As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17,
2007
Registration
No. 333-_________
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
S-1
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
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6331
(Primary
Standard Industrial
Classification
Code Number)
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N/A
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
Number)
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7
Reid Street
Hamilton
HM 11
Bermuda
(441)
295-5225
(Address,
including zip code, and telephone number,
including
area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
CT
Corporation System
111
8th
Avenue,
13th
Floor
New
York, New York 10011
(212)
590-9330
(Name,
address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including
area code, of agent for service)
Copy
to:
Matthew
M. Ricciardi
LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP
125
West 55th
Street
New
York, New York 10019
Telephone:
(212) 424-8000
Facsimile:
(212) 424-8500
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Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From
time
to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If
any of
the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed
or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”), check the following box. x
If
this
form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to
Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If
this
form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If
this
form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title
of Each Class of
Securities
to be Registered
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Amount
to be Registered
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Proposed
Maximum Offering Price per Share
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Proposed
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1)
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Amount
of
Registration
Fee
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Common
Shares, par value $0.01 per share
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59,550,000
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$
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9.00
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$
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535,950,000
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$
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16,454
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(1)
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant
to
Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act. No exchange or over-the-counter market
exists for the registrant’s common shares; however, the registrant’s
shareholders have privately sold common shares using the PORTAL Market. The
fee
is based on the price of the registrant’s common shares on September 13, 2007,
which was reported on the PORTAL Market at a price of $9.00 per
share.
The
Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a
further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on
such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The
securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 17, 2007
59,550,000
Common Shares
The
selling shareholders named in this prospectus are offering up to 59,550,000
of
our common shares. The selling shareholders will receive all of the proceeds
from the sale of the common shares, less any brokerage commissions, and
therefore we will not receive any of the proceeds from their sale of our
shares.
No
public
market currently exists for our common shares, and our common shares are not
currently listed on any national exchange or market system. Application will
be
made to have our common shares approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market
or the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “
.”
Investing
in our shares involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6
of this prospectus to read about the risks you should consider before buying
our
shares.
None
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities
regulators, the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda or the Bermuda Monetary
Authority has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The
date
of this prospectus is , 2007
CERTAIN
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For
your
convenience, we have included below definitions of terms used in this
prospectus. In addition, we have provided a Glossary, beginning on page G-1,
of
selected insurance, reinsurance and investment terms.
In
this
prospectus, unless the context suggests otherwise:
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·
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“Maiden
Holdings,” “the Company,” “our company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd. (“Maiden
Insurance”), our Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary;
and
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·
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“AmTrust”
refers to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
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Potential
investors are warned that financial information presented in this prospectus
may
not be indicative of our future operating results or financial performance.
Certain
information contained in this prospectus with respect to AmTrust has been
extracted from its filings with the SEC. We accept responsibility for the
accuracy of such extraction, but accept no further responsibility in respect
of
such information. We have not independently verified such
information.
In
this
prospectus, amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars and the financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), except as otherwise
indicated.
We
are in
the process of filing for registration in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
for the marks “Maiden Holdings, Ltd.” and “Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd.” All
other brand names or trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property
of their respective holders.
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
Overview
We
are a
Bermuda holding company formed in June of 2007 to provide customized reinsurance
products and services to subsidiaries of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
(“AmTrust”) and small insurance companies and managing general agents in the
United States and Europe. We also plan to market to Lloyd’s syndicates and
program administrators. Reinsurance is an arrangement by which one insurance
company, called the reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurance (or
reinsurance) company, called the ceding company, against all or a portion
of the
insurance (or reinsurance) risks underwritten by the ceding company under
one or
more policies.
We
were
formed to capitalize on the market opportunities arising from the limited
supply
of traditional quota share and excess of loss reinsurance products. Under
traditional quota share reinsurance,
a
reinsurer provides reinsurance coverage to an insurance company on a pro
rata
basis based on a ceding percentage without any provisions to limit meaningful
losses within the contractual limits. Under
excess of loss reinsurance, a reinsurer agrees to reimburse the cedent for
all
or part of any losses in excess of the cedent’s retention, generally up to a
predetermined limit, at which point the risk of loss is assumed by another
reinsurer or reverts to the cedent. We plan to focus on primary insurers
that
specialize in products offering coverage at low limits or insuring risks
which
are believed to be low hazard, predictable and generally not susceptible
to
catastrophe claims. We plan to provide reinsurance solutions to such insurance
companies, to enable them to improve their capacity and ability to deliver
and
market their products and services.
AmTrust,
a publicly traded insurance holding company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market
and headquartered in New York, is our first and largest customer pursuant
to the
quota share reinsurance agreement, effective as of July 1, 2007, whereby
we
reinsure 40% of their written premium (net of commissions, in the case of
AmTrust’s UK subsidiary), net of reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsurers, on
their existing lines of business and, possibly, future lines of business.
AmTrust receives from us a ceding commission of 31%, subject to adjustments,
which is intended to cover its acquisition costs, and a 1.25% brokerage
commission on all business that we reinsure from AmTrust. We also assumed,
effective as of July 1, 2007, 40% of AmTrust’s unearned premium reserve,
which we expect to result in a transfer to us of approximately $125 million.
Our
reinsurance agreement with AmTrust’s Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust
International Insurance, Ltd. (“AII”), has an initial term of three years, and
will be extended for further terms of three years unless either party elects
not
to renew. We believe that our relationship with AmTrust should enable us
to
achieve profitable growth in our first years of operations.
According
to A.M. Best, there are more than 800 property and casualty insurance companies
in the U.S. with less than $100 million in surplus. We plan to expand our
client
base by offering our products primarily to small insurance companies in the
United States and Europe that could benefit from the additional underwriting
capacity provided by reinsurance to expand their operations. We plan to pursue
reinsurance opportunities with insurance companies, like AmTrust, that
specialize in workers’ compensation for small businesses in low and medium
hazard classes, commercial property and casualty program business for discrete
industry segments that are underwritten by managing general agents with
appropriate expertise and extended warranty and specialty risk programs that
are
characterized by low coverage limits and high volume. We believe we will
be able
to offer our prospective reinsureds expertise in underwriting and administering
specialty property and casualty business.
Maiden
Insurance has received a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M.
Best, which is the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels. A rating from
A.M.
Best indicates A.M. Best’s opinion of our financial strength and ability to meet
ongoing obligations to our future policyholders.
Market
Opportunity
We
believe that insurance companies that underwrite specialty property and casualty
products, such as workers’ compensation for employers in specific low and medium
hazard classes, commercial property and casualty programs for businesses
in
discrete industry segments and extended warranty and specialty risk programs,
often do not receive appropriate consideration from reinsurers for their
expertise, the risk profiles of their insureds, and the distinctions between
their specialty products and general insurance products. We believe that
this is
especially true for small insurers. We believe the lack of reinsurance capacity
with expertise in specialty property and casualty insurance is one of the
key
constraints on the growth of the business and of the insurers that underwrite
it.
Business
Strategy
In
order
to capitalize on our strategic relationship with AmTrust and the market
opportunities we have identified in the property and casualty industry,
we
intend to pursue the following business strategies:
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·
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Rely
on AmTrust as an Initial Principal Production Source.
Currently, our business consists of our quota share reinsurance
agreement
with a subsidiary of AmTrust. We project that a substantial amount
of our
reinsurance business will be derived from AmTrust while we gradually
develop business opportunities from other distribution
sources.
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Deliver
Reinsurance Solutions to Insurance Companies.
We plan to provide quota share and excess of loss reinsurance
and other
reinsurance solutions primarily to small insurers in the U.S.
and Europe
that could benefit from the additional underwriting capacity
provided by
reinsurance to expand their operations. We believe our management
team’s
significant prior operating experience and extensive market relationships
will provide significant opportunities to expand our reinsurance
clients
beyond AmTrust.
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Strategic
Acquisitions.
As we grow we will seek to augment our organic growth with strategic
and
accretive acquisitions of other reinsurers and attractive books
of
business. Our management team is experienced in reviewing and
in executing
acquisitions and integrations.
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Competitive
Strengths
We
believe we have the following competitive strengths, which should position
us to
underwrite business profitably:
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Access
to Profitable Book of Business from AmTrust.
Pursuant to our quota share reinsurance agreement with AII and
a related
Master Agreement with AmTrust, we reinsure 40% of all the insurance
business (net of reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsurers) of
the types
that AmTrust currently writes. AmTrust generated a weighted average
net
loss ratio of 64.7% for the three years ended December 31,
2006.
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Bermuda-Based
Operations.
We expect that our Bermuda-based operations will allow us to
access
reinsurance clients as well as to access Bermuda’s well-developed network
of reinsurance brokers. We believe that we will also benefit
from
Bermuda’s pool of experienced professionals and Bermuda’s favorable
regulatory environment.
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Strong
Market Relationships.
We intend to market our reinsurance products principally through
our
management’s industry contacts and through independent reinsurance
intermediaries. We believe that our management team’s significant prior
operating experience and extensive relationships with program
administrators, general agents, reinsurance companies and intermediaries
should allow us to establish our presence in the reinsurance
markets.
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New
Insurance Company.
As a newly formed company, we are unencumbered by historical
liability
exposures.
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Access
to Professional Asset Management through AmTrust.
AmTrust’s investment management team has a proven track record of managing
its asset portfolio. Our asset management agreement with AII
Insurance Management Limited (“AIIM”),
a subsidiary of AmTrust, enables us to benefit from this
experience.
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Experienced
Management with Knowledge of Primary Insurance Companies and
Products.
We have assembled a senior management team with extensive experience
in
underwriting specialty property and casualty business. Max G.
Caviet, our
President and Chief Executive Officer, has extensive relationships
in the
London and Bermuda reinsurance markets. Additionally, Barry D.
Zyskind,
our Chairman of the Board, has a proven track record of developing
insurance, service and capital solutions for AmTrust and brings
his
industry experience to his role as our Chairman. See
“Management.”
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Our
Relationship with Founding Shareholders and AmTrust
Our
founding shareholders, Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind
(the “Founding Shareholders”), who are Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Director and Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust, respectively, collectively
invested $50 million in exchange for 7,800,000 of our common shares. In
connection with our formation and capitalization, we also granted the Founding
Shareholders 10-year warrants to purchase an additional 4,050,000 common
shares
at an exercise price equal to $10.00 per share.
In
addition to the reinsurance agreement with AII, we entered into an asset
management agreement with AIIM, a subsidiary of AmTrust. AIIM is managing
our
investment portfolio for an annual fee of 0.35% of average invested assets
plus
costs. The asset management agreement has an initial term of one year and
will
be extended for additional terms of one year unless either party elects
not to
renew. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated
upon
30 days written notice by either party. The asset management agreement
enables
us to take advantage of AmTrust’s asset management expertise in a cost-effective
manner. We also entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with a subsidiary
of AmTrust pursuant to which the subsidiary is providing reinsurance brokerage
services to us in exchange for a 1.25% commission on all premiums we reinsure
from AmTrust.
Our
Chief
Executive Officer, Max G. Caviet, and interim Chief Financial Officer,
Ronald E.
Pipoly, Jr., currently are AmTrust executives. We are in the process of
hiring a
permanent Chief Financial Officer who is expected to join Maiden in the
fourth
quarter of 2007. Mr. Caviet is expected to become a full-time employee of
Maiden following a transition period which will not extend beyond
December 31, 2007.
Our
Challenges
As
part
of your evaluation of our company, you should take into account the challenges
we face in implementing our strategies.
An
investment in us is subject to numerous risks, including:
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Dependence
on AmTrust.
We
are dependent on AmTrust for a significant portion of our business
and may
be exposed to conflicts of interest with
AmTrust.
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Insufficient
Market Opportunities.
The market opportunities to write reinsurance of specialty property
and
casualty insurance may not materialize as we
anticipate.
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Start-up
Company.
We
are a new company with a limited operating history and may be
unable to
establish our infrastructure and operations
successfully.
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Provisional
Management Team.
Certain of our senior executives are employees of AmTrust who
we expect
will work for us only temporarily or have only provisional employment
agreements. There is no assurance that our executives with provisional
employment agreements will remain employed by
us.
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Ratings.
Our A.M. Best rating could be downgraded, which could significantly
impair
our ability to conduct business.
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Losses
in Excess of Expectations.
Our actual losses under our reinsurance agreements could exceed,
perhaps
substantially, the reserves we establish, resulting in a reduction
to our
net income.
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Tax.
The
taxation of Maiden Holdings and our shareholders may differ from
the
anticipated tax consequences, which could significantly impair
our results
and the value of an investment in our common
shares.
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For
a
description of these and other risks relating to an investment in our common
shares, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.
Private
Offering
On
July 3
and July 13, 2007, we sold an aggregate of 51,750,000 common shares in
a private
placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act, which we refer
to
in this prospectus as the private offering, at a purchase price of $9.30
per
share to Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., the initial purchaser of
some of the shares, and directly to certain investors. Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey & Co., Inc. resold the shares it purchased to investors pursuant to
Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. We raised approximately
$480.6 million in net proceeds from the private offering. We used approximately
$450 million of these proceeds and the $50.0 million our Founding Shareholders
invested in us, a total of approximately $500 million, to capitalize Maiden
Insurance, our reinsurance subsidiary.
In
connection with the private offering, we entered into a registration rights
agreement for the benefit of the holders of the shares sold in the private
offering. We also entered into a registration rights agreement with our
Founding
Shareholders with respect to their ownership of 7,800,000 of our common
shares,
which are being registered pursuant to the registration statement of which
this
prospectus is a part, and 4,050,000 common shares issuable upon exercise
of the
warrants we granted to our Founding Shareholders. See “Description of Share
Capital—Registration Rights.”
Determination
of Offering Price for this Offering
Because
all of the shares being offered under this prospectus are being offered
by the
selling shareholders, we cannot currently determine the price or prices
at which
our common
shares may be sold under this prospectus. Prior to the offering pursuant
to this
prospectus, there has been no public market for our common shares. We are
aware
that, prior to the date of this prospectus, certain qualified institutional
buyers of our common shares in our private offering, which was completed
in July
2007, have traded our common shares on the PORTAL Market. To our knowledge,
the
most recent price at which shares were resold on the PORTAL Market was
$9.00 per
share on September 13, 2007. We determined the $10.00 offering price per
share
in the private offering in consultation with the initial purchaser of many
of
the shares in the private offering. In making such determination, we considered
many factors, including our business strategy and the amount of capital
we
needed to raise in the private offering to implement our business strategy,
the
business we expected to receive from AmTrust, the market demand for our
shares
and our capital structure.
The
selling shareholders may sell all or a portion of the common shares offered
by
this prospectus from time to time in market transactions through any stock
exchange or automated interdealer quotation system on which the common
shares
are listed or quoted at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market,
in
privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and at prices and on terms
that
will be determined based on market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
or at
negotiated prices directly or through a broker or brokers, who may act
as agent
or as principal or by a combination of such methods of sale. We cannot
assure
you that the selling shareholders will sell all or any portion of the common
shares offered by this prospectus. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Our
Organization
Maiden
Holdings was originally incorporated in May 2007 under Cayman Islands law.
We
have since changed our jurisdiction of organization to Bermuda by discontinuing
from the Cayman Islands, continuing into Bermuda as a Bermuda exempted
company
and amalgamating with a new Bermuda company to form Maiden Holdings, Ltd.
Our
reinsurance subsidiary, Maiden Insurance, was incorporated on June 29,
2007 and
Maiden Insurance commenced writing business effective as of July 1,
2007.
How
to Contact Us
Our
principal executive office is located at 7 Reid Street, Hamilton HM 11,
Bermuda
and our telephone number is (441) 295-5225.
THE
OFFERING
Shares
offered by the selling shareholders:
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A
total of up to 59,550,000 common shares held by the selling shareholders,
consisting of the following: 51,750,000 common shares sold in
the private
offering and 7,800,000 common shares held by the Founding Shareholders.
The selling shareholders may or may not sell any or all of the
common
shares that have been registered by us.
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Shares
outstanding:
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59,550,000
common shares. Our outstanding shares
exclude:
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4,050,000
common shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants we issued
to our
Founding Shareholders; and |
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461,000
common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options
we
granted to non-employee directors and certain officers of our company;
and |
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2,339,000
additional common shares available for issuance under our 2007
Share
Incentive Plan. |
Dividends:
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For
the quarter ending September 30, 2007, our board of directors
has
authorized the payment of a cash dividend of $0.025 per common
share to
our shareholders of record on October 1, 2007 with a payment
date of
October 15, 2007. Our board of directors currently intends to
authorize
the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per common
share to our
shareholders of record each quarter thereafter. Any determination
to pay
dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors
and will be
dependent upon our results of operations and cash flows, our
financial
position and capital requirements, general business conditions,
legal,
tax, regulatory, rating agency and any contractual restrictions
on the
payment of dividends and any other factors our board of directors
deems
relevant, including Bermuda legal and regulatory
constraints.
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Use
of proceeds:
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We
will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by selling
shareholders
of our common shares.
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Trading:
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No
public market currently exists for our common shares, and our
common
shares are not currently listed on any national exchange or market
system.
Application will be made to have our common shares approved for
listing on
the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock
Exchange.
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RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our shares involves a high degree of risk. Before making an
investment decision, you should carefully consider all of the risks described
in
this prospectus. If any one or more of the risks discussed in this prospectus
actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the price
of
our shares could decline significantly and you may lose all or a part of your
investment. The risk factors described below are not the only ones that may
affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not currently know
about or that we currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations. See “A Warning About
Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks
Related to Our Business
We
are dependent on AmTrust and its subsidiaries for a substantial portion of
our
business.
We
will
derive substantially all of our reinsurance business from AmTrust and its
subsidiaries during our initial years of operation. We commenced our reinsurance
business by providing traditional quota share reinsurance to AmTrust through
a
reinsurance agreement with AII, assuming initially a 40% quota share portion
of
the net liabilities less recoveries of the policies written by AmTrust. In
addition, AmTrust has advised us that we may have an opportunity to participate
in the working layer of the January 1, 2008 scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s
workers’ compensation excess of loss reinsurance program, subject to the
negotiation of mutually acceptable terms.
Accordingly,
we are dependent on AmTrust and its subsidiaries for a substantial portion
of
our business. Our quota share reinsurance agreement with AII has an initial
term
of three years, subject to certain early termination provisions (including
if
the A.M. Best rating of Maiden Insurance is reduced below “A-”) and our asset
management agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary has an initial term of one
year,
subject to certain early termination provisions. The reinsurance agreement
and
the asset management agreement will be extended for additional terms of three
years and one year, respectively, unless either party elects not to renew.
There
is no assurance that any of these agreements or our reinsurance brokerage
agreement with AmTrust will not terminate. The termination of the reinsurance
agreement would significantly reduce our revenues during our initial years
of
operation and the termination of any of these agreements would increase our
dependence on third-party insurance companies, managing general agents,
reinsurance brokers and other service providers to support our business and
would have a material adverse effect on us. For a description of certain of
the
early termination provisions, see “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions — Our Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries.” At the same
time, there are risks related to the business of AmTrust and its insurance
subsidiaries that may adversely impact our ability to continue doing business
with them. See “— Our business relationship with AmTrust and its subsidiaries
may present, and make us vulnerable to, difficult conflicts of interest, related
party transactions, business opportunity issues and legal
challenges.”
Due
to
the business relationship between us and AmTrust and AII, we have substantial
credit exposure to them. AmTrust is a holding company, and we have no
contractual relationships with any of its subsidiaries that write insurance,
other than AII. We are not entitled to the same rights as a reinsurance company
with a direct contractual relationship with AmTrust’s insurance subsidiaries.
Any failure by AmTrust or AII to honor obligations to us, whether due to
inability or refusal to perform, or otherwise, would likely have a material
adverse effect on us.
Our
business relationship with AmTrust and its subsidiaries may present, and make
us
vulnerable to, difficult conflicts of interest, related party transactions,
business opportunity issues and related legal
challenges.
We
entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with AII, AmTrust’s Bermuda
reinsurance subsidiary, which reinsures AmTrust’s insurance company
subsidiaries, and a master agreement with AmTrust, pursuant to which we and
AmTrust agreed that we will cause Maiden Insurance to enter into a quota share
reinsurance agreement. The asset management agreement with an AmTrust
subsidiary, the reinsurance brokerage agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary,
the
warrants issued to our Founding Shareholders and the provisional employment
agreements with Max G. Caviet and Ben Turin were negotiated while we were an
affiliate of AmTrust. These circumstances could increase the likelihood that
the
Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) would claim that the agreements between us
and AmTrust were not concluded on an arm’s-length basis and any such assertion,
if not disproved by us, could result in adverse tax consequences to us. We
may
also participate as a reinsurer in the working layer of the January 1, 2008
scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation excess of loss reinsurance
program.
In
addition, we plan to meet our financial objectives during the first three years
primarily through our relationship with AmTrust, while gradually developing
business opportunities from other distribution sources. Therefore, we will
be
heavily dependent on AmTrust, at least initially, to achieve our business
objectives. Because (i) our Founding Shareholders collectively own approximately
57% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust’s common stock, (ii) our Founding
Shareholders sponsored our formation, (iii) our Founding Shareholders’ common
shares, together with the 10-year warrants to purchase additional common shares
that we issued to our Founding Shareholders in connection with our formation
and
capitalization, represent approximately 18.6% of our outstanding common shares
assuming all of the warrants are exercised, and (iv) we have overlapping
executive management, as described below, we therefore may be deemed an
affiliate of AmTrust. Due to our close business relationship with AmTrust,
we
may be presented with situations involving conflicts of interest with respect
to
the agreements and other arrangements we will enter into with AmTrust and its
subsidiaries, exposing us to possible claims that we have not acted in the
best
interest of our shareholders.
Barry
D.
Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board, is the President and Chief Executive Officer
of AmTrust and Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr., our interim Chief Financial Officer,
is
the Chief Financial Officer of AmTrust and, as such, neither of them serves
our
company on a full-time basis. In addition, Max G. Caviet, our Chief Executive
Officer, is currently employed by AmTrust as an executive officer and is
expected to continue to serve in his current positions at AmTrust on a
transitional basis. As such, he will not serve our company on a full-time basis
during the transitional period which will not extend beyond December 31,
2007. In addition, Mr. Caviet will continue to own options and equity in
AmTrust. Furthermore, other members of our executive management, including
our
Chief Operating Officer, are former managers of AmTrust. Conflicts of interest
could arise with respect to business opportunities that could be advantageous
to
AmTrust or its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and us or our subsidiary, on
the
other hand. In addition, potential conflicts of interest may arise should the
interests of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings diverge. Because AmTrust is currently
our largest and most important customer, AmTrust has the ability to
significantly influence such situations.
The
arrangements between us and AmTrust were modified somewhat after they were
originally entered into and there could be future modifications. See “Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions.”
Mr. Zyskind’s
service as our Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer
of AmTrust, Mr. Pipoly’s service as our interim Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Financial Officer of AmTrust, and Mr. Caviet’s service as our
President and Chief Executive Officer and, for a transitional period, as
president of two of AmTrust’s subsidiaries could also raise a potential
challenge under anti-trust laws. Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, or
the
Clayton Act, prohibits a person from serving as a director or officer in any
two
competing corporations under certain circumstances. If Maiden Holdings and
AmTrust are in the future deemed to be competitors within the meaning of the
Clayton Act, certain thresholds relating to direct competition between Maiden
Holdings and AmTrust are met, and the Department of Justice and Federal Trade
Commission challenge the arrangement, Messrs. Zyskind, Pipoly and Caviet may
be
required to resign their positions with one of the companies, and/or fines
or
other penalties could be assessed against Messrs. Zyskind, Pipoly and Caviet,
and Maiden Holdings.
If
the market opportunities for writing reinsurance of specialty property/casualty
insurance in the United States and Europe do not materialize as we expect,
our
dependence on AmTrust for substantially all of our business will continue,
and
our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely
affected.
We
believe that significant market opportunities will arise for reinsurers that
understand how to underwrite specialty property/casualty insurance and are
willing to provide traditional quota share reinsurance. However, we cannot
assure you that the opportunities for writing specialty property/casualty
reinsurance will materialize as we expect. Other companies might offer specialty
property/casualty reinsurance products on more competitive terms than we can
provide. Under these circumstances, we might not be able to expand our specialty
property/casualty reinsurance business beyond our reinsurance agreement with
a
subsidiary of AmTrust, which would increase our dependence on AmTrust and have
a
material adverse effect on our ability to fully implement our business strategy
as well as on our financial condition and results of operations.
We
are a start-up company. If we are unable to implement our business strategy
or
operate our business as we currently expect, our results may be adversely
affected.
We
have
just recently commenced operations and have limited name recognition and
reputation in the reinsurance industry. Businesses, such as ours, which are
starting up or in their initial stages of development, present substantial
business and financial risks and may suffer significant losses. While we
commenced our operations using senior management who are experienced in the
property and casualty insurance industry, no assurance can be given that their
relationships in the industry will be successfully transferred to our company.
We may also be limited in pursuing certain business opportunities due to our
relationship with AmTrust. For example, direct competitors of AmTrust may refuse
to do business with us. Further, we must hire new key employees and other staff,
develop business relationships, establish operating procedures, obtain
facilities, implement new systems, obtain regulatory approvals and complete
other tasks necessary for the conduct of our intended business activities.
In
addition, as a result of industry factors or factors specific to us, we may
have
to alter our anticipated methods of conducting our business, such as the nature,
amount and types of risks we assume.
We
have a very limited operating history.
Our future performance cannot be predicted based on the historical performance
of AmTrust.
As
a
recently formed company, we have a very limited operating history on which
you
can base an estimate of our future earnings prospects. While we expect that
the
reinsurance ceded by AmTrust will initially provide substantially all of our
business, there can be no assurance that the historical experience of AmTrust’s
insurance companies will accurately reflect our future performance. We will
also
seek to conduct business with insurance companies other than AmTrust. In
addition, we plan to write excess of loss reinsurance. Because the frequency
of
claims tends to be lower and the severity of claims tends to be higher in excess
of loss reinsurance than in quota share reinsurance, our underwriting results
can be expected to be more volatile than if we wrote only quota share
reinsurance. At the present time, we cannot predict which insurance companies
will do business with us. Accordingly, our projections for our business are
extremely speculative. You may not have access to all of the financial
information that would be helpful in deciding whether to invest in our
shares.
We
are dependent on our key executives. We may not be able to attract and retain
key employees or successfully integrate our new management team to fully
implement our newly formulated business strategy.
Our
success depends largely on the senior management of Maiden Holdings, which
includes, among others, Barry D. Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board, Max G.
Caviet, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr., our
interim Chief Financial Officer, and Ben Turin, our Chief Operating Officer
and
General Counsel. We have entered into employment agreements only with
Messrs. Caviet and Turin and, as discussed below, these agreements with
Messrs. Caviet and Turin are provisional. Mr. Zyskind, our Chairman of the
Board, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust and is not
employed by us, and therefore he will devote only limited time to our company.
Mr. Pipoly is the Chief Financial Officer of AmTrust, and therefore he will
not devote all of his time to our company. In addition, Mr. Caviet is
currently employed by AmTrust as an executive officer and is expected to
continue to serve in his current positions at AmTrust on a transitional basis.
As such, Mr. Caviet will not serve our company on a full-time basis during
the
transitional period which will not extend beyond December 31, 2007.
Messrs. Caviet and Turin have only provisional employment agreements with
us (with a term not extending beyond December 31, 2007) while we negotiate
definitive employment agreements with them. We have attempted to structure
their
compensation to provide incentives for them to agree to definitive employment
agreements (see “Management — Employment Agreements”), but we cannot assure you
that we will be able to agree to mutually acceptable definitive employment
agreements with Messrs. Caviet or Turin. If we are unable to reach a definitive
agreement with Mr. Caviet before December 31, 2007, we will lose his
services and he will remain in his positions at AmTrust on a full-time basis.
If
we are unable to reach a definitive agreement with Mr. Turin, he will remain
in
his position with our company and his provisional agreement will be extended
until June 30, 2008.
Further,
we must attract and retain additional experienced underwriters, actuarial staff
and risk analysts and modeling personnel in order to successfully operate and
grow our business, none of whom have been hired at this time. After our
management team and other personnel are assembled, our ability to implement
our
business strategy will depend on their successful integration. The number of
available, qualified personnel in the reinsurance industry to fill these
positions may be limited.
Our
inability to attract and retain these additional personnel or the loss of the
services of any of our senior executives or key employees could delay or prevent
us from fully implementing our business strategy and could significantly and
negatively affect our business. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will
successfully integrate our executive or other personnel after we commence
operations.
Maiden
Insurance has received a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M.
Best. Our inability to maintain such rating for Maiden Insurance, a poor
rating
or a future downgrade in its ratings would adversely affect our competitive
position with customers, our standing among brokers, managing general agents
and
insurance company clients, would give AmTrust the right to terminate our
reinsurance agreement with it and would have an adverse effect on our ability
to
meet our financial goals.
