As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2016
Registration No. 333-62137
333-81451
333-46250
333-89568
333-161122
333-161124
333-174138
333-210074
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-62137
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-81451
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-46250
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-89568
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-161122
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-161124
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-174138
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-210074
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
XL GROUP LTD
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Bermuda | 98-0665416 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |
O’Hara House One Bermudiana Road Hamilton, HM08 Bermuda (441) 292-8515 |
Puglisi & Associates 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204 Newark, Delaware 19711 (302) 738-6680 |
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) |
XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016), as further amended effective July 25, 2016
XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan (as amended and restated on May 8, 2015), as further amended effective July 25, 2016
XL Services UK Limited Profit Sharing Scheme
(Full Titles of Plans)
Copies to:
Kirstin R. Gould, Esq. Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary XL Group Ltd O’Hara House One Bermudiana Road Hamilton, HM08 Bermuda (441) 292-8515 |
Todd E. Freed, Esq. Gregory A. Fernicola, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036 (212) 735-3000 |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | Accelerated filer | Non-accelerated filer | Smaller reporting company |
x | ¨ | ¨ | ¨ |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Calculation of Registration Fee
Title
of Securities to be
Registered |
Amount
to Be
Registered |
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price Per Share |
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount
of Registration
Fee |
||||
Common shares (par value US$0.01 per share) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
(1) | No additional securities are to be registered, and the registration fee was paid upon filing of the original Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-62137; 333-81451; 333¬46250; 333-89568; 333-161122; 333-161124; 333-174138; and 333-210074). Therefore, no further registration fee is required. |
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda nor the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of the securities referred to in this prospectus (save that the BMA has approved the issuance of the common shares of XL-Bermuda pursuant to the scheme of arrangement involving XL-Ireland (as defined below) and XL-Bermuda (as defined below) that became effective on July 25, 2016) or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Securities may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Bermuda Investment Business Act 2003, which regulates the sale of securities in Bermuda. In addition, the BMA must approve all issuances and transfers of securities of a Bermuda company, other than in cases where the BMA has granted a general permission. The BMA, in its policy notice to the public dated June 1, 2005, has issued its general permission for the free issuance and transferability of our equity securities, which would include our common shares, as long as any equity securities of XL-Bermuda remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or other appointed stock exchange, to and among persons who are non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes. The BMA and the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda accept no responsibility for the financial soundness of any proposal or for the correctness of any of the statements or opinions expressed in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement.
Pursuant to the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978, as amended, and its related regulations (the “Insurance Act”), each shareholder or prospective shareholder of XL-Bermuda will be responsible for notifying the BMA in writing of such shareholder becoming a shareholder controller, directly or indirectly, of 10%, 20%, 33% or 50% of Catlin Insurance Company Ltd., Catlin Re Switzerland Ltd., Hubble Re Ltd., XL Bermuda Ltd and XL Life Ltd, within 45 days of becoming such a shareholder controller. Each such shareholder controller will also be responsible for notifying the BMA in writing where he has reduced or disposed of his indirect or direct shareholding in such registered insurers (other than Hubble Re Ltd.) such that the proportion of the voting rights held by the shareholder controller reaches or falls below the thresholds set out above, not later than 45 days after such disposal. Such registered insurers are also required to notify the BMA in writing in the event of any person ceasing to be a controller, a controller being a managing director, chief executive or other person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of any registered insurer are accustomed to act, including any person who holds, or is entitled to exercise, 10% of more of the voting shares or voting power, or is able to exercise a significant influence over the management of, the registered insurer. The BMA may serve a notice of objection on any controller of a registered insurer if it appears to the BMA that the person is no longer fit and proper to be such a controller.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Post-Effective Amendment is being filed pursuant to Rule 414 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), by XL Group Ltd, a Bermuda exempted company (“XL-Bermuda”), as successor issuer to XL Group plc, an Irish public limited company (the “XL-Ireland”). On July 25, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on July 25, 2016 (the “Effective Time”), the scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme of Arrangement”) involving XL-Ireland and XL-Bermuda (as described in the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Special Court-Ordered Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting of Holders of Ordinary Shares held on June 23, 2016, filed by XL-Ireland on May 11, 2016) became effective.
Prior to the Scheme of Arrangement, XL-Bermuda, as a subsidiary of XL-Ireland, acquired ordinary shares of XL-Ireland. Pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement, (i) the common share of XL-Bermuda owned by XL-Ireland was cancelled, (ii) all of the existing XL-Ireland ordinary shares were cancelled, other than the XL-Ireland ordinary shares held by XL-Bermuda, (iii) XL-Ireland issued XL-Ireland common shares to XL-Bermuda equal to the number of XL-Ireland ordinary shares cancelled pursuant to (ii) above, and (iv) in return for such issuance of XL-Ireland ordinary shares to XL-Bermuda, XL-Bermuda issued XL-Bermuda common shares to existing XL-Ireland shareholders, whose XL-Ireland ordinary shares were cancelled pursuant to (ii) above.
As a result of the Scheme of Arrangement, (i) each holder of XL-Ireland ordinary shares received one XL-Bermuda common share for each XL-Ireland ordinary share owned by such shareholder, except XL-Bermuda who will retain its XL-Ireland ordinary shares held prior to the effectiveness of the Scheme of Arrangement, and (ii) all of the share capital of XL-Ireland became owned by XL-Bermuda.
In connection with the effectiveness of the Scheme of Arrangement, XL-Bermuda assumed XL-Ireland’s existing obligations in connection with awards granted under XL-Ireland’s equity incentive plans (the “Plans”), including all outstanding awards issued thereunder, and amended the Plans as necessary to give effect to the Scheme of Arrangement and the assumption of the Plans by XL-Bermuda, including to provide (1) that shares of XL-Bermuda will be issued, held available or used to measure benefits as appropriate under the Plans, in lieu of shares of XL-Ireland, including upon the exercise of any stock options or upon the vesting of restricted units issued under the Plans and (2) for the appropriate substitution of XL-Bermuda for XL-Ireland in each Plan. This Post-Effective Amendment pertains to the adoption by XL-Bermuda of the following registration statements on Form S-8 (collectively, the “Registration Statements”): (i) Registration Statement No. 333-62137; (ii) Registration Statement No. 333-81451; (iii) Registration Statement No. 333-46250; (iv) Registration Statement No. 333-89568; (v) Registration Statement No. 333-161122; (vi) Registration Statement No. 333-161124; (vii) Registration Statement No. 333-174138; and (viii) Registration Statement No. 333-210074. XL-Bermuda hereby expressly adopts each Registration Statement as its own registration statement for all purposes of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). With respect to each Registration Statement referred to in (i) through (vi), this is Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 and with respect to each Registration Statement referred to in (vii) and (viii), this is Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.
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PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. | Incorporation of Documents by Reference. |
The following documents filed by XL-Ireland (the predecessor registrant to XL-Bermuda) with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) are hereby incorporated by reference in this registration statement:
· | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on February 26, 2016; |
· | Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, filed on May 6, 2016; |
· | Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual General Meeting of Holders of Ordinary Shares of XL-Bermuda held on May 13, 2016, filed on March 16, 2016; |
· | Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Special Court-Ordered Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting of Holders of Ordinary Shares held on June 23, 2016, filed on May 11, 2016; |
· | Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2016, May 19, 2016, June 23, 2016, July 13, 2016 and July 25, 2016; and |
· | the description of XL-Bermuda’s common shares included in the Scheme Proxy Statement, set forth in the section “Description of XL Group Ltd Share Capital,” including any amendment or report filed for the purposes of updating such description, and specifically including the Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws of XL-Bermuda filed as Exhibits 3.4 and 3.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016. |
All reports and other documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this registration statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment hereto, which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all securities remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
For purposes of this registration statement, any document or any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a subsequently filed document or a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supersedes such document or such statement in such document. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
Item 4. | Description of Securities. |
Not applicable.
Item 5. | Interests of Named Experts and Counsel. |
Not applicable.
Item 6. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
The Bermuda Companies Act permits XL-Bermuda to indemnify its directors, officers and auditor against losses arising or liability resulting from their negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to XL-Bermuda or any subsidiary of XL-Bermuda; provided, that XL-Bermuda is not permitted to indemnify any such person against any liability arising from their fraud or dishonesty.
The bye-laws of XL-Bermuda provide that XL-Bermuda will indemnify every “Indemnified Person” (which includes any director or officer, including, if applicable, any resident representative) out of the assets of XL-Bermuda 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 and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by such indemnitee by or by reason of any act done, conceived in or omitted in the conduct of XL-Bermuda’s business or in the
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discharge of his duties or in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal; provided, that such expenses and liabilities are not found by a court of competent jurisdiction (upon entry of a final non-appealable judgment) to be the result of any such Indemnified Person’s fraud and dishonesty.
In a recent Bermuda Supreme Court case, the Court ordered that the indemnity provisions of a Bermuda company’s bye-laws were enforceable and could be relied on by the defendant directors after the Court found them guilty of misfeasance for breaching their duty of care owed to the company. This case demonstrates that the Bermuda courts will uphold indemnification provisions in the bye-laws of a Bermuda company to protect its directors and officers.
XL-Bermuda’s bye-laws and the Bermuda Companies Act also permit XL-Bermuda to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any director or officer against any liability incurred by such person under the Bermuda Companies Act in such persons’ capacity as a director or officer or indemnifying such person in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to him or her by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which such person may be guilty in relation to XL-Bermuda or any subsidiary thereof. XL-Bermuda's directors and officers are provided with indemnification against certain liabilities pursuant to a directors and officers liability insurance policy maintained by one of XL-Bermuda's subsidiaries.
In order to continue to retain and attract highly experienced and capable persons to serve as directors of XL-Bermuda, XL-Bermuda has entered into indemnification agreements (the “Bermuda Indemnification Agreements”) with each of XL-Bermuda’s directors and its corporate secretary. The Bermuda Indemnification Agreements provide that XL-Bermuda will indemnify the indemnitees to the fullest extent permitted by Bermuda law against claims related to each indemnitee’s service to (or at the request of) XL-Bermuda, except in certain circumstances, including: (i) where payment is actually made or then due (A) under an insurance policy, (B) pursuant to an agreement between indemnitee and XL-Bermuda or other entity served by indemnitee at the request of XL-Bermuda or (C) under the governing documents of XL-Bermuda or other entity served by indemnitee at the request of XL-Bermuda; (ii) in connection with a proceeding initiated by indemnitee, unless such proceeding was authorized by the XL-Bermuda Board or falls within certain limited exceptions specifically provided for in the Bermuda Indemnification Agreements; and (iii) where the indemnitee is found, in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, to be liable for fraud or dishonesty or an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by the indemnitee of securities. The Bermuda Indemnification Agreements also provide that any and all indemnifiable expenses shall, if so requested by the indemnitee, be advanced promptly as they are incurred, provided that the indemnitee must repay any such expense advance if it is determined in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such expense.
Item 7. | Exemption From Registration Claimed. |
Not applicable.
Item 8. | Exhibits. |
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this registration statement (numbering corresponds to Exhibit Table in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
4.1
|
Certificate of Incorporation of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.2 | Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.3 | Memorandum of Association of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.4 | Bye-laws of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.5* | XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016) | |
4.6* | Amendment to the XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program, effective July 25, 2016. | |
4.7* | XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan (as amended and restated on May 8, 2015). | |
4.8* | Amendment to the XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan, effective July 25, 2016 | |
4.9 | Specimen Share Certificate (evidencing the common shares of XL Group Ltd) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
5.1* | Opinion of AWS Law Limited. | |
23.1* | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | |
23.2* | Consent of AWS Law Limited (included as part of Exhibit 5.1). | |
24.1* | Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages). |
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Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
99.1* | Acceptance of Appointment of Puglisi & Associates as U.S. Agent for Service of Process. | |
99.2 | “Description of XL Group Ltd Share Capital” (incorporated by reference to the section so entitled of XL Group plc’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Special Court-Ordered Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting of Holders of Ordinary Shares held on June 23, 2016, filed on May 11, 2016. |
* | Filed herewith. |
Item 9. | Undertakings. |
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% 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 the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the 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.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of the employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement 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.
(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has 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 Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant 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, the Registrant 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.
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SIGNATURES
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 S-8 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Stamford, Connecticut, on July 25, 2016.
XL GROUP LTD | |||
By: | /s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | ||
Name: | Michael S. McGavick | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Michael S. McGavick | ||||
/s/ PETER R. PORRINO | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Peter R. Porrino | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Eugene M. McQuade | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Ramani Ayer | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Dale R. Comey | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Claus-Michael Dill | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Robert R. Glauber | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Edward J. Kelly, III | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Suzanne B. Labarge | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Joseph Mauriello |
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Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Clayton S. Rose | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Anne Stevens | ||||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Director | July 25, 2016* | ||
Name: Sir John Vereker | ||||
* Executed pursuant to the Power of Attorney granted in this Post-Effective Amendment.
