of communication appointing or evidencing the appointment of a proxy shall apply, mutates mutandis, to the instrument or other form of communication effecting or evidencing such an appointment by substitution.

 

81.

A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy or authorisation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or unsoundness of mind of the principal, or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the corporate authority, provided that no intimation in writing of such death, unsoundness of mind or revocation shall have been received by the Company at the Registered Office (or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of proxy or authorisation in the notice convening the meeting or other documents sent therewith) at least one hour before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, or the day before the effective date of any resolution in writing at which the instrument of proxy or authorisation is used.

 

82.

Subject to the Companies Act, the Board may at its discretion waive any of the provisions of these Bye-Laws related to proxies or authorisations and, in particular, may accept such verbal or other assurances as it thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend, speak and vote on behalf of any Shareholder at general meetings or to sign resolutions in writing.

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

83.

The Board shall consist of such number of directors being not less than four (4) directors and not more than eight (8) directors as the Board may by resolution from time to time determine, or such number in excess thereof as the Shareholders may determine, and provided that:

 

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  (a)

at least two (2) directors shall be residents of Bermuda;

 

  (b)

no more than three (3) directors shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda);

 

  (c)

no more than two (2) directors elected by holders of Class A Shares shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda);

 

  (d)

no more than two (2) directors elected by holders of Class B Shares shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda); and

 

  (e)

no director or employee of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. will be eligible to serve as a director elected by holders of Class A Shares.

 

84.

At the point of adoption of these Bye-Laws, the Board will consist of four (4) directors and the Board will have the authority, without the sanction of a Resolution, to appoint the remaining four (4) directors at any time prior to the first annual general meeting of the Company held following the date hereof. For so long as the Class A Shares and Class B Shares are both outstanding, one-half of the Board will be designated as directors designated for election by the Class A Shareholders and one-half of the Board will be designated as directors designated for election by the Class B Shareholders. Commencing with the first annual general meeting of the Company held following the date hereof and thereafter, the holders of Class A Shares will be entitled to elect the directors designated for election by the Class A Shareholders and constituting one-half of the Board, and the holders of Class B Shares will be entitled to elect the directors designated for election by the Class B Shareholders and constituting one-half of the Board.

 

85.

Each holder of shares of a class or series of shares of the Company entitled to vote in an election of directors has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and the holders of shares of the classes or series of shares entitled to vote with the holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

 

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86.

Subject to Bye-Laws 87 and 88, upon resignation or termination of office of any Director, if a new Director shall be appointed to the Board he or she will be designated to fill the vacancy arising and shall, for the purposes of these Bye-Laws, constitute a member of the class of Directors represented by the person that he or she replaces.

 

87.

If a Director elected by holders of the Class A Shares is removed from the Board, the holders of the Class A Shares may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director is removed and if a Director elected by the holders of the Class B Shares is removed from the Board, the holders of Class B Shares may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director is removed. In the absence of such election or appointment, the Board may fill the vacancy.

 

88.

Each Director shall (unless his or her office is vacated in accordance with these Bye-Laws) serve until the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company held in the calendar year following their appointment.

 

89.

Any Director retiring at an annual general meeting will be eligible for re-appointment and will retain office until the close of the meeting at which he or she retires or (if earlier) until a resolution is passed at that meeting not to fill the vacancy or the resolution to re-appoint him or her is put to a vote at the meeting and is lost.

 

90.

If the Company, at the meeting at which a Director retires, does not fill the vacancy, the retiring Director shall, if willing to act, be deemed to have been re-appointed unless at the meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or unless a resolution for the re-appointment of the Director is put to the meeting and lost.

 

91.

Any person who, at the close of business in Toronto, Ontario on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in Bye-Law 92 below, is entered in the Register as a holder of at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares or who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Company, acting reasonably, that it beneficially owns at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares may propose any person to be designated for election as a Director by the holders of the Class A Shares at the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof.

 

92.

Where any person is proposed for election as a Director under Bye-Law 91, notice must be given not later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the general meeting to the Company of the intention to propose him and of his willingness to serve as a Director (together with the information in respect of the person that would be required under applicable securities laws in respect of a dissident proxy circular and confirmation of the proposed nominee’s qualifications to serve as a Director under these Bye-laws, residency status, and status as independent or non-independent for audit committee purposes under applicable securities laws). The chairman of the general meeting shall have the power to determine whether any proposed nomination was made in accordance with the notice provisions of this Bye-Law 92 and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such provisions, must declare that such defective nomination shall not be considered at any meeting of the Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may, in its sole discretion waive any requirement of such notice provisions. For greater certainty, Bye-Laws 91 and 92 shall be applicable only in respect of the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof and thereafter shall expire and have no force and effect.

 

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93.

Where persons are validly proposed for re-election or election as a Director, the persons receiving the most votes (up to the number of Directors to be elected) shall be elected as Directors provided that no person shall be elected who does not receive one or more affirmative votes, and an absolute majority of the votes cast shall not be a prerequisite to the election of such Directors.

 

94.

No person shall be appointed a Director at any general meeting unless:

 

  (a)

he or she is recommended by the Board;

 

  (b)

in respect of the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof, the provisions of Bye-Laws 91 and 92 are complied with; or

 

  (c)

in respect of any general meeting other than the first annual general meeting, if he or she is elected in accordance with applicable law.

 

95.

Except as otherwise authorised by the Companies Act, the appointment of any person proposed as a Director shall be effected by a separate resolution.

 

96.

All Directors, upon election or appointment, except upon re-election or re-appointment at an annual general meeting, must provide written acceptance of their appointment, in such form as the Board may think fit, by notice in writing to the Registered Office within thirty (30) days of their appointment.

 

97.

Any Director may be removed as follows: (a) with respect to the Directors elected by holders of the Class A Shares, an affirmative vote of holders of Class A Shares holding a majority of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a Director; (b) with respect to the Directors elected by the holders of the Class B Shares, an affirmative vote of holders of Class B Shares holding a majority of the issued and outstanding Class B Shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a Director; provided, that the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a Director must contain a statement of the intention to remove the Director and be served on the Director not less than 14 days before the meeting, and that the Director shall be entitled to be heard at the meeting on the motion for his or her removal.

 

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98.

Any one or more vacancies in the Board not filled at any general meeting shall be deemed casual vacancies for the purposes of these Bye-Laws. Without prejudice to the power of the Company by Resolution in pursuance of any of the provisions of these Bye-Laws to appoint any person to be a Director, the Board, so long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, shall have power at any time and from time to time, subject to Bye-Law 83, to appoint any person to be a Director so as to fill a casual vacancy. A Director so appointed shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting. If not reappointed at such annual general meeting, he or she shall vacate office at the conclusion thereof.

RESIGNATION AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

 

99.

The office of a Director shall ipso facto be vacated if the Director:

 

  (a)

resigns his or her office by notice in writing delivered to the Registered Office or tendered at a meeting of the Board;

 

  (b)

becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health and the Directors resolve that his or her office is vacated;

 

  (c)

becomes bankrupt under the laws of any country or makes any arrangement or composition with his or her creditors generally;

 

  (d)

is prohibited by law from being a Director or, in the case of a corporate Director, is otherwise unable to carry on or transact business;

 

  (e)

ceases to be a Director by virtue of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws or is removed from office pursuant to these Bye-Laws; or

 

  (f)

shall for more than six (6) consecutive months have been absent without permission of the Board from meetings of the Board held during that period and the Board resolves that his or her office be vacated.

 

100.

The provisions of section 93 of the Companies Act shall not apply to the Company.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

101.

A Director may hold any other office or place of profit with the Company (except that of Auditor) in conjunction with his or her office of Director for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine, and may be paid such extra remuneration therefor (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

 

102.

A Director may act by himself or herself or his or her firm in a professional capacity for the Company (other than as Auditor) and he or her or his or her firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he were not a Director.

 

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103.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, a Director may notwithstanding his or her office be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is interested. The Board may also cause the voting power conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company to be exercised in such manner in all respects as it thinks fit, including the exercise thereof in favour of any resolution appointing the Directors or any of them to be directors or officers of such other company, or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of such other company.

 

104.

So long as, where it is necessary, he or she declares the nature of his or her interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the Board or by writing to the Directors as required by the Companies Act, a Director shall not by reason of his office be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he or she derives from any office or employment to which these Bye-Laws allow him or her to be appointed or from any transaction or arrangement in which these Bye-Laws allow him or her to be interested, and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any interest or benefit.

 

105.

Subject to the Companies Act and any further disclosure required thereby, a general notice to the Directors by a Director or Officer declaring that he or she is a director or officer of or has an interest in a person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction or arrangement made with that person, shall be a sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any transaction or arrangement so made.

 

106.

A Director who to his knowledge is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company and has complied with the provisions of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws with regard to disclosure of his interest shall be entitled to vote in respect of any contract, transaction or arrangement in which he is so interested and if he shall do so his vote shall be counted, and he shall be taken into account in ascertaining whether a quorum is present.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

 

107.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws, the Board shall manage the business of the Company and may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company and may exercise all the powers of the Company. No alteration of these Bye-Laws and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. The powers given by this Bye-Law 107 shall not be limited by any special power given to the Board by these Bye-Laws and a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in or exercisable by the Board.

 

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108.

The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company except those powers that are required by the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws to be exercised by the Shareholders.

FEES, GRATUITIES AND PENSIONS

 

109.

The ordinary remuneration of the Directors office for their services (excluding amounts payable under any other provision of these Bye-Laws) shall be determined by Board and each such Director shall be paid a fee (which shall be deemed to accrue from day-to-day) at such rate as may from time to time be determined by the Board. Each Director may be paid his reasonable travel, hotel and incidental expenses for attending and returning from meetings of the Board or committees constituted pursuant to these Bye-Laws or general meetings and shall be paid all expenses properly and reasonably incurred by him or her in the conduct of the Company’s business or in the discharge of his duties as a Director. Any Director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purposes of the Company or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the ordinary duties of a Director may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

 

110.

In addition to its powers under Bye-Law 109 the Board may (by establishment of or maintenance of schemes or otherwise) provide additional benefits, whether by the payment of gratuities or pensions or by insurance or otherwise, for any past or present Director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any body corporate associated with, or any business acquired by, any of them, and for any member of his or her family (including a spouse and a former spouse) or any person who is or was dependent on him or her, and may (as well before as after he or she ceases to hold such office or employment) contribute to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such benefit.

 

111.

No Director or former Director shall be accountable to the Company or the Shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to Bye-Laws 109 and 110 and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a Director of the Company.

DELEGATION OF THE BOARD’S POWERS

 

112.

The Board may by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or any fluctuating body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board under these Bye-Laws) and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think

 

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  fit, and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney and of such attorney as the Board may think fit, and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in him. Such attorney may, if so authorised by the power of attorney, execute any deed, instrument or other document on behalf of the Company.

 

113.

The Board may entrust to and confer upon any Director, Officer or, without prejudice to the provisions of Bye-Law 114, other person any of the powers, authorities and discretions exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, authorities and discretions, and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of such powers, authorities and discretions but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of such revocation or variation shall be affected thereby.

 

114.

When required under the requirements from time to time of any stock exchange on which the shares of the Company are listed, the Board shall appoint an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee in accordance with the requirements of such stock exchange. The Board also may delegate any of its powers, authorities and discretions to any other committees, consisting of such person or persons (whether a member or members of its body or not) as it thinks fit. Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions so delegated, and in conducting its proceedings conform to any regulations which may be imposed upon it by the Board. If no regulations are imposed by the Board the proceedings of a committee with two (2) or more members shall be, as far as is practicable, governed by the Bye-Laws regulating the proceedings of the Board.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

 

115.

The Board may meet for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it thinks fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes, the motion shall be deemed to have been lost. A Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Board.

 

116.

Notice of a meeting of the Board may be given to a Director by word of mouth or in any manner permitted by these Bye-Laws. A Director may retrospectively waive the requirement for notice of any meeting by consenting in writing to the business conducted at the meeting.

 

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117.

The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Board and, unless so fixed at any other number, shall be a majority of the Board comprised of at least one (1) Director elected by holders of Class A Shares and at least one (1) Director elected by holders of Class B Shares. Any Director who ceases to be a Director at a meeting of the Board may continue to be present and to act as a Director and, subject to Bye-Law 125, be counted in the quorum until the termination of the meeting if no other Director objects and if otherwise a quorum of Directors would not be present.

 

118.

The Resident Representative shall, upon delivering written notice of an address for the purposes of receipt of notice to the Registered Office, be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at and to receive minutes of all meetings of the Board.

 

119.

So long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, the continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board but, if no such quorum remains, the continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act only for the purpose of calling a general meeting.

 

120.

The Board may choose one of their number to preside as chairman at every meeting of the Board. If there is no such chairman, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five (5) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is not willing to act as chairman, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

121.

The meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of two (2) or more members shall be governed by the provisions contained in these Bye-Laws for regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the Board.

 

122.

A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the Board or by all the members of a committee for the time being shall be as valid and effectual as a resolution passed at a meeting of the Board or, as the case may be, of such committee duly called and constituted. Such resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of the Directors or members of the committee concerned.

 

123.

A meeting of the Board or a committee appointed by the Board may be held by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by telephone or by video conferencing) as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Such a meeting shall be deemed to take place where the largest group of those Directors participating in the meeting are physically assembled, or, if there is no such group, where the chairman of the meeting then is.

 

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124.

All acts done by the Board or by any committee or by any person acting as a Director or member of a committee or any person duly authorised by the Board or any committee shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any member of the Board or such committee or person acting as aforesaid or that they or any of them were disqualified or had vacated their office, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a Director, member of such committee or person so authorised.

 

125.

Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment (including fixing or varying the terms of appointment) of two (2) or more Directors to offices or employments with the Company or any body corporate in which the Company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each Director separately and in such cases each of the Directors concerned (if not debarred from voting under the provisions of these Bye-Laws) shall be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of each resolution except that concerning his own appointment.

 

126.

If a question arises at a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board as to the entitlement of a Director to vote or be counted in a quorum, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the chairman of the meeting and his ruling in relation to any Director other than himself shall be final and conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interests of the Director concerned have not been fairly disclosed. If any such question arises in respect of the chairman of the meeting, it shall be decided by resolution of the Board (on which the chairman shall not vote) and such resolution will be final and conclusive except in a case where the interests of the chairman have not been fairly disclosed.

OFFICERS

 

127.

The Officers of the Company, who may or may not be Directors, may be appointed by the Board at any time, subject to this Bye-Law 127. Any person appointed pursuant to this Bye-Law 127 shall hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine and the Board may revoke or terminate any such appointment. Any such revocation or termination shall be without prejudice to any claim for damages that such Officer may have against the Company or the Company may have against such Officer for any breach of any contract of service between him or her and the Company which may be involved in such revocation or termination. Save as provided in the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws, the powers and duties of the Officers of the Company shall be such (if any) as are determined from time to time by the Board.

 

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128.

The emoluments of any Director holding executive office for his or her services as such shall be determined by the Board, and may be of any description, and (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) may include admission to or continuance of membership of any scheme (including any share acquisition scheme) or fund instituted or established or financed or contributed to by the Company for the provision of pensions, life assurance or other benefits for employees or their dependants, or the payment of a pension or other benefits to him or her or his or her dependants on or after retirement or death, apart from membership or any such scheme or fund.

 

129.

Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to resignation and disqualification of Directors shall mutatis mutandis apply to the resignation and disqualification of Officers.

MINUTES

 

130.

The Board shall cause minutes to be made and books kept for the purpose of recording:

 

  (a)

all appointments of Officers made by the Board;

 

  (b)

the names of the Directors and other persons (if any) present at each meeting of the Board and of any committee; and

 

  (c)

all proceedings at meetings of the Company, of the holders of any class of shares in the Company, of the Board and of committees appointed by the Board or the Shareholders.

 

131.

Shareholders shall only be entitled to see the register of Directors and Officers, the Register, the financial information provided for in Bye-Law 151 and the minutes of meetings of the Shareholders of the Company.

SECRETARY AND RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

 

132.

The Secretary (including one or more deputy or assistant secretaries) and, if required, the Resident Representative, shall be appointed by the Board at such remuneration (if any) and upon such terms as it may think fit and any Secretary and Resident Representative so appointed may be removed by the Board. The duties of the Secretary and the duties of the Resident Representative shall be those prescribed by the Companies Act together with such other duties as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board.

 

133.

A provision of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws requiring or authorising a thing to be done by or to a Director and the Secretary shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both as Director and as, or in the place of, the Secretary.

THE SEAL

 

134.

The Board may authorise the production of a common seal of the Company and one or more duplicate common seals of the Company, which shall consist of a circular device with the name of the Company around the outer margin thereof and the country and year of registration in Bermuda across the centre thereof.

 

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135.

Any document required to be under seal or executed as a deed on behalf of the Company may be

 

  (a)

executed under the Seal in accordance with these Bye-Laws; or

 

  (b)

signed or executed by any person authorised by the Board for that purpose, without the use of the Seal.

 

136.

The Board shall provide for the custody of every Seal. A Seal shall only be used by authority of the Board or of a committee constituted by the Board. Subject to these Bye-Laws, any instrument to which a Seal is affixed shall be attested by the signature of:

 

  (a)

a Director; or

 

  (b)

the Secretary; or

 

  (c)

any one person authorised by the Board for that purpose.

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

 

137.

The Board may from time to time declare dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus to be paid to the Shareholders according to their rights and interests, including such interim dividends as appear to the Board to be justified by the position of the Company. The Board, in its discretion, may determine that any dividend shall be paid in cash or shall be satisfied, subject to Bye-Laws 144 and 145, in paying up in full shares in the Company to be issued to the Shareholders credited as fully paid or partly paid or partly in one way and partly the other. The Board may also pay any fixed cash dividend which is payable on any shares of the Company half yearly or on such other dates, whenever the position of the Company, in the opinion of the Board, justifies such payment.

 

138.

Except insofar as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provide, all dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus will be declared and paid pro rata on the shares of each class or series, as applicable, based on the number of shares outstanding of such class or series.

 

139.

No dividend, distribution or other monies payable by the Company on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against the Company.

 

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140.

Any dividend, distribution or interest, or part thereof payable in cash, or any other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post or by courier addressed to the holder at his address in the Register or, in the case of joint holders, addressed to the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of the shares at his registered address as appearing in the Register or addressed to such person at such address as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of such shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the cheque or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company. Any one of two (2) or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends, distributions or other monies payable or property distributable in respect of the shares held by such joint holders.

 

141.

Any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus unclaimed for a period of six (6) years from the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company and the payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend, distribution, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of the share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof.

 

142.

The Board may also, in addition to its other powers, direct payment or satisfaction of any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets, and in particular of paid-up shares or debentures of any other company, and where any difficulty arises in regard to such distribution or dividend, the Board may settle it as it thinks expedient, and in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may ignore fractions altogether, and may fix the value for distribution or dividend purposes of any such specific assets and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Shareholders upon the footing of the values so fixed in order to secure equality of distribution and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Board, provided that such dividend or distribution may not be satisfied by the distribution of any partly paid shares or debentures of any company without the sanction of a Resolution.

RESERVES

 

143.

The Board may, before declaring any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus, set aside such sums as it thinks proper as reserves which shall, at the discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose of the Company and pending such application may, also at such discretion, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Board may from time to time think fit. The Board may also without placing the same to reserve carry forward any sums which it may think it prudent not to distribute.

 

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CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

 

144.

The Board may from time to time resolve to capitalise all or any part of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund which is available for distribution or to the credit of any share premium account and accordingly that such amount be set free for distribution amongst the Shareholders or any class of Shareholders who would be entitled thereto if distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on the footing that the same be not paid in cash but be applied either in or towards paying up amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares in the Company held by such Shareholders respectively or in payment up in full of unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid amongst such Shareholders, or partly in one way and partly in the other, provided that for the purpose of this Bye-Law 144, a share premium account may be applied only in paying up of unissued shares to be issued to such Shareholders credited as fully paid.

 

145.

Where any difficulty arises in regard to any distribution under Bye-Law 144, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments should be made to any Shareholders in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem expedient to the Board. The Board may appoint any person to sign on behalf of the persons entitled to participate in the distribution any contract necessary or desirable for giving effect thereto and such appointment shall be effective and binding upon the Shareholders.

RECORD DATES

 

146.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bye-Laws, the Board may fix, any date as the record date for any dividend, distribution, reduction of capital, allotment or issue and for the purpose of identifying the persons entitled to receive notices of any general meeting.

 

147.

In relation to any general meeting of the Company or of any class of Shareholder or to any adjourned meeting or any poll taken at a meeting or adjourned meeting of which notice is given, the Board may specify in the notice of meeting or adjourned meeting or in any document sent to Shareholders by or on behalf of the Board in relation to the meeting, a time and date (record date) before the date fixed for the meeting (meeting date) and, notwithstanding any provision in these Bye-Laws to the contrary, in such case:

 

  (a)

each person entered in the Register at the record date as a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, (record date holder) shall be entitled to attend and to vote at the relevant meeting and to exercise all of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, in relation to that meeting in respect of the shares, or the shares of the relevant class, registered in his or her name at the record date;

 

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  (b)

as regards any shares, or shares of the relevant class, which are registered in the name of a record date holder at the record date but are not so registered at the meeting date (relevant shares), each holder of any relevant shares at the meeting date shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed that record date holder as his proxy for the purpose of attending and voting in respect of those relevant shares at the relevant meeting (with power to appoint, or to authorise the appointment of, some other person as proxy), in such manner as the record date holder in his absolute discretion may determine; and

 

  (c)

accordingly, except through his proxy pursuant to Bye-Law 147(b) above, a holder of relevant shares at the meeting date shall not be entitled to attend or to vote at the relevant meeting, or to exercise any of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, in respect of the relevant shares at that meeting.

 

148.

The entry of the name of a person in the Register as a record date holder shall be sufficient evidence of his appointment as proxy in respect of any relevant shares for the purposes of this paragraph, but all the provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the execution and deposit of an instrument appointing a proxy or any ancillary matter (including the Board’s powers and discretions relevant to such matter) shall apply to any instrument appointing any person other than the record date holder as proxy in respect of any relevant shares.

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

 

149.

The Board shall cause to be kept accounting records sufficient to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs and to show and explain its transactions, in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

150.

The records of account shall be kept at the Registered Office or at such other place or places as the Board thinks fit, and shall at all times be open to inspection by the Directors, PROVIDED that if the records of account are kept at some place outside Bermuda, there shall be kept at an office of the Company in Bermuda such records as will enable the Directors to ascertain with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Company at the end of each three (3) month period. No Shareholder (other than an Officer of the Company) shall have any right to inspect any accounting record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or by Resolution.

 

151.

A copy of every balance sheet and statement of income and expenditure, including every document required by law to be annexed thereto, which is to be laid before the Company in general meeting, together with a copy of the Auditors’ report, shall be sent to each person entitled thereto in accordance with Bye-Law 151 and the requirements of the Companies Act.

 

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AUDIT

 

152.

Save and to the extent that an audit is waived in the manner permitted by the Companies Act, Auditors shall be appointed and their duties regulated in accordance with the Companies Act, any other applicable law and such requirements not inconsistent with the Companies Act as the Board may from time to time determine.

SERVICE OF NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

 

153.

Any notice or other document (including but not limited to a share certificate, any notice of a general meeting of the Company, any instrument of proxy and any document to be sent in accordance with Bye-Law 151) may be sent to, served on or delivered to any Shareholder by the Company

 

  (a)

personally;

 

  (b)

by sending it through the post (by airmail where applicable) in a pre-paid letter addressed to such Shareholder at his address as appearing in the Register;

 

  (c)

by sending it by courier to or leaving it at the Shareholder’s address appearing in the Register;

 

  (d)

where applicable, by sending it by email or facsimile or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or by sending an Electronic Record of it by electronic means, in each case to an address or number supplied by such Shareholder for the purposes of communication in such manner; or

 

  (e)

by publication of an Electronic Record of it on a website and notification of such publication (which shall include the address of the website, the place on the website where the document may be found, and how the document may be accessed on the website) by any of the methods set out in paragraphs 153(a), 153(b), 153(c) or 153(d) of this Bye-Law, in accordance with the Companies Act.

In the case of joint holders of a share, service or delivery of any notice or other document on or to one of the joint holders shall for all purposes be deemed as sufficient service on or delivery to all the joint holders.

 

154.

Any notice or other document shall be deemed to have been sent to, served on or delivered to any Shareholder by the Company

 

  (a)

if sent by personal delivery, at the time of delivery;

 

  (b)

if sent by post, forty-eight (48) hours after it was put in the post;

 

  (c)

if sent by courier or facsimile, twenty-four (24) hours after sending;

 

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  (d)

if sent by email or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or as an Electronic Record by electronic means, twelve (12) hours after sending; or

 

  (e)

if published as an Electronic Record on a website, at the time that the notification of such publication shall be deemed to have been delivered to such Shareholder,

and in proving such sending, service or delivery, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice or document was properly addressed and stamped and put in the post, published on a website in accordance with the Companies Act and the provisions of these Bye-Laws, or sent by courier, facsimile, email or as an Electronic Record by electronic means, as the case may be, in accordance with these Bye-Laws.

 

155.

Each Shareholder and each person becoming a Shareholder subsequent to the adoption of these Bye-Laws, by virtue of its holding or its acquisition and continued holding of a share, as applicable, shall be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed that any notice or other document (excluding a share certificate) may be provided by the Company by way of accessing them on a website instead of being provided by other means.

 

156.

If any time, by reason of the suspension or curtailment of postal services within Bermuda or any other territory, the Company is unable effectively to convene a general meeting by notices sent through the post, a general meeting may be convened by a notice advertised in at least one national newspaper published in the territory concerned and such notice shall be deemed to have been duly served on each person entitled to receive it in that territory on the day, or on the first day, on which the advertisement appears. In any such case the Company shall send confirmatory copies of the notice by post if at least five (5) clear days before the meeting the posting of notices to addresses throughout that territory again becomes practicable.

 

157.

Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to the sending or service of notices and other documents on Shareholders shall mutatis mutandis apply to service or delivery of notices and other documents to the Company or any Director or Resident Representative pursuant to these Bye-Laws.

DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

 

158.

The Company shall be entitled to destroy all instruments of transfer of shares which have been registered and all other documents on the basis of which any entry is made in the register at any time after the expiration of six (6) years from the date of registration thereof and all dividends mandates or variations or cancellations thereof and notifications of change of address at any time after the expiration of two (2) years from the date of recording thereof and all share certificates which have been cancelled at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of cancellation thereof and all paid dividend warrants and cheques at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of

 

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  actual payment thereof and all instruments of proxy which have been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of such use and all instruments of proxy which have not been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after one (1) month from the end of the meeting to which the instrument of proxy relates and at which no poll was demanded. It shall conclusively be presumed in favour of the Company that every entry in the register purporting to have been made on the basis of an instrument of transfer or other document so destroyed was duly and properly made, that every instrument of transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly registered, that every share certificate so destroyed was a valid and effective certificate duly and properly cancelled and that every other document hereinbefore mentioned so destroyed was a valid and effective document in accordance with the recorded particulars thereof in the books or records of the Company, provided always that:

 

  (a)

the provisions aforesaid shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without notice of any claim (regardless of the parties thereto) to which the document might be relevant;

 

  (b)

nothing herein contained shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in respect of the destruction of any such document earlier than as aforesaid or in any other circumstances which would not attach to the Company in the absence of this Bye-Law 158; and

 

  (c)

references herein to the destruction of any document include references to the disposal thereof in any manner.

WINDING UP

 

159.

If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Resolution and any other sanction required by the Companies Act, divide amongst the Shareholders, in accordance with the rights attached to any shares or class of shares, in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for such purposes set such values as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Shareholders or different classes of Shareholders. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trust for the benefit of the contributories as the liquidator, with the like sanction, shall think fit, but so that no Shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other assets upon which there is any liability.

 

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INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

 

160.

Subject to the proviso below, every Indemnified Person shall be indemnified and held harmless out of the assets of the Company against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs including defence costs incurred in defending any legal proceedings whether civil or criminal and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him by or by reason of any act done, conceived in or omitted in the conduct of the Company’s business or in the discharge of his duties and the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law 160 shall extend to any Indemnified Person acting in any office or trust in the reasonable belief that he has been appointed or elected to such office or trust notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election PROVIDED ALWAYS that the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law 160 shall not extend to any matter which would render it void pursuant to the Companies Act.

 

161.

No Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company for the acts, defaults or omissions of any other Indemnified Person.

 

162.

To the extent that any Indemnified Person is entitled to claim an indemnity pursuant to these Bye-Laws in respect of amounts paid or discharged by him, the relevant indemnity shall take effect as an obligation of the Company to reimburse the person making such payment or effecting such discharge.

 

163.

Each Shareholder and the Company agree to waive any claim or right of action he or it may at any time have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Indemnified Person on account of any action taken by such Indemnified Person or the failure of such Indemnified Person to take any action in the performance of his duties with or for the Company PROVIDED HOWEVER that such waiver shall not apply to any claims or rights of action arising out of the fraud of such Indemnified Person or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such Indemnified Person is not legally entitled.

 

164.

The Company shall advance moneys to any Indemnified Person for the costs, charges, and expenses incurred by the Indemnified Person in defending any civil or criminal proceedings against them, on condition and receipt of an undertaking in a form satisfactory to the Company that of the Indemnified Person shall repay such portion of the advance attributable to any claim of fraud or dishonesty if such a claim is proved against the Indemnified Person PROVIDED THAT no monies shall be paid hereunder unless payment of the same shall be authorised in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Director or Officer would be proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the standard of conduct which would entitle him or her to the indemnification thereby provided and such determination shall be made:

 

  (a)

by the Board, by a majority vote at a meeting duly constituted by a quorum of Directors not party to the proceedings or matter with regard to which the indemnification is, or would be, claimed; or

 

  (b)

in the case such a meeting cannot be constituted by lack of a disinterested quorum, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or

 

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  (c)

by a majority vote of the Shareholders.

 

165.

Without prejudice to the provisions of this Bye-Law 165, the Board shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance for or for the benefit of any Indemnified Person or any persons who are or were at any time Directors, Officers, employees of the Company, or of any other company which is its Holding Company or in which the Company or such Holding Company has any interest whether direct or indirect or which is in any way allied to or associated with the Company, or of any Subsidiary undertaking of the Company or any such other company, or who are or were at any time trustees of any pension fund in which employees of the Company or any such other company or Subsidiary undertaking are interested, including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) insurance against any liability incurred by such persons in respect of any act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of their duties or in the exercise or purported exercise of their powers or otherwise in relation to their duties, powers or offices in relation to the Company or any such other company, Subsidiary undertaking or pension fund.

AMALGAMATION AND MERGER

 

166.

Any resolution proposed for consideration at any general meeting to approve the amalgamation or merger of the Company with any other company, wherever incorporated, shall require the approval of:

 

  (a)

the Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors then in office, and

 

  (a)

the Shareholders, by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

CONTINUATION

 

167.

Subject to the Companies Act, the Company may with the approval of:

 

  (a)

the Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors then in office, and

 

  (b)

the Shareholders, by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution,

approve the discontinuation of the Company in Bermuda and the continuation of the Company in a jurisdiction outside Bermuda.

 

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ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS

 

168.

These Bye-Laws may be revoked or amended only by the Board, which may from time to time revoke or amend them in any way by a resolution of the Board passed by a majority of the Directors then in office and eligible to vote on that resolution, but no such revocation or amendment shall be operative unless and until it is approved at a subsequent general meeting of the Company by the Shareholders by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

UNTRACED SHAREHOLDERS

 

169.

The Company shall be entitled to sell, at the best price reasonably obtainable, the shares of a Shareholder or the shares to which a person is entitled by virtue of transmission on death, bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law if and provided that:

 

  (a)

during a period of six (6) years, no dividend or capital reduction in respect of those shares has been claimed and at least three (3) cash dividends or capital reductions have become payable on the share in question;

 

  (b)

on or after expiry of that period of six (6) years, the Company has inserted an advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the area of the last registered address at which service of notices upon the Shareholder or person entitled by transmission may be effected in accordance with these Bye-Laws and in a national newspaper published in the relevant country, giving notice of its intention to sell such shares:

 

  (c)

during that period of six (6) years and the period of three (3) months following the publication of such advertisement, the Company has not received any communication from such Shareholder or person entitled by transmission; and

 

  (d)

if so required by the rules of any securities exchange upon which the shares in question are listed for the time being, notice has been given to that exchange of the Company’s intention to make such sale.

 

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170.

If during any six (6) year period referred to in Bye-Law 169 above, further shares have been issued in right of those held at the beginning of such period or of any previously issued during such period and all the other requirements of this Bye-Law (other than the requirement that they be in issue for six (6) years) have been satisfied in regard to the further shares, the Company may also sell the further shares.

 

171.

To give effect to any such sale, the Board may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares sold to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser and an instrument of transfer executed by that person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares. The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings in reference to the sale.

 

172.

The net proceeds of sale shall belong to the Company which shall be obliged to account to the former Shareholder or other person previously entitled as aforesaid for an amount equal to such proceeds and shall enter the name of such former Shareholder or other person in the books of the Company as a creditor for such amount. No trust shall be created in respect of the debt, no interest shall be payable in respect of the same and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned on the net proceeds, which may be employed in the business of the Company or invested in such investments as the Board from time to time thinks fit.

FORUM SELECTION

 

173.

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (and the Company will provide such consent with respect to the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada and appellate Courts thereof), the Supreme Court of Bermuda shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute that arises concerning the Companies Act or out of or in connection with these Bye-Laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of these Bye-Laws and/or whether there has been any breach of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws by an officer or director (whether or not such a claim is brought in the name of a Shareholder or in the name of the Company). This Bye-Law 173 will not apply to any causes of action arising under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

174.

If any action or proceeding the subject matter of which is within the scope of Bye-Law 173 is filed in a Court other than a Court located within Bermuda or, with the consent of the Company, a Court located within the Province of Ontario, Canada (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any securityholder, such securityholder shall be deemed to have consented to: (i) the personal jurisdiction of the Courts located within Bermuda or Ontario, as applicable, in connection with any action or proceeding brought in any such Court to enforce Bye-Law 173; and (ii) having service of process made upon such securityholder in any such action or proceeding by service upon such securityholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such securityholder.

 

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175.

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Nothing in this Bye-Law 175 shall be deemed to apply to any suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

176.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any share or other security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to Bye-Laws 173, 174 and 175; provided, however, that no person can and will not be deemed to have waived compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

42 of 42


Schedule A

PART 1

INTERPRETATION

Definitions

1.1 In “Schedule A” of these Bye-Laws, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “affiliate” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;

(b) “Applicable Securities Laws” means the Securities Act (Ontario) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada;

(c) “BAM” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation existing under the Laws of the Province of Ontario, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law;

(d) “BAM Board” means the board of directors of BAM;

(e) “BAM Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (ii) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below;

(f) “BAM Dividend Declaration Date” means the date on which the BAM Board declares any dividend on the BAM Shares;

(g) “BAM Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(h) “BAM Share” means a class A limited voting share of BAM, and includes any share or other equity interest of BAM into which such BAM Share is converted or for which such BAM Share is exchanged;

(i) “BAM Share Value” means, with respect to a BAM Share on a particular date, the market price of a BAM Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the BAM Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per BAM Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such

 

1


day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the BAM Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per BAM Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the BAM Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the BAM Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the BAM Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met, then the amount as determined by the BAM Board;

(j) “BAM Shares Amount” means, with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, such number of BAM Shares equal to the Exchange Factor in effect on the Valuation Date with respect to such Tendered Class A Shares;

(k) “Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario, Canada or Hamilton, Bermuda are authorized or required by Law to close;

(l) “Cash Amount” means with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the applicable BAM Shares Amount for such Tendered Class A Share multiplied by (ii) the BAM Share Value as of the applicable Valuation Date;

(m) “Class A Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (vi) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below;

(n) “Class A Distribution” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.2;

(o) “Class A Share Value” means, with respect to a Class A Share on a particular date, the market price of a Class A Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the Class A Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the Class A Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-

 

2


counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the Class A Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met then the amount as determined by the Board;

(p) “Class A Shareholder” means a holder of Class A Shares;

(q) “Class B Shareholder” means a holder of Class B Shares;

(r) “Class C Shareholder” means a holder of Class C Shares;

(s) “Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time;

(t) “Company” means Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.;

(u) “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example, the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors of to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A controls B for this purpose;

(v) “Conversion Notice” has the meaning as provided in section 4.15;

(w) “conversion number” has the meaning as provided in section 4.15;

(x) “distribution” includes a dividend, a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of a dividend and a capital reduction;

(y) “Effective Date” means, with respect to an event described in clauses (i) and (v) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below, the first date on which the BAM Shares or Class A Shares, as applicable, trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, in a regular way, reflecting the relevant share split, subdivision, reserve split, combination or reclassification, as applicable;

(z) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

(aa) “Exchange Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.13;

(bb) “Exchange Date” means the date upon which a Tendering Class A Shareholder’s Exchange Right has been satisfied by the delivery of the Exchange Consideration to such Tendering Class A Shareholder with respect to its Tendered Class A Shares;

 

3


(cc) “Exchange Factor” means 1.0; provided that in the event that:

(i) BAM (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding BAM Shares wholly or partly in BAM Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding BAM Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding BAM Shares into a smaller number of BAM Shares, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (assuming for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of BAM Shares (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.

Any adjustment under this clause (i) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such distribution of the type described in this clause (i) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to pay such dividend, to the Exchange Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

(ii) BAM distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of BAM Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire BAM Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for BAM Shares) (each a “BAM Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such BAM Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of BAM Shares deliverable or purchasable under such BAM Distributed Rights and (B) the denominator of which shall be (x) the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date plus (y) such number of BAM Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such BAM Distributed Rights

 

4


of the maximum number of BAM Shares purchasable under such BAM Distributed Rights by the average of the BAM Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable); provided, however, that, if any such BAM Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the BAM Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of BAM Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.

Any adjustment under this clause (ii) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such issuance (or, if later, the date such rights, options or warrants become exercisable). To the extent that the BAM Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of BAM Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.

In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such BAM Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by BAM for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the BAM Board.

(iii) (A) BAM distributes to all or substantially all holders of BAM Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding dividends paid exclusively in cash, distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above or any Spin-off referred to in clause (iii)(B) below) or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities (but excluding distributions referred to in clause (ii) above), the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend less the fair market value on the Record Date for such dividend (as determined by the BAM Board) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants so dividended applicable to one BAM Share.

 

5


Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(A) will become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend. If such dividend is not paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to pay or make such dividend, to be the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value (as determined by the BAM Board) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants distributable to one BAM Share is equal to or greater than the average BAM Share Value referenced above in this clause (iii)(A), in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, each Class A Shareholder shall receive from the Company, in respect of each Class A Share, a distribution of cash payable out of the funds legally available therefor (at the same time as holders of the BAM Shares), that in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with the amount of BAM indebtedness or assets or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of BAM Shares equal to the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Record Date.

(B) Where there has been a Spin-off, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the share capital or similar equity interest applicable to one BAM Share distributed to BAM Share holders over the Valuation Period plus the average of the BAM Share Value over the Valuation Period and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the Valuation Period; provided that, the Company may elect to pay cash in lieu of making an adjustment to the Exchange Factor provided by this clause (iii)(B), in which case the Company shall be required to pay to the Class A Shareholders and the Class A Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, cash on the third (3rd) Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period in an amount in respect of each Class A Share held, calculated by multiplying the BAM Share Value on the Record Date of such Spin-off by the amount the Exchange Factor would have increased as a result of such Spin-off if no such cash payment was made.

Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(B) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period, but will be given effect as of the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off.

 

6


Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references contained in the definition of Valuation Period to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for the purposes of the foregoing for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Record Date of such Spin-off and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Exchange Factor. If any such Spin-off does not occur, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to proceed with the Spin-off, to be the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Spin-off had not been pursued.

(iv) BAM or one of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the BAM Shares (but excluding for all purposes any tender or exchange offer involving an offer to exchange BAM Shares for Class A Shares or any other security that is economically equivalent to BAM Shares), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per BAM Share exceeds the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “Expiration Date”), then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be (x) the sum of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the BAM Board) paid or payable in respect of BAM Shares in such tender or exchange offer plus (y) the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date multiplied by the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the Expiration Date (after giving effect to the purchase of all BAM Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer, without duplication), and (b) the denominator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Expiration Date (before giving effect to the purchase of all BAM Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer) multiplied by the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date.

For greater certainty, no adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made for any normal course issuer bid or similar stock buyback. Any adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the tenth (10th) Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date and shall be given effect as of the Open of Business on the day next succeeding the Expiration Date.

 

7


Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references above to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Expiration Date and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Exchange Factor.

(v) the Company (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding Class A Shares wholly or partly in Class A Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding Class A Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (determined without the assumption for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of Class A Shares (assuming the above assumption has occurred) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.

Any adjustment under this clause (v) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such dividend of the type described in this clause (v) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the Board determines not to pay such dividend, to the Exchange Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

(vi) the Company distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Class A Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for Class A Shares) at a price per share that is less than the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (each a “Class A Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such Class A Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a

 

8


fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be (x) the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus (y) such number of Class A Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights of the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights by the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) and (B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights; provided, however, that, if any such Class A Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the Class A Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of Class A Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.

Any adjustment under this clause (vi) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) for such issuance. To the extent that the Class A Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Exchange Factor shall be increased to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Exchange Factor shall be increased, effective as of the date the Board determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.

In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board.

Any adjustment to the Exchange Factor shall be calculated up to four (4) decimal places. Within ten (10) Business Days of the effectiveness of any adjustment or readjustment of the Exchange Factor, the Company shall make a public announcement of such adjustment or readjustment.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Exchange Factor shall not be adjusted in connection with (a) an event described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (other than clause (iii)(B) above) if, in connection with such event, the Company makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BAM Shares and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BAM Shares with respect to all applicable Class A Shares, splits or subdivides the Class A Shares, distributes to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the Class A Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event, (b) a Spin-off as described in clause (iii)(B) above if the Company makes a compensating distribution in an amount and on terms that are equivalent to the value of such Spin-off as determined by the Company (which may include a distribution of the share capital or similar equity interests distributed to holders of BAM Shares in the Spin-off or other assets, cash or property (including securities)), or (c) an event described in clauses (v) through (vi) above if, in connection with such event, BAM makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BAM Shares and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BAM Shares with respect to all BAM Shares, splits or subdivides the BAM Shares or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the BAM Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event;

(dd) “Exchange Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

(ee) “Ex-Dividend Date” means, in respect of a distribution on the applicable securities, (a) the date on which such securities are traded without an entitlement to such distribution or (b) where such securities trade on a due bill basis, the date on which such dividend or distribution is paid;

(ff) “Expiration Date” has the meaning as provided in clause (iv) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” above;

(gg) “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s), director(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership, respectively, that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function), and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer or managing director;

(hh) “Last Reported Sale Price” means with respect to a security on a particular date, the market price of such security on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if such security is listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more

 

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than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange (or, if listed on more than one U.S. National Securities Exchange, the U.S. National Securities Exchange with the greatest volume of trading by dollar value over the 12-month period preceding the date of the calculation); (ii) if such security is not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but is listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; or (iv) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and such security is not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose;

(ii) “Laws” means all federal, provincial, state, municipal, regional and local laws (including common law), by-laws, statutes, rules, regulations, principles of law and equity, orders, rulings, certificates, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, determinations, awards, decrees, legally binding codes, policies or other requirements, whether domestic or foreign, and the terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any governmental entity, and the term “applicable” with respect to such Laws and in a context that refers to one or more Persons, means such Laws as are binding upon or applicable to such Person or its assets;

(jj) “legal personal representative” means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;

(kk) “Liquidation Amount” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(ll) “Liquidation Call Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.24;

(mm) “Liquidation Call Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.24;

(nn) “Liquidation Date” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(oo) “Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(pp) “Liquidation Reference Date” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(qq) “Notice of Class A Redemption” means a Notice of Redemption substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto;

(rr) “Notice of Exchange” means a Notice of Exchange substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto (or notice of the exercise of Exchange Rights in such other form as may be acceptable to BAM);

 

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(ss) “Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time;

(tt) “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, governmental entity or other entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;

(uu) “Record Date” means with respect to any distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares have the right to receive any cash, securities, assets or other property or in which BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares are exchanged for or converted into any combination of securities, cash, assets or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares entitled to receive such cash, securities, assets or other property (whether such date is fixed by the BAM Board or the Board, as applicable, or a duly authorized committee thereof, or as determined pursuant to any statute, constating document, contract or otherwise);

(vv) “Redemption Call Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.17;

(ww) “Redemption Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.17;

(xx) “Rights Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement rights agent and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law, of such rights agent;

(yy) “Rights Agreement” means that certain Rights Agreement relating to the Exchange Right and entered into by and between BAM, the Company and the Rights Agent as it may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof;

(zz) “Specified Class A Redemption Date” means, with respect to the Notice of Class A Redemption, the sixtieth (60th) day following delivery of such Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholder or such later day specified in such Notice of Class A Redemption;

(aaa) “Specified Exchange Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Exchange for which an Exchange Date has not occurred prior thereto, the tenth (10th) Business Day following the receipt of such Notice of Exchange by the Transfer Agent;

(bbb) “Spin-off means a payment by BAM of a distribution of shares of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or business unit of BAM, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX;

(ccc) “Tendered Class A Shares” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

(ddd) “Tendering Class A Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

 

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(eee) “Trading Day” means a day on which (a) trading in the applicable securities generally occurs on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or, if the applicable securities are not then listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, on the TSX or such other market on which the applicable securities are then traded and (b) a Last Reported Sale Price for the applicable securities is available on such securities exchange or market. If the applicable securities are not so listed, or in the case of unlisted securities, so traded, “Trading Day” means a “Business Day”;

(fff) “Transfer” means any sale, assignment, surrender, gift or transfer of ownership of, the granting or foreclosure of a pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, hypothecation or other encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, or the entry into of any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the foregoing;

(ggg) “Transfer Agent” means AST Trust Company (Canada), and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement transfer agent and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law, of such transfer agent;

(hhh) “TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange;

(iii) “Unpaid Distributions” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.4;

(jjj) “U.S. National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act on which the applicable securities are listed, or if the applicable securities are not listed on an exchange so registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any other U.S. exchange, whether or not so registered, on which the applicable securities are listed;

(kkk) “Valuation Date” means (i) the date of receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange, or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the first (1st) Trading Day thereafter; or (ii) the day immediately preceding the date the Company issues a Notice of Class A Redemption, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Trading Day immediately preceding such day; and

(lll) “Valuation Period” means, with respect to any Spin-off, the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-off.

Actions on Non-Business Days

1.2 Whenever any payment to be made or action to be taken hereunder is required to be made or taken on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made or action taken on the next following Business Day.

Currency

1.3 Except where otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts are stated in U.S. currency.

 

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PART 2

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE LIMITED VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

2.1 The Class A Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 2.

DISTRIBUTIONS

Distribution Rights

2.2 Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay thereon, as and when declared by the Board, distributions which, for greater certainty, may take the form of a dividend, a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of a dividend and a capital reduction, in each case in an amount for each Class A Share equal to the cash dividend declared on each BAM Share on each BAM Dividend Declaration Date multiplied by the Exchange Factor in effect on the Record Date of such dividend or capital reduction (the “Class A Distribution”), it being understood that Class A Shareholders will not be entitled to any distributions other than the Class A Distribution, except as provided in these Bye-Laws. The record and payment dates for any Class A Distributions shall be such dates that the Board shall designate from time to time.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

2.3 In the event of a stock distribution, consolidation or subdivision of the BAM Shares, a corresponding stock distribution, consolidation or subdivision may be effected in respect of the Class A Shares in order to avoid the need to make an adjustment to the Exchange Factor. In addition, in the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class B Shares consisting of Class B Shares, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class A Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class A Shares. In the event the Board approves, and the Company effects, a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve, and the Company shall contemporaneously effect, an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares.

Unpaid Distributions

2.4 If the full amount of a Class A Distribution is not paid on the payment date for any dividend declared by the BAM Board on the BAM Shares, then such Class A Distribution shall accrue and accumulate (without interest), whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof and whether or not such distributions are earned, declared or authorized (such amounts, the “Unpaid Distributions”). Any distribution payment made on the Class A Shares shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated Unpaid Distributions due with respect to such Class A Shares which remains payable.

 

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Payment of Distributions

2.5 Cheques of the Company may be issued in respect of all Class A Distributions contemplated by Section 2.2 and the sending of such cheque to each Class A Shareholder will satisfy the cash distribution represented thereby unless the cheque is not paid on presentation. Subject to the requirements of applicable Law with respect to unclaimed property, no Class A Shareholder will be entitled to recover by action or other legal process against the Company any distribution that is represented by a cheque that has not been duly presented to the Company’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of two years from the date on which such distribution was first payable.