Competition
in the types of insurance business that we intend to reinsure is based on many
factors, including the perceived financial strength of the insurer and ratings
assigned by independent rating agencies. A.M. Best is generally considered
to be
the most important rating agency in connection with the evaluation of
reinsurance companies by their customers. Generally, the objective of the rating
agencies’ rating systems is to provide an opinion of an insurer’s financial
strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to its policyholders and are
not evaluations directed to investors in a company’s securities or
recommendations to buy, sell or hold such securities. A.M. Best maintains a
letter scale rating system ranging from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In
Liquidation). A.M. Best’s ratings are generally based on a quantitative
evaluation of a company’s performance with respect to profitability, leverage
and liquidity and a qualitative evaluation of spread of risk, investments,
reinsurance programs, reserves and management. In addition, its ratings take
into consideration the fact that we are just commencing our operations. A
reinsurer’s ratings are used by ceding companies, retrocessional reinsurers and
reinsurance intermediaries as an important means of assessing the financial
strength and quality of the reinsurer. In addition, the rating of a company
seeking reinsurance, also known as a ceding company, may be adversely affected
by the lack of a rating of its reinsurer. Therefore, the lack of a rating or
a
poor rating may dissuade a ceding company from reinsuring with us or may
influence a ceding company to reinsure with a competitor of ours.
Maiden
Insurance has received a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M.
Best, which is the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels. A rating from A.M.
Best indicates A.M. Best’s opinion of our financial strength and ability to meet
ongoing obligations to our future policyholders.
The
rating of Maiden Insurance is subject to periodic review by, and may be revised
downward or revoked at the sole discretion of, A.M. Best. A.M. Best formally
evaluates its financial strength ratings of insurance companies at least once
every twelve months and monitors the performance of rated companies throughout
the year. The maintenance of the assigned rating will depend upon Maiden
Insurance operating substantially as our management has represented to A.M.
Best. If A.M. Best subsequently downgrades the Company’s rating below “A-,”
AmTrust would have the right to terminate the reinsurance agreement between
Maiden Insurance and AmTrust, the competitive position of Maiden Insurance
would
suffer, and its ability to market its products, to obtain customers and to
compete in the reinsurance industry would be adversely affected. A subsequent
downgrade, therefore, could result in a substantial loss of business because
AmTrust and our other insurance and reinsurance company clients may move to
other reinsurers with higher claims paying and financial strength
ratings.
We
may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available on
favorable terms or at all.
Our
future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our ability
to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves
at levels sufficient to cover our losses. We used approximately $450 million
of
the $500 million in net proceeds we received from the private offering and
the
$50.0 million our Founding Shareholders invested in us to capitalize Maiden
Insurance. We may need to raise additional funds to further capitalize Maiden
Insurance. We anticipate that any such additional funds would be raised through
equity or debt financings. In addition, we may enter into an unsecured revolving
credit facility and a term loan facility with one or more syndicates of lenders.
We currently have no commitment from any lender with respect to a credit
facility or a loan facility. Any equity or debt financing, if available at
all,
may be on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are able to raise capital
through equity financings, the interest of shareholders in our company would
be
diluted, and the securities we issue may have rights, preferences and privileges
that are senior to those of our common shares. If we cannot obtain adequate
capital, our business, results of operations and financial condition could
be
adversely affected.
We
may not be able to manage our growth effectively.
We
intend
to grow our business in the future, which could require additional capital,
systems development and skilled personnel. We cannot assure you that we will
be
able to meet our capital needs, expand our systems effectively, allocate our
human resources optimally, identify and hire qualified employees or incorporate
effectively the components of any businesses we may acquire in our effort to
achieve growth. The failure to manage our growth effectively could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
Our
business could be adversely affected by Bermuda employment
restrictions.
We
intend
to hire a certain number of non-Bermudians to work for us in Bermuda. Under
Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians, holders of
permanent residents’ certificates and holders of working residents’
certificates) may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without a
valid government work permit. A work permit may be granted or renewed upon
showing that, after proper public advertisement, no Bermudian, spouse of a
Bermudian, or holder of a permanent resident’s or working resident’s certificate
who meets the minimum standards reasonably required by the employer has applied
for the job. The Bermuda government’s policy places a six year term limit on
individuals with work permits, subject to certain exemptions for key employees.
A work permit is issued with an expiry date (up to five years) and no assurances
can be given that any work permit will be issued or, if issued, renewed upon
the
expiration of the relevant term. We expect that some of the non-Bermudians
whom
we intend to hire will be granted periodic work permits by the Bermuda
government. A periodic work permit allows the holder to stay in Bermuda for
no
longer than twenty-one consecutive days at one time. We may not be able to
use
the services of one or more of our non-Bermudian employees if we are not able
to
obtain work permits for them, which could have a material adverse effect on
our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
actual insured losses may be greater than our loss reserves, which would
negatively impact our financial condition and results of
operations.
We
expect
that our success will depend upon our ability to assess accurately the risks
associated with the businesses that we will reinsure. Significant periods of
time often elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting
of
the loss to an insurer and the reporting of the loss by the insurer to its
reinsurer. After we begin to write reinsurance business and to recognize
liabilities for unpaid losses, we will establish loss reserves as balance sheet
liabilities. These reserves will represent estimates of amounts needed to pay
reported losses and unreported losses and the related loss adjustment expense.
Loss reserves are only an estimate of what an insurer or reinsurer anticipates
the ultimate costs of claims to be and do not represent an exact calculation
of
liability. Estimating loss reserves is a difficult and complex process involving
many variables and subjective judgments, particularly for new companies, such
as
ours, that have no loss development experience. As part of our reserving
process, we will review historical data as well as actuarial and statistical
projections and consider the impact of various factors such as:
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trends
in claim frequency and severity;
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emerging
economic and social trends;
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changes
in the regulatory and litigation
environments.
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This
process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current
developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting
future events. There is no precise method, however, for evaluating the impact
of
any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves, and actual results are likely
to differ from original estimates. In addition, unforeseen losses, the type
or
magnitude of which we cannot predict, may emerge in the future. We will
establish or adjust reserves for Maiden Insurance in part based upon loss data
received from the ceding companies with which we do business, including AmTrust.
Since there is a time delay that elapses between the receipt and recording
of
claims results by the ceding insurance companies or by the managing general
agents and the receipt and recording of those results by us, reserves for Maiden
Insurance will be more difficult to timely and accurately estimate.
Furthermore,
Maiden Insurance is a newly formed company, and other than through its
traditional quota share reinsurance business from AmTrust, it will have very
limited loss experience and a relatively small population of underlying risks
for at least our early years. Therefore, Maiden Insurance will be exposed to
an
increased likelihood that actual results may not conform to our
estimates.
To
the
extent our loss reserves are insufficient to cover actual losses and loss
adjustment expenses, we will have to adjust our loss reserves and may incur
charges to our earnings, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
business will be dependent upon reinsurance brokers, managing general agents
and
other producers and the failure to develop or maintain these relationships
could
materially adversely affect our ability to market our products and
services.
We
intend
to market our reinsurance products primarily through brokers, managing general
agents and other producers. We expect that we will derive a significant portion
of our business from a limited number of brokers and managing general agents.
While we intend to rely on the industry relationships and relationships with
a
number of brokers, managing general agents and other producers that our senior
management team has developed, our failure to further develop or maintain
relationships with brokers and managing general agents from whom we expect
to
receive our business could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Our
reliance on brokers subjects us to their credit risk.
In
accordance with industry practice, we anticipate that we will frequently pay
amounts owed on claims under our reinsurance contracts to brokers, and these
brokers in turn are required to pay and will pay these amounts over to the
clients that have purchased reinsurance from us. If a broker fails to make
such
a payment, in a significant majority of business that we will write, it is
highly likely that we will be liable to the client for the deficiency under
local laws or contractual obligations, notwithstanding the broker’s obligation
to make such payment. Likewise, when the client pays premiums for these policies
to brokers for payment over to us, these premiums are considered to have been
paid and, in most cases, the client will no longer be liable to us for those
amounts, whether or not we actually receive the premiums from the brokers.
Consequently, we will assume a degree of credit risk associated with brokers
with whom we work, with respect to most of our reinsurance
business.
The
occurrence of severe catastrophic events may have a material adverse effect
on
our financial results and financial condition.
Initially,
we intend to underwrite primarily reinsurance of workers’ compensation risks and
extended warranty risks, which we believe have a lower exposure to catastrophic
events than commercial property and casualty insurance. We also expect to
reinsure some commercial property and casualty insurance and, as a part of
that
reinsurance, we could accumulate substantial aggregate exposures to natural
and
man-made disasters, such as hurricane, typhoon, windstorm, flood, earthquake,
acts of war, acts of terrorism and political instability. The incidence and
severity of catastrophes, such as hurricanes, windstorms and large-scale
terrorist attacks, are inherently unpredictable, and our losses from
catastrophes could be substantial. In addition, it is possible that we may
experience an unusual frequency of smaller losses in a particular period. In
either case, the consequences could be substantial volatility in our financial
condition or results of operations for any fiscal quarter or year, which could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of
operations and our ability to write new business. These losses could eliminate
our shareholders’ equity. Increases in the values and geographic concentrations
of insured property and the effects of inflation have resulted in increased
severity of industry losses from catastrophic events in recent years and we
expect that those factors will increase the severity of catastrophe losses
in
the future.
The
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry is cyclical in nature,
which may affect our overall financial performance.
Historically,
the financial performance of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance
industry has tended to fluctuate in cyclical periods of price competition and
excess capacity (known as a soft market) followed by periods of high premium
rates and shortages of underwriting capacity (known as a hard market). Although
an individual insurance or reinsurance company’s financial performance is
dependent on its own specific business characteristics, the profitability of
most property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies tends to follow
this cyclical market pattern. Beginning in 2000 and accelerating in 2001, the
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry experienced a market
reflecting increasing premium rates and more conservative risk selection. We
believe these trends slowed beginning in 2004 and that the current market has
transitioned to a more competitive environment in which underwriting capacity
and price competition has increased. This additional underwriting capacity
may
result in increased competition from other insurance and reinsurance companies
expanding the types or amounts of business they write, or from companies seeking
to maintain or increase market share at the expense of underwriting discipline.
Because this cyclicality is due in large part to the actions of our competitors
and general economic factors beyond our control, we cannot predict with
certainty the timing or duration of changes in the market cycle. These cyclical
patterns, the actions of our competitors, and general economic factors could
cause our revenues and net income to fluctuate, which may cause the price of
our
common stock to be volatile.
A
decline in the level of business activity of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation
policyholders could negatively affect our earnings and
profitability.
Under
our
quota share reinsurance agreement with AII, a significant portion of our
business will be workers’ compensation insurance written by AmTrust. In 2006,
over half of AmTrust’s gross premiums were derived from workers’ compensation
insurance, and nearly all of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation gross premiums
written were derived from small businesses. Because workers’ compensation
premium rates are calculated, in general, as a percentage of a policyholder’s
payroll expense, premiums fluctuate depending upon the level of business
activity and number of employees of the policyholders. Because of their size,
small businesses may be more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions.
We
believe that the most common reason for policyholder non-renewals is business
failure. As a result, the portion of our business derived from AmTrust’s
workers’ compensation gross premiums written is primarily dependent upon
economic conditions where AmTrust’s policyholders operate.
Negative
developments in the workers’ compensation insurance industry would adversely
affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
Although
we plan to engage in other businesses, substantially all of our business
currently is attributable to our reinsurance of AmTrust’s business a majority of
which is workers’ compensation business. As a result, negative developments in
the economic, competitive or regulatory conditions affecting the workers’
compensation insurance industry could have an adverse effect on AmTrust’s and
our financial condition and results of operations. For example, if legislators
in one of AmTrust’s larger markets were to enact legislation to increase the
scope or amount of benefits for employees under workers’ compensation insurance
policies without related premium increases or loss control measures, or if
regulators made other changes to the regulatory system governing workers’
compensation insurance, this could negatively affect the workers’ compensation
insurance industry in the affected markets. Negative developments in the
workers’ compensation insurance industry could have a greater effect on us than
on more diversified reinsurance companies whose business is more diversified
across product lines.
In
Florida, AmTrust’s largest state in terms of workers’ compensation premium
volume, and in certain other states, insurance regulators set the premium rates
that AmTrust may charge. The Florida insurance regulators may set rates below
those that AmTrust requires to maintain profitability. For example, in October
2005, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approved an overall average
13.5% decrease in premium rates for all workers’ compensation insurance policies
written by Florida licensed insurers in 2006. On August 24, 2007, the National
Council on Compensation Insurance (the “NCCI”)
proposed an
overall workers’ compensation rate level decrease of 16.5% effective January 1,
2008. The NCCI is the licensed workers’ compensation
rating organization in the State of Florida. AmTrust is a member company of
NCCI in Florida as required by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation as
a
condition of operating in the state. We are unsure how these changes will
affect our reinsurance of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation business or our
results of operations.
In
March
of 2007, New York enacted new legislation to implement fundamental changes
to
New York’s workers’ compensation law. These changes, among other things, reflect
an increase in benefits and a limit on the number of years that permanent
partial disability claimants can receive benefits. The changes took effect
immediately with certain sections to be phased-in through February 2008. In
July
2007, the New York Insurance Department approved an overall average 20.5%
decrease in workers’ compensation premium rates effective October 1, 2007. At
present, we are unsure how these changes will affect our reinsurance of
AmTrust’s workers’ compensation business or our results of operations. In 2006,
11.7% of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation business was written in New
York.
Unfavorable
changes in economic conditions affecting the states and European countries
in
which AmTrust operates could adversely affect AmTrust’s financial condition or
results of operations.
As
of
June 30, 2007, AmTrust provided small business workers’ compensation insurance
in 38 states and the District of Columbia and specialty risk and extended
warranty coverage insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Although AmTrust has expanded its operations into new geographic areas and
expects to continue to do so in the future, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New
York and Pennsylvania accounted for approximately 68.3% of the direct gross
premiums written in AmTrust’s small business workers’ compensation business in
the year ended December 31, 2006, with Florida accounting for approximately
22.4%. With the completion of AmTrust’s recently announced acquisition of
Associated Industries Insurance Services, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary
Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc., the concentration of AmTrust’s
workers’ compensation gross premiums written in Florida may increase, at least
initially. In Europe, approximately 49.5% of AmTrust’s gross premiums written
for the year ended December 31, 2006 were derived from policyholders in the
United Kingdom. Consequently, AmTrust may be more exposed to economic and
regulatory risks or risks from natural perils in these jurisdictions than
insurance companies that have a larger percentage of their gross premiums
written diversified over a broader geographic area. Unfavorable changes in
economic conditions affecting the states or countries in which AmTrust writes
business could adversely affect our financial condition or results of
operations.
AmTrust’s
specialty risk and extended warranty business is dependent upon the sale of
products covered by warranties and service contracts which neither we nor
AmTrust can control.
AmTrust’s
specialty risk and extended warranty segment primarily covers manufacturers,
service providers and retailers for the cost of performing their obligations
under extended warranties and service contracts provided in connection with
the
sale or lease of various types of personal computers, consumer electronics,
automobiles, light and heavy construction equipment and other consumer and
commercial products. Thus, any decrease in the sale or leasing of these
products, whether due to economic factors or otherwise, is likely to have an
adverse impact upon our reinsurance of AmTrust’s specialty risk and extended
warranty business. Neither we nor AmTrust can influence materially the success
of AmTrust’s specialty risk clients’ primary product sales and leasing
efforts.
State
insurance regulators may require the restructuring of the warranty or service
contract business of certain policyholders that purchase AmTrust’s specialty
risk products and this may adversely affect our reinsurance of AmTrust’s
specialty risk business.
Some
of
the largest purchasers of AmTrust’s specialty risk insurance products in the
United States are manufacturers, service providers and retailers that issue
extended warranties or service contracts for consumer and commercial-grade
goods, including coverage against accidental damage to the goods covered by
the
warranty or service contract. AmTrust insures these policyholders against the
cost of repairing or replacing such goods in the event of such accidental
damage. State insurance regulators may take the position that certain of the
extended warranties or service contracts issued by AmTrust’s policyholders
constitute insurance contracts that may only be issued by licensed insurance
companies. In that event, the extended warranty or service contract business
of
AmTrust’s policyholders may have to be restructured which could adversely affect
our reinsurance of AmTrust’s specialty risk and extended warranty
business.
A
substantial portion of our assets will be placed in trusts for the benefit
of
AmTrust’s insurance companies.
Generally,
under U.S. state insurance laws, a ceding company is not permitted to take
credit for reinsurance in its statutory financial statements (meaning that
it is
not permitted to reduce its liabilities in such financial statements by the
amount of losses ceded to a reinsurer) unless the reinsurer is accredited,
licensed or otherwise approved by the insurance regulator in the ceding
company’s state of domicile or provides collateral to secure its obligations to
the ceding company under the reinsurance agreement. Acceptable collateral for
these purposes can take a number of forms, including a “funds withheld” account
(in which the ceding company retains control of the funds representing premiums
transferred to the reinsurer and deducts ceded losses from such funds), letters
of credit or a trust account established for the benefit of the ceding company
(often called a “Regulation 114 trust”). We expect that Maiden Insurance will
not be an accredited, licensed or otherwise approved reinsurer in any U.S.
state
and that it will establish Regulation 114 trusts for the benefit of its ceding
companies domiciled in the United States. A Regulation 114 trust must be funded
in an amount equal to at least 102% of the reinsurer’s obligations to the ceding
company. As a result of our planned use of Regulation 114 trusts, a substantial
portion of our assets will not be available to us for other uses, which will
reduce our financial flexibility. See “Regulation — United States Regulation —
Credit for Reinsurance.”
Further,
Maiden Insurance has agreed to collateralize its obligations under its
reinsurance agreement with AII by one
or
more of the following methods at the election of Maiden Insurance:
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by
lending assets to AII pursuant to a loan agreement between Maiden
Insurance and AII with such assets being deposited by AII into the
trust
accounts established or to be established by AII for the sole benefit
of
AmTrust’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries pursuant to the reinsurance
agreements between AII and those AmTrust subsidiaries;
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by
transferring to AII assets for deposit into those trust
accounts;
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by
delivering letters of credit to the applicable U.S. AmTrust insurance
subsidiaries on behalf of AII; or
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by
requesting that AII cause such AmTrust insurance subsidiary to withhold
premiums in lieu of remitting such premiums to AII.
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As
a result
of our planned use of Regulation 114 trusts accounts, a substantial portion
of
our assets, including a disproportionate share of our higher-quality
fixed-income investments, will not be available to us for other uses, which
will
reduce our financial flexibility. See “Regulation — United States Regulation
—Credit for Reinsurance.”
If
collateral
is required to be provided to any other AmTrust Ceding Insurers under applicable
law or regulatory requirements, Maiden Insurance will provide collateral to
the
extent required, although Maiden Insurance does not expect that such collateral
will be required unless an AmTrust Ceding Insurer is domiciled in the United
States. Maiden Insurance currently expects to satisfy its collateral
requirements under the Reinsurance Agreement by lending assets to AII pursuant
to a loan agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Our
Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries — Quota Share Reinsurance
Agreement and Master Agreement — Loans and Other Collateral.”
Maiden
Insurance is not a party to the reinsurance agreements between AII and AmTrust’s
U.S. insurance subsidiaries or the related reinsurance trust agreements and
has
no rights thereunder. If one or more of these AmTrust subsidiaries withdraws
Maiden Insurance’s assets from their trust account, draws down on its letter of
credit or misapplies withheld funds that are due to Maiden and that subsidiary
is or becomes insolvent, we believe it may be more difficult for Maiden
Insurance to recover any such amounts to which we are entitled than it would
be
if Maiden Insurance had entered into reinsurance and trust agreements with
these
AmTrust subsidiaries directly. AII has agreed to immediately return to Maiden
Insurance any collateral provided by Maiden Insurance that one of those
subsidiaries improperly utilizes or retains, and AmTrust has agreed to guarantee
AII’s repayment obligation and AII’s payment obligations under its loan
agreement with Maiden Insurance. We are subject to the risk that AII and/or
AmTrust may be unable or unwilling to discharge these obligations. In addition,
if AII experiences a change in control and Maiden Insurance chooses not to
terminate the reinsurance agreement, AmTrust’s guarantee obligations will
terminate immediately and automatically. See “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions — Our Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries — Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement and Master Agreement — Loans and Other
Collateral.”
The
outcome of recent insurance industry investigations and legislative and
regulatory proposals in the United States could adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations.
The
United States insurance industry has recently become the focus of increased
scrutiny by regulatory and law enforcement authorities, as well as class action
attorneys and the general public, relating to allegations of improper special
payments, price-fixing, bid-rigging, improper accounting practices and other
alleged misconduct, including payments made by insurers to brokers and the
practices surrounding the placement of insurance business. Formal and informal
inquiries have been made of a large segment of the industry, and a number of
companies in the insurance industry have received or may receive subpoenas,
requests for information from regulatory agencies or other inquiries relating
to
these and similar matters. These efforts have resulted and are expected to
result in both enforcement actions and proposals for new state and federal
regulation. Some states have adopted new disclosure requirements in connection
with the placement of insurance business. It is difficult to predict the outcome
of these investigations, whether they will expand into other areas not yet
contemplated, whether activities and practices currently thought to be lawful
will be characterized as unlawful, what form any additional laws or regulations
will have when finally adopted and the impact, if any, of increased regulatory
and law enforcement action and litigation on our business and financial
condition.
Recently,
as a result of complaints related to claims handling practices by insurers
in
the wake of the 2005 hurricanes that struck the gulf coast states, Congress
has
examined a possible repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, which exempts the
insurance industry from federal anti-trust laws. We cannot assure you that
the
McCarran-Ferguson Act will not be repealed, or that any such repeal, if enacted,
would not have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
We
will compete with a large number of companies in the reinsurance industry for
underwriting revenues.
We
will
compete with a large number of other companies in our selected lines of
business. There
are
many reinsurers throughout the world, and new reinsurance companies, based
in
Bermuda or elsewhere, may be formed at any time.
We will
compete with major U.S. and non-U.S. reinsurers that offer the lines of
reinsurance that we will offer, target the same market as we do and utilize
similar business strategies. In addition, newly formed and existing insurance
industry companies have recently raised capital to meet perceived demand in
the
current environment and address underwriting capacity issues. Other newly formed
and existing insurance companies may also be preparing to enter the same market
segments in which we expect to compete or raise new capital. Since we have
no
operating history, many of our competitors will have greater name and brand
recognition than we will have. Many of them also have more (in some cases
substantially more) capital and greater marketing and management resources
than
we expect to have, and may offer a broader range of products and more
competitive pricing than we expect to, or will be able to, offer.
Our
competitive position will be based on many factors, including our perceived
financial strength, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, geographic
scope of business, client relationships, premiums charged, contract terms and
conditions, products and services offered (including the ability to design
customized programs), knowledge of the types of business to be reinsured, speed
of claims payment, reputation, experience and qualifications of employees and
local presence. Since we have just recently commenced operations, we may not
be
able to compete successfully on many of these bases. If competition limits
our
ability to write new business at adequate rates, our return on capital may
be
adversely affected.
A
number
of new, proposed or potential legislative or industry developments could further
increase competition in our industry. These developments include:
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an
increase in capital-raising by companies in our lines of business,
which
could result in additional new entrants to our markets and an excess
of
capital in the industry;
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programs
in which state-sponsored entities provide property insurance in
catastrophe-prone areas or other “alternative markets” types of coverage;
and
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changing
practices caused by the Internet, which may lead to greater competition
in
the insurance business.
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New
competition from these developments could cause the supply and/or demand for
insurance or reinsurance to change, which could affect our ability to price
our
products at attractive rates and adversely affect our underwriting
results.
Consolidation
in the insurance and reinsurance industry could lead to lower margins for us
and
less demand for our products and services.
The
insurance and reinsurance industry is undergoing a process of consolidation
as
industry participants seek to enhance their product and geographic reach, client
base, operating efficiency and general market power through merger and
acquisition activities. We believe that the larger entities resulting from
these
mergers and acquisition activities may seek to use the benefits of
consolidation, including improved efficiencies and economies of scale, to,
among
other things, implement price reductions for their products and services to
increase their market shares. Consolidation among primary insurance companies
may also lead to reduced use of reinsurance as the resulting larger companies
may be able to retain more risk and may also have bargaining power in
negotiations with reinsurers. If competitive pressures compel us to reduce
our
prices, our operating margins will decrease.
As
the
insurance and reinsurance industry consolidates, competition may become more
intense and the importance of acquiring and properly servicing each customer
will become greater. We could incur greater expenses relating to customer
acquisition and retention, which could reduce our operating
margins.
We
may misevaluate the risks we seek to reinsure.
Our
success will rely upon the ability of our underwriters and actuaries to
accurately assess the risks associated with the programs and treaties that
we
reinsure. Like other reinsurers, we will not separately evaluate each of the
individual risks assumed under reinsurance treaties. Thus, we will be largely
dependent on the original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies.
We
will be subject to the risk that our ceding companies may not have adequately
evaluated the individual risks to be reinsured and that the premiums ceded
to us
may not adequately compensate us for the risks we assume.
Reinsurance
of AmTrust’s insurance companies could expose us to substantial
liability.
Our
results will be highly dependent on the results of operations of AmTrust’s
insurance company subsidiaries. We have entered into a multi-year reinsurance
agreement with AII, through which we reinsure 40% of the losses of AmTrust’s
insurance company subsidiaries, net of reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsurers.
If market conditions change during the term of this agreement, we will be
adversely affected should AmTrust’s underwriting results deteriorate during that
period.
We
will not be able to control AmTrust’s decisions relating to its other
reinsurance, and AmTrust may change its reinsurance in ways that adversely
affect us.
The
reinsurance ceded by AmTrust is net of any reinsurance that AmTrust obtains
from
unaffiliated reinsurers. For example, Maiden Insurance will receive 40% of
AmTrust’s premiums (net of commissions in the case of AmTrust’s UK subsidiary)
net of premiums ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers, and will be liable for 40%
of
losses and loss adjustment expenses on the ceded business net of any reinsurance
recoverable (whether collectible or not) from unaffiliated reinsurers. We are
not able to control the types or amounts of reinsurance that AmTrust purchases
from unaffiliated reinsurers. AmTrust may change its unaffiliated reinsurance
in
ways that may adversely affect us. For example, if AmTrust purchases less excess
of loss reinsurance, the amount of risk ceded to us under the quota share
reinsurance agreement will increase, although the reinsurance agreement excludes
coverage of any policy written by AmTrust in which AmTrust’s net retention
exceeds $5 million. Conversely, if AmTrust chose to purchase additional
reinsurance from unaffiliated reinsurers, AmTrust would reduce our
revenues.
Our
reinsurance agreement with AII provides coverage for extra-contractual
obligations and losses in excess of policy limits that AII or the AmTrust
insurance subsidiaries may incur. AmTrust’s existing excess of loss reinsurance
for its workers’ compensation
business includes coverage for these liabilities within the coverage layers
of
100% of $9 million in excess of the first $1 million of losses and 90% of $110
million in excess of $20 million. However, AmTrust does not have excess of
loss
reinsurance coverage for extra-contractual obligations and losses in excess
of
policy limits between $10 million and $20 million, and we would bear 40% of
any
loss incurred by AmTrust between these amounts as well as 40% of 10% of any
loss
in excess of $20 million.
We
may face substantial exposure to losses from terrorism. AmTrust’s U.S. insurance
companies will be required by law to offer coverage against such losses and
the
protection afforded by federal legislation has been
reduced.
U.S.
insurers are required by state and Federal law to offer coverage for terrorism
in certain commercial lines. In response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks, the United States Congress enacted legislation designed to ensure,
among other things, the availability of insurance coverage for foreign terrorist
acts, including the requirement that insurers offer such coverage in certain
commercial lines. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (“TRIA”) requires
commercial property and casualty insurance companies to offer coverage for
certain acts of terrorism and established a Federal assistance program through
the end of 2005 to help such insurers cover claims related to future
terrorism-related losses. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005
(“TRIEA”) extends the Federal assistance program through 2007, but it also has
set a per-event threshold that must be met before the federal program becomes
applicable and also increases the insurers’ statutory deductibles.
Pursuant
to TRIA, AmTrust’s insurance companies must offer insureds coverage for acts of
terrorism that are certified as such by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury,
in
concurrence with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, for an
additional premium or decline such coverage. Under TRIA, the Federal government
agreed to reimburse commercial insurers for up to 85% of the losses due to
certified acts of terrorism in excess of a deductible which, for 2007, was
set
at 20% of the insurer’s direct earned commercial lines premiums for the
immediately preceding calendar year, i.e.,
2006.
Under
TRIEA, the Federal government now agrees to reimburse commercial insurers only
after a per-event threshold, referred to as the program trigger, has been
reached. In the case of certified acts of terrorism taking place after March
31,
2006, the program trigger has been set at $100 million for industry-wide insured
losses occurring in 2007.
The
Federal terrorism risk assistance provided by TRIA and TRIEA will expire at
the
end of 2007 and although legislation has recently been introduced in Congress
to
expand and extend such assistance, it is not currently clear whether or in
what
form that assistance will be renewed. Any renewal may be on substantially less
favorable terms.