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SIGNATURES (AUTHORIZED U.S. REPRESENTATIVE)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment has been signed by the Authorized U.S. Representative on the date indicated:
Dated: July 25, 2016
Puglisi & Associates, | ||
Authorized U.S. Representative | ||
By: | /s/ DONALD J. PUGLISI | |
Name: | Donald J. Puglisi | |
Title: | Managing Director |
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and directors of XL Group Ltd in their respective capacities set forth below constitutes and appoints Michael S. McGavick and Kirstin R. Gould, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign his or her name to this Post-Effective Amendment of XL Group Ltd, a Bermuda exempted company, on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder and any and all amendments (including any post-effective amendments thereto) and supplements to the Registration Statements amended by this Post-Effective Amendment, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Michael S. McGavick | ||||
/s/ PETER R. PORRINO | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Peter R. Porrino | ||||
/s/ EUGENE M. MCQUADE | Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Eugene M. McQuade | ||||
/s/ RAMANI AYER | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Ramani Ayer | ||||
/s/ DALE R. COMEY | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Dale R. Comey | ||||
/s/ CLAUS-MICHAEL DILL | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Claus-Michael Dill | ||||
/s/ ROBERT R. GLAUBER | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Robert R. Glauber | ||||
/s/ EDWARD J. KELLY, III | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Edward J. Kelly, III | ||||
/s/ SUZANNE B. LABARGE | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Suzanne B. Labarge | ||||
/s/ JOSEPH MAURIELLO | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Joseph Mauriello |
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Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ CLAYTON S. ROSE | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Clayton S. Rose | ||||
/s/ ANNE STEVENS | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Anne Stevens | ||||
/s/ SIR JOHN VEREKER | Director | July 25, 2016 | ||
Name: Sir John Vereker | ||||
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
4.1 | Certificate of Incorporation of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.2 | Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.3 | Memorandum of Association of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.4 | Bye-laws of XL Group Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
4.5* | XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016). | |
4.6* | Amendment to the XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program, effective July 25, 2016. | |
4.7* | XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan (as amended and restated on May 8, 2015). | |
4.8* | Amendment to the XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan, effective July 25, 2016 | |
4.9 | Specimen Share Certificate (evidencing the common shares of XL Group Ltd) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to XL Group Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2016). | |
5.1* | Opinion of AWS Law Limited. | |
23.1* | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | |
23.2* | Consent of AWS Law Limited (included as part of Exhibit 5.1). | |
24.1* | Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages). | |
99.1* | Acceptance of Appointment of Puglisi & Associates as U.S. Agent for Service of Process. | |
99.2 | “Description of XL Group Ltd Share Capital” (incorporated by reference to the section so entitled of XL Group plc’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Special Court-Ordered Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting of Holders of Ordinary Shares held on June 23, 2016, filed on May 11, 2016. |
* | Filed herewith. |
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Exhibit 4.5
XL GROUP PLC
(FORMERLY XL CAPITAL LIMITED)
1991 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED ON May 13, 2016)
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose of the Program
XL Group plc (the “Company”) has established the Program to further its long-term financial success by offering stock, and stock-based compensation, to employees of the Company whereby they can share in achieving and sustaining such success. The Program also provides a means to attract and retain the executive talent needed to achieve the Company’s long-term growth and profitability objectives.
B. Definitions
When used in the Program, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Award(s)” shall mean Performance Shares, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or Performance Units granted under the Program.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Change in Control” shall mean any of the following:
(i) an acquisition by any organization, corporation, individual, partnership, trust or any other entity or organization (including a governmental entity and a “person” as that term is used under Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 40% or more of either (A) the value of then outstanding equity securities of XL Group plc (the “Outstanding Company Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of XL Group plc entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however , that for purposes of this Program, the following acquisitions shall not constitute or result in a Change in Control: (w) any acquisition directly from XL Group plc; (x) any acquisition by XL Group plc; (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by XL Group plc or one or more of its subsidiaries; or (z) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined in (ii) below) that does not constitute a Change in Control under clause (ii) below; or
(ii) consummation of a merger, scheme of arrangement, consolidation, amalgamation, exchange of securities, reorganization or similar transaction involving XL Group plc or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of XL Group plc, or the acquisition of assets or equity of another entity by XL Group plc or any of its subsidiaries (each a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than sixty percent (60%) of the value of the then outstanding equity securities and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of members of the board of directors (or comparable governing body of an entity that does not have such a board), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns XL Group plc or all or substantially all of XL Group plc’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be; or
(iii) approval by shareholders of the Company of the dissolution or complete liquidation of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Program, approval of such a dissolution or complete liquidation pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined above) that does not constitute a Change in Control under clause (ii) above shall not constitute or result in a Change in Control; or
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(iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new directors (excluding any new director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation or proxy contest, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment, election, or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board.
“Change in Control Price” shall mean the price per share offered in respect of Common Stock in conjunction with any transaction resulting in a Change in Control on a fully-diluted basis (or as determined in good faith by the Committee as constituted before the Change in Control, if any part of the offered price is payable other than in cash) or, in the case of a Change in Control occurring solely by reason of a change in the composition of the Board, the highest Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any of the 30 trading days immediately preceding the date on which a Change in Control occurs.
“Code” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee” shall mean the entire Board or the Compensation Committee, or such other committee or subcommittee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer the Program.
“Common Stock” shall mean the ordinary shares of the Company and may be either stock previously authorized but unissued, or stock reacquired by the Company.
“Company” shall mean XL Group plc, an Irish company, any other entity in which XL Group plc owns 20% or more of the ordinary voting power or equity, and any successor in a reorganization or similar transaction.
“Disability” shall mean the inability of a Participant to perform the services normally rendered due to any physical or mental impairment that can be expected to be of either permanent or indefinite duration, as determined by the Committee on the basis of appropriate medical evidence, and that results in the Participant’s Termination of Employment; provided, however, that with respect to any Participant who has entered into an employment agreement with the Company, the term of which has not expired at the time a determination concerning Disability is to be made, Disability shall have the meaning attributed in such employment agreement.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean with respect to a given day, the closing sales price of Common Stock, as reported by such responsible reporting service as the Committee may select, or if there were no transactions in the Common Stock on such day, then the last preceding day on which transactions took place. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Committee may determine the Fair Market Value in such other manner as it may deem more appropriate for Program purposes or as is required by applicable laws or regulations.
“Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO” shall mean a right to purchase the Company’s Common Stock which is intended to comply with the terms and conditions for an incentive stock option as set forth in Section 422 of the Code, or such other sections of the Code as may be in effect from time to time.
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” or “NQSO” shall mean a right to purchase the Company’s Common Stock which is not intended to comply with the terms and conditions for a tax-qualified stock option, as set forth in Section 422 of the Code, or such other sections of the Code as may be in effect from time to time.
“Participant” shall mean any employee of the Company who, in the judgment of the Committee, is in a position to make a substantial contribution to the management, growth, and success of the Company and is thus designated by the Committee to receive an Award. Members of the Board who are not employees of the Company are not eligible to receive Awards under the Program.
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“Performance Goal” shall mean any financial, statistical or other measure selected by the Committee, including without limitation (a) the attainment of a specified financial or statistical objective or (b) the performance of the Company relative to a peer group as applicable to a specific Performance Period.
“Performance Period” shall mean a period set by the Committee over which Performance Shares or Performance Units may be earned. There may be more than one Performance Period in existence at any one time, and the duration of Performance Periods may differ from each other.
“Performance Shares” shall mean Common Stock granted to a Participant with respect to a Performance Period under Article III of the Program, together with any other rights attached thereto or associated therewith including without limitation any right to receive cash in connection therewith.
“Performance Unit” shall mean a cash award made pursuant to Section VI of the Program.
“Program” shall mean the Company’s 1991 Performance Incentive Program, as amended and restated herein.
“Restricted Stock” shall mean a share of Common Stock granted to a Participant under Article IV of the Program. Restricted Stock awards entitle the Participant to receive shares of Common Stock which have certain restrictions that lapse upon satisfaction of conditions imposed by the Committee at the time of award.
“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean an award made under Article VII of the Program under which each unit represents a right to receive a share of Common Stock upon the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth by the Committee.
“Retirement” shall mean, except as otherwise set forth in an Award agreement, a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of the Participant’s retirement at his normal retirement date, pursuant to and in accordance with a pension, retirement or similar plan or other regular retirement practice of the Company, or in accordance with the early retirement provisions thereof.
“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs” shall mean a right granted to a Participant under Article V of the Program, which grants the Participant the right to receive the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise and the price at which the SAR was granted.
“Termination of Employment” shall mean a cessation of the employee-employer relationship between a Participant and the Company for any reason.
II. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
A. Administration
The Program shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the express provisions of the Program, the Committee shall have full and exclusive authority to interpret the Program, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Program and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable in the implementation and administration of the Program; provided, however, that subject to the express provisions hereof or unless otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, no action of the Committee shall adversely affect the terms and conditions of any Award made to, or any rights hereunder or under any grant letter of, any Participant, without such Participant’s consent. The Company and the Committee may delegate their authority to perform any of their functions relating to administration of the Program to other persons with respect to Awards granted to Participants who are not officers of the Company for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
B. Participation
The Committee may, from time to time, make all determinations with respect to selection of Participants and the Award or Awards to be granted to each Participant. In making such determinations, the Committee may take into account the nature of the services rendered or expected to be rendered by the respective Participants, their present and potential contributions to the Company’s success and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion shall deem relevant.
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C. Maximum Number of Shares Available
Subject to adjustment as provided under Article II, Paragraph D of the Program, the maximum number of shares which may be granted under the Program after February 27, 2009 is 23,969,264 plus shares which subsequently become available as a result of forfeitures, cancellation or expiration of Awards under the Program. For each Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit, or Performance Share Award issued, the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Program will be reduced by two shares, and for any other Award, the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Program will be reduced by one share.
In the event that an Award issued under the Program expires or is terminated unexercised as to any shares covered thereby, or shares are forfeited for any reason under the Program, such shares shall thereafter be again available for issuance under the Program. At the Committee’s discretion, these shares may be granted as stock options, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Stock Appreciation Rights or any combination of these provided that the combined total number of shares granted does not exceed either the overall share authorization described above or the specific share authorization set forth below for Performance Shares, Performance Units, stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Forfeited Awards that counted as two shares under the rule described above will result in the addition to shares available for issuance under the Program of two available shares per share forfeited, but any subsequent issuance of those shares in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Share Awards will result in a reduction of two shares available under the Program for each share issued. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph, the following shares shall not again become available for Awards or increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Program: (i) shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company in payment of the purchase price of a stock option issued under this Program, (ii) shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award, (iii) shares repurchased by the Company with proceeds received from the exercise of a stock option issued under this Program, and (iv) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right issued under this Program that are not issued in connection with the settlement of that Stock Appreciation Right upon its exercise.
Subject to adjustment as provided under Article II, Paragraph D of the Program, (i) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which stock options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted during a calendar year to any Participant under the Program shall be 1,000,000 shares, and (ii) with respect to Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units intended to qualify, as set forth in Article VIII, as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to such awards granted during a calendar year to any Participant under the Program shall be the equivalent of 500,000 shares, and the maximum amount of cash that may be payable under an award of Performance Units granted during a calendar year to any Participant shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of 500,000 shares of Common Stock determined on the date of grant.
No Incentive Stock Options shall be granted after April 29, 2018.
D. Adjustments
In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of FASB ASC Topic 718) that causes the per share value of shares to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary dividend, the Committee, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under the Program, shall substitute or adjust, as applicable, (i) the number and kind of shares or other securities that may be issued under the Program or under particular forms of Awards, (ii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards, (iii) the exercise price applicable to outstanding Awards, (iv) the annual limits set forth in Article II, Paragraph C of the Program, and (v) other value determinations applicable to outstanding Awards.
In instances where another corporation or other business entity is acquired by the Company, and the Company has assumed outstanding employee option grants under a prior existing plan of the acquired entity, similar adjustments to those described in the previous paragraph are permitted at the discretion of the Committee. In the event of any other change affecting the Common Stock reserved under the Program, such adjustment, if any, as may be deemed equitable by the Board, shall be made to give proper effect to such event. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, i) no
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adjustment shall be made pursuant to this Article II.D. that would cause any Award that is not otherwise deferred compensation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code to be treated as deferred compensation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, and ii) no adjustment may be made that reduces the amount to be paid up per share to less than the par value of the share.
E. Registration Conditions
1. Unless issued pursuant to a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no shares shall be issued to a Participant under the Program unless the Participant represents and agrees with the Company that such shares are being acquired for investment and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof, or such other documentation is provided by the Participant as may be required by the Company, unless in the opinion of counsel to the Company such representation, agreement or documentation is not necessary to comply with such Act.