RANKING

Ranking of the Class A Shares

2.6 The Class A Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank pari passu with the Class B Shares, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the Class A Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class A Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for purposes of winding up its affairs.

VOTING

Voting Rights

2.7 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class A Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each Class A Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter. Except as required by Law and except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in this Schedule “A” and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions of shareholders must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

 

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2.8 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares shall be entitled to elect one-half of the Board, provided that, at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, the Class A Shares will be entitled to elect the full Board.

2.9 As provided for in Bye-Law 85, each holder of Class A Shares has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the Class A Shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors designated for election by all holders of Class A Shares. A holder of Class A Shares may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Amendment with Approval of Class A Shareholders

2.10 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, any approval given by the Class A Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Shares or any other matter requiring the approval or consent of the Class A Shareholders as a separate class will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it will have been given in accordance with applicable Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such amendment be approved by not less than a majority of the votes cast on such amendment at a meeting of Class A Shareholders duly called and held for such purpose.

EXCHANGE RIGHTS

Exchange at the Option of the Class A Shareholder

2.11 Subject to applicable Law, each Class A Shareholder shall have the right (the “Exchange Right”) to require BAM to acquire all or such portion of the Class A Shares registered in the name of such Class A Shareholder specified in a Notice of Exchange delivered to the Transfer Agent by or on behalf of such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class A Shares” and such Class A Shareholder, the “Tendering Class A Shareholder”) for the BAM Shares Amount per Tendered Class A Share or, if BAM elects in its sole and absolute discretion, the Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount per Tendered Class A Share), plus, in either case, a cash amount equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Tendered Class A Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for so long as there is not an effective registration statement for the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount for the Tendered Class A Shares, BAM will not be required to deliver a Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount for any Tendered Class A Shares) in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period, provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period; and (ii) a Notice of Exchange will not be accepted, and no Exchange Right may be exercised, during the 15 business days prior to the Specified Class A Redemption Date or the occurrence of a Liquidation Event or a BAM Liquidation Event.

 

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Notice of Exchange

2.12 A Class A Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Exchange either electronically (by electronic mail or by any other electronic procedure that may be established by the Transfer Agent from time to time and communicated to the Class A Shareholders by the Company, BAM or the Transfer Agent) or physically (by mail, courier, hand delivery or otherwise) to any office of the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall promptly notify BAM and the Rights Agent of the receipt of a Notice of Exchange.

Satisfaction of Exchange Rights

2.13 After receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange and such additional documents and instruments as the Transfer Agent, BAM or its transfer agent may reasonably require, BAM will acquire the applicable Tendered Class A Shares on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date. BAM will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class A Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class A Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Exchange, either (i) the BAM Shares Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as BAM may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Distributions collectively being the “Exchange Consideration”) and such delivery of such Exchange Consideration by or on behalf of BAM will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Exchange Rights so exercised. Should BAM elect to satisfy Exchange Rights by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 2.5.

2.14 Any Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no further right, with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares redeemed, repurchased or exchanged, to receive any distributions on Class A Shares with a Record Date on or after the date on which the Transfer Agent receives such Notice of Exchange. Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Exchange, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share for all other purposes of these Bye-Laws, until such Class A Share has been acquired in accordance with Section 2.13. A Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a shareholder of BAM with respect to any BAM Shares to be received by such Tendering Class A Shareholder in exchange for Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to Section 2.11 until such BAM Shares have been issued to such Tendering Class A Shareholder.

2.15 If BAM does not satisfy its obligations under section 2.11 to deliver the Exchange Consideration to a Tendering Class A Shareholder within ten (10) Business Days after the Specified Exchange Date, such Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have the right, pursuant to the Rights Agreement, to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, the obligations of BAM to deliver the Exchange Consideration, and each Class A Shareholder shall be made a third party beneficiary of the Rights Agreement and shall have the full right to enforce the Rights Agreement in accordance with its terms as if it were a signatory thereto.

 

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REDEMPTION RIGHTS

Redemption

2.16 If the Company delivers or causes to be delivered a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders, which Notice of Class A Redemption may be subject to one or more conditions as determined by the Board, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of such conditions, redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date. Subject to the prior written approval of the Class C Shareholders, the Company may deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption at any time, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable Law, including in any of the following circumstances:

(a) the total number of Class A Shares (retroactively adjusted to reflect any consolidations, divisions or subdivisions) outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 6-month period;

(b) the daily aggregate market value of the outstanding Class A Shares (based on the Class A Share Value multiplied by the number of outstanding Class A Shares on each such day) (i) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (ii) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period;

(c) a Person acquires 90% of the BAM Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);

(d) the shareholders of BAM approve an acquisition of BAM by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction;

(e) the shareholders of BAM approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BAM or a BAM Liquidation Event is pending;

(f) there is a pending sale of all or substantially all the assets of BAM;

(g) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in adverse tax consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company; or

(h) the Board, in its sole discretion, concludes that the Class A Shareholders are adversely impacted by a fact, change, or other circumstance relating to the Company.

Redemption Procedure

2.17 In the event of a redemption of the Class A Shares, the Company shall, at or prior to Close of Business on the Specified Class A Redemption Date, pay to each Class A Shareholder either (i) the BAM Shares Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Distributions collectively being the “Redemption Consideration”) and such delivery of such Redemption Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the redemption of the Class A Shares. Should the Company elect to satisfy its obligation to redeem the Class A Shares by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 2.5.

 

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2.18 Each Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Class A Redemption, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share, until such Class A Share has been redeemed in accordance with Section 2.17. A Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a shareholder of BAM with respect to any BAM Shares to be received by such Class A Shareholder on a redemption of Class A Shares pursuant to Section 2.17 until such BAM Shares have been issued to such Class A Shareholder.

BAM Redemption Call Right

2.19 Notwithstanding the provisions in Sections 2.16 to 2.17 above, in the event the Company provides a Notice of Class A Redemption to each Class A Shareholder, BAM shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire, all, but not less than all, of the Class A Shares from each Class A Shareholder by delivering the Redemption Consideration (the form of Redemption Consideration to be determined by BAM in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with Section 2.17, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company as set out therein (such right being the “Redemption Call Right”), and in the event of the exercise by BAM of the Redemption Call Right, each Class A Shareholder will be obligated to sell all Class A Shares held by such Class A Shareholder to BAM (or its affiliate, as applicable) on delivery by BAM (or its affiliate, as applicable) to such Class A Shareholder of the Redemption Consideration and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Redemption Consideration to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BAM.

2.20 In order to exercise its Redemption Call Right, BAM must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the holders of Class A Shares, and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 10 days before the Specified Class A Redemption Date.

LIQUIDATION

Liquidation Rights

2.21 Upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up of the Company or any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), including where substantially concurrent with the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of BAM or any other distribution of BAM’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “BAM Liquidation Event”), each Class A Shareholder shall, subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, be entitled to, on the effective date of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Date”) either, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, one BAM Share for each Class A Share then held or an amount in cash for each Class A Share then held equal to the BAM Share Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Reference Date”) multiplied by the Exchange Factor (the “Liquidation Amount”).

 

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2.22 The rights of the Class A Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in Section 2.21 is subject to:

(a) the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Senior Preferred Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class A Shares; and

(b) prior payment in full of all Unpaid Distributions.

2.23 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company are insufficient to make payment in full to all Class A Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in Section 2.21 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class A Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under Section 2.21.

BAM Liquidation Call Right

2.24 Notwithstanding Section 2.21, BAM will have the overriding right (the “Liquidation Call Right”), in the event of and notwithstanding the occurrence of any Liquidation Event, to purchase from, or cause its affiliate to purchase from, all but not less than all of the Class A Shareholders on the Liquidation Date all but not less than all of the Class A Shares held by each such holder in exchange for the issuance by BAM of such number of BAM Shares per Class A Share equal to the Exchange Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Call Consideration”). In the event of the exercise of a Liquidation Call Right, each such Class A Shareholder will be obligated on the Liquidation Date to sell all the Class A Shares held by such holder to BAM on the Liquidation Date upon issuance by BAM to the holder of the Liquidation Call Consideration for each such Class A Share, and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Liquidation Amount to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BAM.

2.25 In order to exercise the Liquidation Call Right, BAM must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the Class A Shareholders and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 30 days before the Liquidation Date in the case of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and at least five Business Days before the Liquidation Date in the case of an involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. If BAM exercises the Liquidation Call Right in accordance with this Section 2.25, all obligations of the Company under Sections 2.21 to 2.23 will terminate and on the Liquidation Date BAM will purchase and Class A Shareholders will sell all of their Class A Shares then outstanding for a price per Class A Share equal to the Liquidation Call Consideration.

OTHER RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

Call Rights

2.26 Each Class A Shareholder, whether a registered holder or a beneficial holder, by virtue of becoming and being such a holder will be deemed to acknowledge each of the Redemption Call Right and the Liquidation Call Right, in each case, in favour of BAM, and the overriding nature thereof in connection with the exercise of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, or the redemption of Class A Shares, as the case may be, and to be bound thereby in favour of BAM as herein provided.

 

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No Fractional BAM Shares

2.27 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no fractional BAM Shares shall be issued in connection with (i) the satisfaction of Exchange Rights, (ii) a redemption or acquisition of the Class A Shares by the Company or pursuant to the Redemption Call Right, or (iii) a Liquidation Event. In lieu of any fractional BAM Shares to which a Tendering Class A Shareholder or a Class A Shareholder, as applicable, would otherwise be entitled in circumstances (i)-(iii) in the immediately preceding sentence, the Company or BAM, as applicable, shall pay a cash amount equal to the BAM Share Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date, Specified Class A Redemption Date or Liquidation Date, as applicable, multiplied by such fraction of a BAM Share.

Withholding Taxes

2.28 Each Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder, as applicable, shall be required to pay to the Company or BAM, as applicable, the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Tendered Class A Shares, the redemption of the Class A Shares, or the exchange of Class A Shares on a Liquidation Event, and will be deemed to have authorized the Company or BAM, as applicable, to retain such portion of the Exchange Consideration, the Redemption Consideration, the Liquidation Amount or the Liquidation Call Amount, as applicable, as the Company or BAM reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this Section 2.28, the Company or BAM, as applicable, shall (i) give each Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder, as applicable, within three (3) Business Days after receipt of a Notice of Exchange, or delivery of a Notice of Class A Redemption, a notice of a Liquidation Event or a notice of the exercise of the Redemption Call Right or the Liquidation Call Right, as applicable, notice of the Company’s or BAM’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the exchange of Tendered Class A Shares, the redemption of the Class A Shares, or the exchange of Class A Shares on a Liquidation Event, (ii) provide the Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and (iii) reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this Section 2.28; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company, BAM or an affiliate of BAM, as applicable, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.

 

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PART 3

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS B LIMITED VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

3.1 The Class B Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 3.

Distribution Rights

3.2 Each Class B Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall declare and pay thereon, distributions that, for greater certainty, may take the form of dividends, capital reductions resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of dividends and capital reductions, on the Class B Shares in the same amount and at the same time as the declaration and payment of any Class A Distributions. Sections 2.2 to 2.5 shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis, to distributions on the Class B Shares.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

3.3 In the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class B Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class B Shares. In the event the Board approves, and the Company effects, a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve, and the Company shall contemporaneously effect, an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares.

Ranking of the Class B Shares

3.4 The Class B Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank pari passu with the Class A Shares, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the Class B Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class B Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for purposes of winding up its affairs.

Voting Rights

3.5 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class B Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each

 

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Class B Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter. Except as required by Law and except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in this Schedule “A” and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

3.6 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class B Shares shall be entitled to elect one-half of the Board, provided that, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, the Class B Shares will be entitled to elect the full Board.

3.7 As provided for in Bye-Law 85, each holder of Class B Shares has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the Class B Shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by all holders of Class B Shares. A holder of Class B Shares may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Amendment with Approval of Class B Shareholders

3.8 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the Class B Shareholders given as hereinafter specified.

3.9 The approval of the Class B Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class B Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class B Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class B Shareholders as a class, each Class B Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Share held.

Liquidation Rights

3.10 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BAM Liquidation Event, each Class B Share shall rank pari passu with each Class A Share and Sections 2.21 to 2.23 of these Bye-Laws shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis to the Class B Shares, except that the Liquidation Call Right is only applicable to the Class A Shares.

 

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Transfer Restrictions

3.11 The Class B Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BAM, any of the shareholders from time to time of the trustee of the holder of the Class B Shares (the “BAM Re Class B Partners”), current and former executives of BAM (“Partners”) or any Person Controlled by BAM, a BAM Re Class B Partner or a Partner. If any Class B Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class B Shares to the transferee, (ii) any rights to vote attaching to the Class B Shares so Transferred may not be exercised by any Person, (iii) any payment by the Company on the Class B Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iv) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class B Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.

PART 4

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

4.1 The Class C Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 4.

Distribution Rights

4.2 Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, as and when declared by the Board, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, distributions which, for greater certainty, may take the form of dividends, capital reductions resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of dividends and capital reductions, as may be declared from time to time by the Board. The Class C Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive distributions unless and until the Company has paid any Unpaid Distributions. The record and payment dates for distributions on Class C Shares shall be such date that the Board shall designate from time to time.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

4.3 In the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the Board may, but is not obligated to, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class C Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class C Shares. In the event the Board approves a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board may, but is not obligated to, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class C Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class C Shares.

 

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Ranking of the Class C Shares

4.4 The Class C Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares and senior over any other shares ranking junior to the Class C Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

Voting Rights

4.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, each Class C Shareholder shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend, any meetings of shareholders of the Company, but shall not otherwise be entitled to vote at any such meeting.

4.6 The following matters shall require prior written consent of all of the holders of the Class C Shares:

(a) the exercise by the Company of its redemption rights pursuant to Section 2.16;

(b) any amendment to the Company’s memorandum of association or these Bye-Laws (including for greater certainty, any amendment to the terms of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other shares ranking ahead of the Class C Shares);

(c) any merger or similar reorganization of the Company (including a sale of all or substantially all of its assets);

(d) a continuance of the Company to another jurisdiction; and

(e) the commencement of a voluntary liquidation of the Company, other than a voluntary liquidation commenced under Section 4.12.

4.7 Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time that there are no Class A Shares and no Class B Shares outstanding, the holders of Class C Shares shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company (except meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote) and shall be entitled to cast at any such meeting one vote per Class C Share, including with respect to the election of directors.

Amendment with Approval of Class C Shareholders

4.8 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class C Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares given as hereinafter specified.

4.9 The approval of the Class C Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class C Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the Class C Shareholders (including the matters set out in Section 4.6) may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum

 

25


requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class C Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class C Shareholders as a class, each Class C Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class C Share held.

Liquidation Rights

4.10 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BAM Liquidation Event, the Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in Section 4.11.

4.11 The rights of the Class C Shareholders to receive the amounts set forth in Section 4.10 is subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class C Shares.

4.12 The Class C Shareholders may resolve, by way of a written resolution signed by all of the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of all of the Class C Shareholders at a meeting of Class C Shareholders called for that purpose, that the Company commence a members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company in the event of the occurrence of any of the following circumstances:

(a) the total number of Class A Shares (retroactively adjusted to reflect any consolidations, divisions or subdivisions) outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 6-month period;

(b) the daily aggregate market value of the outstanding Class A Shares (based on the Class A Share Value multiplied by the number of outstanding Class A Shares on each such day) (i) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (ii) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period;

(c) a Person acquires 90% of the BAM Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);

(d) the shareholders of BAM approve a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of BAM or an acquisition of BAM by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction;

(e) the shareholders of BAM approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BAM or a BAM Liquidation Event is pending;

(f) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in materially adverse tax or regulatory consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company;

 

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(g) the Class C Shareholders, in good faith, conclude that the Class C Shareholders are materially adversely impacted by an external fact unrelated to the Company, a change, or other circumstance relating to the Company that was not known to the Company on the effective date of the issuance of the Class C Shares; or

(h) on any day during the months of January and June commencing in 2022 and every year thereafter, more than 20% of the total number of Class A Shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert within the meaning of Applicable Securities Laws;

provided that, (i) in the case of all circumstances other than (b) above, the circumstance cannot be cured within a period of 30 days, (ii) the rights of the Class C Shareholders under this Section 4.12 will only be exercisable following the expiration of such 30-day cure period (or, in the case of (b), following the occurrence of the event) and shall expire (A) in the case of all circumstances other than (h) above, on the 90th day thereafter, and (B) in the case of (h) above, on the 60th day thereafter, and (iii) in the case of (h) above, the right under this Section 4.12 will only be exercisable in the event that more than 20% of the total number of Class A Shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly and in concert within the meaning of Applicable Securities Laws at the time such right is exercised.

4.13 Any resolution of the Class C Shareholders passed or adopted pursuant to Section 4.12, and the related voluntary liquidation of the Company, may be conditional upon the completion of any one or more of the events enumerated in Section 4.12.

4.14 For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the commencement of a members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company by the Class C Shareholders under Section 4.12. Any such members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company will be subject to applicable Law (including any necessary regulatory approvals), and subject to no less than 60 days’ prior written notice of the date of liquidation being provided to holders of Class A Shares and Class B Shares.

Conversion of Class A Shares

4.15 Any Class C Shareholder shall be entitled at any time to have any or all of such Class C Shareholder’s Class A Shares converted into a number of Class C Shares (which may include a fraction of a Class C Share) at a conversion rate, for each such Class A Share in respect of which the conversion right is exercised, equal to the number obtained by dividing the fair market value of a Class A Share by the fair market value of a Class C Share, in each case as determined by the Board (the “conversion number”). If the conversion number from time to time is not equal to one (1), then the conversion may include any subdivision or consolidation of the Class C Shares necessary so that (a) the conversion number (calculated immediately after giving effect to the subdivision or consolidation of the Class C Shares but before the conversion is completed) will become one (1) and (b) the Class A Shares to be converted will be converted into the same number of Class C Shares. The right of conversion herein provided for may be exercised by notice in writing given to the Transfer Agent (a “Conversion Notice”), which notice shall specify the number of Class A Shares that the Class C Shareholder desires to have converted. Upon receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, promptly issue to the converting Class C Shareholder the requisite number of Class C Shares and the Transfer Agent shall cancel the converted Class A Shares subject to the Conversion Notice effective concurrently therewith.

 

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Transfer Restrictions

4.16 The Class C Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BAM or a Person Controlled by BAM. If any Class C Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class C Shares to the transferee, (ii) any payment by the Company on the Class C Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iii) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class C Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.

PART 5

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

5.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 5.

Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series

5.2 The Senior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series as determined by the Board, without the consent or resolution of the holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares. Before any Senior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, by resolution:

(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made;

(b) create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and

(c) attach (which may be evidenced by way of certificate of designation, resolution of the Board or such other evidence as the Board may determine by resolution) special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of distributions, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and

 

28


conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of distributions on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of Sections 5.3 and 5.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.

Ranking of the Senior Preferred Shares

5.3 The Senior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Senior Preferred Shares of every other series and senior to the Junior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event.

Voting

5.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in these Bye-Laws relating to any series of Senior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

Amendment with Approval of Holder of Senior Preferred Shares

5.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Senior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.

5.6 The approval of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Senior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Senior Preferred Shares, each holder of Senior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Senior Preferred Share held.

 

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PART 6

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

6.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 6.

Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series

6.2 The Junior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series as determined by the Board, without the consent or resolution of the holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares. Before any Junior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, by resolution:

(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made;

(b) create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and

(c) attach (which may be evidenced by way of certificate of designation, resolution of the Board or such other evidence as the Board may determine by resolution) special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of distributions, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of distributions on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of Sections 6.3 and 6.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.

Ranking of the Junior Preferred Shares

6.3 The Junior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Junior Preferred Shares of every other series, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and in return of capital in a Liquidation Event.

 

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Voting

6.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in these Bye-Laws relating to any series of Junior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

Amendment with Approval of Holder of Junior Preferred Shares

6.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Junior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.

6.6 The approval of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Junior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Junior Preferred Shares, each holder of Junior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Junior Preferred Share held.

 

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EXHIBIT “A”

Notice of Class A Redemption

 

To:

Class A Shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

(the “Company”)

This notice is given pursuant to Section 2.18 of “Schedule A” of the Bye-Laws of the Company (the “Bye-Laws”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Bye-Laws have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Bye-Laws.

The Company hereby notifies the Class A Shareholders that, subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, the Company desires to redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares in accordance with the Bye-Laws:

The Company acknowledges that, subject to the satisfaction of the above conditions, this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the Company to redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date for the Redemption Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Bye-Laws.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

(Date)

 

1


EXHIBIT “B”

Notice of Exchange

 

1


NOTICE OF EXCHANGE

 

To:

AST TRUST COMPANY (CANADA) (the “Transfer Agent”)

PLEASE DELIVER YOUR EXCHANGE REQUEST AS FOLLOWS:

 

 

LOGO Via Mail:

 

AST Trust Company (Canada)

1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200

Toronto, ON M5C 2V6

Attention: Corporate Actions

 

  

This notice is given pursuant to Bye-Law 2.12 (the “Bye-Laws”) of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned hereby notifies the Transfer Agent, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) and the Company that the undersigned desires to have BAM acquire from the undersigned:

 

all Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or

 

___________ Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned,

such amount of Class A Share(s) elected above, being hereafter referred to herein as the “Tendered Class A Shares”.

This notice is and will be deemed to be an offer by the undersigned to sell such Tendered Class A Share(s) to BAM in accordance with the undersigned’s Exchange Right on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date for the Exchange Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned acknowledges that notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for so long as there is not an effective registration statement for the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount for the Tendered Class A Shares, BAM will not be required to deliver a Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount for any Tendered Class A Shares) in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period, provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period; and (ii) a Notice of Exchange will not be accepted, and no Exchange Right may be exercised, during the 15 business days prior to the Specified Class A Redemption Date or the occurrence of a Liquidation Event or a BAM Liquidation Event.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to BAM that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Tendered Class A Share(s) to be acquired by BAM, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.


 

(Date)

 

(Please print Name of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

(Please print phone number)

 

(Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

(Guarantee of Signature)


CURRENCY ELECTION

(only if exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is satisfied by the Cash Amount)

Shareholders domiciled in Canada will receive the Cash Amount in Canadian dollars (CAD) and shareholders domiciled in the United States and all other countries will receive the Cash Amount in U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise elected below:

 

 

Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in U.S. dollars (USD).

 

 

Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in Canadian dollars (CAD).

By electing to receive payment in another currency, the undersigned acknowledges that (a) the exchange rate used will be the rate established by the Transfer Agent, in its capacity as foreign exchange service provider to the Company, on the date the funds are converted and (b) the risk of any fluctuation in such rate will be borne by the undersigned.

Payment Delivery Instruction

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or as instructed below in Exhibit A. ALL CHEQUE PAYMENTS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED NAME AS IT CURRENTLY APPEARS.

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and held for pick-up by the Tendering Class A Shareholder at the principal transfer office of the Transfer Agent in Toronto, Ontario.

 

NOTE:

This panel must be completed and such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require must be deposited with the Transfer Agent at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario. The BAM Shares Amount and any payment resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to respectively, the name of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and the BAM Shares Amount and payment resulting from such exchange or acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class A Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below (including the signature guarantee section) is duly completed.


EXHIBIT A:

Cheque Delivery Information

Date: _______________________, 2021

 

 

Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered
(please print)

 

Street Address or P.O. Box

 

City, Province and Postal Code

 

Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder

Guarantee of Signatures

If this Notice is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the Tendered Class A Share(s), or if BAM Share(s) are to be returned to a person other than such registered owner(s) or sent to an address other than the address of the registered owner(s) as shown on the register of the Company or if the payment is to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered owner of the Tendered Class A Share(s) such signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, or in some other manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent (except that no guarantee is required if the signature is that of an Eligible Institution).

 

Signature guaranteed by (if required)       Dated:_________________________________

 

                                          

                          

Authorized Signature       Name of Authorized Representative (please print or type) (if applicable)

 

     
Name of Guarantor (please print or type)      

 

     
Address (please print or type)      

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

 

  Brookfield Asset Management    Email CLangley@applebyglobal.com
  Reinsurance Partners Ltd.   
  73 Front Street    Direct Dial +1 441 298 3202
  Hamilton Bermuda   
  HM 11   
     Appleby Ref
     450036.0001/CL//MEB/AK
     18 May 2021
  Ladies and Gentlemen   

 

Bermuda Office

Appleby (Bermuda)

Limited

Canon’s Court

22 Victoria Street

PO Box HM 1179

Hamilton HM EX

Bermuda

 

Tel +1 441 295 2244

Fax +1 441 292 8666

 

applebyglobal.com

   Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.
   We have acted as legal advisers as to matters of Bermuda law to Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda (Company). We have been requested to render this opinion in connection with the filing by the Company and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (BAM) of:
   1.    a registration statement on Form F-1 (File Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01) (as may be amended, the Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), relating to the issuance of the aggregate of up to 10.9 million class A exchangeable limited voting shares, $40.00 par value per share, of the Company (Shares), which will be distributed (Special Distribution) to the holders of class A limited voting shares of BAM; and
   2.    the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement (as may be amended, the Prospectus).
   For the purposes of this opinion we have examined and relied upon the documents listed (which in some cases, are also defined) in the Schedule to this opinion (Documents).
   ASSUMPTIONS
   In stating our opinion we have assumed:
Appleby (Bermuda) Limited (the Legal Practice) is a limited liability company incorporated in Bermuda and approved and recognised under the Bermuda Bar (Professional Companies) Rules 2009. “Partner” is a title referring to a director, shareholder or an employee of the Legal Practice. A list of such persons can be obtained from your relationship partner    1.    the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of all Documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original Documents of all Documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, notarised or photostatic copies;
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

101843416v3

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai


   2.    the genuineness of all signatures on the Documents;
   3.    the authority, capacity and power of persons signing the Documents;
   4.    that any representation, warranty or statement of fact or law, other than the laws of Bermuda made in any of the Documents, is true, accurate and complete;
   5.    that there are no provisions of the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction other than Bermuda which would have any implication in relation to the opinions expressed herein;
   6.    the accuracy, completeness and currency of the records and filing systems maintained at the public offices where we have searched or enquired or have caused searches or enquiries to be conducted, that such search and enquiry did not fail to disclose any information which had been filed with or delivered to the relevant body but had not been processed at the time when the search was conducted and the enquiries were made, and that the information disclosed by the Company Search and the Litigation Search is accurate and complete in all respects and such information has not been materially altered since the date and time of the Company Search and the Litigation Search;
   7.    that there are no provisions of the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction other than Bermuda which would be contravened by any actions taken by the Company in connection with the Registration Statement or which would have any implication in relation to the opinion expressed herein and that, in so far as any obligation under, or action to be taken under, the Registration Statement is required to be performed or taken in any jurisdiction outside Bermuda, the performance of such obligation or the taking of such action will constitute a valid and binding obligation of each of the parties thereto under the laws of that jurisdiction and will not be illegal by virtue of the laws of that jurisdiction; and
   8.    any amendment to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus is properly authorized by the Company and the terms and transactions contemplated by any such amendment adopted would not be inconsistent with the Resolutions and the terms and transactions contemplated by the Prospectus and the Registration Statement as of the date hereof.

 

101804698v3    2

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai


   OPINION
      Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject to the reservations set out below and to any matters not disclosed to us, we are of the opinion that:
   1.    The Company is an exempted company limited by shares and incorporated and existing under the laws of Bermuda. The Company possesses the capacity to sue and be sued in its own name and is in good standing under the laws of Bermuda.
   2.    The issue of the Shares by the Company pursuant to the Special Distribution has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and when issued pursuant to the Special Distribution, pursuant to the terms of the Resolutions and in accordance with the terms and conditions referred to or summarized in the Prospectus and the Registration Statement (including any documents incorporated by reference therein) and the Constitutional Documents (defined below), the Shares to be issued by the Company will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Shares of the Company.
   RESERVATIONS
      We have the following reservations:
   1.    We express no opinion as to any law other than Bermuda law and none of the opinions expressed herein relates to compliance with or matters governed by the laws of any jurisdiction except Bermuda. This opinion is limited to Bermuda law as applied by the courts of Bermuda at the date hereof.
   2.    Where an obligation is to be performed in a jurisdiction other than Bermuda, the courts of Bermuda may refuse to enforce it to the extent that such performance would be illegal under the laws of, or contrary to public policy of such other jurisdiction.
   3.    Any reference in this opinion to Shares being “non-assessable” shall mean, in relation to fully-paid Shares of the Company and subject to any contrary provision in any agreement in writing between the Company and the holder of such Shares, that: no holder shall be obliged to contribute further amounts to the capital of the Company, either in order to complete payment for their Shares of the Company, to satisfy claims of creditors of the Company, or otherwise.
   4.    In opinion 1 above, the term “good standing” means only that the Company has received a Certificate of Compliance from the Registrar of Companies in Hamilton, Bermuda which confirms that it has neither failed to make any filing with any Bermuda governmental authority nor to pay any Bermuda government fee or tax, which might make it liable to be struck off the Register of Companies and thereby cease to exist under the laws of Bermuda.

 

101804698v3    3

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai


   5.    With respect to opinion 2, we have relied upon statements and representations made to us in the Secretary Certificate and Officer’s Certificate provided to us by an authorised officer of the Company for the purposes of this opinion. We have made no independent verification of the matters referred to in the Secretary Certificate or Officer’s Certificate, and we qualify such opinions to the extent that the statements or representations made in the Secretary Certificate or Officer’s Certificate are not accurate in any respect.
   6.    In order to issue this opinion we have remotely received the Company Search and Litigation Search as referred to in the Schedule to this opinion and have not enquired as to whether there has been any change since the date of receipt thereof.
   7.    In order to issue this opinion we would typically conduct a search of the entries and filings shown in respect of the Company on the files maintained in the Register of Companies at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Hamilton, Bermuda and in the Cause and Judgement Book of the Supreme Court maintained at the Registry of the Supreme Court in Hamilton, Bermuda. However, due to the situation with coronavirus COVID-19, our protocols prevent us from carrying out those searches.
   DISCLOSURE
   This opinion is addressed to you in connection with the registration of the Shares with the SEC and is not to be used, quoted or relied upon for any other purpose. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of the Company and further consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement and Prospectus.

 

101843416v3    4

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai


   This opinion is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with Bermuda law. Further, this opinion speaks as of its date and is strictly limited to the matters stated in it and we assume no obligation to review or update this opinion if applicable law or the existing facts or circumstances should change.
   Yours faithfully
   /s/ Appleby (Bermuda) Limited
   Appleby (Bermuda) Limited

 

101804698v3    5

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai


SCHEDULE

 

   1.    Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws of the Company (collectively, Constitutional Documents).
   2.    A search of the entries and filings shown and available for inspection in respect of the Company in the register of charges and on file of the Company maintained in the register of companies at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Hamilton, Bermuda, as revealed by an electronic company extract prepared by the Registrar of Companies on 14 May 2021 (Company Search).
   3.    Due to the situation with COVID-19, the Registry of the Supreme Court is closed. We are therefore relying on an electronic record of the Cause and Judgment Book which is updated by electronic records of the Cause and Judgment Book distributed by the Supreme Court to law firms at 3pm each Tuesday and Friday. We last received such update on 14 May 2021 reflecting the Cause and Judgement Book of the Supreme Court maintained at the Registry of the Supreme Court in Hamilton, Bermuda as at 12 May 2021 (Litigation Search).
   4.    Copies of extracts of minutes of meetings of the board of directors of the Company held on 16 May 2021 (Resolutions).
   5.    Copy of a secretary certificate dated 18 May 2021 and signed by the secretary of the Company in respect of the Resolutions (Secretary Certificate).
   6.    Copy of an officer’s certificate dated 18 May 2021 and signed by an officer of the Company in respect of the Shares (Officer’s Certificate).
   7.    Certificate of Compliance dated 14 May 2021 in respect of the Company issued by the Registrar of Companies.
   8.    Copy of the Registration Statement.
   9.    Copy of the Prospectus.

 

101843416v3    6

Bermuda ◾ British Virgin Islands ◾ Cayman Islands ◾ Guernsey ◾ Hong Kong ◾ Isle of Man ◾ Jersey ◾ Mauritius ◾ Seychelles ◾ Shanghai

Exhibit 5.2

 

LOGO   

Suite 300

79 Wellington St. W.

Box 270, TD Centre

Toronto, Ontario

M5K 1N2 Canada

Tel 416.865.0040

Fax 416.865.7380

 

www.torys.com

May 18, 2021

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street

Suite 300, P.O. Box 762

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3

Dear Sirs/Mesdames:

RE: BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

We have acted as counsel to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, in connection with the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01) (as amended, the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda (“BAM Re”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act the Corporation’s Class A Limited Voting Shares (the “Class A Shares”) to be issued or delivered upon exchange, redemption or acquisition of up to 10.9 million Class A Exchangeable Limited Voting Shares of BAM Re (“class A exchangeable shares”).

In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Registration Statement and prospectus contained therein. We also have examined the originals, or duplicate, certified, conformed, telecopied or photostatic copies, of such corporate records, agreements, documents and other instruments and have made such other investigations as we have considered necessary or relevant for the purposes of this opinion. With respect to the accuracy of factual matters material to this opinion, we have relied upon certificates or comparable documents and representations of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Corporation. In giving this opinion, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates, certified, conformed, telecopied or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that upon issuance or delivery of Class A Shares in connection with the exchange, redemption or acquisition of class A exchangeable shares in accordance with the amended and restated bye-laws of BAM Re, such Class A Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

This opinion is based upon and limited to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, and has been given by members of the Law Society of Ontario.


We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” therein. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Yours very truly,

/s/ Torys LLP

 

-2-

Exhibit 10.1

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

– and –

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

 

 

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

 

 

            , 2021

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION

     1  

1.1   Definitions

     1  

1.2   Rules of Construction

     5  

ARTICLE 2
TERM

     6  

2.1   Term

     6  

ARTICLE 3
SERVICES

     6  

3.1   Services to be Provided by BAM

     6  

3.2   Addition or Removal of Services

     7  

3.3   Service Level Agreements

     7  

3.4   Books and Records

     8  

3.5   Furnish Information

     8  

3.6   Client Information and Assistance

     8  

3.7   Proprietary Rights

     9  

ARTICLE 4
FEES AND EXPENSES

     9  

4.1  Services Fees

     9  

4.2  Duplication of Fees

     10  

4.3  Payment of HST

     10  

4.4  Failure to Pay When Due

     10  

ARTICLE 5
CONFIDENTIALITY

     11  

5.1   Confidentiality

     11  

ARTICLE 6
PRIVACY

     11  

6.1   Privacy

     11  

ARTICLE 7
COVENANTS AND AUTHORITY OF BAM

     13  

7.1   Covenants of BAM

     13  

7.2   Authority of BAM

     13  

7.3   Execution of Documents

     13  

 

- ii -


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 8
ACTIVITIES OF BAM

     14  

8.1   Standard of Care and Delegation

     14  

8.2   Reliance

     14  

8.3   Other Activities of BAM

     15  

8.4   Transition of Services During the Term

     16  

8.5   Acknowledgement of the Company

     16  

ARTICLE 9
INDEMNITIES

     16  

9.1   Indemnification of the Company by BAM

     16  

9.2   Indemnification of BAM by the Company

     17  

ARTICLE 10
FORCE MAJEURE

     17  

10.1   Consequences of Force Majeure

     17  

10.2   Notice

     18  

ARTICLE 11
TERMINATION

     18  

11.1   Termination

     18  

11.2   Return of Records

     19  

11.3   Final Balance

     19  

11.4   Duties Upon Termination

     20  

11.5   Additional Services Following Termination

     20  

ARTICLE 12
SECURITY

     21  

12.1   Security

     21  

ARTICLE 13
DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     22  

13.1   Sole and Exclusive Procedure

     22  

13.2   Arbitration Procedure

     22  

ARTICLE 14
GENERAL

     23  

14.1   Notices

     23  

14.2   Waiver

     24  

14.3   Further Assurances

     24  

14.4   Entire Agreement

     24  

 

- iii -


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

14.5   No Assignment

     24  

14.6   Successors and Assigns

     24  

14.7   No Partnership

     24  

14.8   Time of the Essence

     25  

14.9   Amendments

     25  

14.10  Severability

     25  

14.11  Governing Law

     25  

 

 

- iv -


ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

THIS ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT is made as of the             day of             , 2021

BETWEEN:

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario

(hereinafter referred to as “BAM”)

- and -

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD., an exempted company limited by shares existing under the laws of Bermuda

(hereinafter referred to as the Company”)

(BAM and the Company are collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”)

WHEREAS the Parties have determined to enter into this administration agreement in order to set out the terms and conditions pursuant to which BAM or its Subsidiaries will provide certain administrative and support services, and various other services on a cost recovery basis as described herein on an as-needed basis to the Company and its Subsidiaries;

AND WHEREAS the Parties have determined to enter separate agreements in order to appoint an affiliate of BAM as the investment manager for one or more of the Company’s operating Subsidiaries (the “Investment Management Agreements”);

NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES THAT, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each Party), the Parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

INTERPRETATION

 

1.1

Definitions

Where used in this Agreement, unless the context expressly or by necessary implication otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set out below and grammatical variations of such terms shall have corresponding meanings:


  (a)

affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;

 

  (b)

Agreement”, “this Agreement”, “the Agreement” and similar expressions refer to this administration agreement and all schedules attached hereto, as it may be amended, supplemented or amended and restated from time to time;

 

  (c)

Applicable Law means, with respect to any Person, property, transaction, event or other matter, any foreign or domestic statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, by-law (zoning or otherwise), order, code, common law, approval, judgment, decree or other requirement having the force of law relating or applicable to such Person, property, transaction, event or other matter;

 

  (d)

associate” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Securities Act (Ontario) in effect on the date hereof;

 

  (e)

BAM Services” has the meaning set out in Section 3.1;

 

  (f)

Board” means the board of directors of the Company;

 

  (g)

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday in Toronto, Ontario, Canada;

 

  (h)

Chief Executive Officer” means initially, Sachin Shah, or any replacement Chief Executive Officer of the Company;

 

  (i)

Chief Investment Officer” means initially, Bahir Manios, or any replacement Chief Investment Officer of the Company;

 

  (j)

Client Information” has the meaning set out in Section 3.6(a);

 

  (k)

Company Security Policies” has the meaning set out in Section 12.1(a);

 

  (l)

Complaint” has the meaning set out in Section 6.1(b);

 

  (m)

Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose;

 

  (n)

Disputes” has the meaning set out in Section 13.1;

 

- 2 -


  (o)

ETA” means the Excise Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder;

 

  (p)

Event of Insolvency” means any one or more of the following events:

 

  (i)

the Party’s inability, failure or refusal generally to pay debts as they fall due; entry into an arrangement by the Party with or for the benefit of its creditors under applicable insolvency legislation; the Party’s consent to or acquiescence in the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator for a substantial part of its property;

 

  (ii)

the bankruptcy, winding up, insolvency, arrangement or reorganization under applicable insolvency legislation, or similar proceeding instituted by or against the Party under the laws of any jurisdiction, which proceeding, if initiated by a third party, is not dismissed within 60 calendar days;

 

  (iii)

the levy of any distress, execution or attachment upon the property of the Party that substantially interferes with its performance hereunder; provided however, that with respect to BAM, this form of insolvency shall not be deemed to have occurred if the insolvency is caused by the Company’s failure to make a payment due under the terms of this Agreement;

 

  (iv)

if a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order, judgment or decree approving a petition or application filed in respect of the Party seeking a general stay of proceedings in respect of the Party or any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, winding up, termination of existence, declaration of bankruptcy or insolvency or similar relief under any present or future law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for or against debtors and such Party acquiesces in the entry of such order, judgment or decree and such order, judgment or decree remains un-vacated or un-stayed for an aggregate of 30 calendar days (whether or not consecutive) from the day of entry thereof; or if any trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, receiver and manager, liquidator or any other officer with similar powers shall be appointed for such Party or for all or any substantial part of its property with the consent or acquiescence of such Party or such appointment remains un-vacated or un-stayed for an aggregate of 30 calendar days (whether or not consecutive);

 

  (v)

the Party becomes insolvent or admits its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or

 

  (vi)

an encumbrancer takes possession of all or substantially all of a Party’s assets and such possession remains for a period of 15 calendar days (whether or not consecutive);

 

  (q)

Force Majeure” means any bona fide event beyond the control of a Party (other than as a result of such Party’s financial incapacity) which is not caused by an act

 

- 3 -


  or omission of such Party or a Person not acting at arm’s length from such Party, in the nature of:

 

  (i)

an inability to obtain materials, goods, equipment, services, utilities or labour;

 

  (ii)

any new statute, law, by-law or order-in-council or any regulation or order or amendment thereto passed or made pursuant thereto or any change after the date of this Agreement in the interpretation or application of any applicable laws;

 

  (iii)

an order or direction of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction;

 

  (iv)

an inability to procure any licence, permit, permission or authority;

 

  (v)

a strike, lockout, slow-down or other combined action of workers or other industrial disturbances;

 

  (vi)

an act of God; and/or

 

  (vii)

a freight embargo, blockade, war (declared or undeclared), riot, act of terrorism or insurrection (or threatened act of terrorism or insurrection),

which shall cause such Party to be unable to fulfill, or to be delayed or restricted in the fulfillment of, any obligation hereunder;

 

  (r)

Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of the general partner of such partnership that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general partner’s general partner that serves a similar function) and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function;

 

  (s)

Governmental Authority” means any government, parliament, legislature, or any regulatory authority, agency, commission or board of any government, parliament or legislature, or any political subdivision thereof, or any court or (without limitation) any other law, regulation or rule making entity, having or purporting to have jurisdiction in the relevant circumstances, or any Person acting under the authority of any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, any arbitrator with the authority to bind the Parties at law) or any other authority charged with the administration or enforcement of Applicable Laws;

 

  (t)

HST” means the tax imposed under Part IX of the ETA;

 

  (u)

Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set out in Section 9.1;

 

- 4 -


  (v)

IP” has the meaning set out in Section 3.7;

 

  (w)

Person” includes an individual, body corporate, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, trust or unincorporated organization, the Crown or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or any other entity recognized by Applicable Law;

 

  (x)

Personal Information” has the meaning set out in Section 6.1(a);

 

  (y)

Quarter” means a calendar quarter ending on the last day of March, June, September or December;

 

  (z)

Security Procedures” has the meaning set out in Section 12.1(a);

 

  (aa)

Services Fees” has the meaning set out in Section 4.1(a);

 

  (bb)

Shareholders” means holders of the Shares;

 

  (cc)

Shares” means shares in the capital of the Company;

 

  (dd)

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person; and

 

  (ee)

Term” has the meaning set out in Section 2.1.

 

1.2

Rules of Construction

In this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires:

 

  (a)

references to “herein”, “hereby”, “hereunder”, “hereof” and similar expressions are references to this Agreement and not to any particular Article or Section of this Agreement;

 

  (b)

references to an “Article”, “Section” or “Schedule” are references to an Article, Section or Schedule of this Agreement;

 

  (c)

words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders;

 

  (d)

the use of headings is for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation hereof;

 

  (e)

the words “includes” and “including”, when following any general term or statement, is not to be construed as limiting the general term or statement to the specific items or matters set forth or to similar items or matters, but rather as

 

- 5 -


  referring to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of the general term or statement; and

 

  (f)

unless otherwise indicated, reference to any statute shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute as amended, re-enacted or replaced from time to time.

ARTICLE 2

TERM

 

2.1

Term

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall continue unless and until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article 11 (herein called the “Term”).

ARTICLE 3

SERVICES

 

3.1

Services to be Provided by BAM

BAM agrees to provide, or cause to be provided, including through one or more of its Subsidiaries, on an as-needed basis, if and as requested by the Company:

 

  (a)

BAM employees to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chief Investment Officer of the Company, as approved by the Board from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer shall each have fiduciary duties to the Company under Bermuda law and, while acting on behalf of the Company, shall be required to comply with the internal policies, procedures, codes of conduct, guidelines and applicable written position descriptions of the Company as adopted from time to time. For greater certainty, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer shall be subject at all times while acting on behalf of the Company to the supervision and direction of the Board. During the Term of this Agreement, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer shall not be changed or removed by BAM without the prior approval of the Company (which shall require approval by a majority of the members of the Board). For greater certainty, if there is a death, disability or resignation of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Investment Officer during the Term of this Agreement, BAM shall promptly propose an individual to fill the vacancy, and such individual shall be approved by a majority of the members of the Board and shall only be confirmed upon such approval. BAM shall maintain a list of potential successors to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer (pre-approved by the Board), so as to permit an efficient transition from time to time of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Investment Officer, as applicable, pursuant to the foregoing. For the avoidance of doubt, the provision by BAM of BAM personnel to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer shall form part of the BAM Services and reimbursement for the provision of such BAM Services shall be included as part of the Services Fees payable to BAM in accordance with Section 4.1;

 

- 6 -


  (b)

certain administrative and other support services for the Company and its Subsidiaries as may from time to time be agreed in writing by the Company and BAM, which may include assisting the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer with the standard functions of a public company, such as financial reporting, investor relations, quarterly conference calls, ongoing disclosure obligations, human resources, information technology, compliance, shareholder correspondence, annual and special meetings of shareholders, and providing office space for the Company and its Subsidiaries; and

 

  (c)

such other services as may from time to time be agreed in writing by the Company and BAM for which BAM will be compensated on terms to be agreed prior to the provision of such services in accordance with Section 4.1;

(collectively, the “BAM Services”).

 

3.2

Addition or Removal of Services

The Parties hereto recognize and acknowledge that, during the Term, the Company anticipates that the scope and nature of the services required by the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement will change, which may necessitate the addition or removal of any one or more of the BAM Services from time to time (including that, subject to the approval by a majority of the members of the Board, the Company may transition to directly employing its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and other senior management).

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer will each continue to have roles at BAM under a dual-hatting or similar arrangement, such that they will spend a portion of their time acting on behalf of the Company and a portion of their time performing their duties for BAM. The Board will develop the position descriptions for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer roles, which shall include the requirements, duties and responsibilities for such roles. During the Term, upon written notice to BAM by the Company, the Company may replace the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Investment Officer, as applicable, for any reason, including if the Board deems that the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Investment Officer do not appear to be meeting the obligations of their roles at the Company to the satisfaction of the Board.

Any additions or removals of BAM Services from time to time will be reflected in the applicable adjustments to the Services Fees in accordance with Section 4.1.

 

3.3

Service Level Agreements

The Company and its Subsidiaries may from time to time enter into service level agreements with one or more of BAM and its Subsidiaries with respect to one or more of the BAM Services provided or to be provided by BAM or its Subsidiaries under this Agreement. Such service level agreements shall be negotiated in good faith between the parties thereto and, upon execution, shall remain in effect for such time as is set forth in such service level agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any service level agreement derogate from the terms of this Agreement and, to the extent of any conflict between the terms of a service level agreement and the terms hereof, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

 

- 7 -


3.4

Books and Records

BAM shall provide any assistance as may be reasonably requested by the Company with respect to the maintenance of proper books, records and accounts in conformity with applicable accounting principles or financial reporting standards and all requirements of Applicable Law in respect of all dealings and transactions in relation to the performance of the BAM Services under this Agreement. BAM shall permit the Company and its representatives at reasonable times and intervals, and upon not less than three Business Days’ prior written notice (or such shorter period as may be required to permit the Company to comply with Applicable Law), to have access to and make copies of such books, records and accounts as they may reasonably require.

 

3.5

Furnish Information

BAM shall make available to the Company and any auditor or legal counsel of the Company such information, documentation and material relating to the performance of the BAM Services as and when the same may be reasonably requested in writing and otherwise give such co-operation as may be necessary for the auditor or legal counsel to carry on their duties on behalf of the Company. In the event that any such information, documentation or material is not customarily maintained by managers in the reinsurance industry in Canada, such information, documentation and material shall be compiled or prepared by BAM, provided that the Company reimburses BAM for its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in compiling and preparing such information, documentation and material, which costs and expenses shall be agreed in writing between the Parties, acting reasonably, before BAM undertakes any work for which it proposes to seek additional compensation under this Section 3.5.

 

3.6

Client Information and Assistance

 

  (a)

The Company understands that, from time to time, BAM or its Subsidiaries may require data, information, documents or other materials from the Company or its Subsidiaries (“Client Information”) as BAM reasonably deems necessary or appropriate for the proper and timely provision of the BAM Services and to comply with Applicable Law. Upon the reasonable request by BAM, from time to time, for Client Information, the Company shall promptly provide such Client Information to BAM or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

 

  (b)

The Company agrees that BAM or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, will rely upon the Client Information provided by the Company in the performance of the BAM Services, that BAM shall have no obligation to verify the accuracy or completeness of the Client Information provided by the Company, and that BAM shall have no liability for consequences of such inaccuracy or incompleteness.