Pursuant
to the reinsurance agreement between Maiden Insurance and AII and the
reinsurance agreements that we anticipate that Maiden Insurance will enter
into
with others, Maiden Insurance will reinsure a portion of each ceding insurer’s
losses resulting from terrorism. Although we expect that Maiden Insurance will
seek to retrocede some or all of this terrorism risk to unaffiliated reinsurers,
it may be unable to do so on terms that it considers favorable, or at
all.
We
may or may not use retrocessional coverage to limit our exposure to risks.
Any
retrocessional coverage that we obtain may be limited, and credit and other
risks associated with our retrocessional reinsurance arrangements may result
in
losses which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
We
will
provide reinsurance to our clients and in turn we may or may not retrocede
reinsurance we assume to other insurers and reinsurers. If we do not use
retrocessional reinsurance, our exposure to losses will be greater than if
we
did obtain such coverage. If we do obtain retrocessional coverage, some of
the
insurers or reinsurers to whom we may retrocede coverage may be domiciled in
Bermuda or other non-U.S. locations. We would be subject to credit and other
risks that depend upon the financial strength of these reinsurers. Further,
we
will be subject to credit risk with respect to any retrocessional arrangements
because the ceding of risk to reinsurers and retrocessionaires would not relieve
us of our liability to the clients or companies we insure or reinsure. Our
failure to establish adequate reinsurance or retrocessional arrangements or
the
failure of any retrocessional arrangements to protect us from overly
concentrated risk exposure could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operation. We will attempt to mitigate such risks
by
retaining collateral or trust accounts for premium and claims receivables,
but
nevertheless we cannot be assured that reinsurance will be fully collectable
in
the case of all potential claims outcomes.
The
effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business are
uncertain.
As
industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental
conditions change, unexpected issues related to claims and coverage may emerge.
These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage
beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims.
In
some instances, these changes may not become apparent until some time after
we
have issued insurance or reinsurance contracts that are affected by the changes.
As a result, the full extent of liability under our reinsurance contracts may
not be known for many years after a contract is issued. A recent example of
emerging claims and coverage issues is the growing trend of plaintiffs targeting
property and casualty insurers in purported class action litigation relating
to
claims-handling, insurance sales practices and other practices related to the
conduct of business in our industry. The effects of this and other unforeseen
emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict and could
have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of
operations.
Our
holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints affect
our ability to pay dividends and make other payments.
Maiden
Holdings is a holding company. As a result, we do not have, and will not have,
any significant operations or assets other than our ownership of the shares
of
our subsidiary.
We
expect
that dividends and other permitted distributions from Maiden Insurance will
be
our sole source of funds to pay dividends to shareholders and meet ongoing
cash
requirements, including debt service payments, if any, and other expenses.
Bermuda law and regulations, including, but not limited to, Bermuda insurance
regulations, will restrict the declaration and payment of dividends and the
making of distributions by Maiden Insurance, unless specific regulatory
requirements are met. In addition, Maiden Insurance might enter into contractual
arrangements in the future that could impose restrictions on any such payments.
If we cannot receive dividends or other permitted distributions from Maiden
Insurance as a result of such restrictions, we will be unable to pay dividends
as currently contemplated by our board of directors. The inability of Maiden
Insurance to pay dividends in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our
cash
requirements at the holding company level could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
are
subject to Bermuda regulatory constraints that will affect our ability to pay
dividends on our shares and make other payments. Under the Companies Act, we
may
declare or pay a dividend out of distributable reserves only if we have
reasonable grounds for believing that we are, or would after the payment be,
able to pay our liabilities as they become due and if the realizable value
of
our assets would thereby not be less than the aggregate of our liabilities
and
issued share capital and share premium accounts. For a discussion of the legal
and regulatory limitations on the ability of Maiden Insurance to pay dividends
to Maiden Holdings and of Maiden Holdings to pay dividends to its shareholders,
see “Regulation — Regulation of Maiden Insurance — Minimum Solvency Margin and
Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions.”
Insurance
statutes and regulations in various jurisdictions could affect our profitability
and restrict our ability to operate.
Maiden
Insurance is licensed as a Bermuda insurance company and is subject to
regulation and supervision in Bermuda. The applicable Bermuda statutes and
regulations generally are designed to protect insureds and ceding insurance
companies, not our shareholders. We intend that Maiden Insurance will not be
registered or licensed as an insurance company in any jurisdiction outside
Bermuda, will conduct business through offices in Bermuda and will not maintain
an office or conduct any insurance or reinsurance activities in the United
States or elsewhere outside of Bermuda. Nevertheless, we expect that a large
portion of the gross premiums written by Maiden Insurance will be derived from
its reinsurance agreement with AII, pursuant to which Maiden Insurance reinsures
a quota share of AII’s obligations to AmTrust’s insurance subsidiaries, and from
reinsurance contracts entered into with entities domiciled in the United States.
Inquiries into or challenges to the insurance activities of Maiden Insurance
may
still be raised in the future.
In
addition, even if Maiden Insurance, as a reinsurer, is not directly regulated
by
applicable laws and regulations governing insurance in the jurisdictions where
its ceding companies operate, these laws and regulations, and changes in them,
can affect the profitability of the business that is ceded to Maiden Insurance,
and thereby affect our results of operations. The laws and regulations
applicable to direct insurers could indirectly affect us in other ways as well,
such as collateral requirements in various U.S. states to enable such insurers
to receive credit for reinsurance ceded to us.
In
the
past, there have been congressional and other proposals in the United States
regarding increased supervision and regulation of the insurance industry,
including proposals to supervise and regulate reinsurers domiciled outside
the
United States. Our exposure to potential regulatory initiatives could be
heightened by the fact that Maiden Insurance is intended to be domiciled in,
and
operate exclusively from, Bermuda. Bermuda is a small jurisdiction and may
be
disadvantaged when participating in global or cross-border regulatory matters
as
compared with larger jurisdictions such as the U.S. or the leading European
Union countries. This disadvantage could be amplified by the fact that Bermuda,
which is currently an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, may consider
changes to its relationship with the United Kingdom in the future, including
potentially seeking independence.
If
Maiden
Insurance were to become subject to any insurance laws and regulations of the
United States or any U.S. state, which are generally more restrictive than
Bermuda laws and regulations, at any time in the future, it might be required
to
post deposits or maintain minimum surplus levels and might be prohibited from
engaging in lines of business or from writing specified types of policies or
contracts. Complying with those laws could have a material adverse effect on
our
ability to conduct business and on our financial condition and results of
operations.
A
number
of new, proposed or potential legislative developments could further increase
competition in our industry. These developments include programs in which
state-sponsored entities provide property insurance or reinsurance in
catastrophe-prone areas. These legislative developments could eliminate or
reduce opportunities for us and other reinsurers to write those coverages,
and
increase competition with our competitors for contracts not covered by such
state-sponsored programs. New competition from these developments could result
in fewer contracts written, lower premium rates, increased expenses for customer
acquisition and retention and less favorable policy terms and
conditions.
The
outcome of recent insurance industry investigations and regulatory proposals
could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and
cause the price of our shares to be volatile.
The
insurance industry has recently become the focus of increased scrutiny by
regulatory and law enforcement authorities, as well as class action attorneys
and the general public, relating to allegations of improper special payments,
price-fixing, bid-rigging, improper accounting practices and other alleged
misconduct, including payments made by insurers to brokers and the practices
surrounding the placement of insurance business. Formal and informal inquiries
have been made of a large segment of the industry, and a number of companies
in
the insurance industry have received or may receive subpoenas, requests for
information from regulatory agencies or other inquiries relating to these and
similar matters. These efforts are expected to result in both enforcement
actions and proposals for new state and federal regulation. It is difficult
to
predict the outcome of these investigations, whether they will expand into
other
areas not yet contemplated, whether activities and practices currently thought
to be lawful will be characterized as unlawful, what form new regulations will
have when finally adopted and the impact, if any, of increased regulatory and
law enforcement action and litigation on our business and financial
condition.
A
significant amount of our invested assets will be subject to changes in interest
rates and market volatility. If we were unable to realize our investment
objectives, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely
affected.
Investment
income will be an important component of our net income. We are in the process
of investing substantially all of the proceeds we received from the private
offering, and we intend to invest the premiums we receive from our reinsurance
activities in highly rated and liquid fixed income securities, high-yield debt
securities, equity securities, short-term U.S. Treasury bills, cash and money
market equivalents. The fair market value of these assets and the investment
income from these assets will fluctuate depending on general economic and market
conditions. Because we intend to classify substantially all of our invested
assets as available for sale, we expect changes in the market value of our
securities will be reflected in shareholders’ equity. Our board of directors has
established our investment policies and our management is in the process of
implementing our investment strategy with the assistance of AmTrust, our
investment manager. Although these guidelines stress diversification and capital
preservation, our investment results will be subject to a variety of risks,
including risks related to changes in the business, financial condition or
results of operations of the entities in which we invest, as well as changes
in
general economic conditions and overall market conditions, interest rate
fluctuations and market volatility. General economic conditions and overall
market conditions may be adversely affected by U.S. involvement in hostilities
with other countries and large-scale acts of terrorism, or the threat of
hostilities or terrorist acts.
We
expect
that our investment portfolio will include a significant amount of interest
rate-sensitive instruments, such as bonds, which may be adversely affected
by
changes in interest rates. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors,
including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic
and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Because of the
unpredictable nature of losses that may arise under reinsurance policies, our
liquidity needs could be substantial and may increase at any time. Changes
in
interest rates could have an adverse effect on the value of our investment
portfolio and future investment income. For example, changes in interest rates
can expose us to prepayment risks on mortgage-backed securities included in
our
investment portfolio. Increases in interest rates will decrease the value of
our
investments in fixed-income securities. If increases in interest rates occur
during periods when we sell investments to satisfy liquidity needs, we may
experience investment losses. If interest rates decline, reinvested funds will
earn less than expected.
We
also
intend to invest a portion of our portfolio in below investment-grade
securities. The risk of default by borrowers that issue below investment-grade
securities is significantly greater than that of other borrowers because these
borrowers are often highly leveraged and more sensitive to adverse economic
conditions, including a recession. In addition, these securities are generally
unsecured and often subordinated to other debt. The risk that we may not be
able
to recover our investment in below investment-grade securities is higher than
with investment-grade securities. We also intend to invest a portion of our
portfolio in equity securities, including hedge funds, which are more
speculative and more volatile than debt securities.
If
we do
not structure our investment portfolio so that it is appropriately matched
with
our reinsurance liabilities, we may be forced to liquidate investments prior
to
maturity at a significant loss to cover such liabilities. For this or any of
the
other reasons discussed above, investment losses could significantly decrease
our asset base, which would adversely affect our ability to conduct
business.
Any
significant decline in our investment income would adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Shares
An
active trading market for our shares may never
develop.
Currently,
there is no established trading market for our shares. Although the shares
that
were sold to qualified institutional buyers in the private offering are
currently eligible for trading among qualified institutional buyers in the
PORTAL Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., shares
sold pursuant to this prospectus will not continue to trade on the PORTAL
Market. Application will be made to have our common shares approved for listing
on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange. However, we cannot
assure you as to:
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the
likelihood that an active market for the shares will
develop;
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the
liquidity of any such market;
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the
ability of our shareholders to sell their shares;
or
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the
price that our shareholders may obtain for their
shares.
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If
an
active trading market does not develop or is not maintained, holders of the
shares may experience difficulty in reselling, or an inability to sell, the
shares. Future trading prices for the shares may be adversely affected by many
factors, including changes in our financial performance, changes in the overall
market for similar shares and performance or prospects for companies in our
industry.
We
currently intend to pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per common
share;
however, any determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our
board of directors.
For
the
quarter ending September 30, 2007, our board of directors has authorized the
payment of a cash dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of
record on October 1, 2007 with a payment date of October 15, 2007. Our board
of
directors currently intends to authorize the payment of a quarterly cash
dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of record each quarter
thereafter. Any determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of
our
board of directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations and
cash
flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business
conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and any contractual
restrictions on the payment of dividends and any other factors our board of
directors deems relevant, including Bermuda legal and regulatory
constraints.
Our
revenues and results of operations may fluctuate as a result of factors beyond
our control, which may cause the price of our shares to be
volatile.
The
revenues and results of operations of reinsurance companies historically have
been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. Our profitability
can be affected significantly by:
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fluctuations
in interest rates, inflationary pressures and other changes in the
investment environment that affect returns on invested
assets;
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changes
in the frequency or severity of
claims;
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volatile
and unpredictable developments, including man-made, weather-related
and
other natural catastrophes or terrorist
attacks;
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cyclical
nature of the property and casualty insurance
market;
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negative
developments in the specialty property and casualty reinsurance sectors
in
which we operate; and
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reduction
in the business activities of AmTrust or any of our ceding
insurers.
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If
our
revenues and results of operations fluctuate as a result of one or more of
these
factors, the price of our shares may be volatile.
Future
sales of shares may adversely affect their price.
Future
sales of our common shares by our shareholders or us, or the perception that
such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common
shares. Currently, 59,550,000 common shares are outstanding. In addition, we
have reserved 2,800,000 shares for issuance under our 2007 Share Incentive
Plan.
Under this plan, we have granted options exercisable for, in the aggregate,
461,000 of our common shares. In addition, we issued ten−year warrants to our
Founding Shareholders to purchase an additional 4,050,000 of our common shares
at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. See “Shares Eligible For Future Sale.”
Up to 59,550,000 of our common shares, which are all of the shares currently
outstanding, are being registered pursuant to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part. Sales of substantial amounts of our shares,
or
the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the
prevailing price of the shares and may make it more difficult for us to sell
our
equity securities in the future, or for shareholders to sell their shares,
at a
time and price that they deem appropriate.
Our
internal audit and reporting systems might not be effective in the future,
which
could increase the risk that we would become subject to restatements of our
financial results or to regulatory action or litigation or other developments
that could adversely affect our business.
Our
ability to produce accurate financial statements and comply with applicable
laws, rules and regulations is largely dependent on our establishment and
maintenance of internal audit and reporting systems, as well as on our ability
to attract and retain qualified management and accounting and actuarial
personnel to further develop our internal accounting function and control
policies. If we fail to effectively establish and maintain such reporting and
accounting systems or fail to attract and retain personnel who are capable
of
designing and operating such systems, these failures will increase the
likelihood that we may be required to restate our financial results to correct
errors or that we will become subject to legal and regulatory infractions,
which
may entail civil litigation and investigations by regulatory agencies including
the SEC.
We
will become subject to additional financial and other reporting and corporate
governance requirements that may be difficult for us to satisfy.
We
were
formed in June 2007 and have a very limited operating history. Following the
effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part,
we will become subject to new financial and other reporting and corporate
governance requirements, including the requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market
or the New York Stock Exchange and certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
of 2002 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, which will impose
significant compliance obligations upon us. In particular, we are, or will
be,
required to:
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·
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Enhance
the roles and duties of our board of directors, our board committees
and
management;
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Supplement
our internal accounting function, including hiring staff with expertise
in
accounting and financial reporting for a public company, as well
as
implement appropriate and sufficient accounting and reporting systems,
and
enhance and formalize closing procedures at the end of our accounting
periods;
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Prepare
and distribute periodic public reports in compliance with our obligations
under the U.S. federal securities laws;
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Involve
and retain to a greater degree outside counsel and accountants in
the
activities listed above;
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Establish
or outsource an internal audit function;
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Enhance
our investor relations function; and
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Establish
new control policies, such as those relating to disclosure controls
and
procedures, segregation of duties and procedures and insider trading.
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These
obligations require a significant commitment of additional resources. We may
not
be successful in implementing these requirements, and implementing them could
adversely affect our business or operating results. In addition, if we fail
to
implement the requirements with respect to our internal accounting and audit
functions, our ability to report our operating results on a timely and accurate
basis would be impaired.
Provisions
in our bye-laws may reduce or increase the voting rights of our
shares.
In
general, and except as provided under our bye-laws and as provided below, the
common shareholders have one vote for each common share held by them and are
entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all meetings of shareholders.
However, if, and so long as, the shares of a shareholder are treated as
“controlled shares” (as determined pursuant to sections 957 and 958 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of any U.S. Person (as
that term is defined in “Material Tax Considerations”) (that owns shares
directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities) and such controlled shares
constitute 9.5% or more of the votes conferred by our issued shares, the voting
rights with respect to the controlled shares owned by such U.S. Person will
be
limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of less than 9.5%, under a formula
specified in our bye-laws. The formula is applied repeatedly until the voting
power of all 9.5% U.S. Shareholders has been reduced to less than 9.5%. In
addition, our board may limit a shareholder’s voting rights when it deems it
appropriate to do so to (i) avoid the existence of any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder;
and (ii) avoid certain material adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences
to
us, any of our subsidiaries or any direct or indirect shareholder or its
affiliates. “Controlled shares” include, among other things, all shares that a
U.S. Person is deemed to own directly, indirectly or constructively (within
the
meaning of section 958 of the Code). The amount of any reduction of votes that
occurs by operation of the above limitations will generally be reallocated
proportionately among our other shareholders whose shares were not “controlled
shares” of the 9.5% U.S. Shareholder so long as such reallocation does not cause
any person to become a 9.5% U.S. Shareholder.
Under
these provisions, certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited,
while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of one vote per share.
Moreover, these provisions could have the effect of reducing the votes of
certain shareholders who would not otherwise be subject to the 9.5% limitation
by virtue of their direct share ownership.
We
are
authorized under our bye-laws to request information from any shareholder for
the purpose of determining whether a shareholder’s voting rights are to be
reallocated under the bye-laws. If any holder fails to respond to this request
or submits incomplete or inaccurate information, we may, in our sole discretion,
eliminate the shareholder’s voting rights.
Anti-takeover
provisions in our bye-laws and termination provisions in our reinsurance
agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust could impede an attempt to replace or
remove our directors, which could diminish the value of our common
shares.
Our
bye-laws contain provisions that may entrench directors and make it more
difficult for shareholders to replace directors even if the shareholders
consider it beneficial to do so. In addition, these provisions could delay
or
prevent a change of control that a shareholder might consider favorable. For
example, these provisions may prevent a shareholder from receiving the benefit
from any premium over the market price of our common shares offered by a bidder
in a potential takeover. Even in the absence of an attempt to effect a change
in
management or a takeover attempt, these provisions may adversely affect the
prevailing market price of our common shares if they are viewed as discouraging
changes in management and takeover attempts in the future.
Examples
of provisions in our bye-laws that could have such an effect include the
following:
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our
board of directors may reduce the total voting power of any shareholder
in
order to avoid adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to us
or any
direct or indirect holder of our shares or its affiliates;
and
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our
directors may, in their discretion, decline to record the transfer
of any
common shares on our share register, if they are not satisfied that
all
required regulatory approvals for such transfer have been obtained
or if
they determine such transfer may result in a non-deminimis adverse
tax,
legal or regulatory consequence to us or any direct or indirect holder
of
shares or its affiliates.
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It
may be difficult for a third party to acquire us.
Provisions
of our organizational documents may discourage, delay or prevent a merger,
amalgamation, tender offer or other change of control that holders of our shares
may consider favorable. These provisions impose various procedural and other
requirements that could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect
various corporate actions. These provisions could:
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have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control
of
us;
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discourage
bids for our securities at a premium over the market
price;
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adversely
affect the price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders
of our
securities; or
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impede
the ability of the holders of our securities to change our
management.
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See
“Description of Share Capital” for a summary of these provisions.
In
addition, AII is entitled to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement if we undergo
a
change in control. Because
we expect the business we reinsure from AmTrust to constitute substantially
all
of our business initially and most of our business for at least our first few
years of operations, this termination right may deter parties who are interested
in acquiring us, may prevent shareholders from receiving a premium over the
market price of our common shares and may depress the price of our common shares
below levels that might otherwise prevail.
U.S.
persons who own our shares may have more difficulty in protecting their
interests than U.S. persons who are shareholders of a U.S.
corporation.
The
Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in certain material respects from
laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. As a
result of these differences, U.S. persons who own our shares may have more
difficulty protecting their interests than U.S. persons who own shares of a
U.S.
corporation. To further understand the risks associated with U.S. persons who
own our shares, see “Description of Share Capital — Differences in Corporate
Law” for more information on the differences between Bermuda and Delaware
corporate laws.
We
are a Bermuda company and it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments
against us or our directors and executive officers.
We
are
incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and our business is based in Bermuda.
In
addition, some of our directors and officers may reside outside the United
States, and all or a substantial portion of our assets will be and the assets
of
these persons are, and will continue to be, located in jurisdictions outside
the
United States. As such, it may be difficult or impossible to effect service
of
process within the United States upon us or those persons or to recover against
us or them on judgments of U.S. courts, including judgments predicated upon
civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Further, no
claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers in
the
first instance for violation of U.S. federal securities laws because these
laws
have no extraterritorial jurisdiction under Bermuda law and do not have force
of
law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil liability, including
the possibility of monetary damages, on us or our directors and officers if
the
facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of action under
Bermuda law.
We
have
been advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman, our Bermuda counsel, that there is
doubt as to whether the courts of Bermuda would enforce judgments of U.S. courts
obtained in actions against us or our directors and officers, as well as the
experts named in this prospectus, predicated upon the civil liability provisions
of the U.S. federal securities laws or original actions brought in Bermuda
against us or these persons predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities
laws.
Further, we have been advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman that there is no
treaty in effect between the United States and Bermuda providing for the
enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, and there are grounds upon which
Bermuda courts may not enforce judgments of U.S. courts. Some remedies available
under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including some remedies available under
the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be allowed in Bermuda courts as
contrary to that jurisdiction’s public policy. Because judgments of U.S. courts
are not automatically enforceable in Bermuda, it may be difficult for you to
recover against us based upon such judgments.
Risks
Related to Taxation
We
may become subject to taxes in Bermuda after 2016, which may have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results and on an
investment in our shares.
The
Bermuda Minister of Finance, under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection
Act
1966, as amended, of Bermuda, has given each of Maiden Holdings and Maiden
Insurance an assurance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would
impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset,
gain
or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax,
then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Maiden Holdings,
Maiden Insurance or any of their respective operations or their respective
shares, debentures or other obligations (except insofar as such tax applies
to
persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to any taxes payable by them in
respect of real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda held by them) until
March 28, 2016. See “Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of Maiden Holdings
and Maiden Insurance — Bermuda.” Given the limited duration of the Minister of
Finance’s expected assurance, we cannot be certain that we will not be subject
to any Bermuda tax after March 28, 2016. Since Maiden Holdings and Maiden
Insurance are incorporated in Bermuda, we will be subject to changes of law
or
regulation in Bermuda that may have an adverse impact on our operations,
including imposition of tax liability. See “Material Tax Considerations —
Taxation of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance — Bermuda.”
The
impact of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s directive
to eliminate harmful tax practices is uncertain and could adversely affect
our
tax status in Bermuda.
The
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”) has published
reports and launched a global dialogue among member and non-member countries
on
measures to limit harmful tax competition. These measures are largely directed
at counteracting the effects of tax havens and preferential tax regimes in
countries around the world. In the OECD’s report dated April 18, 2002 and
updated as of June 2004 and September 2006, Bermuda was not listed as an
uncooperative tax haven jurisdiction because it had previously committed to
eliminate harmful tax practices and to embrace international tax standards
for
transparency, exchange of information and the elimination of any aspects of
the
regimes for financial and other services that attract business with no
substantial domestic activity. We are not able to predict what changes will
arise from the commitment or whether such changes will subject us to additional
taxes.
We
may be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which would have an adverse effect
on
our financial condition and results of operations and on an investment in our
shares.
If
either
Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance were considered to be engaged in a trade
or
business in the United States, it could be subject to U.S. federal income and
additional branch profits taxes on the portion of its earnings that are
effectively connected to such U.S. business or in the case of Maiden Insurance,
if it is entitled to benefits under the United States income tax treaty with
Bermuda and if Maiden Insurance were considered engaged in a trade or business
in the United States through a permanent establishment, Maiden Insurance could
be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its earnings that are
attributable to its permanent establishment in the United States, in which
case
its results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance are Bermuda companies. We intend to manage our
business so that each of these companies should operate in such a manner that
neither of these companies should be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or
business and, thus, should not be subject to U.S. federal taxation (other than
the U.S. federal excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premium income
attributable to insuring or reinsuring U.S. risks and U.S. federal withholding
tax on certain U.S. source investment income). However, because (i) there is
considerable uncertainty as to activities which constitute being engaged in
a
trade or business within the United States, (ii) a significant portion of Maiden
Insurance’s business is reinsurance of AmTrust’s insurance subsidiaries and
Maiden Insurance may not be able to expand its reinsurance business beyond
its
agreement with AmTrust, (iii) our Chairman of the Board is AmTrust’s President
and Chief Executive Officer, and certain of our executive officers are also
executive officers of AmTrust, including (a) our interim Chief Financial Officer
is AmTrust’s Chief Financial Officer and is expected to continue to serve as an
executive of AmTrust on a permanent basis and (b) our Chief Executive Officer
is
currently an executive officer of AmTrust and is expected to continue to serve
as an executive officer of AmTrust on a transitional basis, (iv) we have an
asset management agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust and may also have
additional contractual relationships with AmTrust and its subsidiaries in the
future (see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”), and (v) the
activities conducted outside the United States related to Maiden Insurance’s
start-up were limited, we cannot be certain that the IRS will not contend
successfully that we are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. See
“Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance
— United States.”
Holders
of 10% or more of our shares may be subject to U.S. income taxation under the
controlled foreign corporation rules.
If
you
are a “10% U.S. Shareholder” of a non-U.S. corporation (defined as a U.S. Person
who owns (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively
(as
defined below)) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock entitled to vote) that is a controlled foreign corporation, which
we
refer to as a CFC, for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during a
taxable year, and you own shares in the CFC directly or indirectly through
non-U.S. entities on the last day of the CFC’s taxable year, you must include in
your gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes your pro rata share
of
the CFC’s “subpart F income,” even if the subpart F income is not distributed.
“Subpart F income” of a non-U.S. insurance corporation typically includes
foreign personal holding company income (such as interest, dividends and other
types of passive income), as well as insurance and reinsurance income (including
underwriting and investment income). A non-U.S. corporation is considered a
CFC
if 10% U.S. Shareholders own (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities
or
by attribution by application of the constructive ownership rules of section
958(b) of the Code) (that is, “constructively”) more than 50% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of voting stock of that non-U.S.
corporation or the total value of all stock of that corporation.
For
purposes of taking into account insurance income, a CFC also includes a non-U.S.
insurance company in which more than 25% of the total combined voting power
of
all classes of stock (or more than 25% of the total value of the stock) is
owned
(directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively) by 10% U.S.
Shareholders on any day during the taxable year of such
corporation.
For
purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Person” means: (i) an individual
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a partnership or corporation
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or under the
laws of any State thereof (including the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate,
the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of
its
source, (iv) a trust if either (x) a court within the United States is able
to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one
or
more U.S. Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
such trust or (y) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as
a
U.S. Person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (v) any other person or
entity that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if it were one
of
the foregoing.
Because
George Karfunkel, Michael Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind owned all of the shares
of
Maiden Holdings prior to July 3, 2007, Maiden Holdings was a CFC during the
period of 2007 prior to July 3, 2007. Following the private offering, Barry
Zyskind may be treated as a 10% U.S. Shareholder of Maiden Holdings and Maiden
Insurance as a result of his seat on the board of Maiden Holdings. We believe,
subject to the discussion below, that because of the anticipated dispersion
of
our share ownership, provisions in our organizational documents that limit
voting power (these provisions are described under “Description of Share
Capital”) and other factors, no U.S. Person who acquires our shares in this
offering directly or indirectly through one or more non-U.S. entities and did
not own shares prior to this offering should be treated as owning (directly,
indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively) 10% or more of the
total
voting power of all classes of Maiden Holdings’ or Maiden Insurance’s shares.
However, the IRS could challenge the effectiveness of the provisions in our
organizational documents and a court could sustain such a challenge.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that a U.S. Person who owns our shares
other than Barry Zyskind will not be characterized as a 10% U.S. Shareholder.
See “Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of Shareholders — United States
Taxation — Classification of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance as
CFCs.”
U.S.
Persons who hold our shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation
at
ordinary income rates on their proportionate share of Maiden Insurance’s related
person insurance income.