2. Restrictions on the resale of shares shall be evidenced on the stock certificate by the following legend (or other such legend as the Company deems appropriate):
“The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The shares cannot be offered, transferred or sold unless (a) a registration statement under such Act is in effect with respect to such shares, or (b) a written opinion from counsel acceptable to the Company is obtained to the effect that no such registration is required. The Company reserves the right to refuse the transfer of such shares until such conditions have been fulfilled. The Articles of Association of the Company contain other restrictions on share transfers.”
Any certificate issued at any time in exchange or substitution for any certificate bearing such legend (or such other legend deemed appropriate by the Company) shall also bear such a legend unless, in the opinion of counsel or the Company, the securities represented thereby need no longer be subject to the restriction contained herein. The provisions of this paragraph shall be binding upon all subsequent holders of certificates bearing such legend.
F. Committee Action
The Committee may, through Award agreements, limit its discretion under this Program. To the extent such discretion is not specifically waived in an Award agreement, the Committee shall retain such discretion.
G. No Option or SAR Repricing Without Shareholder Approval
Except as provided in Article II.D hereof relating to certain anti-dilution adjustments, unless the approval of shareholders of the Company is obtained, ISOs, NQSOs and SARs issued under the Program shall not be (i) amended to lower their exercise prices, (ii) cancelled in exchange for the grant of any new stock options or SARs with lower exercise prices, or (iii) cancelled in exchange for cash, other property or the grant of any new Award at a time when the exercise price of such ISOs, NSQOs or SARs is greater than the current Fair Market Value of a share.
H. Award Vesting/Exerciseability/Distribution Limitations
Except in the case of death, disability, retirement, involuntary termination, or in accordance with the provisions of Article IX, (i) Awards in the form of Performance Shares and Restricted Stock shall not become vested on a date that is less than one year following the date that such Award is granted, (ii) Awards in the form of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs shall not become vested or exercisable on a date that is less than one year following the date that such Award is granted, and (iii) Awards in the form of Performance Units and Restricted Stock Units shall not provide for distribution on a date that is less than one year following the date that such Award is granted; provided, however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of up to 5% of the Shares reserved for issuance under Article II, Paragraph C may be granted to Participants without regard to such minimum vesting, exercisability and distribution provisions.
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III. PERFORMANCE SHARES
A. Grant of Performance Shares
After selecting Participants who will receive Awards of Performance of Shares for a given Performance Period, the Committee shall inform each such Participant of the Award to be granted to the Participant at the completion of the Performance Period, and the applicable terms and condition of the Award. The Committee shall cause to be issued to each Participant a grant letter specifying the number of Performance Shares under his Award and the number of Performance Shares which may be awarded subject to the terms and conditions of such grant letter and the Program.
B. Establishment of Performance Goals
1. The Committee shall establish the Performance Goals for each Performance Period. The Committee shall also establish a schedule for such Performance Period setting forth the percentage of the Performance Share Award which will be earned, based on the extent to which the Performance Goals for such Performance Period are actually achieved, the date on which Performance Shares awarded hereunder shall vest, or the date on which such Performance Shares shall be forfeited (in whole or in part) by the Company for failure to meet the Performance Goals, as specified by the Committee.
2. As promptly as practical after each Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether, or the extent to which, the Performance Goals have been achieved. Based on such determination, the Participant shall be deemed to have earned the Performance Shares awarded to him, or a percentage thereof as provided in any schedule established by the Committee. In addition, the Committee may, from time to time during a Performance Period and consistent with the terms and conditions of applicable Awards and Performance Goals, determine that all or a portion of the Performance Shares awarded to one or more Participants have been earned.
3. If during the course of a Performance Period there should occur, in the opinion of the Committee, significant changes in economic conditions or in the nature of the operations of the Company, or any other pertinent changes which the Committee did not foresee or accurately predict the extent of in establishing the Performance Goals for such Performance Period and which, in the Committee’s sole judgment, have, or are expected to have, a substantial effect on the performance of the Company during the Performance Period, the Committee may make such adjustment to the Performance Goals or measurements of such Performance Goals as the Committee, in its sole judgment, may deem appropriate.
C. Termination of Employment
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Performance Share Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant or the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from Performance Shares held by the Corporation a pro rata number of shares with respect to that Performance Share Award, or such other portion of the Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, the Award will be cancelled, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Performance Shares, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release restrictions on all or any part of an Award.
IV. RESTRICTED STOCK
A. Grant of Restricted Stock
1. Following the selection of Participants who will receive a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall inform each such Participant of the number of Restricted Stock shares granted to the Participant and the terms and applicable conditions of the Award.
2. Each certificate for Restricted Stock shall be registered in the name of the Participant and deposited, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company.
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B. Other Terms and Conditions
Company stock, when awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, will be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant who is granted the Restricted Stock Award. Such certificate shall be deposited together with a stock power endorsed in blank with the Company. The Participant shall be entitled to receive dividends and all other distributions during the restriction period and shall have all shareholder’s rights with respect to such stock, if any, with the exception that: (1) the Participant may not transfer ownership of the shares during the restriction period except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (2) the Participant will not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate during the restriction period, (3) the Company will retain custody of the stock during the restriction period, and (4) a breach of a restriction or a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award will cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock shares. The Committee may impose additional restrictions, terms, or conditions upon the Restricted Stock Award.
C. Restricted Stock Award Agreement
Each Restricted Stock Award shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Award agreement in such form and containing such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Program as the Committee from time to time shall approve.
D. Termination of Employment
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Restricted Stock Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant or the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from Restricted Stock shares held by the Corporation a pro rata number of shares with respect to that Restricted Stock Award, or such other portion of the Restricted Stock Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Restricted Stock shares held by the Company shall be forfeited, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Restricted Stock shares, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release of restrictions on all or any part of an Award, or unless otherwise stated in the Restricted Stock agreement.
E. Payment for Restricted Stock
Restricted Stock Awards may be made by the Committee under which the Participant shall, upon payment of the par value, or, in the alternative, under which the Participant shall pay all (or any lesser amount than all) of the Fair Market Value of the stock, determined as of the date the Restricted Stock Award is made, receive a Restricted Stock Award. If payment is required, such purchase price shall be paid as provided in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
V. STOCK OPTIONS
A. Stock Option Terms and Conditions
All stock options granted to Participants under the Program shall be evidenced by agreements which shall be subject to applicable provisions of the Program, and such other provisions as the Committee may adopt, including the following provisions:
1. Price: The option price per share of Nonstatutory Stock Options (NQSOs) and Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.
2. Period: An ISO shall not be exercisable for a term longer than ten years from date of its grant. NQSOs shall have a term not longer than ten years from the date of grant.
3. Time of Exercise: The Committee may prescribe the timing of the exercise of the stock option and any minimums and installment provisions and may accelerate the time at which a stock option becomes exercisable.
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4. Exercise Procedures: A stock option, or a portion thereof, shall be exercised by delivery of notice of exercise to the Company or the Program administrator designated from time to time by the Company and payment of the full price of the shares being purchased. Such notice shall be given in the form designated from time to time by the Company.
5. Payment: The price of an exercised stock option, or portion thereof, may be paid using any of the following:
(a) cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company; or
(b) the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant, having an aggregate Fair Market Value as determined on the date of exercise equal to the option price; or
(c) an arrangement with a broker approved by the Company whereby payment of the exercise price is accomplished with the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock; or
(d) withholding shares of Common Stock subject to the option with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price; or
(e) such other means as the Company may authorize; or
(f) a combination of any of the above.
The Committee may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of any shares of Common Stock to exercise a stock option as it deems appropriate.
6. Special Rule for Incentive Stock Options: Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Program, the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock, determined as of the time the stock option is granted, for which the Participant may first exercise Incentive Stock Options in any calendar year shall not exceed U.S. $100,000 or such other individual employee grant limit as may be in effect under the Code.
7. Effect of Leaves of Absence: It shall not be considered a Termination of Employment when a Participant is placed by the Company on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence. In case of such leave of absence, the employment relationship for Program purposes shall be continued until the later of the date when such leave of absence equals ninety days or when the Participant’s right to reemployment with the Company shall no longer be guaranteed either by statute or contract.
8. Termination of Employment: In the event of Termination of Employment, the following provisions shall apply unless waived by the Committee, or as otherwise specifically provided in the stock option Award agreement:
(a) Discharge for Cause: All outstanding options shall be cancelled.
(b) Termination Other Than for Cause: Unless and except as otherwise specified in a Participant’s agreement, all options shall expire on the earlier of (i) 90 days following the Termination of Employment or (ii) the expiration of the full term of the option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may rescind the right to exercise stock options following Termination of Employment if the Participant has been found to be directly or indirectly engaged in any activity which is in competition with the Company or otherwise adverse to or not in the best interest of the Company.
B. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs).
The Committee is authorized to grant SARs to Participants on the following terms and conditions:
1. An SAR shall confer on the Participant to whom it is granted a right to receive with respect to each share of Common Stock subject thereto, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (1) the Fair Market Value of one share of Common
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Stock on the date of exercise over (2) the exercise price per share of the SAR, as determined by the Committee as of the date of grant of the SAR (which shall not be less than the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the SAR).
2. The Committee shall determine, at the time of grant or thereafter, the time or times at which an SAR may be exercised in whole or in part (which shall not be more than ten years after the date of grant of the SAR), the method of exercise, method of settlement, method by which shares of Common Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants, whether or not an SAR shall be in tandem with any other Award, and any other terms and conditions of any SAR. The Committee shall determine at the time of grant of the SAR the form of consideration payable in settlement of the SAR (which may include shares of Common Stock or cash).
VI. PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARDS
A. Grant of Performance Unit Awards
After selecting Participants who will receive Awards of Performance Unit Awards for a given Performance Period, the Committee shall inform each such Participant of the Award to be granted to the Participant at the completion of the Performance Period, and the applicable terms and condition of the Award. The Committee shall cause to be issued to each Participant a grant letter specifying the number of Performance Units under his Award, the number of Performance Units which may be awarded subject to the terms and conditions of such grant letter and the Program, the notional dollar value assigned to each Performance Unit and the target cash value opportunity of the Award.
B. Establishment of Performance Goals
1. The Committee shall establish the Performance Goals for each Performance Period. The Committee shall also establish a schedule for such Performance Period setting forth the percentage of the Performance Unit Award which will be earned, based on the extent to which the Performance Goals for such Performance Period are actually achieved, the date on which Performance Units awarded hereunder shall vest, or the date on which such Performance Units shall be forfeited (in whole or in part) by the Company for failure to meet the Performance Goals, as specified by the Committee.
2. As promptly as practical after each Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether, or the extent to which, the Performance Goals have been achieved. Based on such determination, the Participant shall be deemed to have earned the Performance Units awarded to him, or a percentage thereof as provided in any schedule established by the Committee. In addition, the Committee may, from time to time during a Performance Period and consistent with the terms and conditions of applicable Awards and Performance Goals, determine that all or a portion of the Performance Units awarded to one or more Participants have been earned.
3. If during the course of a Performance Period there should occur, in the opinion of the Committee, significant changes in economic conditions or in the nature of the operations of the Company, or any other pertinent changes which the Committee did not foresee or accurately predict the extent of in establishing the Performance Goals for such Performance Period and which, in the Committee’s sole judgment, have, or are expected to have, a substantial effect on the performance of the Company during the Performance Period, the Committee may make such adjustment to the Performance Goals or measurements of such Performance Goals as the Committee, in its sole judgment, may deem appropriate.
C. Termination of Employment
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to the satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Performance Unit Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant, or the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive a pro-rata distribution of outstanding Performance Unit Awards. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Awards will be cancelled, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Performance Units, subject to the discretion of the Committee.
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VII. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
A. Grant of Restricted Stock Units
Following the selection of Participants who will receive an award of Restricted Stock Units, the Committee shall inform each such Participant of the number of Restricted Stock Units granted to the Participant and the terms and applicable conditions of the Restricted Stock Unit Award.
B. Other Terms and Conditions
Restricted Stock Unit Awards will provide for the delivery of the number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the number of Restricted Stock Units at the time and subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the Committee. Delivery of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Awards will occur upon expiration of the deferral period specified by the Committee. In addition, Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to such restrictions, including forfeiture conditions, as the Committee may impose. Prior to distribution of shares of Common Stock under a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to the shares subject to the Award. In the discretion of the Committee, the Participant may have the right to receive equivalent payments for dividends and other distributions, subject to the terms and conditions that the Committee in its discretion may impose.
C. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
Each Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement in such form and containing such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Program, as the Committee from time to time shall approve.