 

  (c)

Upon the request by BAM, from time to time, the Company shall provide reasonable assistance to BAM and its Subsidiaries in connection with the provision of the BAM Services, including by providing information, documentation and material reasonably expected to assist BAM and its

 

- 8 -


  Subsidiaries in the performance of the BAM Services to the extent that such material is available to the Company, and otherwise provide such co-operation as may reasonably be necessary for BAM to satisfy its obligations under this Agreement and Applicable Law.

 

3.7

Proprietary Rights

 

  (a)

This Agreement does not convey to any Party any ownership rights in intellectual property, trade-marks, technology or “know-how” (collectively, “IP”) of another Party used to provide the BAM Services or software delivered or otherwise made available hereunder by a Party, including without limitation, any metadata or indices created in connection with the performance of the BAM Services, any documentation, or new or current applications of a Party’s IP, all of which shall remain the exclusive property of the Party in which such property was originally held or its licensors. This Agreement constitutes only a right to use or access a Party’s IP if required as part of a BAM Service to be provided under this Agreement. For greater certainty, nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon a Party any interest in the trade-marks, trade-names or other IP of another Party.

 

  (b)

During the course of providing the BAM Services under this Agreement, BAM acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall have access to and be permitted to use all information technology licences and IP licences that have been granted to BAM pursuant to certain agreements which grant such licences to BAM, the access and use of which by the Company is reasonably required for the provision of the BAM Services hereunder.

ARTICLE 4

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

4.1

Services Fees

 

  (a)

The Company agrees to pay to BAM during the Term all costs associated with the BAM Services, plus all applicable HST and other indirect or value added taxes, and all other agreed upon amounts, which costs shall be invoiced and billed in accordance with this Section 4.1 (collectively, the “Services Fees”). For greater certainty, the Company will reimburse BAM only for the annual cash compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer by BAM (not including the costs associated with any equity compensation or long-term incentive compensation received by them) that is proportionate to the time they have spent serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, respectively, of, and providing services to, the Company.

 

  (b)

The Services Fees shall be approved by the Company. The Services Fees will be calculated and paid in accordance with this Article 4 and, for greater certainty, will not include a profit component for BAM.

 

  (c)

BAM shall prepare an invoice for the Services Fees as soon as practicable following the end of the Quarter with respect to which such Services Fees are

 

- 9 -


  payable, but in any event no later than 15 calendar days following the end of such Quarter. A copy of the computations of the Services Fees will thereafter, for informational purposes only, promptly be delivered to the Company upon request. For greater certainty, any dispute relating to the computation of the Services Fees shall be resolved in accordance with Article 13.

 

  (d)

Payment of the Services Fees for any Quarter shall be due and payable promptly after the 45th day following the end of such Quarter.

 

  (e)

BAM shall keep appropriate records to document all Services Fees due to BAM including receipts, vouchers, invoices and other documentation in support of the BAM Services or Services Fees.

 

  (f)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that all invoices for BAM Services provided during the Term shall be invoiced by BAM or the applicable Subsidiary of BAM providing such BAM Services and shall be payable by the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company receiving such BAM Services.

 

4.2

Duplication of Fees

BAM agrees that all Services Fees paid hereunder, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Article 4, shall be without duplication of any fees and expenses paid to BAM pursuant to any other agreement between it or its Subsidiaries and the Company or its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, BAM or its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to receive compensation, fees and expenses as provided in the Investment Management Agreements, which shall not be deemed to be duplicative of any fees and expenses paid to BAM pursuant to this Agreement.

 

4.3

Payment of HST

All amounts payable to BAM pursuant to this Agreement, including any adjustments, are exclusive of any applicable HST or other indirect or value added taxes, and shall be payable together with any applicable HST and any other applicable indirect or value added taxes required to be paid thereon pursuant to the ETA and any other Applicable Law, and such amounts shall be separately identified.

 

4.4

Failure to Pay When Due

Any amount payable to BAM or the Company hereunder and which is not remitted to BAM or the Company, as the case may be, when so due shall remain due (whether on demand or otherwise) and interest shall accrue on such overdue amounts (both before and after judgment) at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate charged by the Company’s principal banker plus 1% per annum from the date payment is due until the date payment is received by BAM or the Company, as the case may be.

 

- 10 -


ARTICLE 5

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

5.1

Confidentiality

Subject to Section 8.5, the Parties shall not, without the prior written consent of the relevant affected Party, disclose to any third party any information about the other Party acquired or developed pursuant to the performance of the BAM Services under this Agreement except that consent shall not be required with respect to the following disclosure:

 

  (a)

information disclosed as required by Applicable Law or the regulations, rules or policies of any stock exchange on which shares or securities of the Company are listed or as may be required by the regulations or policies of any Governmental Authority;

 

  (b)

information disclosed as necessary for the purposes of any debt or equity financing undertaken by the Company; or

 

  (c)

information disclosed that a Party, acting reasonably, deems to be necessary to be disclosed on a confidential basis for the proper performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, disclosure of information to consultants and other third parties engaged by or assisting BAM or its Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in order to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

The provisions of this Section 5.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6

PRIVACY

 

6.1

Privacy

 

  (a)

BAM acknowledges and agrees that: (i) all Personal Information disclosed by the Company to BAM, or otherwise accessed or transferred by BAM, in the course of BAM performing its obligations hereunder, is deemed the proprietary and confidential information of the Company for the purposes of this Agreement; and (ii) it will not use such Personal Information for any purposes other than as specifically contemplated hereunder and shall comply with Applicable Laws relating to privacy, including, without limitation, any such Applicable Laws relating to the collection, use, storage, protection or disclosure of Personal Information or the privacy policy and practices of the Company as they relate to the collection, use, storage, protection, and disclosure of Personal Information. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Personal Information” means information about an identifiable individual or information which relates to a natural person and allows that person to be identified.

 

  (b)

BAM represents and warrants, in connection with the Personal Information of the Company, that it: (i) has in place the appropriate technical and organizational

 

- 11 -


  security measures to protect such Personal Information against accidental or unlawful destruction or unauthorized disclosure or access; (ii) has maintained and will continue to maintain suitable records in commercially reasonable detail with respect to such Personal Information; (iii) will not use such Personal Information for any purpose other than as set out in this Agreement and in compliance with Applicable Law; and (iv) will not transfer such Personal Information to any third party, or to any foreign jurisdiction, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.

 

  (c)

If BAM receives a privacy complaint, inquiry or other notice or communication from an individual, organization or Governmental Authority in connection with Personal Information (a “Complaint”), BAM shall to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, promptly notify the Company. Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or approved in writing by the Company, BAM will not respond to the Complaint other than to communicate that the matter will be forwarded to the Company to which such Complaint relates for immediate handling. BAM shall cooperate fully with the Company in response to any Complaints.

 

  (d)

BAM agrees that it shall immediately inform the Company of any accidental or unauthorized use of disclosure of such the Company Personal Information or if it receives notice alleging that the Company or BAM have failed to comply with Applicable Law relating to the collection, use, storage, protection or disclosure of such Personal Information in connection with the performance of this Agreement.

 

  (e)

At the request of the Company, BAM will cooperate with the Company in connection with any audit of the Company Personal Information or of the practices of the Company in relation thereto and in connection with any request to the Company for access to any such Personal Information, and will further make available to the Company, on reasonable notice, BAM’s books and records solely in relation to the Company’s Personal Information to enable the Company to investigate BAM’s compliance with this Section 6.1; in each case in sufficient time to enable the Company to comply with any deadlines applicable under Applicable Law to the provision of such Personal Information or, if the Company’s request for such Personal Information is not made by the Company within a reasonable period prior to the applicable deadline (bearing in mind the timing upon which the Company received such request), BAM shall provide such Personal Information to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable in the circumstances.

 

  (f)

Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, BAM shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against all losses, damages, liabilities, expenses (including reasonable legal fees) and claims resulting from or connected with a BAM’s failure to comply with the obligations of this Section 6.1.

The provisions of this Section 6.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

- 12 -


ARTICLE 7

COVENANTS AND AUTHORITY OF BAM

 

7.1

Covenants of BAM

BAM covenants and agrees that, in the performance of the BAM Services, BAM shall:

 

  (a)

perform all such BAM Services at all times in compliance with Applicable Law;

 

  (b)

observe and perform, or cause to be observed and performed, on behalf of the Company in every respect the provisions of any agreements from time to time entered into in connection with the activities of the Company to the extent BAM has knowledge, or ought reasonably to have had knowledge, of the existence of such agreement; and

 

  (c)

be subject to the supervision and direction of the Board.

 

7.2

Authority of BAM

BAM shall not be permitted to bind the Company or enter into any agreements (oral or written), contracts, leases, licences or other documents (including the signing of cheques, notes, bills of exchange or any other document, or accessing any funds from the Company bank accounts) on behalf of the Company except with the express written consent of the Company, which consent may be given from time to time as the need arises and for such limited purposes as expressed therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delegate certain powers to BAM from time to time for purposes of enabling or assisting BAM in the performance of the BAM Services under this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall BAM have the authority to commit to any transaction which would require the approval of the Shareholders or take any action required to be taken by the Board, or take any action requiring approval of the Board without such approval having been obtained in advance.

 

7.3

Execution of Documents

To the extent that BAM is granted authority to execute any documents referred to in Section 7.2 on behalf of the Company, all reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that every contract entered into on behalf of the Company by BAM shall (except as BAM may otherwise expressly agree in writing with respect to personal liability of BAM) include a provision substantially to the following effect:

“The parties hereto acknowledge that BAM is entering into this agreement solely on behalf of the Company and the obligations of the Company hereunder shall not be personally binding upon, and that resort shall not be had to, nor will recourse or satisfaction be sought from, by lawsuit or otherwise, any of the foregoing or the private property of any of the Board, BAM, any registered or beneficial holder of Shares, or officers, employees or agents of

 

- 13 -


the Company, and recourse shall be limited to, and satisfied only out of, the Company’s assets.”

This provision shall be held in trust and enforced by BAM for the benefit of the relevant Shareholders. The omission of such a provision from any such written agreement shall not operate to impose personal liability on the Board, BAM, or any Shareholder.

ARTICLE 8

ACTIVITIES OF BAM

 

8.1

Standard of Care and Delegation

 

  (a)

In exercising its powers and discharging its duties under this Agreement, BAM shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties conferred hereunder honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company and in connection therewith shall exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill that a professional service provider having responsibilities of a similar nature would exercise in comparable circumstances. For greater certainty, BAM shall not be liable, answerable or accountable to the Company for any loss or damage resulting from, incidental to or relating to the provision of the BAM Services hereunder by BAM, including any exercise or refusal to exercise a discretion, any mistake or error of judgment or any act or omission believed by BAM to be within the scope of authority conferred on it by this Agreement, unless such loss or damage resulted from the fraud, willful default or negligence of BAM in performing its obligations hereunder.

 

  (b)

Subject to the prior approval of the Company of the delegation of any material obligations, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, BAM may delegate specific aspects of its obligations hereunder to any other Person (including a Subsidiary, in which case, notwithstanding the foregoing, no prior approval shall be required), provided that such delegation shall not relieve BAM of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding Section 8.1(b), BAM shall not in any manner, directly or indirectly, be liable or held to account for the activities or inactivities of any Person to which any such obligations may have been delegated (excluding Subsidiaries or associates of BAM), provided that in making such specific delegation, BAM acted in accordance with Section 8.1(a).

 

8.2

Reliance

In carrying out its duties hereunder, BAM and its delegates shall be entitled to rely on:

 

  (a)

statements of fact of other persons (any of which may be persons with whom BAM is affiliated or associated) who are considered by BAM, acting reasonably, to be knowledgeable of such facts; and

 

- 14 -


  (b)

statements, the opinion or advice of or information from any solicitor, auditor, valuer, engineer, surveyor, appraiser or other expert selected by BAM, provided that BAM exercised reasonable care and diligence in selecting such person to provide such statements, opinion, advice or information; and may employ such experts as may be necessary for the proper discharge of its duties.

BAM may rely, and shall be protected in acting, upon any instrument or other documents reasonably believed by it to be genuine and in force.

 

8.3

Other Activities of BAM

 

  (a)

The Company acknowledges that BAM or its Subsidiaries or associates (including the individuals serving as Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer during the portion of time they act on behalf of BAM) are engaged in or may become engaged in a variety of other businesses. the Company acknowledges and consents to any and all such activities and agrees that nothing herein shall prevent BAM or any of its Subsidiaries or associates (including the individuals serving as Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer during the portion of time they act on behalf of BAM) or any of their respective officers, directors or employees from having other business interests, even though such business interests may be similar to or competitive with the affairs of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. BAM and its Subsidiaries and associates (including the individuals serving as Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer during the portion of time they act on behalf of BAM) and their respective directors, officers and employees shall have the right independently to engage in and receive the full benefits from business activities whether or not similar to or competitive with the affairs of the Company or its Subsidiaries, without consulting the Company.

 

  (b)

BAM shall not be considered to be a fiduciary of the Company by reason of performing the BAM Services provided hereunder and will only have the obligations provided for expressly in this Agreement, and no other obligations, duties or standard of care shall be implied and no different standard shall be imposed by any Applicable Law (to the fullest extent permitted by the same) or otherwise in respect of such BAM Services and the Company agrees that it shall not seek to have any different standard imposed in respect hereof.

 

  (c)

In the event of any conflict of interest between BAM, or any Subsidiary or associate thereof, and the Company in respect of any matter relating to this Agreement, a Party shall give prompt written notice to the other Parties prior to taking any action in respect of such matter setting forth the reason for such conflict. The Party receiving such notice shall take all such actions or make all such decisions relating to the matters giving rise to the conflict of interest, and for this purpose the Company shall be entitled to perform the applicable BAM Services itself or engage a third party to do so on its behalf, if necessary. Conflicts (and potential conflicts) of interest between BAM and the Company arising from BAM’s investment management services shall be addressed in the

 

- 15 -


  Investment Management Agreements and shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section 8.3(c).

 

8.4

Transition of Services During the Term

Notwithstanding the Services Fees that will be charged by BAM from time to time in accordance with Section 4.1, the Parties recognize and acknowledge that, during the Term, the Company anticipates that the scope and nature of the BAM Services provided pursuant to this Agreement will change and that a portion of the BAM Services may in the future (i) be undertaken by the Company internally, or (ii) be undertaken by a third party service provider in lieu of BAM. In the event that any BAM Services are no longer provided by BAM, BAM shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Company in respect of the transition of any of the BAM Services to the Company or any third party provider, as the case may be, and the Company shall be responsible for the payment to BAM of any costs or expenses reasonably incurred by BAM in respect of such transition (including the costs set forth in Section 11.4(d)); provided that (i) the Company shall provide 90 days prior written notice to BAM of such change in BAM Services, and (ii) prior to undertaking such transition services, BAM shall provide the Company with an estimate of the costs and expenses it anticipates incurring in connection with the provision of such services, and such estimate is acceptable to the Company, acting reasonably. For greater certainty and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Services Fees will be correspondingly reduced upon the completion of the transition of any BAM Service to the Company or any third party provider.

 

8.5

Acknowledgement of the Company

The Company acknowledges that conducting the BAM Services contemplated herein may result in augmenting the value of the Shares in which BAM or its Subsidiaries or associates have an interest and the Company agrees that neither BAM nor its Subsidiaries or associates shall be liable to account to the Company with respect to such results.

ARTICLE 9

INDEMNITIES

 

9.1

Indemnification of the Company by BAM

BAM shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its Shareholders, officers, directors, employees and agents, as applicable (the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses arising or resulting from or connected with:

 

  (a)

any fraudulent, negligent or unlawful act or omission on the part of BAM or its officers, directors, employees or agents, as applicable; and

 

  (b)

any breach or non-performance by BAM of any of its obligations hereunder,

in each case except to the extent such losses are caused by: (i) any fraudulent, negligent or unlawful act or omission on the part of any of the Indemnified Parties; (ii) a breach or non-performance by any of the Indemnified Parties of any of its obligations hereunder including any failure to supply necessary funds; (iii) any action taken by BAM pursuant to the

 

- 16 -


directions or written instructions of any of the Indemnified Parties in accordance with Section 8.2; or (iv) any occurrence of Force Majeure affecting BAM. The aggregate liability of BAM under Section 9(1)(b) shall not exceed an amount equal to the Services Fees received by BAM in the 12-month period prior to the date of notice of the alleged breach or non-performance. The provisions of this Section 9.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

9.2

Indemnification of BAM by the Company

The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless BAM, and its officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all losses arising or resulting from or connected with:

 

  (a)

any fraudulent, negligent or unlawful act or omission of the Company or its Shareholders, officers, directors, employees or agents, as applicable;

 

  (b)

any breach or non-performance by the Company of any of its obligations hereunder; and

 

  (c)

the lawful performance by BAM of its obligations under this Agreement or pursuant to written instructions of the Company;

in each case except to the extent such losses are caused by: (i) any fraudulent, negligent or unlawful act on the part of BAM, or its officers, directors, employees or agents; (ii) any action taken by BAM, or its officers, directors, employees or agents outside the scope of BAM’s authority pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) any breach or non-performance by BAM of any of its obligations hereunder; (iv) any inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of BAM contained in this Agreement; or (v) any occurrence of Force Majeure affecting the Company. The provisions of this Section 9.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 10

FORCE MAJEURE

 

10.1

Consequences of Force Majeure

During the occurrence and continuance of an event of Force Majeure, the obligations of the Party affected by such event of Force Majeure, to the extent that such obligations cannot be performed as a result of such event of Force Majeure, shall be suspended, and such Party shall not be considered to be in breach or default hereunder, for the period of such occurrence and continuance, except that the occurrence of an event of Force Majeure:

 

  (a)

affecting BAM Re but not affecting the performance of Brookfield’s obligations hereunder, shall not relieve BAM Re of its obligations to make payments of the Services Fees to Brookfield; or

 

  (b)

affecting BAM but not affecting the performance of the Company’s obligations hereunder, shall not relieve the Company of its obligations to make payments of the Services Fees to BAM incurred before the event of Force Majeure in respect of the BAM Services performed by BAM prior to such event of Force Majeure.

 

- 17 -


The suspension of performance shall be of no greater scope and of no longer duration than is reasonably required by the event of Force Majeure. No obligation of either Party that arose prior to the event of Force Majeure causing suspension of performance shall be excused as a result of the event of Force Majeure.

 

10.2

Notice

Upon the occurrence of an event of Force Majeure, the non-performing Party:

 

  (a)

shall give the other Party prompt written notice of the particulars of the event of Force Majeure and its expected duration; and

 

  (b)

shall use its best efforts to remedy its inability to perform.

ARTICLE 11

TERMINATION

 

11.1

Termination

This Agreement may be terminated:

 

  (a)

at any time upon mutual agreement of the Parties;

 

  (b)

by the Company:

 

  (i)

at any time during the Term upon a material breach or material default (as determined by the Company in its discretion, acting reasonably) of any of BAM’s obligations or covenants set forth in this Agreement, which breach or default is not cured within sixty (60) days after BAM’s receipt of notice of such breach of default from the Company, such termination to have effect immediately upon the expiration of such sixty (60) day cure period or at such later date as may be specified by the Company in such notice of termination; or

 

  (ii)

upon 30 days’ written notice to BAM upon the occurrence of an Event of Insolvency by BAM, which notice shall provide the reason for the termination in reasonable detail; and

 

  (c)

by BAM:

 

  (i)

at any time during the Term upon 90 days’ prior written notice given by BAM to the Company upon a material breach or material default (as determined by BAM in its discretion, acting reasonably) of any of the Company’s obligations or covenants set forth in this Agreement, which breach or default is not cured within sixty (60) days after the Company’s receipt of written notice of such breach or default from BAM, such termination to have effect on the expiration of the ninety (90) day notice period or at such later date as may be specified by BAM in such notice of termination; or

 

- 18 -


  (ii)

upon 30 days’ written notice to the Company upon the occurrence of an Event of Insolvency by the Company, which notice shall provide the reason for the termination in reasonable detail.

For the purposes of this Agreement, references to “termination”, “terminate this Agreement” or “termination of this Agreement” or similar expressions refer to any termination of this Agreement by the Company or by BAM, or any termination of this Agreement by all Parties, as the case may be. Termination of this Agreement shall not terminate or negate any obligations of a Party to another Party under this Agreement that have arisen or accrued up to the effective time of termination. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall a termination of a particular BAM Service under this Agreement, including removal and/or replacement of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Investment Officer, constitute a termination of this Agreement.

 

11.2

Return of Records

Upon the termination of this Agreement or the removal of any particular BAM Service provided by BAM hereunder:

 

  (a)

BAM, at the request of the Company, shall forthwith deliver to the Company, or as the Company may direct, any original records, documents, books of account and computer disks (where practical and where such are readily available) relating to the BAM Services provided to the Company hereunder (other than BAM proprietary information and systems), which are then in the possession or control of BAM or its Subsidiaries (as permitted by Applicable Law); provided, however, that BAM may retain copies of such records, documents and books of account. When such data is in electronic form, it shall be made available in useable electronic format together with any necessary passwords and related access information; and

 

  (b)

in the event that any materials referred to herein are in the possession of the Company, the Company, at the request of BAM, shall forthwith deliver to BAM, or as BAM may direct, any original records, documents, books of account and computer disks (where practical and where such are readily available) relating to BAM that the Company may have obtained in the course of receiving the BAM Services hereunder (other than the Company proprietary information and systems), which are then in the possession or control of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as permitted by Applicable Law); provided, however, that the Company may retain copies of such records, documents and books of account. When such data is in electronic form, it shall be made available in useable electronic format together with any necessary passwords and related access information.

 

11.3

Final Balance

Upon the termination of this Agreement, the Company shall pay to BAM all earned and unpaid amounts due by the Company to BAM hereunder up to the date of termination, together with any other charges which have been previously approved by the Company and are to be reimbursed by the Company hereunder, including applicable adjustments. The Company

 

- 19 -


shall, however, be under no obligation to pay to BAM any amount for services performed by BAM after the date of termination unless such services have been requested by the Company. In no event shall the Company be obligated or otherwise required to pay a termination fee upon the termination of this Agreement.

 

11.4

Duties Upon Termination

Upon the termination of this Agreement or the removal of any particular BAM Service provided by BAM hereunder, the Company shall:

 

  (a)

assume all contracts entered into by BAM on the Company’s behalf to the extent relating to all of the BAM Services provided hereunder, or the particular BAM Service so removed, as the case may be, if such contracts have been entered into in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and indemnify BAM from and after the effective date of termination of this Agreement or the removal of BAM Services hereunder against any liability by reason of anything done or required to be done under any such contracts unless such liability results from the fraud, unlawful conduct or negligence of BAM, any act or omission of BAM which constitutes a breach of this Agreement, or any matter that is not directly related to the BAM Services provided hereunder;

 

  (b)

pay for and indemnify BAM against the costs of all services, materials and supplies, if any, which may have been ordered by the Company in accordance with this Agreement, or the BAM Services so removed, as the case may be, but which may not have been paid by the Company and reimbursed under this Agreement at the time of termination if such services, materials and supplies have been ordered in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;

 

  (c)

pay to BAM all unpaid Services Fees earned and accrued prior to the effective date of termination of this Agreement; and

 

  (d)

pay to BAM all reasonable transition costs in connection with the transition of the BAM Services from BAM to the Company or a third party service provider, which transition costs shall include IP licensing costs, data migration costs, records transfer costs, and costs associated with the transfer and use of hardware or software required for the provision of the BAM Services.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Parties agree that the Company shall be permitted to solicit employees of BAM as part of and following any termination of this Agreement but shall not be obligated to do so, nor shall the Company be responsible for any costs or expenses of employees of BAM terminated by BAM as a result of any such termination, including severance costs.

 

11.5

Additional Services Following Termination

If additional services are required following termination for material matters (which would not customarily be part of the transition process), BAM shall be paid for

 

- 20 -


services rendered from the date of termination at rates approved in writing in advance by the Company. Absent such approval, BAM shall not be obliged to provide any such additional services.

ARTICLE 12

SECURITY

 

12.1

Security

 

  (a)

Without restricting BAM’s obligations described elsewhere in this Agreement, BAM shall exercise and make available to the Company those security policies, standards, procedures and systems which are exercised for the protection of BAM’s assets, information and personal information (the “Security Procedures”). BAM shall not implement changes to its security standards and procedures that would have an adverse effect on the provision of the BAM Services or on the security of any confidential information or Personal Information of the Company; provided that the Company will be provided notice of such changes at least 90 days prior to such change. BAM acknowledges and agrees that BAM and its representatives shall also comply with the policies and procedures of the Company relating to security (the “ Company Security Policies”). In the event of a conflict between the Security Procedures and the Company Security Policies, the more stringent standard or policy shall apply.

 

  (b)

Without limiting the generality of subsection 12.1(a) hereof or any other provision of this Agreement, BAM shall adhere to the following practices:

 

  (i)

restricting entry solely to authorized personnel of BAM and its Subsidiaries, employees, agents, contractors to those areas of BAM’s site or sites in which BAM Services are performed, in which any confidential information or Personal Information of the Company is kept, or in which the Company assets or the Company data are held or processed;

 

  (ii)

safeguarding and retaining all data, information and records received from or relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries resident on systems operated by or for the benefit of BAM and its representatives or in the possession or control of its representatives for so long as and to the extent required pursuant to the terms hereof;

 

  (iii)

safeguarding the physical integrity and condition of all media in the possession or control of BAM and its representatives containing confidential information or Personal Information of the Company, its assets or data;

 

  (iv)

requiring that BAM and its representatives have in place logical as well as physical access control systems, which includes a means of individual identification and authentication before allowing access to the Company systems and data;

 

- 21 -


  (v)

requiring that BAM and its representatives comply with the Company procedures that are in place to support tax exemption compliance;

 

  (vi)

requiring that only licensed software is installed on the systems used for the Company business;

 

  (vii)

requiring that systems are free of malicious software, including viruses, worms, spy-ware and key stroke recorders, which could be used to compromise the Company information. BAM shall regularly scan the systems to detect and remove such malicious software; and

 

  (viii)

requiring that the latest software and hardware upgrades and patches have been tested and applied to these systems.

 

  (c)

Without in any way limiting the generality of any other provision of this Agreement, BAM shall immediately notify the Company of any suspected or actual breach of the Security Procedures that may compromise the safeguarding of confidential information and Personal Information of which BAM becomes aware, including, without limitation, any unauthorized access to or entry into its premises, computer systems or databases.

ARTICLE 13

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

13.1

Sole and Exclusive Procedure

All disputes, disagreements, controversies, questions or claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any application for interim relief (including specific performance or an injunction), including with respect to its formation, execution, validity, application, interpretation, performance, breach, termination or enforcement (“Disputes”), must be determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article 13, which sets out the sole and exclusive procedure for the resolution of Disputes. The resolution of Disputes pursuant to the terms of this Article 13 will be final and binding upon the Parties, and there will be no appeal therefrom, including any appeal to a court of law on a question of law, a question of fact, or a question of mixed fact and law. The International Commercial Arbitration Act, 2017 (Ontario) (the “Act”) shall govern any Dispute under Article 13. If the provisions of this Article 13 are inconsistent with the provisions of the Act and to the extent of such inconsistency, the provisions of this Article 13 shall prevail in any Arbitration.

 

13.2

Arbitration Procedure

Whenever a Dispute arises among any of the Parties, such Parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to settle such dispute internally and will consult and negotiate with each other in an effort to reach a fair and equitable resolution satisfactory to the Parties as promptly as possible. If the Parties have not agreed to a settlement of the dispute within 30 days from the date upon which written notice of the Dispute was delivered by one Party to the other, then the Parties agree that the Dispute shall be submitted to, and conclusively settled by, arbitration by a single arbitrator (unless the Parties otherwise agree) pursuant to the National

 

- 22 -


Arbitration Rules of the ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. The arbitration proceedings shall take place in Toronto, Ontario, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties. The language of the arbitration shall be English. Nothing in this Article 13 shall prevent or limit either Party’s right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE 14

GENERAL

 

14.1

Notices

All notices, demands or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally to the recipient or by facsimile addressed to the recipient. Such notices, demands and other communications shall be delivered to the Parties at the respective addresses or facsimile numbers indicated below:

 

  (a)

BAM:

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brookfield Place, Suite 300

181 Bay Street

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3

Canada

  Attention:

Kathy Sarpash

  Email:

[                                 ]

 

  (b)

The Company:

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda

  Attention:

Lyndsay Hatlelid

  Email:

[                                 ]

 

- 23 -


14.2

Waiver

No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be binding unless it is in writing. No indulgence or forbearance by a Party shall constitute a waiver of such Party’s right to insist on performance in full and in a timely manner of all covenants in this Agreement. Waiver of any provision shall not be deemed to waive the same provision thereafter, or any other provision of this Agreement at any time.

 

14.3

Further Assurances

Each Party shall act in good faith in performing its obligations and exercising its rights herein and shall promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other Party may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Agreement and shall use reasonable commercial efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Agreement.

 

14.4

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties pertaining thereto. There are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter hereof except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

14.5

No Assignment

Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights and obligations arising from it shall be assignable in whole or in part by any Party, except with the prior written approval of the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that BAM shall be permitted to assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Subsidiary provided that the Company remains liable to guarantee the performance of such Subsidiary under this Agreement unless agreed otherwise by the Company.

 

14.6

Successors and Assigns

All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

14.7

No Partnership

BAM and the Company acknowledge that they are independent contractors and that it is not intended by entering into this Agreement to form a partnership of any nature whatsoever between them, nor is it intended by carrying out the terms hereof that they should be characterized as carrying on business in partnership. Each Party shall not take or omit to take any action whatsoever which might reasonably result in any Person believing that the Parties are carrying on business in partnership and each of them shall cooperate to take all steps necessary and desirable to avoid the creation of such an impression of partnership.

 

- 24 -


14.8

Time of the Essence

Time is of the essence to every provision of this Agreement. Extension, waiver or variation of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to affect this provision and there shall be no implied waiver of this provision.

 

14.9

Amendments

This Agreement may not be modified or amended except with the written agreement of the Parties.

 

14.10

Severability

If any covenant, obligation or agreement of this Agreement, or the application thereof, to any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such covenant, obligation or agreement to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby. Each covenant, obligation and agreement of this Agreement shall be separately valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

14.11

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein and the Parties irrevocably attorn to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

- 25 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly executed this Agreement on the date written on the first page of this Agreement.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT RESINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 10.2

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

-and

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

 

 

SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

 

            , 2021

TORYS LLP


SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This SUPPORT AGREEMENT is made as of             , 2021 (this “Agreement”), between Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, and Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”), an exempted company limited by shares existing under the laws of Bermuda (BAM and the Company are collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”).

WHEREAS, BAM intends to make a Special Dividend to holders of its Class A limited voting shares (the “BAM Shares”) and its class B limited voting shares of class A exchangeable limited voting shares (the “Class A Shares”) in the capital of the Company (the “Special Dividend”);

WHEREAS, the Class A Shares have been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to the BAM Shares, including receiving distributions at the same time and in the same amount per share (an “Equivalent Distribution”) as the cash dividends paid on each BAM Share;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Share Terms (as defined below), each Class A Share will be exchangeable (the “Exchange Feature”) at the option of the holder for one BAM Share (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or its cash equivalent (the form of payment to be determined at the election of BAM);

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to make covenants and agreements with each with a view to ensuring that the Principle of Economic Equivalence (defined below) is upheld; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to make appropriate provision and to establish a procedure, effective from and after the Effective Date (as defined below), whereby BAM will take certain actions and make certain payments and deliveries necessary to (a) ensure that the Company will be able to make certain payments or, if applicable, deliver BAM Shares and (b) deliver or cause to be delivered BAM Shares in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company or BAM, as applicable, under the Share Terms, the Rights Agreement and this Agreement;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements provided in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

INTERPRETATION

1.1 Interpretation

In this Agreement, each capitalized term used and not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed thereto in the special rights and restrictions (collectively, the “Share Terms”) attaching to the Class A Shares as set out in the

 

- 2 -


Company’s Bye-Laws. In addition, the following words or expressions will have the following meanings:

 

  (a)

affiliate” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person.

 

  (b)

Agreement” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.

 

  (c)

BAM” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.

 

  (d)

BAM Board” means the board of directors of BAM.

 

  (e)

BAM Shares” has the meaning assigned thereto in the recitals.

 

  (f)

BAM Successor” has the meaning set out in Section 3.1(a).

 

  (g)

Brookfield” means BAM and its Subsidiaries, and does not, for greater certainty, include the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries, or, collectively, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and Atlas OCM Holdings, LLC and their Subsidiaries.

 

  (h)

Class A Shares” has the meaning assigned thereto in the recitals.

 

  (i)

Class B Shares” means the class B limited voting shares in the capital of the Company.

 

  (j)

“Company” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.

 

  (k)

“Company Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

  (l)

“Company’s Bye-Laws” means the amended and restated bye-laws of the

Company.

 

  (m)

Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose.

 

  (n)

Effective Date” has the meaning set out in Section 4.1.

 

  (o)

Equivalent Distribution” has the meaning assigned thereto in the recitals;

 

  (p)

Equivalent Share Subdivision” has the meaning set out in Section 2.1(a)(ii)(B).

 

- 3 -


  (q)

Exchange Feature” has the meaning assigned thereto in the recitals.

 

  (r)

Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of the general partner of such partnership that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general partner’s general partner that serves a similar function) and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function.

 

  (s)

Non-Brookfield Holders” means holders of Class A Shares other than Brookfield.

 

  (t)

Other Entity” has the meaning set out in Section 3.4(b).

 

  (u)

Other Securities” has the meaning set out in Section 3.4(b).

 

  (v)

“Outstanding BAM Shares” for purposes of Section 3.4 means BAM Shares outstanding and beneficially owned by any Person other than the Other Entity or its affiliates.

 

  (w)

Parties” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble.

 

  (x)

Person” has the meaning set out in Section 1.1.4.

 

  (y)

Principle of Economic Equivalence” means, taken together, the right to receive Equivalent Distributions and the Exchange Feature.

 

  (z)

Share Terms” has the meaning set out in Section 1.1.

(aa) “Special Dividend” has the meaning assigned thereto in the recitals.

 

  (bb)

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

1.1.2 words importing the singular will include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender will include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter will include all genders;

1.1.3 the words “include”, “includes”, “including”, or any variations thereof, when following any general term

 

- 4 -


or statement, are not to be construed as limiting the general term or statement to the specific items or matters set forth or to similar items or matters, but rather as referring to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of the general term or statement;

1.1.4 references to any an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, unincorporated association, unincorporated organization, unincorporated syndicate, trust, body corporate, and a natural person in his or her capacity as trustee, executor, administrator or other legal or personal representative (each, a “Person”) include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns;

1.1.5 except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to a statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument will include, and will be deemed to be a reference also to, all rules and regulations made under such statute, in the case of a statute, to all amendments made to such statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument, and to any statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument that may be passed which has the effect of supplementing or superseding the statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument so referred to;

1.1.6 any reference to this Agreement or any other agreement, document or instrument will be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement, document or instrument as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, replaced, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified; and

1.1.7 in the event that any day on which any amount is to be determined or any action is required to be taken hereunder is not a business day, then such amount will be determined or such action will be required to be taken at or before the requisite time on the next succeeding day that is a business day.

ARTICLE 2

COVENANTS OF BAM AND THE COMPANY

2.1 Covenants Regarding Class A Shares

BAM will:

 

  (a)

take all such actions and do all such things, to the extent permitted by applicable law, as are reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Company to pay quarterly distributions in support of the Principle of Economic Equivalence, including:

 

  (i)

advising the Company sufficiently in advance of the declaration by BAM of any dividend on the BAM Shares and, at the request of the Company, providing the Company with a good faith estimate of the cash dividends expected to be declared on the BAM Shares for the next four quarters; and

 

- 5 -


  (ii)

taking all such other actions as are reasonably necessary, in cooperation with the Company, to ensure that:

 

  (A)

the payment date for an Equivalent Distribution on the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares will be the same as the payment date for the corresponding dividend on the BAM Shares; and

 

  (B)

if BAM declares or pays a dividend in BAM Shares, the effective date for a corresponding, economically equivalent subdivision of the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares (as determined in accordance with the Share Terms) (an “Equivalent Share Subdivision”) will be the same as the effective date for the share dividend in BAM Shares;

 

  (b)

take all such actions and do all such things as are reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Company, in accordance with applicable law, to pay and otherwise perform its obligations with respect to the satisfaction of the amount per share equal to the Liquidation Amount, in respect of each issued and outstanding Class A Share upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its holders for the purpose of winding up its affairs including all such actions and all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Company to cause to be delivered BAM Shares or the cash equivalent to the holders of Class A Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Share Terms;

 

  (c)

take all such actions and do all such things, to the extent permitted by applicable law, as are reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Company to pay and otherwise perform its obligations with respect to the satisfaction of any redemption of issued and outstanding Class A Shares upon a redemption of the Class A Shares by the Company, including all such actions and all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Company to cause to be delivered BAM Shares or the cash equivalent to the holders of Class A Shares, in accordance with the provisions of the Share Terms, as the case may be; and

 

  (d)

take all such actions and do all such things, to the extent permitted by applicable law, as are reasonably necessary or desirable to enable and permit BAM to perform its obligations arising upon the exercise by it of the Liquidation Call Right or the Redemption Call Right, or upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its holders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, including all such actions and all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit BAM to cause to be delivered BAM Shares or the cash equivalent or other property to the holders of the Class A Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Liquidation Call Right or the Redemption Call Right, or upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or any other distribution of the

 

- 6 -


  assets of the Company among its holders for the purpose of winding up its affairs as the case may be, together with a cheque in respect of any cash amount payable to holders of the Class A Shares in connection with a redemption of the Class A Shares or a liquidation of the Company, as the case may be.

2.2 Company Covenants

The Company will take all such other actions as are reasonably necessary, in cooperation with BAM, to ensure that to the extent permitted by applicable law:

 

  (a)

the payment date for an Equivalent Distribution on the Class A Shares and Class B Shares will be the same as the payment date for the corresponding dividend on the BAM Shares; and

 

  (b)

the effective date for an Equivalent Share Subdivision of the Class A Shares and Class B Shares will be the same as the effective date for the share distribution, in lieu of such a distribution, on the BAM Shares.

2.3 Reservation of BAM Shares

BAM hereby represents, warrants and covenants in favour of the Company that BAM has reserved and obtained stock exchange approval for issuance, and will, at all times while any Class A Shares are outstanding, keep available, free from pre-emptive and other rights, out of its authorized and unissued share capital such number of BAM Shares: (a) as is equal to the prevailing Exchange Factor multiplied by the sum of (i) the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding from time to time, and (ii) the number of Class A Shares issuable upon the exercise of all rights to acquire Class A Shares outstanding from time to time; and (b) as are now and may hereafter be required to enable and permit each of BAM and the Company to meet its obligations under the Company’s Bye-Laws, this Agreement, the Share Terms and the Rights Agreement.

2.4 Notification of Certain Events

In order to assist BAM to comply with its obligations hereunder and to permit BAM to exercise the Liquidation Call Right, the Company will notify BAM, or will cause BAM to be notified, of each of the following events at the time set forth below:

 

  (a)

in the event of any determination by the Company Board to institute voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up proceedings with respect to the Company or to effect any other distribution of the assets of the Company to its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, at least 30 days prior to the proposed effective date of such liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or other distribution;

 

  (b)

promptly upon the earlier of (i) receipt by the Company of notice of, and (ii) the Company otherwise becoming aware of any threatened or instituted claim, suit, petition or other proceedings with respect to the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or to effect any other distribution of the assets of the Company to its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs; and

 

- 7 -


  (c)

on or before the date on which notice of redemption is given to holders of Class A Shares, upon the determination of a Specified Class A Redemption Date in accordance with the Share Terms.

2.5 Delivery of BAM Shares

Upon notice from the Company of any event that requires the Company to cause to be delivered BAM Shares to any holder of Class A Shares, subject to applicable law and any necessary stock exchange approval, BAM will, forthwith, issue and deliver or cause to be delivered the requisite number of BAM Shares to the Company or as directed by the Company (for fair value consideration). All such BAM Shares will be duly authorized and validly issued as fully paid, non-assessable, free of pre-emptive rights and will be free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance.

2.6 Qualification of BAM Shares

If any BAM Shares (or other shares or securities into which BAM Shares may be reclassified or changed as contemplated by section 2.8 hereof) to be issued and delivered hereunder require registration or qualification with or approval of or the filing of any document, including any prospectus or similar document or the taking of any proceeding with or the obtaining of any order, ruling or consent from any governmental or regulatory authority under any Canadian or United States federal, provincial or state securities or other law or regulation or pursuant to the rules and regulations of any securities or other regulatory authority or the fulfilment of any other United States or Canadian legal requirement before such shares (or such other shares or securities) may be issued by BAM and delivered by BAM at the direction of the Company to the holder of surrendered Class A Shares or in order that such shares (or such other shares or securities) may be freely traded thereafter (other than any restrictions of general application on transfer by reason of a holder being a ‘‘control person’’ for purposes of Canadian provincial securities law or an ‘‘affiliate’’ of BAM for purposes of United States federal or state securities law), BAM will in good faith expeditiously take all such reasonable actions and do all such things as are reasonably necessary or desirable to cause such BAM Shares (or such other shares or securities) to be and remain duly registered, qualified or approved under United States and/or Canadian law, as the case may be. BAM will in good faith expeditiously take all such reasonable actions and do all such things as are reasonably necessary or desirable to cause all BAM Shares (or such other shares or securities) to be delivered hereunder to be listed, quoted or posted for trading on all stock exchanges and quotation systems on which BAM Shares (or such other shares or securities) have been listed by BAM and remain listed and are quoted or posted for trading at such time.

2.7 Consent to Issuances or Registrations of Class A Shares

BAM will have the right to consent, in writing, to:

2.7.1 any issuance of, or grant of a right by the Company to acquire, Class A Shares;

 

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2.7.2 the entry by the Company into any registration rights agreement granting any person (other than BAM) the right to cause the registration of Class A Shares under securities laws in any jurisdiction; or

2.7.3 the filing of any registration statement or prospectus for the distribution or sale of any Class A Shares.

Any consent may be withheld, conditioned or delayed in BAM’s sole discretion.

2.8 Economic Equivalence

 

  (a)

So long as any Class A Shares owned by Non-Brookfield Holders are outstanding, BAM and the Company will take all such actions and do all such things to:

 

  (i)

support and not undermine the Principle of Economic Equivalence; and

 

  (ii)

cooperate to jointly effect changes in the capital or related dilutive events at BAM and the Company, as applicable, such that no adjustment to the Exchange Factor is required to maintain the Principle of Economic Equivalence (in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions included in the Company’s Bye-Laws and the Share Terms), including using best efforts to take or cause to be taken such steps as may be necessary for the purposes of ensuring that appropriate distributions are made by BAM or the Company, as applicable, or subdivisions, redivisions or changes are made to the BAM Shares or the Class A Shares, as applicable.

 

  (b)

If there is a dispute between BAM and the Company on whether an adjustment to the Exchange Factor is required in respect of any changes in the capital or related dilutive events at BAM or the Company, as applicable, the Parties will escalate promptly to the appropriate representatives for resolution.

Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in Section 2.8(a), nothing herein shall limit the ability of BAM to issue securities (including but not limited to debt, preferred shares, common shares, and convertible securities), complete acquisitions or dispositions, or engage in other business.

 

2.9

Ordinary Market Purchases

For greater certainty, nothing contained in this Agreement, including the obligations of BAM and the Company contained in Section 2.8, will limit:

 

  (a)

the ability of BAM (or any of its Subsidiaries) to make market purchases of BAM Shares in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory or stock exchange requirements; or

 

  (b)

the ability of the Company to make market purchases of Class A Shares in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory or stock exchange requirements.

 

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2.10 Stock Exchange Listing

For so long as any Class A Shares owned by Non-Brookfield Holders are outstanding, BAM covenants and agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to maintain a listing for the BAM Shares on a stock exchange.

2.11 Shareholder Rights

Nothing contained in this Agreement, including the obligations of BAM contained in Section 2.8, will limit the ability of BAM (or any of its Subsidiaries) to exercise its rights as a shareholder of the Company, including in relation to a redemption or liquidation of the Company.

2.12 Cooperation in respect of Public Disclosure and Prospectuses

BAM and the Company will agree to cooperate as necessary or desirable from time to time in respect of their public disclosure, including:

2.12.1 BAM will consent to the Company referencing BAM’s public disclosure in the Company’s public disclosure (and will permit the Company and its advisors to do reasonable diligence on such disclosure, if requested), and the Company will consent to BAM referencing the Company’s public disclosure in BAM’s public disclosure (and will permit BAM and its advisors to do reasonable diligence on such disclosure, if requested);

2.12.2 BAM will provide such information as the Company reasonably requires to comply with its financial reporting obligations, and the Company will provide such information as BAM reasonably requires to comply with its financial reporting obligations;

2.12.3 subject to BAM’s prior consent having been obtained, BAM will cooperate with the Company for purposes of qualifying or registering the underlying BAM Shares in the event that the Company issues or qualifies or registers for issuance or distribution Class A Shares;

2.12.4 BAM will provide the Company with prompt written notice of any material change or misrepresentation in respect of BAM’s public disclosure; and

2.12.5 BAM will provide the Company with prompt written notice if there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the delivery of BAM Shares in connection with a request for an exchange pursuant to the Exchange Feature.

2.13 Management and Administration Services

For so long as this Agreement is in place, and subject to any applicable regulatory rules and requirements:

2.13.1 The Company acknowledges that it is expected that Subsidiaries of the Company will, from time to time, appoint Brookfield as investment manager and not appoint any other person to provide any investment management services to Subsidiaries of the Company without the prior consent of Brookfield. BAM agrees that it will, or will cause the appropriate Brookfield entity, to accept such appointment.

2.13.2 Without the prior written consent of BAM, the Company will not appoint, and will not consent to any Subsidiaries of the Company appointing, any direct competitor to BAM’s asset management business, as determined by BAM acting reasonably, for the provision of any material administrative services or support services, including for certainty the provision of the services of any executive officer or senior management function.

For greater certainty, Brookfield remains subject at all times to the supervision and direction of the board of directors of the applicable Subsidiary with respect to the provision of

 

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investment management services to Subsidiaries of the Company in accordance with the applicable investment management agreement.

 

2.14

Due Performance

BAM and the Company will duly and timely perform all of their obligations under the Company’s Bye-Laws, this Agreement, the Rights Agreement and the Share Terms.

ARTICLE 3

BAM SUCCESSORS

3.1 Certain Requirements in Respect of Combination, etc.

BAM will not enter into any transaction (whether by way of reconstruction, reorganization, consolidation, transfer, sale, lease or otherwise) whereby all or substantially all of its undertaking, property and assets would become the property of any other person unless:

 

  (a)

such other Person or continuing entity (the “BAM Successor”) by operation of law, becomes, without more, bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement or, if not so bound, executes, prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction, an agreement supplemental hereto and such other instruments (if any) as are necessary or advisable to evidence the assumption by the BAM Successor of liability for all moneys payable and property deliverable hereunder and the covenant of such BAM Successor to pay and deliver or cause to be delivered the same and its agreement to observe and perform all the covenants and obligations of BAM under this Agreement; and

 

  (b)

such transaction will be upon such terms and conditions as substantially to preserve and not to impair in any material respect any of the rights, duties, powers and authorities of the other Party hereunder or the holders of the Class A Shares.

For greater certainty, nothing in this Agreement will prevent BAM from continuing to another jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law.

3.2 Vesting of Powers in Successor

Whenever the conditions of Section 3.1 have been duly observed and performed, the Parties, if required by Section 3.1, will execute and deliver the supplemental agreement provided for in Section 3.1(a) and thereupon the BAM Successor and such other person that may then be the issuer of the BAM Shares will possess and from time to time may exercise each and every right and power of BAM under this Agreement in the name of BAM or otherwise and any act or proceeding by any provision of this Agreement required to be done or performed by the BAM Board may be done and performed with like force and effect by the directors or officers of such BAM Successor.

 

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3.3 Subsidiaries

Nothing herein will be construed as preventing the merger of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of BAM with or into BAM or another direct or indirect Subsidiary of BAM or the winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of BAM, provided that all of the assets of such Subsidiary are transferred to BAM or another direct or indirect Subsidiary of BAM, and any such transactions are expressly permitted by this Article 3.