If
U.S.
persons are treated as owning 25% or more of Maiden Insurance’s shares (by vote
or by value) (as is expected to be the case) and the related person insurance
income or RPII of Maiden Insurance (determined on a gross basis) were to equal
or exceed 20% of Maiden Insurance’s gross insurance income in any taxable year
and direct or indirect insureds (and persons related to those insureds) own
directly or indirectly through entities 20% or more of the voting power or
value
of our shares, then a U.S. Person who owns any shares of Maiden Insurance
(directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities) on the last day of the
taxable year would be required to include in its income for U.S. federal income
tax purposes such person’s pro rata share of Maiden Insurance’s RPII for the
entire taxable year, determined as if such RPII were distributed proportionately
only to U.S. Persons at that date, regardless of whether such income is
distributed. In addition, any RPII that is includible in the income of a U.S.
tax-exempt organization generally will be treated as unrelated business taxable
income. The amount of RPII earned by Maiden Insurance (generally, premium and
related investment income from the direct or indirect insurance or reinsurance
of any direct or indirect U.S. holder of shares or any person related to such
holder) will depend on a number of factors, including the identity of persons
directly or indirectly insured or reinsured by Maiden Insurance. We believe
that
either (i) the direct or indirect insureds of Maiden Insurance (and related
persons) should not directly or indirectly own 20% or more of either the voting
power or value of our shares or (ii) the RPII (determined on a gross basis)
of
Maiden Insurance should not equal or exceed 20% of Maiden Insurance’s gross
insurance income for a taxable year immediately following this offering and
we
do not expect both of these thresholds to be exceeded in the foreseeable future.
However, we cannot be certain that this will be the case because some of the
factors which determine the extent of RPII may be beyond our control. See
“Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of Shareholders — United States Taxation
— The RPII CFC Provisions.”
U.S.
Persons who dispose of our shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation
at the rates applicable to dividends on a portion of their gains if
any.
The
RPII
rules provide that if a U.S. Person disposes of shares in a non-U.S. insurance
corporation in which U.S. Persons own 25% or more of the shares (even if the
amount of gross RPII is less than 20% of the corporation’s gross insurance
income and the ownership of its shares by direct or indirect insureds and
related persons is less than the 20% threshold), any gain from the disposition
will generally be treated as a dividend to the extent of the holder’s share of
the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated
during the period that the holder owned the shares (whether or not such earnings
and profits are attributable to RPII). In addition, such a holder will be
required to comply with certain reporting requirements, regardless of the amount
of shares owned by the holder. These RPII rules should not apply to dispositions
of our shares because Maiden Holdings will not be directly engaged in the
insurance business. The RPII provisions, however, have never been interpreted
by
the courts or the U.S. Treasury Department in final regulations, and regulations
interpreting the RPII provisions of the Code exist only in proposed form. It
is
not certain whether these regulations will be adopted in their proposed form
or
what changes or clarifications might ultimately be made thereto or whether
any
such changes, as well as any interpretation or application of the RPII rules
by
the IRS, the courts, or otherwise, might have retroactive effect. The U.S.
Treasury Department has authority to impose, among other things, additional
reporting requirements with respect to RPII. Accordingly, the meaning of the
RPII provisions and the application thereof to Maiden Holdings and Maiden
Insurance is uncertain. See “Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of
Shareholders — United States Taxation — The RPII CFC Provisions.”
U.S.
Persons who hold our shares will be subject to adverse U.S. federal income
tax
consequences if Maiden Holdings is considered to be a passive foreign investment
company.
If
Maiden
Holdings is considered a passive foreign investment company, or a PFIC, for
U.S.
federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Person who owns directly or, in some cases,
indirectly (e.g. through a non-U.S. partnership) any of our shares will be
subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences, including subjecting
the investor to a greater tax liability than might otherwise apply and
subjecting the investor to a tax on amounts in advance of when such tax would
otherwise be imposed, in which case your investment could be materially
adversely affected. In addition, if Maiden Holdings were considered a PFIC,
upon
the death of any U.S. individual owning our shares, such individual’s heirs or
estate would not be entitled to a “step-up” in the basis of the shares which
might otherwise be available under U.S. federal income tax laws. We believe
that
we are not, and we currently do not expect to become, a PFIC for U.S. federal
income tax purposes; however, we cannot assure you that we will not be deemed
a
PFIC by the IRS. For example, if Maiden Insurance is not able to expand its
reinsurance business beyond its agreements with AmTrust’s insurance companies or
if Mr. Caviet and other similarly qualified individuals do not become full-time
employees of Maiden Insurance, the IRS may successfully conclude that we should
be characterized as a PFIC. There are currently no regulations regarding the
application of the PFIC provisions to an insurance company. New regulations
or
pronouncements interpreting or clarifying these rules may be forthcoming. We
cannot predict what impact, if any, such guidance would have on an investor
that
is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. See “Material Tax Considerations —
Taxation of Shareholders — United States Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment
Companies.”
The
IRS may take the position that transactions between AmTrust and Maiden Insurance
do not constitute insurance or that Maiden Insurance is not engaged in the
active conduct of an insurance business, due to the proportion of Maiden
Insurance’s premiums provided by AmTrust.
The
IRS,
in Revenue Ruling 2005-40, took the position that a transaction between an
insurer and an insured did not provide risk distribution, and thus was not
insurance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, when the insured provided over
90% of the insurer’s premiums for the year. We do not believe the IRS would
attempt to apply such a rule to quota share reinsurance transactions in which
the ceding company cedes a significant number of unrelated risks to the
reinsurer, even if the ceding company provided substantially all of the
reinsurer’s business, nor do we believe the IRS would be successful if it took
such a position. Nevertheless, if the IRS successfully asserted such a position,
and transactions between AmTrust and Maiden Insurance were not considered
insurance, Maiden Holdings could be considered a PFIC. Further, it is possible
that Maiden Insurance may not qualify for the insurance income exception to
the
PFIC rules for any taxable year in which its only business was the reinsurance
of affiliates of AmTrust. As noted above, there could be material adverse tax
consequences for an investor were Maiden Holdings to be considered a
PFIC.
The
reinsurance agreement between Maiden Insurance and AmTrust may be subject to
recharacterization or other adjustment for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
operating results.
Under
section 845 of the Code, the IRS may allocate income, deductions, assets,
reserves, credits and any other items related to a reinsurance agreement among
certain related parties to the reinsurance agreement, or in circumstances where
one party is an agent of the other, recharacterize such items, or make any
other
adjustment, in order to reflect the proper source, character or amount of the
items for each party. In addition, if a reinsurance contract has a significant
tax avoidance effect on any party to the contract, the IRS may make adjustments
with respect to such party to eliminate the tax avoidance effect. No regulations
have been issued under section 845 of the Code. Accordingly, the application
of
such provisions is uncertain and we cannot predict what impact, if any, such
provisions may have on us.
U.S.
tax-exempt organizations that own our shares may recognize unrelated business
taxable income.
A
U.S.
tax-exempt organization may recognize unrelated business taxable income if
a
portion of our insurance income is allocated to the organization. In general,
insurance income will be allocated to a U.S. tax-exempt organization if either
we are a CFC and the tax-exempt shareholder is a U.S. 10% Shareholder or there
is RPII and certain exceptions do not apply. Although we do not believe that
any
U.S. Persons should be allocated such insurance income, we cannot be certain
that this will be the case. See “Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of
Shareholders — United States Taxation — Classification of Maiden Holdings or
Maiden Insurance as CFCs” and “Material Tax Considerations — Taxation of
Shareholders — United States Taxation — The RPII CFC Provisions.” Potential U.S.
tax-exempt investors are advised to consult their own tax advisers.
Changes
in U.S. federal income tax law could materially adversely affect an investment
in our shares.
Legislation
has been introduced in the U.S. Congress intended to eliminate certain perceived
tax advantages of companies (including insurance companies) that have legal
domiciles outside the United States but have certain U.S. connections. It is
possible that legislation could be introduced and enacted by the current
Congress or future Congresses that could have an adverse effect on us, or our
shareholders. For example, legislation has been introduced in Congress that
would, if enacted, deny “qualified dividend income” treatment to amounts paid by
any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country which does not
have a comprehensive income tax system, such as Bermuda. It is possible that
this legislative proposal, if enacted, could apply retroactively. Therefore,
depending on whether, when and in what form this legislative proposal is
enacted, we cannot assure you that any dividends paid by us in the future would
qualify for reduced rates of tax.
Additionally,
the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations regarding whether a company
is engaged in a trade or business within the United States, or is a PFIC or
whether U.S. Persons would be required to include in their gross income the
“subpart F income” or the RPII of a CFC are subject to change, possibly on a
retroactive basis. There are currently no regulations regarding the application
of the PFIC rules to insurance companies and the regulations regarding RPII
are
still in proposed form. New regulations or pronouncements interpreting or
clarifying such rules may be forthcoming. We cannot be certain if, when or
in
what form such regulations or pronouncements may be provided and whether such
guidance will have a retroactive effect.
We
may be subject to United Kingdom taxes, which would have an adverse effect
on
our financial condition and results of operations and on an investment in our
shares.
A
company
which is resident in the UK for UK corporation tax purposes is subject to UK
corporation tax in respect of its worldwide income and gains. Neither Maiden
Holdings nor Maiden Insurance is incorporated in the UK. Nevertheless, Maiden
Holdings or Maiden Insurance would be treated as being resident in the UK for
UK
corporation tax purposes if its central management and control were exercised
in
the UK. The concept of central management and control is indicative of the
highest level of control of a company’s affairs, which is wholly a question of
fact. The directors and officers of both Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance
intend to manage their affairs so that both companies are resident in Bermuda,
and not resident in the UK, for UK tax purposes. However, Her Majesty’s Revenue
& Customs could challenge our tax residence status.
A
company
which is not resident in the UK for UK corporation tax purposes can nevertheless
be subject to UK corporation tax at the rate of 30% if it carries on a trade
in
the UK through a permanent establishment in the UK, but the charge to UK
corporation tax is limited to profits (including income profits and chargeable
gains) attributable directly or indirectly to such permanent
establishment.
The
directors and officers of Maiden Insurance intend to operate the business of
Maiden Insurance in such a manner that it does not carry on a trade in the
UK
through a permanent establishment in the UK. Nevertheless, Her Majesty’s Revenue
& Customs might contend successfully that Maiden Insurance is trading in the
UK through a permanent establishment in the UK because:
|
·
|
there
is considerable uncertainty as to the activities which constitute
carrying
on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment in the
UK;
|
|
·
|
a
portion of Maiden Insurance’s business will be reinsurance of AmTrust’s UK
insurance subsidiary;
|
|
·
|
our
President and Chief Executive
Officer:
|
|
·
|
is
expected to continue to serve as Managing Director of AmTrust
International Underwriters Limited, which has substantial operations
in
the UK;
|
|
·
|
is
expected to continue to be professionally based and personally tax
resident in the UK during a transition period (which will not extend
past
December 31, 2007), traveling to Bermuda as
needed,
|
|
·
|
is
expected, thereafter, to split his time between the UK and Bermuda;
and
|
|
·
|
has
extensive relationships in the London reinsurance markets, which
he
intends to exploit for the benefit of Maiden Insurance;
and
|
|
·
|
the
nature of the business of Maiden Insurance is not expected to require
more
than a relatively small underwriting team in
Bermuda.
|
The
UK
has no income tax treaty with Bermuda. Companies that are neither resident
in
the UK nor entitled to the protection afforded by a double tax treaty between
the UK and the jurisdiction in which they are resident are liable to income
tax
in the UK, at the basic rate of 22%, on the profits of a trade carried on in
the
UK, where that trade is not carried on through a permanent establishment in
the
UK. The directors and officers of Maiden Insurance intend to operate the
business in such a manner that Maiden Insurance will not fall within the charge
to income tax in the UK (other than by way of deduction or withholding) in
this
respect.
If
either
Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance were treated as being resident in the UK
for
UK corporation tax purposes, or if Maiden Insurance were treated as carrying
on
a trade in the UK, whether through a permanent establishment or otherwise,
the
results of the Group’s operations would be materially adversely
affected.
A
WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some
of
the statements in “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Use of Proceeds,”
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations,” “Industry Background,” “Business,” “Regulation,” “Management” and
elsewhere in this prospectus, including those using words such as “believes,”
“expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “assumes,”
“anticipates,” “plans,” “target,” “goal,” “should,” “seeks” and comparable
terms, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not
statements of historical fact and reflect our views and assumptions as of the
date of this prospectus regarding future events and operating performance.
Because we have a very limited operating history, many statements relating
to us
and our business, including statements relating to our competitive strengths
and
business strategies, are forward-looking statements.
All
forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties.
Accordingly, there are important factors that could cause our actual results
to
differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that
these factors include but are not limited to those described under “Risk
Factors,” including the following:
|
·
|
our
lack of any meaningful operating
history;
|
|
·
|
the
risk that we may not be able to implement our business
strategy;
|
|
·
|
the
ineffectiveness or obsolescence of our planned business strategy
due to
changes in current or future market
conditions;
|
|
·
|
our
inability to hire skilled personnel or our loss of the services of
one or
more of our key executives;
|
|
·
|
changes
in regulation or tax laws applicable to us, our brokers or our
customers;
|
|
·
|
changes
in the availability, cost or quality of insurance business that meets
out
reinsurance underwriting standards;
|
|
·
|
actual
results, changes in market conditions, changes affecting AmTrust’s
business that we reinsure, the occurrence of catastrophic losses
and other
factors outside our control that may reduce demand for the types
of
insurance that we reinsure and require us to alter our anticipated
methods
of conducting our business, such as the nature, amount and types
of risk
we assume and the terms and limits of the products we intend to
write;
|
|
·
|
our
ability to hire, retain and integrate our management team and other
personnel;
|
|
·
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possible
future downgrade in the rating of the
Company;
|
|
·
|
changes
in rating agency policies or
practices;
|
|
·
|
our
ability to obtain future financing;
|
|
·
|
our
heavy dependence on AmTrust for revenue in the initial years of operation,
and possibly beyond and the risk that our arrangements with AmTrust
may
change or terminate;
|
|
·
|
changes
in accounting policies or
practices;
|
|
·
|
loss
experience under our reinsurance agreements that is worse than we
anticipated when we entered into those
agreements;
|
|
·
|
cyclical
changes in the insurance and reinsurance market and changes in competitive
conditions;
|
|
·
|
the
price and availability of retrocessional
reinsurance;
|
|
·
|
emerging
and unanticipated claim and coverage
issues;
|
|
·
|
changes
in regulations affecting us, our ceding companies or the types of
insurance that we reinsure;
|
|
·
|
changes
in tax laws or policy, and positions taken by taxing authorities
in the
United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere;
and
|
|
·
|
changes
in general economic conditions, including inflation, foreign currency
exchange rates, interest rates and other
factors.
|
This
list
of factors is not exhaustive and should be read with the other cautionary
statements that are included in this prospectus.
If
one or
more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying
assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from
our
projections. Any forward-looking statements you read in this prospectus reflect
our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and
other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to, among other things,
our
operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent
written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or individuals
acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this
paragraph. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this
prospectus that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in
the
forward-looking statements before making an investment decision. We undertake
no
obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common shares by the selling
shareholders pursuant to this prospectus.
INSTITUTIONAL
TRADING AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Institutional
Trading
Prior
to
the date of this prospectus, our common shares have not been listed or quoted
on
any national exchange or market system and there is no established public
trading market for our common shares. However, following the closing of the
private offering our common shares have been sold from time to time in private
transactions. Some of those sales by certain qualified institutional buyers
of
our common shares in the private offering have been reported on the PORTAL
Market, which facilitates the resale of unregistered securities pursuant to
Rule
144A under the Securities Act among qualified institutional buyers. To our
knowledge, the most recent price at which shares were resold on the PORTAL
Market was $9.00 per share on September 13, 2007.
While
our
common shares have been sold privately from time to time after the closing
of
the private offering, and some of these trades have been reported on the PORTAL
Market, this information is not complete because broker-dealers are not
obligated to report all trades to the PORTAL Market. Shares sold pursuant to
this prospectus will not continue to trade on the PORTAL Market.
Application
will be made to have our common shares approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global
Market or the New York Stock Exchange. The sale prices per share set forth
above
may not be indicative of the prices at which our common shares will be listed
on
the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange.
Holders
of Our Shares
As
of
August 10, 2007, we had 59,550,000 common shares issued and outstanding, which
were held by four holders of record, our Founding Shareholders and Cede &
Co. Cede & Co. holds shares on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, which
itself holds shares on behalf of 335 beneficial owners of our common shares,
as
of August 10, 2007.
DIVIDEND
POLICY
For
the
quarter ending September 30, 2007, our board of directors has authorized the
payment of a cash dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of
record on October 1, 2007 with a payment date of October 15, 2007. Our board
of
directors currently intends to authorize the payment of a quarterly cash
dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of record each quarter
thereafter. Any determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of
our
board of directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations and
cash
flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business
conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and any contractual
restrictions on the payment of dividends and any other factors our board of
directors deems relevant, including Bermuda legal and regulatory
constraints.
Maiden
Holdings is a holding company and has no direct operations. The ability of
Maiden Holdings to pay dividends or distributions will depend almost exclusively
on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends to Maiden Holdings, and
will
be subject to regulatory, contractual, rating agencies and other constraints.
Under Bermuda law, Maiden Insurance may not declare or pay a dividend if there
are reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment
be,
unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of
its
assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its
issued share capital and share premium accounts. Further, Maiden Insurance,
as a
regulated insurance company in Bermuda, is subject to additional regulatory
restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions. Also, Maiden
Insurance is required to provide adequate security for its reinsurance
obligations under the reinsurance agreements to which it is a party. Maiden
Insurance may enter into contractual arrangements (for example, a credit
facility or an indenture governing debt securities) that may restrict its
ability to pay dividends. For a further description of the restrictions on
the
ability of our subsidiary to pay dividends, see “Risk Factors — Risks Related to
Our Business — Our holding company structure and certain regulatory and other
constraints affect our ability to pay dividends and make other payments” and
“Regulation — Regulation of Maiden Insurance — Minimum Solvency Margin and
Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions.”
CAPITALIZATION
The
following table sets forth our capitalization as of August 31, 2007 except
for
the accumulated deficit (and related impact on total shareholders’ equity and
total capitalization) which is set forth as of June 14, 2007. You should read
the following table in conjunction with the section captioned “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and
our balance sheet as of June 14, 2007 and related notes included in this
prospectus.
|
|
As
of August 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Debt
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Shareholders’
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares, $0.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized;
59,550,000 common shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
596
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital(1)
|
|
|
529,979
|
|
Accumulated
deficit(1)(2)
|
|
|
(126
|
)
|
Total
shareholders’ equity
|
|
|
530,449
|
|
Total
capitalization
|
|
$
|
530,449
|
|
(1)
|
As
described in the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions - Founding Shareholders and Related Agreements,” we issued
warrants to purchase 4,050,000 of our common shares to our Founding
Shareholders in connection with our formation and capitalization.
At that
time, a fair value of $19.5 million for these warrants was determined
using the Black-Scholes model. The resulting fair value of the warrants
has been recorded as an addition to additional paid-in capital offset
by a
reduction in additional paid-in capital as a return of capital, resulting
in no impact to the net book value per share of our common
shares.
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We
are a
new Bermuda holding company organized to provide reinsurance business solutions
to the property and casualty industry through Maiden Insurance, our reinsurance
company subsidiary incorporated and licensed as a Class 3 insurer in Bermuda.
Our solutions are expected to include quota share reinsurance as well as excess
of loss reinsurance.
We
offer
our products to AmTrust and its subsidiaries as well as to small specialty
property and casualty insurance companies located in the United States and
Europe that are seeking to efficiently manage their capital. We may also
reinsure other reinsurers of U.S. and European specialty property and casualty
insurance business that have similar objectives. We also plan to conduct
business with managing general agents in the United States and Europe that
manage programs that fit our expertise in specialty insurance as well as Lloyd’s
syndicates and program administrators.
We
entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with AmTrust’s Bermuda
reinsurance subsidiary, AII, which provides quota share reinsurance to AmTrust’s
insurance company subsidiaries. We
also
entered into a master agreement with AmTrust pursuant to which we will cause
Maiden Insurance, and AmTrust will cause its insurance company subsidiaries,
through AII, to reinsure 40% of all business of the types currently written
by
the insurance subsidiaries and Maiden Insurance will have an option to reinsure
any new types of business that they may write. Effective as of July 1, 2007,
we
reinsure 40% of all business written by AmTrust’s insurance company subsidiaries
that is subject to the reinsurance agreement. In addition, we also assumed
through AII, effective as of July 1, 2007, 40% of the unearned premium reserve
of AmTrust’s insurance subsidiaries (and the corresponding loss exposure). The
reinsurance agreement has an initial term of three years and will be extended
for further terms of three years unless either party elects not to renew. In
addition, AmTrust has advised us that we may have an opportunity to participate
in the working layer of the January 1, 2008 scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s
workers’ compensation excess of loss reinsurance program, subject to the
negotiation of mutually acceptable terms.
We
also
entered into an asset management agreement with AIIM, a subsidiary of AmTrust,
having an initial term of one year which will extend for further terms of one
year unless either party elects not to renew. Under the asset management
agreement, we may also invest a portion of our assets in hedge funds managed
by
affiliates of AmTrust. We also entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement
with a subsidiary of AmTrust pursuant to which we receive reinsurance brokerage
services in exchange for a fee of 1.25% of all premiums we reinsure from
AmTrust.
Our
relationship with AmTrust and its subsidiaries, including the agreements we
have
entered into with such companies, is described under “Business — Relationships
with AmTrust” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Our
Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries” in this prospectus.
Principal
Revenue and Expense Items
Revenues
We
derive
our revenue from net premiums earned, ceding commission revenues, net investment
income and net realized gains and losses on investments.
Net
premiums earned.
Premiums written include all premiums received by an insurance company during
a
specified accounting period, even if the policy provides coverage beyond the
end
of the period. Premiums are earned over the term of the related policies. At
the
end of each accounting period, the portion of the premiums that are not yet
earned are included in the unearned premium reserve and are realized as revenue
in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Thus, for example,
for a one-year policy that is written on July 1, 2007, one-half of the premiums
would be earned in 2007 and the other half would be earned in 2008. Workers’
compensation policies are typically written for a one-year term. Other kinds
of
insurance, including extended warranty coverage, can have multi-year
terms.
Net
premiums earned are the earned portion of our net premiums written. Net premiums
written are gross premiums written less premiums ceded to reinsurers in
connection with reinsurance agreements. Our gross premiums (written and earned)
will represent the assumed premiums from our reinsurance agreements. Reinsurers
often cede a portion of their business to other reinsurers. A reinsurer that
places business with another reinsurer is a retrocedent. A reinsurer which
reinsures business retroceded to it is a retrocessionaire. We do not expect
to
retrocede a significant portion of our gross premiums at least
initially.
Premiums
written in Maiden Insurance consist of premiums assumed under the reinsurance
agreement with AII and premiums assumed from other insurance and reinsurance
companies. Such premiums written will be earned over the term of the underlying
policies, typically twenty-four months.
Ceding
commission revenues.
We may
earn ceding commission revenues on any gross premiums written that we retrocede
to retrocessionaires in connection with reinsurance agreements. We expect these
amounts to be minimal at least initially.
Net
investment income and net realized gains and losses on
investments.
We
invest our shareholders’ equity and the funds supporting our insurance reserves
(including unearned premium reserve and the reserves established to pay for
losses and loss adjustment expenses) in investment securities and cash
equivalents. Our investment income includes interest and dividends earned on
our
invested assets, net of investment management fees and other expenses. Realized
gains and losses on invested assets will be reported separately from net
investment income. We classify our portfolio of equity securities as
available-for-sale and carry these securities on our balance sheet at fair
value. Accordingly, adverse changes in the market prices of our equity
securities result in a decrease in the value of our total assets and a decrease
in our shareholders’ equity.
Expenses
In
our
consolidated results, expenses consist of loss and loss adjustment expenses,
operating expenses, interest expenses, and income taxes. Depending on the terms
of the reinsurance agreements that we negotiate, our expenses may also include
excise taxes, which are calculated as a percentage (1% for purposes of United
States federal excise tax) of premiums ceded to us.
Losses
and loss adjustment expenses.
We
establish loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in an amount equal to our
estimate of the ultimate liability for claims under our reinsurance policies
and
the cost of adjusting and settling those claims. Our provision for loss and
loss
adjustment expense reserves in any period will include estimates for losses
incurred (that is, the total sustained by us under policies, whether paid or
unpaid) during such period and changes in estimates for prior
periods.
Operating
expenses.
Operating expenses include acquisition costs and overhead costs.
Acquisition
costs consist of ceding commission and direct commission expense and the portion
of operating expenses that are related to the acquisition of reinsurance
business. These costs are expected to be capitalized and amortized as an expense
as the premiums are earned on the treaties to which they pertain.
Operating
expenses that are not related to the acquisition of business, or overhead costs,
are generally fixed in nature and will not vary significantly with the amount
of
premiums written. These costs will generally be expensed in the calendar period
in which they are incurred. Capitalized expenditures which are related to
certain technology and other projects or for the acquisition of software, and
acquisitions of equipment or leasehold improvement assets will be capitalized
and amortized as an expense over the estimated useful lives of such capitalized
expenditures and assets.
Certain
of our operating expenses are referred to as underwriting expenses. Underwriting
expenses are expected to consist of ceding commission expenses and other
underwriting expenses.
Ceding
commission expenses.
Maiden
Insurance pays ceding commissions to other insurance companies, including
AmTrust, for the reinsurance premiums that we assume. Ceding commissions are
intended to compensate the ceding company for the costs incurred to acquire
the
ceded business. Ceding commissions are typically paid on traditional quota
share
reinsurance agreements, but not on excess of loss reinsurance
agreements.
Under
our
quota share reinsurance agreement with AII, we pay a ceding commission
calculated as a percentage of ceded premiums. The ceding commission is initially
31% and may be adjusted every six months beginning on the first anniversary
of
the effective date of the agreement and every six months thereafter, based
on
the net loss ratio of all business ceded under the quota share reinsurance
agreement since the effective date. The 31% ceding commission rate will increase
by 0.5% for every 1.0% decline in the net loss ratio below 60% up to a maximum
ceding commission of 32%, and will decrease by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase
in
the net loss ratio above 60%, subject to a minimum ceding commission of 30%,
as
follows:
Net
Loss Ratio
|
|
Ceding
Commission Percentage (%)
|
|
62.0%
or higher
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
61.0
|
|
|
30.5
|
|
60.0
|
|
|
31.0
|
|
59.0
|
|
|
31.5
|
|
58.0%
or lower
|
|
|
32.0
|
|
Direct
commission expense include the 1.25% reinsurance brokerage fee that we will
pay
to AmTrust on all reinsurance ceded by AmTrust as well as other reinsurance
brokerage fees and commission expense we may incur to
intermediaries.
Other
operating expenses.
Other
operating expenses consist of other underwriting expenses related to our
underwriting operations. Other underwriting expenses are expected to consist
of
general administrative expenses such as salaries, rent, office supplies,
depreciation and all other operating expenses not otherwise classified
separately.
In
connection with our formation and capitalization, we issued warrants to our
Founding Shareholders to purchase up to 4.05 million common shares. The
aggregate value of these warrants, $19.5 million, has been recorded as an
addition to additional paid-in-capital on the date of issuance with an
offsetting charge to additional paid-in-capital as well.
Interest
expense.
Interest expense is a function of outstanding borrowing or funding commitments
and the contractual interest rate related to these commitments.
Measurement
of Results; Outlook
We
use
various measures to analyze the growth and profitability of our business
operations. We measure growth in terms of gross and net premiums written and
we
measure underwriting profitability by examining our loss, underwriting
expense and combined ratios.
We also
measure our gross and net written premiums to surplus ratios to measure the
adequacy of capital in relation to premiums written. We analyze profitability
by
evaluating income before taxes, net income and return on average
equity.
Premiums
written.
We use
gross premiums written to measure our sales of reinsurance products. Gross
premiums written also correlates to our ability to generate net premiums earned
and, for certain products, fee income. We target a net leverage ratio, as
measured by net premiums written to shareholders’ equity, of between
approximately 1.2 to 1 and approximately 1.7 to 1 after a start-up
period.
Loss
ratio.
The
loss ratio is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to
premiums earned and measures the underwriting profitability of our reinsurance
business after the effect of any reinsurance. We target the pricing of our
products to achieve a ratio of loss and loss adjustment expenses to net premiums
earned of approximately 55.0% to 65.0% over time.
Underwriting
expense ratio.
The
underwriting expense ratio is the ratio of ceding commission expenses and other
underwriting expenses to premiums earned. The underwriting expense ratio
measures our operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering
our reinsurance business. We calculate our underwriting expense ratio on a
gross
basis (before the effect of ceded reinsurance) to measure our operational
efficiency and on a net basis (after the effect of ceded reinsurance and related
ceding commission income) to measure the effects on our consolidated income
before income taxes. Ceding commission revenue is applied to reduce our gross
underwriting expenses. We are currently targeting a ratio of underwriting
expenses to net premiums earned of approximately 32.0% to 35.0%, but expect
it
to decline over time as third-party business increases.
Combined
ratio.