D. Termination of Employment
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to an outstanding Restricted Stock Unit Award for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant or the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from the Restricted Stock Unit Award a pro rata number of shares with respect to the Restricted Stock Unit Award, or such other portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Restricted Stock Units held by the Participant shall be forfeited, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Restricted Stock Units, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release restrictions and deliver shares in respect of all or any part of an Award, or unless otherwise stated in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
VIII. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
A. Performance Awards Granted to Designated Participants
Subject to Article VIII.A.6 below, the provisions of the Program are intended to ensure that all NQSOs and SARs granted hereunder to any Participant who is a “Covered Employee” (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) at the time of exercise of such NQSOs or SARs qualify for exemption from the limitation on deductibility imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code. Such NQSOs and SARs shall therefore be considered “Performance-Based Compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and the Program shall be interpreted and operated consistent with that intention.
The Committee may in its discretion designate any other Award (other than NQSOs or SARs) as Performance-Based Compensation upon grant, in each case based upon a determination that (i) the Participant is a Covered Employee with respect to such Award at the time of grant or may be a Covered Employee at the time of settlement, and (ii) the Committee wishes such Award to be subject to this Article VIII and qualify for exemption from the limitation on deductibility imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall have the sole authority to specify which Awards are to be granted in compliance with this Article VIII and treated as Performance-Based Compensation.
1. Performance Goals Generally. The performance goals for Awards designated by the Committee as “Performance-Based Compensation” (“Performance Awards”) shall consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted level or levels
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of performance with respect to each of such criteria, as specified by the Committee consistent with this Article VIII.A. Performance goals shall be objective and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder (including Regulation 1.162-27 and successor regulations thereto). The Committee may determine that such Performance Awards shall be granted, vested and/or settled upon achievement of any one performance goal or that two or more of the performance goals must be achieved as a condition to grant, vesting and/or settlement of such Performance Awards. Performance goals may differ for Performance Awards granted to any one Participant or to different Participants.
2. Business Criteria. The performance goals upon which the grant, payment or vesting of a Performance Award are conditioned shall be based on one or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries or business units of the Company (except with respect to the total stockholder return and earnings per share criteria): (1) earnings per share; (2) revenues; (3) cash flow (including operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment); (4) return measures (including return on assets, return on investment, return on capital, and return on equity); (5) economic value added; (6) operating margin; (7) net income; pretax earnings; pretax earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization; pretax operating earnings after interest expense and before incentives, service fees, and extraordinary or special items; operating earnings; (8) price of a share of Common Stock (including growth in share price and total stockholder return); (9) expenses/costs; (10) shareholders’ equity; (11) book value; and (12) any of the above goals as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies approved by the Committee or a published or special index deemed applicable by the Committee including, but not limited to, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index.
3. Adjustment of Business Criteria . The Committee may provide in any Performance Award that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude the impact, if any, on reported financial results of any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (a) asset write-downs, (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (c) changes in tax laws, accounting principles or other laws or provisions, (d) reorganization or restructuring programs, (e) acquisitions or divestitures, (f) foreign exchange gains and losses or (g) gains and losses that are treated as unusual or infrequently occurring items under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 225. Such inclusions or exclusions shall be prescribed in a form and at a time that meets the requirements of Code Section 162(m) for qualification of the Award as Performance-Based Compensation.
4. Performance Period; Timing for Established Performance Goals. Achievement of performance goals in respect of Performance Awards shall be measured over a performance period, as specified by the Committee. Performance goals shall be established by the earlier of the following dates: (i) 90 days after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such Performance Awards, and (ii) the date on which twenty-five percent (25%) of the performance period applicable to such Performance Awards has elapsed.
5. Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms. Settlement of such Performance Awards shall be in cash, Common Stock or other property, in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with such Performance Awards, but may not exercise discretion to increase any such amount payable to a Participant in respect of a Performance Award subject to this Article VIII.A. The Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of Termination of Employment by the Participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of Performance Awards.
6. In the event that applicable tax or securities laws change to permit the Committee discretion to alter the governing business criteria or permit flexibility with respect to the terms of any Award or Performance Awards without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, in the event that the Committee determines that it is advisable to grant Awards that are not intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee may make such grants without satisfying the requirements of Code Section 162(m) and base vesting on business criteria other than those set forth in this Article VIII.
B. Written Determination
In the case of any Award intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, all determinations by the Committee as to the establishment of performance goals or potential individual Performance Awards, and as to the achievement of performance goals relating to Performance Awards subject to this Article VIII, shall be made in writing.
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IX. CHANGE IN CONTROL
A. Vesting Following Change in Control
With respect to any Award, the Committee in its sole discretion may provide for lapse of restrictions and accelerated vesting upon or after the occurrence a Change in Control; provided, however, that no such accelerated vesting may occur unless the Participant has a Termination of Employment either by the Company without “cause” or by the Participant for “good reason.”
B. Alternative Awards Following Change in Control
Notwithstanding Article IX.A above, the provisions of Article IX.C shall apply in connection with a Change in Control with respect to any outstanding Award if any of the following conditions is not (or will not be) satisfied with respect to such outstanding Award, as determined by the Committee as constituted prior to the Change in Control:
1. Such outstanding Award is honored or assumed by the surviving entity, or a new right is substituted in place of such outstanding Award (such honored or assumed Award, or new right, are collectively referred to as an “Alternative Award”);
2. The Alternative Award is based on securities that are, or will immediately following the Change in Control be, publicly traded on an established U.S. securities market;
3. The Alternative Award provides rights, terms and conditions (including but not limited to vesting, exercisability, and timing and methods of payment) that are substantially equal to, or more favorable than, the rights, terms and conditions of such outstanding Award;
4. The Alternative Award has substantially equivalent economic value (measured at the time of the Change in Control) to such outstanding Award;
5. The Alternative Award provides that if the Participant has a Termination of Employment within 2 years following the Change in Control either by the Company without “cause” or by the Participant for “good reason,” the Alternative Award will become immediately vested and any conditions on a Participant’s rights under, or any restrictions on transfer or exercisability applicable to, such Alternative Award shall be waived or shall lapse, as the case may be; and
6. The Alternative Award will not subject the Participant to the assessment of additional taxes or interest under Section 409A of the Code.
C. Accelerated Vesting and Payment.
In the event of a Change in Control where the conditions set forth in Article IX.B are not met with respect to any outstanding Award, then the provisions of this Article IX.C shall apply to such Award:
1. Options and SARs . All outstanding NQSOs, ISOs and SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable immediately prior to the Change in Control. The Committee (as constituted prior to the Change in Control) shall provide that in connection with the Change in Control each NQSO, ISO and SAR shall be cancelled in exchange for an amount (payable in accordance with Article IX.C.4 below) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of the Change in Control over the exercise price for such NQSO, ISO or SAR.
2. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units . All restrictions with respect to outstanding unvested Awards in the form of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, and such Awards shall become vested immediately prior to the Change in Control. The Committee (as constituted prior to the Change in Control) shall provide that in connection with the Change in Control each Award in the form of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be cancelled in exchange for an amount (payable in accordance with Article IX.C.4 below) equal to the Change in Control Price multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Award.
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3. Performance Shares and Performance Units . Upon a Change in Control, each outstanding Performance Share and Performance Unit shall be treated as earned 100% at target, or, in the discretion of the Committee, based upon actual performance through the date of the Change in Control; and in either case cancelled in exchange for an amount (payable in accordance with Article IX.C.4 below) equal to the Change in Control Price multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Award.
4. Payments . Payment of any amounts calculated in accordance with this Article IX shall be made in cash or, if determined by the Committee (as constituted prior to the Change in Control), in shares of the stock of the surviving entity having an aggregate fair market value equal to such amount, or in a combination of such shares of stock and cash. All amounts payable hereunder shall be payable in full, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than 10 business days, following the Change in Control. For purposes hereof, the fair market value of one share of stock of the surviving entity shall be determined in good faith by the Committee (as constituted prior to the Change in Control).
X. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Amendment and Termination of Program
The Board may, at any time and from time to time, suspend or terminate the Program in whole or amend it from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem appropriate; provided, however, that, without the consent of an affected Participant, no amendment, suspension, or termination of the Program may adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any Award theretofore granted to him or her.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Program to the contrary, the Board may amend the Program, and the Board or the Committee may amend an Award agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of conforming the Program or an Award agreement to (i) any law relating to programs of this or similar nature, and to the administrative regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder, (ii) any applicable exchange requirements, and (iii) any compensation recoupment policy adopted by the Company. By accepting an Award under the Program, a Participant agrees to any amendment to the Program and any Award agreement made pursuant to this Article X.A. without further consideration or action.
B. Government and Other Regulations
The right of the Company to issue Awards under the Program shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any government agencies as may be required.
C. Other Compensation Plans and Programs
The Program shall not be deemed to preclude the implementation by the Company of other compensation plans or programs which may be in effect from time to time.
D. Miscellaneous Provisions
1. No Right to Continue Employment: Nothing in the Program or in any Award confers upon any Participant the right to continue in the employ of the Company or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company to discharge any Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause.
2. Non-Transferability: Except as otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award agreement, prior to being earned under Articles III, IV, or VI, being exercised under Article V, or having shares distributed under Article VII, no right or interest of any Participant in any Award under the Program shall be (a) assignable or transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or a valid beneficiary designation taking effect at death made in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, or (b) liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation or liability, except to the extent that Non-Qualified Stock Options may be pledged as security in a margin account for their exercise.
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3. Designation of Beneficiary: A Participant, in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, may designate a person or persons to receive, in the event of the Participant’s death, (a) any payments with respect to which the Participant would then be entitled, and (b) the right to continue to participate in the Program to the extent of such Participant’s outstanding Awards. Such designation shall be made upon forms supplied by and delivered to the Company and may be revoked in writing.
4. Withholding Taxes: The Company may require a payment from a Participant to cover applicable withholding for income and employment taxes. The Company reserves the right to offset such tax payment from any other funds which may be due the Participant by the Company.
5. Program Expenses: Any expenses of administering the Program shall be borne by the Company.
6. Construction of Program: The interpretation of the Program and the application of any rules implemented hereunder shall be determined solely in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
7. Unfunded Program: The Program shall be unfunded, and the Company shall not be required to segregate any assets which may at any time be represented by Awards. Any liability of the Company to any person with respect to an Award under this Program shall be based solely upon any obligations which may be created by this Program. No such obligation of the Company shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company.
8. Benefit Plan Computations: Except as otherwise determined by the Company, any benefits received or amounts paid to a Participant with respect to any Award granted under the Program shall not have any effect on the level of benefits provided to or received by any Participant, or the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, as part of any employee benefit plan (other than the Program) of the Company.
9. Pronouns, Singular and Plural: The masculine maybe read as feminine, the singular as plural and the plural as singular as necessary to give effect to the Program.
E. Effective Dates
The amendment and restatement of the Program will become effective on approval by the Board of the Company, subject to shareholder approval. All outstanding Awards shall remain in effect until all outstanding awards have been earned, have been exercised or repurchased, have expired or have been cancelled.
F. Section 409A
It is intended that the Program and Awards issued thereunder will comply with Section 409A of the Code (and any regulations and guidelines issued thereunder) to the extent the Awards are subject thereto, and the Program and such Awards shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with such intent. The Program and any Award agreements issued thereunder may be amended in any respect deemed by the Committee to be necessary in order to preserve compliance with Section 409A of the Code. In the case of any Award that, for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, was not earned and vested on December 31, 2004, that is treated as “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and is held by a Participant who is subject to United States income tax, notwithstanding any provision in an Award Agreement to the contrary, (i) in the case of any payment under the Award that is to be made upon a termination of employment or other service, (x) such termination of employment or other service will be deemed to occur upon the Participant’s “separation from service” with the Company (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h)), and (y) if the Participant is deemed on the date of his or her “separation from service” to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(i)), then with regard to any payment that is required to be delayed pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, such payment shall not be made prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of the Participant’s “separation from service,” or (B) the date of the Participant’s death (the “Delay Period”); and, upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments delayed pursuant hereto (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum, and any remaining payments due under the Award shall be paid in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them, and (ii) in the case of any payment under the Award that is to be made upon a Change in Control, for this purpose Change in Control shall mean a transaction or event that constitutes both a Change in Control (as defined in the Program) and a “change in control event” (as defined in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)) with respect to the Company. The Company shall not have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise protect any Participant from any obligation to pay any taxes pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
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ADDENDUM FOR FRENCH STOCK OPTIONS
The following additional provisions constitute the 2002 French Stock Option Addendum (the “French Addendum”).
A. Purpose of the French Addendum
The Committee has prescribed these additional provisions to the Program to permit French Participants to be granted French Options under the Program and only modify the Program as it relates to French Options granted under the Program to French Participants. These provisions apply to French Participants notwithstanding any other provisions of the Program, and do not apply to or modify the Program in respect of any other Participants.