3.4 Successor Transaction

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Article 3, in the event of a transaction:

 

  (a)

in which BAM merges with, or in which all or substantially all of the then Outstanding BAM Shares are acquired by, one or more other entity; and

 

  (b)

in which all or substantially all of the then Outstanding BAM Shares are converted into or exchanged for (directly or indirectly) securities or rights to receive such securities (the “Other Securities”) of another entity (the “Other Entity”) that, immediately after such transaction, is the successor (whether directly or indirectly and including in combination with other related companies) to, or owns or controls, directly or indirectly, BAM,

then all references herein to “BAM” will thereafter be and be deemed to be references to “Other Entity” and all references herein to “BAM Shares” will thereafter be and be deemed to be references to “Other Securities” (with appropriate adjustments, if any, as are required to result in a holder of Class A Shares on the exchange, redemption or retraction of such securities pursuant to the Share Terms immediately subsequent to the transaction being entitled to receive that number of Other Securities equal to the number of Other Securities such holder of Class A Shares would have received if the exchange, redemption or retraction of such securities pursuant to the Share Terms had occurred immediately prior to the transaction and the transaction was completed), but subject to subsequent adjustments to reflect any subsequent changes in the capital of the issuer of the Other Securities, including any subdivision, consolidation or reduction of capital, without any need to amend the Share Terms and without any further action required.

ARTICLE 4

GENERAL

4.1 Term

This Agreement will come into force and become effective on the date of the Special Dividend (the “Effective Date”) and will terminate and be of no further force and effect at such time as:

4.1.1 no Class A Shares (or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire Class A Shares) are held by Non-Brookfield Holders; or

 

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4.1.2 the following have occurred (i) an amendment to the terms of the Class A Shares that eliminates the Exchange Feature and the Equivalent Distribution and (ii) the termination of the Rights Agreement.

4.2 Changes in Capital of BAM and the Company

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.4 hereof, at all times after the occurrence of any event that results in either the Class A Shares, BAM Shares, or both, being in any way changed, this Agreement will, without the approvals set forth in Section 4.4 hereof, forthwith be amended and modified as necessary in order that it will apply with full force and effect, mutatis mutandis, to all new securities into which the BAM Shares, the Class A Shares, or both, are so changed and the Parties hereto will execute and deliver a supplemental agreement in writing giving effect to and evidencing such necessary amendments and modifications.

4.3 Severability

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.4 hereof, if any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any applicable rule, law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement will nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties hereto will, without the approvals set forth in Section 4.4 hereof, negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner with a view to ensuring that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.

4.4 Amendments, Modifications

Except for amendments contemplated by Section 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5, this Agreement may not be amended or modified except by an agreement in writing executed by the Company and BAM and approved by (a) the Non-Brookfield Holders and the Class B Shares, each voting as a class (with an approval threshold of a majority of the votes cast by each class); (b) the BAM Board; and (c) the Company Board.

4.5 Ministerial Amendments

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.4 hereof, the Parties to this Agreement may in writing at any time and from time to time, without the approvals set forth in Section 4.4 hereof, amend or modify this Agreement for the purposes of:

 

  (a)

adding to the covenants of any or all of the Parties hereto if the Company Board and the BAM Board are of the opinion that such additions will not be prejudicial to the rights or interests of the Non-Brookfield Holders as a whole;

 

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  (b)

evidencing the succession of a BAM Successor and the covenants of and obligations assumed by such BAM Successor in accordance with the provisions of Article 3;

 

  (c)

making such amendments or modifications not inconsistent with this Agreement as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or questions which, in the opinion of the Company Board and the BAM Board, having in mind the best interests of the Non-Brookfield Holders as a whole, it may be expedient to make, provided that each such board of directors is of the opinion that such amendments or modifications will not be prejudicial to the rights or interests of the Non-Brookfield Holders as a whole; or

 

  (d)

making such changes or corrections which, on the advice of counsel to the Company and BAM, are required for the purpose of curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect, inconsistent provision, clerical omission, mistake or manifest error, provided that the Company Board and the BAM Board are of the opinion that such changes or corrections will not be prejudicial to the rights or interests of the Non-Brookfield Holders as a whole.

4.6 Meeting to Consider Amendments

The Company, at the request of BAM, will call a meeting or meetings of the holders of the Class A Shares for the purpose of considering any proposed amendment or modification requiring approval pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof. Any such meeting or meetings will be called and held in accordance with the Company’s Bye-Laws, the Share Terms and all applicable laws.

4.7 Amendments Only in Writing

No amendment to or modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement otherwise permitted hereunder shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by all of the Parties hereto.

4.8 Enurement

This Agreement will be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

4.9 Assignment

Except as set forth in this Agreement, no Party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement (whether by operation of law or otherwise).

4.10 Notices to Parties

Any notice and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement will be sufficiently given if delivered in person or if sent by facsimile transmission (provided such

 

- 14 -


transmission is recorded as being transmitted successfully) to the Parties at the following addresses:

 

  (a)

in the case of BAM to the following address:

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brookfield Place, Suite 300

181 Bay Street

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3

Canada

  Attention:

Kathy Sarpash

  Email:

[                                 ]

with a copy to, which will not constitute notice for the purposes of this Agreement, to:

Torys LLP

Suite 3000

79 Wellington Street West

P.O. Box 270, TD Centre

Toronto, Ontario M5K 1N2

  Attention:

Karrin Powys-Lybbe

  Email:

kpowys-lybbe@torys.com

 

  (b)

in the case of the Company, to the following address:

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda

  Attention:

Lyndsay Hatlelid

  Email:

[                                 ]

with a copy to, which will not constitute notice for the purposes of this Agreement, to:

Torys LLP

 

- 15 -


Suite 3000

79 Wellington Street West

P.O. Box 270, TD Centre

Toronto, Ontario M5K 1N2

  Attention:

Karrin Powys-Lybbe

  Email:

kpowys-lybbe@torys.com

or at such other address as the Party to which such notice or other communication is to be given has last notified the Party giving the same in the manner provided in this Section 4.10, and if not given the same will be deemed to have been received on the date of such delivery or sending.

4.11 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (by facsimile or otherwise), each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which taken together will constitute one and the same instrument.

4.12 Jurisdiction

This Agreement will be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. Each Party hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario with respect to any matter arising hereunder or related hereto.

4.13 Specific Performance

The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that each of the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions, using the process set out in Section 4.14 to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such Party is entitled at law or in equity.

4.14 Dispute Resolution

4.14.1 Sole and Exclusive Procedure - All disputes, disagreements, controversies, questions or claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any application for interim relief (including specific performance or an injunction), including with respect to its formation, execution, validity, application, interpretation, performance, breach, termination or enforcement (“Disputes”), must be determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4.14, which sets out the sole and exclusive procedure for the resolution of Disputes. The resolution of Disputes pursuant to the terms of this Section 4.14 will be final and binding upon the Parties, and there will be no appeal therefrom, including any appeal to a court of law on a question of law, a question of fact, or a question of mixed fact and law. The International Commercial Arbitration Act, 2017 (Ontario) (the “Act”) shall govern any Dispute under Section 4.14. If the provisions of this Section 4.14 are inconsistent with the provisions of the Act and to the extent of such inconsistency, the provisions of this Section 4.14 shall prevail in any Arbitration.

 

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4.14.2 Arbitration Procedure - Whenever a Dispute arises among any of the Parties, such Parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to settle such dispute internally and will consult and negotiate with each other in an effort to reach a fair and equitable resolution satisfactory to the Parties as promptly as possible. If the Parties have not agreed to a settlement of the dispute within 30 days from the date upon which written notice of the Dispute was delivered by one Party to the other, then the Parties agree that the Dispute shall be submitted to, and conclusively settled by, arbitration by a single arbitrator (unless the Parties otherwise agree) pursuant to the National Arbitration Rules of the ADR Institute of Canada, Inc. The arbitration proceedings shall take place in Toronto, Ontario, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties. The language of the arbitration shall be English. Nothing in this Section 4.14 shall prevent or limit either Party’s right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

- 17 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly executed this Agreement on the date written on the first page of this Agreement.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:  

                                 

 

Name:

Title:

 

I have authority to bind the Corporation.

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.
By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

 

I have authority to bind the Company.

[BAM-BAM Re Support Agreement]

Exhibit 10.3

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

and

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Rights Agent

RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Dated as of ●, 2021

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
Section 1.   

Certain Definitions.

     1  
Section 2.   

Appointment of Rights Agent.

     3  
Section 3.   

Exchange Rights.

     3  
Section 4.   

Satisfaction of Exchange Rights.

     4  
Section 5.   

Exercise of Rights.

     5  
Section 6.   

Confirmation Procedures.

     5  
Section 7.   

BAM Shares Record Date.

     6  
Section 8.   

Concerning BAM.

     6  
Section 9.   

Rights of Action.

     7  
Section 10.   

Concerning the Rights Agent.

     8  
Section 11.   

Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.

     9  
Section 12.   

Duties of Rights Agent.

     9  
Section 13.   

Change of Rights Agent.

     12  
Section 14.   

Notices.

     13  
Section 15.   

Supplements and Amendments.

     14  
Section 16.   

Successors.

     15  
Section 17.   

Benefits of this Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.

     15  
Section 18.   

Severability.

     15  
Section 19.   

Governing Law; Forum Selection.

     15  
Section 20.   

Counterparts.

     16  
Section 21.   

Descriptive Headings.

     16  
Section 22.   

Term

     16  
Section 23.   

No Waiver; Cumulative Rights.

     16  
Section 24.   

Fractional Shares.

     16  
Section 25.       

Book Entry.

     17  

 

-i-


RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of ●, 2021 between Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“BAM”), Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., an exempted company limited by shares existing under the laws of Bermuda (the “Company”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Rights Agent”).

WHEREAS, BAM has agreed to distribute class A exchangeable limited voting shares of the Company (the “Class A Shares”) to the holders of class A limited voting shares of BAM (the “BAM Shares”) and class B limited voting shares of BAM pursuant to a special dividend (the “Special Dividend”);

WHEREAS, the dividend date of the Special Dividend is expected to occur on or before ●, 2021 (the “Dividend Date”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Bye-Laws, each Class A Shareholder will have an Exchange Right to require BAM to exchange all or a portion of the Class A Shares held by such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Subject Class A Shares” and such exchanging Class A Shareholder, the “Exchanging Class A Shareholder”) for the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s Bye-Laws;

WHEREAS, BAM wishes, in its sole and absolute discretion (including by means of a standing resolution adopted by the board of directors of BAM, which may be amended or withdrawn at any time) to satisfy the Exchange Right obligation and acquire the Subject Class A Shares from such Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s Bye-Laws and this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Rights Agent desires to serve as agent for the Class A Shareholders with respect to the administration of the Exchange Right pursuant to this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, BAM and the Rights Agent desire to set forth their rights and obligations with respect to the Exchange Right and the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount, in each case at BAM’s sole election, in satisfaction of the Exchange Right.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

Section 1.    Certain Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Administration Agreement” means the administrative services agreement to be entered into between BAM and the Company as of the Dividend Date.

 


Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any future Affiliates.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

BAM” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

BAM Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

BAM Shares Amount” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws.

Brookfield” means BAM, its subsidiaries and controlled companies and any investment fund sponsored, managed or controlled by Brookfield Asset Management or its subsidiaries, and does not, for greater certainty, include the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries or Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and Atlas OCM Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries.

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, Toronto, Ontario or Hamilton, Bermuda are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Cash Amount” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws.

Cash Collateral Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10(b) of this Agreement.

Class A Shareholder” shall mean any registered holder of at least one Class A Share.

Class A Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Company’s Bye-Laws” shall mean the Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, as amended from time to time following the Dividend Date in accordance with their terms.

Dividend Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals, and BAM shall notify the Rights Agent in writing immediately following the determination of such date.

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Right” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws.

Exchanging Class A Shareholder” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Investments” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10(c) of this Agreement.

 

-2-


Notice of Exchange” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws.

Participant” means, with respect to a Depositary, a Person who has an account with the Depositary.

Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, business trust, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Reserve” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10(b) of this Agreement.

Rights Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Special Dividend” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Specified Exchange Date” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws.

Subject Class A Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Section 2.    Appointment of Rights Agent.

The Rights Agent is hereby appointed to act as agent for each holder of the Exchange Right in accordance with the express terms and conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The obligations of the Rights Agent hereunder shall become effective as of the Dividend Date. The Rights Agent shall neither be responsible for, nor chargeable with, knowledge of the terms and conditions of any other agreement, instrument, or document (including, without limitation, the Company’s Bye-Laws or the Class A Shares) other than this Agreement, except to the extent that defined terms set forth in the Company’s Bye-Laws are expressly incorporated herein, whether or not an original or a copy of such agreement, instrument, or document has been provided to the Rights Agent; and the Rights Agent shall have no duty to know or inquire as to the performance or nonperformance of any provision of any such agreement, instrument, or document. Except to the extent that defined terms set forth in the Company’s Bye-Laws are expressly incorporated herein, references in this Agreement to any other agreement, instrument, or document are for the convenience of the parties and the Rights Agent has no duties or obligations with respect thereto.

Section 3.    Exchange Rights.

(a)    The Exchange Rights are a part of the terms of the Class A Shares and shall not be transferred or assigned separate or apart from the Class A Shares. The Exchange Rights shall not be separately evidenced. Any sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of a Class A Share shall also constitute the sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of the Exchange Right associated with such Class A Share.

 

-3-


(b)    Until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, physical certificates for Class A Shares, if any, shall have impressed on, printed on, written on or otherwise affixed to them the following legend:

This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to the Exchange Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Rights Agent, dated as of ●, 2021, as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented pursuant to its terms (the “Agreement”), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive offices of the Company. The Company will mail to the holder of this certificate a copy of the Agreement without charge after receipt of a written request therefor. The Exchange Rights are a part of the terms of the Class A Shares and shall not be transferred or assigned separate or apart from the Class A Shares.

Notwithstanding this Section 3(b), the omission of a legend shall not affect the enforceability of any part of this Agreement or the rights of any holder of the Exchange Rights.

Section 4.    Satisfaction of Exchange Rights.

(a)    BAM hereby agrees to satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, its obligations with respect to the Exchange Right contained in the Company’s Bye-Laws in accordance with the terms thereof and the terms of this Agreement.

(b)    In accordance with the Company’s Bye-Laws, BAM will, on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date, deliver or cause to be delivered the BAM Shares Amount or Cash Amount to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder.

(c)    In the event that, in connection with any Subject Class A Share, BAM has not satisfied its obligation under the Company’s Bye-Laws to deliver the BAM Shares Amount or Cash Amount within ten (10) Business Days after the Specified Exchange Date, the holder of the Subject Class A Shares or the Rights Agent, on behalf and at the written direction of a holder of the Subject Class A Shares that also provides the Rights Agent with the unsatisfied Notice of Exchange previously submitted in accordance the Company’s Bye-Laws, without the consent of any other holder of Class A Shares, shall have the right, pursuant to this Agreement, to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, the obligations of BAM to exchange the Subject Class A Shares for the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount, plus unpaid distributions. The Rights Agent may engage one or more co-agents in connection with instituting or maintaining any such action.

(d)    The obligation to satisfy the Exchange Right or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement is the obligation of BAM, and the Company has no obligation to deliver BAM Shares or the Cash Amount, to deliver any unpaid distributions, or to cause BAM to do so.

 

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Section 5.    Exercise of Rights.

BAM shall cause the BAM Shares Amount delivered to any Exchanging Class A Shareholder pursuant to Section 4(a) to be delivered to or upon the order of the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, registered in such name or names as such Exchanging Class A Shareholder held such Subject Class A Shares (all as set forth in the Notice of Exchange).

Section 6.    Confirmation Procedures.

(a)    If the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount to be delivered pursuant to Section 4 above is to be delivered in a name other than that in which the Subject Class A Shares surrendered in exchange therefor are registered in the stock transfer books or ledger of the Company, the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount may be delivered to a Person other than the Person in whose name the Subject Class A Shares so surrendered are registered in the stock transfer books or ledger of the Company only if such Subject Class A Shares are properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for surrender and transfer and the Person requesting such delivery has paid to BAM (or any agent designated by BAM) any transfer taxes reasonably expected to be required by reason of the payment of the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount to a Person other than the registered holder of such Subject Class A Shares, or established to the reasonable satisfaction of BAM (or any agent designated by BAM) that such transfer taxes have been paid or are otherwise not payable. Upon satisfaction of the condition in the immediately preceding sentence, BAM shall deliver such BAM Shares Amount or Cash Amount to such other Person.

(b)    All Subject Class A Shares shall be delivered free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever, and should any such liens, claims and encumbrances exist or arise with respect to such Subject Class A Shares, the Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall not be entitled to exercise its Exchange Rights with respect to such Subject Class A Shares. Each Exchanging Class A Shareholder will pay to BAM the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Subject Class A Shares pursuant to this Agreement and, in the event BAM elects to acquire some or all of the Subject Class A Shares from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the Cash Amount in accordance with Section 4, will authorize BAM to retain such portion of the Cash Amount as BAM reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. In the event BAM elects to acquire some or all of the Subject Class A Shares from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the BAM Shares Amount, BAM may elect to either satisfy the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Subject Class A Shares by retaining BAM Shares with a fair market value, as reasonably determined by BAM in good faith, equal to the amount of such obligation, or satisfy such tax withholding obligation using amounts paid by BAM, which amounts shall be treated as a loan by BAM to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, in each case, unless the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, at the Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s election, has paid or has made arrangements satisfactory to BAM, in its sole discretion, to pay, the amount of any such tax withholding. BAM shall notify the Exchanging Class A Shareholder within three (3) Business Days following the date of the receipt of the Notice of Exchange of BAM’s good faith estimate of the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of the Subject Class A Shares subject to such Notice of Exchange, provide the Exchanging Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce

 

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any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this Section 6(b); provided that any determination with respect to the withholding shall be made by BAM, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6(b), in no event shall an Exchanging Class A Shareholder be subject to withholding both under the Company’s Bye-Laws and under this Section 6(b), and any amounts paid or withheld with respect to a Subject Class A Share pursuant to the Company’s Bye-Laws shall be credited against and deemed to satisfy the Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s withholding obligation pursuant to this Section 6(b).

Section 7.    BAM Shares Record Date.

Each former Exchanging Class A Shareholder who receives the BAM Shares Amount upon the exercise of the Exchange Right with respect to any Subject Class A Share pursuant to this Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the owner of the BAM Shares representing the BAM Shares Amount for which the Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share is exercisable as of the date upon which such Class A Shareholder’s Subject Class A Share is duly surrendered in accordance with this Agreement. Prior to such Class A Shareholder’s surrender of such Subject Class A Share in accordance with this Agreement and the Company’s Bye-Laws, the Class A Shareholder shall not be entitled to any rights of a holder of such BAM Shares for which the Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share shall be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends or other distributions or to exercise any preemptive rights, and shall not be entitled to receive any notice of any proceedings of BAM with respect to such BAM Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, any Class A Shareholder who receives the Cash Amount in satisfaction of the Exchange Right with respect to any Class A Share pursuant to this Agreement and the Company’s Bye-Laws shall not be entitled to any rights of a holder of BAM Shares at any time with respect to the BAM Shares for which the Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share was exercisable prior to the receipt of such Cash Amount.

Section 8.    Concerning BAM.

(a)    BAM agrees that its obligations hereunder shall in no way be terminated, affected or impaired by reason of (a) the assertion by any Class A Shareholder of any rights or remedies which it may have under or with respect to this Agreement or against any Person obligated hereunder, (b) any Class A Shareholder’s failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any such right or remedy or any right or remedy such Class A Shareholder may have hereunder, (c) any change in the structure or ownership of the Company, (d) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting the Company, BAM or any other Person, (e) the existence of any claim, set-off or other right that BAM may have at any time against the Company or any of its respective Affiliates, whether in connection with the Exchange Right or otherwise; (f) the validity or enforceability of the Exchange Right; or (g) any other circumstance whatsoever which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of BAM with respect to the Exchange Right, in bankruptcy or any other instance, other than as provided herein.

(b)    BAM hereby unconditionally waives any rights that it may now have or hereafter acquire against the Company or its subsidiaries that arise from the existence, payment, performance, or enforcement of BAM’s obligations under or in respect of this Agreement,

 

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including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification.

(c)    BAM hereby represents and warrants that:

(i)    the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action, and do not contravene any provision of BAM’s organizational documents or any applicable law, order, judgment or contractual restriction binding on BAM or its assets;

(ii)    all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits of, filings with and notifications to, any governmental entity necessary for the due execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by BAM have been obtained or made and all conditions thereof have been duly complied with, and no other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental entity is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement;

(iii)    this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the BAM enforceable against BAM in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar applicable laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and

(iv)    as of the date hereof, BAM has the financial capacity to pay and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 9.    Rights of Action.

All rights of action in respect of this Agreement, excepting the rights of action given to the Rights Agent under Section 10 hereof, are vested in the Class A Shareholders; and any Class A Shareholder may, without the consent of the Rights Agent or of any other Class A Shareholder, on such holder’s own behalf and for such holder’s own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, such holder’s right to exercise the Exchange Right and the Class A Shareholders’ rights under this Agreement, in each case in the manner provided in the Company’s Bye-Laws and in this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to the Class A Shareholders, it is specifically acknowledged that the Class A Shareholders would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of this Agreement and will be entitled to specific performance of the obligations under, and injunctive relief against actual or threatened violations of the obligations of any Person subject to, this Agreement. BAM agrees to pay all expenses, including all reasonable and documented third party costs and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees of counsel), actually paid or incurred by such Class A Shareholder in enforcing any of such Class A Shareholder’s rights hereunder or otherwise relating to any litigation or other proceeding brought by such Class A Shareholder to enforce such Class A Shareholder’s rights hereunder, if such Class A Shareholder prevails in such litigation or proceeding.

 

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Section 10.    Concerning the Rights Agent.

(a)    BAM agrees to pay to the Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with Exhibit C attached hereto and, from time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses and counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder. BAM also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, or expense, incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights Agent, for anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent in connection with the acceptance and administration of this Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending against any claim or liability in connection therewith. The indemnification provided for hereunder shall survive the expiration of the Exchange Rights and the termination of this Agreement. The costs and expenses of enforcing this right of indemnification shall also be paid by BAM.

(b)    Without limiting the generality of Section 10(a), BAM hereby further agrees that so long as this Agreement has not been terminated in accordance with its terms, it will deposit and maintain at all times in a cash collateral account (a “Cash Collateral Account”) with the Rights Agent an amount equal to $500,000.00 (the “Reserve”). As security for the obligations of the Rights Agent under Section 4(c) of this Agreement, BAM hereby irrevocably assigns and pledges to the Rights Agent, and hereby grants to the Rights Agent, all cash from time to time deposited into the Cash Collateral Account, all Investments (as defined in Section 10(c) hereof) and certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time representing or evidencing the Cash Collateral Account; provided that the Rights Agent shall be entitled to be compensated out of the Reserve only (i) for reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket expenses and counsel fees incurred by the Rights Agent to enforce the provisions of Section 4(c) (including, without limitation, any and all fees and expenses set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto to the extent not promptly paid by BAM) of this Agreement and (ii) after the Rights Agent makes a written demand to BAM for payment for the fees and expenses contemplated by Section 10(b)(i) and BAM fails to pay such expenses and fees for thirty (30) days following the date of such request. So long as this Agreement has not been terminated in accordance with its terms and subject to Section 10(c), cash, Investments, security entitlements or other investments held or carried in the Cash Collateral Account shall not be available for use by BAM. If at any time the Reserve balance drops below $500,000.00, BAM will, within five (5) Business Days, deposit cash into the Cash Collateral Account in immediately available funds to bring the Reserve balance back to $500,000.00.

(c)    If requested by BAM, the Rights Agent will, from time to time, (a) invest amounts on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account in such deposits, commercial paper and securities (the “Investments”) as BAM may select and the Rights Agent may approve in its reasonable discretion and (b) invest interest or dividends paid on the Investments and reinvest other proceeds of such Investments which may mature or be sold in new deposits, commercial paper or securities as BAM may select and the Rights Agent may approve in its discretion. Interest and proceeds which are not invested or reinvested shall be deposited and held in the Cash Collateral Account; provided that BAM may at any time or from time to time request release of such interest and proceeds.

 

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(d)    The Rights Agent may conclusively rely upon and shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its administration of this Agreement in reliance upon any instrument of assignment or transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter, notice, direction, consent, certificate, statement, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it, in good faith, to be genuine and to be signed, executed and, where necessary, verified or acknowledged, by the proper Person or Persons, or otherwise upon the advice of legal counsel to the Rights Agent (who may be an employee of the Rights Agent or outside legal counsel for the Rights Agent). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall the Rights Agent be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of the action.

Section 11.    Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.

Any Person into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent, shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided that such Person would be eligible for appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 13 hereof. The acquisition of substantially all of the Rights Agent’s assets employed in the exercise of corporate trust powers shall be deemed to be a merger or consolidation for purposes of this Section 11.

Section 12.    Duties of Rights Agent.

The Rights Agent undertakes the duties and obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement which shall be deemed purely ministerial in nature and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Rights Agent. Under no circumstances will the Rights Agent be deemed to be a fiduciary to BAM, the Company, any Class A Shareholder or any other person under this Agreement. The Rights Agent will not be responsible or liable for the failure of BAM, the Company, any transfer agent, any Class A Shareholder or any other person to perform in accordance with this Agreement. The Rights Agent shall perform those duties and obligations upon the following terms and conditions:

(a)    Before the Rights Agent acts or refrains from acting, it may consult with legal counsel (who may be an employee of the Rights Agent or outside legal counsel for the Rights Agent), and the opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights Agent as to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

(b)    Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and

 

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established by a certificate signed by an authorized signatory of BAM identified in Exhibit B-1 attached hereto and/or the Company identified in Exhibit B-2 (which exhibit may be updated by BAM and/or the Company from time to time in BAM’s and/or the Company’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect) and delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall be full authorization to the Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.

(c)    The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. The Rights Agent shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any special, indirect or consequential damages or losses of any kind whatsoever (including without limitation lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the possibility of such losses or damages and regardless of the form of action.

(d)    The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the Company’s Bye-Laws or be required to verify the same.

(e)    The Rights Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due execution hereof by the Rights Agent); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by BAM of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any BAM Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or as to whether any BAM Shares will, when so issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

(f)    BAM agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing by the Rights Agent of the provisions of this Agreement.

(g)    The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept (and shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon, without further inquiry) instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from any Person reasonably believed by the Rights Agent to be one of the authorized signatories of BAM and the Company listed on Exhibit B-1 and Exhibit B-2, respectively, attached hereto (which exhibit may be updated by BAM and the Company from time to time in BAM’s and the Company’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect), and to apply to such Persons for advice or instructions in connection with its duties, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, whenever the Rights Agent is unable to decide between alternative courses of action permitted or required by the terms of this Agreement, or in the event that the Rights Agent is unsure as to the application of any provision of this Agreement or believes any such provision is ambiguous as to its application, or is, or appears to be, in conflict with any other applicable provision, or in the event that this Agreement permits any determination or discretion by the Rights Agent or is silent or is incomplete as to the course of action that the Rights Agent is required to take with respect to a

 

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particular set of facts, the Rights Agent shall promptly give notice (in such form as shall be appropriate under the circumstances) to BAM requesting instruction as to the course of action to be adopted, and to the extent the Rights Agent acts in good faith in accordance with any written instructions received from BAM the Rights Agent shall not be liable on account of such action to any person. If the Rights Agent shall not have received appropriate instruction within ten (10) days of such notice (or such shorter period as reasonably may be specified in such notice or as may be necessary under the circumstances) it shall be entitled to take no action and shall give prompt written notice of its decision not to take action to BAM, to the Company, and to any Exchanging Class A Shareholder that may be affected by such decision not to take action. Any application by the Rights Agent for written instructions from BAM may, at the option of the Rights Agent, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Rights Agent under this Agreement and the date on or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Rights Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Rights Agent in accordance with a proposal included in any such application on or after the date specified in such application unless, prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Rights Agent shall have received, in response to such application, written instructions with respect to the proposed action or omission specifying a different action to be taken or omitted.

(h)    To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Rights Agent and any shareholder, director, officer or employee of the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Class A Shares or other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which BAM or the Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to BAM or the Company or otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Rights Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from acting in any other capacity for BAM, the Company or for any other Person.

(i)    The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through its attorneys or agents, and the Rights Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or agents or for any loss to BAM or the Class A Shareholders resulting from any such act, default, neglect or misconduct, provided reasonable care was exercised in the selection and continued employment thereof.

(j)    No provision of this Agreement shall require the Rights Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability (other than expenses and overhead incurred in the ordinary course by the Rights Agent’s performance under this Agreement) in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of its rights if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(k)    The Rights Agent shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any fact, event or determination under this Agreement unless and until the Rights Agent shall be specifically notified in writing by an Exchanging Class A Shareholder of such fact, event or determination.

 

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(l)    The Rights Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligation under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; wars; acts of terrorism; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; epidemic; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental action; it being understood that the Rights Agent shall use commercially reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

(m)    The Rights Agent may rely upon and shall not be liable for acting or refraining from acting upon any written notice, instruction or request furnished to it hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. The Rights Agent shall be under no duty to inquire into or investigate the validity, accuracy or content of any such document.

(n)    Unless subject to reimbursement by BAM pursuant to Section 10(a), Section 10(b) or reasonably necessary in order for the Rights Agent to perform its express obligations hereunder in accordance herewith, notwithstanding anything contained herein or elsewhere to the contrary, the Rights Agent shall not be required to take any action in any jurisdiction other than in the State of Delaware if the taking of such action will (x) require the Rights Agent in its individual capacity to obtain the consent, approval, authorization or order of or the giving of notice to, or the registration with, or taking of any action in respect of, any state or other governmental authority or agency other than the State of Delaware; (y) result in any fee, tax or other governmental charge under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware becoming payable by the Rights Agent in its individual capacity, or (z) subject the Rights Agent in its individual capacity to personal jurisdiction in any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware for causes of action arising from acts unrelated to the consummation of the transactions by the Rights Agent contemplated hereby.

(o)    The right of the Rights Agent to perform any discretionary act (if any) enumerated in this Agreement shall not be construed as a duty (including, without limitation, the right to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM under Section 4(c) of this Agreement).

(p)    Prior to taking any action in accordance with Section 4(c) of this Agreement, the Rights Agent shall be entitled to request and receive written instructions from the applicable holder of the Subject Class A Shares, and the Rights Agent shall have no liability for any action taken by the Rights Agent in accordance with any written instructions received from such holder.

Section 13.    Change of Rights Agent.

The Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement upon 30 days’ notice in writing mailed to BAM and the Company. BAM may remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon 30 days’ notice in writing, either (i) mailed to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, by registered

 

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or certified mail or (ii) sent to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, via email (with receipt confirmed). If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, BAM shall appoint a successor to the Rights Agent. If BAM shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or by a Class A Shareholder, then any Class A Shareholder may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by BAM or by such a court, shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state of the United States, in good standing, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least $100 million. After appointment, the successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder and execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment BAM shall file notice thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent and the Company. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 13, however, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.

Section 14.    Notices.

Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by any Exchanging Class A Shareholder, other Class A Shareholder, or other holder of an Exchange Right, to or on BAM shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid or sent via email, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the Rights Agent) as follows:

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brookfield Place, Suite 300

181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 762

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3

Attention: Chief Legal Officer

Email address: ●

and

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda

Attention: Company Secretary

Email address: ●

 

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Subject to the provisions of Section 13 hereof, any notice or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by BAM or by any Exchanging Class A Shareholder, other Class A Shareholder, or other holder of an Exchange Right to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by registered or certified mail or sent via email and shall be deemed given upon receipt and, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with BAM) as follows:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

Attn: Robert L. Reynolds

246 Goose Lane, Suite 105

Guilford, CT 06437

Phone: (203) 453-1318

Fax: (203) 453-1183

Email address: rlreynolds@wilmingtontrust.com

Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by BAM, the Company or the Rights Agent to any Class A Shareholder shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid or sent via email (with receipt confirmed), addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry books of the Company or the transfer agent for the Class A Shares.

Section 15.    Supplements and Amendments.

BAM may not materially amend, modify or alter this Agreement or repeal, terminate or waive any rights under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence and with the consent of the Company, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, BAM may from time to time, and the Rights Agent shall, if BAM so directs, supplement or amend this Agreement without the approval of any Class A Shareholder in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, to make modifications necessary to reflect changes in applicable law, including, without limitation, tax law, or to make any other change, in each case, provided that such change, amendment, modification or supplementation does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder, the Company or its rights hereunder in any respect.

Any supplement or amendment authorized by this Section 15 shall be evidenced by a writing signed by BAM, the Company and the Rights Agent. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no supplement or amendment that changes the rights and duties of the Rights Agent under this Agreement will be effective against the Rights Agent without the execution of such supplement or amendment by the Rights Agent. In executing any amendment or supplement contemplated hereby, the Rights Agent shall be provided with, and shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon, an opinion of counsel (which may be counsel to BAM or the Company) stating that the execution of such amendment or supplement is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery thereof have been duly satisfied or waived.

 

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Section 16.    Successors.

All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of BAM, the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

Section 17.    Benefits of this Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other than BAM, the Company and the Rights Agent any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, BAM, the Company and the Rights Agent expressly acknowledge and agree that each Class A Shareholder is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement and that each Class A Shareholder shall have the full right to enforce this Agreement in accordance with its terms as if it were a signatory hereto.

Section 18.    Severability.

If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

Section 19.    Governing Law; Forum Selection.

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any action suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement, and all the rights and obligations governed by this Agreement, including the rights of the Class A Shareholders in accordance with Section 4 and Section 9, shall be brought and determined exclusively in the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if the Delaware Court of Chancery declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if both the Delaware Court of Chancery and the federal courts within the State of Delaware decline to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any other state court within the State of Delaware, and, in each case, any appellate court therefrom. No action, suit or proceeding relating thereto shall be commenced in any other court. Service of any process, summons, notice or document if delivered or made pursuant to Section 14 shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding. Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the aforementioned courts and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives all claims, and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court, that any action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

-15-


Section 20.    Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 21.    Descriptive Headings.

The table of contents and descriptive headings of the several Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

Section 22.    Term

This Agreement shall have a perpetual term and will terminate automatically on the earlier of such time as (i) no Class A Shares (or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire Class A Shares) are held by any person other than Brookfield and (ii) there is an amendment to the terms of the Class A Shares that eliminates the right of the holders to exchange the Class A Shares for the BAM Shares Amount or the Cash Amount (plus unpaid distributions).

Section 23.    No Waiver; Cumulative Rights.

No failure on the part of any Class A Shareholder to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise by any Class A Shareholder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder by such Class A Shareholder or any other Class A Shareholder. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to the Class A Shareholders shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right, remedy or power, and may be exercised by any Class A Shareholder at any time or from time to time.

Section 24.    Fractional Shares.

Class A Shareholders holding a number of Subject Class A Shares which would entitle such holders to receive less than one whole BAM Share pursuant to this Agreement shall receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. Fractional BAM Shares shall not be distributed to Class A Shareholders or credited to book-entry accounts. With respect to any delivery of BAM Shares to a Class A Shareholder under this Agreement, BAM shall promptly instruct the transfer agent for the BAM Shares to, as soon as practicable, (a) determine the number of whole BAM Shares and fractional BAM Shares allocable to each holder of record or beneficial owner of Class A Shares entitled to receive BAM Shares at such time, (b) aggregate all such fractional shares into whole BAM Shares and sell the whole BAM Shares obtained thereby in open market transactions, in each case, at then-prevailing trading prices on behalf of holders who would otherwise be entitled to fractional BAM Shares, and (c) distribute to each such holder, or for the benefit of each such beneficial owner, such holder or owner’s ratable share of the net proceeds of such sale, based upon the average gross selling price per BAM Share after making appropriate deductions for any amount required to be withheld for tax purposes and any brokerage fees incurred in connection with these sales of fractional BAM Shares. Neither BAM, the Company nor the Rights Agent will guarantee

 

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any minimum sale price for the fractional BAM Shares. Neither BAM nor the Rights Agent will pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional BAM Shares. The transfer agent of the BAM Shares acting on behalf of the applicable party will have the sole discretion to select the broker-dealers through which to sell the aggregated fractional BAM Shares and to determine when, how and at what price to sell such shares, provided that neither the transfer agent nor the broker-dealers through which the aggregated fractional BAM Shares are sold shall be Affiliates of BAM.

Section 25.    Book Entry.

Reference in this Agreement to certificates for Class A Shares or BAM Shares shall include, in the case of uncertificated shares, the balances indicated in the book-entry account system of the transfer agent for the Class A Shares or BAM Shares, as applicable. Any legend required to be placed on any certificates for Class A Shares or BAM Shares may instead be included on any book-entry confirmation or notification to the registered holder of such Class A Shares or BAM Shares.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
By:    
 

Name:   

 

Title:   

 

Brookfield Asset Management

Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

By:    
 

Name:   

 

Title:   

 

Wilmington Trust, National Association

as Rights Agent

By:    
 

Name:   

 

Title:   

[Signature Page to Rights Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Form of the Company’s Bye-Laws


LOGO

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS

OF

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

The undersigned HEREBY CERTIFIES that the attached Bye-Laws are a true copy of the Bye-Laws of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (Company) adopted by the Shareholder(s) of the Company on ∎, 2021.

________________________________

Director

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS OF BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

INDEX    

 

Bye-Law    Page  

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1  

REGISTERED OFFICE

     4  

SHARE CAPITAL

     4  

MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

     6  

SHARES

     6  

CERTIFICATES

     7  

REGISTER OF SHAREHOLDERS

     8  

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     8  

TRANSFER OF SHARES

     8  

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

     10  

INCREASE OF CAPITAL

     11  

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

     11  

REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

     12  

GENERAL MEETINGS AND RESOLUTIONS IN WRITING

     12  

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

     13  

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

     14  

VOTING

     16  

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

     18  

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

     20  

RESIGNATION AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

     24  

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

     24  

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

     25  

FEES, GRATUITIES AND PENSIONS

     26  

DELEGATION OF THE BOARD’S POWERS

     26  

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

     27  

OFFICERS

     29  

MINUTES

     30  


SECRETARY AND RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

     30  

THE SEAL

     30  

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

     31  

RESERVES

     32  

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

     33  

RECORD DATES

     33  

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

     34  

AUDIT

     35  

SERVICE OF NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

     35  

DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

     36  

WINDING UP

     37  

INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

     38  

AMALGAMATION AND MERGER

     39  

CONTINUATION

     39  

ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS

     40  

UNTRACED SHAREHOLDERS

     40  

FORUM SELECTION

     41  

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE–LAWS

OF

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

(Adopted by a Resolution dated ∎, 2021)

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.

In these Bye-Laws, unless the context otherwise requires:

Auditor: the person or firm for the time being appointed as auditor of the Company;

Bermuda: the Islands of Bermuda;

Board: the Directors of the Company appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-Laws and acting by resolution as provided for in the Companies Act and in these Bye-Laws or the Directors present at a meeting of Directors at which there is a quorum;

Class A Shares: the class A exchangeable limited voting shares, par value US$40.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Class B Shares: the class B limited voting shares, par value US$40.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Class C Shares: the class C non-voting shares, par value US$1.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

clear days: in relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day on which the notice is given or served, or deemed to be given or served, and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;

Companies Act: the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as may be amended;

Company: Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., a company incorporated in Bermuda on December 16, 2020;

Director: any person duly elected or appointed as a director of the Company and any person occupying the position of director of the Company by whatever name called;

Electronic Record: has the same meaning as in the Electronic Transactions Act 1999;

Foreign Action: has the meaning as set out in Bye-Law 174;

Indemnified Person: any Director, Officer, Resident Representative, member of a committee duly constituted under these Bye-Laws and any liquidator, manager or trustee for the time being acting in relation to the affairs of the Company (including anyone previously acting in such capacity), and his heirs, executors and administrators, administrators, personal representatives or successors or assigns;

 

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Junior Preferred Shares: the class A junior preferred shares, par value US$25.00 per share, and the class B junior preferred shares, par value C$25.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

Officer: a person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company pursuant to these Bye-Laws but shall not include the Auditor;

outstanding: when used to describe a share, means a share that is issued but not held by the Company as a treasury share;

paid up: paid up or credited as paid up;

Preferred Shares: the Senior Preferred Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares;

Register: the Register of Shareholders of the Company maintained by the Company in Bermuda;

Registered Office: the registered office for the time being of the Company in Bermuda;

Resident Representative: (if any) the individual or the company appointed to perform the duties of resident representative set out in the Companies Act and includes any assistant or deputy Resident Representative appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Resident Representative;

Resolution: a resolution of the Shareholders passed in a general meeting or, where required, of a separate class or separate classes of Shareholders passed in a separate general meeting or in either case adopted by resolution in writing, in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-Laws; for greater certainty, for so long as the Class A Shares and Class B Shares are outstanding, all references to a Resolution in these bye-laws shall mean a resolution passed in accordance with Bye-Law 60;

Seal: the common seal of the Company (if any) and includes every authorised duplicate seal;

Secretary: the secretary for the time being of the Company and any person appointed to perform any of the duties of the secretary;

Senior Preferred Shares: the class A senior preferred shares, par value US$25.00 per share, and the class B senior preferred shares, par value C$25.00 per share, in the capital of the Company;

 

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share: a share in the capital of the Company and includes stock, treasury shares and a fraction of a share/stock;

Shareholder: the person registered in the Register as the holder of shares;

Specified Place: the place, if any, specified in the notice of any meeting of the Shareholders, or adjourned meeting of the Shareholders, at which the chairman of the meeting shall preside;

Subsidiary and Holding Company: have the same meanings as in section 86 of the Companies Act, except that references in that section to a company shall include any body corporate or other legal entity, whether incorporated or established in Bermuda or elsewhere; and

these Bye-Laws: the amended and restated bye-laws of the Company in their present form.

 

1.1

For the purposes of these Bye-Laws, a corporation which is a Shareholder shall be deemed to be present in person at a general meeting if, in accordance with the Companies Act, its authorised representative(s) is/are present.

 

1.2

Words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa.

 

1.3

Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine gender.

 

1.4

Words importing persons include any company or association or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporated and natural persons.

 

1.5

Any reference to writing includes all modes of representing or reproducing words in a visible form, including in the form of an Electronic Record.

 

1.6

Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions defined in the Companies Act bear the same meanings in these Bye-Laws.

 

1.7

Headings are used for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of these Bye-Laws.

 

1.8

A reference to anything being done by electronic means includes its being done by means of any electronic or other communications equipment or facilities and reference to any communication being delivered or received, or being delivered or received at a particular place, includes the transmission of an Electronic Record to a recipient identified in such manner or by such means as the Board may from time to time approve or prescribe, either generally or for a particular purpose.

 

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1.9

A reference to a signature or to anything being signed or executed include such forms of electronic signature or other means of verifying the authenticity of an Electronic Record as the Board may from time to time approve or prescribe, either generally or for a particular purpose.

 

1.10

A reference to any statute or statutory provision (whether in Bermuda or elsewhere) includes a reference to any modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force and to every rule, regulation or order made under it (or under any such modification or re-enactment) and for the time being in force and any reference to any rule, regulation or order made under any such statute or statutory provision includes a reference to any modification or replacement of such rule, regulation or order for the time being in force.

 

1.11

In these Bye-Laws:

 

  (a)

powers of delegation shall not be restrictively construed but the widest interpretation shall be given thereto;

 

  (b)

the word Board in the context of the exercise of any power contained in these Bye-Laws includes any committee consisting of one or more Directors, any Director holding executive office and any local or divisional Board, manager or agent of the Company to which or, as the ease may be, to whom the power in question has been delegated;

 

  (c)

no power of delegation shall be limited by the existence or, except where expressly provided by the terms of delegation, the exercise of any other power of delegation; and

 

  (d)

except where expressly provided by the terms of delegation, the delegation of a power shall not exclude the concurrent exercise of that power by any other body or person who is for the time being authorised to exercise it under these Bye-Laws or under another delegation of the powers.

REGISTERED OFFICE

 

2.

The Registered Office shall be at such place in Bermuda as the Board shall from time to time appoint.

SHARE CAPITAL

 

3.

The authorised share capital of the Company at the date of adoption of these Bye-Laws is:

 

  (a)

1,000,000,000 Class A Shares, par value of US$40.00 per share;

 

  (b)

500,000 Class B Shares, par value of US$40.00 per share;

 

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  (c)

1,000,000,000 Class C Shares, par value of US$1.00 per share;

 

  (d)

1,000,000,000 Class A Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of US$25.00 per share;

 

  (e)

1,000,000,000 Class B Junior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00;

 

  (f)

100,000,000 Class A Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of US$25.00 per share; and

 

  (g)

100,000,000 Class B Senior Preferred Shares (issuable in series) having a par value of C$25.00 per share.

 

4.

The Class A Shares, the Class B Shares, the Class C Shares, the Junior Preferred Shares and the Senior Preferred Shares shall, subject to the other provisions of these Bye-Laws, entitle the holders thereof to the rights as set forth on Schedule A hereto.

 

5.

The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a Resolution, authorise the purchase by the Company of its own shares, of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), and any shares to be so purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine, provided always that such purchase is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The whole or any part of the amount payable on any such purchase may be paid or satisfied otherwise than in cash, to the extent permitted by the Companies Act.

 

6.

The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a Resolution, authorise the acquisition by the Company of its own shares, of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), and any shares to be so purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, and may be cancelled or may be held as treasury shares, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine, provided always that such acquisition is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The whole or any part of the amount payable on any such acquisition may be paid or satisfied otherwise than in cash, to the extent permitted by the Companies Act. If the acquired shares are not cancelled, the Company shall be entered in the Register as a Shareholder in respect of the shares held by the Company as treasury shares and shall be a Shareholder of the Company but subject always to the provisions of the Companies Act and for the avoidance of doubt the Company shall not exercise any rights and shall not enjoy or participate in any of the rights attaching to those shares save as expressly provided for in the Companies Act.

 

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MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

 

7.

Subject to the Companies Act, all or any of the special rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be altered or abrogated with the sanction of a Resolution.

 

8.

For the purposes of Bye-Law 7, unless otherwise expressly provided by the rights attached to any shares or class of shares, those rights attaching to any class of shares for the time being shall not be deemed to be altered by:

 

  (a)

the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with them;

 

  (b)

the creation or issue for full value (as determined by the Board) of further shares ranking as regards participation in the profits or assets of the Company or otherwise in priority to them; or

 

  (c)

the purchase or redemption by the Company of any of its own shares.

SHARES

 

9.

Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, the unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original capital or any increased capital) shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

 

10.

Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, any shares of the Company held by the Company as treasury shares shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may hold all or any of the shares, dispose of or transfer all or any of the shares for cash or other consideration, or cancel all or any of the shares.

 

11.

The Board may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by law. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, any such commission or brokerage may be satisfied by the payment of cash or by the allotment of fully or partly paid shares or partly in one way and partly in the other.

 

12.

Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or in any fractional part of a share or (except only as otherwise provided in these Bye-Laws or by law) any other right in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.

 

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13.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bye-Laws, for as long as the Class A Shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange:

 

  (a)

the Board may only issue shares as non-assessable and after the consideration for each share is fully paid in money or in property or past services that are not less in value than the fair equivalent of the money that the Company would have received if the share(s) had been issued for money; and

 

  (b)

Directors who vote for or consent to a resolution authorizing the issue of any share(s) pursuant to these Bye-Laws for consideration other than money are jointly and severally liable to the Company to make good any amount by which the consideration received is less than the fair equivalent of the money that the Company would have received if the share(s) had been issued for money on the date of the resolution.

CERTIFICATES

 

14.

No share certificates shall be issued by the Company unless, in respect of a class of shares, the Board has either for all or for some holders of such shares (who may be determined in such manner as the Board thinks fit) determined that the holder of such shares may be entitled to share certificates. In the case of a share held jointly by several persons, delivery of a certificate to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all.

 

15.

If a share certificate is defaced, lost or destroyed, it may be replaced without fee but on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and to payment of the costs and out of pocket expenses of the Company in investigating such evidence and preparing such indemnity as the Board may think fit and, in case of defacement, on delivery of the old certificate to the Company.

 

16.

All certificates for share or loan capital or other securities of the Company (other than letters of allotment, scrip certificates and other like documents) shall, except to the extent that the terms and conditions for the time being relating thereto otherwise provide, be in such form as the Board may determine and issued under the Seal or signed by a Director, the Secretary or any person authorised by the Board for that purpose. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in any particular case, that any signatures on any such certificates need not be autographic but may be affixed to such certificates by some mechanical means or may be printed thereon or that such certificates need not be signed by any persons, or may determine that a representation of the Seal may be printed on any such certificates.    If any person holding an office in the Company who has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been used on, any certificate ceases for any reason to hold his office, such certificate may nevertheless be issued as though that person had not ceased to hold such office.

 

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17.

Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall prevent title to any securities of the Company from being evidenced and/or transferred without a written instrument in accordance with the Companies Act or the regulations made from time to time in this regard thereunder, and the Board shall have power to implement any arrangements which it may think fit for such evidencing and/or transfer which accord with the Companies Act or the regulations thereunder.

REGISTER OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

18.