We use
the combined ratio to measure our underwriting performance. The combined ratio
is the sum of the loss ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. We analyze
the
combined ratio on a gross (before the effect of reinsurance) and net basis
(after the effect of reinsurance). If the combined ratio is at or above 100%,
we
are not underwriting profitably and will not be profitable unless investment
income is sufficient to offset underwriting losses. We target the pricing of
our
products and management of our expenses to achieve a combined ratio of 95%
or
less over time.
Net
income and return on average equity.
We use
net income to measure our profits and return on average equity to measure our
effectiveness in utilizing our shareholders’ equity to generate net income on a
consolidated basis. In determining return on average equity for a given year,
net income is divided by the average of shareholders’ equity for that year. Our
target for return on average equity is 15% or better.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Our
consolidated financial statements contain certain amounts that are inherently
subjective in nature and require management to make assumptions and best
estimates to determine the reported values. If factors such as those described
under the section captioned “Risk Factors” in this prospectus cause actual
events or results to differ materially from management’s underlying assumptions
or estimates, actual results may differ, perhaps substantially, from the
estimates.
The
critical accounting policies and estimates set forth below involve, among
others, the reporting of premiums written and earned, reserves for losses and
loss adjustment expenses (including reserves for losses that have occurred
but
have not been reported by the financial statement date), and the reporting
of
deferred acquisition costs and investments.
Premiums.
Premiums written on assumed reinsurance are written primarily on a “policies
attaching” basis (and are written on a “policies attaching” basis under our
reinsurance agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust) and cover losses which
attach to the underlying insurance policies written during the terms of the
contracts. Premiums earned on a “policies attaching” basis usually extend beyond
the calendar year in which the reinsurance contract is written, typically
resulting in recognition of premiums earned over a 24 month period; this is
because most policies have a term of 12 months, and policies written with an
effective date in December, for instance, are not fully earned until December
of
the following year. We may also assume premiums on contracts and policies
written on a losses occurring basis, which cover losses that occur during the
term of the contract or policy, typically 12 months, and the premium is earned
evenly over the term. Extended warranty policies often have terms in excess
of
12 months (such as 24 months) and the coverages thereunder may extend for some
period after the scheduled policy expiration.
Assumed
premiums written and ceded may include estimates based on information received
from brokers and ceding companies and estimates made by management, and any
subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the periods
in
which they are determined. Premiums on our excess of loss reinsurance contracts
are estimated by management when the business is underwritten. For such
contracts, the minimum and deposit premium, as defined in the contract, is
generally considered to be the best estimate of the contract’s written premium
at inception. Accordingly, this is the amount we generally expect to record
as
written premium in the period the underlying risks incept. As actual premiums
are reported by brokers or ceding companies, management will evaluate the
appropriateness of the premium estimate and any adjustment to this estimate
will
be recorded in the period in which it becomes known. Adjustments to original
premium estimates could be material and such adjustments may directly and
significantly impact earnings in the period they are determined because the
subject premium may be fully or substantially earned.
Reinstatement
premiums are written at the time a loss event occurs where coverage limits
for
the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract
terms and will be earned over the remaining risk period or
immediately.
Losses
and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves.
The
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses include reserves for unpaid
reported losses and losses incurred but not reported, to which we sometimes
refer as IBNR. We record loss and loss adjustment expenses for reported claims
based upon the amounts reported to us by the ceding company. We record IBNR
based on an actuarial analysis for each type of business of the estimated losses
we expect to incur for claims that have occurred under reinsurance policies
whether these claims have been reported or not. These estimates are reviewed
regularly, and such adjustments, if any, will be reflected in earnings in the
period in which they become known and it is possible that these adjustments
would have a significant impact on our earnings. Accordingly, ultimate losses
and loss adjustment expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded
in
the consolidated financial statements.
Inherent
in the estimates of ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses are expected
trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary
significantly as claims are settled. We plan to use statistical and actuarial
methods to reasonably estimate ultimate expected losses and loss adjustment
expenses. The period of time from the occurrence of a loss, the reporting of
a
loss to our company and the settlement of our liability may be several years.
During this period, additional facts and trends may be revealed. As these
factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring
an
increase in our overall reserves, including our IBNR reserves. Reserves for
losses and loss adjustment expenses are also based in part upon the estimation
of losses resulting from catastrophic events. Estimation of the losses and
loss
adjustment expenses resulting from catastrophic events is inherently difficult
because of the possible severity of catastrophe claims, difficulties entering
catastrophe hit areas to estimate claim amounts, and delays in receiving
information about claims from program administrators or ceding companies.
Therefore, we intend to utilize both proprietary and commercially available
models, as well as historical reinsurance industry catastrophe claims
experience, for purposes of evaluating and providing an estimate of ultimate
claims costs.
Under
U.S. GAAP, we are not permitted to establish loss reserves until the occurrence
of an actual loss event. As a result, only loss reserves applicable to losses
incurred up to the reporting date may be recorded, with no allowance for the
provision of a contingency reserve to account for expected future losses. Losses
arising from future events, which could be substantial, will be estimated and
recognized at the time the loss is incurred.
Deferred
acquisition costs.
We
defer certain expenses that are directly related to and vary with producing
reinsurance business, including ceding commission expense on gross premiums
written, premium taxes and certain other costs related to the acquisition of
reinsurance contracts. These costs are capitalized and the resulting asset,
deferred acquisition costs, is amortized and charged to expense in future
periods as gross premiums written are earned. The method followed in computing
deferred acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferral to its estimated
realizable value. The ultimate recoverability of deferred acquisition costs
is
dependent on the continued profitability of our reinsurance underwriting. If
our
underwriting ceases to be profitable, we may have to write off a portion of
our
deferred acquisition costs, resulting in a further charge to income in the
period in which the underwriting losses was recognized.
Reinsurance
Accounting.
Written
premiums, earned premiums, incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses reflect
the net effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Reinsurance
accounting is followed for assumed and ceded transactions when risk transfer
requirements have been met. These requirements involve significant assumptions
relating to the amount and timing of expected cash flows, as well as the
interpretation of underlying contract terms.
Although
we do not anticipate offering reinsurance contracts that do not meet risk
transfer requirements, any reinsurance contracts that do not transfer
significant insurance risk will be accounted for as deposits. These deposits
will be accounted for as financing transactions, with interest expense credited
to the contract deposit.
Investments.
In
accordance with our investment guidelines, our investments currently consist
of
high grade marketable fixed income securities and high-yield securities and
are
expected to include high grade marketable fixed income securities, high-yield
securities and equity securities, including hedge funds. Through our asset
management agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust, we have access to AmTrust’s
extensive asset management experience. We invest approximately 80-85% of our
investments in high grade marketable fixed income securities, cash and cash
equivalents, and approximately 15-20% in other securities which may include
high-yield securities and equity securities. Based on current interest rate
levels, we target a yield of between 6.0 and 6.5% on our investments. We expect
that our investment leverage (ratio of aggregate investments to shareholders’
equity) will be approximately 2.0 to 1 over time. Investments we make in the
ordinary course of business are classified as available for sale and carried
at
fair value as determined by the market price of each security as of the balance
sheet date. Unrealized gains and losses on our investments are included in
other
comprehensive income and as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on a specific
identification basis. Investment income is recorded when earned and includes
the
amortization of premiums and discounts on investments.
We
do not
expect our investment portfolio to include options, warrants, swaps, collars
or
similar derivative instruments. In the event that we do make such investments,
our investment policy guidelines provide that financial futures and options
and
foreign exchange contracts may not be used in a speculative manner, but may
be
used, subject to certain numerical limits, only as part of a defensive strategy
to protect the market value of the portfolio. Also, our portfolio will not
contain any direct investments in real estate or mortgage loans.
Impairment
of invested assets.
We will
review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairment
of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline
below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. We will focus our attention
on
those securities whose fair value is less than amortized cost or cost, as
appropriate. In evaluating potential impairment, we will consider, among other
criteria: the current fair value compared to amortized cost or cost, as
appropriate; the length of time the security’s fair value has been below
amortized cost or cost; our intent and ability to retain the investment for
a
period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value;
specific credit issues related to the issuer; and current economic
conditions.
Intangible
assets and potential impairment.
If we
make any acquisitions, the costs of a group of assets acquired will be allocated
to the individual assets including identifiable intangible assets based on
their
relative fair values. Identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life
are expected to be amortized over the period which the asset is expected to
contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. Identifiable
intangible assets with finite useful lives will be tested for recoverability
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount
may
not be recoverable. An impairment loss will be recognized if the carrying value
of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its
fair value. Significant changes in the factors we will consider when evaluating
our intangible assets for impairment losses could result in a significant change
in impairment losses reported in our consolidated financial
statements.
Deferred
taxes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred
tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in
the
period that includes the enactment date.
Unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable.
Ceded
losses recoverable from reinsurers are estimated using techniques and
assumptions consistent with those used in estimating the liability for losses
and loss adjustment expenses, and represent management’s best estimate of such
amounts. However, as changes in the estimated ultimate liability for losses
and
loss adjustment expenses are determined, the estimated ultimate amount
recoverable from reinsurers will also change. Accordingly, the ultimate
recoverable could be significantly in excess of or less than the amount
indicated in the consolidated financial statements, and adjustments to these
estimates are reflected in current operations.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Substantially
all of our operations are conducted by Maiden Insurance. Accordingly, we will
have continuing cash needs for administrative expenses and the payment of
principal and interest on any future borrowings and taxes. Funds to meet these
obligations will come primarily from dividend payments from Maiden Insurance.
There are restrictions on the payment of dividends by Maiden Insurance which
are
described in more detail under the sections captioned “Risk Factors — Our
holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints affect
our ability to pay dividends and make other payments” and “Regulation —
Regulation of Maiden Insurance — Minimum Solvency Margin and Restrictions on
Dividends and Distributions.”
Our
Liquidity Requirements
Our
principal consolidated cash requirements are net cash settlements under our
reinsurance agreement, payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses, ceding
commissions to insurance companies including AmTrust, excise taxes, operating
expenses and dividends to our shareholders and debt service, if any. For the
quarter ending September 30, 2007, our board of directors has authorized the
payment of a cash dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of
record on October 1, 2007 with a payment date of October 15, 2007. Our board
of
directors currently intends to authorize the payment of a quarterly cash
dividend of $0.025 per common share to our shareholders of record each quarter
thereafter. See “Dividend Policy.” Any determination to pay dividends will be at
the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our results
of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements,
general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and any
contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and any other factors
our
board of directors deems relevant, including Bermuda legal and regulatory
constraints.
Sources
of Cash
Our
sources of cash principally consist of the net proceeds from our private
offering, assumed premiums collected (including the amounts transferred to
us in
connection with the cession of 40% of AmTrust’s unearned premium reserve
effective as of July 1, 2007), which amounts are expected to be approximately
$125 million, net cash settlements under our reinsurance agreement, fee
income for services provided, investment income and proceeds from sales and
redemptions of investments. We may also enter into a credit facility with a
syndicate of lenders and we expect to use any such facility for general
corporate purposes, working capital requirements and issuances of letters of
credit. We believe that any credit facility would require compliance with
financial covenants, such as a leverage ratio, a consolidated tangible net
worth
ratio and maintenance of ratings. Any credit facility would likely contain
additional covenants that restrict the activities of Maiden Insurance, such
as
the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens and the payment of dividends
and other payments. We currently have no commitment from any lender with respect
to a credit facility. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain a
credit facility on terms acceptable to us.
Restrictions
on Dividend Payments from our Operating Subsidiaries
Bermuda
legislation imposes limitations on the dividends that Maiden Insurance may
pay.
As a regulated insurance company in Bermuda, Maiden Insurance is required under
the Insurance Act to maintain a specified solvency margin and a minimum
liquidity ratio and will be prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends
if
doing so would cause Maiden Insurance to fail to meet its solvency margin and
its minimum liquidity ratio. Under the Insurance Act, Maiden Insurance may
not
declare or pay dividends without the approval of the BMA if Maiden Insurance
failed to meet its solvency margin and minimum liquidity ratio on the last
day
of the previous fiscal year. Under
the
Insurance Act, Maiden Insurance is prohibited, without the approval of the
BMA,
from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set forth on its
financial statements for the previous year.
In
addition, under the Companies Act, Maiden Insurance may not declare or pay
a
dividend, or make a distribution from contributed surplus, if there are
reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment be,
unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of
its
assets would be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share
capital and share premium accounts.
Reinsurance
Security Trust Accounts and Other Collateral
Generally,
under U.S. state insurance laws, a ceding company is not permitted to take
credit for reinsurance in its statutory financial statements (meaning that
it is
not permitted to reduce its liabilities in such financial statements by the
amount of losses ceded to a reinsurer) unless the reinsurer is accredited,
licensed or otherwise approved by the insurance regulator in the ceding
company’s state of domicile or provides collateral to secure its obligations to
the ceding company under the reinsurance agreement. Acceptable collateral for
these purposes can take a number of forms, including a “funds withheld” account
(in which the ceding company retains control of the funds representing premiums
transferred to the reinsurer and deducts ceded losses from such funds), letters
of credit or a trust account established for the benefit of the ceding company
(often called a “Regulation 114 trust”). We expect that Maiden Insurance will
not be an accredited, licensed or otherwise approved reinsurer in any U.S.
state
and that it will establish Regulation 114 trusts for the benefit of its ceding
companies domiciled in the United States. A Regulation 114 trust must be funded
with cash or high-quality instruments in an amount equal to at least 102% of
the
reinsurer’s obligations to the ceding company in order to receive credit on its
statutory financial statements.
Further,
Maiden Insurance has agreed to collateralize its obligations under its
reinsurance agreement with AII by one or more of the following methods, at
the
election of Maiden Insurance:
|
·
|
by
lending assets to AII pursuant to a loan agreement between Maiden
Insurance and AII, with such assets being deposited by AII into the
Regulation 114 trusts established or to be established by AII for
the sole
benefit of AmTrust’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries pursuant to the
reinsurance agreements between AII and those AmTrust
subsidiaries;
|
|
·
|
by
transferring to AII assets for deposit into those Regulation 114
trusts;
|
|
·
|
by
delivering letters of credit to the applicable AmTrust U.S. insurance
subsidiaries on behalf of AII; or
|
|
·
|
by
requesting that AII cause such AmTrust U.S. insurance subsidiaries
to
withhold premiums otherwise payable to Maiden Insurance through AII.
|
As
a
result of our planned use of Regulation 114 trusts accounts, a substantial
portion of our assets, including a disproportionate share of our higher-quality
fixed-income investments, will not be available to us for other uses, which
will
reduce our financial flexibility. See “Regulation — United States Regulation —
Credit for Reinsurance.”
Exposures
to Market Risk
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market
risk is the risk that we will incur losses in our investments due to adverse
changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the
volatility and liquidity in the market in which the related underlying assets
are invested. We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of
market risk: changes in interest rates, changes in credit quality of issuers
of
investment securities and reinsurers, and changes in equity prices.
Interest
Rate Risk
Interest
rate risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes
in interest rates. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is
interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities.
Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation
of
these securities.
Credit
Risk
In
providing reinsurance, we will have premiums receivable subject to credit risk
of the ceding company. Our credit risk results from the insureds’ potential
inability to meet its premium obligations.
We
also
are exposed to credit risk on our investment portfolio. Our credit risk is
the
potential loss in market value resulting from adverse change in the borrower’s
ability to repay its obligations. Our investment objectives are to preserve
capital, generate investment income and maintain adequate liquidity for the
payment of claims and debt service, if any. We seek to achieve these goals
by
investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. We manage credit risk
through regular review and analysis of the creditworthiness of all investments
and potential investments.
If
we
retrocede business to other reinsurers, we will have reinsurance recoverables
subject to credit risk. To mitigate the risk of these counterparties’ nonpayment
of amounts due, we will establish business and financial standards for reinsurer
approval, incorporating ratings and outlook by major rating agencies and
considering then-current market information. Further, we are subject to the
credit risk that AII and/or AmTrust will fail to perform their obligations
to
pay interest on and repay principal of amounts loaned to AII pursuant to its
loan agreement with Maiden Insurance, and to reimburse Maiden Insurance for
any
assets or other collateral of Maiden that AmTrust’s U.S. insurance company
subsidiaries apply or retain, and income on those assets.
Equity
Risk
Equity
risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in
equity prices. Our exposure to changes in equity prices primarily result from
our holdings of common stocks and other equities. Our portfolio of equity
securities will be carried on the balance sheet at fair value.
Portfolio
characteristics are analyzed regularly and market risk will be actively managed
through a variety of modeling techniques. We expect that our equity holdings
will be diversified across industries, as concentrations in any one company
or
industry are limited by parameters established by senior
management.
Inflation
Property
and casualty insurance premiums are established before the primary insurer
knows
the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which
inflation may affect such amounts. We attempt to anticipate the potential impact
of inflation in establishing our reserves, especially as it relates to medical
and hospital rates where historical inflation rates have exceeded the general
level of inflation. Inflation in excess of the levels we have assumed could
cause loss and loss adjustment expenses to be higher than we anticipated, which
would require us to increase reserves and reduce earnings.
Substantial
future increases in inflation could also result in future increases in interest
rates, which in turn are likely to result in a decline in the market value
of
the investment portfolio and produce unrealized losses.
Contractual
Obligations
As
of
August 1, 2007, we have contractual obligations that are summarized in the
following table:
|
|
Total
|
|
Less
Than 1
Year
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
4-5
Years
|
|
More
than 5
Years
|
|
Long-term
debt
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital
leases
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Operating
leases (1)
|
|
$
|
318,700
|
|
$
|
174,700
|
|
$
|
144,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Purchase
Obligations
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Any
other long-term liabilities (2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
318,700
|
|
$
|
174,700
|
|
$
|
144,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
(1) |
Consists
of lease payments due on two leases, pursuant to which we lease
premises
in Bermuda. The initial term of the first lease expires on July
31, 2009
and the initial term of the second lease expires on August 31,
2008.
|
Off-Balance
Sheet Transactions
We
have
no off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated, special
purpose entities.
INDUSTRY
BACKGROUND
Overview
The
property and casualty industry historically has been cyclical. When excess
underwriting capacity exists, increased competition generally results in lower
pricing and less favorable policy terms and conditions for insurers and
reinsurers. As underwriting capacity contracts, pricing and policy terms and
conditions generally become more favorable for insurers and reinsurers. In
the
past, underwriting capacity has been impacted by several factors, including
catastrophes, industry losses, recognition of reserve deficiencies, changes
in
the law and regulatory environments, investment returns and the ratings and
financial strength of competitors.
According
to A.M. Best, the aggregate combined ratio for the property and casualty
industry was 92% in 2006 - the lowest combined ratio that the industry has
experienced since 1993. This underwriting profit is partly due to the absence
of
major catastrophes in the United States in 2006. The combination of the low
level of catastrophes in the U.S., capital raised by insurance and reinsurance
companies and significant underwriting profits in 2006 could potentially impact
the general pricing environment going forward.
Industry
Overview
Workers’
Compensation Insurance
Workers’
compensation is a statutory system under which an employer is required to pay
for its employees’ medical, disability and vocational rehabilitation and death
benefit costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. While some employers
elect
to self-insure workers’ compensation risks, most employers purchase workers’
compensation insurance. The principal concept underlying workers’ compensation
laws is that employees injured in the course and scope of their employment
have
only the legal remedies available under workers’ compensation laws and do not
have any other recourse against their employer. An employer’s obligation to pay
workers’ compensation does not depend on any negligence or wrongdoing on the
part of the employer and exists even for injuries that result from the
negligence or fault of another person, a co-employee or, in most instances,
the
injured employee. Workers’ compensation laws vary by state.
Workers’
compensation insurance policies generally provide that the insurance carrier
will pay all benefits that the insured employer may become obligated to pay
under applicable workers’ compensation laws. Each state has a regulatory and
adjudicatory system that quantifies the level of wage replacement to be paid,
determines the level of medical care required to be provided and the cost of
permanent impairment and specifies the options in selecting medical providers
available to the injured employee or the employer. These state laws generally
require two types of benefits for injured employees: (i) medical benefits,
which
include expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of the injury, as well
as
any required rehabilitation, and (ii) indemnity payments, which consist of
temporary wage replacement, permanent disability payments and death benefits
to
surviving family members. To fulfill these mandated financial obligations,
virtually all employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance or, if
permitted by state law, self-insure. Employers may purchase workers’
compensation insurance from a private insurance carrier, a state-sanctioned
assigned risk pool or a self-insurance fund, which is an entity that allows
employers to obtain workers’ compensation coverage on a pooled basis, typically
subjecting each employer to joint and several liability for the entire
fund.
We
believe the challenges faced by the workers’ compensation industry over the past
decade have created significant opportunity for workers’ compensation insurers
to increase the amount of business that they write. Workers’ compensation
insurance industry calendar year combined ratios, which had reached 122% in
2001, declined to 92.6% in 2006 as a result of premium rate increases and
decline in claim frequency. As a result of the opportunity arising from these
trends, the workers’ compensation market recently has become more competitive
and price competition is increasing.
Specialty
Risk and Extended Warranty
Extended
warranty and accidental damage plans offered by manufacturers, service
providers, retailers and third-party administrators provide coverage to
purchasers of the subject consumer or commercial goods or other property against
mechanical failure, accidental damage and other specified risks. These plans
supplement basic manufacturer’s warranties by providing coverage for a defined
time period after the expiration of the basic warranty, additional types of
losses, or both. In some instances, the manufacturer, service provider or
retailer offers its extended warranty or accidental damage plans directly to
its
customers. In others, the manufacturer, service provider or retailer partners
with a third-party administrator which offers the plans to users of the covered
goods.
A
plan
may consist of a service contract setting forth the terms of the extended
warranty, accidental damage or other coverage, issued by the plan provider
(the
manufacturer, service provider, retailer or third-party administrator) or an
insurance policy or insurance certificate issued by the plan provider on behalf
of an insurer (often at the point of sale of the covered product). In the former
case, the plan provider often seeks to mitigate its risk of loss through the
purchase of contractual liability insurance. In a typical plan, the plan
provider or insurer assumes the risk of mechanical failure, accidental damage
or
other covered losses in exchange for the payment of a fee or premium. If the
plan provider is not an insurer, the plan provider typically remits part of
the
service contract fee to the contractual liability insurer as
premium.
Specialty
Middle-Market Property and Casualty
The
specialty middle-market property and casualty market generally covers relatively
homogeneous, narrowly defined segments of primary commercial property and
casualty insurance, which requires in-depth knowledge of the industry segment
and underwriting expertise. Underwriting often entails customized coverage,
loss
control and claims services as well as risk sharing mechanisms. Competition
in
this segment is based primarily on client service, availability of insurance
capacity, specialized policy forms, efficient claims handling and other
value-based considerations, rather than price. In some instances, initial
underwriting and claims functions are outsourced to specialized general agents
and third-party administrators.
Agents
or
insureds typically participate in underwriting results, through a variety of
structures, such as captive insurance, risk retention groups and profit-based
commissions, which are designed to provide greater stability in premium costs
and control over insurance expenses for the insurance companies writing this
risk.
The
Bermuda Insurance Market
Over
the
past 15 years, Bermuda has become one of the world’s leading insurance and
reinsurance markets. Bermuda provides a favorable tax environment and its
regulatory regime affords significant flexibility to those companies that meet
specified solvency and liquidity requirements. A Bermuda domicile creates an
attractive platform for insurance and reinsurance companies and permits these
companies to commence operations quickly, to respond rapidly to changes in
market conditions and to expand as business warrants. Additionally, a Bermuda
underwriting location provides us with a particular advantage in underwriting
because reinsurers are free of many U.S. regulations and there are no
limitations upon the use of coverage restrictions. Accordingly, our underwriters
can use appropriate exclusions, terms and conditions to eliminate particular
risks or exposures that are deemed to be significant.
Bermuda’s
position in the insurance and reinsurance markets solidified after the events
of
September 11, 2001 and the 2005 hurricane season. Approximately $25 billion
of
new capital was raised globally by insurance and reinsurance companies from
Hurricane Katrina through July 31, 2006, with $18 billion, or 75%, invested
in
the insurance and reinsurance sector in Bermuda. A significant portion of the
capital invested in Bermuda was used to fund Bermuda-based start-up insurance
and reinsurance companies, not just existing reinsurers.
Most
Bermuda-domiciled insurance and reinsurance companies have pursued business
diversification and international expansion. Many of these companies, which
were
established as mono-line specialist underwriters, have since diversified their
operations, either across property and liability lines, into new international
markets, or through a combination of both of these methods to achieve long-term
growth and better risk exposure. Bermuda is now recognized as one of the leading
insurance and reinsurance markets, currently serving as the headquarters for
an
increasing number of global insurance and reinsurance companies.
There
are
a number of other factors that have made Bermuda the venue of choice for us
and
other new property and casualty companies over the last several years,
including:
|
·
|
a
favorable regulatory and tax environment, which affords significant
flexibility to companies meeting certain solvency and liquidity
requirements;
|
|
·
|
recognition
as a highly reputable business center that provides excellent professional
and other business services;
|
|
·
|
a
well-developed insurance industry with a strong network of
brokers;
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·
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a
well-developed captive insurance
industry;
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·
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ease
of access to global insurance and reinsurance markets;
and
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political
and economic stability.
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One
effect of the considerable expansion of the Bermuda insurance market is a
growing demand for the limited number of trained underwriting and professional
staff in Bermuda. Many companies have addressed this issue by importing
appropriately trained employees into Bermuda. The increasing constraints in
this
area may create difficulties for new companies such as ours seeking to enter
the
Bermuda insurance market.
BUSINESS
While
we intend to operate our business as described in this prospectus, we are a
new
company with a very limited operating history. As a result of our experience,
changes in market conditions and other factors outside our control, we may
alter
our anticipated methods of conducting our business, such as the nature, amount
and types of risks we assume and the terms and limits of the products we intend
to write.
Overview
We
are a
new Bermuda holding company formed in June of 2007 to provide reinsurance
solutions, products and services to U.S. and European insurance companies which
specialize in products offering coverage at low limits or insuring risks which
are believed to be low hazard, predictable and generally not susceptible to
catastrophe claims. Our founding shareholders, Michael Karfunkel, George
Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind (the “Founding Shareholders”), are the majority
shareholders and, respectively, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a
Director and the Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust (NASDAQ: AFSI), a
multinational insurance holding company which specializes in such risks. We
were
formed to take advantage of the opportunity to partner with AmTrust and
opportunities to partner with insurers, like AmTrust, that focus on specialty
insurance markets in which they have developed expertise. We intend to provide
innovative reinsurance business solutions for such insurance companies, to
enable them to improve their capacity and ability to deliver and market their
products and services.
We
project that a substantial amount of our reinsurance business during the initial
years of our operation will be derived from AmTrust while we gradually develop
business opportunities from other sources. We entered into a quota share
reinsurance agreement with AII, which reinsures AmTrust’s insurance company
subsidiaries. We also entered into a master agreement with AmTrust, pursuant
to
which we agreed to cause Maiden Insurance and AmTrust agreed to cause its
insurance company subsidiaries, through AII, effective as of July 1, 2007,
to
reinsure 40% of the written premium (net of commissions, in the case of
AmTrust’s UK subsidiary), net of reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsurers, on
the existing lines of business and, possibly, future lines of business of
AmTrust’s insurance company subsidiaries. We pay AmTrust a ceding commission
which is intended to cover AmTrust’s acquisition costs, and a brokerage
commission equal to 1.25% of all premiums we reinsure from AmTrust. The ceding
commission rate is initially 31% and may be adjusted every six months beginning
on the first anniversary of the effective date of the reinsurance agreement
and
every six months thereafter, based on the net loss ratio of all business ceded
under the quota share reinsurance agreement from the effective date through
the
date that is six months prior to the adjustment date. The 31% ceding commission
rate will increase by 0.5% for every 1.0% decline in the net loss ratio below
60% up to a maximum ceding commission of 32%, and will decrease by 0.5% for
every 1.0% increase in the net loss ratio above 60%, subject to a minimum ceding
commission of 30%. We also assumed, effective as of July 1, 2007, 40% of
AmTrust’s unearned premium reserve, which we expect to result in a transfer to
us of approximately $125 million. The quota share reinsurance agreement has
a
three year term and will be extended for further terms of three years unless
either party elects not to renew. The agreement is subject to early termination
in certain events, including AmTrust’s right to terminate if Maiden Insurance’s
A.M. Best rating is reduced below its current rating of “A-.” We and AmTrust
believe that the quota share reinsurance agreement helps align AmTrust’s
interests with ours in fostering the success of our company.
AmTrust
primarily underwrites coverage in three market segments: workers’ compensation
for small businesses (average premium less than $5,000 per policy) in the United
States; specialty risk and extended warranty coverage for consumer and
commercial goods and custom designed coverages, such as accidental damage plans
and payment protection plans offered in connection with the sale of consumer
and
commercial goods, in the United Kingdom, certain other European Union countries
and the United States; and specialty middle-market property and casualty
insurance, which consists of workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and general
liability programs for policyholders in discrete industry segments that
generally are underwritten by managing general agents with expertise in those
segments.