The Board has adopted these additional provisions in accordance with Article II, Paragraph A of the Program.
B. Definitions
1. When used in this French Addendum, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Award” (or “stock option”) shall mean a French Option granted under the terms of the French Addendum and the Program.
“Cause” shall mean:
a. conviction of the French Participant of a felony involving moral turpitude or dishonesty;
b. the French Participant, in carrying out his or her duties for the Company, has been guilty of (1) gross neglect or (2) wilful misconduct; provided, however, that any act or failure to act by the French Participant shall not constitute Cause for this purpose if such act or failure to act was committed, or omitted, by the French Participant in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the overall best interests of the Company. The determination of whether the French Participant acted in good faith and that he or she reasonably believed his or her action to be in the Company’s overall best interest will be in the reasonable judgment of the General Counsel of the Company, or, if the General Counsel shall have an actual or potential conflict of interest, the Committee; or
c. the French Participant’s continued wilful refusal to obey any appropriate policy or requirement duly adopted by the Company and the continuance of such refusal after receipt of notice.
“Company” shall mean XL Group plc, an Irish company.
“French Option” shall mean a right to acquire stock granted under this French Addendum.
“French Participant” shall mean an employee of a Group Company to whom a subsisting French Option has been granted under this French Addendum, and any reference to “Participant” in the other provisions of this Program shall be construed as if it were a reference to “French Participant”.
“Group Company” shall mean XL Group plc, an Irish Company, or any other entity in which XL Group plc owns 20% or more of the ordinary voting power or equity.
“Market Value” shall mean on any day the market value of a share as derived from the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange, and any reference to “Fair Market Value” in the other provisions of the Program shall be construed as though it were a reference to “Market Value” for the purposes of grants under this French Addendum.
“Trading Day” shall mean any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.
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2. The following definitions in Article I Paragraph B of the Program shall not apply to this French Addendum:
“Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO”
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” or “NQSO”
“Performance Goal”
“Performance Period”
“Performance Shares”
“Performance Unit”
“Restricted Stock”
“Restricted Stock Unit”
“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs”
C. Provisions relating to performance shares, restricted stock, performance unit awards, restricted stock units, and performance awards
Articles III, IV, VI, VII, and VIII of the Program shall not apply to French Options.
D. Participation
1. French Options may be granted to any employee including “PDG” and managers “mandataires sociaux”.
2. No French Options may be granted to consultants who do not have a work contract with the Company.
3. No French Options may be granted to an Administrator or member of the Conseil de Surveillance who does not have a work contract with the Company.
4. No French Options may be granted to any employee who, at the date of grant, holds shares representing 10% or more of the issued share capital of the Company.
E. Price
1. The option price per share of French Options shall not be less than:
A) for French Options relating to newly issued shares of Common Stock, the higher of:
i) 100 percent of the Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant; and
ii) 80 per cent of the average of the middle market quotations for a share of Common Stock derived from the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive Trading Days preceding the date of grant of such option.
B) for French Options relating to shares of Common Stock purchased by the Company, the higher of:
i) 80 per cent of the average purchase price of a share of Common Stock purchased by the Company; and
ii) 80 per cent of the average middle market quotations for a share of Common Stock derived from the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive Trading Days preceding the date of grant of such option.
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2. The option price of a French Option shall be determined and fixed at the date of grant and may be adjusted only upon the occurrence of any of the events specified under the French Code of Commerce (section L. 225-181) in accordance with French law.
F. Date of grant
No French Option may be granted:
1. during the 20 consecutive Trading Days after the payment of a dividend;
2. during the 20 consecutive Trading Days after an increase of capital reserved to the shareholders;
3. during the 10 consecutive Trading Days preceding the date of publication of the consolidated accounts or any annual financial statements of the Company;
4. during the 10 consecutive Trading Days following the date of publication of the consolidated accounts or any annual financial statements of the Company;
5. during the period starting on any date on which the corporate management of the Company is aware of unpublished price-sensitive information and ending 10 Trading Days after the publication of such information;
G. Exercise following death of French Participant
The heirs of a deceased French Participant may exercise the French Option during the period of six months following the date of death. The French Option may not be assigned or transferred in any other circumstances, and any purported transfer, assignment, or charge shall cause the French Option to lapse forthwith.
H. Disposal of shares
Any disposal of Common Stock by a French Participant less than four years after the date of grant, and regardless of whether he has left employment with the Company, shall be accompanied by a notice of disposal sent by the French Participant to his employing company or former employing company within one week of the disposal.
I. Lapse of French Options
French Options granted under this French Addendum shall lapse upon the first of the following events to occur:
1. the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of the French Option;
2. the third anniversary of the Retirement or Disability of the French Participant;
3. six months following the death of the French Participant;
4. unless otherwise provided in an Employment Agreement between the French Participant and the Company, the third anniversary of the termination of the French Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause within two years following a Change in Control (the “Post-Change Period”);
5. ninety days following termination of the French Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause outside a Post-Change Period;
6. the last date of employment of the French Participant if employment is terminated by the Company for Cause;
7. the French Participant being adjudicated bankrupt; or
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8. thirty days after the last date of employment of the French Participant if employment terminates other than as set forth above in this paragraph.
J. Exercise of French Options
1. Article V, Paragraphs A.1, A.2, A.3 and A.6 of the Program shall not apply.
2. Subject to the time limits in Paragraph I above, the French Options shall become exercisable according to the vesting schedule detailed in the French Participant’s stock option agreement; provided, however, that the option shall be immediately exercisable in full upon termination of the French Participant’s employment due to death or Disability.
3. The French Option may be exercisable in whole or in part by the French Participant giving written notice of exercise to the Company or the Program administrator designated from time to time by the Company stating the number of shares with respect to which the French Option is being exercised, in the form prescribed by the Company. Such exercise shall be effective upon receipt of such notice by the Company or Program administrator and payment in full of the option price.
4. When a French Option is exercised only in part, the balance shall remain exercisable on the same terms as originally applied to the whole French Option and the Company shall issue a new option certificate accordingly as soon as possible after the partial exercise.
5. The French Participant may exercise his French Option at any time after the French Option becomes exercisable in accordance with Subparagraph 2 of this Paragraph J and before the French Option lapses for any reason stated in Paragraph I of this French Addendum.
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2002 ITALIAN STOCK OPTION ADDENDUM
The following additional provisions constitute the 2002 Italian Stock Option Addendum (the “Italian Addendum”).
A. Purpose of the Italian Addendum
The Committee has prescribed these additional provisions to the Program to permit Italian Participants to be granted Italian Options under the Program and only modify the Program as it relates to Italian Options granted under the Program to Italian Participants. These provisions apply to Italian Participants notwithstanding any other provisions of the Program, and do not apply to or modify the Program in respect of any other Participants.
The Board has adopted these additional provisions in accordance with Article II, Paragraph A of the Program.
B. Definitions
1. When used in this Italian Addendum, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Award” shall mean an Italian Option granted under the terms of the Italian Addendum and the Program.
“Cause” shall mean:
a. conviction of the Italian Participant of a felony involving moral turpitude or dishonesty;
b. the Italian Participant, in carrying out his or her duties for the Company, has been guilty of (1) gross neglect or (2) wilful misconduct; provided, however, that any act or failure to act by the Italian Participant shall not constitute Cause for this purpose if such act or failure to act was committed, or omitted, by the Italian Participant in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the overall best interests of the Company. The determination of whether the Italian Participant acted in good faith and that he or she reasonably believed his or her action to be in the Company’s overall best interest will be in the reasonable judgment of the General Counsel of the Company, or, if the General Counsel shall have an actual or potential conflict of interest, the Committee; or
c. the Italian Participant’s continued wilful refusal to obey any appropriate policy or requirement duly adopted by the Company and the continuance of such refusal after receipt of notice.
“Date of Offer” shall mean the date of the meeting during which the Committee resolves to grant Italian Options pursuant to Article II, Paragraph B of the Program.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean on any day the market value of a share as derived from the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange.
“Italian Option” shall mean a right to acquire stock granted under this Italian Addendum.
“Italian Participant” shall mean an Italian resident employee of the Company to whom a subsisting Italian Option has been granted under this Italian Addendum, and any reference to “Participant” in the other provisions of this Program shall be construed as if it were a reference to “Italian Participant”.
2. The following definitions in Article I Paragraph B of the Program shall not apply to this Italian Addendum:
“Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO”
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” or “NQSO”
“Performance Goal”
“Performance Period”
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“Performance Shares”
“Performance Unit”
“Restricted Stock”
“Restricted Stock Units”
“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs”
C. Provisions relating to performance shares, restricted stock, performance unit awards, restricted stock units, and performance awards
Articles III, IV, VI, VII, and VIII of the Program shall not apply to Italian Options.
D. Participation
1. Italian Options may be granted to any Italian resident employee of the Company save for the exceptions listed in sub-paragraph 2 and 3 of this paragraph D.
2. No Italian Options may be granted to any person who is not an employee of the Company.
3. No Italian Options may be granted to any employee who, at the date of grant, holds either:
shares representing 10% or more of the issued share capital of XL Group plc; or,
10% or more of the voting rights exercisable in the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting.
E. Price
1. The option price per share of Italian Options shall be:
a. for Italian Options relating to newly issued shares of Common Stock, not less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant; and
b. for Italian Options relating to shares of Common Stock purchased by the Company, not less than the nominal value of a Share
provided that such option price shall not be less than the average of the middle market quotations for a share of Common Stock derived from the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange for the period commencing on the same date as the Date of Offer in the previous calendar month (or in the event that such date does not exist, the last day of that preceding calendar month) and ending on the Date of Offer of such Italian Option.
F. Exercise following death of Italian Participant
Italian Options may be assigned or otherwise transferred only in the following circumstances:
1. by will or the laws of descent and distribution; or
2. by valid beneficiary designation taking effect at death made in accordance with procedures established by the Committee.
G. Lapse of Italian Options
Italian Options granted under this Italian Addendum shall lapse upon the first of the following events to occur:
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1. the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of the Italian Option;
2. the third anniversary of the Retirement or Disability of the Italian Participant;
3. six months following the death of the Italian Participant;
4. unless otherwise provided in an Employment Agreement between the Italian Participant and the Company, the third anniversary of the termination of the Italian Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause within two years following a Change in Control (the “Post-Change Period”);
5. ninety days following termination of the Italian Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause outside a Post-Change Period;
6. the last date of employment of the Italian Participant if employment is terminated by the Company for Cause;
7. the Italian Participant being adjudicated bankrupt; or
8. thirty days after the last date of employment of the Italian Participant if employment terminates other than as set forth above in this paragraph.
H. Exercise of Italian Options
1. Article V, Paragraphs A.1, A.2, A.3 and A.6 of the Program shall not apply.
2. Subject to the time limits in Paragraph G above, the Italian Options shall become exercisable according to the vesting schedule detailed in the Italian Participant’s stock option agreement; provided, however, that the option shall be immediately exercisable in full upon termination of the Italian Participant’s employment due to death or Disability.
3. The Italian Option may be exercisable in whole or in part by the Italian Participant giving written notice of exercise to the Company or the Program administrator designated from time to time by the Company stating the number of shares with respect to which the Italian Option is being exercised, in the form prescribed by the Company. Such exercise shall be effective upon receipt of such notice by the Company or Program administrator and payment in full to the Company of the option price.
4. When an Italian Option is exercised only in part, the balance shall remain exercisable on the same terms as originally applied to the whole Italian Option and the Company shall issue a new option certificate accordingly as soon as possible after the partial exercise.
5. The Italian Participant may exercise his Italian Option at any time after the Italian Option becomes exercisable in accordance with Subparagraph 2 of this Paragraph H and before the Italian Option lapses for any reason stated in Paragraph G of this Italian Addendum.
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ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR UK PARTICIPANTS
The following additional provisions constitute the 2002 UK Approved Stock Option Appendix (the “UK Subplan”) for UK Participants.
A. Purpose of the UK Subplan
The Committee has prescribed these additional provisions to the Program to permit UK Participants to be granted Approved Options under the Program. These provisions are to be read as a continuation of the Program and only modify the Program as it relates to Approved Options granted under the Program to UK Participants. These provisions do not apply to or modify the Program in respect of any other Participants.
The Board has adopted these additional provisions in accordance with Article II, Paragraph A of the Program.
In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Program and the UK Subplan, the terms of the UK Subplan will take precedence insofar as Approved Options granted to UK Eligible Employees are concerned.
B. Definitions
1. When used in this UK Subplan, the following additional terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Approved Option” shall mean a right to acquire Common Stock granted under this UK Subplan to a UK Participant while this UK Subplan is approved by the UK Inland Revenue under the Taxes Act.