The Register shall be kept at the Registered Office or at such other place in Bermuda as the Board may from time to time direct, in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company may keep one or more overseas or branch registers in any place, and the Board may make, amend and revoke any such regulations as it may think fit respecting the keeping of such registers. The Board may authorise any share on the Register to be included in a branch register or any share registered on a branch register to be registered on another branch register, provided that at all times the Register is maintained in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

19.

The Register or any branch register may be closed at such times and for such period as the Board may from time to time decide, subject to the Companies Act. Except during such time as it is closed, the Register and each branch register shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon (or between such other times as the Board from time to time determines) on every working day. Unless the Board so determines, no Shareholder or intending Shareholder shall be entitled to have entered in the Register or any branch register any indication of any trust or any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any fractional part of a share and if any such entry exists or is permitted by the Board it shall not be deemed to abrogate any of the provisions of Bye-Law 12.

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

20.

The Secretary shall establish and maintain a register of the Directors and Officers of the Company as required by the Companies Act. The register of Directors and Officers shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon (or between such other times as the Board from time to time determines) in Bermuda on every working day.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

21.

Subject to the Companies Act and to such of the exceptions and restrictions contained in these Bye-Laws as may be applicable, any Shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual common form or in any other form which the Board may approve.

 

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22.

The instrument of transfer of a share shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and where any share is not fully-paid, the transferee. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect thereof. All instruments of transfer when registered may be retained by the Company. The Board may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully-paid share. The Board may also decline to register any transfer unless:

 

  (a)

the instrument of transfer is duly stamped (if required by law) and lodged with the Company, at such place as the Board shall appoint for the purpose, accompanied by the certificate for the shares (if any has been issued) to which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer,

 

  (b)

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share,

 

  (c)

the instrument of transfer is in favour of less than five (5) persons jointly; and

 

  (d)

it is satisfied that all applicable consents, authorisations, permissions or approvals of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda or any other applicable jurisdiction required to be obtained under relevant law prior to such transfer have been obtained.

 

23.

Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under Bye-Laws 21 and 22.

 

24.

If the Board declines to register a transfer it shall, within three (3) months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to the transferee notice of such refusal.

 

25.

A reasonable fee determined by the Board may be charged by the Company for registering any transfer, probate, letters of administration, certificate of death or marriage, power of attorney, order of court or other instrument relating to or affecting the title to any share, or otherwise making an entry in the Register relating to any share, (except that the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed on it in connection with such transfer or entry).

 

26.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bye-Laws, shares that are listed or admitted to trading on an appointed stock exchange may be transferred in accordance with the rules and requirements of such exchange.

 

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TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

27.

In the case of the death of a Shareholder, the survivor or survivors, where the deceased was a joint holder, and the estate representative, where he was sole holder, shall be the only person recognised by the Company as having any title to his shares; but nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased holder (whether the sole or joint) from any liability in respect of any share held by him solely or jointly with other persons. For the purpose of this Bye-Law 27, estate representative means the person to whom probate or letters of administration has or have been granted in Bermuda or, failing any such person, such other person as the Board may in its absolute discretion determine to be the person recognised by the Company for the purpose of this Bye-Law 27.

 

28.

Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law may, subject as hereafter provided and upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement, either be registered himself as the holder of the share or elect to have some person nominated by him registered as the transferee thereof. If the person so becoming entitled elects to be registered himself, he shall deliver or send to the Company a notice in writing signed by him stating that he so elects. If he shall elect to have his nominee registered, he shall signify his election by signing an instrument of transfer of such share in favour of his nominee. All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the right to transfer and the registration of transfer of shares shall be applicable to any such notice or instrument of transfer as aforesaid as if the death of the Shareholder or other event giving rise to the transmission had not occurred and the notice or instrument of transfer was an instrument of transfer signed by such Shareholder.

 

29.

A person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law shall (upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement) be entitled to receive and may give a discharge for any dividends or other monies payable in respect of the share, but he shall not be entitled in respect of the share to receive notices of or to attend or vote at general meetings of the Company or, save as aforesaid, to exercise in respect of the share any of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder until he shall have become registered as the holder thereof. The Board may at any time give notice requiring such person to elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share and, if the notice is not complied with within sixty (60) days, the Board may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends and other monies payable in respect of the shares until the requirements of the notice have been complied with.

 

30.

Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under Bye-Laws 27, 28 and 29.

 

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INCREASE OF CAPITAL

 

31.

The Company may from time to time increase its capital by such sum to be divided into shares of such par value as the Board, with the sanction of a Resolution, shall prescribe.

 

32.

The Board may, with the sanction of a Resolution increasing the capital, direct that the new shares or any of them shall be offered in the first instance either at par or at a premium or (subject to the provisions of the Companies Act) at a discount to all the holders for the time being of shares of any class or classes in proportion to the number of such shares held by them respectively or make any other provision as to the issue of the new shares.

 

33.

The new shares shall be subject to all the provisions of these Bye-Laws.

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

 

34.

The Board may from time to time, and without the sanction of a Resolution:

 

  (a)

divide the Company’s shares into several classes and attach thereto respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges or conditions;

 

  (b)

consolidate and divide all or any of the Company’s share capital into shares of larger par value than its existing shares;

 

  (c)

subdivide the Company’s shares or any of them into shares of smaller par value than is fixed by the Company’s memorandum, so, however, that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; and

 

  (d)

make provision for the issue and allotment of shares which do not carry any voting rights.

 

35.

The Board may from time to time with the sanction of a Resolution:

 

  (a)

cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the Resolution in that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled; and

 

  (b)

change the currency denomination of its share capital.

 

36.

Where any difficulty arises in regard to any division, consolidation, or subdivision under Bye-Law 34, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may arrange for the sale of the shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale in due proportion amongst the Shareholders who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the Board may authorise some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to the purchaser thereof, who shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.

 

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37.

Subject to the Companies Act and to any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Company may by Resolution from time to time convert any preference shares into redeemable preference shares.

REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

 

38.

Subject to the Companies Act, its memorandum and any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Board may from time to time with the sanction of a Resolution authorise the reduction of the Company’s issued share capital or any share premium account in any manner.

 

39.

In relation to any such reduction, the Board may, with the sanction of a Resolution, determine the terms upon which such reduction is to be effected including (a) in the case of a reduction of part only of a class of shares, those shares to be affected, and (b) in the case of a reduction of capital that is not returned to the affected Shareholders, by crediting the contributed surplus account for the shares affected.

GENERAL MEETINGS AND RESOLUTIONS IN WRITING

 

40.

The Board shall convene and the Company shall hold general meetings as annual general meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act at such times and places as the Board shall appoint. The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, and shall, when requisitioned by Shareholders pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, convene general meetings other than annual general meetings, which shall be called special general meetings, at such time and place as the Board may appoint. Any annual or special general meeting may be held, in whole or in part, by telephonic or electronic means, including, without limitation, through the use of one or more of webcasting, telephone conference and/or other electronic means and a Shareholder who, through those means, votes at the meeting or establishes a communications link to the meeting shall be deemed to be present at the meeting.

 

41.

Except in the case of the removal of Auditors or Directors, anything which may be done by resolution in general meeting or by resolution of any class of Shareholders in a separate general meeting may be done by resolution in writing, signed by the Shareholders (or the holders of such class of shares) who at the date of the notice of the resolution in writing represent the votes that would be required if the resolution had been voted on at a meeting of the Shareholders. Such resolution in writing may be signed by the Shareholder or its proxy, or in the case of a Shareholder that is a corporation (whether or not a company within the meaning of the Companies Act) by its representative on behalf of such Shareholder, in as many counterparts as may be necessary.

 

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42.

Notice of any resolution in writing to be made under Bye-Law 41 shall be given to all the Shareholders who would be entitled to attend a meeting and vote on the resolution. The requirement to give notice of any resolution in writing to be made under Bye-Law 41 to such Shareholders shall be satisfied by giving to those Shareholders a copy of that resolution in writing in the same manner that is required for a notice of a general meeting of the Company at which the resolution could have been considered, except that the length of the period of notice shall not apply. The date of the notice shall be set out in the copy of the resolution in writing.

 

43.

The accidental omission to give notice, in accordance with Bye-Law 42, of a resolution in writing to, or the non-receipt of such notice by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the passing of the resolution in writing.

 

44.

For the purposes of Bye-Law 41, the date of the resolution in writing is the date when the resolution in writing is signed by, or on behalf of, the Shareholder who establishes the votes required for the passing of the resolution in writing and any reference in any enactment to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41, a reference to such date.

 

45.

A resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41 is as valid as if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or, if applicable, by a meeting of the relevant class of Shareholders of the Company, as the case may be. A resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-Law 41 shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws.

 

46.

All the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to general meetings of the Company shall mutatis mutandis apply to any separate general meeting of the holders of shares of any class.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

47.

An annual or special general meeting shall be called by not less than 21 clear days’ notice in writing, or, in each case, such other notice period as may be permitted by the Companies Act. The notice shall specify the day, time and location of the meeting (which may be held, in whole or in part, by telephonic or electronic means), and the nature of the business to be considered. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in any manner permitted by these Bye-Laws to all Shareholders other than such as, under the provisions of these Bye-Laws or the terms of issue of the shares they hold, are not entitled to receive such notice from the Company and to each Director, and to any Resident Representative who or which has delivered a written notice upon the Registered Office requiring that such notice be sent to him or it.

 

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48.

The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with the notice) the accidental omission to send such instrument of proxy to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting or such instrument of proxy by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

 

49.

A Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at any meeting of the Company or of the holders of any class of shares in the Company shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.

 

50.

The Board may cancel or postpone a meeting of the Shareholders after it has been convened and notice of such cancellation or postponement shall be served in accordance with these Bye-Laws upon all Shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting so cancelled or postponed setting out, where the meeting is postponed to a specific date, notice of the new meeting in accordance with Bye-Law 47.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

51.

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time that the meeting proceeds to business, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the appointment, choice or election of a chairman, which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting. Save as herein otherwise provided, a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of Shareholders shall be two (2) persons present and each entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

52.

If within five (5) minutes (or such longer time as the chairman of the meeting may determine to wait) after the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of Shareholders, shall be dissolved. In any other case, it shall stand adjourned to such other day and such other time and place as the chairman of the meeting may determine and at such adjourned meeting Shareholders present in person and any persons holding a valid proxy who are entitled to vote at such meeting shall be a quorum.

 

53.

A meeting of the Shareholders or any class thereof may be held by means of such telephonic, electronic or other communication facilities (including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by telephone, webcasting or video conferencing) as permit all person participating in the meeting to communicate which each other as is required to facilitate the proper conduct of the meeting. If it appears to the chairman of a general meeting that the Specified Place is inadequate to accommodate all persons entitled and wishing to attend, the meeting is duly constituted and its proceedings are valid if the chairman is satisfied that adequate facilities are available, whether at the Specified Place or elsewhere, to ensure that each such person who is unable to be accommodated at the Specified Place is able to communicate with the persons present at the Specified Place, whether through the use of one or more of webcasting, telephone conference and/or other electronic means.

 

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54.

Subject to the Companies Act, a resolution may only be put to a vote at a general meeting of the Company or of any class of Shareholders if:

 

  (a)

it is proposed by or at the direction of the Board; or

 

  (b)

it is proposed at the direction of the Court; or

 

  (c)

it is proposed on the requisition in writing of such number of Shareholders as is prescribed by, and is made in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the Companies Act; or

 

  (d)

the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that the resolution may properly be regarded as within the scope of the meeting.

 

55.

No amendment may be made to a resolution, at or before the time when it is put to a vote, unless the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that the amendment or the amended resolution may properly be put to a vote at that meeting.

 

56.

If the chairman of the meeting rules a resolution or an amendment to a resolution admissible or out of order (as the case may be), the proceedings of the meeting or on the resolution in question shall not be invalidated by any error in his ruling. Any ruling by the chairman of the meeting in relation to a resolution or an amendment to a resolution shall be final and conclusive.

 

57.

The Resident Representative, if any, upon giving the notice referred to in Bye-Law 47 above, shall be entitled to attend any general meeting of the Company and each Director shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company.

 

58.

The chairman (if any) of the Board shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company. If there is no such chairman, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five (5) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act or if only one Director is present he shall preside as chairman if willing to act.

 

59.

The chairman may, with the consent by resolution of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time (or without assigning a day for such adjourned meeting) and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. In addition to any other power of adjournment conferred by law, the chairman of the meeting may at any time without consent of the meeting adjourn the meeting (whether or not it has commenced or a quorum is present) to another time and/or place (or without assigning a day for such adjourned meeting) if, in his opinion, it would facilitate the conduct of the business of the meeting to do so or if he is so directed (prior to or at the meeting) by the Board. When a meeting is adjourned without a date being assigned for

 

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  such adjourned meeting, the time and place for the adjourned meeting shall be fixed by the Board. When a meeting is adjourned for three (3) months or more or for an indefinite period, notice shall be given as for an original meeting. Save as expressly provided by these Bye-Laws, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

VOTING

 

60.

Except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in Schedule “A” to these Bye-Laws and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions of shareholders must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

 

61.

Subject to Bye-Law 147 and to any rights or restrictions attached to any class of shares, at any meeting of the Company, each Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to vote on any question to be decided on a show of hands and each Shareholder present in person and each person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled on a poll to vote for each share held by him.

 

62.

At any general meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands or by a count of votes received in the form of Electronic Records, unless (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records or on the withdrawal of any other demand for a poll) a poll is demanded by:

 

  (a)

the chairman of the meeting; or

 

  (b)

at least three (3) Shareholders present in person or at least three (3) persons holding a valid proxy; or

 

  (c)

any Shareholder(s) present in person or person(s) holding a valid proxy and holding between them not less than one tenth (1/10) of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting; or

 

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  (d)

any Shareholder(s) present in person or person(s) holding a valid proxy and holding shares conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one tenth (1/10) of the total sum paid up on all such shares conferring such right.

The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn but only with the consent of the chairman and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to have invalidated the result of a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records declared before the demand was made. If the demand for a poll is withdrawn, the chairman or any other Shareholder entitled may demand a poll.

 

63.

Unless a poll is so demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records, been carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or not carried by a particular majority or lost shall be final and conclusive, and an entry to that effect in the minute book of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded for or against such resolution.

 

64.

If a poll is duly demanded, the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll is demanded.

 

65.

A poll demanded on the election of a chairman, or on a question of adjournment, shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and either forthwith or at such time (being not later than three (3) months after the date of the demand) and place as the chairman shall direct and he may appoint scrutineers (who need not be Shareholders) and fix a time and place for declaring the result of the poll. It shall not be necessary (unless the chairman otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a poll.

 

66.

The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded and it may be withdrawn at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is the earlier.

 

67.

On a poll, votes may be cast either personally or by proxy.

 

68.

A person entitled to more than one vote on a poll need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

 

69.

In the case of an equality of votes at a general meeting, whether on a show of hands or count of votes received as Electronic Records or on a poll, the chairman of such meeting shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote and the resolution shall fail.

 

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70.

In the case of joint holders of a share, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register in respect of the joint holding.

 

71.

A Shareholder who is a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health or in respect of whom an order has been made by any Court having jurisdiction for the protection or management of the affairs of persons incapable of managing their own affairs may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person in the nature of a receiver, committee or curator bonis appointed by such Court and such receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person may vote on a poll by proxy, and may otherwise act and be treated as such Shareholder for the purpose of general meetings.

 

72.

No Shareholder shall, unless the Board otherwise determines, be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been paid.

 

73.

If:

 

  (a)

any objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter; or,

 

  (b)

any votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or which might have been rejected; or,

 

  (c)

any votes are not counted which ought to have been counted,

the objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned meeting on any resolution unless the same is raised or pointed out at the meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the decision of the meeting on any resolution if the chairman decides that the same may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be final and conclusive.

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

 

74.

A Shareholder may appoint one or more persons as his proxy, with or without the power of substitution, to represent him and vote on his behalf in respect of all or some only of his shares at any general meeting (including an adjourned meeting). A proxy need not be a Shareholder. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing executed by the appointor or his attorney authorised by him in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under its Seal or executed by an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same.

 

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75.

A Shareholder which is a corporation may, by written authorisation, appoint any person (or two (2) or more persons in the alternative) as its representative to represent it and vote on its behalf at any general meeting (including an adjourned meeting) and such a corporate representative may exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Shareholder and the Shareholder shall for the purposes of these Bye-Laws be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person so authorised is present at it.

 

76.

Any Shareholder may appoint a proxy or (if a corporation) representative for a specific general meeting, and adjournments thereof, or may appoint a standing proxy or (if a corporation) representative, by serving on the Company at the Registered Office, or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify for the purpose, a proxy or (if a corporation) an authorisation. Any standing proxy or authorisation shall be valid for all general meetings and adjournments thereof or resolutions in writing, as the case may be, until notice of revocation is received at the Registered Office or at such place or places as the Board may otherwise specify for the purpose. Where a standing proxy or authorisation exists, its operation shall be deemed to have been suspended at any general meeting or adjournment thereof at which the Shareholder is present or in respect to which the Shareholder has specially appointed a proxy or representative. The Board may from time to time require such evidence as it shall deem necessary as to the due execution and continuing validity of any standing proxy or authorisation and the operation of any such standing proxy or authorisation shall be deemed to be suspended until such time as the Board determines that it has received the requested evidence or other evidence satisfactory to it.

 

77.

Notwithstanding Bye-Law 61, a Shareholder may appoint a proxy which may be irrevocable in accordance with its terms and the holder thereof shall be the only person entitled to vote the relevant shares at any meeting of the Shareholders at which such holder is present. Notice of the appointment of any such proxy shall be given to the Company at its Registered Office, and shall include the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the proxy holder. The Company shall give to the proxy holder notice of all meetings of Shareholders of the Company and shall be obliged to recognise the holder of such proxy until such time as the holder notifies the Company in writing that the proxy is no longer in force.

 

78.

Subject to Bye-Laws 76 and 77, the instrument appointing a proxy or corporate representative together with such other evidence as to its due execution as the Board may from time to time require, shall be delivered at the Registered Office (or at such place or places as may be specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any notice of any adjournment or, in either case or the case of a resolution in writing, in any document sent therewith) not less than 48 hours or such other period as the Board may determine, prior to the holding of the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a meeting or adjourned meeting, before the time appointed for the taking of the poll, or, in the case of a resolution in writing, prior to the effective date of the resolution in writing and in default the instrument of proxy or authorisation shall not be treated as valid.

 

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79.

Subject to Bye-Laws 61 and 62, the 64 decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity of any appointments of a proxy shall be final.

 

80.

Instruments of proxy or authorisation shall be in any common form or in such other form as the Board may approve and the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting or any resolution in writing forms of instruments of proxy or authorisation for use at that meeting or in connection with that resolution in writing. The instrument of proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll, to speak at the meeting and to vote by way of a poll or a show of hands on any resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxyholder thinks fit, including where the person holding the proxy has conflicting instructions from more than one Shareholder. The instrument of proxy or authorisation shall, unless the contrary is stated therein, be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates. If the terms of the appointment of a proxy include a power of substitution, any proxy appointed by substitution under such power shall be deemed to be the proxy of the Shareholder who conferred such power. All the provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the execution and delivery of an instrument or other form of communication appointing or evidencing the appointment of a proxy shall apply, mutates mutandis, to the instrument or other form of communication effecting or evidencing such an appointment by substitution.

 

81.

A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy or authorisation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or unsoundness of mind of the principal, or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the corporate authority, provided that no intimation in writing of such death, unsoundness of mind or revocation shall have been received by the Company at the Registered Office (or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of proxy or authorisation in the notice convening the meeting or other documents sent therewith) at least one hour before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, or the day before the effective date of any resolution in writing at which the instrument of proxy or authorisation is used.

 

82.

Subject to the Companies Act, the Board may at its discretion waive any of the provisions of these Bye-Laws related to proxies or authorisations and, in particular, may accept such verbal or other assurances as it thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend, speak and vote on behalf of any Shareholder at general meetings or to sign resolutions in writing.

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

83.

The Board shall consist of such number of directors being not less than four (4) directors and not more than eight (8) directors as the Board may by resolution from time to time determine, or such number in excess thereof as the Shareholders may determine, and provided that:

 

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  (a)

at least two (2) directors shall be residents of Bermuda;

 

  (b)

no more than three (3) directors shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda);

 

  (c)

no more than two (2) directors elected by holders of Class A Shares shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda);

 

  (d)

no more than two (2) directors elected by holders of Class B Shares shall be resident in any one other country (aside from Bermuda); and

 

  (e)

no director or employee of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. will be eligible to serve as a director elected by holders of Class A Shares.

 

84.

At the point of adoption of these Bye-Laws, the Board will consist of four (4) directors and the Board will have the authority, without the sanction of a Resolution, to appoint the remaining four (4) directors at any time prior to the first annual general meeting of the Company held following the date hereof. For so long as the Class A Shares and Class B Shares are both outstanding, one-half of the Board will be designated as directors designated for election by the Class A Shareholders and one-half of the Board will be designated as directors designated for election by the Class B Shareholders. Commencing with the first annual general meeting of the Company held following the date hereof and thereafter, the holders of Class A Shares will be entitled to elect the directors designated for election by the Class A Shareholders and constituting one-half of the Board, and the holders of Class B Shares will be entitled to elect the directors designated for election by the Class B Shareholders and constituting one-half of the Board.

 

85.

Each holder of shares of a class or series of shares of the Company entitled to vote in an election of directors has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holder and the holders of shares of the classes or series of shares entitled to vote with the holder in the election of directors. A holder may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

 

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86.

Subject to Bye-Laws 87 and 88, upon resignation or termination of office of any Director, if a new Director shall be appointed to the Board he or she will be designated to fill the vacancy arising and shall, for the purposes of these Bye-Laws, constitute a member of the class of Directors represented by the person that he or she replaces.

 

87.

If a Director elected by holders of the Class A Shares is removed from the Board, the holders of the Class A Shares may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director is removed and if a Director elected by the holders of the Class B Shares is removed from the Board, the holders of Class B Shares may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director is removed. In the absence of such election or appointment, the Board may fill the vacancy.

 

88.

Each Director shall (unless his or her office is vacated in accordance with these Bye-Laws) serve until the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company held in the calendar year following their appointment.

 

89.

Any Director retiring at an annual general meeting will be eligible for re-appointment and will retain office until the close of the meeting at which he or she retires or (if earlier) until a resolution is passed at that meeting not to fill the vacancy or the resolution to re-appoint him or her is put to a vote at the meeting and is lost.

 

90.

If the Company, at the meeting at which a Director retires, does not fill the vacancy, the retiring Director shall, if willing to act, be deemed to have been re-appointed unless at the meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or unless a resolution for the re-appointment of the Director is put to the meeting and lost.

 

91.

Any person who, at the close of business in Toronto, Ontario on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in Bye-Law 92 below, is entered in the Register as a holder of at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares or who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Company, acting reasonably, that it beneficially owns at least 5% of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares may propose any person to be designated for election as a Director by the holders of the Class A Shares at the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof.

 

92.

Where any person is proposed for election as a Director under Bye-Law 91, notice must be given not later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the general meeting to the Company of the intention to propose him and of his willingness to serve as a Director (together with the information in respect of the person that would be required under applicable securities laws in respect of a dissident proxy circular and confirmation of the proposed nominee’s qualifications to serve as a Director under these Bye-laws, residency status, and status as independent or non-independent for audit committee purposes under applicable securities laws). The chairman of the general meeting shall have the power to determine whether any proposed nomination was made in accordance with the notice provisions of this Bye-Law 92 and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such provisions, must declare that such defective nomination shall not be considered at any meeting of the Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may, in its sole discretion waive any requirement of such notice provisions. For greater certainty, Bye-Laws 91 and 92 shall be applicable only in respect of the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof and thereafter shall expire and have no force and effect.

 

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93.

Where persons are validly proposed for re-election or election as a Director, the persons receiving the most votes (up to the number of Directors to be elected) shall be elected as Directors provided that no person shall be elected who does not receive one or more affirmative votes, and an absolute majority of the votes cast shall not be a prerequisite to the election of such Directors.

 

94.

No person shall be appointed a Director at any general meeting unless:

 

  (a)

he or she is recommended by the Board;

 

  (b)

in respect of the first annual general meeting of the Company following the date hereof, the provisions of Bye-Laws 91 and 92 are complied with; or

 

  (c)

in respect of any general meeting other than the first annual general meeting, if he or she is elected in accordance with applicable law.

 

95.

Except as otherwise authorised by the Companies Act, the appointment of any person proposed as a Director shall be effected by a separate resolution.

 

96.

All Directors, upon election or appointment, except upon re-election or re-appointment at an annual general meeting, must provide written acceptance of their appointment, in such form as the Board may think fit, by notice in writing to the Registered Office within thirty (30) days of their appointment.

 

97.

Any Director may be removed as follows: (a) with respect to the Directors elected by holders of the Class A Shares, an affirmative vote of holders of Class A Shares holding a majority of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a Director; (b) with respect to the Directors elected by the holders of the Class B Shares, an affirmative vote of holders of Class B Shares holding a majority of the issued and outstanding Class B Shares entitled to vote at a special general meeting convened and properly held or conferring the right to vote on a resolution to remove a Director; provided, that the notice of any such meeting convened for the purpose of removing a Director must contain a statement of the intention to remove the Director and be served on the Director not less than 14 days before the meeting, and that the Director shall be entitled to be heard at the meeting on the motion for his or her removal.

 

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98.

Any one or more vacancies in the Board not filled at any general meeting shall be deemed casual vacancies for the purposes of these Bye-Laws. Without prejudice to the power of the Company by Resolution in pursuance of any of the provisions of these Bye-Laws to appoint any person to be a Director, the Board, so long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, shall have power at any time and from time to time, subject to Bye-Law 83, to appoint any person to be a Director so as to fill a casual vacancy. A Director so appointed shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting. If not reappointed at such annual general meeting, he or she shall vacate office at the conclusion thereof.

RESIGNATION AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

 

99.

The office of a Director shall ipso facto be vacated if the Director:

 

  (a)

resigns his or her office by notice in writing delivered to the Registered Office or tendered at a meeting of the Board;

 

  (b)

becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health and the Directors resolve that his or her office is vacated;

 

  (c)

becomes bankrupt under the laws of any country or makes any arrangement or composition with his or her creditors generally;

 

  (d)

is prohibited by law from being a Director or, in the case of a corporate Director, is otherwise unable to carry on or transact business;

 

  (e)

ceases to be a Director by virtue of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws or is removed from office pursuant to these Bye-Laws; or

 

  (f)

shall for more than six (6) consecutive months have been absent without permission of the Board from meetings of the Board held during that period and the Board resolves that his or her office be vacated.

 

100.

The provisions of section 93 of the Companies Act shall not apply to the Company.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

101.

A Director may hold any other office or place of profit with the Company (except that of Auditor) in conjunction with his or her office of Director for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine, and may be paid such extra remuneration therefor (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

 

102.

A Director may act by himself or herself or his or her firm in a professional capacity for the Company (other than as Auditor) and he or her or his or her firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he were not a Director.

 

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103.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, a Director may notwithstanding his or her office be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is interested. The Board may also cause the voting power conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company to be exercised in such manner in all respects as it thinks fit, including the exercise thereof in favour of any resolution appointing the Directors or any of them to be directors or officers of such other company, or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of such other company.

 

104.

So long as, where it is necessary, he or she declares the nature of his or her interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the Board or by writing to the Directors as required by the Companies Act, a Director shall not by reason of his office be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he or she derives from any office or employment to which these Bye-Laws allow him or her to be appointed or from any transaction or arrangement in which these Bye-Laws allow him or her to be interested, and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any interest or benefit.

 

105.

Subject to the Companies Act and any further disclosure required thereby, a general notice to the Directors by a Director or Officer declaring that he or she is a director or officer of or has an interest in a person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction or arrangement made with that person, shall be a sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any transaction or arrangement so made.

 

106.

A Director who to his knowledge is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company and has complied with the provisions of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws with regard to disclosure of his interest shall be entitled to vote in respect of any contract, transaction or arrangement in which he is so interested and if he shall do so his vote shall be counted, and he shall be taken into account in ascertaining whether a quorum is present.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

 

107.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws, the Board shall manage the business of the Company and may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company and may exercise all the powers of the Company. No alteration of these Bye-Laws and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. The powers given by this Bye-Law 107 shall not be limited by any special power given to the Board by these Bye-Laws and a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in or exercisable by the Board.

 

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108.

The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company except those powers that are required by the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws to be exercised by the Shareholders.

FEES, GRATUITIES AND PENSIONS

 

109.

The ordinary remuneration of the Directors office for their services (excluding amounts payable under any other provision of these Bye-Laws) shall be determined by Board and each such Director shall be paid a fee (which shall be deemed to accrue from day-to-day) at such rate as may from time to time be determined by the Board. Each Director may be paid his reasonable travel, hotel and incidental expenses for attending and returning from meetings of the Board or committees constituted pursuant to these Bye-Laws or general meetings and shall be paid all expenses properly and reasonably incurred by him or her in the conduct of the Company’s business or in the discharge of his duties as a Director. Any Director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purposes of the Company or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the ordinary duties of a Director may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

 

110.

In addition to its powers under Bye-Law 109 the Board may (by establishment of or maintenance of schemes or otherwise) provide additional benefits, whether by the payment of gratuities or pensions or by insurance or otherwise, for any past or present Director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any body corporate associated with, or any business acquired by, any of them, and for any member of his or her family (including a spouse and a former spouse) or any person who is or was dependent on him or her, and may (as well before as after he or she ceases to hold such office or employment) contribute to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such benefit.

 

111.

No Director or former Director shall be accountable to the Company or the Shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to Bye-Laws 109 and 110 and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a Director of the Company.

DELEGATION OF THE BOARD’S POWERS

 

112.

The Board may by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or any fluctuating body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board under these Bye-Laws) and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think

 

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  fit, and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney and of such attorney as the Board may think fit, and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in him. Such attorney may, if so authorised by the power of attorney, execute any deed, instrument or other document on behalf of the Company.

 

113.

The Board may entrust to and confer upon any Director, Officer or, without prejudice to the provisions of Bye-Law 114, other person any of the powers, authorities and discretions exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, authorities and discretions, and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of such powers, authorities and discretions but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of such revocation or variation shall be affected thereby.

 

114.

When required under the requirements from time to time of any stock exchange on which the shares of the Company are listed, the Board shall appoint an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee in accordance with the requirements of such stock exchange. The Board also may delegate any of its powers, authorities and discretions to any other committees, consisting of such person or persons (whether a member or members of its body or not) as it thinks fit. Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions so delegated, and in conducting its proceedings conform to any regulations which may be imposed upon it by the Board. If no regulations are imposed by the Board the proceedings of a committee with two (2) or more members shall be, as far as is practicable, governed by the Bye-Laws regulating the proceedings of the Board.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

 

115.

The Board may meet for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it thinks fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes, the motion shall be deemed to have been lost. A Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Board.

 

116.

Notice of a meeting of the Board may be given to a Director by word of mouth or in any manner permitted by these Bye-Laws. A Director may retrospectively waive the requirement for notice of any meeting by consenting in writing to the business conducted at the meeting.

 

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117.

The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Board and, unless so fixed at any other number, shall be a majority of the Board comprised of at least one (1) Director elected by holders of Class A Shares and at least one (1) Director elected by holders of Class B Shares. Any Director who ceases to be a Director at a meeting of the Board may continue to be present and to act as a Director and, subject to Bye-Law 125, be counted in the quorum until the termination of the meeting if no other Director objects and if otherwise a quorum of Directors would not be present.

 

118.

The Resident Representative shall, upon delivering written notice of an address for the purposes of receipt of notice to the Registered Office, be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at and to receive minutes of all meetings of the Board.

 

119.

So long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, the continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board but, if no such quorum remains, the continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act only for the purpose of calling a general meeting.

 

120.

The Board may choose one of their number to preside as chairman at every meeting of the Board. If there is no such chairman, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five (5) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is not willing to act as chairman, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

121.

The meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of two (2) or more members shall be governed by the provisions contained in these Bye-Laws for regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the Board.

 

122.

A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the Board or by all the members of a committee for the time being shall be as valid and effectual as a resolution passed at a meeting of the Board or, as the case may be, of such committee duly called and constituted. Such resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of the Directors or members of the committee concerned.

 

123.

A meeting of the Board or a committee appointed by the Board may be held by means of such telephone, electronic or other communication facilities (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by telephone or by video conferencing) as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Such a meeting shall be deemed to take place where the largest group of those Directors participating in the meeting are physically assembled, or, if there is no such group, where the chairman of the meeting then is.

 

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124.

All acts done by the Board or by any committee or by any person acting as a Director or member of a committee or any person duly authorised by the Board or any committee shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any member of the Board or such committee or person acting as aforesaid or that they or any of them were disqualified or had vacated their office, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a Director, member of such committee or person so authorised.

 

125.

Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment (including fixing or varying the terms of appointment) of two (2) or more Directors to offices or employments with the Company or any body corporate in which the Company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each Director separately and in such cases each of the Directors concerned (if not debarred from voting under the provisions of these Bye-Laws) shall be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of each resolution except that concerning his own appointment.

 

126.

If a question arises at a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board as to the entitlement of a Director to vote or be counted in a quorum, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the chairman of the meeting and his ruling in relation to any Director other than himself shall be final and conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interests of the Director concerned have not been fairly disclosed. If any such question arises in respect of the chairman of the meeting, it shall be decided by resolution of the Board (on which the chairman shall not vote) and such resolution will be final and conclusive except in a case where the interests of the chairman have not been fairly disclosed.

OFFICERS

 

127.

The Officers of the Company, who may or may not be Directors, may be appointed by the Board at any time, subject to this Bye-Law 127. Any person appointed pursuant to this Bye-Law 127 shall hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine and the Board may revoke or terminate any such appointment. Any such revocation or termination shall be without prejudice to any claim for damages that such Officer may have against the Company or the Company may have against such Officer for any breach of any contract of service between him or her and the Company which may be involved in such revocation or termination. Save as provided in the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws, the powers and duties of the Officers of the Company shall be such (if any) as are determined from time to time by the Board.

 

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128.

The emoluments of any Director holding executive office for his or her services as such shall be determined by the Board, and may be of any description, and (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) may include admission to or continuance of membership of any scheme (including any share acquisition scheme) or fund instituted or established or financed or contributed to by the Company for the provision of pensions, life assurance or other benefits for employees or their dependants, or the payment of a pension or other benefits to him or her or his or her dependants on or after retirement or death, apart from membership or any such scheme or fund.

 

129.

Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to resignation and disqualification of Directors shall mutatis mutandis apply to the resignation and disqualification of Officers.

MINUTES

 

130.

The Board shall cause minutes to be made and books kept for the purpose of recording:

 

  (a)

all appointments of Officers made by the Board;

 

  (b)

the names of the Directors and other persons (if any) present at each meeting of the Board and of any committee; and

 

  (c)

all proceedings at meetings of the Company, of the holders of any class of shares in the Company, of the Board and of committees appointed by the Board or the Shareholders.

 

131.

Shareholders shall only be entitled to see the register of Directors and Officers, the Register, the financial information provided for in Bye-Law 151 and the minutes of meetings of the Shareholders of the Company.

SECRETARY AND RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

 

132.

The Secretary (including one or more deputy or assistant secretaries) and, if required, the Resident Representative, shall be appointed by the Board at such remuneration (if any) and upon such terms as it may think fit and any Secretary and Resident Representative so appointed may be removed by the Board. The duties of the Secretary and the duties of the Resident Representative shall be those prescribed by the Companies Act together with such other duties as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board.

 

133.

A provision of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws requiring or authorising a thing to be done by or to a Director and the Secretary shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both as Director and as, or in the place of, the Secretary.

THE SEAL

 

134.

The Board may authorise the production of a common seal of the Company and one or more duplicate common seals of the Company, which shall consist of a circular device with the name of the Company around the outer margin thereof and the country and year of registration in Bermuda across the centre thereof.

 

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135.

Any document required to be under seal or executed as a deed on behalf of the Company may be

 

  (a)

executed under the Seal in accordance with these Bye-Laws; or

 

  (b)

signed or executed by any person authorised by the Board for that purpose, without the use of the Seal.

 

136.

The Board shall provide for the custody of every Seal. A Seal shall only be used by authority of the Board or of a committee constituted by the Board. Subject to these Bye-Laws, any instrument to which a Seal is affixed shall be attested by the signature of:

 

  (a)

a Director; or

 

  (b)

the Secretary; or

 

  (c)

any one person authorised by the Board for that purpose.

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

 

137.

The Board may from time to time declare dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus to be paid to the Shareholders according to their rights and interests, including such interim dividends as appear to the Board to be justified by the position of the Company. The Board, in its discretion, may determine that any dividend shall be paid in cash or shall be satisfied, subject to Bye-Laws 144 and 145, in paying up in full shares in the Company to be issued to the Shareholders credited as fully paid or partly paid or partly in one way and partly the other. The Board may also pay any fixed cash dividend which is payable on any shares of the Company half yearly or on such other dates, whenever the position of the Company, in the opinion of the Board, justifies such payment.

 

138.

Except insofar as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provide, all dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus will be declared and paid pro rata on the shares of each class or series, as applicable, based on the number of shares outstanding of such class or series.

 

139.

No dividend, distribution or other monies payable by the Company on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against the Company.

 

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140.

Any dividend, distribution or interest, or part thereof payable in cash, or any other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post or by courier addressed to the holder at his address in the Register or, in the case of joint holders, addressed to the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of the shares at his registered address as appearing in the Register or addressed to such person at such address as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of such shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the cheque or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company. Any one of two (2) or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends, distributions or other monies payable or property distributable in respect of the shares held by such joint holders.

 

141.

Any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus unclaimed for a period of six (6) years from the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company and the payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend, distribution, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of the share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof.

 

142.

The Board may also, in addition to its other powers, direct payment or satisfaction of any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets, and in particular of paid-up shares or debentures of any other company, and where any difficulty arises in regard to such distribution or dividend, the Board may settle it as it thinks expedient, and in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may ignore fractions altogether, and may fix the value for distribution or dividend purposes of any such specific assets and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Shareholders upon the footing of the values so fixed in order to secure equality of distribution and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Board, provided that such dividend or distribution may not be satisfied by the distribution of any partly paid shares or debentures of any company without the sanction of a Resolution.

RESERVES

 

143.

The Board may, before declaring any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus, set aside such sums as it thinks proper as reserves which shall, at the discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose of the Company and pending such application may, also at such discretion, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Board may from time to time think fit. The Board may also without placing the same to reserve carry forward any sums which it may think it prudent not to distribute.

 

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CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

 

144.

The Board may from time to time resolve to capitalise all or any part of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund which is available for distribution or to the credit of any share premium account and accordingly that such amount be set free for distribution amongst the Shareholders or any class of Shareholders who would be entitled thereto if distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on the footing that the same be not paid in cash but be applied either in or towards paying up amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares in the Company held by such Shareholders respectively or in payment up in full of unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid amongst such Shareholders, or partly in one way and partly in the other, provided that for the purpose of this Bye-Law 144, a share premium account may be applied only in paying up of unissued shares to be issued to such Shareholders credited as fully paid.

 

145.

Where any difficulty arises in regard to any distribution under Bye-Law 144, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments should be made to any Shareholders in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem expedient to the Board. The Board may appoint any person to sign on behalf of the persons entitled to participate in the distribution any contract necessary or desirable for giving effect thereto and such appointment shall be effective and binding upon the Shareholders.

RECORD DATES

 

146.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bye-Laws, the Board may fix, any date as the record date for any dividend, distribution, reduction of capital, allotment or issue and for the purpose of identifying the persons entitled to receive notices of any general meeting.

 

147.

In relation to any general meeting of the Company or of any class of Shareholder or to any adjourned meeting or any poll taken at a meeting or adjourned meeting of which notice is given, the Board may specify in the notice of meeting or adjourned meeting or in any document sent to Shareholders by or on behalf of the Board in relation to the meeting, a time and date (record date) before the date fixed for the meeting (meeting date) and, notwithstanding any provision in these Bye-Laws to the contrary, in such case:

 

  (a)

each person entered in the Register at the record date as a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, (record date holder) shall be entitled to attend and to vote at the relevant meeting and to exercise all of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, in relation to that meeting in respect of the shares, or the shares of the relevant class, registered in his or her name at the record date;

 

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  (b)

as regards any shares, or shares of the relevant class, which are registered in the name of a record date holder at the record date but are not so registered at the meeting date (relevant shares), each holder of any relevant shares at the meeting date shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed that record date holder as his proxy for the purpose of attending and voting in respect of those relevant shares at the relevant meeting (with power to appoint, or to authorise the appointment of, some other person as proxy), in such manner as the record date holder in his absolute discretion may determine; and

 

  (c)

accordingly, except through his proxy pursuant to Bye-Law 147(b) above, a holder of relevant shares at the meeting date shall not be entitled to attend or to vote at the relevant meeting, or to exercise any of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder, or a Shareholder of the relevant class, in respect of the relevant shares at that meeting.

 

148.

The entry of the name of a person in the Register as a record date holder shall be sufficient evidence of his appointment as proxy in respect of any relevant shares for the purposes of this paragraph, but all the provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the execution and deposit of an instrument appointing a proxy or any ancillary matter (including the Board’s powers and discretions relevant to such matter) shall apply to any instrument appointing any person other than the record date holder as proxy in respect of any relevant shares.

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

 

149.

The Board shall cause to be kept accounting records sufficient to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs and to show and explain its transactions, in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

150.

The records of account shall be kept at the Registered Office or at such other place or places as the Board thinks fit, and shall at all times be open to inspection by the Directors, PROVIDED that if the records of account are kept at some place outside Bermuda, there shall be kept at an office of the Company in Bermuda such records as will enable the Directors to ascertain with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Company at the end of each three (3) month period. No Shareholder (other than an Officer of the Company) shall have any right to inspect any accounting record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or by Resolution.

 

151.

A copy of every balance sheet and statement of income and expenditure, including every document required by law to be annexed thereto, which is to be laid before the Company in general meeting, together with a copy of the Auditors’ report, shall be sent to each person entitled thereto in accordance with Bye-Law 151 and the requirements of the Companies Act.

 

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AUDIT

 

152.

Save and to the extent that an audit is waived in the manner permitted by the Companies Act, Auditors shall be appointed and their duties regulated in accordance with the Companies Act, any other applicable law and such requirements not inconsistent with the Companies Act as the Board may from time to time determine.

SERVICE OF NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

 

153.

Any notice or other document (including but not limited to a share certificate, any notice of a general meeting of the Company, any instrument of proxy and any document to be sent in accordance with Bye-Law 151) may be sent to, served on or delivered to any Shareholder by the Company

 

  (a)

personally;

 

  (b)

by sending it through the post (by airmail where applicable) in a pre-paid letter addressed to such Shareholder at his address as appearing in the Register;

 

  (c)

by sending it by courier to or leaving it at the Shareholder’s address appearing in the Register;

 

  (d)

where applicable, by sending it by email or facsimile or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or by sending an Electronic Record of it by electronic means, in each case to an address or number supplied by such Shareholder for the purposes of communication in such manner; or

 

  (e)

by publication of an Electronic Record of it on a website and notification of such publication (which shall include the address of the website, the place on the website where the document may be found, and how the document may be accessed on the website) by any of the methods set out in paragraphs 153(a), 153(b), 153(c) or 153(d) of this Bye-Law, in accordance with the Companies Act.

In the case of joint holders of a share, service or delivery of any notice or other document on or to one of the joint holders shall for all purposes be deemed as sufficient service on or delivery to all the joint holders.

 

154.

Any notice or other document shall be deemed to have been sent to, served on or delivered to any Shareholder by the Company

 

  (a)

if sent by personal delivery, at the time of delivery;

 

  (b)

if sent by post, forty-eight (48) hours after it was put in the post;

 

  (c)

if sent by courier or facsimile, twenty-four (24) hours after sending;

 

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  (d)

if sent by email or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or as an Electronic Record by electronic means, twelve (12) hours after sending; or

 

  (e)

if published as an Electronic Record on a website, at the time that the notification of such publication shall be deemed to have been delivered to such Shareholder,

and in proving such sending, service or delivery, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice or document was properly addressed and stamped and put in the post, published on a website in accordance with the Companies Act and the provisions of these Bye-Laws, or sent by courier, facsimile, email or as an Electronic Record by electronic means, as the case may be, in accordance with these Bye-Laws.

 

155.

Each Shareholder and each person becoming a Shareholder subsequent to the adoption of these Bye-Laws, by virtue of its holding or its acquisition and continued holding of a share, as applicable, shall be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed that any notice or other document (excluding a share certificate) may be provided by the Company by way of accessing them on a website instead of being provided by other means.

 

156.

If any time, by reason of the suspension or curtailment of postal services within Bermuda or any other territory, the Company is unable effectively to convene a general meeting by notices sent through the post, a general meeting may be convened by a notice advertised in at least one national newspaper published in the territory concerned and such notice shall be deemed to have been duly served on each person entitled to receive it in that territory on the day, or on the first day, on which the advertisement appears. In any such case the Company shall send confirmatory copies of the notice by post if at least five (5) clear days before the meeting the posting of notices to addresses throughout that territory again becomes practicable.

 

157.

Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to the sending or service of notices and other documents on Shareholders shall mutatis mutandis apply to service or delivery of notices and other documents to the Company or any Director or Resident Representative pursuant to these Bye-Laws.

DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

 

158.

The Company shall be entitled to destroy all instruments of transfer of shares which have been registered and all other documents on the basis of which any entry is made in the register at any time after the expiration of six (6) years from the date of registration thereof and all dividends mandates or variations or cancellations thereof and notifications of change of address at any time after the expiration of two (2) years from the date of recording thereof and all share certificates which have been cancelled at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of cancellation thereof and all paid dividend warrants and cheques at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of

 

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  actual payment thereof and all instruments of proxy which have been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of such use and all instruments of proxy which have not been used for the purpose of a poll at any time after one (1) month from the end of the meeting to which the instrument of proxy relates and at which no poll was demanded. It shall conclusively be presumed in favour of the Company that every entry in the register purporting to have been made on the basis of an instrument of transfer or other document so destroyed was duly and properly made, that every instrument of transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly registered, that every share certificate so destroyed was a valid and effective certificate duly and properly cancelled and that every other document hereinbefore mentioned so destroyed was a valid and effective document in accordance with the recorded particulars thereof in the books or records of the Company, provided always that:

 

  (a)

the provisions aforesaid shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without notice of any claim (regardless of the parties thereto) to which the document might be relevant;

 

  (b)

nothing herein contained shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in respect of the destruction of any such document earlier than as aforesaid or in any other circumstances which would not attach to the Company in the absence of this Bye-Law 158; and

 

  (c)

references herein to the destruction of any document include references to the disposal thereof in any manner.

WINDING UP

 

159.

If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Resolution and any other sanction required by the Companies Act, divide amongst the Shareholders, in accordance with the rights attached to any shares or class of shares, in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for such purposes set such values as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Shareholders or different classes of Shareholders. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trust for the benefit of the contributories as the liquidator, with the like sanction, shall think fit, but so that no Shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other assets upon which there is any liability.

 

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INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

 

160.

Subject to the proviso below, every Indemnified Person shall be indemnified and held harmless out of the assets of the Company against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs including defence costs incurred in defending any legal proceedings whether civil or criminal and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him by or by reason of any act done, conceived in or omitted in the conduct of the Company’s business or in the discharge of his duties and the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law 160 shall extend to any Indemnified Person acting in any office or trust in the reasonable belief that he has been appointed or elected to such office or trust notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election PROVIDED ALWAYS that the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law 160 shall not extend to any matter which would render it void pursuant to the Companies Act.

 

161.

No Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company for the acts, defaults or omissions of any other Indemnified Person.

 

162.

To the extent that any Indemnified Person is entitled to claim an indemnity pursuant to these Bye-Laws in respect of amounts paid or discharged by him, the relevant indemnity shall take effect as an obligation of the Company to reimburse the person making such payment or effecting such discharge.

 

163.

Each Shareholder and the Company agree to waive any claim or right of action he or it may at any time have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Indemnified Person on account of any action taken by such Indemnified Person or the failure of such Indemnified Person to take any action in the performance of his duties with or for the Company PROVIDED HOWEVER that such waiver shall not apply to any claims or rights of action arising out of the fraud of such Indemnified Person or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such Indemnified Person is not legally entitled.

 

164.

The Company shall advance moneys to any Indemnified Person for the costs, charges, and expenses incurred by the Indemnified Person in defending any civil or criminal proceedings against them, on condition and receipt of an undertaking in a form satisfactory to the Company that of the Indemnified Person shall repay such portion of the advance attributable to any claim of fraud or dishonesty if such a claim is proved against the Indemnified Person PROVIDED THAT no monies shall be paid hereunder unless payment of the same shall be authorised in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Director or Officer would be proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the standard of conduct which would entitle him or her to the indemnification thereby provided and such determination shall be made:

 

  (a)

by the Board, by a majority vote at a meeting duly constituted by a quorum of Directors not party to the proceedings or matter with regard to which the indemnification is, or would be, claimed; or

 

  (b)

in the case such a meeting cannot be constituted by lack of a disinterested quorum, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or

 

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  (c)

by a majority vote of the Shareholders.