AmTrust
has achieved profitable growth and favorable returns on equity through its
focus
on specialty insurance markets in which it has underwriting, risk management
and
claims handling expertise and through the development of proprietary
applications and efficient technology information systems for underwriting
new
business, processing claims and monitoring the performance of its business.
AmTrust’s business has grown substantially since 2002 when its annual gross
premiums were $27.5 million. AmTrust’s annual gross premiums written in 2006,
2005 and 2004 were $526.1 million, $286.1 million and $210.9 million,
respectively.
For
2006,
2005 and 2004, AmTrust achieved net loss ratios of 63.9%, 65.7% and 65.0%,
respectively. The table below sets forth the net loss ratios for each of
AmTrust’s segments in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
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Year
Ended December 31,
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2006
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2005
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2004
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Segment
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Small
Business Workers’ Compensation
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60.1
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%
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65.0
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%
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63.3
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%
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Specialty
Risk and Extended Warranty
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77.8
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%
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68.1
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%
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72.3
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%
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Specialty
Middle-Market Property and Casualty
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62.8
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%
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N/A
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N/A
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We
believe that our relationship with AmTrust should enable us to achieve
profitable growth in our first years of operations. However, we also plan to
pursue opportunities to reinsure insurance companies, which, like AmTrust,
specialize in workers’ compensation for small businesses in low and medium
hazard classes, commercial property and casualty program business for discrete
industry segments which are underwritten by general agents with proven expertise
and extended warranty and specialty risk programs which are characterized by
low
coverage limits and high volume. We believe we can attract small and
medium-sized insurance companies which require additional capacity. In addition,
we believe that we will be able to offer our prospective reinsureds expertise
in
underwriting and administering specialty property and casualty business, to
our
mutual benefit.
Maiden
Insurance has received a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M.
Best, which is the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels. A rating from A.M.
Best indicates A.M. Best’s opinion of our financial strength and ability to meet
ongoing obligations to our future policyholders.
The
maintenance of the assigned rating will depend upon a number of factors
including Maiden Insurance operating substantially as our management has
represented to A.M. Best. A.M. Best formally evaluates its financial strength
ratings of insurance companies at least once every twelve months and monitors
the performance of rated companies throughout the year.
Our
Founding Shareholders
In
connection with our formation and capitalization prior to the private offering
we issued our Founding Shareholders 7,800,000 common shares in exchange for
an
investment of $50 million in us. The common shares held by our Founding
Shareholders currently represent 13.1% of our outstanding common shares. In
connection with our formation and capitalization, we also issued 10-year
warrants to our Founding Shareholders to purchase an additional 4,050,000 common
shares at an exercise price of $10.00 per share, which shares currently
represent 6.4% of our common shares outstanding assuming the exercise of all
outstanding warrants. The shares held by our Founding Shareholders, together
with the shares issuable upon exercise of our Founding Shareholders’ warrants,
currently represent 18.6% of our outstanding common shares assuming the exercise
of all outstanding warrants. For a description of the terms of our Founding
Shareholders’ warrants, please see “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions — Founding Shareholders and Related Agreements.”
Relationships
with AmTrust
Maiden
Insurance has entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the “Reinsurance
Agreement”) with AmTrust’s Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust International
Insurance Ltd. (“AII”). AII reinsures all of AmTrust’s insurance company
subsidiaries (the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”). The AmTrust Ceding Insurers are
Rochdale Insurance Company, a New York corporation (“RIC”), Technology Insurance
Company, a New Hampshire corporation (“TIC”), Wesco Insurance Company, a
Delaware corporation (“WIC”), AmTrust International Underwriters Ltd., an Irish
insurance company (“AIU”), IGI Insurance Company, a United Kingdom limited
liability company (“IGI”), Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc., a
Florida corporation (“AIIC”) (effective once AIIC receives all regulatory
approvals required for AIIC to enter into a reinsurance agreement with AII)
and
any other insurance company in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest from
time to time in the future.
Pursuant
to the Reinsurance Agreement, commencing as of 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2007 (the
“Effective Time”), Maiden Insurance reinsures, through AII, 40% of all Ultimate
Net Loss each such AmTrust Ceding Insurer incurs as a result of risks attaching
during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement under all of their respective
workers’ compensation, specialty middle-market property and casualty (consisting
of workers' compensation, general liability, commercial property, commericial
automobile liability and auto physical damage insurance placed through
program underwriting agents), specialty risk and extended warranty policies
in-force during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement (the “Policies”). The
lines of insurance included in the Policies are the only kinds of insurance
that
the AmTrust Ceding Insurers currently write. Maiden Insurance’s maximum
liability in respect of a single reinsured loss under a Policy (other than
any
loss adjustment expenses, extra-contractual obligations or loss in excess of
policy limits attributable thereto) shall not exceed $2,000,000. “Ultimate
Net Loss” means the sum actually paid or to be paid by an AmTrust Ceding Insurer
in settlement of losses for which it is liable, after making deductions for
all
unaffiliated inuring reinsurance, whether collectible or not, and all other
recoveries, and shall include loss adjustment expenses, extra-contractual
obligations and loss in excess of policy limits.
Pursuant
to the Reinsurance Agreement, AII will transfer to Maiden Insurance on or before
October 31, 2007 an amount equal to 40% of the portion of the direct premiums
attributable to the Policies that was unearned as of the Effective Time. In
addition, for the term of the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance will
be
entitled to receive reinsurance premium in an amount equal to 40% of the AmTrust
Ceding Insurers’ gross written premiums in respect of business covered under the
Reinsurance Agreement, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance,
and,
in the case of IGI, the cost of commissions paid to producers (the “Subject
Premium”).
Maiden
Insurance pays AII a ceding commission. The ceding commission rate is initially
31% of the ceded Subject Premium and may be adjusted every six months beginning
on the first anniversary of the Effective Time and every six months thereafter,
based on the net loss ratio of all business ceded under the Reinsurance
Agreement from the Effective Time through the date that is six months prior
to
the adjustment date. The 31% ceding commission rate will increase by 0.5% for
every 1.0% decline in the net loss ratio below 60% up to a maximum ceding
commission of 32%, and will decrease by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in the
net
loss ratio above 60%, subject to a minimum ceding commission of 30%. AII has
agreed that the ceding commission includes provision for all commissions, taxes,
assessments (other than assessments based on losses), and all other expenses
of
whatever nature, except loss adjustment expenses.
AmTrust
has agreed that, if the AmTrust Ceding Insurers elect to write lines of
insurance other than the Policies, AII must offer Maiden Insurance, through
the
Reinsurance Agreement, the opportunity to reinsure such policies pursuant to
the
Reinsurance Agreement.
AmTrust
has advised us that we may have an opportunity to participate in the working
layer of the January 1, 2008 scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s workers’
compensation excess of loss reinsurance program, subject to the negotiation
of
mutually acceptable terms.
In
addition to the Reinsurance Agreement, we entered into an asset management
agreement with AIIM, a subsidiary of AmTrust, by which the AmTrust subsidiary
provides investment management services for an annual fee equal to 0.35% of
average invested assets plus all costs incurred, except that this fee is not
charged with respect to any assets invested in a hedge fund for which AmTrust
or
an affiliate earns a management fee or other compensation. The asset management
agreement has an initial term of one year and is automatically renewable for
additional one-year terms unless either party elects not to renew. AmTrust
manages assets in excess of $1 billion for its insurance company subsidiaries
as
of August 25, 2007. The asset management agreement enables us to take advantage
of AmTrust’s asset management expertise in a cost-effective manner.
In
addition, Maiden Insurance pays to AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd., a Bermuda
affiliate of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers, pursuant to a reinsurance brokerage
agreement between those parties, a brokerage fee equal to 1.25% of the premium
reinsured from AmTrust. The brokerage fee is payable in consideration of AII
Reinsurance Broker Ltd.’s brokerage services.
Our
Chief
Executive Officer, Max G. Caviet, and interim Chief Financial Officer, Ronald
E.
Pipoly, Jr., currently are AmTrust executives. We are in the process of hiring
a
permanent Chief Financial Officer who is expected to join Maiden in the fourth
quarter of 2007. Mr. Caviet is expected to become a full-time employee
following a transition period which will not extend beyond December 31,
2007.
We
have
entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Caviet and Turin, and these
agreements are provisional with a term not extending beyond December 31, 2007
until we can negotiate definitive employment agreements with them. If we are
unable to reach a definitive agreement with Mr. Caviet before December 31,
2007,
we will lose his services and he will remain in his positions at AmTrust on
a
full-time basis. If we are unable to reach a definitive agreement with Mr.
Turin, he will remain in his position with our Company and his provisional
agreement will be extended until June 30, 2008. We expect that, while Mr. Caviet
will not devote all of his time to the Company, he will devote sufficient time
to the Company to start up its business while transferring his duties at AmTrust
to others and maintaining the business relationships which we expect to benefit
both companies.
We
and
AmTrust anticipate that AmTrust will often be in the position to refer us
business from third parties, which it is unable to underwrite due to conflicts
or for other reasons and which will be underwritten by other carriers and
reinsured by us.
From
time
to time, we and AmTrust may both be presented with opportunities to insure,
reinsure or acquire the same book of business. Because of the overlaps between
our and AmTrust’s shareholders and management, we and AmTrust have agreed that
in such cases each company will refer the opportunities to a committee of its
independent directors to decide whether that company wishes to pursue the
opportunity.
For
additional information on our relationships with AmTrust, see “Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions.”
Market
Opportunities and Industry Trends
We
believe that insurance companies that underwrite specialty property and casualty
products, such as workers’ compensation for employers in specific low and medium
hazard classes, commercial property and casualty programs for businesses in
discrete industry segments, and extended warranty and other specialty programs
often do not receive appropriate consideration from reinsurers for their
expertise, the risk profile of their insureds, and the distinctions between
their specialty products and general insurance products. This is particularly
true for small insurance companies. We believe that the lack of reinsurance
sources with expertise in specialty property and casualty business is one of
the
key restraints on the growth of specialty business and, in some cases, of the
insurers that underwrite it.
Given
our
senior management’s expertise and established track record in underwriting
primary specialty property and casualty business, we believe we are well placed
to identify opportunities with insurance companies that write such business
and
to offer them reinsurance solutions that will enhance their
profitability.
Business
Strategy
In
order
to capitalize on our strategic relationship with AmTrust and the market
opportunities we have identified in the specialty property and casualty
insurance company sector, we are pursuing the following business
strategies:
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Rely
on AmTrust as an Initial Principal Production Source.
Currently, our business consists of our quota share reinsurance agreement
with a subsidiary of AmTrust. The agreements we entered into with
AmTrust
provide that Maiden Insurance will reinsure 40% of the insurance
underwritten by AmTrust’s current and hereafter acquired insurance
companies. We project that a substantial amount of our reinsurance
business during the initial years of our operation will be derived
from
AmTrust while we gradually develop business opportunities from other
distribution sources.
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Deliver
Reinsurance Solutions to Insurance Companies.
We plan to provide quota share and excess of loss reinsurance and
other
reinsurance solutions primarily to U.S. and European insurance companies
that underwrite specialty property and casualty business, particularly
small insurance companies that underwrite such business and that
could
benefit from the additional underwriting capacity provided by reinsurance
to expand their operations. We believe our management team’s significant
prior operating experience and extensive relationships with program
administrators, general agents, reinsurance companies and intermediaries
will provide significant opportunities to expand our reinsurance
clients
beyond AmTrust.
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Strategic
Acquisitions.
As we grow we will seek to augment our organic growth with strategic
acquisitions of other reinsurers and attractive books of business
where it
will be accretive to our core business strategy. Our management team
is
experienced in reviewing potential acquisition candidates and in
executing
successful acquisitions and
integrations.
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Competitive
Strengths
We
believe we have the following competitive strengths, which should position
us to
underwrite business profitably:
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·
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Access
to Profitable Book of Business from AmTrust.
Pursuant to our quota share reinsurance agreement with a subsidiary
of
AmTrust, we reinsure 40% of all the insurance business (net of reinsurance
with unaffiliated reinsurers) of the types that AmTrust currently
writes.
AmTrust generated a weighted average net loss ratio of 64.7% for
the three
years ended December 31, 2006.
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Bermuda-Based
Operations.
We expect that our Bermuda-based operations will allow us to access
reinsurance clients who are increasingly seeking Bermuda-based capacity
to
meet their reinsurance needs, as well as to access Bermuda’s
well-developed network of reinsurance brokers. We believe that we
will
also benefit from Bermuda’s pool of experienced professionals with
significant reinsurance expertise and Bermuda’s favorable regulatory
environment that allows for the development and sale of innovative
business solutions and cost-effective reinsurance
products.
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Strong
Market Relationships.
We intend to market our reinsurance products principally through
our
management’s industry contacts and through independent reinsurance
intermediaries. We believe that our senior management team’s significant
prior operating experience and extensive industry relationships,
including
relationships with a number of reinsurance intermediaries, program
underwriting agents and insurance companies, should allow us to establish
our presence in the reinsurance
markets.
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New
Insurance Company.
As a recently formed company, we are unencumbered by historical liability
exposures currently affecting competitors, including claims relating
to
asbestos and environmental remediation and other mass
torts.
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Access
to Professional Asset Management through AmTrust.
AmTrust’s investment management team has a proven track record of managing
its asset portfolio, which includes equities and fixed income securities.
Our asset management agreement with AII Insurance Management Limited
(“AIIM”), a subsidiary of AmTrust, enables us to benefit from this
experience.
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Experienced
Management with Knowledge of Primary Insurance Companies and
Products.
We have assembled a senior management team with extensive experience
in
underwriting specialty property and casualty business, including
workers’
compensation for small employers, workers’ compensation, commercial
automobile and commercial general liability programs for businesses
in
discrete industry segments and extended warranty and specialty risk
business with low coverage limits and high volumes. Max G. Caviet,
our
President and Chief Executive Officer, has extensive relationships
in the
London and Bermuda reinsurance markets. Additionally, Barry D. Zyskind,
our non-executive Chairman of the Board, who also serves as the President
and Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust, has a proven track record
of
developing insurance, service and capital solutions for AmTrust and
brings
his industry experience to his role as our Chairman. See
“Management.”
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Reinsurance
Solutions
Reinsurance
can be written either through treaty or facultative reinsurance arrangements.
Treaty reinsurance is a contractual arrangement that provides for automatic
reinsuring of a type or category of risk underwritten by the ceding company.
In
facultative reinsurance, the ceding company cedes, and the reinsurer assumes,
all or part of a specific risk or risks. Facultative reinsurance provides
protection to ceding companies for losses relating to individual insurance
contracts issued to individual insureds. We intend to write most of our
reinsurance business on a treaty basis.
Our
treaty reinsurance contracts can be written on either a quota share basis,
also
known as proportional or pro rata, or on an excess of loss basis. Under quota
share reinsurance, we will share the premiums as well as the losses and expenses
in an agreed proportion with the cedent. Under excess of loss reinsurance,
we
will generally receive a specified premium for the risk assumed and indemnify
the cedent against all or a specified portion of losses and expenses in excess
of a specified dollar or percentage amount. In quota share and in certain types
of excess of loss reinsurance contracts, we will typically provide a ceding
commission to the client.
When
we
write treaty reinsurance contracts, we will not separately evaluate each of
the
individual risks assumed under the contracts and we will be largely dependent
on
the individual underwriting decisions made by the reinsured. Accordingly, we
intend to carefully review and analyze the reinsured’s risk management and
underwriting practices in deciding whether to provide treaty reinsurance and
in
appropriately pricing the treaty.
Following
our capitalization with our Founding Shareholders’ initial investment and the
net proceeds from the private offering, we entered into the quota share
reinsurance agreement with AII. The quota share reinsurance agreement has a
term
of 3 years, subject to certain early termination provisions, and will extend
for
further terms of 3 years unless either party elects not to renew. It should
secure for us a stable source of reinsurance premium revenue over the next
3
years from the workers’ compensation, specialty property/casualty and extended
warranty business conducted by AmTrust. In addition, AmTrust has advised us
that
we may have an opportunity to participate in the working layer of the January
1,
2008 scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation excess of loss
reinsurance program, subject to the negotiation of mutually acceptable terms.
As
a result of the quota share reinsurance agreement, we will likely derive most
of
our gross premiums written from AmTrust’s insurance companies in our initial
years of operation. We also plan to primarily focus on reinsuring primary
insurance companies in the United States and Europe that specialize in
underwriting specialty property and casualty insurance products. We expect
many
of our opportunities to arise with small insurance companies. In addition,
we
expect to pursue such opportunities with insurance companies that write program
business and that reinsure a substantial amount of their business as well as
captive insurance companies established by managing general agents. We may
also
reinsure other reinsurers of U.S. and European specialty property and casualty
insurance business.
We
expect
our reinsurance operations will offer the following reinsurance
solutions:
Quota
Share Reinsurance
In
quota
share reinsurance, the insurer cedes an agreed-upon fixed percentage of
liabilities, premiums and losses for each policy covered on a pro rata basis.
The reinsurer pays the ceding company a commission, called a ceding commission,
on the premiums ceded.
Excess
of Loss Reinsurance
Excess
of
loss reinsurance indemnifies the insured or the reinsured against all or a
specified portion of losses on underlying insurance policies in excess of a
specified amount, which is called a “retention.” Excess of loss insurance or
reinsurance is written in layers. A reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts
a
band of coverage up to a specified amount. The total coverage purchased by
the
cedent is referred to as a “program” and will typically be placed with
predetermined reinsurers in pre-negotiated layers. Any liability exceeding
the
outer limit of the program reverts to the ceding company, which also bears
the
credit risk of a reinsurer’s insolvency. Loss experience under excess of loss
reinsurance tends to be more volatile than under quota share
reinsurance.
Product
Lines
Because,
currently, we derive substantially all of our business from our quota share
agreement with AmTrust and we have expertise in underwriting the types of
products offered by AmTrust, we are initially focusing on the lines of specialty
property and casualty business offered by AmTrust. We plan to expand our line
of
business offerings, as well as the classes of business written for each line
of
business, as we develop reinsurance business opportunities.
Workers’
Compensation
We
will
reinsure workers’ compensation liabilities, which is a statutory coverage
requirement for commercial businesses in the United States. Workers’
compensation is required in almost every state to protect employees in case
of
injury on the job, and the employer from liability for an accident involving
an
employee. Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for the statutory
obligations of employers to pay medical care expenses and lost wages for
employees who are injured in the course of their employment. We expect to
primarily reinsure workers’ compensation liabilities for small
businesses.
As
of
May 31, 2007, AmTrust underwrites workers’ compensation insurance in 39
states and the District of Columbia through a network of approximately 8,000
independent wholesale and retail agents. For the year ended December 31,
2006, five states accounted for approximately 68.3% of AmTrust’s gross premiums
written, with AmTrust’s top state, Florida, accounting for 22.4%.
The
average AmTrust policyholder has, on average, six employees and the average
premium is less than $5,000 per policy. AmTrust does not insure employers that
have more than 75 employees at any one location. The small business risks
insured by AmTrust include:
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physicians’
and other professionals’ offices;
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|
·
|
building
management-operations by owner or
contractor;
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|
·
|
machine
shops-light metal working;
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|
·
|
small
grocery and specialty food stores;
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We
believe that AmTrust is able to successfully underwrite small policies because
it has developed technology that enables it to underwrite each risk and provide
effective loss control for a large number of small risks. Furthermore, we
believe that, because of the relatively low premiums, the small business segment
is less competitive than the general workers’ compensation segment.
In
2006,
AmTrust had gross premiums written of $258.9 million in its small business
workers’ compensation segment.
On
September 10, 2007, AmTrust announced the closing of its acquisition of
Associated Industries Insurance Services, Inc. (“AIIS”), a Florida-based
workers’ compensation managing general agency, and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. (“AIIC”), a Florida workers’
compensation insurer also licensed in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
According to AmTrust’s announcement, AIIS produced approximately $130 million in
gross written premiums in 2006, of which approximately $58 million was written
by AmTrust’s subsidiary, TIC.
Specialty
Middle Market Property and Casualty
We
will
provide reinsurance solutions for narrowly defined classes of business that
are
underwritten on an individual policy basis by program underwriting agents on
behalf of insurance companies. AmTrust’s specialty middle-market property and
casualty segment consists of workers’ compensation, general liability, and
commercial auto liability for small and middle-market businesses through
industry-specific programs managed by general and wholesale agents. The
industries include:
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·
|
artisan
contracting; and
|
|
·
|
light
and medium manufacturing.
|
Business
in this segment is underwritten by the producing agents, who have expertise
in
the business being underwritten and have developed relationships with retail
agents from whom they receive submissions. The producing agents generally share
a portion of the risk. As of May 31, 2007, AmTrust is underwriting 22
programs through 16 agents. For the year ended December 31, 2006, workers’
compensation constituted 35.6% of the business in this segment, commercial
auto
coverages constituted 22.6%, general liability constituted 22.3% and other
business constituted 19.5%. The insureds in this segment generally are small
and
medium-sized businesses.
In
2006,
AmTrust had approximately $134.3 million in gross premiums written in its
specialty middle-market property and casualty segment.
Specialty
Risk and Extended Warranty
We
will
reinsure specialty risk and extended warranty coverages, which provide coverage
for accidental damage, mechanical breakdown and related risks for consumer
and
commercial goods in the European Union and the United States. In 2006, AmTrust
wrote 54% of its extended warranty and specialty risk business in Europe, where
as of December 31, 2006, it was underwriting approximately 80 separate coverage
plans, and 46% in the United States.
AmTrust’s
extended and warranty business covers selected risks, including:
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·
|
consumer
electronics, such as televisions and home theater
components;
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consumer
appliances, such as refrigerators and washing
machines;
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automobiles
(no liability coverage);
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homeowner’s
latent defects warranty in Norway;
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credit
payment protection in the European
Union.
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AmTrust
generally insures manufactures, retailers, service contract providers and
third-party administrators who sell extended warranties, service contracts
or
other contracts, such as credit payment protection contracts, incidental to
the
sale or lease of consumer and commercial goods. AmTrust generally issues
policies which have a term of 12 months, which insure the insured’s contractual
liability under contracts issued during the policy term. The contracts have
terms ranging from one month to 60 months. AmTrust generally has the right
to
increase premium rates during the term of the policy and, in Europe, the right
to cancel prior to the end of the term.
In
2006,
gross premiums written in AmTrust’s extended warranty and specialty risk
business totaled $132.8 million.
Markets
and Marketing
According
to A.M. Best, there are more than 800 property and casualty insurance companies
in the U.S. with less than $100 million in surplus. We plan to expand our client
base by offering our products primarily to small insurance companies in the
United States and Europe, as well as program administrators and Lloyd’s
syndicates, that could benefit from the additional underwriting capacity
provided by reinsurance to expand their operations. We plan to pursue
reinsurance opportunities with insurance companies, like AmTrust, that
specialize in workers’ compensation for small businesses in low and medium
hazard classes, commercial property and casualty program business for discrete
industry segments which are underwritten by managing general agents with
expertise and extended warranty and specialty risk programs which are
characterized by low coverage limits and high volume. We believe we will be
able
to offer our prospective reinsureds expertise in underwriting and administering
specialty property and casualty business. In cases where we will market our
products to managing general agents and program administrators, we may need
to
identify a primary insurance carrier that would be willing to insure the
relevant risks and reinsure them to us.
We
expect
to produce our third-party reinsurance business through internally driven sales
and through reinsurance brokers worldwide, which will receive a brokerage
commission generally equal to a percentage of gross premiums. Our Chief
Executive Officer has extensive industry relationships with reinsurance
intermediaries worldwide.
We
plan
to utilize reinsurance intermediaries to market our reinsurance business to
small insurance companies. We believe these relationships will allow us to
establish our presence in the reinsurance markets in the United States as well
as provide flexibility in managing our policy acquisition costs.
Because
our Chief Executive Officer has an established reputation in the London market
as an extended warranty and specialty risk underwriter, we also expect to have
opportunities to reinsure such risks in the London market.
Claims
Management
The
claims function provides claims adjustment and legal defense services for our
reinsurance products, and the organization of our claims operations will be
tailored to meet the requirements of our reinsurance. We will oversee the claims
function, which will be provided primarily by the primary insurance companies
to
whom we provide reinsurance. Also, we may obtain claims adjustment and legal
defense or claims audit services from other third-party claims administrators.
In addition, we will maintain databases of the claims experience of each of
our
reinsurance arrangements, which will be utilized by our claims staff as well
as
our actuarial and other financial staff.
With
respect to our reinsurance businesses, the primary insurance company, which
is
our client, will provide the primary claims adjustments, and we will monitor
the
overall results primarily for the purposes of analyzing underlying business
trends and establishing our overall loss reserves, and we may also advise on
individual large claims. Under our reinsurance agreements with the primary
insurance company, we will require the primary insurance company to provide
claims data to us promptly, including immediate notification of individual
large
claims, and we will have the right to inspect and audit its claims files. Prior
to entering into any such agreements, we will conduct due diligence on the
primary insurance company’s claims operations to assess its ability to handle
the claims anticipated under these agreements.
AmTrust
internally administers the majority of its workers’ compensation claims. AmTrust
utilizes a proprietary system of internet-based tools and applications that
enable its claims staff to concentrate on investigating submitted claims, to
seek subrogation opportunities and to determine the compensability of each
claim. This system allows the claims process to begin as soon as a claim is
submitted.
AmTrust’s
small business workers’ compensation adjusters have an average of 15 years of
experience. Supervision of the adjusters is performed by its internal claims
manager in each region. Increases in reserves over the authority of the claims
adjuster must be approved by supervisors. Senior claims managers provide direct
oversight on all claims with an incurred value of $50,000 or more.
In
AmTrust’s specialty risk and extended warranty segment, third-party
administrators generally handle claims on policies and provide monthly loss
reports. AmTrust reviews the monthly reports and if the losses are unexpectedly
high, AmTrust generally has the right to adjust its pricing or cease
underwriting new business under the coverage plan. AmTrust routinely audits
the
claims paid by the administrators. AmTrust generally settles specialty risk
claims in-kind — by repair or replacement — rather than in cash. AmTrust seeks
to reduce its loss exposure through volume fixed-fee repair or replacement
agreements with third parties. AmTrust also utilizes experts to validate certain
types of claims, such as claims made for coverage on heavy
machinery.
In
AmTrust’s specialty middle-market property and casualty segment, third-party
administrators generally handle claims and provide periodic loss reports.
Approximately 18 such providers administered this business as of December 31,
2006. The loss experience of each coverage is closely monitored and claims
paid
by the administrators are audited on a periodic basis.
Prior
to
entering into a reinsurance agreement with a primary insurance company, we
will
conduct due diligence to ensure that the company shares our philosophy of
expedient, fair and consistent claims handling with adequate control of loss
adjustment expenses and has the capabilities to implement our philosophy. We
will monitor on a continual basis the results of their claims adjustment and
legal defense services. We expect that with respect to first party claims,
where
the policy holder is the claimant, the claims function would provide a prompt
response to inspect the damage, ascertain the extent damages are covered under
the insurance policy, assess whether the claim should be resolved by settlement
or be denied or defended and make prompt payment to the insured as appropriate.
With respect to third-party claims, where a person other than the insured is
the
claimant, we expect the claims function to thoroughly investigate the potential
for liability as soon as the claim is reported and assess whether the claim
should be resolved by settlement or be denied or defended.
We
will
establish case reserves for each claim based upon all of the facts available
at
the time to record our best estimate of the ultimate value of each claim. We
will establish reserves on a case by case basis for the estimated costs of
legally defending third-party claims, or allocated loss adjustment expense
reserves. In addition, we will establish reserves to record on an overall basis
the costs of adjusting claims that have occurred but not yet been settled,
or
unallocated loss adjustment expense reserves.
Because
we expect that substantially all of our business in our first year will result
from our quota share reinsurance agreement with AII, we do not plan to hire
a
full-time executive dedicated to claims during the first year. Our claims
operations will be overseen by our senior executives. Our senior executives
will
work closely with our actuarial staff in reviewing the results of our
reinsurance agreements.
Reserves
We
are
required to establish reserves for losses and loss expenses under applicable
insurance laws and regulations and U.S. GAAP. These reserves are balance sheet
liabilities representing estimates of future amounts required to pay losses
and
loss expenses for reinsured claims that have occurred at or before the balance
sheet date, whether already known to us or not yet reported. Our policy will
be
to establish these losses and loss reserves prudently after considering all
information known to us as of the date they are recorded.
Loss
reserves fall into two categories: case reserves for reported losses and loss
expenses associated with a specific reported insured claim, and reserves for
incurred but not reported, or “IBNR,” losses and loss adjustment expenses. We
will establish these two categories of loss reserves as follows:
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Reserves
for reported losses
-
Following our analysis of a notice of claim received from a ceding
company, we will establish a case reserve for the estimated amount
of its
ultimate settlement and its estimated loss adjustment expenses. Like
other
insurers, we will establish case reserves based upon the amount of
claims
reported and may subsequently supplement or reduce the reserves as
our
claims department deems necessary.
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IBNR
reserves
-
We will also estimate and establish reserves for loss amounts incurred
but
not yet reported, including expected development of reported claims.