“Associated Company” in relation to the Company shall have the meaning given by s416 of the Taxes Act.
“Cause” shall mean:
a. conviction of the UK Participant of a felony involving moral turpitude or dishonesty;
b. the UK Participant, in carrying out his or her duties for the Company, has been guilty of (1) gross neglect or (2) wilful misconduct; provided, however, that any act or failure to act by the UK Participant shall not constitute Cause for this purpose if such act or failure to act was committed, or omitted, by the UK Participant in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the overall best interests of the Company. The determination of whether the UK Participant acted in good faith and that he or she reasonably believed his or her action to be in the Company’s overall best interest will be in the reasonable judgment of the General Counsel of the Company, or, if the General Counsel shall have an actual or potential conflict of interest, the Committee; or
c. the UK Participant’s continued wilful refusal to obey any appropriate policy or requirement duly adopted by the Company and the continuance of such refusal after receipt of notice.
“Control” shall have the meaning given by section 840 of the Taxes Act.
“Eligible Employee” shall mean:
a. any full-time director employed by a Participating Company and required to devote not less than 25 hours per week to his duties (excluding meal breaks); or
b. any other employee of a Participating Company
provided that the director or employee is not precluded by paragraph 8 of Schedule 9 (material interest in a close company) from participating in this UK Subplan.
“Exchange Rate” shall mean, on any day it falls to be calculated, the closing mid-point of the pound/dollar exchange rate quoted in the Financial Times on that day.
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“Group Company” shall mean:
a. the Company; or
b. any company under the Control of the Company.
“Participating Company” shall mean any Group Company which is permitted by the Inland Revenue to participate in the Program and which is designated by the Committee as a Participating Company or a jointly owned company for which the prior consent of the Inland Revenue has been obtained provided that if any jointly owned company which has been nominated as a Participating Company ceases to satisfy the necessary Inland Revenue requirements (unless as a consequence of such cessation if becomes under the control of the Company) it shall forthwith cease to be a Participating Company.
“Schedule 9” shall mean Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act.
“Taxes Act” shall mean the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
“UK Subplan” shall mean the 2002 UK Approved Stock Option Appendix, as amended from time to time.
2. When used in this UK Subplan, the following terms in Article I, Provision B shall be modified as set forth below in relation to Approved Options only:
“Award” shall mean Approved Options granted under the terms of the Program and the UK Subplan.
“Common Stock” shall mean the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, par value of $0.01 per share, which satisfy the requirements of paragraph 10-14 of Schedule 9, and may be either stock previously authorized but unissued, or stock acquired by the Company.
“Company” shall mean XL Group plc, and Irish Company.
“Market Value” shall mean in respect of a share comprised in an Approved Option:
a. On any day, the market value of a share as derived from the mid-market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange; or
b. If the shares are not for the time being fully quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange, the value of a share over which such Approved Option is granted as determined by the Committee as at the date of grant and having regard to the provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 and agreed in advance with the Inland Revenue Shares Valuation Division. Any reference to “Fair Market Value” in the other provisions of the Program shall be construed as though it were a reference to “Market Value” for the purposes of grants under this UK Subplan.
“UK Participant” shall mean an Eligible Employee to whom a subsisting Approved Option has been granted under this UK Subplan, and any reference to “Participant” in the other provisions of this Program shall be construed as if it were a reference to “UK Participant”.
3. Terms and expressions not defined in this Paragraph B have the same meaning as in section 185 and Schedule 9 of the Taxes Act, where appropriate.
4. References to any statutory provision are to that provision as amended or re-enacted from time to time.
5. All references in the Program to Stock Appreciation Rights and Incentive Stock Options shall not apply for the purposes of options granted under this UK Subplan.
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C. Administration
1. Article II, Paragraph A of the Program shall be modified by the addition of the following words “No amendment to the UK Subplan or to this Program in so far as it applies to Approved Options shall become effective unless and until it is approved by the UK Inland Revenue. No Approved Options may be granted unless and until the UK Subplan is approved by the UK Inland Revenue.”
2. The rights and obligations of an option holder under the terms of his contract of employment are not affected by his participation in this UK Subplan.
D. Adjustments to share capital
1. Article II, Paragraph D shall be amended by the deletion of the words “stock splits in the capitalization of the Company” and replaced by the following “any capitalization (other than a scrip issue), rights issue, consolidation, subdivision, reduction or other variation of the share capital of the Company”.
2. Article II, Paragraph D shall be amended by the deletion of the second and third sentences beginning “In instances...” and finishing “…proper effect to such an event”.
3. Article II, Paragraph D of the Program shall be modified so that after the words “outstanding stock options shall be similarly adjusted”, the following words are inserted:
a. the aggregate amount payable on the exercise of an Approved Option in full is not increased;
b. no adjustment shall be made without the prior approval of the Inland Revenue; and
c. following the adjustment the shares of Common Stock continue to satisfy the conditions specified in paragraph 10-14 inclusive of Schedule 9.”
E. Provisions relating to performance shares, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance unit awards and performance awards
Articles II Paragraph F, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, and X.D.4 of the Program shall not apply to Approved Options.
F. Grant of Approved Options
1. Approved Options granted to Eligible Employees chosen to participate may be granted by deed. A single deed of grant may be executed in favor of any number of Eligible Employees.
2. The first sentence of Article V.A shall be deleted and replaced with the following words;
“All Approved Options granted to UK Participants under this UK Subplan shall be evidenced by option certificates stating:
a. the date of grant of the Approved Option;
b. the number and class of shares over which the Approved Option is granted;
c. the option price payable for each share;
d. any condition as to exercise imposed in accordance with Paragraph F.3 of the UK Subplan.”
3. The exercise of an Approved Option may be conditional upon the satisfaction of objective corporate performance condition(s) imposed by the Committee at the date of grant. Any such performance conditions shall be deemed waived in the event of a Change in Control, or termination of employment by reason of death or Disability.
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G. Price
Article V.A.1 shall be modified by the addition of the following words;
“The option price per share of Approved Options shall not be less than 100 percent of the Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.”
H. Period
Article V.A.2 shall be modified so that after the words “an ISO” the words “or an Approved Option” shall be inserted.
I. Time of Exercise
Article V.A.3 shall be deleted and replaced with the following words;
“Time of Exercise: Subject to the time limit in Article V.A.2, one-third of the Approved Options shall become exercisable on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant; provided, however, that the option shall be immediately exercisable in full upon termination of the UK Participant’s employment due to his or her death or Disability.
J. Payment
Articles V.A.5.b, A.5.c, and A.5.d shall be deleted and replaced with a new paragraph A.5.b as follows;
“by arrangements with the Company, which arrangements shall have been approved in advance by the UK Inland Revenue.’
K. Limit on value of Approved Options held
The following new paragraph shall be inserted after Article V.A.6;
“Special Rule for Approved Options; notwithstanding any other provision of the Program, the aggregate Market Value of the shares of Common Stock, determined at the relevant grant dates (converted to pounds sterling at the Exchange Rate on the relevant dates of grant), which the UK Participant may acquire on the exercise in full of all unexercised Approved Options then held by him under the UK Subplan and any other Inland Revenue approved discretionary share option plan adopted by the Company and any Associated Company, shall not exceed GB£30,000 or such other amount as shall from time to time be specified in paragraph 28 of Schedule 9.”
L. Lapse of Approved Options
Article V.A.8 shall be replaced by the following new paragraph;
1. Approved Options granted under this UK Subplan shall lapse upon the first of the following events to occur:
a. the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of the Approved Option;
b. the third anniversary of the Retirement or Disability of the UK Participant;
c. the first anniversary of the death of the UK Participant;
d. unless otherwise provided in an Employment Agreement between the UK Participant and the Company, the third anniversary of the termination of the UK Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause within two years following a Change in Control (the “Post-Change Period”);
e. ninety days following termination of the UK Participant’s employment by the Company not for Cause outside a Post-Change Period;
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f. the last date of employment of the UK Participant if employment is terminated by the Company for Cause;
g. the UK Participant being adjudicated bankrupt; or
h. thirty days after the last date of employment of the UK Participant if employment terminates other than as set forth in this paragraph.
M. Exercise of Approved Options
1. No Approved Option may be exercised by an individual at any time when he is precluded by paragraph 8 of Schedule 9 (material interest in a close company within the preceding 12 months) from participating in this UK Subplan.
2. No Approved Option may be exercised at any time when the shares which may be thereby acquired do not satisfy the conditions specified in paragraphs 10 - 14 of Schedule 9.
3. The Approved Option may be exercisable in whole or in part by the UK Participant giving notice of exercise the Company or the Program administrator designated from time to time by the Company stating the number of shares with respect to which the Approved Option is being exercised, in the form prescribed by the Company. Such exercise shall be effective upon receipt of such notice by the Company or Program administrator and payment in full to the Company of the option price.
4. Shares of Common Stock shall be allotted and issued pursuant to a notice of exercise within 30 days of the date of exercise and a definitive share certificate issued to the option holder in respect thereof. Save for any rights determined by reference to a date preceding the date of allotment, such shares of Common Stock shall rank pari passu with the other shares of the same class in issue at the date of allotment.
5. When an Approved Option is exercised only in part, the balance shall remain exercisable on the same terms as originally applied to the whole Approved Option and the Company shall issue a new option certificate accordingly as soon as possible after the partial exercise.
6. The Approved Option maybe exercised by the personal representatives of a deceased UK Participant during the period of one year following the date of death. The Approved Option may not be assigned or transferred in any other circumstances, and any purported transfer, assignment, or charge shall cause the Approved Option to lapse forthwith.
7. The UK Participant may exercise his Approved Option at any time after the Approved Option becomes exercisable in accordance with Paragraph I of the UK Subplan and before the Approved Option lapses for any reason stated in Paragraph L of the UK Subplan.
N. Effective dates
In relation to Approved Options, Article X.E shall be modified so that after the words “shareholder approval” the words “and the approval of the UK Inland Revenue to the UK Subplan” shall be inserted.
O. Exchange of Approved Options on a takeover
1. If any company (“the Acquiring Company”) obtains Control of the Company within the circumstances specified in paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 9 to the Taxes Act, any UK Participant may, by agreement with the Acquiring Company at any time within the period specified in paragraph 15(2) of that Schedule 9, release his Approved Option (“the Old Option”) in consideration of the grant to him of a new approved option (“the New Option”) which is equivalent to the Old Option (by virtue of satisfying the requirements of paragraph 15(3) of Schedule 9 of the Taxes Act) but relates to stock in a different company (whether the Acquiring Company itself or another company within its group).
2. Where any New Options are granted pursuant to Paragraph O.1 above they shall be regarded for the purposes of the subsequent application of the provisions of this UK Subplan as having been granted at the time when the corresponding Old Options were granted and, with effect from the date on which the New Options are granted:
a. save for the definitions of “Participating Company” and “Group Company” in Paragraph B of this UK Subplan, references to “the Company” (including the definition in Paragraph B of this Subplan) shall be construed as being references to the Acquiring Company or such other company to whose stock the New Options relate; and
b. references to “Common Stock” (including the definition in Paragraph B of this Subplan) shall be construed as being references to stock in the Acquiring Company or stock in such other company to which the New Options relate but references to Participating Company shall continue to be construed as if references to the Company were references to XL Group plc.
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Additional Provisions for Participants in the Republic of Ireland
The following amendments to the Program shall apply insofar as it relates to awards made to Participants in the Republic of Ireland.
1 | Article III.C – Performance Shares & Termination of Employment |
Article III.C shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Performance Share Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant (or the Participant’s legal personal representative, in the event of his death), in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from Performance Shares held by the Company a pro rata number of shares with respect to that Performance Share Award, or such other portion of the Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, the Award will be cancelled, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Performance Shares, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release restrictions on all or any part of an Award.
2 | Article IV.D – Restricted Stock & Termination of Employment |
Article IV.D shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Restricted Stock Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant (or the Participant’s legal personal representative, in the event of his death), in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from Restricted Stock shares held by the Corporation a pro rata number of shares with respect to that Restricted Stock Award, or such other portion of the Restricted Stock Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Restricted Stock shares held by the Company shall be forfeited, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Restricted Stock shares, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release of restrictions on all or any part of an Award, or unless otherwise stated in the Restricted Stock agreement.
3 | Article VI.C – Performance Unit Awards & Termination of Employment |
Article VI.C shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to the satisfaction of conditions related to outstanding Performance Unit Awards for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant (or the Participant’s legal personal representative, in the event of his death), in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive a pro-rata distribution of outstanding Performance Unit Awards. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Awards will be cancelled, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Performance Units, subject to the discretion of the Committee.