 

165.

Without prejudice to the provisions of this Bye-Law 165, the Board shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance for or for the benefit of any Indemnified Person or any persons who are or were at any time Directors, Officers, employees of the Company, or of any other company which is its Holding Company or in which the Company or such Holding Company has any interest whether direct or indirect or which is in any way allied to or associated with the Company, or of any Subsidiary undertaking of the Company or any such other company, or who are or were at any time trustees of any pension fund in which employees of the Company or any such other company or Subsidiary undertaking are interested, including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) insurance against any liability incurred by such persons in respect of any act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of their duties or in the exercise or purported exercise of their powers or otherwise in relation to their duties, powers or offices in relation to the Company or any such other company, Subsidiary undertaking or pension fund.

AMALGAMATION AND MERGER

 

166.

Any resolution proposed for consideration at any general meeting to approve the amalgamation or merger of the Company with any other company, wherever incorporated, shall require the approval of:

 

  (a)

the Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors then in office, and

 

  (a)

the Shareholders, by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

CONTINUATION

 

167.

Subject to the Companies Act, the Company may with the approval of:

 

  (a)

the Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors then in office, and

 

  (b)

the Shareholders, by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution,

approve the discontinuation of the Company in Bermuda and the continuation of the Company in a jurisdiction outside Bermuda.

 

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ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS

 

168.

These Bye-Laws may be revoked or amended only by the Board, which may from time to time revoke or amend them in any way by a resolution of the Board passed by a majority of the Directors then in office and eligible to vote on that resolution, but no such revocation or amendment shall be operative unless and until it is approved at a subsequent general meeting of the Company by the Shareholders by resolution passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution; and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of the Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution.

UNTRACED SHAREHOLDERS

 

169.

The Company shall be entitled to sell, at the best price reasonably obtainable, the shares of a Shareholder or the shares to which a person is entitled by virtue of transmission on death, bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law if and provided that:

 

  (a)

during a period of six (6) years, no dividend or capital reduction in respect of those shares has been claimed and at least three (3) cash dividends or capital reductions have become payable on the share in question;

 

  (b)

on or after expiry of that period of six (6) years, the Company has inserted an advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the area of the last registered address at which service of notices upon the Shareholder or person entitled by transmission may be effected in accordance with these Bye-Laws and in a national newspaper published in the relevant country, giving notice of its intention to sell such shares:

 

  (c)

during that period of six (6) years and the period of three (3) months following the publication of such advertisement, the Company has not received any communication from such Shareholder or person entitled by transmission; and

 

  (d)

if so required by the rules of any securities exchange upon which the shares in question are listed for the time being, notice has been given to that exchange of the Company’s intention to make such sale.

 

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170.

If during any six (6) year period referred to in Bye-Law 169 above, further shares have been issued in right of those held at the beginning of such period or of any previously issued during such period and all the other requirements of this Bye-Law (other than the requirement that they be in issue for six (6) years) have been satisfied in regard to the further shares, the Company may also sell the further shares.

 

171.

To give effect to any such sale, the Board may authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares sold to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser and an instrument of transfer executed by that person shall be as effective as if it had been executed by the holder of, or person entitled by transmission to, the shares. The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings in reference to the sale.

 

172.

The net proceeds of sale shall belong to the Company which shall be obliged to account to the former Shareholder or other person previously entitled as aforesaid for an amount equal to such proceeds and shall enter the name of such former Shareholder or other person in the books of the Company as a creditor for such amount. No trust shall be created in respect of the debt, no interest shall be payable in respect of the same and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned on the net proceeds, which may be employed in the business of the Company or invested in such investments as the Board from time to time thinks fit.

FORUM SELECTION

 

173.

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (and the Company will provide such consent with respect to the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario, Canada and appellate Courts thereof), the Supreme Court of Bermuda shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any dispute that arises concerning the Companies Act or out of or in connection with these Bye-Laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of these Bye-Laws and/or whether there has been any breach of the Companies Act or these Bye-Laws by an officer or director (whether or not such a claim is brought in the name of a Shareholder or in the name of the Company). This Bye-Law 173 will not apply to any causes of action arising under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

174.

If any action or proceeding the subject matter of which is within the scope of Bye-Law 173 is filed in a Court other than a Court located within Bermuda or, with the consent of the Company, a Court located within the Province of Ontario, Canada (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any securityholder, such securityholder shall be deemed to have consented to: (i) the personal jurisdiction of the Courts located within Bermuda or Ontario, as applicable, in connection with any action or proceeding brought in any such Court to enforce Bye-Law 173; and (ii) having service of process made upon such securityholder in any such action or proceeding by service upon such securityholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such securityholder.

 

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175.

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Nothing in this Bye-Law 175 shall be deemed to apply to any suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

176.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any share or other security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to Bye-Laws 173, 174 and 175; provided, however, that no person can and will not be deemed to have waived compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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Schedule A

PART 1

INTERPRETATION

Definitions

1.1 In “Schedule A” of these Bye-Laws, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “affiliate” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;

(b) “Applicable Securities Laws” means the Securities Act (Ontario) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada;

(c) “BAM” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation existing under the Laws of the Province of Ontario, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law;

(d) “BAM Board” means the board of directors of BAM;

(e) “BAM Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (ii) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below;

(f) “BAM Dividend Declaration Date” means the date on which the BAM Board declares any dividend on the BAM Shares;

(g) “BAM Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(h) “BAM Share” means a class A limited voting share of BAM, and includes any share or other equity interest of BAM into which such BAM Share is converted or for which such BAM Share is exchanged;

(i) “BAM Share Value” means, with respect to a BAM Share on a particular date, the market price of a BAM Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the BAM Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per BAM Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such

 

1


day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the BAM Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per BAM Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the BAM Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the BAM Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the BAM Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met, then the amount as determined by the BAM Board;

(j) “BAM Shares Amount” means, with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, such number of BAM Shares equal to the Exchange Factor in effect on the Valuation Date with respect to such Tendered Class A Shares;

(k) “Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario, Canada or Hamilton, Bermuda are authorized or required by Law to close;

(l) “Cash Amount” means with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the applicable BAM Shares Amount for such Tendered Class A Share multiplied by (ii) the BAM Share Value as of the applicable Valuation Date;

(m) “Class A Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (vi) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below;

(n) “Class A Distribution” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.2;

(o) “Class A Share Value” means, with respect to a Class A Share on a particular date, the market price of a Class A Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the Class A Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the Class A Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-

 

2


counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the Class A Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met then the amount as determined by the Board;

(p) “Class A Shareholder” means a holder of Class A Shares;

(q) “Class B Shareholder” means a holder of Class B Shares;

(r) “Class C Shareholder” means a holder of Class C Shares;

(s) “Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time;

(t) “Company” means Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.;

(u) “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example, the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors of to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A controls B for this purpose;

(v) “Conversion Notice” has the meaning as provided in section 4.15;

(w) “conversion number” has the meaning as provided in section 4.15;

(x) “distribution” includes a dividend, a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of a dividend and a capital reduction;

(y) “Effective Date” means, with respect to an event described in clauses (i) and (v) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” below, the first date on which the BAM Shares or Class A Shares, as applicable, trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, in a regular way, reflecting the relevant share split, subdivision, reserve split, combination or reclassification, as applicable;

(z) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

(aa) “Exchange Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.13;

(bb) “Exchange Date” means the date upon which a Tendering Class A Shareholder’s Exchange Right has been satisfied by the delivery of the Exchange Consideration to such Tendering Class A Shareholder with respect to its Tendered Class A Shares;

 

3


(cc) “Exchange Factor” means 1.0; provided that in the event that:

(i) BAM (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding BAM Shares wholly or partly in BAM Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding BAM Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding BAM Shares into a smaller number of BAM Shares, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (assuming for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of BAM Shares (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.

Any adjustment under this clause (i) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such distribution of the type described in this clause (i) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to pay such dividend, to the Exchange Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

(ii) BAM distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of BAM Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire BAM Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for BAM Shares) (each a “BAM Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such BAM Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of BAM Shares deliverable or purchasable under such BAM Distributed Rights and (B) the denominator of which shall be (x) the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date plus (y) such number of BAM Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such BAM Distributed Rights

 

4


of the maximum number of BAM Shares purchasable under such BAM Distributed Rights by the average of the BAM Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such BAM Distributed Rights become exercisable); provided, however, that, if any such BAM Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the BAM Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of BAM Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.

Any adjustment under this clause (ii) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such issuance (or, if later, the date such rights, options or warrants become exercisable). To the extent that the BAM Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of BAM Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.

In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such BAM Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by BAM for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the BAM Board.

(iii) (A) BAM distributes to all or substantially all holders of BAM Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding dividends paid exclusively in cash, distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above or any Spin-off referred to in clause (iii)(B) below) or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities (but excluding distributions referred to in clause (ii) above), the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend less the fair market value on the Record Date for such dividend (as determined by the BAM Board) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants so dividended applicable to one BAM Share.

 

5


Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(A) will become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend. If such dividend is not paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to pay or make such dividend, to be the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value (as determined by the BAM Board) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants distributable to one BAM Share is equal to or greater than the average BAM Share Value referenced above in this clause (iii)(A), in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, each Class A Shareholder shall receive from the Company, in respect of each Class A Share, a distribution of cash payable out of the funds legally available therefor (at the same time as holders of the BAM Shares), that in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with the amount of BAM indebtedness or assets or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of BAM Shares equal to the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Record Date.

(B) Where there has been a Spin-off, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the share capital or similar equity interest applicable to one BAM Share distributed to BAM Share holders over the Valuation Period plus the average of the BAM Share Value over the Valuation Period and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BAM Share Value over the Valuation Period; provided that, the Company may elect to pay cash in lieu of making an adjustment to the Exchange Factor provided by this clause (iii)(B), in which case the Company shall be required to pay to the Class A Shareholders and the Class A Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, cash on the third (3rd) Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period in an amount in respect of each Class A Share held, calculated by multiplying the BAM Share Value on the Record Date of such Spin-off by the amount the Exchange Factor would have increased as a result of such Spin-off if no such cash payment was made.

Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(B) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period, but will be given effect as of the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references contained in the definition of Valuation Period to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for the purposes of the foregoing for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Record Date of such Spin-off and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Exchange Factor. If any such Spin-off does not occur, the Exchange Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BAM Board determines not to proceed with the Spin-off, to be the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Spin-off had not been pursued.

(iv) BAM or one of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the BAM Shares (but excluding for all purposes any tender or exchange offer involving an offer to exchange BAM Shares for Class A Shares or any other security that is economically equivalent to BAM Shares), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per BAM Share exceeds the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “Expiration Date”), then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be (x) the sum of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the BAM Board) paid or payable in respect of BAM Shares in such tender or exchange offer plus (y) the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date multiplied by the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the Expiration Date (after giving effect to the purchase of all BAM Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer, without duplication), and (b) the denominator of which shall be the number of BAM Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Expiration Date (before giving effect to the purchase of all BAM Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer) multiplied by the average of the BAM Share Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date.

For greater certainty, no adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made for any normal course issuer bid or similar stock buyback. Any adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the tenth (10th) Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date and shall be given effect as of the Open of Business on the day next succeeding the Expiration Date.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references above to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Expiration Date and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Exchange Factor.

(v) the Company (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding Class A Shares wholly or partly in Class A Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding Class A Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (determined without the assumption for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of Class A Shares (assuming the above assumption has occurred) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.

Any adjustment under this clause (v) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such dividend of the type described in this clause (v) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Exchange Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the Board determines not to pay such dividend, to the Exchange Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.

(vi) the Company distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Class A Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for Class A Shares) at a price per share that is less than the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (each a “Class A Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such Class A Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Exchange Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a

 

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fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be (x) the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus (y) such number of Class A Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights of the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights by the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) and (B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights; provided, however, that, if any such Class A Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Exchange Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the Class A Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of Class A Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.

Any adjustment under this clause (vi) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) for such issuance. To the extent that the Class A Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Exchange Factor shall be increased to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Exchange Factor shall be increased, effective as of the date the Board determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Exchange Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.

In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board.

Any adjustment to the Exchange Factor shall be calculated up to four (4) decimal places. Within ten (10) Business Days of the effectiveness of any adjustment or readjustment of the Exchange Factor, the Company shall make a public announcement of such adjustment or readjustment.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Exchange Factor shall not be adjusted in connection with (a) an event described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (other than clause (iii)(B) above) if, in connection with such event, the Company makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BAM Shares and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BAM Shares with respect to all applicable Class A Shares, splits or subdivides the Class A Shares, distributes to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the Class A Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event, (b) a Spin-off as described in clause (iii)(B) above if the Company makes a compensating distribution in an amount and on terms that are equivalent to the value of such Spin-off as determined by the Company (which may include a distribution of the share capital or similar equity interests distributed to holders of BAM Shares in the Spin-off or other assets, cash or property (including securities)), or (c) an event described in clauses (v) through (vi) above if, in connection with such event, BAM makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BAM Shares and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BAM Shares with respect to all BAM Shares, splits or subdivides the BAM Shares or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the BAM Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event;

(dd) “Exchange Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

(ee) “Ex-Dividend Date” means, in respect of a distribution on the applicable securities, (a) the date on which such securities are traded without an entitlement to such distribution or (b) where such securities trade on a due bill basis, the date on which such dividend or distribution is paid;

(ff) “Expiration Date” has the meaning as provided in clause (iv) of the definition of “Exchange Factor” above;

(gg) “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s), director(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership, respectively, that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function), and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer or managing director;

(hh) “Last Reported Sale Price” means with respect to a security on a particular date, the market price of such security on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if such security is listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more

 

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than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange (or, if listed on more than one U.S. National Securities Exchange, the U.S. National Securities Exchange with the greatest volume of trading by dollar value over the 12-month period preceding the date of the calculation); (ii) if such security is not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but is listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; or (iv) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and such security is not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose;

(ii) “Laws” means all federal, provincial, state, municipal, regional and local laws (including common law), by-laws, statutes, rules, regulations, principles of law and equity, orders, rulings, certificates, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, determinations, awards, decrees, legally binding codes, policies or other requirements, whether domestic or foreign, and the terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any governmental entity, and the term “applicable” with respect to such Laws and in a context that refers to one or more Persons, means such Laws as are binding upon or applicable to such Person or its assets;

(jj) “legal personal representative” means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;

(kk) “Liquidation Amount” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(ll) “Liquidation Call Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.24;

(mm) “Liquidation Call Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.24;

(nn) “Liquidation Date” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(oo) “Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(pp) “Liquidation Reference Date” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.21;

(qq) “Notice of Class A Redemption” means a Notice of Redemption substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto;

(rr) “Notice of Exchange” means a Notice of Exchange substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto (or notice of the exercise of Exchange Rights in such other form as may be acceptable to BAM);

 

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(ss) “Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time;

(tt) “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, governmental entity or other entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;

(uu) “Record Date” means with respect to any distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares have the right to receive any cash, securities, assets or other property or in which BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares are exchanged for or converted into any combination of securities, cash, assets or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of BAM Shares and/or Class A Shares entitled to receive such cash, securities, assets or other property (whether such date is fixed by the BAM Board or the Board, as applicable, or a duly authorized committee thereof, or as determined pursuant to any statute, constating document, contract or otherwise);

(vv) “Redemption Call Right” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.17;

(ww) “Redemption Consideration” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.17;

(xx) “Rights Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement rights agent and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law, of such rights agent;

(yy) “Rights Agreement” means that certain Rights Agreement relating to the Exchange Right and entered into by and between BAM, the Company and the Rights Agent as it may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof;

(zz) “Specified Class A Redemption Date” means, with respect to the Notice of Class A Redemption, the sixtieth (60th) day following delivery of such Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholder or such later day specified in such Notice of Class A Redemption;

(aaa) “Specified Exchange Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Exchange for which an Exchange Date has not occurred prior thereto, the tenth (10th) Business Day following the receipt of such Notice of Exchange by the Transfer Agent;

(bbb) “Spin-off means a payment by BAM of a distribution of shares of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or business unit of BAM, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX;

(ccc) “Tendered Class A Shares” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

(ddd) “Tendering Class A Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.11;

 

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(eee) “Trading Day” means a day on which (a) trading in the applicable securities generally occurs on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or, if the applicable securities are not then listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, on the TSX or such other market on which the applicable securities are then traded and (b) a Last Reported Sale Price for the applicable securities is available on such securities exchange or market. If the applicable securities are not so listed, or in the case of unlisted securities, so traded, “Trading Day” means a “Business Day”;

(fff) “Transfer” means any sale, assignment, surrender, gift or transfer of ownership of, the granting or foreclosure of a pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, hypothecation or other encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, or the entry into of any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the foregoing;

(ggg) “Transfer Agent” means AST Trust Company (Canada), and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement transfer agent and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law, of such transfer agent;

(hhh) “TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange;

(iii) “Unpaid Distributions” has the meaning as provided in Section 2.4;

(jjj) “U.S. National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act on which the applicable securities are listed, or if the applicable securities are not listed on an exchange so registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any other U.S. exchange, whether or not so registered, on which the applicable securities are listed;

(kkk) “Valuation Date” means (i) the date of receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange, or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the first (1st) Trading Day thereafter; or (ii) the day immediately preceding the date the Company issues a Notice of Class A Redemption, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Trading Day immediately preceding such day; and

(lll) “Valuation Period” means, with respect to any Spin-off, the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-off.

Actions on Non-Business Days

1.2 Whenever any payment to be made or action to be taken hereunder is required to be made or taken on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made or action taken on the next following Business Day.

Currency

1.3 Except where otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts are stated in U.S. currency.

 

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PART 2

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE LIMITED VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

2.1 The Class A Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 2.

DISTRIBUTIONS

Distribution Rights

2.2 Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay thereon, as and when declared by the Board, distributions which, for greater certainty, may take the form of a dividend, a capital reduction resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of a dividend and a capital reduction, in each case in an amount for each Class A Share equal to the cash dividend declared on each BAM Share on each BAM Dividend Declaration Date multiplied by the Exchange Factor in effect on the Record Date of such dividend or capital reduction (the “Class A Distribution”), it being understood that Class A Shareholders will not be entitled to any distributions other than the Class A Distribution, except as provided in these Bye-Laws. The record and payment dates for any Class A Distributions shall be such dates that the Board shall designate from time to time.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

2.3 In the event of a stock distribution, consolidation or subdivision of the BAM Shares, a corresponding stock distribution, consolidation or subdivision may be effected in respect of the Class A Shares in order to avoid the need to make an adjustment to the Exchange Factor. In addition, in the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class B Shares consisting of Class B Shares, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class A Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class A Shares. In the event the Board approves, and the Company effects, a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve, and the Company shall contemporaneously effect, an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares.

Unpaid Distributions

2.4 If the full amount of a Class A Distribution is not paid on the payment date for any dividend declared by the BAM Board on the BAM Shares, then such Class A Distribution shall accrue and accumulate (without interest), whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof and whether or not such distributions are earned, declared or authorized (such amounts, the “Unpaid Distributions”). Any distribution payment made on the Class A Shares shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated Unpaid Distributions due with respect to such Class A Shares which remains payable.

 

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Payment of Distributions

2.5 Cheques of the Company may be issued in respect of all Class A Distributions contemplated by Section 2.2 and the sending of such cheque to each Class A Shareholder will satisfy the cash distribution represented thereby unless the cheque is not paid on presentation. Subject to the requirements of applicable Law with respect to unclaimed property, no Class A Shareholder will be entitled to recover by action or other legal process against the Company any distribution that is represented by a cheque that has not been duly presented to the Company’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of two years from the date on which such distribution was first payable.

RANKING

Ranking of the Class A Shares

2.6 The Class A Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank pari passu with the Class B Shares, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the Class A Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class A Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for purposes of winding up its affairs.

VOTING

Voting Rights

2.7 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class A Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each Class A Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter. Except as required by Law and except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in this Schedule “A” and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions of shareholders must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

 

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2.8 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares shall be entitled to elect one-half of the Board, provided that, at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, the Class A Shares will be entitled to elect the full Board.

2.9 As provided for in Bye-Law 85, each holder of Class A Shares has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the Class A Shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors designated for election by all holders of Class A Shares. A holder of Class A Shares may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Amendment with Approval of Class A Shareholders

2.10 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, any approval given by the Class A Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Shares or any other matter requiring the approval or consent of the Class A Shareholders as a separate class will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it will have been given in accordance with applicable Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such amendment be approved by not less than a majority of the votes cast on such amendment at a meeting of Class A Shareholders duly called and held for such purpose.

EXCHANGE RIGHTS

Exchange at the Option of the Class A Shareholder

2.11 Subject to applicable Law, each Class A Shareholder shall have the right (the “Exchange Right”) to require BAM to acquire all or such portion of the Class A Shares registered in the name of such Class A Shareholder specified in a Notice of Exchange delivered to the Transfer Agent by or on behalf of such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class A Shares” and such Class A Shareholder, the “Tendering Class A Shareholder”) for the BAM Shares Amount per Tendered Class A Share or, if BAM elects in its sole and absolute discretion, the Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount per Tendered Class A Share), plus, in either case, a cash amount equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Tendered Class A Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for so long as there is not an effective registration statement for the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount for the Tendered Class A Shares, BAM will not be required to deliver a Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount for any Tendered Class A Shares) in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period, provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period; and (ii) a Notice of Exchange will not be accepted, and no Exchange Right may be exercised, during the 15 business days prior to the Specified Class A Redemption Date or the occurrence of a Liquidation Event or a BAM Liquidation Event.

 

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Notice of Exchange

2.12 A Class A Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Exchange either electronically (by electronic mail or by any other electronic procedure that may be established by the Transfer Agent from time to time and communicated to the Class A Shareholders by the Company, BAM or the Transfer Agent) or physically (by mail, courier, hand delivery or otherwise) to any office of the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall promptly notify BAM and the Rights Agent of the receipt of a Notice of Exchange.

Satisfaction of Exchange Rights

2.13 After receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange and such additional documents and instruments as the Transfer Agent, BAM or its transfer agent may reasonably require, BAM will acquire the applicable Tendered Class A Shares on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date. BAM will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class A Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class A Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Exchange, either (i) the BAM Shares Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as BAM may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Distributions collectively being the “Exchange Consideration”) and such delivery of such Exchange Consideration by or on behalf of BAM will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Exchange Rights so exercised. Should BAM elect to satisfy Exchange Rights by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 2.5.

2.14 Any Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no further right, with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares redeemed, repurchased or exchanged, to receive any distributions on Class A Shares with a Record Date on or after the date on which the Transfer Agent receives such Notice of Exchange. Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Exchange, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share for all other purposes of these Bye-Laws, until such Class A Share has been acquired in accordance with Section 2.13. A Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a shareholder of BAM with respect to any BAM Shares to be received by such Tendering Class A Shareholder in exchange for Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to Section 2.11 until such BAM Shares have been issued to such Tendering Class A Shareholder.

2.15 If BAM does not satisfy its obligations under section 2.11 to deliver the Exchange Consideration to a Tendering Class A Shareholder within ten (10) Business Days after the Specified Exchange Date, such Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have the right, pursuant to the Rights Agreement, to institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, the obligations of BAM to deliver the Exchange Consideration, and each Class A Shareholder shall be made a third party beneficiary of the Rights Agreement and shall have the full right to enforce the Rights Agreement in accordance with its terms as if it were a signatory thereto.

 

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REDEMPTION RIGHTS

Redemption

2.16 If the Company delivers or causes to be delivered a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders, which Notice of Class A Redemption may be subject to one or more conditions as determined by the Board, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of such conditions, redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date. Subject to the prior written approval of the Class C Shareholders, the Company may deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption at any time, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable Law, including in any of the following circumstances:

(a) the total number of Class A Shares (retroactively adjusted to reflect any consolidations, divisions or subdivisions) outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 6-month period;

(b) the daily aggregate market value of the outstanding Class A Shares (based on the Class A Share Value multiplied by the number of outstanding Class A Shares on each such day) (i) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (ii) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period;

(c) a Person acquires 90% of the BAM Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);

(d) the shareholders of BAM approve an acquisition of BAM by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction;

(e) the shareholders of BAM approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BAM or a BAM Liquidation Event is pending;

(f) there is a pending sale of all or substantially all the assets of BAM;

(g) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in adverse tax consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company; or

(h) the Board, in its sole discretion, concludes that the Class A Shareholders are adversely impacted by a fact, change, or other circumstance relating to the Company.

Redemption Procedure

2.17 In the event of a redemption of the Class A Shares, the Company shall, at or prior to Close of Business on the Specified Class A Redemption Date, pay to each Class A Shareholder either (i) the BAM Shares Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Distributions collectively being the “Redemption Consideration”) and such delivery of such Redemption Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the redemption of the Class A Shares. Should the Company elect to satisfy its obligation to redeem the Class A Shares by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 2.5.

 

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2.18 Each Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Class A Redemption, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share, until such Class A Share has been redeemed in accordance with Section 2.17. A Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a shareholder of BAM with respect to any BAM Shares to be received by such Class A Shareholder on a redemption of Class A Shares pursuant to Section 2.17 until such BAM Shares have been issued to such Class A Shareholder.

BAM Redemption Call Right

2.19 Notwithstanding the provisions in Sections 2.16 to 2.17 above, in the event the Company provides a Notice of Class A Redemption to each Class A Shareholder, BAM shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire, all, but not less than all, of the Class A Shares from each Class A Shareholder by delivering the Redemption Consideration (the form of Redemption Consideration to be determined by BAM in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with Section 2.17, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company as set out therein (such right being the “Redemption Call Right”), and in the event of the exercise by BAM of the Redemption Call Right, each Class A Shareholder will be obligated to sell all Class A Shares held by such Class A Shareholder to BAM (or its affiliate, as applicable) on delivery by BAM (or its affiliate, as applicable) to such Class A Shareholder of the Redemption Consideration and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Redemption Consideration to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BAM.

2.20 In order to exercise its Redemption Call Right, BAM must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the holders of Class A Shares, and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 10 days before the Specified Class A Redemption Date.

LIQUIDATION

Liquidation Rights

2.21 Upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up of the Company or any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), including where substantially concurrent with the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of BAM or any other distribution of BAM’s assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “BAM Liquidation Event”), each Class A Shareholder shall, subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, be entitled to, on the effective date of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Date”) either, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, one BAM Share for each Class A Share then held or an amount in cash for each Class A Share then held equal to the BAM Share Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Reference Date”) multiplied by the Exchange Factor (the “Liquidation Amount”).

 

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2.22 The rights of the Class A Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in Section 2.21 is subject to:

(a) the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Senior Preferred Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class A Shares; and

(b) prior payment in full of all Unpaid Distributions.

2.23 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company are insufficient to make payment in full to all Class A Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in Section 2.21 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class A Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under Section 2.21.

BAM Liquidation Call Right

2.24 Notwithstanding Section 2.21, BAM will have the overriding right (the “Liquidation Call Right”), in the event of and notwithstanding the occurrence of any Liquidation Event, to purchase from, or cause its affiliate to purchase from, all but not less than all of the Class A Shareholders on the Liquidation Date all but not less than all of the Class A Shares held by each such holder in exchange for the issuance by BAM of such number of BAM Shares per Class A Share equal to the Exchange Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Distributions per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Call Consideration”). In the event of the exercise of a Liquidation Call Right, each such Class A Shareholder will be obligated on the Liquidation Date to sell all the Class A Shares held by such holder to BAM on the Liquidation Date upon issuance by BAM to the holder of the Liquidation Call Consideration for each such Class A Share, and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Liquidation Amount to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BAM.

2.25 In order to exercise the Liquidation Call Right, BAM must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the Class A Shareholders and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 30 days before the Liquidation Date in the case of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and at least five Business Days before the Liquidation Date in the case of an involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. If BAM exercises the Liquidation Call Right in accordance with this Section 2.25, all obligations of the Company under Sections 2.21 to 2.23 will terminate and on the Liquidation Date BAM will purchase and Class A Shareholders will sell all of their Class A Shares then outstanding for a price per Class A Share equal to the Liquidation Call Consideration.

OTHER RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

Call Rights

2.26 Each Class A Shareholder, whether a registered holder or a beneficial holder, by virtue of becoming and being such a holder will be deemed to acknowledge each of the Redemption Call Right and the Liquidation Call Right, in each case, in favour of BAM, and the overriding nature thereof in connection with the exercise of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, or the redemption of Class A Shares, as the case may be, and to be bound thereby in favour of BAM as herein provided.

 

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No Fractional BAM Shares

2.27 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no fractional BAM Shares shall be issued in connection with (i) the satisfaction of Exchange Rights, (ii) a redemption or acquisition of the Class A Shares by the Company or pursuant to the Redemption Call Right, or (iii) a Liquidation Event. In lieu of any fractional BAM Shares to which a Tendering Class A Shareholder or a Class A Shareholder, as applicable, would otherwise be entitled in circumstances (i)-(iii) in the immediately preceding sentence, the Company or BAM, as applicable, shall pay a cash amount equal to the BAM Share Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date, Specified Class A Redemption Date or Liquidation Date, as applicable, multiplied by such fraction of a BAM Share.

Withholding Taxes

2.28 Each Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder, as applicable, shall be required to pay to the Company or BAM, as applicable, the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Tendered Class A Shares, the redemption of the Class A Shares, or the exchange of Class A Shares on a Liquidation Event, and will be deemed to have authorized the Company or BAM, as applicable, to retain such portion of the Exchange Consideration, the Redemption Consideration, the Liquidation Amount or the Liquidation Call Amount, as applicable, as the Company or BAM reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this Section 2.28, the Company or BAM, as applicable, shall (i) give each Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder, as applicable, within three (3) Business Days after receipt of a Notice of Exchange, or delivery of a Notice of Class A Redemption, a notice of a Liquidation Event or a notice of the exercise of the Redemption Call Right or the Liquidation Call Right, as applicable, notice of the Company’s or BAM’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the exchange of Tendered Class A Shares, the redemption of the Class A Shares, or the exchange of Class A Shares on a Liquidation Event, (ii) provide the Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and (iii) reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class A Shareholder or Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this Section 2.28; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company, BAM or an affiliate of BAM, as applicable, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.

 

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PART 3

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS B LIMITED VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

3.1 The Class B Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 3.

Distribution Rights

3.2 Each Class B Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall declare and pay thereon, distributions that, for greater certainty, may take the form of dividends, capital reductions resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of dividends and capital reductions, on the Class B Shares in the same amount and at the same time as the declaration and payment of any Class A Distributions. Sections 2.2 to 2.5 shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis, to distributions on the Class B Shares.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

3.3 In the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class B Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class B Shares. In the event the Board approves, and the Company effects, a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve, and the Company shall contemporaneously effect, an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class B Shares.

Ranking of the Class B Shares

3.4 The Class B Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank pari passu with the Class A Shares, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the Class B Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and the Junior Preferred Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class B Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for purposes of winding up its affairs.

Voting Rights

3.5 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class B Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each

 

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Class B Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter. Except as required by Law and except for any matter that only requires the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares as set out in this Schedule “A” and except for voting in respect of the election of Directors, all resolutions must be passed or adopted by: (i) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class B Shares who vote in respect of the resolution, and (ii) a majority or, where a higher threshold is specified under applicable Law, the higher percentage of the votes cast by holders of Class A Shares who vote in respect of the resolution. For greater certainty, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class A Shares will be required for any resolution and at any time that there are no Class B Shares outstanding, no approval of the holders of Class B Shares will be required for any resolution.

3.6 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class B Shares shall be entitled to elect one-half of the Board, provided that, at any time that there are no Class A Shares outstanding, the Class B Shares will be entitled to elect the full Board.

3.7 As provided for in Bye-Law 85, each holder of Class B Shares has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the Class B Shares held by the holder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by all holders of Class B Shares. A holder of Class B Shares may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute such votes among its candidates in any manner the holder sees fit. Where a holder has voted for more than one candidate without specifying the distribution of votes among such candidates, the holder shall be deemed to have divided the holder’s votes equally among the candidates for whom the holder voted.

Amendment with Approval of Class B Shareholders

3.8 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the Class B Shareholders given as hereinafter specified.

3.9 The approval of the Class B Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class B Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class B Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class B Shareholders as a class, each Class B Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Share held.

Liquidation Rights

3.10 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BAM Liquidation Event, each Class B Share shall rank pari passu with each Class A Share and Sections 2.21 to 2.23 of these Bye-Laws shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis to the Class B Shares, except that the Liquidation Call Right is only applicable to the Class A Shares.

 

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Transfer Restrictions

3.11 The Class B Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BAM, any of the shareholders from time to time of the trustee of the holder of the Class B Shares (the “BAM Re Class B Partners”), current and former executives of BAM (“Partners”) or any Person Controlled by BAM, a BAM Re Class B Partner or a Partner. If any Class B Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class B Shares to the transferee, (ii) any rights to vote attaching to the Class B Shares so Transferred may not be exercised by any Person, (iii) any payment by the Company on the Class B Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iv) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class B Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.

PART 4

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

4.1 The Class C Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 4.

Distribution Rights

4.2 Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, as and when declared by the Board, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, distributions which, for greater certainty, may take the form of dividends, capital reductions resulting in a return of capital, or a combination of dividends and capital reductions, as may be declared from time to time by the Board. The Class C Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive distributions unless and until the Company has paid any Unpaid Distributions. The record and payment dates for distributions on Class C Shares shall be such date that the Board shall designate from time to time.

Stock Distributions, Consolidations and Subdivisions

4.3 In the event a distribution is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the Board may, but is not obligated to, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class C Shares an equivalent distribution on a per share basis consisting of Class C Shares. In the event the Board approves a consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class A Shares into shares of a larger par value or into shares of a smaller par value, as applicable, the Board may, but is not obligated to, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously approve an equivalent consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class C Shares. For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the consolidation, division or subdivision of the Class C Shares.

 

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Ranking of the Class C Shares

4.4 The Class C Shares shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares and senior over any other shares ranking junior to the Class C Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

Voting Rights

4.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, each Class C Shareholder shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend, any meetings of shareholders of the Company, but shall not otherwise be entitled to vote at any such meeting.

4.6 The following matters shall require prior written consent of all of the holders of the Class C Shares:

(a) the exercise by the Company of its redemption rights pursuant to Section 2.16;

(b) any amendment to the Company’s memorandum of association or these Bye-Laws (including for greater certainty, any amendment to the terms of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other shares ranking ahead of the Class C Shares);

(c) any merger or similar reorganization of the Company (including a sale of all or substantially all of its assets);

(d) a continuance of the Company to another jurisdiction; and

(e) the commencement of a voluntary liquidation of the Company, other than a voluntary liquidation commenced under Section 4.12.

4.7 Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time that there are no Class A Shares and no Class B Shares outstanding, the holders of Class C Shares shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company (except meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote) and shall be entitled to cast at any such meeting one vote per Class C Share, including with respect to the election of directors.

Amendment with Approval of Class C Shareholders

4.8 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class C Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares given as hereinafter specified.

4.9 The approval of the Class C Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class C Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the Class C Shareholders (including the matters set out in Section 4.6) may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum

 

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requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class C Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class C Shareholders as a class, each Class C Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class C Share held.

Liquidation Rights

4.10 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BAM Liquidation Event, the Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in Section 4.11.

4.11 The rights of the Class C Shareholders to receive the amounts set forth in Section 4.10 is subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class C Shares.

4.12 The Class C Shareholders may resolve, by way of a written resolution signed by all of the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of all of the Class C Shareholders at a meeting of Class C Shareholders called for that purpose, that the Company commence a members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company in the event of the occurrence of any of the following circumstances:

(a) the total number of Class A Shares (retroactively adjusted to reflect any consolidations, divisions or subdivisions) outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 6-month period;

(b) the daily aggregate market value of the outstanding Class A Shares (based on the Class A Share Value multiplied by the number of outstanding Class A Shares on each such day) (i) is less than $250 million for more than six consecutive months or (ii) decreases by 50% or more from its high over any three-month period;

(c) a Person acquires 90% of the BAM Shares in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);

(d) the shareholders of BAM approve a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of BAM or an acquisition of BAM by way of arrangement, amalgamation or similar transaction;

(e) the shareholders of BAM approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BAM or a BAM Liquidation Event is pending;

(f) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in materially adverse tax or regulatory consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company;

 

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(g) the Class C Shareholders, in good faith, conclude that the Class C Shareholders are materially adversely impacted by an external fact unrelated to the Company, a change, or other circumstance relating to the Company that was not known to the Company on the effective date of the issuance of the Class C Shares; or

(h) on any day during the months of January and June commencing in 2022 and every year thereafter, more than 20% of the total number of Class A Shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert within the meaning of Applicable Securities Laws;

provided that, (i) in the case of all circumstances other than (b) above, the circumstance cannot be cured within a period of 30 days, (ii) the rights of the Class C Shareholders under this Section 4.12 will only be exercisable following the expiration of such 30-day cure period (or, in the case of (b), following the occurrence of the event) and shall expire (A) in the case of all circumstances other than (h) above, on the 90th day thereafter, and (B) in the case of (h) above, on the 60th day thereafter, and (iii) in the case of (h) above, the right under this Section 4.12 will only be exercisable in the event that more than 20% of the total number of Class A Shares outstanding are controlled by one person or group of persons acting jointly and in concert within the meaning of Applicable Securities Laws at the time such right is exercised.

4.13 Any resolution of the Class C Shareholders passed or adopted pursuant to Section 4.12, and the related voluntary liquidation of the Company, may be conditional upon the completion of any one or more of the events enumerated in Section 4.12.

4.14 For greater certainty, no consent or resolution of the holders of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other class of shares will be required in connection with the commencement of a members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company by the Class C Shareholders under Section 4.12. Any such members’ voluntary liquidation of the Company will be subject to applicable Law (including any necessary regulatory approvals), and subject to no less than 60 days’ prior written notice of the date of liquidation being provided to holders of Class A Shares and Class B Shares.

Conversion of Class A Shares

4.15 Any Class C Shareholder shall be entitled at any time to have any or all of such Class C Shareholder’s Class A Shares converted into a number of Class C Shares (which may include a fraction of a Class C Share) at a conversion rate, for each such Class A Share in respect of which the conversion right is exercised, equal to the number obtained by dividing the fair market value of a Class A Share by the fair market value of a Class C Share, in each case as determined by the Board (the “conversion number”). If the conversion number from time to time is not equal to one (1), then the conversion may include any subdivision or consolidation of the Class C Shares necessary so that (a) the conversion number (calculated immediately after giving effect to the subdivision or consolidation of the Class C Shares but before the conversion is completed) will become one (1) and (b) the Class A Shares to be converted will be converted into the same number of Class C Shares. The right of conversion herein provided for may be exercised by notice in writing given to the Transfer Agent (a “Conversion Notice”), which notice shall specify the number of Class A Shares that the Class C Shareholder desires to have converted. Upon receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, promptly issue to the converting Class C Shareholder the requisite number of Class C Shares and the Transfer Agent shall cancel the converted Class A Shares subject to the Conversion Notice effective concurrently therewith.

 

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Transfer Restrictions

4.16 The Class C Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BAM or a Person Controlled by BAM. If any Class C Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class C Shares to the transferee, (ii) any payment by the Company on the Class C Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iii) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class C Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.

PART 5

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

5.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 5.

Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series

5.2 The Senior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series as determined by the Board, without the consent or resolution of the holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares. Before any Senior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, by resolution:

(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made;

(b) create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and

(c) attach (which may be evidenced by way of certificate of designation, resolution of the Board or such other evidence as the Board may determine by resolution) special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of distributions, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and

 

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conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of distributions on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of Sections 5.3 and 5.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.

Ranking of the Senior Preferred Shares

5.3 The Senior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Senior Preferred Shares of every other series and senior to the Junior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event.

Voting

5.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in these Bye-Laws relating to any series of Senior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

Amendment with Approval of Holder of Senior Preferred Shares

5.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Senior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.

5.6 The approval of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Senior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Senior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Senior Preferred Shares, each holder of Senior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Senior Preferred Share held.

 

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PART 6

SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES

Special Rights and Restrictions

6.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 6.

Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series

6.2 The Junior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series as determined by the Board, without the consent or resolution of the holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or any other class of shares. Before any Junior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the Board shall, subject to applicable Law, by resolution:

(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made;

(b) create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and

(c) attach (which may be evidenced by way of certificate of designation, resolution of the Board or such other evidence as the Board may determine by resolution) special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of distributions, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of distributions on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of Sections 6.3 and 6.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.

Ranking of the Junior Preferred Shares

6.3 The Junior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of distributions and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Junior Preferred Shares of every other series, junior to the Senior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares, and senior to the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of distributions and in return of capital in a Liquidation Event.

 

30


Voting

6.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in these Bye-Laws relating to any series of Junior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

Amendment with Approval of Holder of Junior Preferred Shares

6.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Junior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.

6.6 The approval of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Junior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Junior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Junior Preferred Shares, each holder of Junior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Junior Preferred Share held.

 

31


EXHIBIT “A”

Notice of Class A Redemption

 

To:

Class A Shareholders of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

(the “Company”)

This notice is given pursuant to Section 2.18 of “Schedule A” of the Bye-Laws of the Company (the “Bye-Laws”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Bye-Laws have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Bye-Laws.

The Company hereby notifies the Class A Shareholders that, subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, the Company desires to redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares in accordance with the Bye-Laws:

The Company acknowledges that, subject to the satisfaction of the above conditions, this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the Company to redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date for the Redemption Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Bye-Laws.

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

(Date)

 

1


EXHIBIT “B”

Notice of Exchange

 

1


NOTICE OF EXCHANGE

 

To:

AST TRUST COMPANY (CANADA) (the “Transfer Agent”)

PLEASE DELIVER YOUR EXCHANGE REQUEST AS FOLLOWS:

 

 

LOGO Via Mail:

 

AST Trust Company (Canada)

1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200

Toronto, ON M5C 2V6

Attention: Corporate Actions

 

  

This notice is given pursuant to Bye-Law 2.12 (the “Bye-Laws”) of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned hereby notifies the Transfer Agent, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) and the Company that the undersigned desires to have BAM acquire from the undersigned:

 

all Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or

 

___________ Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned,

such amount of Class A Share(s) elected above, being hereafter referred to herein as the “Tendered Class A Shares”.

This notice is and will be deemed to be an offer by the undersigned to sell such Tendered Class A Share(s) to BAM in accordance with the undersigned’s Exchange Right on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date for the Exchange Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned acknowledges that notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for so long as there is not an effective registration statement for the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount for the Tendered Class A Shares, BAM will not be required to deliver a Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount for any Tendered Class A Shares) in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period, provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period; and (ii) a Notice of Exchange will not be accepted, and no Exchange Right may be exercised, during the 15 business days prior to the Specified Class A Redemption Date or the occurrence of a Liquidation Event or a BAM Liquidation Event.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to BAM that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Tendered Class A Share(s) to be acquired by BAM, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.


 

(Date)

 

(Please print Name of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

(Please print phone number)

 

(Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

(Guarantee of Signature)


CURRENCY ELECTION

(only if exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is satisfied by the Cash Amount)

Shareholders domiciled in Canada will receive the Cash Amount in Canadian dollars (CAD) and shareholders domiciled in the United States and all other countries will receive the Cash Amount in U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise elected below:

 

 

Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in U.S. dollars (USD).

 

 

Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in Canadian dollars (CAD).

By electing to receive payment in another currency, the undersigned acknowledges that (a) the exchange rate used will be the rate established by the Transfer Agent, in its capacity as foreign exchange service provider to the Company, on the date the funds are converted and (b) the risk of any fluctuation in such rate will be borne by the undersigned.

Payment Delivery Instruction

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or as instructed below in Exhibit A. ALL CHEQUE PAYMENTS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED NAME AS IT CURRENTLY APPEARS.

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and held for pick-up by the Tendering Class A Shareholder at the principal transfer office of the Transfer Agent in Toronto, Ontario.

 

NOTE:

This panel must be completed and such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require must be deposited with the Transfer Agent at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario. The BAM Shares Amount and any payment resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to respectively, the name of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and the BAM Shares Amount and payment resulting from such exchange or acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class A Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below (including the signature guarantee section) is duly completed.


EXHIBIT A:

Cheque Delivery Information

Date: _______________________, 2021

 

 

Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered
(please print)

 

Street Address or P.O. Box

 

City, Province and Postal Code

 

Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder

Guarantee of Signatures

If this Notice is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the Tendered Class A Share(s), or if BAM Share(s) are to be returned to a person other than such registered owner(s) or sent to an address other than the address of the registered owner(s) as shown on the register of the Company or if the payment is to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered owner of the Tendered Class A Share(s) such signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, or in some other manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent (except that no guarantee is required if the signature is that of an Eligible Institution).

 

Signature guaranteed by (if required)       Dated:_________________________________

 

                                          

                          

Authorized Signature       Name of Authorized Representative (please print or type) (if applicable)

 

     
Name of Guarantor (please print or type)      

 

     
Address (please print or type)      


EXHIBIT B-1

Authorized Signatures for Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”)

under the Rights Agreement dated as of , 2021

BAM certifies that the names, titles, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses set forth in this

Exhibit B-1 below identify the persons authorized to provide direction and initiate or confirm

transactions on behalf of BAM.

Name, Title, Telephone Number, and e-mail address for person(s) designated to provide

direction and to otherwise direct Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Rights Agent

 

Name

 

   Title    Telephone Number    E-mail Address    Signature

    

 

                   


EXHIBIT B-2

Authorized Signatures for

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”)

under the Rights Agreement dated as of , 2021

The Company certifies that the names, titles, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses set forth

below in this Exhibit B-2 identify the persons authorized to provide direction and initiate or

confirm transactions on behalf of the Company.

Name, Title, Telephone Number, and e-mail address for person(s) designated to provide

direction and to otherwise direct Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Rights Agent

 

Name

 

   Title    Telephone Number    E-mail Address    Signature

    

 

                   


EXHIBIT C

Terms of Compensation of Rights Agent

In consideration for the services of the Rights Agent under the Rights Agreement dated as of ●, 2021 with Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., the Rights Agent shall receive the following compensation:

 

Initial Acceptance Fee (one time, payable in advance on the Dividend Date)
account opening, document negotiation, KYC solicitation, client onboarding
   $[]
Administration Fee (payable annually, in advance on the Dividend Date and each anniversary thereof)    $[]
Custody Fee (charged quarterly in arrears based on average daily market value of assets in account)
*custody fee waived if funds held in cash, money market funds or BAM Shares
   [] basis
points*

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

In addition to the fees listed above, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be billed and payable at cost. Out-of-pocket expenses include, but are not limited to, reasonable fees of counsel or other outside professional firms (legal counsel, tax advisor) retained by the Rights Agent (including fees and expenses incurred in litigation), reasonable travel expenses of bank officers to attend closings.

EXTRAORDINARY ADMINISTRATION CHARGES (ONLY IF APPLICABLE):

In the event of extraordinary circumstances requiring administrative time beyond the scope of typical account duties set forth in the Instruments and supporting documents relevant to our appointment, including but not limited to, default and/or bankruptcy administration, additional charges shall accrue at an hourly rate, as follows:

Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Managing Director, Senior Vice President, or Member of Senior Management: $[] per hour

All of the above fees shall be subject to good faith negotiations as to reasonable revisions every two (2) years and shall be mutually agreed upon between the Rights Agent, BAM and the Company.

Exhibit 10.4

TRADEMARK SUBLICENSE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is effective     ●    , 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and between:

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“Licensor”), a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario, having an office at Suite 330, 181 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3, Canada,

and

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd., (“Sublicensee”), an exempted company limited by shares organized under the laws of Bermuda, having an office at 73 Front Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda (collectively, the “Parties”).

WHEREAS Brookfield Office Properties Inc. (“Owner”), a corporation organized under the laws of Canada, having an office at Suite 330, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J2T3, Canada, is the owner of the registered and common law BROOKFIELD trademark as may be amended from time to time (the “Trademark”);

WHEREAS Owner has granted to Licensor a worldwide, non-exclusive license to the Trademark with a right to grant sublicenses pursuant to a Trademark License Agreement dated                                          (“Master License”);

WHEREAS Sublicensee wishes to obtain a worldwide non-exclusive license to use the Trademark, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

WHEREAS on the [Effective Date], the Sublicensee and Licensor entered into an Administration Services Agreement and a Support Agreement;

WHEREAS Licensor agrees to grant to Sublicensee a worldwide non-exclusive license to use the Trademark, upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth as at the Effective Date, and wishes to put in writing:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and of the mutual promises and undertakings contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.

License. Licensor grants as of the Effective Date to Sublicensee a worldwide non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademark in connection with the services set out in Schedule A (the “Services”) and any Additional Goods and Services as defined in section 4 of this Agreement.