These
IBNR reserves will include estimated loss adjustment expenses. We
will
calculate IBNR reserves by using generally accepted actuarial techniques.
We will utilize actuarial methodologies that rely on historical losses
and
loss adjustment expenses, statistical models, projection techniques
as
well as our pricing analyses. We will revise these reserves for losses
and
loss adjustment expenses as additional information becomes available
and
as claims are reported and paid.
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Loss
reserves represent our best estimate, at a given point in time, of the ultimate
settlement and administration cost of claims incurred. We will use statistical
and actuarial methods to estimate our ultimate expected losses and loss
adjustment expenses. Since the process of estimating loss reserves requires
significant judgment due to a number of variables, such as fluctuations in
inflation, judicial trends, legislative changes and changes in claims handling
procedures, our ultimate liability may exceed or be less than these estimates.
Our actuaries will utilize several methodologies to project losses and
corresponding reserves. Based upon these methods, our actuaries will determine
a
best estimate of the loss reserves.
Since
our
accounts are new, our actuaries will utilize available loss development
statistics from the brokers and primary insurance companies with whom we do
business as a basis for conducting these types of projections.
In
addition, we analyze a significant amount of insurance industry information
with
respect to the pricing environment and loss settlement patterns. In combination
with our individual pricing analyses, we use this industry information to guide
our loss and loss expense estimates. We regularly review these estimates, and
we
reflect adjustments, if any, in earnings in the periods in which they are
determined. We expect that we will, from time to time, engage independent
external actuarial specialists to review specific pricing and reserving methods
and results.
Because,
initially, we derive substantially all of our business from our quota share
reinsurance agreement with AII, our reserves are largely based on the reserves
established by AmTrust. We believe that AmTrust utilizes appropriate reserving
techniques to establish reserves in each of its business segments. In its small
business workers’ compensation and specialty middle-market property and casualty
segments, AmTrust establishes case reserves, IBNR reserves for loss and defense
and containment cost expenses (“DCC expenses”) and an adjusting and other
reserve (“AO reserve”). A case reserve is established for each reported claim at
the time it is reported. It is based on the estimate of the most likely outcome
of the claim at that time. The estimate covers anticipated medical costs,
indemnity costs and DCC expenses.
The
IBNR
reserve is an aggregate reserve for losses and DCC expenses which have been
incurred but have not yet been reported to the insurance company and development
on case reserves. The IBNR reserves are developed through application of
appropriate actuarial methods. AmTrust utilizes a combination of its historical
cumulative incurred losses and industry data to establish loss development
factors. AmTrust ultimately establishes its IBNR reserves by utilizing judgment
and consideration of its consulting actuary’s application of AmTrust and
industry loss development factors, and underwriting, claims handling and
operational factors.
To
establish AO reserves, AmTrust reviews past adjustment expenses in relation
to
past claims and estimates future costs based on expected claims activity and
duration.
In
AmTrust’s extended warranty and specialty risk segment, claims are usually paid
quickly, and, generally, case reserves are not established. Because development
on known claims is negligible and the reporting lag for claims in this segment
is generally small, IBNR reserves are not significant relative to paid claims.
However, there is generally more uncertainty in the unearned premium reserve,
which, in this segment, is an estimate of AmTrust’s liability for future losses
emanating from the unearned portion of premium for coverage of extended warranty
contracts. The unearned premium reserve is calculated by analyzing each extended
warranty coverage plan separately, subdivided by contract year, type of product
and length of contract, ranging from one month to five years. The primary
actuarial methodology used to project future losses for the unexpired terms
of
contracts is to project the future number of claims, then multiply them by
the
average claims cost.
Underwriting
We
employ
a disciplined approach to underwriting and risk management that relies heavily
upon the collective underwriting expertise of our management and staff, as
well
as upon our underwriting process management approach. This expertise is guided
by the following underwriting principles:
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We
plan to accept only those risks that we believe will earn a level
of
profit commensurate with the risk they
present;
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We
intend to perform independent pricing or risk review of insurance
risks;
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We
will seek to accept only those risks which have demonstrated track
records
of profitable performance or else present limited downside potential;
and
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We
plan to consistently use peer review in our underwriting acceptance
process.
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We
plan
to have a small underwriting department consisting of one or two persons. We
expect to delegate underwriting authority to the managers of our business
segments, but only where we are convinced they are highly experienced in their
particular lines of business. See “Management.”
Our
underwriting process for all new programs, treaties or risk-sharing arrangements
will consider the appropriateness of insuring the client by evaluating the
quality of its management, its risk management strategy and its track record.
In
addition, we plan to require each program, treaty or risk-sharing arrangement
to
include significant information on the nature of the perils to be included
and
detailed aggregate information as to the location or locations of the risks
covered. We plan to obtain available information on the client’s loss history
for the perils being insured or reinsured, together with relevant underwriting
considerations.
In
addition, our underwriters plan to use a variety of means, including specific
contract terms, to manage our exposure to loss. Our underwriters plan to also
use appropriate contract exclusions, terms and conditions to further eliminate
particular risks or exposures that they deem to be significant.
In
conjunction with testing each proposed issuance against our underwriting
criteria, we plan to evaluate the proposal in terms of its risk/reward profile
to assess the adequacy of the proposed pricing and its potential impact on
our
overall return on capital as well as our corporate risk objectives. We plan
to
regularly review and revise our profitability guidelines to reflect changes
in
market conditions, interest rates, capital structure and market-expected
returns.
We
plan
to hire an actuary as well as rely on outside consultants as necessary. The
actuarial and underwriting estimates that we make in our underwriting and
pricing analyses will be explicitly tracked by program and treaty on an ongoing
basis through our underwriting audit and actuarial reserving processes. We
will
require significant amounts of data from our clients and intend only to accept
business for which the data provided to us is sufficient for us to make an
appropriate analysis. We may supplement the data provided to us by our clients
with information from the Insurance Services Offices, the National Council
on
Compensation Insurance, the Reinsurance Association of America and other
ratemaking associations.
We
will
control overall risk from natural catastrophes in the aggregate and exposures
from any one client. To monitor the catastrophe and accumulation risk of our
business, we will subscribe to and utilize natural catastrophe-modeling
tools.
Ceded
Reinsurance
Reinsurers
may purchase reinsurance, which is referred to as retrocessional reinsurance,
to
cover their own risk exposure or to increase their capacity. We have considered
whether or not to obtain retrocessional coverage with respect to the reinsurance
we assume from AII and have decided not to obtain such coverage at this time
because our reinsurance agreement with AII excludes any risk on which AmTrust’s
net retention exceeds $5 million and because we intend to write most of our
reinsurance business such that our gross exposure to any single claim is
limited. In the future, we may purchase retrocessional reinsurance to manage
our
net exposures and to increase our capacity.
Retrocessional
reinsurance will not relieve us of our obligations to our insureds. We must
pay
these obligations without the benefit of reinsurance to the extent our
reinsurers do not pay us. We will evaluate and monitor the financial condition
of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. We will also seek
to purchase reinsurance from entities rated “A-” or better by A.M. Best, and we
intend to regularly monitor its collectibility, making balance sheet provisions
for amounts we consider potentially uncollectible and requesting collateral
where necessary.
We
will
monitor and limit our exposure through a combination of aggregate limits,
underwriting guidelines and reinsurance. We will also periodically reevaluate
the probable maximum loss for the exposures by using third-parties’ software and
modeling techniques, and we will seek to limit the probable maximum loss to
a
pre-determined percentage of our total shareholders’ equity.
AmTrust’s
Third-Party Reinsurance
Under
our
reinsurance agreement with AII, we reinsure 40% of the covered business written
by AmTrust, net of any reinsurance maintained by AmTrust with unaffiliated
reinsurers. Accordingly, Maiden Insurance receives 40% of AmTrust’s premiums net
of premiums ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers, and, in the case of IGI, net
of
commissions paid to producers, and is liable for 40% of losses and loss
adjustment expenses net of any reinsurance recoverable (whether collectible
or
not) from unaffiliated reinsurers. The discussion below describes AmTrust’s
current reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsures. We are not able to control
the
types or amounts of reinsurance that AmTrust purchases from unaffiliated
reinsurers. Any changes that AmTrust makes to such reinsurance may affect our
profitability and our capacity to write additional business.
AmTrust’s
insurance subsidiaries cede portions of their insurance risk to limit their
maximum loss as a result of a single occurrence. The cost and limits of the
reinsurance coverage AmTrust purchases vary from year to year based upon the
availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and AmTrust’s desired
level of retention. Retention refers to the amount of risk that AmTrust retains
for its own account. AmTrust has obtained excess of loss reinsurance for its
small business workers’ compensation coverage and the workers’ compensation
portion of its specialty middle-market property and casualty business segment.
AmTrust has obtained variable quota share reinsurance for its European Union
specialty risk and extended warranty insurance exposures. It has also obtained
reinsurance to cover the property portion of the business in this segment,
which
AmTrust has not yet written. AmTrust does not plan to reinsure the general
liability and auto liability portions of the business in this
segment.
Third-Party
Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance
AmTrust
purchases excess of loss reinsurance for its workers’ compensation business,
which includes workers’ compensation that is attributable to both the small
business workers’ compensation segment as well as the specialty middle-market
segment. AmTrust’s excess of loss reinsurance is written in layers, in which the
reinsurers accept a band of coverage up to a specified amount. In return for
this coverage, AmTrust pays its reinsurers a percentage of its net or gross
earned insurance premiums subject to certain minimum reinsurance premium
requirements. Different layers in AmTrust’s excess of loss reinsurance program
are scheduled to renew at different times during the year. Currently, AmTrust’s
retention for workers’ compensation claims other than those arising out of acts
of terrorism is $1.0 million per occurrence.
The
following description of AmTrust’s third-party reinsurance protection covers the
period through December 31, 2007. Some layers of this reinsurance include
so-called “sunset clauses” which limit reinsurance coverage to claims reported
within eight years or, in some cases, ten years, of the inception of a 12-month
contract period and may also include commutation clauses which permit reinsurers
to terminate their obligations by making a final payment to AmTrust based on
an
estimate of their remaining liabilities, which may ultimately prove to be
inadequate. In addition to insuring employers for their statutory workers’
compensation liabilities, AmTrust’s workers’ compensation policies provide
insurance for the employers’ tort liability (if any) for bodily injury or
disease sustained by employees in the course of their employment. Certain layers
of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation reinsurance exclude coverage for such
employers’ liability insurance or provide coverage for such insurance at lower
limits than the applicable limits for workers’ compensation
insurance.
Until
January 1, 2008, AmTrust retains the first $1.0 million per occurrence on
workers’ compensation claims other than those arising out of acts of terrorism.
AmTrust cedes losses greater than $1.0 million for such claims. AmTrust’s
reinsurance for such claims totals $129.0 million, structured as a five layer
tower. The first three layers of this reinsurance exclude coverage for AmTrust’s
participation in assigned risk pools.
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The
first layer of this reinsurance provides $9.0 million of coverage
per
occurrence in excess of AmTrust’s $1.0 million retention. It has an annual
aggregate deductible of $1.25 million and reinsures losses in excess
of
$1.0 million up to $10.0 million. Pursuant to these deductible provisions,
AmTrust must pay a total amount of $1.25 million in workers’ compensation
losses in excess of its $1.0 million retention before it is entitled
to
any reinsurance recovery.
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The
second layer provides $10.0 million of coverage per occurrence in
excess
of $10.0 million. This layer reinsures losses in excess of $10.0
million
up to $20.0 million. The reinsurance in this layer does not cover
extra-contractual obligations and losses in excess of policy
limits.
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The
third layer provides $30.0 million of coverage per occurrence for
claims
in excess of $20.0 million. This layer provides coverage for losses
in
excess of $20.0 million up to $50.0 million. It has limits of
$10.0 million per individual. This means that if an individual is
involved in a compensable claim, the maximum coverage provided under
this
layer would not exceed $10.0 million for that individual. It has
an
aggregate limit of $60.0 million for the entire 12-month contract
period.
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The
fourth layer provides $30.0 million of coverage per occurrence for
claims
in excess of $50.0 million. It reinsures losses in excess of $50.0
million
up to $80.0 million. It has limits of $10.0 million per individual
and an
aggregate limit of $60.0 million for the entire 12-month contract
period.
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The
fifth layer provides $50.0 million of coverage per occurrence for
claims
in excess of $80.0 million. It reinsures losses greater than $80.0
million
up to $130.0 million. It has limits of $10.0 million per individual
and an
aggregate limit of $100.0 million for the entire 12-month contract
period.
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Certain
layers of AmTrust’s reinsurance provide coverage for losses caused by terrorism.
For terrorism losses in excess of $20.0 million per occurrence, AmTrust has
three layers of reinsurance, none of which provides coverage for nuclear,
biological or chemical terrorism. This additional reinsurance is provided net
of
any recovery that AmTrust receives from the federal government pursuant to
the
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (“TRIA”), as modified by the Terrorism Risk
Insurance Extension Act of 2005 (“TRIEA”).
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The
first layer of this additional reinsurance provides $30.0 million
of
coverage per occurrence for claims in excess of $20.0 million. It
reinsures terrorism losses in excess of $20.0 million up to $50.0
million
and has an aggregate limit of $30.0 million for the entire 12-month
contract period.
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The
second layer of this additional reinsurance provides $30.0 million
of
coverage per occurrence for claims in excess of $50.0 million. This
layer
provides coverage for losses in excess of $50.0 million up to $80.0
million and has an aggregate limit of $30.0 million for the entire
12-month contract period.
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The
third layer of this additional reinsurance provides $50.0 million
of
coverage per occurrence for claims in excess of $80.0 million. It
reinsures losses in excess of $80.0 million up to $130.0 million
and has
an aggregate limit of $50.0 million for the entire 12-month contract
period.
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TRIA,
as
extended and amended by TRIEA, requires that commercial property and casualty
insurance companies offer coverage (with certain exceptions, such as with
respect to commercial auto insurance) for certain acts of terrorism and has
established a federal assistance program through the end of 2007 to help such
insurers cover claims for terrorism-related losses. TRIA, as extended and
amended by TRIEA, covers certified acts of terrorism, and the U.S. Secretary
of
the Treasury must declare the act to be a “certified act of terrorism” for it to
be covered under this federal program. In addition, no certified act of
terrorism will be covered by the TRIA program, as extended and amended by TRIEA,
unless the aggregate insurance industry losses from the act exceed certain
substantial threshold amounts ($100 million for acts of terrorism occurring
in
2007). Under the TRIA program, as extended and amended by TRIEA, the federal
government covers 85% of the losses from covered certified acts of terrorism
on
commercial risks in the United States only, in excess of a deductible amount.
This deductible is calculated as a percentage of an affiliated insurance group’s
prior year premiums on commercial lines policies (with certain exceptions,
such
as commercial auto insurance policies) covering risks in the United States.
This
deductible amount is 20% of such premiums for losses occurring in
2007.
The
Federal terrorism risk assistance provided by TRIA and TRIEA will expire at
the
end of 2007 and although legislation has recently been introduced in Congress
to
expand and extend such assistance, it is not currently clear whether or in
what
form that assistance will be renewed. Any renewal may be on substantially less
favorable terms.
Third-Party
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Reinsurance
Since
January 1, 2003, AmTrust has had variable quota share reinsurance with Munich
Reinsurance Company (“Munich Re”) for AmTrust’s specialty risk and extended
warranty insurance. The scope of this reinsurance arrangement is broad enough
to
cover all of AmTrust’s specialty risk and extended warranty insurance worldwide.
However, AmTrust does not currently cede to Munich Re the majority of its U.S.
specialty risks and extended warranty business, although it may cede more of
this U.S. business to Munich Re in the future.
Under
the
variable quota share reinsurance arrangements with Munich Re, AmTrust may elect
to cede from 15% to 50% of each covered risk, but Munich Re shall not reinsure
more than £850,000 for each ceded risk which AmTrust at acceptance regards as
one individual risk. This means that regardless of the amount of insured losses
generated by any ceded risk, the maximum coverage for that ceded risk under
this
reinsurance arrangement is £850,000. For the majority of the business ceded
under this reinsurance arrangement, AmTrust cedes 35% of the risk to Munich
Re,
but for some newer or larger risks, AmTrust cedes a larger share to Munich
Re.
This reinsurance is subject to a limit of £2.5 million per occurrence of certain
natural perils such as windstorms, earthquakes, floods and storm surge. Coverage
for losses arising out of acts of terrorism is excluded from the scope of this
reinsurance.
Competition
The
reinsurance industry is highly competitive. We compete with major U.S., Bermuda,
European and other international reinsurers and certain underwriting syndicates.
Many of these competitors have more, and in some cases substantially more,
capital and greater marketing and management resources than we expect to have,
and may offer a broader range of products and more competitive pricing than
we
expect to, or will be able to, offer. Because we have limited operating history,
many of our competitors also have greater name and brand recognition than we
have. In particular, we compete with various large and small reinsurers
including large and multi-national reinsurers and Bermuda-based
reinsurers.
Competition
in the types of business that we underwrite is based on many factors,
including:
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strength
of client relationships;
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perceived
financial strength;
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management’s
experience in the line of reinsurance to be
written;
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premiums
charged and other terms and conditions
offered;
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services
provided, products offered and scope of business, both by size and
geographic location;
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financial
ratings assigned by independent rating agencies;
and
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speed
of claims payment.
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Increased
competition could result in fewer applications for coverage, lower premium
rates
and less favorable policy terms, which could adversely impact our growth and
profitability. We are unable to predict the extent to which new, proposed or
potential initiatives may affect the demand for our products or the risks that
may be available for us to consider underwriting.
We
plan
to differentiate ourselves from other reinsurers primarily by leveraging the
primary insurance company expertise of our senior management to provide
reinsurance solutions that are designed to respond to the needs of small
insurance companies, and to larger insurance companies seeking to effectively
manage their capital and risk by accessing our capabilities. By positioning
ourselves in this manner and providing our unique product offerings, we believe
we can successfully differentiate ourselves from other reinsurers that we
believe are focused primarily on providing broad-based reinsurance
solutions.
Because,
initially, we expect to derive substantially all of our business from our quota
share reinsurance agreement with AII, we are subject to the impact of
competition on AmTrust in its business segments. There is significant
competition in the workers’ compensation insurance sector, which is based on
many factors, including coverage availability, claims management, safety
services, payment terms, premium rates, policy terms, types of insurance
offered, overall financial strength, financial ratings assigned by independent
rating organizations, such as A.M. Best, and reputation. Some of the insurers
with which AmTrust competes have significantly greater financial, marketing
and
management resources and experience than AmTrust. AmTrust may also compete
with
new market entrants in the future. AmTrust’s competitors include other insurance
companies, state insurance pools and self-insurance funds. More than 350
insurance companies participate in the workers’ compensation market. The
insurance companies with which AmTrust competes vary by state and by the
industries we target.
We
believe that AmTrust has competitive advantages, which include its underwriting
and claims management practices and systems and an A.M. Best rating of “A-”
(Excellent). In addition, we believe that AmTrust’s premium rates are
competitively priced and typically are lower than those for policyholders
assigned to the state insurance pools, making AmTrust a viable alternative
for
policyholders in those pools.
We
believe that the specialty risk and extended warranty and specialty risk sector
is not as developed as most other insurance sectors (including workers’
compensation insurance). We believe that AmTrust is recognized for its expertise
in this market. Nonetheless, AmTrust faces significant competition, including
several internationally well-known insurers that have significantly greater
financial, marketing and management resources. We believe that AmTrust has
competitive advantages, which include the ability to provide technical
assistance to warranty providers, experienced underwriting, resourceful claims
management practices and good relations with many leading warranty
administrators.
In
its
specialty middle-market and casualty segment, AmTrust faces competition from
several large competitors which have significantly greater financial, marketing
and management resources. AmTrust does not compete for high exposure or
professional liability business and prefers to underwrite less volatile classes
of business. The company does maintain the requisite A.M. Best rating and
financial size to compete favorably for target business.
Investments
Our
investment guidelines specify minimum criteria on the overall credit quality,
liquidity and risk-return characteristics of our investment portfolio and
include limitations on the size of particular holdings, as well as restrictions
on investments in different asset classes. We entered into an asset management
agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust, who serves as our investment manager.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations — Critical Accounting Policies —Investments,” “Business
—Relationships with AmTrust” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
— Our Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries.” Our management monitors
our overall investment returns, reviews compliance with our investment
guidelines and reports overall investment results to our board of directors
on a
quarterly basis.
Our
investment strategy seeks to preserve principal and maintain liquidity while
trying to maximize investment return through a high quality, diversified
portfolio. Investment decision making is guided mainly by the nature and timing
of our expected liability payouts, management’s forecast of our cash flows and
the possibility that we will have unexpected cash demands, for example, to
satisfy claims due to catastrophic losses. Our investment portfolio consists
mainly of highly rated and liquid fixed income securities.
Our
investment guidelines require compliance with applicable local regulations
and
laws. Without the approval of our board of directors, we will not purchase
financial futures, forwards, options, swaps and other derivatives, except for
purposes of hedging capital market risks or replication transactions, which
are
defined as a set of derivative and securities transactions that, when combined,
produce the equivalent economic results of an investment that meets our minimum
criteria. The majority of our investment holdings are denominated in U.S.
dollars.
The
first
priority of our investment strategy is preservation of capital, with a secondary
focus on maximizing an appropriate risk adjusted return. We expect to maintain
sufficient liquidity from funds generated from operations to meet our
anticipated insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs.
The excess funds will be invested in accordance with overall corporate
investment guidelines. Our investment guidelines are designed to maximize
investment returns through a prudent distribution of cash and cash equivalents,
fixed maturities and equity positions. Cash and cash equivalents include cash
on
deposit, commercial paper, pooled short-term money market funds and certificates
of deposit with an original maturity of 90 days or less. Our fixed maturity
securities will include obligations of U.S. agencies, obligations of U.S.
corporations, mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Federal Home Loan
Corporation.
As
of
August 23, 2007, the Company held 42.6% of total invested assets in cash and
cash equivalents. The process of investing the proceeds from our private
offering is continuing and we expect to have redeployed most of the cash into
longer term assets by the end of the third quarter of 2007. We may invest a
portion of our assets in equity securities in an effort to enhance our overall
return. The Company’s investment portfolio is managed by AIIM.
Our
investment portfolio, including cash and cash equivalents, had a carrying value
of $530.9 million as of August 23, 2007, and is summarized in the table below
by
type of investment.
|
|
Carrying
Value
|
|
Percentage
of
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
($
in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
Fixed
income securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mortgage
backed securities
|
|
$
|
54,898
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
U.S.
Treasury securities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations
of U.S. government agencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
bonds
|
|
|
249,959
|
|
|
47.1
|
|
Time
and short-term deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
304,857
|
|
|
57.4
|
%
|
Equity
securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonredeemable
preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
equity securities
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
investments, excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
304,977
|
|
|
57.4
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
225,880
|
|
|
42.6
|
|
|
|
$
|
530,857
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
As
of
August 23, 2007, our fixed maturity portfolio had a carrying value of $304.9
million, which represented 57.4% of the carrying value of our investments,
including cash and cash equivalents. The table below summarizes the credit
quality of our fixed maturity securities as of August 23, 2007 as rated by
Standard and Poor’s.
S
& P Rating
|
|
Percentage
of
Fixed
Maturity
Portfolio
|
|
Agency
Mortgage Backed Securities
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
AA-
|
|
|
42.8
|
|
A+
|
|
|
13.0
|
|
A
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
A-
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
BBB+
|
|
|
9.0
|
|
BB+
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
The
table
below shows the composition of our fixed maturity securities by remaining time
to maturity as of August 23, 2007.
Remaining
Time to Maturity
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percentage
of
Fixed
Maturity
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
Less
than one year
|
|
$
|
19,788
|
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
One
to five years
|
|
|
52657
|
|
|
17.3
|
|
Five
to ten years
|
|
|
177,833
|
|
|
58.3
|
|
Mortgage
backed securities
|
|
|
54,698
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
304,977
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
The
table
below summarizes the average current yield and duration by type of fixed
maturity as of August 31, 2007.
Fixed
Income Investment Type
|
|
Average
Yield
|
|
Average
Duration
in
Years
|
|
Corporate
bonds
|
|
|
5.91
|
%
|
|
5.53
|
|
Mortgage
backed
|
|
|
6.07
|
%
|
|
|
|
We
plan
to regularly evaluate our investment portfolio to identify other-than-temporary
impairments in the fair values of the securities held in our investment
portfolio. We will consider various factors in determining whether a decline
in
the fair value of a security is other-than-temporary, including:
|
·
|
how
long and by how much the fair value of the security has been below
its
cost;
|
|
·
|
the
financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the
security,
including any specific events that may affect its operations or
earnings;
|
|
·
|
our
intent and ability to keep the security for a sufficient time period
for
it to recover its value;
|
|
·
|
any
downgrades of the security by a rating agency;
and
|
|
·
|
any
reduction or elimination of dividends, or nonpayment of scheduled
interest
payments.
|
Since
our
private offering in July 2007, there have been no other-than-temporary declines
in the fair values of the securities held in our investment
portfolio.
As
of
August 23, 2007, we did not hold any fixed maturity securities with unrealized
losses in excess of 20% of the security’s carrying value as of that
date.
Ratings
Ratings
by independent agencies are an important factor in establishing the competitive
position of reinsurance companies and will be important to our ability to market
and sell our products. Rating organizations continually review the financial
positions of insurers. A.M. Best is one of the most important rating agencies
for reinsurance companies. A.M. Best maintains a letter scale rating system
ranging from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In Liquidation). In evaluating a company’s
financial strength, A.M. Best reviews the company’s profitability, leverage and
liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its
reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the adequacy
of its loss and loss expense reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital
structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market
presence.
The
objective of A.M. Best’s ratings system is to provide an opinion of an insurer’s
or reinsurer’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to its
policyholders. These ratings will reflect our ability to pay policyholder claims
and are not applicable to the securities offered in this prospectus, nor are
they a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our shares. These ratings are subject
to periodic review by, and may be revised or revoked at the sole discretion
of
A.M. Best.
Maiden
Insurance has received a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M.
Best, which is the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels.
The
maintenance of the assigned rating depends upon Maiden Insurance operating
substantially as our management has represented to A.M. Best. Maiden Insurance’s
rating will be subject to periodic review by, and may be revised downward or
revoked at the sole discretion of, A.M. Best. A.M.
Best
formally evaluates its financial strength ratings of insurance companies at
least once every twelve months and monitors the performance of rated companies
throughout the year.
If A.M.
Best subsequently downgrades its rating, our competitive position would suffer,
and our ability to market our products, to obtain customers and to compete
in
the reinsurance industry would be adversely affected. A subsequent downgrade,
therefore, could result in a substantial loss of business as our insurance
company clients may move to other reinsurers with higher claims paying and
financial strength ratings.
Employees
and Administration
Based
upon our business strategy, we conduct our business with a relatively small
staff of full-time employees.
We
manage
our reinsurance business and various corporate functions from Bermuda. Our
Bermuda personnel consists of our President and Chief Executive Officer (who
will not devote all of his time to our company initially) and our Chief
Operating Officer and General Counsel. We are in the process of hiring a
permanent Chief Financial Officer who is expected to join Maiden in the fourth
quarter of 2007. We are in the process of hiring additional personnel to our
corporate and reinsurance financial and actuarial staff in Bermuda. At the
end
of our first year of operations, we expect to have six to ten full-time
employees in our Bermuda office performing these functions, and we expect that
the number of employees in Bermuda will grow as necessary to support our
operations.
Our
Organization
Maiden
Holdings was originally incorporated in May 2007 under Cayman Islands law.
We
have since changed our jurisdiction of organization to Bermuda by discontinuing
from the Cayman Islands, continuing into Bermuda as a Bermuda exempted company
and amalgamating with a new Bermuda company to form Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Our
reinsurance subsidiary, Maiden Insurance was incorporated on June 29, 2007
and
was licensed as a Class 3 Bermuda insurer on July 6, 2007. Maiden
Insurance commenced writing business effective
as of July 1, 2007.
Properties
We
have
executed two leases for facilities in Bermuda. Together these leases require
monthly payments of $15,000. The initial term of the first lease expires on
July
31, 2009 with an option to extend the term of the lease for an additional year
at the then market rent. The initial term of the second lease expires on August
31, 2008, with no option to renew. We believe that these facilities are
sufficient for our current purposes.
Legal
Proceedings
We
are
not a party to any pending or threatened material litigation and are not
currently aware of any pending or threatened material litigation. In the normal
course of business, we may become involved in various claims and legal
proceedings.
REGULATION
General
The
business of insurance and reinsurance is regulated in most countries, although
the degree and type of regulation varies significantly from one jurisdiction
to
another. Reinsurers are generally subject to less direct regulation than primary
insurers. In Bermuda, we expect to operate under a relatively less intensive
regulatory regime.