4 | Article VII.D – Restricted Stock Units & Termination of Employment |
Article VII.D shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Employment prior to satisfaction of conditions related to an outstanding Restricted Stock Unit Award for reasons other than discharge or resignation, the Participant (or the Participant’s legal personal representative, in the event of his death), in the sole discretion of the Committee, may be entitled to receive from the Restricted Stock Unit Award a pro rata number of shares with respect to the Restricted Stock Unit Award, or such other portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award, if any, as the Committee shall determine. In the event of Termination of Employment due to resignation or discharge, all Restricted Stock Units held by the Participant shall be forfeited, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any further consideration with respect to the forfeited Restricted Stock Units, subject to the discretion of the Committee to release restrictions and deliver shares in respect of all or any part of an Award, or unless otherwise stated in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
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5 | Article X.D Miscellaneous Provisions |
Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Article X.D shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
1. No Right to Continue Employment: Subject to the relevant provisions of local employment law governing the employment of a Participant, nothing in the Program or in any Award confers upon any Participant the right to continue in the employ of the Company or interferes with or restricts in any way any rights that the Company may have to discharge any Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Awards made under the Plan, and any other awards the Company may grant in the future to a Participant, even if such awards are made repeatedly or regularly, and regardless of their amount, (a) are wholly discretionary, are not a term or condition of employment and do not form part of a contract of employment, or any other working arrangement, between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary, as applicable, (b) do not create any contractual entitlement to receive future awards or to continued employment, and (c) do not form part of salary or remuneration for purposes of determining pension payments or any other purposes, including, without limitation, termination indemnities, severance, resignation, redundancy, bonuses, long-term service awards, pension or retirement benefits, or similar payments, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
2. Non-Transferability: Except as otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award agreement, prior to being earned under Articles III, IV, or VI, being exercised under Article V, or having shares distributed under Article VII, no right or interest of any Participant in any Award under the Program shall be (a) assignable or transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or (b) liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation or liability, except to the extent that Non-Qualified Stock Options may be pledged as security in a margin account for their exercise.
3. [Intentionally Omitted]
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Exhibit 4.6
AMENDMENT TO XL GROUP PLC
1991 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED ON MAY 13, 2016)
WHEREAS, XL Group plc has petitioned the High Court of Ireland to approve a Scheme of Arrangement under the Irish Companies Act, the effect of which would be to impose a new holding company, incorporated in Bermuda, XL Group Ltd, as the ultimate parent holding company of the XL group of companies (the “Redomestication”); and
WHEREAS, XL Group plc maintains the 1991 Performance Incentive Program, as amended and restated on May 13, 2016 (the “Program”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its authority under Article X, Paragraph A of the Program, the Board of Directors of XL Group plc wishes to amend the Program in connection with the Redomestication;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. | THAT, the title of the Program shall be the “XL Group Ltd (formerly XL Group plc) 1991 Performance Incentive Program (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016).” |
2. | THAT, the Program shall be amended such that each occurrence of the term “XL Group plc” shall instead refer to “XL Group Ltd”. |
3. | THAT, the definition of “Company” in Article I, Paragraph B of the Program shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows: |
“Company” shall mean XL Group Ltd, a Bermuda company, any other entity in which XL Group Ltd owns 20% or more of the ordinary voting power or equity, and any successor in a reorganization or similar transaction.
4. | THAT, the foregoing amendments shall become effective, and shall be conditioned, upon the consummation of the Redomestication. |
5. | THAT, except as expressly amended hereby, the Program remains in full force and effect. |
Exhibit 4.7
XL GROUP PLC
DIRECTORS STOCK & OPTION PLAN
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF MAY 8, 2015)
1. | PURPOSES |
The purposes of the Directors Stock & Option Plan are to advance the interests of XL Group plc and its Shareholders by providing a means to attract, retain, and motivate Directors of the Company upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the continued success, growth and development of the Company is dependent.
2 . | DEFINITIONS |
For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(b) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. References to any provision of the Code shall be deemed to include successor provisions thereto and regulations thereunder.
(c) “Company” means XL Group plc, an Irish company, or any successor corporation or permitted assign.
(d) “Director” means a non-employee member of the Board.
(e) “Fair Market Value” means, with respect to Shares on any day, the following:
(i) If the Shares are at the time listed or admitted to trading on any stock exchange, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price per share of Shares on the date in question on the stock exchange which is the primary market for the Shares, as such price is officially quoted on such exchange. If there is no reported sale of Shares on such exchange on such date, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price on the exchange on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists; and
(ii) If the Shares are not at the time listed or admitted to trading on any stock exchange but are traded in the over-the-counter market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price per share of Shares on the date in question, as such price is reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers through the NASDAQ National Market System or any successor system. If there is no reported closing selling price for Shares on such date, then the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists shall be determinative of Fair Market Value.
(f) “Fiscal Year “means the calendar year.
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(g) “Option” means a right, granted under Section 5 of the Plan, to purchase Shares.
(h) “Participant” means a Director who has been granted an Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or who has elected to defer compensation under the Plan.
(i) | “Plan” means this Directors Stock & Option Plan. |
(j) “Restricted Stock Award” means an award granted under Section 5(d) of the Plan.
(k) “Restricted Stock Unit Award” means an award granted under Section 5(e) of the Plan.
(l) “Shares” means ordinary shares of the Company.
3. | ADMINISTRATION |
The Plan shall be administered by the Board. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Board shall have full and exclusive authority to interpret the Plan, to make all determinations with respect to awards to be granted under the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable in the implementation and administration of the Plan. The Board’s interpretation and construction of the Plan shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
4. | SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN |
(a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(g), the total number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be 994,702. If any Shares subject to an Option, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award hereunder are forfeited, cancelled or surrendered, any Shares counted against the number of Shares reserved and available under the Plan with respect to such Option, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation or surrender, again be available for issuance as such an award under the Plan.
(b) Any Shares issued hereunder may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares including Shares acquired by purchase in the open market or in private transactions.
5. | DIRECTOR’S AWARDS |
(a) Options . The Board may make discretionary Option grants to Directors hereunder. The Board may determine, in its discretion, the Directors to whom any such Options are to be granted, the number of Shares to be subject to each such Option and the other terms and conditions of such Options, consistent with the terms of the Plan. The exercise price per share of any Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant, and the term of an Option shall not be longer than ten years.
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(b) Time and Method of Exercise . The exercise price of an Option shall be paid to the Company at the time of exercise in cash or through delivery of Shares owned by the Director for more than six months having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price.
(c) No Option Re-pricing . Except as provided in Section 5(g) hereof relating to certain anti-dilution adjustments, unless the approval of Shareholders of the Company is obtained, Options issued under the Plan shall not be amended to lower their exercise prices, they will not be exchanged for other stock options with lower exercise prices, and Options issued under the Plan with an exercise price in excess of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares will not be exchanged for cash or other property.
(d) Restricted Stock Awards . The Board may grant Restricted Stock Awards to Directors on such terms and conditions, consistent with the provisions of this Plan, as determined by the Board. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to restrictions on transferability, forfeiture conditions and other restrictions, if any, as the Board may impose, which restrictions and forfeiture conditions may lapse under such circumstances as the Board may determine. A Director who is granted a Restricted Stock Award shall have all of the rights of a Shareholder prior to vesting of the Restricted Stock Award, including, without limitation, the right to vote the Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends thereon.
(e) Restricted Stock Unit Awards . The Board may grant Restricted Stock Unit Awards to Directors on such terms and conditions, consistent with the provisions of this Plan, as determined by the Board. Restricted Stock Unit Awards will provide for the delivery of a number of Shares equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units at the time and subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the Board. Delivery of Shares pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Awards will occur upon expiration of the deferral period specified by the Board. In addition, Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to such restrictions, including forfeiture conditions, as the Board may impose.
(f) Transferability . The Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted under the Plan may be assigned or otherwise transferred only: (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution; (ii) by valid beneficiary designation taking effect at death made in accordance with procedures established by the Board; or (iii) solely in the case of Options, by the Director to members of his or her “immediate family,” to a trust established for the exclusive benefit of solely one or more members of the Director’s “immediate family” and/or the Director, or to a partnership or other entity pursuant to which the only owners are one or more members of the Director’s “immediate family” and/or the Director. Any Option held by the transferee will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Option immediately prior to the transfer, except that the Option will be transferable by the transferee only by will or the laws of descent and distribution. For purposes hereof, “immediate family” means the Director’s children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouse, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and relationships arising because of legal adoption.
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(g) Adjustments . In the event that subsequent to the Effective Date any alteration or re-organization whatsoever taking place in the capital structure of the Company whether by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, capital distribution, rights issue, consolidation or sub-division of shares, the conversion of one class of Share to another or reduction of capital or otherwise, affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of Shares or other securities of the Company or of another corporation, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Directors and preserve the value of the awards made hereunder (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Share subject to an unexercised Option, each Restricted Stock Award, each Restricted Stock Unit Award, and each Share to be issued on a formula basis under this Section 5 subsequent to such event, the number and kind of Shares or other securities into which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share shall be exchanged, (ii) the exercise price of outstanding Options shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to any unexercised Option shall remain the same as immediately prior to such event, and (iii) the number and kind of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be equitably adjusted in order to take into account such transaction or other change. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no adjustment may be made that reduces the amount to be paid up per share to less than the par value of the share.
(h) Nonqualified Options . All Options granted under the Plan shall be nonqualified options, not entitled to special tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code.
6. | DIRECTOR’S FEES |
Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the provisions of Section 6(a) through (f) and Section 6(h) below will apply only with respect to deferrals of annual retainer fees earned for service as a Director prior to January 1, 2009. Deferrals under such provisions may not be made with respect to annual retainer fees attributable to services performed after December 31, 2008.
(a) Each Director may make an irrevocable election on or before the December 31 immediately preceding the beginning of a Fiscal Year of the Company, by written notice to the Company, to defer payment of all or a designated portion (in increments of $5,000) of the cash compensation otherwise payable as his or her annual retainer for service as a Director for the next Fiscal Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Director who first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan may make an election under this Section 6(a) within 30 days of first becoming eligible to participate in the Plan in respect of annual retainer fees for services performed after the date of the election under this Section 6(a).
(b) Deferrals of compensation hereunder shall continue until the Director notifies the Company in writing, on or prior to the December 31 immediately preceding the commencement of any Fiscal Year, that he wishes his compensation for such Fiscal Year and all succeeding periods to be paid in cash on a current basis.
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(c) All compensation which a Director elects to defer pursuant to this Section 6 shall be credited in the form of units to a bookkeeping account maintained by the Company in the name of the Director. Each such unit shall represent the right to receive one Share at the time determined pursuant to the terms of the Plan. In consideration for forgoing cash compensation, the number of units so credited will be equal to the number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date the compensation would otherwise have been paid) equal to 100% of the amount by which the Director’s cash compensation was reduced pursuant to the deferral election. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, in the case of any deferral election made prior to the date of approval of this Plan by the affirmative votes of the holders of a majority of voting securities of the Company, the crediting of Share units to the Director’s bookkeeping account shall be contingent on such Shareholder approval. If such Shareholder approval is not obtained within one year from the Effective Date of this Plan, compensation deferred pursuant to a prior election hereunder will be paid to the Director in cash at the end of such year.
(d) As of each date on which a cash dividend is paid on Shares, there shall be credited to each account that number of units (including fractional units) determined by: (i) multiplying the amount of such dividend (per Share) by the number of units in such account; and (ii) dividing the total so determined by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of payment of such cash dividend. The additions to a Director’s account pursuant to this Section 6(d) shall continue until the Director’s account is fully paid.
(e) The account of a Director shall be distributed (in the form of one Share for each Share unit) either (x) in a lump sum at the time of the Director’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h)) with the Company or (y) in up to five annual installments commencing at the time of the Director’s “separation from service” with the Company, as elected by the Director. Each Director’s distribution election must be made in writing within 30 days after the Director first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan; provided, however, that, solely in the case of deferrals of compensation that were earned and vested on December 31, 2004 (together with amounts credited thereon under Section 6(d)), a Director may make a new distribution election with respect to the entire portion of such deferrals so long as such election is made at least one year in advance of the Director’s termination of service on the Board. In the case of an account distributed in installments, the amount of Shares distributed in each installment shall be equal to the number of Share units in the Director’s account subject to such installment distribution at the time of the distribution divided by the number of installments remaining to be paid. In the event a Director does not make an affirmative distribution election in accordance with this Section 6(e), the account of the Director shall be distributed in a lump sum at the time of the Director’s “separation from service.”
(f) The right of a Director to amounts described under this Section 6 (including Shares) shall not be subject to assignment or other disposition by him or her other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. In the event that, notwithstanding this provision, a Director makes a prohibited disposition, the Company may disregard the same and discharge its obligation hereunder by making payment or delivery as though no such disposition had been made.