 

2.

Sublicense. Sublicensee has the right to sublicense the use of the Trademark to others as of the Effective Date, subject to written consent from Licensor and written agreement from any Sublicensee’s sublicensees agreeing to the terms and

 

- 1 -


  conditions of this Agreement, including, in particular, the Quality Control provisions in section 9.

 

3.

Exclusive Ownership of Trademark. Sublicensee acknowledges that the Trademark is the sole and exclusive property of the Owner. Sublicensee and its sublicensees shall not attack, oppose, cancel or otherwise challenge, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction in any manner, the Trademark, or any future trademarks containing or comprising the term BROOKFIELD, whether applied for, registered or used by Licensor.

 

4.

Additional Goods and Services. From time-to-time Sublicensee shall have the right to notify Licensor that it wishes to use the Trademark in association with goods and/or services not included in the Services (the “Additional Goods and Services”). Thereupon, Licensor shall promptly either grant or deny Sublicensee the right to use the Trademark in association with the Additional Goods and Services. Subject to any subsequent written agreement between the Parties, this Agreement shall govern the use of the Trademark with any Additional Goods and Services and all terms and conditions will apply should Licensor grant the licence to use the Trademark in association with the Additional Goods and Services.

 

5.

Restricted Use. Sublicensee shall not use the Trademark in association with goods or services in connection with the business of commercial real estate, including investment services, investment advisory services and brokerage services in the field of real estate with the express written consent of Licensor. Subject to any subsequent written agreement entered into between the Parties, this Agreement shall govern Sublicensee’s Restricted Use of the Trademark and all terms and conditions will apply to any use of the Trademark by Sublicensee in respect of services referenced in this section.

 

6.

Territory. Sublicensee may use the Trademark in association with the Goods and/or Services worldwide.

 

7.

Costs. Sublicensee shall not be responsible for all costs associated with filing, prosecution and maintenance of applications and registrations for the Trademark. Sublicensee shall not be responsible for all costs associated with any cancellation, opposition or infringement proceedings, unless the costs are incurred at the request of Sublicensee.

 

8.

Term. This Agreement shall be only be terminated pursuant to the conditions set out in section 13 or 14.

 

9.

Quality Control. Sublicensee agrees that the:

 

  (a)

Licensor shall, at all times, exercises control over the character and quality of all the Services and all Additional Goods and Services offered by Sublicensee in association with the Trademark;

 

- 2 -


  (b)

Licensor shall have the right, reasonably exercised, to refuse to allow the sale of the Services, or any Additional Goods or Services, or any advertising material which fails to meet Licensor’s quality standards, and upon such rejection, Sublicensee shall promptly cease using the Trademark;

 

  (c)

Licensor shall have the right to inspect the premises and operations of Sublicensee, the Services, the Additional Goods and Services, and all marketing and promotional materials, documents and goods bearing the Trademark, and records relating to the character and quality of the Services, provided that Licensor provides adequate notice of the inspection and bears the cost of the inspection;

 

  (d)

Sublicensee shall provide, at Licensor’s request and expense, evidence of use or other assistance that Licensor may reasonably request to document the use of the Trademark;

 

  (e)

Sublicensee shall comply with all branding manuals, guidelines, instructions, standards and specifications, provided to Sublicensee from time to time by Licensor for use of the Trademark; and

 

  (f)

Sublicensee shall comply with any reasonable marking requests that Licensor may make in relation to the Trademark.

 

10.

No Registration. Sublicensee shall not attempt to register the Trademark anywhere in the world, either alone or in combination with other words or indicia, or attempt to register any trademark (including, without limitation, domain names, telephone numbers and other now existing or future forms of trademarks) which is likely to cause confusion with the Trademark.

 

11.

Compliance with Laws. Sublicensee shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations imposed by the jurisdiction in which the Trademark is used relating to the Services and the Additional Goods and Services.

 

12.

Default. Licensor shall have the right, reasonably exercised, to refuse to allow Sublicensee to offer or sell the Services, or any Additional Goods and Services, in association with the Trademark if Sublicensee fails to meet the terms of this Agreement, including any quality control standards in section 9. Licensor shall also have the right to refuse to allow the distribution of any advertising material produced by Sublicensee that fails to meet any quality control standards set by Licensor. Upon such refusal by Licensor in this section, Sublicensee shall promptly cease using all Trademark until Sublicensee cures the default.

 

13.

Termination. Licensor is entitled to terminate this Agreement upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to the Sublicensee upon the occurrence of the following events:

 

- 3 -


  (a)

the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or winding-up of Sublicensee;

 

  (b)

the termination of the Support Agreement;

 

  (c)

the date prior to the date on which the seizure or attachment of the property, assets or undertaking of Sublicensee, as a result of any action taken against it by any person;

 

  (d)

Sublicensee assigns, sublicenses, pledges, mortgages or otherwise encumbers the Trademark;

 

  (e)

Sublicensee fails to abide by the terms of this Agreement and Sublicensee does not remedy the default within thirty (30) days of written notice by Licensor;

 

  (f)

Licensor ceases by any means whatsoever to own shares in Sublicensee;

 

  (g)

the termination or amendment of the Master License if such termination or amendment results in a loss of rights licensed hereunder by Licensor; or

 

  (h)

all the registrations of the BROOKFIELD registrations and any future BROOKFIELD formative marks for the Services listed in Schedule A, as amended from time to time, expire.

 

14.

Sublicensee Termination. Sublicensee may terminate this Agreement upon giving thirty (30) days’ written notice of termination to Licensor upon the occurrence of an event of default in the performance of any material term, condition or agreement under this Agreement and the default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice of the breach is given to Licensor.

 

15.

Consequences of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Sublicensee and any of its sublicensees shall, except as expressly provided herein, immediately cease to use all marketing materials or other materials on which the Trademark is displayed. Sublicensee and any of its sublicensees shall not thereafter adopt, use or refer to any trademarks, service marks, logos, designs, trade names, trade dress, domain names, toll-free numbers or other identifications that contain the word BROOKFIELD or that is otherwise, derived from or is likely to be confused with the Trademark. Sublicensee shall thereafter promptly take steps to amend or cancel its registered trade names that incorporates the Trademark to remove reference to the term BROOKFIELD.

 

16.

Enforcement and Cooperation. Sublicensee shall notify Licensor if it learns of the existence, use, or promotion of any mark, design, trade name, domain name, or any other indicia that may be confused, or otherwise depreciate the value of the goodwill associated, with the Trademark. Licensor may take any action it deems necessary or advisable to enforce its rights in respect of the Trademark and Sublicensee shall cooperate with Licensor in any proceeding to enforce their rights in respect of the Trademark.

 

17.

Notice of Infringement. Licensor shall notify Sublicensee in writing within five (5) business days of any claims, demands, lawsuits, proceedings, and actions of any kind made or commenced, or which is threatened to be made or commenced against Licensor arising out of the use of the Trademark by Sublicensee.

 

- 4 -


18.

Indemnity. Except as expressly provided herein, Sublicensee agrees to protect, defend and indemnify Licensor from any and all claims, suits or demands brought by third Parties arising out of or relating to the use of the Trademark by Sublicensee in breach of this Agreement.

 

19.

Control of Defense. Sublicensee shall have the right to exercise sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations in connection with the indemnity obligation in section 19. Licensor shall provide to Sublicensee at Sublicensee’s expense all reasonable assistance, information, and authority necessary to perform Sublicensee’s indemnity obligation in section 19.

 

20.

Assignability. Each Party may assign this Agreement to any person that controls the assigning Party, is controlled by the assigning Party or is controlled by the same person that controls the assigning Party upon giving the other prior notice thereof. Any assignment of Sublicensee’s interest in the Agreement to arm’s length parties requires the written consent of Licensor. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Licensor, Sublicensee and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

21.

Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile transmission, by express courier, or by prepaid mail (except during an interruption of postal services). Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, will be deemed to have been received on the second business day after the post marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile, will be deemed to have been received on the business day following the sending, or if delivered by express courier or by hand will be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address will also be governed by this section. Notices and other communications will be addressed as follows:

 

To Sublicensee:   

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda

   Attn: Corporate Secretary
To Licensor:   

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Suite 300, Brookfield Place

181 Bay Street, Box 762,

Toronto, ON M5J 2T3

 

- 5 -


  

Attn: Chief Legal Officer

 

22.

Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws in force in the Province of Ontario and Canada.

 

23.

Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Licensor from immediately seeking injunctive relief or any other equitable or judicial remedy, in any forum that Licensor, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate to protect its rights including its rights in the Trademark.

 

24.

Waiver and Modification. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement will constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach, and no waiver will be effective unless in writing and signed by the Party to be charged. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a writing signed by both Parties. The failure of either Party at any time to require performance by the other of any provisions of this Agreement will in no way affect the full right of the Party to require the performance of any provisions at any later time.

 

25.

Interpretation. The paragraph headings of this Agreement are for the convenience of the Parties only, and shall not affect the interpretation of any paragraph, or have any legal effect. This Agreement has been prepared by each of the Parties and the terms hereof will not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of its participation in the preparation.

 

26.

Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect by a court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, then unless otherwise agreed, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect except for such provisions, which will be deemed excised therefrom. In such event, the Parties agree to use their best efforts to agree on substitute provisions, which, while valid, will achieve as closely as possible the same economic effects as the invalid provision(s).

 

27.

Survival. Upon the termination of this Agreement, sections 3, 10, 15 and 23 shall be deemed to continue in full force and effect and survive the termination of the Agreement.

 

28.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all the agreements, undertakings and understandings by the Parties, and all prior understandings, negotiations, representations, agreements or not expressly contained herein relating to the subject matter of this Agreement have been merged herein and shall be of no force or effect.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

- 6 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.     Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.
By:         By:    
Name:       Name:  
Title:       Title:  

 

- 7 -


Schedule “A”

The Services

Class 36:     Financial services; financial investments in the fields of commodities, gold, investment notes, real estate and securities; investment management services; investment of funds; capital investment; financial research; real estate management; real estate leasing; real estate leasing for commercial properties; real estate leasing for residential properties; real estate brokerage; real estate investment; investment management in real estate; investment management in commercial, institutional, industrial and residential real estate; insurance services; reinsurance services; managing commercial, institutional, industrial and residential real estate; pension fund services; operating and leasing real estate; mortgage issuing services; investment and investment management services; financial planning services; financial analysis services; consultancy, advisory and information services relating to the aforesaid services.

 

- 8 -

Exhibit 10.5

CREDIT AGREEMENT

between

BAM RE HOLDINGS LTD.

NORTH END RE (CAYMAN) SPC

NORTH END RE LTD.

BROOKFIELD ANNUITY COMPANY

as Borrowers

and

BAM RE HOLDINGS LTD.

as Guarantor

and

BROOKFIELD US HOLDINGS INC.

BROOKFIELD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC.

as Lenders

Effective as of     , 2021

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS

     4  

1.1   Defined Terms

     4  

1.2   Terms Generally

     16  

1.3   Accounting Terms; GAAP

     17  

1.4   Time

     17  

1.5   Borrowers Severally Liable

     17  

1.6   Currency Equivalents

     17  

1.7   Amount of Credit

     17  

1.8   Divisions

     18  

1.9   Schedules

     18  

ARTICLE 2 THE CREDIT FACILITY

     18  

2.1   Commitment

     18  

2.2   Loans and Borrowings

     19  

2.3   Requests for Borrowings

     19  

2.4   Interest

     20  

2.5   Evidence of Debt

     22  

2.6   Automatic Renewal, Termination and Reduction of Credit Facility

     22  

2.7   Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts

     23  

2.8   Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation

     23  

2.9   Breakage Costs

     23  

2.10   Alternate Rate of Interest

     24  

2.11   LIBOR Discontinuation

     24  

2.12   Increased Costs; Illegality

     25  

2.13   Payments Generally

     27  

2.14   Addition of Borrowers

     27  

2.15   Withholding Tax

     27  

ARTICLE 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     28  

3.1   Organization; Powers

     28  

3.2   Authorization; Enforceability

     28  

3.3   Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

     28  

3.4   Financial Information

     29  

3.5   Litigation

     29  

3.6   Compliance with Laws and Agreements

     29  

3.7   Taxes

     29  

3.8   Pension Plans

     29  

3.9   No Order or Judgments

     30  

3.10   Insurance

     30  

3.11   Solvency

     30  

3.12   Environmental Matters

     30  

3.13   Money Laundering Laws

     30  

 

- i -


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

3.14   Office of Foreign Assets Control

     30  

3.15   Survival of Representations and Warranties

     31  

3.16   Deemed Repetition

     31  

ARTICLE 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LIBOR LOANS

     31  

4.1   Effective Date

     31  

4.2   Conditions Precedent to Borrowings

     31  

ARTICLE 5 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     32  

5.1   Financial Statements and Other Information

     32  

5.2   Existence; Conduct of Business

     32  

5.3   Timely Payment

     32  

5.4   Books and Records

     32  

5.5   Compliance with Laws

     32  

5.6   Insurance

     33  

5.7   Operation of Business

     33  

5.8   Maintenance of Assets

     33  

5.9   Payment of Taxes

     33  

5.10   Use of Proceeds

     33  

ARTICLE 6 NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     34  

6.1   Fundamental Changes

     34  

6.2   Hedging Transactions

     34  

6.3   Distributions during Default

     35  

ARTICLE 7 EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     35  

7.1   Events of Default

     35  

7.2   Legal Proceedings

     38  

7.3   Non-Merger

     38  

ARTICLE 8 GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY

     39  

8.1   Guarantee

     39  

8.2   Indemnity

     39  

8.3   Payment and Performance

     39  

8.4   Continuing Obligation

     39  

8.5   Guarantee Unaffected

     40  

8.6   Waivers

     40  

8.7   Lenders’ Right to Act

     41  

8.8   Action or Inaction

     42  

8.9   Remedies Cumulative

     42  

8.10   Demand

     42  

 

- ii -


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

     Page  

ARTICLE 9 DEPOSITS

     42  

9.1   Deposits

     42  

ARTICLE 10 MISCELLANEOUS

     43  

10.1   Subordination to Credit Agreement Indebtedness

     43  

10.2   Notices

     43  

10.3   Waivers

     44  

10.4   Expenses; Indemnity

     44  

10.5   Currency Indemnity

     45  

10.6   Successors and Assigns and Addition of Lenders

     46  

10.7   Survival

     46  

10.8   Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

     47  

10.9   Severability

     47  

10.10  Right of Set Off

     47  

10.11  Governing Law; Jurisdiction

     48  

10.12  Waiver of Jury Trial

     48  

10.13  Headings

     48  

10.14  Limited Recourse

     48  

 

 

- iii -


CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is effective as of     , 2021 and is entered into between BAM Re Holdings Ltd. (“Holdings”), North End RE (Cayman) SPC (“Cayman Opco”), North End RE Ltd. (“Bermuda Opco”) and Brookfield Annuity Company (“Canada Opco”), as Borrowers and, in the case of Holdings, as Guarantor, and Brookfield US Holdings Inc. and Brookfield International Holdings Inc., as Lenders.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

 

1.1

Defined Terms

As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

Additional Guarantor” has the meaning specified in Section 8.4.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified;

Agreement” means this credit agreement and all schedules attached hereto, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

Applicable Law” means, in respect of any Person, property, transaction, event or other matter, as applicable, all Laws relating or applicable to such Person, property, transaction, event or matter.

Applicable Margin” means, with respect to any Loan, the applicable rate per annum, expressed as a percentage, set forth in the relevant column and row of the table below as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4.1:

 

Type of Loan

   Applicable Margin  

Canadian Prime Rate Loan

        

U.S. Base Rate Loan

        

CDOR Loan

        

LIBOR Loan

        

Authorization” means, with respect to any Person, any authorization, order, permit, approval, grant, licence, consent, franchise, privilege, certificate, judgment, writ, injunction, award, determination, direction, decree, by-law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person and legally binding on such Person.


Available Amount” means the amount of the Credit Facility as set out in Section 2.1 as reduced from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 2.11.4.

Benchmark” means, initially, LIBOR Screen Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBOR Screen Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.11.1.

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lenders for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

  (a)

the sum of: (i) Term SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

  (b)

the sum of: (i) Daily Simple SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

  (c)

the sum of: (i) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Lenders as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (x) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (y) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

provided that, in the case of clause (a), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Lenders in their reasonable discretion. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other loan documents.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:

 

  (a)

for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the

 

- 5 -


  Lenders: (i) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, and (ii) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and

 

  (b)

for purposes of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Lenders and any Borrower for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities;

provided that, in the case of clause (a) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Lenders in their reasonable discretion.

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Lenders decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Lenders in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Lenders decide that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Lenders determine that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Lenders decide is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other loan documents). The Lenders agree to consult with the Borrowers on making any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and obtain the Borrowers consent thereto, not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

- 6 -


Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

  (a)

in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); and

 

  (b)

in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; or

 

  (c)

in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, so long as the Lenders have not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from any Borrower.

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

  (a)

a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

  (b)

a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the

 

- 7 -


  administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

 

  (c)

a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer representative.

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any loan document in accordance with Section 2.11 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any loan document in accordance with Section 2.11.

Borrower” means each of Holdings, Cayman Opco, Bermuda Opco and Canada Opco and its successors and permitted assigns.

Borrowing” means any availment of any of the Credit Facility and includes a rollover or conversion of any outstanding Loan.

Borrowing Request” means a request by any Borrower for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable law to remain closed and, in the case of any LIBOR Loan, is also not a day on which commercial banks in London, England are authorized or required by Applicable Law to remain closed.

Canadian Dollars” and “Cdn$” refer to lawful money of Canada.

Canadian Prime Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more Canadian Prime Rate Loans.

Canadian Prime Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Prime Rate.

Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by the Canadian Reference Lender and in effect as its prime rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on

 

- 8 -


Canadian Dollar-denominated commercial loans in Canada, and (b) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the one-month CDOR in effect on such day plus 1.0% per annum.

Canadian Reference Lender” means such bank that is listed on Schedule I of the Bank Act (Canada) that is selected by the Lenders by giving written notice of thereof to the Borrowers.

CDOR” means (a) with respect to a CDOR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the average per annum rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical or comparable term as the proposed CDOR Loan displayed and identified as such on the “Reuters Screen CDOR Page” (as defined in the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 2000 definitions, as modified and amended from time to time), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the first day of the Interest Period for such CDOR Loan, with a term equivalent to the Interest Period of such CDOR Loan or if such Interest Period is not equal to a number of months, with a term equivalent to the number of months closest to such Interest Period, plus 0.10%; provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page on such date as contemplated, then the CDOR on such date shall be calculated as the rate for the term referred to above applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances quoted by the Canadian Reference Lender as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on such date or, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day, plus 0.10%; provided further that the CDOR shall at no times be less than 0%. If no CDOR is available for a particular Interest Period but CDORs are available for maturities both longer and shorter than such Interest Period, then the CDOR for such Interest Period shall be the CDOR Interpolated Rate plus 0.10%.

CDOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more CDOR Loans.

CDOR Interpolated Rate” means, in relation to any CDOR Loan and its Interest Period, a rate per annum determined by the Lenders (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between (a) the applicable CDOR for the longest period for which a CDOR is available that is shorter than such Interest Period and (b) the applicable CDOR for the shortest period for which a CDOR is available that is longer than such Interest Period, in each case as of 11:00 a.m., Toronto time on the day two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period; provided that the CDOR Interpolated Rate shall at no times be less than 0%.

CDOR Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon CDOR.

Change in Control” means the acquisition by any Person other than Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. or its Affiliates (or any combination thereof) of Control of any Borrower.

Change in Law” means (a) the adoption of any new Law after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any existing Law or in the official interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement, or (c) compliance by the Lenders or any of their lenders with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law, but in the case of a request, guideline or directive not having the force of law, being a request,

 

- 9 -


guideline or directive with which Persons customarily, and are expected by the relevant Governmental Authority to, comply and nevertheless considered to be binding on a Person or such Person’s property) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.

Claim” has the meaning specified in Section 10.4.2.

Control” and similar expressions mean a relationship between two Persons wherein one of such Persons has the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of the other of such Persons, and includes, without limitation: (a) in the case of a corporation or a trust, the ownership, either directly or indirectly through one or more Persons, of Equity Securities of such corporation or trust carrying more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or the Control of the corporate trustee of such trust, either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing, (other than Equity Securities held as collateral for a bona fide debt where the holder thereof is not entitled to exercise the voting rights attached thereto unless a default has occurred), provided that such votes, if exercised, are sufficient to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or corporate trustee; and (b) in the case of a general partnership or limited partnership, the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to act as the managing partner appointed in respect of such general partnership or the general partner appointed in respect of such limited partnership, or to otherwise Control such managing partner or general partner, as applicable.

Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

Credit Agreement” means each revolving credit agreement that is entered into by the Borrowers, as borrowers, and any one or more banks from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

Credit Agreement Event of Default” means the occurrence of an “Event of Default” pursuant to any of the Credit Agreements.

Credit Agreement Indebtedness” means (a) in respect of any Borrower, the principal of and interest and premium (and any other amounts payable under) owing by such Borrower under the Credit Agreements, and, without duplication, (b) in respect of the Guarantor, the obligations of the Guarantor under the Credit Agreements.

Credit Facility” means the revolving credit facility established pursuant to Section 2.1.1.

Currency Due” has the meaning specified in Section 10.5.

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Lenders in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided that, if the Lenders decide that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Lenders, then the Lenders may establish another convention in their reasonable discretion in consultation with the Borrowers.

 

- 10 -


Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which, upon notice, lapse of time or both, would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Distribution” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the retirement, redemption, retraction, purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Securities of such Person for cash or other property of such Person; (b) the declaration or payment of any dividend, return of capital or other distribution (in cash or other property of such Person) of, on or in respect of, any Equity Securities of such Person; or (c) any other payment or distribution (in cash or other property of such Person) of, on or in respect of any Equity Securities of such Person.

Dollar Amount” means at any time with respect to outstanding Loans under the Credit Facility, the aggregate of (a) the amount in Dollars of all Loans that are denominated in Dollars, and (b) the Dollar Equivalent at such time of all Loans that are denominated in Canadian Dollars.

Dollar Equivalent” means, at the date of determination, the amount of Dollars that the Lenders could purchase, in accordance with their normal practice, with a specified amount of Canadian Dollars based on the Exchange Rate on such date.

Dollars” and “$” refer to lawful money of the United States unless otherwise indicated.

Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBOR, the occurrence of:

 

  (a)

a determination by the Lenders that at least five currently outstanding Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such credit facilities are identified in the notice to the Borrowers described in clause (b) below and are publicly available for review), and

 

  (b)

the election by the Lenders to trigger a fallback from the LIBOR Screen Rate and the provision by the Lenders of written notice of such election to the Borrowers.

Effective Date” means     , 2021.

Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, provincial, local or foreign laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgements, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, having the force of law and relating to the environment, health and safety, or health protection, including the generation, use, handling, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, recycling, release, threatened release or disposal of any hazardous or regulated material.

Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, units, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including without limitation any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any unit or beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.

 

- 11 -


Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.

Exchange Rate” means, on any day, the rate at which Canadian Dollars may be exchanged into Dollars as set forth at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such date on the relevant Reuters screen for Canadian Dollars; provided that if such rate does not appear on any Reuters screen on any date, the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be reasonably selected by the Lenders.

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof.

Federal Funds (Effective) Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal for each day during such period to (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or (b) if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Lenders from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Financing Document” means this Agreement and each document, instrument or agreement that is entered into pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement.

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to LIBOR.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in Canada or the United States in effect from time to time which, for clarity, will include IFRS.

Governmental Authority” means the Government of Canada or the United States, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether provincial, state, territorial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court or other ether entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Guarantee” has the meaning specified in Section 8.1.

Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning specified in Section 8.1.

Guarantor” means Holdings.

Hostile Acquisition” means a proposed acquisition by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in circumstances in which the Person subject to such acquisition will not have, as of the date of the acquisition notice in respect of such acquisition, evidenced its agreement or agreement in principle to such acquisition.

 

- 12 -


IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as in effect from time to time.

Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 10.4.2.

Interest Payment Date” means, (a) in the case of any Canadian Prime Rate Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the first Business Day of each month, and (b) in the case of any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period relating to such Loan, provided that if an Interest Period for any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan exceeds three months, then “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date which occurs at each three month interval during such Interest Period.

Interest Period” means with respect to a CDOR Loan or a LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter or such other periods thereafter as may from time to time be agreed to by the Borrower requesting such Loan and the Lenders; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period will be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period will end on the next preceding Business Day, (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) will end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period, and (c) no Interest Period will extend beyond the Maturity Date. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially will be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a converted or continued Borrowing, thereafter will be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 10.5.

Laws” means all applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal, foreign and international statutes, acts, codes, ordinances, decrees, treaties, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards or any provisions of the foregoing, and all policies, practices, directives and guidelines in each case of any Governmental Authority and having the force of law; and “Law” means any one or more of the foregoing.

Lenders” means Brookfield US Holdings Inc., Brookfield International Holdings Inc. and each Person that becomes a Lender hereunder from time to time, and “Lender” means any of them.

LIBOR” means with respect to any LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars, for any Interest Period, the rate for Dollar borrowings appearing on the applicable Reuters screen (or, in each case, any successor or substitute page of such service), or any successor to or substitute for such service

 

- 13 -


providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by the Lenders from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, in each case as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period; provided that if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then “LIBOR” with respect to such LIBOR Loan for such Interest Period will be the rate at which Dollar deposits approximately equal to the amount of such LIBOR Loan and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of a commercial bank selected by the Lenders in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; and provided further that if any such rate is below zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero and LIBOR shall be adjusted as applicable to reflect the Statutory Reserve Rate by multiplying the rate described above by the Statutory Reserve Rate.

LIBOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more LIBOR Loans.

LIBOR Loan” means a loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon LIBOR.

LIBOR Screen Rate” means the rate for Dollar borrowings set forth in the definition of LIBOR itself.

Loan” means any LIBOR Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, CDOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan made by any Lender to a Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Material Adverse Effect” means any event, development or circumstance which has had or would reasonably be expected to have (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, operations or financial condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrowers (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under this Agreement.

Maturity Date” means     , 2026, unless the Agreement is automatically renewed under Section 2.6.1, in which case the Maturity Date shall be the date the Agreement is scheduled to terminate following any valid renewal.

Money Laundering Laws” has the meaning specified in Section 3.13.

Obligations” means all present and future debts, liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, existing on the Effective Date or thereafter arising, including without limitation with respect to all Loans, and all interest and fees owing hereunder (including those that accrue after the commencing by or against any Borrower of any insolvency or similar proceeding).

OFAC” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.

OFAC Lists” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.

 

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Person” includes any natural person, corporation, company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, incorporated organization, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is the LIBOR Screen Rate, 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (b) if such Benchmark is not a LIBOR Screen Rate, the time determined by the Lenders in their reasonable discretion.

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.

Responsible Officer” means, in respect of any Person, any director or officer of such Person or the general or managing partner of such Person.

SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at approximately 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.

Specified Threshold Amount” means, as at any date, the greater of (a) $     and (b) an amount equal to     % of the Borrowers’ consolidated equity as at such date.

Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve, liquid asset, fees or similar reserve requirements (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves or other requirements) established by any central bank, monetary authority, the Federal Reserve Board, the Financial Services Authority, the European Central Bank or other Governmental Authority for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans in the applicable currency, expressed in the case of each such requirement as a decimal. Such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements shall, in the case of Dollar denominated Loans, include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board. LIBOR Loans shall be deemed to be subject to such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements without the benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available to lenders from time to time under any Applicable Law. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any such change in any reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirement.

 

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Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the combined voting stock are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by any one or more subsidiaries of such Person.

Taxes” means all present and future taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, surtaxes, duties and other assessments, including all income, sales, use, goods and services, value added, capital, capital gains, alternative, net worth, transfer, profits, withholding, payroll, employer health, excise, real property and personal property taxes, and any other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments, or similar charges of any nature, imposed by any Governmental Authority and whether disputed or not.

Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan or Borrowing is a U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, LIBOR Loan or CDOR Loan or a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, Canadian Prime Borrowing, LIBOR Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, as the case may be.

U.S. Base Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by a commercial Canadian bank selected by the Lenders and in effect as its base rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Dollar demand commercial loans in Canada, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds (Effective) Rate plus 0.50% per annum, and (c) LIBOR for Dollars for one-month term in effect on such day plus 1.00%. Any change in the U.S. Base Rate due to a change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds (Effective) Rate or such LIBOR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds (Effective) Rate or such LIBOR, respectively.

U.S. Base Rate Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more U.S. Base Rate Loans.

U.S. Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the U.S. Base Rate.

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

Withholdings” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.15.1.

 

1.2

Terms Generally

The definitions of terms herein will apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun will include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein will be

 

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construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein); (b) any reference herein to any statute or any Section thereof will, unless otherwise expressly stated, be deemed to be a reference to such statute or Section as amended, restated or re-enacted from time to time; (c) any reference herein to any Person will be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, will be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof; (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections and Exhibits will be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement; and (f) the words “asset” and “property” will be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contractual rights.

 

1.3

Accounting Terms; GAAP

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature will be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time.

 

1.4

Time

All time references herein will, unless otherwise specified, be references to local time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.

 

1.5

Borrowers Severally Liable

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each Borrower will be severally (and not joint and severally) liable to pay all amounts owing under this Agreement in respect of each Borrowing and Loan that is advanced to such Borrower hereunder, including (without limitation) the obligation to pay all principal and interest owing under or in respect of each such Borrowing and Loan, the obligation to pay all amounts related to any prepayment of any such Borrowing and Loan and the obligations to pay all Taxes and amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.9, Section 2.12 and Section 2.15 in respect of all such Borrowings and Loans. No Borrower other than Holdings (in its capacity as the Guarantor hereunder) shall be liable in any way for any of the Borrowings or Loans (or any amounts owing in respect thereof or obligations related thereto) of any other Borrower.

 

1.6

Currency Equivalents

For purposes of determining (a) whether the amount of any Borrowing, together with all other Borrowings then outstanding or to be borrowed at the same time as such Borrowing, would exceed the Available Amount, (b) the unutilized amount of the Credit Facility, and (c) the outstanding principal amount of any Borrowing, the outstanding principal amount of any Loan that is denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of such amount determined as of the applicable determination date.

 

1.7

Amount of Credit

Any reference herein to the amount of credit outstanding means, at any particular time:

 

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  (a)

in the case of a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or CDOR Loan, the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount thereof; and

 

  (b)

in the case of a LIBOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the principal amount of such Loan.

 

1.8

Divisions

For all purposes of this Agreement, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person; and (b) if any Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Securities at such time.

 

1.9

Schedules

The following are the Schedules and Exhibits annexed hereto, incorporated by reference and deemed to be a part hereof:

Exhibits A        -         Borrowing Request

Exhibit B         -         Form of Deposit Record

ARTICLE 2

THE CREDIT FACILITY

 

2.1

Commitment

 

2.1.1

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lenders hereby establish in favour of the Borrowers a Credit Facility in the amount of $200,000,000 (the “Available Amount”) and commit to make Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Maturity Date, provided that:

 

  (a)

the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Loans that are owing by Cayman Opco at any time shall not exceed $    ;

 

  (b)

the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Loans that are owing by Bermuda Opco at any time shall not exceed $    ;

 

  (c)

the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Loans that are owing by Canada Opco at any time shall not exceed $    ; and

 

  (d)

the aggregate principal amount of all Loans shall not at any time exceed the Available Amount.

 

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Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and re-borrow Loans from time to time. Holdings shall have the right to amend the amounts set out in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above from time to time upon issuing a written notice to this effect to the Lenders and the other Borrowers, which notice and adjusted amounts shall be binding on all Borrowers hereunder from and after the date on which such notice is issued (or such other date as may be specified in such notice).

 

2.1.2

Advances under the Credit Facility are to be used by the Borrowers for their general corporate purposes, provided that in no event will the Credit Facility be used to finance a Hostile Acquisition without the consent of the Lenders.

 

2.2

Loans and Borrowings

 

2.2.1

Each Borrowing under the Credit Facility may be requested by any Borrower and will be comprised of U.S. Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans in Dollars or Canadian Prime Rate Loans or CDOR Loans in Canadian Dollars, as such Borrower may request in accordance herewith.

 

2.3

Requests for Borrowings

 

2.3.1

To request a Borrowing under the Credit Facility, any Borrower shall notify the Lenders of such request by written Borrowing Request substantially in the form of Exhibit A not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, [four (4)] Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or such shorter period as the Lenders may agree to. Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. The Lenders are entitled to rely upon and act upon any Borrowing Request given or purportedly given by any Borrower, and each Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the authenticity and validity of any such transaction once a Lender has advanced funds, based on such Borrowing Request. Each Borrowing Request shall specify the following information:

 

  (a)

the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

 

  (b)

the date of such Borrowing, which must be a Business Day;

 

  (c)

whether such Borrowing is to be a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, a LIBOR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing;

 

  (d)

in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

 

  (e)

the details of the account to which the proceeds of the Loans are to be disbursed.

 

2.3.2

Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing under the Credit Facility initially shall have the Interest Period specified by a Borrower in the Borrowing Request that is delivered by such Borrower. Thereafter, such Borrower may elect to convert any Borrowing to any different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, may elect the Interest Periods therefor.

 

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  Borrowers may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.3.2, a Borrower shall notify the Lenders of such election by delivering a Borrowing Request required under Section 2.3.1 as if such Borrower were requesting a Borrowing to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. In addition to the information specified in Section 2.3.1, each Borrowing Request shall specify the Borrowing to which such request applies and, if different options are elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing. If no election is made pursuant to this Section 2.3.2 at the end of an Interest Period applicable to any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have elected an Interest Period of one month for such CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan for the immediately following Interest Period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and a Lender so notifies the Borrowers, then so long as an Event of Default is continuing (a) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing and (b) unless repaid, each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing shall be converted to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, respectively, at the end of the then-current Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

2.3.3

If at any time the Lenders determine that CDOR is no longer determinable or the supervisor for the administrator of CDOR or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over banks or other financial institutions has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which CDOR shall no longer be used for determining interests rates for loans, then the Lenders shall give written notice of such determination to the Borrowers and the Lenders and the Borrowers shall endeavour to establish an alternate rate of interest to CDOR that gives due consideration to the then prevailing market convention for determining a replacement standard and shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement to reflect such agreed upon alternate rate of interest.

 

2.3.4

Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing will be subject to Sections 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12.

 

2.4

Interest

 

2.4.1

The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each U.S. Base Rate Borrowing and Canadian Prime Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) at a rate per annum equal to the U.S. Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate, respectively, plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. It is understood and agreed that if at any time after the date hereof any Lender’s cost of borrowing is increased, the Lender will be entitled, after consultation with the Borrowers and the other Lender, to increase the Applicable Margin that is applicable to all or any Types of Loans or Borrowings to reflect the Lender’s increased cost of making such Loans or Borrowings available to the Borrowers.

 

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2.4.2

The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each CDOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be) at CDOR for the Interest Period in effect for such CDOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect.

 

2.4.3

The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each LIBOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 360 days) at LIBOR for the Interest Period in effect for such LIBOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect.

 

2.4.4

The applicable U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Prime Rate, LIBOR and CDOR Rate shall be determined by the Lenders, and such determination shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof.

 

2.4.5

Accrued interest on each Loan made to a Borrower shall be payable by such Borrower in arrears on each Interest Payment Date and upon termination of the Credit Facility, and in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan by any Borrower, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable by such Borrower on the date of such repayment or prepayment together with all applicable breakage costs.

 

2.4.6

All interest hereunder shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for one day.

 

2.4.7

For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) and disclosure thereunder, whenever any interest or any fee to be paid hereunder or in connection herewith is to be calculated on the basis of any period of time that is less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to which the rate used in such calculation is equivalent is the rate so used multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the same is to be ascertained and divided by 360, 365 or 366, as applicable. The rates of interest under this Agreement are nominal rates, and not effective rates or yields. The principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement.

 

2.4.8

If any provision of this Agreement would oblige any Borrower to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to the Lenders in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by Law or would result in a receipt by the Lenders of “interest” at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then, notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by Law or so result in a receipt by the Lenders of “interest” at a “criminal rate”, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary (but only to the extent necessary), as follows:

 

  (a)

first, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid by such Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 2.4; and

 

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  (b)

thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to the Lenders by such Borrower which would constitute interest for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

 

2.4.9

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Loans will bear interest to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans. All other amounts owing under this Agreement will bear interest at an interest rate equal to the one month LIBOR rate plus 4.0% per annum.

 

2.5

Evidence of Debt

 

2.5.1

The Lenders will maintain accounts in which they will record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder to each Borrower and the relevant Interest Periods applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from each Borrower to the Lenders hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Lenders hereunder from any Borrower or the Guarantor.

 

2.5.2

The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.5.1 will be prima facie evidence (absent manifest error) of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein will not in any manner affect the obligation of any Borrower to repay the Loans and all other amounts payable by it in connection therewith, including interest and fees, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.6

Automatic Renewal, Termination and Reduction of Credit Facility

 

2.6.1

This Agreement shall automatically renew for consecutive one (1) year terms on each anniversary of the Effective Date, unless the Lenders provide the Borrowers with at least ten (10) Business Days’ written notice prior to the relevant anniversary of their intention to terminate this Agreement. The Lenders may at any time provide written notice to the Borrowers at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the then scheduled maturity date that this Section 2.6.1 will be terminated and cease to be of any force or effect.

 

2.6.2

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Lenders shall have the right to terminate the Credit Facility and their commitment with respect to the Credit Facility upon giving the Borrowers 90 days’ prior written notice. If the Lenders so terminate the Credit Facility, each Borrower must repay all amounts owing by it hereunder (including all Loans advanced to it and all interest and fees payable in respect thereof) on the termination date that is so elected by the Lenders.

 

2.6.3

Unless previously terminated, the commitment of the Lenders with respect to the Credit Facility will terminate on the Maturity Date and each Borrower hereby unconditionally severally promises to pay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date (or such earlier date that the Loans have been accelerated pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 7.1) the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan that was advanced to such Borrower together with all interest accrued thereon and other amounts owing by it under this Agreement.

 

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2.6.4

Holdings may, upon three Business Days prior written notice to the Lenders, permanently cancel any unused portion of the Credit Facility, without penalty. Each notice delivered by Holdings pursuant to this Section 2.6.4 will be irrevocable, will be binding on all Borrowers and will indicate any adjustments to the amounts set out in Section 2.1.1.

 

2.7

Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts

If at any time any Lender determines that the Dollar Amount outstanding under the Credit Facility exceeds the Available Amount, then upon written notice from a Lender to such effect, each Borrower will, within 24 hours, make a prepayment of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to its share of such excess, as determined by any Lender.

 

2.8

Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation

Any Borrower may, from time to time at its option, prepay any Loan that is owing by it hereunder without premium or penalty and the Borrowers may permanently reduce the Available Credit of the Credit Facility, provided that:

 

  (a)

any prepayment or reduction is in a minimum amount of $100,000;

 

  (b)

each Borrower pays, concurrently with any such prepayment, all interest accrued on the amount prepaid by it together with breakage costs, if any, incurred by any Lender as a result of any such prepayment and that are payable pursuant to Section 2.9;

 

  (c)

the Lenders receive written notice of such prepayment, at least three Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment and specifying the amount and date of such prepayment. Any such notice shall be irrevocable and the applicable Borrowers shall be bound to prepay in accordance with such notice; and

 

  (d)

in the event that the notice provided to the Lenders in accordance with (c) above is from Holdings and indicates that the prepaid amount is to permanently prepay the Credit Facility pursuant to this Section 2.8, then the amount prepaid may not be re-borrowed thereunder (otherwise, the Borrowers will retain the right to re-borrow amounts prepaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement).

 

2.9

Breakage Costs

If (a) any Borrower fails to borrow or continue any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan on the date specified in any Borrowing Request it delivers pursuant hereto, or (b) any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan advanced to it is paid for any reason on any day other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or voluntary or mandatory prepayment), then that Borrower will compensate the Lenders for all loss, costs and expenses that the Lenders incur in connection with such event (including all loss, costs and expenses that the Lender incurs under its own credit facilities), as determined by the Lenders. A certificate of a Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that the Lenders are entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.9 will be delivered to such Borrower and will, absent manifest error, constitute prima

 

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facie evidence thereof. Each Borrower will pay the Lenders the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.

 

2.10

Alternate Rate of Interest

If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing:

 

  (a)

the Lenders determine that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period; or

 

  (b)

the Lenders determine that CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of making or maintaining CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

then the Lenders shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Lenders notify the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Borrowing Request that requests the continuation of any Borrowing as an affected CDOR Borrowing or a LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be deemed to request conversion to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable), and (ii) any Borrowing Request that requests an affected CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be made as a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable).

 

2.11

LIBOR Discontinuation

 

2.11.1

Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other loan document, if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any loan document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other loan document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any loan document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Borrowers without any amendment to this Agreement or any other loan document, or further action or consent of the Borrowers, so long as the Lenders have not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from any Borrower.

 

2.11.2

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Lenders will have the right to make Benchmark

 

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  Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other loan document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective in accordance with the definition of “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”.

 

2.11.3

Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Lenders will promptly notify the Borrowers of (a) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (b) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (c) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (d) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.11.4 below and (e) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Lenders pursuant to this Section, as applicable, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other loan document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section.

 

2.11.4

Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other loan document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or LIBOR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Lenders in their reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Lenders may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Lenders may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

2.11.5

Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrowers’ receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, a Borrower may revoke any request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to U.S. Base Rate Loans.

 

2.12

Increased Costs; Illegality

 

2.12.1

If any Change in Law shall:

 

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  (a)

impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, additional capital, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or any of its lenders; or

 

  (b)

impose on any Lender or any of its lenders or the London interbank market any other condition affecting any cost or charge directly or indirectly incurred by the Lender in connection with a Loan hereunder (including the imposition on the Lender or any of its lenders of, or any change to, any Tax or other charge with respect to its or their CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans or participation therein, or its obligation to make CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans);

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to the Lender of making, continuing, converting to or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

2.12.2

If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the Lender’s rate of return with respect to the Loans made by the Lender to a level below that which the Lender would have achieved but for such Change in Law prior to the occurrence of such Change in Law, then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for any such reduction suffered.

 

2.12.3

A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender as specified in Sections 2.12.1 or 2.12.2 shall be delivered to the Borrowers, and any such certificate shall include a brief description of the Change in Law and a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender and shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the amount of such compensation. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.

 

2.12.4

Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender’s right to demand such compensation.

 

2.12.5

In the event that any Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be reasonably exercised and shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof) at any time that the making or continuance of any Type of Loan has become unlawful or materially restricted as a result of compliance by the Lender in good faith with any Applicable Law, then, in any such event, the Lender shall give prompt notice (by telephone and confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers of such determination. Upon the giving of the notice to the Borrowers referred to in this Section 2.12.5, the Borrowers’ right to request (by continuation or otherwise), and the Lenders’ obligation to make, Loans of that Type shall be immediately suspended and if the affected Type of Loans are

 

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  then outstanding, the Borrowers shall immediately, or if permitted by Applicable Law, no later than the date permitted thereby, upon at least one Business Day prior written notice to the Lenders, convert each such affected Type of Loan into a Type of Loan that is not so affected.

 

2.13

Payments Generally

Each Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, amounts payable under any of Sections 2.9 or 2.12 or otherwise) prior to 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim except for any deductions or withholdings for any present or future Taxes or similar charges that the Borrower is required to make pursuant to Applicable Law. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Lenders, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. The Borrowers shall make payments to the Lenders in accordance with instructions provided by the Lenders to the Borrowers.

 

2.14

Addition of Borrowers

Holdings may elect from time to time to designate another Subsidiary or a subsidiary of Holdings as a Borrower hereunder subject to delivering to the Lenders a signed accession agreement in the form required by the Lenders and from and after the date of such designation, such Person shall for all purposes be a “Borrower” hereunder.

 

2.15

Withholding Tax.

 

2.15.1

Any and all payments required to be made by or on behalf of the Borrowers under this Agreement will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any present or future Taxes or similar charges (collectively, the “Withholdings”) unless such Withholdings are required to be made under Applicable Law. If a Borrower is so required to deduct or withhold any Withholdings from any amount payable to any Lender:

 

  (a)

The applicable Borrower will remit the Withholdings to the appropriate taxation authority following its deduction or withholding prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto.

 

  (b)

Within 30 days after such Withholdings have been remitted, the applicable Borrower will deliver to the Lenders evidence satisfactory to the Lenders, acting reasonably, that the taxes or charges in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made have been remitted to the appropriate taxation authority.

 

2.15.2

If a payment made to any Lender under this Agreement by any Borrower would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the IRC, as applicable), the Lender shall deliver to such

 

- 27 -


  Borrower at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by such Borrower such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the IRC) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by such Borrower as may be necessary for it to comply with its obligations under FATCA and to determine that the Lender has complied with the Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this 2.15.2, “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

2.15.3

Each Borrower will pay any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other taxes or arising from any payment made by it hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

ARTICLE 3

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Borrower makes each of the following representations and warranties in favour of the Lenders solely as to itself and its Subsidiaries, assets and operations (and not as to any other Borrower nor as to the Subsidiaries, assets or operations of any other Borrower):

 

3.1

Organization; Powers

It is organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority and holds all requisite licences, permits, approvals and qualifications necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.2

Authorization; Enforceability

This Agreement is within its corporate power and has been authorized by all necessary corporate and other action. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by it and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

3.3

Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

This Agreement, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) does not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, (b) does not violate any applicable Law or its constating or organizational documents or any order of any Governmental Authority affecting it, (c) does not violate in any material way or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon it or any of its assets, or give rise

 

- 28 -


to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by it, and (d) does not result in the creation or imposition of any lien on any asset of its assets.

 

3.4

Financial Information

 

3.4.1

All financial statements delivered by it to the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement present fairly, in all material respects, its financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows as of such dates and for such periods of such financial statements, in accordance with GAAP.

 

3.4.2

All written information (including that disclosed in all financial statements) pertaining to it that has been made available to the Lenders by it, or any of its authorized representatives, taken as a whole, was, when furnished, complete and correct in all material respects and did not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.

 

3.5

Litigation

There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to its actual knowledge, threatened against or affecting it, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their assets that would, if determined adversely, affect the legality or enforceability of this Agreement or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.6

Compliance with Laws and Agreements

Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, it and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all Laws applicable to them or their property (including all labour laws) and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon them or their property (including all labour contracts). Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, it and its Subsidiaries have not violated or failed to obtain any Authorization necessary to the ownership of their property or assets or the conduct of their businesses.

 

3.7

Taxes

It and its Subsidiaries have timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by them (including all instalments with respect to the current period) and have made adequate provision for Taxes for the current period, except Taxes which individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.8

Pension Plans

All material obligations of it and its Subsidiaries (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with its or their pension and

 

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benefit plans and the funding agreements therefor have been performed on a timely basis and there are no unfunded or undisclosed liabilities thereunder, except to the extent that the same individually or in aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.9

No Order or Judgments

There are no orders, judgments, award or decrees outstanding against it or any of its Subsidiaries, or affecting their assets, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.10

Insurance

Except for any matters which would individually or in aggregate not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all policies of fire, liability, workers’ compensation, casualty, flood, business interruption, third party liability, and other forms of insurance owned or held by it and its Subsidiaries provide insurance coverage in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but including in any event public liability) in each case as are usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar businesses.

 

3.11

Solvency

It is not an “insolvent person” within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or the United States Bankruptcy Code.

 

3.12

Environmental Matters

Neither it nor its Subsidiaries, nor the operations conducted thereon violate any applicable order of any Governmental Authority made pursuant to Environmental Laws, where such violation would reasonably be expected to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.13

Money Laundering Laws

Its operations are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) and the other applicable money laundering Laws to which they are subject, including the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body involving any of them with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending, except as disclosed in writing to the Lenders or as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.14

Office of Foreign Assets Control

Neither it nor any of its directors, officers, Subsidiaries, or, to its knowledge, employees is (a) a person included in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (the “OFAC Lists”), as published from time to time by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), or (b) currently subject to any U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

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3.15

Survival of Representations and Warranties

The representations and warranties set out in this Article 3 and in any certificate, notice, delivered by any Borrower pursuant to this Agreement will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement notwithstanding any investigation or examination that may be made by the Lenders.

 

3.16

Deemed Repetition

The above representations and warranties of each Borrower contained in this Article 3 will be deemed to be repeated on the date of the delivery of each Borrowing Request by such Borrower and each rollover of a Borrowing as if made on each such date, unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date.

ARTICLE 4

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LIBOR LOANS

 

4.1

Effective Date

The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which the Lenders confirm to each Borrower that is a party to this agreement on the date hereof that each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived by the Lenders in accordance with Section 10.3):

 

  (a)

the Lenders shall have received from each Borrower a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such Borrower; and

 

  (b)

the Lenders shall have received such other documents and instruments as are both customary for transactions of this type and as they may reasonably request.