(g) Each Director may make an election in writing on or prior to each December 31 to receive the Directors annual retainer fees payable in the following Fiscal Year in the form of Shares instead of cash. Any Shares elected shall be payable at the time cash retainer fees are otherwise payable, and the number of Shares distributed shall be equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable on such payment date divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share on such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Director who first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan may make an election under this Section 6(g) within 30 days of first becoming eligible to participate in the Plan in respect of annual retainer fees for services performed after the date of the election under this Section 6(g).
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(h) In the event that any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other such change, affects the Shares such that they are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of Shares, other securities of the Company or of another corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the proportionate interest of the Directors and preserve the value of the Directors’ Share units, there shall automatically be substituted for each Share unit a new unit representing the number and kind of Shares, other securities or other consideration into which each outstanding Share shall be changed. The substituted units shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the original Share units
7. | GENERAL PROVISIONS |
(a) Compliance with Legal and Trading Requirements . The Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, U.S. federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required. The Company, in its discretion, may postpone the issuance or delivery of Shares under the Plan until completion of such stock exchange or market system listing or registration or qualification of such Shares or other required action under any U.S. state or federal law, rule or regulation or under laws, rules or regulations of other jurisdictions as the Company may consider appropriate, and may require any Participant to make such representations and furnish such information as it may consider appropriate in connection with the issuance or delivery of Shares in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. No provisions of the Plan shall be interpreted or construed to obligate the Company to register any Shares under U.S. federal or state law or under the laws of other jurisdictions.
(b) No Right to Continued Service . Neither the Plan nor any action taken thereunder shall be construed as giving any Director the right to be retained in the service of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate any Director’s service at any time.
(c) Taxes . The Company is authorized to withhold from any Shares delivered under this Plan or on exercise of an Option any amounts of withholding and other taxes due in connection therewith, and to take such other action as the Company may deem advisable to enable the Company and a Participant to satisfy obligations for the payment of any withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating thereto. This authority shall include authority to withhold or receive Shares or other property and to make cash payments in respect thereof in satisfaction of a Participant’s tax obligations.
(d) Amendment . The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan without the consent of Shareholders of the Company or Participants, except that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation, or termination shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s Shareholders if such Shareholder approval is required by any U.S. federal law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares may then be listed or quoted; provided, however, that, without the consent of an affected Participant, no amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation, or termination of the Plan may impair the rights or, in any other manner, adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any award theretofore granted to him or her or compensation previously deferred by him or her hereunder.
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(e) Unfunded Status of Awards . The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or a deferral election, nothing contained in the Plan shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company; provided, however, that the Company may authorize the creation of trusts or make other arrangements to meet the Company’s obligations under the Plan to deliver cash, Shares, or other property pursuant to any award, which trusts or other arrangements shall be consistent with the "unfunded” status of the Plan unless the Company otherwise determines with the consent of each affected Participant.
(f) Non-Exclusivity of the Plan . Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the Shareholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of options on Shares and other awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
(g) No Fractional Shares . No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. Cash shall be paid in lieu of such fractional Shares.
(h) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws thereof.
(i) Effective Date; Plan Termination . The Plan as amended and restated became effective as of May 8, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), subject to approval by the Shareholders of the Company. The Plan shall terminate as to future awards on June 14, 2024 or, if earlier, at such time as no Shares remain available for issuance pursuant to Section 4, and the Company has no further obligations with respect to any award granted or compensation deferred under the Plan.
(j) Titles and Headings . The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only. In the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
(k) Section 409A . It is intended that deferrals of compensation that were earned and vested on December 31, 2004 (and amounts credited thereon under Section 6(d) of the Plan) (the “Grandfathered Plan Benefits”) will satisfy the grandfather provisions applicable under Section 409A of the Code so that such Grandfathered Plan Benefits will not be subject to Section 409A of the Code. No amendment to this Plan made after October 3, 2004 will apply to the Grandfathered Plan Benefits unless the amendment specifically provides that it applies to them. As it applies to benefits that are not Grandfathered Plan Benefits, it is intended that the Plan, Options and other awards granted and amounts deferred hereunder will comply with Section 409A of the Code (and any regulations and guidelines issued thereunder) to the extent subject thereto, and the Plan and such Options, awards and deferral provisions shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with such intent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no adjustment shall be made pursuant to Section 5(g) above that would cause any Option to be treated as deferred compensation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. The Plan and any Award Agreements issued thereunder may be amended in any respect deemed by the Board or the Committee to be necessary in order to preserve compliance with Section 409A of the Code. No action or failure to act, pursuant to this Section 7(k) shall subject the Company to any claim, liability, or expense, and the Company shall not have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise protect any Director from the obligation to pay any taxes pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
(l) Section 457A . Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in the case of any Director subject to United States income tax, any amount deferred under Section 6 of the Plan, and any amount deferred under a restricted stock unit granted under the Plan, which in any such case constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 457A of the Code and is subject to Section 457A of the Code, shall be distributed to the Director no later than December 31, 2017.
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Exhibit 4.8
AMENDMENT TO XL GROUP PLC
DIRECTORS STOCK & OPTION PLAN
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED ON MAY 8, 2015)
WHEREAS, XL Group plc has petitioned the High Court of Ireland to approve a Scheme of Arrangement under the Irish Companies Act, the effect of which would be to impose a new holding company, incorporated in Bermuda, XL Group Ltd, as the ultimate parent holding company of the XL group of companies (the “Redomestication”); and
WHEREAS, XL Group plc maintains the XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan, as amended and restated on May 8, 2015 (the “Plan”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its authority under Section 7(d) of the Plan, the Board of Directors of XL Group plc wishes to amend the Plan in connection with the Redomestication;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. | THAT, the title of the Plan shall be the “XL Group Ltd Directors Stock & Option Plan (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016).” |
2. | THAT, the Plan shall be amended such that each occurrence of the term “XL Group plc” shall instead refer to “XL Group Ltd”. |
3. | THAT, the definition of “Company” in Section 2(c) of the Plan shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows: |
“Company” means XL Group Ltd, a Bermuda company, or any successor company or permitted assign.
4. | THAT, the foregoing amendments shall become effective, and shall be conditioned, upon the consummation of the Redomestication. |
THAT, except as expressly amended hereby, the Plan remains in full force and effect.
Exhibit 5.1
XL Group Ltd
O’Hara House
One Bermudiana Road
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda
Our ref: 6388-029
25 July, 2016
Dear Sirs/Madams,
XL Group Ltd – Registration Statement on Form S-8
We have acted as special legal counsel in Bermuda to XL Group Ltd, a Bermuda exempted company (the “Company”), in connection with the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on 25 July, 2016 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company, XL Group plc and XLIT Ltd. pursuant to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). The Registration Statement relates to, among other things, the registration of common shares in the capital of the Company with a par value of US$0.01 per common share (the “Common Shares”) to be issued under the following equity incentive plans (collectively, the “Plans”):
· | XL Group plc 1991 Performance Incentive Program (as amended and restated on May 13, 2016), as further amended effective July 25, 2016; and |
· | XL Group plc Directors Stock & Option Plan (as amended and restated on May 8, 2015), as further amended effective July 25, 2016; and |
· | XL Services UK Limited Profit Sharing Scheme, |
(the proposals and arrangements described in the Registration Statement being referred to in this letter as the “Transaction”).
Unless otherwise defined, all defined terms used in this opinion shall have the same meaning as respectively given to such terms in the Registration Statement.
1. | For the purpose of giving this opinion, we have reviewed the following documents: |
1.1 | a copy of the Registration Statement; |
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1.2 | a copy of the certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association and the amended and restated bye-laws of the Company (together the “Constitutional Documents”); |
1.3 | certified copies of the resolutions (“Resolutions”) of meetings of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) held on 25 April, 2016 and 27 June 2016, and unanimous written resolutions of the Board dated 15 June 2016, in each case relating to the Transaction; |
1.4 | a certificate of compliance from the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda dated 7 July, 2016; and |
1.5 | such other documents in relation thereto as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinions given below. |
2. | We have assumed for the purposes of this opinion: |
2.1 | the genuineness and authenticity of all signatures and the conformity to the originals of all copies (whether or not certified) examined by us and the authenticity and completeness of the originals from which such copies were taken; |
2.2 | that where a document has been examined by us in draft form, it will be or has been executed and/or filed in the form of that draft, and where a number of drafts of a document have been examined by us all changes thereto have been marked or otherwise drawn to our attention; |
2.3 | the accuracy and completeness of all factual representations made in the Registration Statement and other documents reviewed by us; |
2.3 | that there are no agreements or arrangements in existence which in any way amend or vary the terms of the Transaction as disclosed by the Registration Statement; |
2.4 | that the resolutions set forth in the Resolutions are in full force and effect, have not been rescinded or amended and that there is no matter affecting the authority of the directors to effect entry by the Company into the offering, not disclosed by the Constitutional Documents or the Resolutions, which would have any adverse implication in relation to the opinions expressed herein; |
2.5 | that the Company will issue the Common Shares in furtherance of its objects as set out in its memorandum of association; |
2.6 | that the Constitutional Documents will not be amended in any manner that would affect the opinions set forth herein; |
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2.7 | that at the time of the issue of any Common Shares the Company shall have sufficient number of shares as part of its authorised share capital available for issue; |
2.8 | that the Company will at the relevant time of issuance of the Common Shares hold the necessary permissions (general or specific) of the Bermuda Monetary Authority for such issuance or transfer; |
2.9 | that there is no provision of the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction, other than Bermuda, which would have any implication in relation to the opinions expressed in this opinion; |
2.10 | the issuance and sale thereof by the Company of the Common Shares will not violate the Constitutional Documents of the Company nor any applicable law, regulation, order or decree in Bermuda; |
2.11 | that all necessary corporate action will be taken to authorise and approve any issuance of the Common Shares, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, and that the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement will be duly approved, executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company and all other parties thereto; |
2.12 | that any applicable purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and any other agreement or other document relating to any of the Common Shares will be valid and binding in accordance with its terms pursuant to its governing law; |
2.13 | that the issuance and sale of and payment for the Common Shares will be in accordance with any applicable purchase, underwriting or similar agreement duly approved by or on behalf of the Board, and the Registration Statement; |
2.14 | that, upon the issue of any Common Shares, the Company will receive consideration for the full issue price thereof which shall be equal to at least the par value thereof; |
2.15 | the Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Part III of the Companies Act 1981, as amended, entitled “Prospectuses and Public Offers”; |
2.16 | without having made any investigation, that the terms of the Plans are lawful and fully enforceable under the laws of any other applicable jurisdiction other than the laws of Bermuda, and the Plans have not been varied, amended or revoked or will have expired at the time of issue of the relevant Common Shares; and |
2.17 | the capacity, power and authority of all parties other than the Company to enter into and perform their obligations under any and all documents entered into by such parties in connection with the issuance of the Common Shares, and the due execution and delivery thereof by each party thereto. |
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3. | On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, and further subject to the reservations set out below and any matters not disclosed to us, we are of the opinion that: |
3.1 | The Company is an exempted company duly incorporated with limited liability and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda (meaning solely that the Company has not failed to make any filing with any Bermuda governmental authority or 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). |
3.2 | When duly issued and paid for as provided in the Registration Statement, the Common Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not be subject to any calls for any additional payment. |
4. | We have made no investigation of and express no opinion in relation to the laws of any jurisdiction other than Bermuda. This opinion is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bermuda and is limited to and is given on the basis of the current law and practice in Bermuda. |
5. | We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are experts within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act or that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. |
Yours faithfully,
/s/ ASW Law Limited
ASW LAW LIMITED
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated February 26, 2016, except with respect to our opinion on the consolidated financial statements insofar as it relates to the guarantor financial information included in Note 27, as to which the date is July 25, 2016, relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of XL Group plc, which appears in XL Group Ltd's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2016.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
July 25, 2016
Exhibit 99.1
Puglisi & Associates
July 25, 2016
XL Group Ltd
Attn: Kirstin R. Gould
Harbor Point
100 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06902
Re: | Registration Statement on Form S-8 of XL Group Ltd (the “Registration Statement”) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Puglisi & Associates, located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711, hereby accepts its appointment as agent for service of process for XL Group Ltd, in connection with the Registration Statement.
Any process received by us will be forwarded to:
XL Group Ltd
Attn: Kirstin R. Gould
XL Group
100 Washington Boulevard, 6th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
203-964-3595
(212) 905-3320
We acknowledge receiving $500.00 as payment for the first year of this appointment, which is renewable annually.
Our acceptance of this designation and our continued representation is contingent upon our receipt of timely payment of our charges for this service.
Very truly yours,
Puglisi & Associates
By: | /s/ DONALD J. PUGLISI | ||
Name: | Donald J. Puglisi | ||
Title: | Managing Director |