 

4.2

Conditions Precedent to Borrowings

The obligation of the Lenders to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing (including on the occasion of the initial Borrowings hereunder), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, it being understood that the conditions are included for the exclusive benefit of the Lenders and may be waived in writing in whole or in part by the Lenders at any time:

 

  (a)

the representations and warranties of the Borrower requesting the Borrowing will be true and correct on and as of the date of each such Borrowing, as if made on such date unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date;

 

  (b)

at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; and

 

  (c)

the Lenders will have received a Borrowing Request in the manner and within the time period required by Section 2.3.

 

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ARTICLE 5

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

From (and including) the Effective Date until the expiry or termination of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, each Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that with respect to itself and its Subsidiaries:

 

5.1

Financial Statements and Other Information

It will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Lenders:

 

5.1.1

at the request of any Lender, its most recently prepared financial statements;

 

5.1.2

forthwith after a Responsible Officer of such Borrower learns of the existence of a Default or Event of Default, the certificate of such Borrower, signed by a Responsible Officer, specifying the event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default, together with a statement of the steps being taken to cure such Default or Event of Default;

 

5.1.3

forthwith after a Responsible Officer of a Borrower learns that any representation or warranty is inaccurate in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made, notice thereof;

 

5.1.4

forthwith upon receipt thereof, notice to the Lenders of any action, suit or proceeding affecting such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that would, if determined adversely, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and will, from time to time, furnish the Lenders with such information reasonably required by the Lenders with respect to the status of any such action, suit or proceeding; and

 

5.1.5

such other information as the Lenders may from time to time reasonably request.

 

5.2

Existence; Conduct of Business

It will maintain its existence in good standing and conduct its businesses in a prudent manner.

 

5.3

Timely Payment

It will make due and timely payment, as provided for herein, of the principal of all Loans, all interest thereon and all fees and other amounts required to be paid by it hereunder.

 

5.4

Books and Records

It will at all times keep true and complete financial books and records and accounts in accordance with, to the extent applicable, GAAP.

 

5.5

Compliance with Laws

It will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, comply with all Laws applicable to them or their property, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. It will not directly or indirectly (a)

 

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lend or contribute by way of equity the proceeds of the Loans to any Person on the OFAC Lists at the time of such loan or contribution or any Person that is known to the Borrowers as being owned or controlled by a Person on the OFAC Lists at such time, or (b) knowingly use or otherwise knowingly make available the proceeds of the Loans to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person in violation of any of the U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

5.6

Insurance

It will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance and, to the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, flood insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses, except where the occurrence of such noncompliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.7

Operation of Business

It will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, maintain all necessary licences, approvals and permits and manage and operate their businesses in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws, except where a failure to so maintain, manage and operate would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.8

Maintenance of Assets

It will cause its properties and the properties of its Subsidiaries, to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in their judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing will prevent or restrict the sale, abandonment or other disposition of any of such properties or any failure to take any of the foregoing actions where such action or failure would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.9

Payment of Taxes

It and its Subsidiaries will, on or before the date for payment thereof, pay all Taxes imposed upon them or upon their assets, the non-payment of which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, except any such Tax that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

5.10

Use of Proceeds

It will use the proceeds of all Borrowings obtained under the Credit Facility only for the purposes set out in Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 6

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

From (and including) the Effective Date until the termination or expiry of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, each Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

6.1

Fundamental Changes

It (a “Predecessor”) will not enter into any transaction whereby all or substantially all of its assets would become the property of any other Person (a “Successor”) whether by way of reorganization, reconstruction, consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise, unless:

 

6.1.1

no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and remain outstanding and such transaction will not result in the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

 

6.1.2

prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction the Predecessor and/or the Successor have executed such instruments and delivered such legal opinions as the Lenders reasonably request in forms acceptable to the Lenders acting reasonably and done such things as are necessary or advisable to establish that upon the consummation of such transaction;

 

  (a)

the Successor will have assumed all the covenants and obligations of the Predecessor under this Agreement; and

 

  (b)

this Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of the Successor entitling the Lenders, as against the Successor, to exercise all their rights under its Agreement;

(whereupon such Successor will become a Borrower and, if the Predecessor is Holdings, the Guarantor hereunder, as applicable, entitled to exercise every right and power of the Predecessor hereunder with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as a Borrower and, if applicable, the Guarantor hereunder, whereupon the Predecessor will be released from all of its covenants and the Obligations); and

 

6.1.3

the Lenders, having received such information relating to such proposed transaction as the Lenders may have reasonably requested, has confirmed in writing that such Successor is acceptable to the Lenders, acting reasonably.

The foregoing will not apply to any transfer of any assets by any Borrower to any other Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

6.2

Hedging Transactions

No Borrower will, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any hedging transactions other than in the ordinary course of business.

 

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6.3

Distributions during Default

No Borrower shall make any Distribution while a Default or an Event of Default exists, except that the foregoing will not restrict the ability of any Borrower to make any Distribution to any other Borrower or the Guarantor.

ARTICLE 7

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

7.1

Events of Default

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) occurs:

 

  (a)

any Borrower fails to pay the principal of any Loan when due and payable by it, including on the Maturity Date;

 

  (b)

any Borrower fails to pay interest or any other amount owing by it hereunder when due hereunder and such failure will continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days after written notice thereof from any Lender;

 

  (c)

any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower hereunder will prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed to be made and, if such incorrect representation or warranty can reasonably be expected to be cured within 15 Business Days, such incorrect representation or warranty is not remedied within 15 Business Days after notice thereof from any Lender to the Borrowers;

 

  (d)

any Borrower fails to observe or perform any other covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement and such failure continues unremedied for a period of 20 Business Days after the earlier of a Responsible Officer of a Borrower becoming aware of such failure or written notice thereof from any Lender;

 

  (e)

any Borrower:

 

  (i)

becomes insolvent, or generally does not or becomes unable to pay its debts or meet its liabilities as the same become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or declares any general moratorium on its indebtedness, or proposes a compromise or arrangement between it and any class of its creditors;

 

  (ii)

commits an act of bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law, or makes an assignment of its property for the general benefit of its creditors under such Act or under analogous foreign law, or makes a proposal (or files a notice of its intention to do so) under such Act or under analogous foreign law;

 

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  (iii)

institutes any proceeding seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent, or seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief, under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity, or files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding;

 

  (iv)

applies for the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager, sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property; or

 

  (v)

threatens to do any of the foregoing, or takes any action, corporate or otherwise, to approve, effect, consent to or authorize any of the actions described in this Section 7.1(e) or in Section 7.1(f), or otherwise acts in furtherance thereof or fails to act in a timely and appropriate manner in defence thereof;

 

  (f)

any petition, proposal or notice of intention to file a proposal is filed, application made or other proceeding instituted against or in respect of any Borrower:

 

  (i)

seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent;

 

  (ii)

seeking a receiving order against it under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law;

 

  (iii)

seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity; or

 

  (iv)

seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager,

 

- 36 -


  sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property;

and such petition, application or proceeding continues undismissed, or unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 days after the institution thereof; provided that if an order, decree or judgment is granted or entered (whether or not entered or subject to appeal) against the applicable Borrower thereunder in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply, and provided further that if such Borrower files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, such grace period will cease to apply;

 

  (g)

any other event occurs which, under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction, has an effect equivalent to any of the events referred to in either of Sections 7.1(e) or 7.1(f) and, if the event is equivalent to the event referred to in 7.1(f) (subject to the same provisos), the 60 day grace period will apply as set out in 7.1(f);

 

  (h)

the occurrence of a Credit Agreement Event of Default that has not been waived;

 

  (i)

any one or more judgments for the payment of borrowed money in an aggregate amount in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is rendered against any Borrower and such Borrower has not (i) provided for the discharge of such judgment in accordance with its terms within 30 days from the date of entry thereof, or (ii) procured a stay of execution thereof within 30 days from the date of entry thereof and within such period, or such longer period during which execution of such judgment continues to be stayed, appealed such judgment and caused the execution thereof to be stayed during such appeal; provided that if enforcement and/or realization proceedings or similar process are lawfully commenced in respect thereof in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply;

 

  (j)

any property of any Borrower having a fair market value in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is seized (including by way of execution, attachment, garnishment, levy or distraint) or any lien thereon securing indebtedness is enforced against such property, or such property has become subject to any charging order or equitable execution of a Governmental Authority, or any writ of execution or distress warrant exists in respect of such property, or any sheriff or other Person becomes lawfully entitled by operation of law or otherwise to seize or distrain upon such property, and in any case such seizure, enforcement, execution, attachment, garnishment, distraint, charging order or equitable execution or other seizure or right, continues in effect and is not released or discharged for more than 30 days or such longer period during which entitlement to the use of such property continues with the affected Borrower and the affected Borrower is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided that if the property is removed from the use of the affected Borrower or is sold in the interim, such grace period shall cease to apply;

 

  (k)

any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal or premium or interest in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Specified

 

- 37 -


  Threshold Amount when the same becomes due and payable (whether at scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such indebtedness for borrowed money; or

 

  (l)

this Agreement, at any time for any reason, terminates or ceases to be in full force and effect and a legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Borrowers is declared to be void or voidable or is repudiated, or the validity, binding effect, legality or enforceability hereof or thereof is at any time contested by any Borrower or the Guarantor, or any Borrower or Guarantor denies that it has any or any further liability or obligation hereunder or thereunder, or any action or proceeding is commenced to enjoin or restrain the performance or observance by the Borrowers or Guarantor of any material terms hereof or thereof or to question the validity or enforceability hereof or thereof; or

 

  (m)

there occurs any Material Adverse Effect,

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Borrower or Guarantor described in clause (e), (f) or (g) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event or any other such event, the Lenders may, by notice to the Borrowers, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the availability of the Credit Facility, and thereupon the Credit Facility will terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans and Obligations then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of all Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, will become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind except as set forth earlier in this paragraph, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers.

 

7.2

Legal Proceedings

If any Event of Default occurs, the Lenders may in their discretion, exercise any right or recourse and/or proceed by any action, suit, remedy or proceeding against the Borrowers authorized or permitted by law for the recovery of all the indebtedness and liabilities of the Borrowers to the Lenders and proceed to exercise any and all rights and remedies hereunder, and no such remedy for the enforcement of the rights of the Lenders will be exclusive of or dependent on any other remedy but any one or more of such remedies may from time to time be exercised independently or in combination.

 

7.3

Non-Merger

The taking of a judgment or judgments or any other action or dealing whatsoever by the Lenders in respect of this Agreement will not operate as a merger of any indebtedness of the Borrowers to the Lenders or in any way suspend payment or affect or prejudice the rights, remedies and powers, legal or equitable, which the Lenders may have in connection with such liabilities and the surrender, cancellation or any other dealings with any security for such liabilities will not release or affect the liability of the Borrowers hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE 8

GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY

 

8.1

Guarantee

To induce the Lenders to execute and deliver this Agreement and to make or maintain the Credit Facility in favour of the Borrowers, and in consideration thereof, the Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees (this “Guarantee”), on a joint and several basis, to the Lenders the due and punctual payment and performance to the Lenders upon demand made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement of all debts, liabilities and obligations of or owing by the Borrowers to the Lenders at any time and from time to time, present and future, direct and indirect, absolute and contingent, matured or not, arising from this Agreement, and all amendments, restatements, replacements, renewals, extensions, or supplements and continuations hereof, and whether a Borrower is bound alone or with another or others, and whether as principal or surety, and including without limitation, all liabilities of the Borrowers arising as a consequence of their failure to pay or fulfil any Obligations (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”).

 

8.2

Indemnity

In addition to the guarantee specified in Section 8.1, the Guarantor agrees to indemnify and save the Lenders harmless from and against all reasonable costs, losses, expenses and damages they may suffer as a result or consequence of, any Borrower’s default in the performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any inability of the Lenders to recover the ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to them in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including without limitation, reasonable legal fees incurred by or on behalf of the Lenders resulting from any action instituted on the basis of the Guarantee.

 

8.3

Payment and Performance

If any Borrower fails or refuses to punctually make any payment or perform the Guaranteed Obligations (or any part thereof), the Guarantor will unconditionally render any such payment or performance upon demand in accordance with the terms of the Guarantee. Nothing but payment and satisfaction in full of the Guaranteed Obligations will release the Guarantor from its obligations under the Guarantee.

 

8.4

Continuing Obligation

The Guarantee will be a continuing guarantee, will cover all the Guaranteed Obligations, and will apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to the Lenders. The Guarantee will continue to be binding regardless of:

 

  (a)

any amendment, restatement, replacement, renewal, extension, supplement, continuation or waiver of this Agreement or any provision or term hereof;

 

  (b)

whether any other Person or Persons (an “Additional Guarantor”) will become in any other way responsible to the Lenders for, or in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations;

 

- 39 -


  (c)

whether any such Additional Guarantor will cease to be so liable;

 

  (d)

the validity or enforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations; or

 

  (e)

whether any payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations has been made and where such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be returned upon the occurrence of any action or event, including the insolvency or bankruptcy of any Borrower or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

 

8.5

Guarantee Unaffected

The Guarantee will not be determined or affected, or Lenders’ rights under the Guarantee prejudiced by, the termination of any Guaranteed Obligations by operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation, the bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution or liquidation of any Borrower, or any change in the name, business, powers, capital structure, constitution, objects, organization, directors or management of any Borrower, with respect to transactions occurring either before or after such change. The Guarantee is to extend to the liabilities of the Person or Persons for the time being and from time to time carrying on the business now carried on by the Borrowers, notwithstanding any reorganization of any Borrower or any Additional Guarantor or the amalgamation of any Borrower or any Additional Guarantor with one or more other corporations (in this case, this Guarantee will extend to the liabilities of the resulting corporation and the terms “Borrower” and “Additional Guarantor”, as applicable, will include such resulting corporation) or any sale or disposal of any Borrower’s or any Additional Guarantor’s business in whole or in part to one or more other Persons and all of such liabilities will be included in the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantor agrees that the manner in which the Lenders may deal with the Borrowers on the Effective Date or thereafter, any Additional Guarantor or any security (or any collateral subject to the security) or other guarantee in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations will have no effect on the Guarantor’s continuing liability under this Guarantee and the Guarantor irrevocably waives any rights it may have in respect of any of the above.

 

8.6

Waivers

The Guarantor waives each of the following, to the fullest extent permitted by law:

 

  (a)

any defence based upon:

 

  (i)

the unenforceability or invalidity of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any security or other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any failure of any Lender to take proper care or act in a commercially reasonable manner in respect of any security for the Guaranteed Obligations or any collateral subject to the security, including in respect of any disposition of the collateral or any set-off of a Borrower’s deposits against the Guaranteed Obligations;

 

  (ii)

any act or omission of any Borrower, the Guarantor or any other Person, including any Lender, that directly or indirectly results in the discharge or release of any Borrower or any other Person or any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for the Guaranteed Obligations; or

 

- 40 -


  (iii)

any Lender’s present or future method of dealing with any Borrower, the Guarantor, any Additional Guarantor or any security (or any collateral subject to the security) or other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations;

 

  (b)

any right (whether existing on the Effective Date or thereafter) to require the Lenders, as a condition to the enforcement of this Guarantee:

 

  (i)

to accelerate any of the Guaranteed Obligations or proceed and exhaust any recourse against any Borrower or any other Person;

 

  (ii)

to realize on any security that it holds;

 

  (iii)

to marshal the assets of any Borrower or any other Person; or

 

  (iv)

to pursue any other remedy that any Borrower may not be able to pursue itself and that might limit or reduce its burden;

 

  (c)

presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind including, without limitation, notices of default and notice of acceptance of this Guarantee;

 

  (d)

all suretyship defences and rights of every nature otherwise available under Ontario law and the laws of any other jurisdiction;

 

  (e)

any rights of subrogation or indemnification which it may have, until the Obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement have been paid in full and the Credit Facility has been terminated and is no longer available; and

 

  (f)

all other rights and defences (legal or equitable) the assertion or exercise of which would in any way diminish the liability of the Guarantor.

 

8.7

Lenders’ Right to Act

The Lenders have the right to deal with the Borrowers, the documents creating or evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations and any security subsequently held by the Lenders (including, without limitation, all modifications, extensions, replacements, amendments, renewals, restatements, and supplements to such documents or security) as they may see fit, without notice to the Guarantor or any Additional Guarantor and without in any way affecting, relieving, limiting or lessening the Guarantor’s or any Additional Guarantor’s liability under this Guarantee. Without limitation, the Lenders may:

 

  (a)

grant time, renewals, extensions, indulgences, releases and discharges to any Borrower or any other Person;

 

  (b)

take new or additional security (including without limitation, other guarantees) from any Borrower or any other Person;

 

  (c)

discharge or partially discharge any or all security;

 

- 41 -


  (d)

elect not to take security from any Borrower or any other Person, or not to perfect security;

 

  (e)

cease or refrain from, or continuing to, giving credit or making loans or advances to any Borrower;

 

  (f)

accept partial payment or performance from any Borrower or any other Person, or otherwise waive compliance by any Borrower or any other Person with the terms of any of the documents or security;

 

  (g)

assign any such document or security to any Person or Persons; or

 

  (h)

deal or dispose in any manner (whether commercially reasonably or not) with any security (or any collateral subject to the security) or other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

8.8

Action or Inaction

Except as provided at law, no action or omission on the part of any Lender in exercising or failing to exercise its rights under this Article 8 or in connection with or arising from all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations will make the Lenders liable to any Borrower or the Guarantor for any loss occasioned to such Borrower or the Guarantor.

 

8.9

Remedies Cumulative

The rights and remedies provided in this Article 8 are cumulative and may be exercised singly or concurrently, and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

8.10

Demand

The Lenders may make demand in writing to the Guarantor at any time and from time to time after the occurrence of and during the continuance of an Event of Default in accordance with this Agreement, each such written demand to be accepted by the Guarantor as complete and satisfactory evidence of any default by the Borrowers (or any of them) and the extent of such Event of Default, and of the Guarantor’s obligations to make a payment under this Guarantee and the amount of such payment. The Guarantor will pay to the Lenders such amount or amounts payable under this Guarantee immediately upon such written demand.

ARTICLE 9

DEPOSITS

 

9.1

Deposits

Until the Maturity Date, any Lender or its nominee may from time to time request to place amounts on deposit with a Borrower or its nominee. If a Borrower or its nominee agrees to accept such a deposit, then the parties agree that the terms set out in Exhibit B will govern such deposit and the parties to such arrangement agree to execute a form of Deposit Record substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

 

- 42 -


ARTICLE 10

MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.1

Subordination to Credit Agreement Indebtedness

If a Borrower should so request, the Lenders agree that they will execute a subordination agreement in the form as is reasonably requested by a lender under a Credit Agreement, with the effect that such subordination agreement subordinate all Obligations owing hereunder to the relevant Credit Agreement Indebtedness.

 

10.2

Notices

Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein will be in writing and will be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by email in each case to the addressee, as follows:

 

10.2.1

if to the Borrowers:

if to BAM Re Holdings Ltd.:

73 Front Street

5th Floor

Hamilton, HM12

Bermuda

Attention:     

E-mail:     

if to North End RE (Cayman) SPC:

c/o Aon Insurance Managers (Cayman) Ltd.

18 Forum Lane, 2nd Floor

Camana Bay PO Box 69 GT

Grand Cayman, KY1-1102

Cayman Islands

Attention:     

E-mail:     

if to North End RE Ltd.:

73 Front Street

5th Floor

Hamilton, HM12

Bermuda

 

- 43 -


Attention:     

E-mail:     

if to Brookfield Annuity Company:

333 Bay Street, Suite 1200

Toronto, ON M5H 2R2

Canada

Attention:     

E-mail:     

 

10.2.2

if to the Lenders:

Brookfield Place

181 Bay Street, Suite 300

Toronto, ON

M5J 2T3

Attention:     

E-mail:     

Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement will be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.

 

10.3

Waivers

No failure or delay by any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Lenders hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrowers or the Guarantor therefrom will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of any Loan will not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Lenders may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

10.4

Expenses; Indemnity

 

10.4.1

Each Borrower will pay its pro rata share of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lenders, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of external counsel for the Lenders in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will be consummated), the management and administration of Loans and this Agreement

 

- 44 -


  (whether or not any Borrowings are made hereunder), any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of this Agreement, and the collection, enforcement or protection of the Lenders’ rights in connection with this Agreement, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Credit Facility and the Loans.

 

10.4.2

Each Borrower will indemnify the Lenders, their directors, officers and employees (each such Person including the directors, officers and employees herein referred to as an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, cost recovery actions, damages, expenses and liabilities of whatsoever nature or kind asserted by third parties, and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to which any Indemnitee may become subject arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution or delivery by the Lenders of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the Lenders of their obligations hereunder or thereunder, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, (b) any Loan or any actual or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, (d) any other aspect of this Agreement, and (e) the enforcement of any Indemnitee’s rights hereunder and any related investigation, defence, preparation of defence, litigation and enquiries (the “Claim”); provided that (i) such indemnity will not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or willful material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnitee; (ii) if any such losses, claims, actions, damages, expenses and liabilities arise from the actions or inactions of or transactions with only one Borrower, only such Borrower will be liable to indemnify the Indemnities for the full amount thereof, and (iii) if any such losses, claims, actions, damages, expenses and liabilities arise from the actions or inactions of or transactions with more than one Borrower, only those Borrowers will be liable to indemnify the Indemnities in respect thereof, each as to its pro rata share.

 

10.4.3

For purposes of this Section 10.4, each Borrower’s pro rata share will equal 25% except that when this term is used with reference to less than all of the Borrowers, the pro rata shares of each such Borrowers will be equal and will total 100%.

 

10.5

Currency Indemnity

If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement or any other Financing Document, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such jurisdiction (the “Judgment Currency”) any amount due under this Agreement or under any other Financing Document in any currency other than the Judgment Currency (the “Currency Due”), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For this purpose “rate of exchange” means the rate at which the Lenders are able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due with the Judgment Currency in accordance with its normal practice. In the event that there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the judgment is given and

 

- 45 -


the date of receipt by the Lenders of the amount due, the Borrowers will, on the date of receipt by the Lenders, pay such additional amounts, if any, or be entitled to receive reimbursement of such amount, if any, as may be necessary to ensure that the amount received by the Lenders on such date is the amount in the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of receipt by the Lenders is the amount then due under this Agreement or such other Financing Document in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which the Lenders are so able to purchase is less than the amount of the Currency Due originally due to it, the Borrowers shall indemnify and save the Lenders harmless from and against all loss or damage arising as a result of such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement and the other Financing Documents, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Lenders from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or any other Financing Document or under any judgment or order.

 

10.6

Successors and Assigns and Addition of Lenders

 

10.6.1

The provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Borrower may, without the prior written consent of the Lenders, assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder to any Person other than a Successor pursuant to a transaction that is completed in compliance with Section 6.1.

 

10.6.2

Any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement at any time upon giving the Borrowers written notice thereof.

 

10.6.3

Any Lender may at any time and from time to time add any Person as a Lender hereunder by delivering written notice of such designation to the Borrowers. From and after the delivery of any such written notice by any Lender, each Person that is so designated as a Lender hereunder will be entitled to all rights and benefits of this Agreement and be jointly and severally liable with each other Lender hereunder for the obligations of the Lenders hereunder.

 

10.6.4

The Lenders may designate and appoint one or more of the Lenders or any other Person as their agents under this Agreement for the purposes of receiving all notices and requests to be issued, giving all consents and approvals and receiving all payments to be made to the Lenders hereunder and the Borrowers will be entitled to rely on any such designation and appointment and will be deemed to have discharged their obligations hereunder if such notices and requests are delivered, consents and approvals are obtained and payments are made in accordance with such designations and appointments.

 

10.7

Survival

All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrowers herein will be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and will survive the execution and delivery of

 

- 46 -


this Agreement and the making of any Loans, and all such covenants and agreements will continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Credit Facility has not expired or been terminated other than these amounts claimed or capable of being claimed under sections of this Agreement which by the terms of this Agreement, survive termination of this Agreement. Sections 2.9, 10.4 and 10.7 will survive and remain in full force and effect, regardless of the repayment of the Obligations or the expiration or termination of the Credit Facility or this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

10.8

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which will constitute an original, but all of which when taken together will constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Lenders, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement will become effective when it will have been executed by the Lenders and when the Lenders will have received the counterpart hereof which, when taken together, bears the Borrowers’ and the Guarantor’s signatures, and thereafter will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed original counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile will be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement.

 

10.9

Severability

Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof, and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction will not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

10.10

Right of Set Off

If an Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing, the Lenders are hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by any Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower against any of and all of the obligations of such Borrower under this Agreement held by the Lender, irrespective of whether or not the Lender will have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of the Lenders under this section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) which the Lenders may have.

 

- 47 -


10.11

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the Province of Ontario. Each of the Borrowers hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Province of Ontario.

 

10.12

Waiver of Jury Trial

Each party hereto waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any right it may have to trial by jury in any legal proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

 

10.13

Headings

Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and will not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

10.14

Limited Recourse

Recourse under this Agreement against each Borrower (including as Guarantor in the case of Holdings) will be limited to the property and assets of such Borrower, and this Agreement will not be personally binding upon, and resort will not be had to, nor will recourse or satisfaction be sought from the private property of, any of the limited partners, unitholders or securityholders of such Borrower or Guarantor.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

- 48 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

BAM RE HOLDINGS LTD.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
NORTH END RE (CAYMAN) SPC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
NORTH END RE LTD.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
BROOKFIELD ANNUITY COMPANY
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

- 49 -


BROOKFIELD US HOLDINGS INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
BROOKFIELD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

 

- 50 -


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST

Date:   ●  

The undersigned,   ●   (a “Borrower”), refers to the Credit Agreement dated as of     , 2021, between BAM Re Holdings Ltd., North End RE (Cayman) SPC, North End RE Ltd. and Brookfield Annuity Company, as Borrowers, BAM Re Holdings Ltd., as Guarantor, and Brookfield US Holdings Inc. and Brookfield International Holdings Inc., as Lenders (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement as follows:

 

  (a)

Amount and Interest Period: a      Loan in the amount of $  ●   and with an Interest Period of   ●   months.

 

  (b)

Date of Borrowing:                                                          

 

  (c)

Account to which the funds are to be disbursed:   ●  

 

  (d)

The undersigned confirms having read the provisions of the Credit Agreement which are relevant to the furnishing of this Borrowing Request. The undersigned confirms that the Borrower has complied with all conditions precedent for the requested Borrowing.

The undersigned Borrower hereby certifies that its representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as if made as of the date hereof unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date, and no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

  
Per:      
  Name:
  Title:


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF DEPOSIT RECORD

 

  ●  , 20  ●      Toronto

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,   ●   (“Depositee”), having its principal office at   ●  , promises to pay on demand to the order of   ●   (“Depositor”), having its principal office at   ●  , the Principal Amounts (as defined below) as the Depositor may from time to time advance to the Depositee, together with interest from the date hereof at the Applicable Interest Rate (as defined below), calculated and compounded monthly, both before and after maturity, default and judgment and until actual payment, with interest on overdue interest at the same rate.

WHEREAS, the Depositor may make deposits with the Depositee from time to time (each a “Deposit”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

WHEN USED HEREIN, the following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:

Applicable Interest Rate” will mean a rate of [LIBOR +     %] per annum, noting that such rate may be revised so as to reflect market terms prior to any deposit being made, based on the deposit rates of at least two commercial banks.

Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or Toronto, Canada are authorized or required by law to close.

Deposit Date” will be the date of each advance under this Note.

Default Rate” will be the Applicable Interest Rate plus      percent (    %) per annum.

Deposits” mean, collectively, all Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.

Events of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following, each of which will constitute an Event of Default under this Note:

 

  (i)

Failure to make any payment of interest or principal on this Note when due, or failure to pay the principal balance of this Note on demand; or

 

  (ii)

Failure to pay any other amount payable pursuant to this Note when due and payable in accordance with the provisions hereof, with such failure


  continuing for ten (10) Business Days after Depositor delivers written notice thereof to Depositee; or

 

  (iii)

Any default in the performance of the obligations pursuant to Section 3; or

 

  (iv)

Any insolvency or bankruptcy of the Depositee.

Governmental Authority” will mean any nation or government, any federal, state, provincial, local or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

Material Adverse Effect” will mean any event or condition that has a material adverse effect on the ability of Depositee to repay the principal and interest of the Obligations as they become due.

Note” means this Promissory Note and “Notes” means collectively, all notes evidencing Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.

Obligations” will mean all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every nature of Depositee from time to time owing to Depositor under or in connection with this Note and the Deposits (including all Principal Amounts and all interest accrued thereon).

Payment Dates” will be   ●   and   ●   in each calendar year, commencing on   ●  .

Person” will mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust, a limited liability company or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

Principal Amount” will mean, with respect to any Deposit, the principal amount of such Deposit.

Requirements of Law” will mean, as to any Person, the charter and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, rule or regulation, or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

1.

The Obligations will be due and payable in lawful money of Canada as follows:

 

  (a)

On each Payment Date until this Note is paid in full on demand, Depositee will pay to Depositor all interest then accrued on each Principal Amount at the Applicable Interest Rate. Depositee may request, and Depositor may, in its sole discretion, agree that any interest payable by Depositee under this Note will continue to accrue until such date as Depositor may agree to.

 

  (b)

On demand, but in any event, no later than   ●  , Depositee will pay to Depositor the Obligations then outstanding.


  (c)

Amounts due on this Note will be payable, without any counterclaim, setoff or deduction whatsoever, at the office of Depositor or its agent or designee at the address set forth in the first paragraph of this Note or at such other place as Depositor or its agent or designee may from time to time designate in writing.

 

  (d)

The Depositee acknowledges that the actual recording of amounts advanced and amounts paid on the attached grid schedule shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the same; provided that the failure of the Depositor to record the same on the grid schedule shall not affect the obligation of the undersigned to pay or repay the amounts advanced by the Depositor, together with interest thereon at the Applicable Interest Rate.

 

2.

In order to induce Depositor to make the Deposits, Depositee makes the following representations and warranties as of each Deposit Date, which representations and warranties will survive the effectiveness of this Note, the execution and delivery hereof and the making of the Deposits:

 

  (a)

Depositee is (i) duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, (ii) is duly authorized and qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) has all powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted or as it is presently proposed to be conducted except where the failure to have the same would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (b)

Depositee has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Note and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery on behalf of Depositee and the performance by Depositee hereof. Depositee has duly executed and delivered this Note and this Note constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Depositee, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (c)

Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Depositee of this Note, nor compliance by the Depositee, with the terms and provisions hereof nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (i) will contravene any applicable provision of any material law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality that is binding on the Depositee or its property, or (ii) will conflict, in any material respect, with or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any agreement to which the Depositee is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

3.

Depositee covenants and agrees that so long as the Deposits are outstanding and until payment in full of all of the Obligations, unless Depositor will otherwise give prior written consent:


  (a)

Depositee will at all times maintain its existence and preserve and keep in full force and effect its rights and franchises material to its businesses, except where the loss or termination of such rights and franchises would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (b)

Depositee will remain qualified to do business and maintain its good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business and the ownership of its property requires it to be so qualified and in good standing, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (c)

Depositee will comply with all Requirements of Law, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4.

Depositee may prepay the Principal Amount of any Deposit in full or in part at any time [together with all interest accrued on such prepaid amount].

 

5.

If the Depositee defaults in the payment of any payment that is due on any Payment Date (or such later date as the Depositor has agreed pursuant to section 1(a) that such installment is due), then the Depositee will pay to Depositor a late payment charge in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of the installment not paid as aforesaid. Said late charge payments, if payable, will be payable without notice or demand by the Depositor, and are independent of and have no effect upon the rights of the Depositor under paragraph 1 above.

 

6.

This Note will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario.

 

7.

The Depositee will execute and acknowledge (or cause to be executed and acknowledged) and deliver to the Depositor all documents, and take all actions, reasonably required by the Depositor from time to time to confirm the rights created or now or hereafter intended to be created under this Note, to protect and further the validity and enforceability of this Note, or otherwise carry out the purposes of the Note and the transactions contemplated hereunder; provided, however, that no such further actions, assurances and confirmations will increase the Depositee’s obligations under this Note.

 

8.

No modification, amendment, extension, discharge, termination or waiver (a “Modification”) of any provision of this Note, nor consent to any departure by the Depositee therefrom, will in any event be effective unless the same will be in a writing signed by the Depositor, and then such waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance, and for the purpose, for which given. Except as otherwise expressly agreed by the Depositor in writing, no Modification will entitle the Depositee to any other or future Modification, whether in the same, similar or other circumstances. The Depositor does not hereby agree to, nor does the Depositor hereby commit itself to, enter into any Modification.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Depositee has caused this Note to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

    
Per:      
  Name:
  Title:


Currency:         United States Dollars

 

DATE

  

LOAN

NUMBER

  

ADVANCES

  

PRINCIPAL
PAYMENTS

  

UNPAID
BALANCE

  

NOTATION
MADE BY

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Exhibit 10.6

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

– and –

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.

 

 

EQUITY COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

 

 

            , 2021

 


EQUITY COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made as of the              day of             , 2021

B E T W E E N:

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.(“BAM”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario

- and -

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD. (the “Company”), an exempted company limited by shares existing under the laws of Bermuda

(BAM and the Company are collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”)

RECITALS:

 

A.

WHEREAS BAM will subscribe for, or cause one of its Subsidiaries (as defined below) to subscribe for, Class C Shares or Junior Preferred Shares of the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Equity Commitment Agreement and, as applicable, the bye-laws of the Company, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time; and

 

B.

WHEREAS the Company intends to call on BAM’s Commitment, from time to time and as necessary, to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions, for working capital purposes or to fund distributions;

NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.

Interpretation

 

  1.1

Definitions. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

  1.1.1

$” means United States dollars;

 

- 2 -


  1.1.2

BAM” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble;

 

  1.1.3

BAM Election Notice” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3.4;

 

  1.1.4

Board” means the board of directors of the Company;

 

  1.1.5

Brookfield” means BAM, its Subsidiaries and any investment fund sponsored, managed or Controlled by BAM or its Subsidiaries, and does not, for greater certainty, include the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries or, collectively, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and Atlas OCM Holdings, LLC and their Subsidiaries;

 

  1.1.6

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and a statutory holiday in Toronto, Ontario and Hamilton, Bermuda;

 

  1.1.7

C$” means Canadian Dollars;

 

  1.1.8

Class C Share Amount” means that number of Class C Shares equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment divided by an amount equal to the fair market value of the Class C Shares as determined by the Board, acting reasonably, as of the date of the issuance of the Draw-Down Notice;

 

  1.1.9

Class C Shares” means the class C non-voting shares in the capital of the Company;

 

  1.1.10

Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.1;

 

  1.1.11

Commitment Period” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the date the Support Agreement has been terminated;

 

  1.1.12

Company” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble;

 

  1.1.13

Control” means the control of one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of

 

- 3 -


  B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the board of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose;

 

  1.1.14

Draw-Down Notice” means a notice to BAM of a draw-down on the Commitment;

 

  1.1.15

Effective Date” means the date hereof;

 

  1.1.16

Equity Commitment Agreement” means this equity commitment agreement as it may be amended or restated from time to time;

 

  1.1.17

Junior Preferred Share Amount” means that number of Junior Preferred Shares equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment divided by the issue price and redemption price for one Junior Preferred Share (being $25.00 in the case of the Class A Junior Preferred Shares or C$25.00 in the case of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares);

 

  1.1.18

Junior Preferred Shares” means any series of the class A junior preferred shares or the class B junior preferred shares in the capital of the Company;

 

  1.1.19

Parties” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble;

 

  1.1.20

Person” means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation with or without share capital, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted;

 

- 4 -


  1.1.21

Subscriber” means BAM, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of BAM or any other member of Brookfield that satisfies any applicable regulatory requirements that BAM causes to subscribe for Class C Shares or Junior Preferred Shares pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement;

 

  1.1.22

Subscription Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3;

 

  1.1.23

Subscription Payment Date” means a date specified in a Draw-Down Notice on which a Subscription Payment is to be made to the Company;

 

  1.1.24

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person; and

 

  1.1.25

Support Agreement” means the support agreement entered into between BAM and the Company dated as of the date hereof.

 

  1.2

Headings. The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Equity Commitment Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof.

 

  1.3

Gender and Number. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter include all genders.

 

  1.4

Invalidity of Provisions. Each of the provisions contained in this Equity Commitment Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Parties waive any

 

- 5 -


  provision of law which renders any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The Parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces.

 

  1.5

Currency. Except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Equity Commitment Agreement are stated and shall be paid in United States dollars. The Company shall call all Subscription Payments in United States dollars. BAM shall make all Subscription Payments in United States dollars or in the equivalent amount of Canadian Dollars on the basis of rates quoted by appropriate financial institutions of repute or by internationally recognized financial publications or news services.

 

  1.6

Waiver, Amendment.

Except as expressly provided in this Equity Commitment Agreement, no amendment or waiver of this Equity Commitment Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the Party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.

 

  1.7

Governing Law

This Equity Commitment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein and the Parties irrevocably attorn to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

 

- 6 -


2.

The Commitment

Unless the Parties otherwise agree:

 

  2.1

the aggregate commitment of BAM to subscribe for Class C Shares and Junior Preferred Shares of the Company pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement is $2 billion (the “Commitment”);

 

  2.2

each draw-down shall not exceed $250,000,000, and each subsequent draw-down shall be made a minimum of 90 days after the receipt of the last Draw-Down Notice from the Company;

 

  2.3

subject to Sections 3 and 4, on each Subscription Payment Date, the Subscriber shall pay to the Company an amount of cash set out in a Draw-Down Notice (the “Subscription Payment”) in exchange for the issuance of Class C Shares and/or Junior Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 6;

 

  2.4

the amount of the Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of any Subscription Payment made to the Company; and

 

  2.5

no Subscription Payment shall be less than $10 million or in excess of the undrawn amount of the Commitment at the time the Subscription Payment is to be made.

 

3.

Subscription Payments on Draw-Downs

 

  3.1

BAM shall cause one or more Subscribers to make a Subscription Payment to the Company following receipt of a Draw-Down Notice from the Company and in such amount as the Company shall specify in the Draw-Down Notice.

 

  3.2

The Company shall give the Draw-Down Notice to BAM in the manner specified in Section 10 hereof. The Draw-Down Notice shall:

 

- 7 -


  3.2.1

specify (i) the amount of such Subscription Payment to be made, (i) the place at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, including, if applicable, the account of the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries to whom such Subscription Payment should be made, (iii) the Class C Share Amount, (iv) the Junior Preferred Share Amount, and (v) the Subscription Payment Date and time at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, which shall not be later than 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, generally on the tenth Business Day, but in no event later than the fifth Business Day, after the giving of the Draw-Down Notice; and

 

  3.2.2

confirm that (i) the Support Agreement is in effect; and (ii) there has been no material breach by the Company under the Support Agreement.

 

  3.3

If the Company deems it advisable, after any call for a Subscription Payment but before the payment is received, the Company may reduce the amount of or cancel any call for a Subscription Payment by giving notice to BAM in accordance with Section 10, subject to Section 3.1.

 

  3.4

Within two Business Days of receipt of the Draw-Down Notice, BAM shall notify the Company of its acceptance of the Class C Share Amount and its election to receive either (i) the Class C Share Amount, (ii) the Junior Preferred Share Amount, or (iii) any combination of Class C Shares and Junior Preferred Shares with an aggregate issue price, calculated in the same manner as the Class C Share Amount and the Junior Preferred Share Amount, equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment (the “BAM Election Notice”).

 

4.

Conditions Precedent

BAM’s obligations pursuant to Section 3.1 are subject to compliance, as of the Subscription Payment Date, with each of the following conditions precedent which are for the sole and exclusive benefit of BAM and may be waived by BAM in its sole discretion:

 

  4.1

the Support Agreement shall be in effect, and there shall be no material breach by the Company thereunder;

 

- 8 -


  4.2

a Draw-Down Notice shall have been provided to BAM in accordance with Section 3.2; and

 

  4.3

the Board shall have (a) authorized the issuance of Class C Shares or Junior Preferred Shares, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 6, (b) if applicable, determined the value of the Class C Shares, (c) if applicable, created the Junior Preferred Shares to be issued and (d) determined that the Class C Shares or Junior Preferred Shares to be issued will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

5.

Expiration of the Commitment Period and Termination

Upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Commitment Period, subject to the ongoing obligation to satisfy a previously issued Draw-Down Notice, and (ii) the making of Subscription Payments equal to the full amount of the Commitment, no Subscriber shall be required to make Subscription Payments and this Equity Commitment Agreement shall terminate and no longer be of any effect. For avoidance of doubt, the termination of this Agreement shall in no way limit BAM’s obligations under the Support Agreement, which shall continue in full force and effect until the termination of such agreement in accordance with its terms.

 

6.

Issuance of Class C Shares or Junior Preferred Shares

 

  6.1

Upon receipt of a Subscription Payment, the Company shall issue that number of Class C Shares and/or Junior Preferred Shares as set out in the BAM Election Notice.

 

  6.2

The issuance of Class C Shares and Junior Preferred Shares pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall be:

 

  6.2.1

subject to applicable securities laws and the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable; and

 

  6.2.2

issued in reliance on the exemption from the prospectus requirements contained under section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106Prospectus Exemptions or section 73.3 of the Securities Act (Ontario), as applicable.

 

- 9 -


  6.3

BAM acknowledges that the Class C Shares and Junior Preferred Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to a restricted period on resale in accordance with Appendix D of National Instrument 45-102Resale of Securities.

 

7.

Representations and Warranties

 

  7.1

BAM hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:

 

  7.1.1

it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the its jurisdiction of incorporation;

 

  7.1.2

it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder;

 

  7.1.3

it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement;

 

  7.1.4

the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents;

 

  7.1.5

no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and

 

  7.1.6

this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of BAM enforceable against BAM in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses

 

- 10 -


  and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

 

  7.2

The Company hereby represents and warrants to BAM that:

 

  7.2.1

it is validly organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda;

 

  7.2.2

it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder;

 

  7.2.3

it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement;

 

  7.2.4

the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its memorandum of association, bye-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents;

 

  7.2.5

no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and

 

  7.2.6

this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

 

- 11 -


8.

Further Assurances

Each of the Parties hereto shall promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other Party hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Equity Commitment Agreement and shall use reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Equity Commitment Agreement.

 

9.

Successors and Assigns

No Party may assign its right or benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties hereto; provided that BAM may assign its rights and benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement to any member of Brookfield without obtaining the prior written consent of the other Parties. This provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding on the Parties to this Equity Commitment Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.

 

10.

Notice

Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid mail, by facsimile or other means of electronic communication or by delivery as hereafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, shall be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand shall be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address shall also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications shall be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or other means of electronic

 

- 12 -


communication and shall be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications shall be addressed as follows:

 

  (a)

if to BAM:

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brookfield Place, Suite 300

181 Bay Street

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3

Canada

  Attention:

Kathy Sarpash

  Email:

[                                 ]

 

  (b)

if to the Company:

Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

73 Front Street, 5th Floor

Hamilton HM 12

Bermuda

  Attention:

Lyndsay Hatlelid

  Email:

[                                 ]

 

11.

Counterparts

This Equity Commitment Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts shall constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

- 13 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly executed this agreement on the date written on the first page of this Agreement.

 

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:    
 

Name:

Title:

  I have authority to bind the Corporation.
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT REINSURANCE PARTNERS LTD.
By:    
 

Name:

Title:

  I have authority to bind the Company.

[Equity Commitment Agreement]

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

 

Name of Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Brookfield Property Partners L.P.    Bermuda
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.    Bermuda
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.    Bermuda
Brookfield Business Partners L.P.    Bermuda

Exhibit 21.2

Subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd.

As of May 18, 2021:

 

Name of Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

North End Re Ltd.    Bermuda

Following Completion of the Special Dividend:

 

Name of Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc.    Canada
North End Re Ltd.    Bermuda
North End Re (Cayman) SPC    Cayman Islands

Exhibit 23.3

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01 on Form F-1 of our reports dated March 23, 2021, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) and the effectiveness of BAM’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 40-F (as amended by Amendment No. 1) of BAM for the year ended December 31, 2020. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts, Transfer Agent and Registrar” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
May 18, 2021

Exhibit 23.4

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01 on Form F-1 of our report dated March 5, 2021, relating to the financial statements of Brookfield Annuity Holdings Inc. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts, Transfer Agent and Registrar” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
May 18, 2021

Exhibit 23.5

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01 on Form F-1 of our report dated March 26, 2021, relating to the financial statements of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts, Transfer Agent and Registrar” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Canada
May 18, 2021

Exhibit 23.6

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the use of our reports dated March 1, 2021, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to V, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, included in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-254942 and 333-254942-01 on Form F-1.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Des Moines, Iowa

May 18, 2021

Exhibit 99.1

NOTICE OF EXCHANGE

 

To:

AST TRUST COMPANY (CANADA) (the “Transfer Agent”)

PLEASE DELIVER YOUR EXCHANGE REQUEST AS FOLLOWS:

 

 

LOGO     Via Mail:

 

AST Trust Company (Canada)

1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200

Toronto, ON M5C 2V6

Attention: Corporate Actions

 

   

 

This notice is given pursuant to Bye-Law 2.12 (the “Bye-Laws”) of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (the “Company”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned hereby notifies the Transfer Agent, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) and the Company that the undersigned desires to have BAM acquire from the undersigned:

 

all Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or

 

___________ Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned,

such amount of Class A Share(s) elected above, being hereafter referred to herein as the “Tendered Class A Shares”.

This notice is and will be deemed to be an offer by the undersigned to sell such Tendered Class A Share(s) to BAM in accordance with the undersigned’s Exchange Right on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date for the Exchange Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Bye-Laws.

The undersigned acknowledges that notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for so long as there is not an effective registration statement for the delivery of the BAM Shares Amount for the Tendered Class A Shares, BAM will not be required to deliver a Cash Amount (in lieu of the BAM Shares Amount for any Tendered Class A Shares) in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate over any 30 consecutive calendar day period, provided that such limit will not apply for more than 90 consecutive calendar days during any 12 calendar month period; and (ii) a Notice of Exchange will not be accepted, and no Exchange Right may be exercised, during the 15 business days prior to the Specified Class A Redemption Date or the occurrence of a Liquidation Event or a BAM Liquidation Event.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to BAM that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Tendered Class A Share(s) to be acquired by BAM, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.


 

 

(Date)

 

 

 

(Please print Name of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

 

 

(Please print phone number)

 

 

 

(Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder)

 

 

 

(Guarantee of Signature)


CURRENCY ELECTION

(only if exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is satisfied by the Cash Amount)

Shareholders domiciled in Canada will receive the Cash Amount in Canadian dollars (CAD) and shareholders domiciled in the United States and all other countries will receive the Cash Amount in U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise elected below:

☐ Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in U.S. dollars (USD).

☐ Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in Canadian dollars (CAD).

By electing to receive payment in another currency, the undersigned acknowledges that (a) the exchange rate used will be the rate established by the Transfer Agent, in its capacity as foreign exchange service provider to the Company, on the date the funds are converted and (b) the risk of any fluctuation in such rate will be borne by the undersigned.

Payment Delivery Instruction

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or as instructed below in Exhibit A. ALL CHEQUE PAYMENTS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED NAME AS IT CURRENTLY APPEARS.

 

Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and held for pick-up by the Tendering Class A Shareholder at the principal transfer office of the Transfer Agent in Toronto, Ontario.

 

NOTE:

This panel must be completed and such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require must be deposited with the Transfer Agent at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario. The BAM Shares Amount and any payment resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to respectively, the name of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and the BAM Shares Amount and payment resulting from such exchange or acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class A Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below (including the signature guarantee section) is duly completed.


EXHIBIT A:

Cheque Delivery Information

Date: _______________________, 2021

 

 

 

Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered

(please print)

 

 

 

Street Address or P.O. Box

 

 

 

City, Province and Postal Code

 

 

 

Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder

Guarantee of Signatures

If this Notice is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the Tendered Class A Share(s), or if BAM Share(s) are to be returned to a person other than such registered owner(s) or sent to an address other than the address of the registered owner(s) as shown on the register of the Company or if the payment is to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered owner of the Tendered Class A Share(s) such signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, or in some other manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent (except that no guarantee is required if the signature is that of an Eligible Institution).

 

Signature guaranteed by (if required)     Dated: _________________________________
 

 

     

 

Authorized Signature     Name of Authorized Representative (please print or type) (if applicable)
 

 

   

 

Name of Guarantor (please print or type)    
 

 

   

 

Address (please print or type)