Regulation
of Maiden Insurance
As
a
holding company, Maiden Holdings is not subject to the laws of Bermuda governing
insurance companies. Maiden Insurance is registered in Bermuda under the
Insurance Act as a Class 3 insurer and is subject to the Insurance
Act.
The
Insurance Act, which regulates the insurance business of Maiden Insurance,
provides that no person shall carry on any insurance business in or from within
Bermuda unless registered as an insurer under the Insurance Act by the BMA,
which is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of insurers. Under the
Insurance Act, insurance business includes reinsurance business. The BMA, in
deciding whether to grant registration, has broad discretion to act as the
BMA
sees fit in the public interest. The BMA is required by the Insurance Act to
determine whether the applicant is a fit and proper body to be engaged in the
insurance business and, in particular, whether it has, or has available to
it,
adequate knowledge and expertise. In addition, the BMA is required by the
Insurance Act to determine whether a person who proposes to control at least
10
percent, 20 percent, 33 percent or 50 percent (as applicable) of the voting
powers of a Bermuda registered insurer or its parent company is a fit and proper
person to exercise such degree of control; such determination must be made
before control is acquired. The registration of an applicant as an insurer
is
subject to its complying with the terms of its registration and such other
conditions as the BMA may impose from time to time.
An
Insurance Advisory Committee appointed by the Bermuda Minister of Finance
advises the BMA on matters connected with the discharge of the BMA’s functions,
while sub-committees thereof supervise and review the law and practice of
insurance in Bermuda, including reviews of accounting and administrative
procedures.
The
Insurance Act imposes on Bermuda insurance companies solvency and liquidity
standards and auditing and reporting requirements and grants to the BMA powers
to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies.
Certain significant aspects of the Bermuda insurance regulatory framework are
set forth below.
Classification
of Insurers
The
Insurance Act distinguishes between insurers carrying on long-term business
and
insurers carrying on general business. There are four classifications of
insurers carrying on general business with Class 4 insurers subject to the
strictest regulation. Maiden Insurance is a Class 3 insurer, and it is regulated
as such under the Insurance Act. We do not intend, at this time, to obtain
a
license for Maiden Insurance to carry on long-term business. Long-term business
includes life insurance and disability insurance with terms in excess of five
years. General business broadly includes all types of insurance that is not
long-term business.
Cancellation
of Insurer’s Registration
An
insurer’s registration may be cancelled by the BMA on certain grounds specified
in the Insurance Act, including failure of the insurer to comply with its
obligations under the Insurance Act or if, in the opinion of the BMA, the
insurer has not been carrying on business in accordance with sound insurance
principles.
Principal
Representative
An
insurer is required to maintain a principal office in Bermuda and to appoint
and
maintain a principal representative in Bermuda. Maiden Insurance’s principal
representative is AIIM whose offices are located at 7 Reid Street, Hamilton
HM
11, Bermuda. Without a reason acceptable to the BMA, an insurer may not
terminate the appointment of its principal representative, and the principal
representative may not cease to act as such, unless 30 days’ notice in writing
to the BMA is given of the intention to do so. We are in the process of changing
our principal representative. It is the duty of the principal representative
upon reaching the view that there is a likelihood of the insurer (for which
the
principal representative acts) becoming insolvent or that a reportable “event”
has, to the principal representative’s knowledge, occurred or is believed to
have occurred, to immediately notify the BMA and to make a report in writing
to
the BMA within 14 days, setting out all of the particulars of the case that
are
available to the principal representative. Examples of such a reportable “event”
include failure by the insurer to comply substantially with a condition imposed
upon the insurer by the BMA relating to a solvency margin or a liquidity or
other ratio. The written report submitted to the BMA must set out all the
particulars of the case that are available to the principal
representative.
Independent
Approved Auditor
Every
registered insurer must appoint an independent auditor (the “approved auditor”)
who will annually audit and report on the statutory financial statements and
the
statutory financial return of the insurer, both of which, in the case of Maiden
Insurance, are required to be filed annually with the BMA. The independent
auditor of Maiden Insurance must be approved by the BMA and may be the same
person or firm which audits Maiden Insurance’s financial statements and reports
for presentation to its shareholders. Maiden Insurance’s independent approved
auditor is PricewaterhouseCoopers (Bermuda).
Statutory
Financial Statements
An
insurer must prepare annual statutory financial statements. The Insurance Act
prescribes rules for the preparation and substance of such statutory financial
statements (which include, in statutory form, a balance sheet, an income
statement, a statement of capital and surplus and notes thereto). The insurer
is
required to give detailed information and analyses regarding premiums, claims,
reinsurance and investments. The statutory financial statements are not prepared
in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are distinct from the financial statements
prepared for presentation to the insurer’s shareholders under the Companies Act,
which financial statements will be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Maiden
Insurance, as a general business insurer, will be required to submit the annual
statutory financial statements as part of the annual statutory financial return.
The statutory financial statements and the statutory financial return do not
form part of the public records maintained by the BMA.
Annual
Statutory Financial Return
Maiden
Insurance is required to file with the BMA statutory financial returns no later
than four months after their financial year end (unless specifically extended).
The statutory financial return for an insurer includes, among other matters,
a
report of the approved auditor on the statutory financial statements of such
insurer, the solvency certificates, the declaration of statutory ratios, the
statutory financial statements themselves and the opinion of the loss reserve
specialist. The solvency certificates must be signed by the principal
representative and at least two directors of the insurer who are required to
certify, among other matters, whether the minimum solvency margin has been
met
and whether the insurer complied with the conditions attached to its certificate
of registration. The approved auditor is required to state whether in his or
her
opinion it was reasonable for the directors to so certify. Where an insurer’s
accounts have been audited for any purpose other than compliance with the
Insurance Act, a statement to that effect must be filed with the statutory
financial return.
Loss
Reserve Specialist
Maiden
Insurance is required to submit an opinion of an approved loss reserve
specialist with its annual statutory financial return in respect of its loss
and
loss adjustment expense provisions. The loss reserve specialist is a qualified
casualty actuary, who is approved by the BMA. Mr. Ronald T. Kuehn of
Huggins Actuarial Services, Inc. is the loss reserve specialist for Maiden
Insurance.
Minimum
Solvency Margin and Restrictions on Dividends and
Distributions
Under
the
Insurance Act, the value of the general business assets of a Class 3 insurer
must exceed the amount of its general business liabilities by an amount greater
than the prescribed minimum solvency margin. Maiden Insurance is required,
with
respect to its general business, to maintain a minimum solvency margin equal
to
the greatest of:
(A) $1
million;
(B) 20%
of
net premiums written up to $6 million plus 15% of net premiums written over
$6
million; and
(C) 15%
of
loss and other insurance reserves.
Maiden
Insurance is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during any
financial year if it is in breach of its minimum solvency margin or minimum
liquidity ratio or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would cause
it to fail to meet such margin or ratio. In addition, if it fails to meet its
minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio on the last day of any
financial year, Maiden Insurance may not, without the approval of the BMA,
declare or pay any dividends during the next financial year.
Maiden
Insurance may not, without the approval of the BMA, reduce by 15% or more its
total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s financial
statements.
Minimum
Liquidity Ratio
The
Insurance Act provides a minimum liquidity ratio for general business insurers.
An insurer engaged in general business is required to maintain the value of
its
relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities.
Relevant assets include cash and time deposits, quoted investments, unquoted
bonds and debentures, first liens on real estate, investment income due and
accrued, accounts and premiums receivable and reinsurance balances receivable.
There are certain categories of assets which, unless specifically permitted
by
the BMA, do not automatically qualify as relevant assets, such as unquoted
equity securities, investments in and advances to affiliates and real estate
and
collateral loans. The relevant liabilities are total general business insurance
reserves and total other liabilities less deferred income tax and sundry
liabilities (by interpretation, those not specifically defined).
Supervision,
Investigation and Intervention
The
BMA
may appoint an inspector with extensive powers to investigate the affairs of
an
insurer if the BMA believes that an investigation is required in the interest
of
the insurer’s policyholders or persons who may become policyholders. In order to
verify or supplement information otherwise provided to the BMA, the BMA may
direct an insurer to produce documents or information relating to matters
connected with the insurer’s business.
If
it
appears to the BMA that there is a risk of the insurer becoming insolvent,
or
that it is in breach of the Insurance Act or any conditions imposed upon its
registration, the BMA may, among other things, direct the insurer (1) not to
take on any new insurance business, (2) not to vary any insurance contract
if
the effect would be to increase the insurer’s liabilities, (3) not to make
certain investments, (4) to realize certain investments, (5) to maintain in,
or
transfer to the custody of, a specified bank certain assets, (6) not to declare
or pay any dividends or other distributions or to restrict the making of such
payments, (7) to limit its premium income and/or (8) to remove a controller
or
officer.
Disclosure
of Information
In
addition to powers under the Insurance Act to investigate the affairs of an
insurer, the BMA may require certain information from an insurer (or certain
other persons) to be produced to it. Further, the BMA has been given powers
to
assist other regulatory authorities, including foreign insurance regulatory
authorities, with their investigations involving insurance and reinsurance
companies in Bermuda but subject to restrictions. For example, the BMA must
be
satisfied that the assistance being requested is in connection with the
discharge of regulatory responsibilities of the foreign regulatory authority.
Further, the BMA must consider whether to cooperate is in the public interest.
The grounds for disclosure are limited and the Insurance Act provides sanctions
for breach of the statutory duty of confidentiality.
Notification
by Shareholder Controller of New or Increased Control
No
person
may become a holder of at least 10%, 20%, 33%, or 50% of the Common Shares
unless they have notified the BMA in writing of their intention to become such
a
holder and either the BMA has notified the person that they have no objection
or
45 days have elapsed since the notice was given. A person that does not comply
with this requirement will be guilty of an offence.
Objection
to Existing Controlling Shareholder
For
so
long as Maiden Holdings has as a subsidiary an insurer registered under the
Insurance Act, the BMA may at any time, by written notice, object to a person
holding 10% or more of our common shares if it appears to the BMA that the
person is not or is no longer fit and proper to be such a holder. In such a
case, the BMA may require the shareholder to reduce its holding of our common
shares and direct, among other things, that such shareholder’s voting rights
shall not be exercisable. A person who does not comply with such a notice or
direction from the BMA will be guilty of an offence.
Certain
Other Considerations
Although
Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance are incorporated in Bermuda, Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance are each classified as a non-resident of Bermuda
for exchange control purposes by the BMA. Pursuant to their non-resident status,
Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance may engage in transactions in currencies
other than Bermuda dollars and there are no restrictions on their ability to
transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out
of
Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of their common
shares.
Maiden
Holdings is required to obtain the permission of the BMA for the issue and
transfer of all of its shares. We have received the consent of the BMA for
the
issue and subsequent transfer of our common shares up to the amount of our
authorized capital from time to time to persons non-resident of Bermuda for
exchange control purposes without the approval of the BMA. The foregoing
permission is subject to the following conditions: (i) no individual will,
as a
result of the issue of our Equity Securities pursuant to our private offering,
beneficially own 10% or more of our Equity Securities; and (ii) no individual
who beneficially owned any of our Equity Securities immediately following the
issue of our Equity Securities pursuant to our private offering will, as a
result of a subsequent issue or transfer, beneficially own 10% or more of our
Equity Securities; and (iii) no individual who did not beneficially own any
Equity Securities of the Company immediately following the issue of our Equity
Securities pursuant to our private offering will, as a result of a subsequent
issue or transfer, beneficially own 5% or more of our Equity Securities. For
this purpose, “Equity Securities” has the meaning given to that term in the
Notice to the Public issued by the BMA on June 1, 2005 and includes our common
shares.
Persons
resident in Bermuda for Bermuda exchange control purposes may require the prior
approval of the BMA in order to acquire any of our shares.
In
the
event subscribers (or transferees) do not satisfy the conditions of such
consent, subscribers (and their transferees) may be required to provide
information on ownership and financial condition to the BMA. We will not accept
any subscriptions for shares or transfers of any shares unless and until the
required approval of the BMA has been received.
Under
Bermuda law, exempted companies are companies formed for the purpose of
conducting business outside Bermuda from a principal place of business in
Bermuda. As “exempted” companies, Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance may not,
without the express authorization of the Bermuda legislature or under a license
or consent granted by the Minister of Finance, participate in certain
transactions, including: (i) the acquisition or holding of land in Bermuda
(except that required for their business and held by way of lease or tenancy
for
terms of not more than 50 years) without the express authorization of the
Bermuda legislature, (ii) the taking of mortgages on land in Bermuda to secure
an amount in excess of $50,000 without the consent of the Minister of Finance,
(iii) the acquisition of any bonds or debentures secured by any land in Bermuda,
other than certain types of Bermuda government securities or (iv) the carrying
on of business of any kind in Bermuda, except in furtherance of their business
carried on outside Bermuda or under license granted by the Minister of Finance.
While an insurer is permitted to reinsure risks undertaken by any company
incorporated in Bermuda and permitted to engage in the insurance and reinsurance
business, generally it is not permitted without a special license granted by
the
Minister of Finance to insure Bermuda domestic risks or risks of persons of,
in
or based in Bermuda.
Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance also need to comply with the provisions of the
Companies Act regulating the payment of dividends and making distributions
from
contributed surplus. The Companies Act provides that a company shall not declare
or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there
are reasonable grounds for believing that (i) the company is, or would after
the
payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or (ii) the
realizable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than the
aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium
accounts.
Under
Bermuda law and our bye-laws, we may indemnify our directors, officers or any
other person appointed to a committee of our board of directors (and their
respective heirs, executors or administrators) to the full extent permitted
by
law against all actions, costs, charges, liabilities, loss, damage or expense
incurred or suffered by such person by reason of any act done, concurred in
or
omitted in the conduct of our business or in the discharge of his/her duties;
provided that such indemnification shall not extend to any matter involving
any
fraud or dishonesty (as determined in a final judgment or decree not subject
to
appeal) on the part of such director, officer or other person.
Under
Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians) may not engage
in
any gainful occupation in Bermuda without an appropriate governmental work
permit. Maiden Insurance’s success may depend in part upon the continued
services of key employees in Bermuda. A work permit may be granted or renewed
upon showing that, after proper public advertisement, no Bermudian (or spouse
of
a Bermudian or a holder of a permanent resident’s certificate or holder of a
working resident’s certificate) is available who meets the minimum standards
reasonably required by the employer. The Bermuda government’s policy places a
six-year term limit on individuals with work permits, subject to certain
exemptions for key employees. A work permit is issued with an expiry date (up
to
five years) and no assurances can be given that any work permit will be issued
or, if issued, renewed upon the expiration of the relevant term. If work permits
are not obtained, or are not renewed, for Maiden Insurance’s principal
employees, Maiden Insurance would lose their services, which could materially
affect Maiden Insurance’s business.
Members
of the general public have the right to inspect public documents at the office
of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. This includes Maiden Holdings’
memorandum of association (including its objects and powers), any alteration
to
it and any documents relating to an increase or reduction of authorized capital.
Maiden Holdings’ shareholders have the additional right to inspect its bye-laws,
minutes of general meetings and audited financial statements, which must be
presented to the general meeting of shareholders. The register of Maiden
Holdings’ shareholders is also open to inspection by shareholders and members of
the public without charge. Maiden Holdings is required to maintain a share
register in Bermuda but may establish a branch register outside Bermuda. Maiden
Holdings is required to keep at its registered office a register of its
directors and officers, which is open for inspection by members of the public
without charge. However, Bermuda law does not provide a general right for
shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate
records.
United
States Regulation
Credit
for Reinsurance
U.S.-licensed
insurers that act as reinsurers (by assuming insurance risk) are generally
subject to insurance regulation and supervision in their domiciliary
jurisdiction that is similar to the regulation of U.S. licensed insurers that
act as licensed primary insurers. However, the terms and conditions of
reinsurance agreements generally are not subject to regulation by any
governmental authority with respect to rates or policy terms. This contrasts
with primary insurance policies and agreements, the rates and terms of which
generally are regulated by state insurance regulators. As a practical matter,
however, the rates charged by primary insurers do have an effect on the rates
that can be charged by reinsurers.
A
primary
insurer ordinarily will enter into a reinsurance agreement only if it can obtain
credit for the reinsurance ceded on its statutory financial statements. In
general, credit for reinsurance is allowed in the following
circumstances:
|
·
|
if
the reinsurer is licensed in the state in which the primary insurer
is
domiciled or, in some instances, in certain states in which the primary
insurer is licensed;
|
|
·
|
if
the reinsurer is an “accredited” or otherwise approved reinsurer in the
state in which the primary insurer is domiciled or, in some instances,
in
certain states in which the primary insurer is
licensed;
|
|
·
|
in
some instances, if the reinsurer (a) is domiciled in a state that
is
deemed to have substantially similar credit for reinsurance standards
as
the state in which the primary insurer is domiciled and (b) meets
financial requirements; or
|
|
·
|
if
none of the above apply, to the extent that the reinsurance obligations
of
the reinsurer are secured appropriately, typically through the posting
of
a letter of credit for the benefit of the primary insurer or the
deposit
of assets into a trust fund established for the benefit of the primary
insurer.
|
As
a
result of the requirements relating to the provision of credit for reinsurance,
Maiden Insurance will be indirectly subject to some regulatory requirements
imposed by jurisdictions in which ceding companies are licensed. Because we
anticipate that Maiden Insurance will not be licensed, accredited or otherwise
approved by or domiciled in any state in the United States, primary insurers
may
only be willing to cede business to Maiden Insurance if we provide adequate
security to allow the primary insurer to take credit on its balance sheet for
the reinsurance it purchases. We will only be able to provide adequate security,
typically through the posting of a letter of credit or deposit of assets into
a
trust fund for the benefit of the primary insurer, if we have in place a letter
of credit facility or are otherwise able to provide necessary security. We
do
not yet have a letter of credit facility or any commitment from a lender to
provide that facility. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain
a
credit facility on terms acceptable to us. Also, if we fail to put in place
a
Regulation 114 trust, and are unable to otherwise provide the necessary
security, insurance companies may be less willing to purchase our reinsurance
products than if we had established such a trust. If this is the case, there
may
be a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —
Liquidity and Capital Resources — Reinsurance Security Trust Accounts and Other
Collateral.” With respect to the reinsurance we assume from AmTrust’s U.S.
insurance company subsidiaries through AII, please see “Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions — Our Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries —
Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement and Master Agreement— Loans and Other
Collateral.”
Operations
of Maiden Insurance
Maiden
Insurance will not be licensed or otherwise authorized by any state of the
U.S.
to transact insurance. The insurance laws of each state of the United States
and
of many other countries regulate or prohibit the sale of insurance and
reinsurance within their jurisdictions by insurers and reinsurers that are
not
authorized to transact insurance within such jurisdictions. We do not intend
to
allow Maiden Insurance to transact insurance through an office in the U.S.
We
also do not intend to allow Maiden Insurance to solicit, advertise, settle
claims or conduct other insurance activities in any jurisdiction without a
license, unless it can do so pursuant to a relevant exemption provided under
such jurisdiction’s laws governing the transaction of insurance, such as surplus
lines insurance placements made in accordance with state surplus lines insurance
laws. We intend to operate Maiden Insurance in compliance with the U.S. state
and federal laws; however, it is possible that, in the future, a U.S. regulatory
agency may raise inquiries or challenges to Maiden Insurance’s reinsurance
activities.
MANAGEMENT
Directors
and Officers of Maiden Holdings
Our
board
of directors currently consists of five directors and has one vacancy. Our
directors each serve for a term expiring at the 2008 annual general
shareholders’ meeting. The following table sets forth certain information
regarding our executive officers and directors:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Title
|
Barry
D. Zyskind
|
|
36
|
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
Max
G. Caviet
|
|
54
|
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
Ronald
E. Pipoly, Jr.
|
|
41
|
|
Interim
Chief Financial Officer
|
Ben
Turin
|
|
42
|
|
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
|
Raymond
M. Neff
|
|
66
|
|
Vice
Chairman of the Board
|
Simcha
Lyons
|
|
60
|
|
Director
|
Steven
H. Nigro
|
|
47
|
|
Director
|
Barry
D. Zyskind —
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
- Mr.
Zyskind has served as non-executive Chairman of our board of directors since
June 2007. For the last five years, Mr. Zyskind also has served as the
President and Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust and as a director of AmTrust’s
wholly owned subsidiaries, TIC, RIC, WIC, AII and AIU and, since September
7,
2007, AIIC. Mr. Zyskind also serves as a director of American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company. Prior to joining AmTrust, Mr. Zyskind was an
investment banker at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC in New York. Mr. Zyskind
received an M.B.A. from New York University’s Stern School of Business in
1997.
Max
G. Caviet —
President
and Chief Executive Officer
- Mr.
Caviet has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2007.
Mr. Caviet has served as the President and a director of AII and AIU since
2003. From 1994 to 2003, Mr. Caviet was Engineering and Extended Warranty
Underwriter with Trenwick International Limited, a reinsurance company. In
1990,
Mr. Caviet joined Crowe Underwriting Agency Ltd. as its Engineering and
Extended Warranty Underwriter. In 1982, Mr. Caviet joined CIGNA Insurance
Company of North America (UK) Ltd. as a Senior Underwriter for Special Risks
and
was promoted to Engineering and Underwriting Manager. Between 1972 and 1982,
Mr. Caviet was an underwriter and team leader, specializing in engineering
risks, at British Engine Insurance Company.
Ronald
E. Pipoly, Jr. —
Interim
Chief Financial Officer
- Mr.
Pipoly has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since July 2007. In
addition, Mr. Pipoly also has served as the Chief Financial Officer of
AmTrust since 2001. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Pipoly served as Financial
Analyst, Assistant Controller, and finally Controller at PRS Group, Inc. (a
property and casualty insurance holding company) in Beachwood, Ohio.
Mr. Pipoly began his career at Coopers and Lybrand, where he worked from
1988 through 1993. He received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of
Akron
in 1988.
Ben
Turin —
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
- Mr.
Turin has served as our Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary since July 2007. Prior to joining Maiden, Mr. Turin served as the
General Counsel - US Operations of AmTrust from March 2007 through June 2007.
From 2006 to 2007 he served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
of
Econnergy Energy Company, Inc. (a retail marketer of natural gas and
electricity). From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Turin was engaged in the private
practice of law with the law firms of Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf LLP
(2005-2006); Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP (2003-2005) and Vinson &
Elkins LLP (2000-2002). Mr. Turin received his J.D. from the University of
Houston Law Center in 2000.
Raymond
M. Neff —
Vice
Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Mr.
Neff has
been
a member of our board of directors since June 2007.
Since
1999, Mr. Neff has served as President of Neff & Associates Insurance
Consulting, Inc. and Insurance Home Office Services, LLC. He is also Chairman
of
the Board of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association
and a member of the Florida Joint Underwriting Association Board. He previously
worked at FCCI Insurance Group (a property and casualty insurance company)
as
President and CEO from 1986 to 1998 and as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer from 1985 to 1986. From 1979 to 1986, Mr. Neff held
various positions at the Department of Labor and Employment Security and the
Department of Insurance for the State of Florida. From 1965 to 1979, he worked
at W.W. Stribling Associates (1978-1979) (an insurance consulting group); Kenny
Corporation (1973-1978) (a multi-line insurance agency); Foremost Life Insurance
Company (1969-1973); and the Department of Insurance for the State of Michigan
(1965-1969). Mr. Neff received his Masters of Arts, Actuarial Science, from
the University of Michigan in 1965.
Simcha
Lyons —
Director
- Mr.
Lyons has been a member of our board of directors since June 2007. Since 2005,
Mr. Lyons has served as a senior advisor to the Ashcroft Group, LLC of
Washington, D.C., a strategic consulting firm founded by the former Attorney
General of the United States, John Ashcroft. He has also served, since 2003,
as
chairman of Lyons Global Advisors LTD, a political consulting firm. Prior to
2002, Mr. Lyons was Vice-Chairman of Raskas Foods of St. Louis, Missouri, a
family owned business that manufactured cream cheese, sour cream, and blue
cheese products for the supermarket industry, the food service industry, and
the
food processing industry.
Steven
H. Nigro —
Director
- Mr.
Nigro has been a member of our board of directors since July 2007. Mr. Nigro
has
over 25 years of experience in financial services and specializes in corporate
and structured finance in the insurance industry. In 2005, he co-founded Pfife
Hudson Group, an investment bank specializing in corporate finance, structured
finance and asset management with a specialty in the insurance industry. From
2002 to 2005, Mr. Nigro was a managing director at Rhodes Financial Group,
LLC
and from 1998 to 2002, he was a managing director at Hales & Company, both
financial advisory firms catering exclusively to the insurance industry. From
1994 to 1997, he was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Tower Group,
Inc.,
an insurance holding company, where he was responsible for financial and
regulatory management, strategic planning and corporate finance. Mr. Nigro
has
also served as a managing director at Cantor Fitzgerald Securities Corp., a
securities broker-dealer specializing in derivatives, and OTA Limited
Partnership, a merchant banker specializing in the financial services industry,
where he was involved in the acquisitions and financial management of the firm’s
broker-dealer, savings and loan and insurance companies. Mr. Nigro is also
a
Certified Public Accountant in New York.
Michael
Karfunkel and George Karfunkel, two of our Founding Shareholders, have
non-voting observer rights with respect to the board of directors and board
committees.
Board
Committees
Our
board
of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and
a
nominating and corporate governance committee, each comprised entirely of
independent directors within the meaning of the rules of the NASDAQ Global
Market and the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, our board of directors
has
established an executive committee.
Executive
Committee
The
executive committee assists our board of directors in providing guidance on
our
overall strategy, business development and corporate oversight. The executive
committee, to the extent it deems advisable and appropriate, will, among its
other responsibilities, recommend positions for us on significant, relevant
public policy issues. In addition, the executive committee exercises the power
and authority of our board of directors between board meetings, except that
the
executive committee cannot authorize actions with respect to the
following:
|
·
|
any
issuance of equity securities by
us;
|
|
·
|
adoption,
amendment or repeal of our
bye-laws;
|
|
·
|
a
merger, amalgamation or acquisition between us and another
company;
|
|
·
|
a
sale of all or substantially all of our
assets;
|
|
·
|
our
liquidation or dissolution;
|
|
·
|
any
action that, pursuant to resolution of the board of directors, applicable
law or the rule of any securities exchange or automated inter-dealer
quotation system on which any of our securities are traded, is reserved
to
any other committee of the board of
directors;
|
|
·
|
any
action or matter expressly required by any provision of our bye-laws
or
our memorandum of association or the laws of the Bermuda to be submitted
to shareholders for approval; or
|
|
·
|
any
action that is in contravention of specific directions given by the
full
board of directors.
|
Mr. Caviet
is the chairman of our executive committee and the other member of our executive
committee is Mr. Zyskind.
Audit
Committee
The
audit
committee assists our board of directors in monitoring the integrity of our
financial statements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence,
performance of our independent auditors and our compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements. The audit committee’s responsibilities also include
appointing (subject to shareholder ratification), reviewing, determining funding
for and overseeing our independent auditors and their services. Further, the
audit committee, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, among its
several other responsibilities, shall:
|
·
|
review
and approve all related party transactions, including those with
AmTrust
and our Founding Shareholders, as well as any subsequent modifications
thereto, for actual or potential conflict of interest situations
on an
ongoing basis;
|
|
·
|
review
and discuss with appropriate members of our management and the independent
auditors our audited financial statements, related accounting and
auditing
principles, practices and
disclosures;
|
|
·
|
review
and discuss our audited annual and unaudited quarterly financial
statements prior to the filing of such
statements;
|
|
·
|
establish
procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
we
receive regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing
matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees
of
concerns regarding our financial statements or accounting
policies;
|
|
·
|
review
reports from the independent auditors on all critical accounting
policies
and practices to be used for our financial statements and discuss
with the
independent auditor the critical accounting policies and practices
used in
the financial statements;
|
|
·
|
obtain
reports from our management and internal auditors that we, our subsidiary
and affiliated entities are in compliance with the applicable legal
requirements and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and advise
our
board of directors about these matters;
and
|
|
·
|
monitor
the adequacy of our operating and internal controls as reported by
management and the independent or internal
auditors.
|
Mr. Neff
is the chairman of our audit committee and the other members of our audit
committee are Messrs. Lyons and Nigro.
Compensation
Committee
The
compensation committee’s responsibilities include, among other
responsibilities:
|
·
|
reviewing
and approving corporate and individual goals and objectives relevant
to
the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers;
|
|
·
|
evaluating
the performance of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers in light of such corporate and individual goals and objectives
and, based on that evaluation, together with the other independent
directors if directed by the board of directors, determining the
base
salary and bonus of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers and reviewing the same on an ongoing
basis;
|
|
·
|
reviewing
all related party transactions involving compensatory matters, including
those with AmTrust and our Founding
Shareholders;
|
|
·
|
establishing
and administering equity-based compensation under the 2007 Share
Incentive
Plan and any other incentive plans and approving all grants made
pursuant
to such plans; and
|
|
·
|
making
recommendations to our board of directors regarding non-employee
director
compensation and any equity-based compensation
plans.
|
Mr.
Nigro
is the chairman of our compensation committee and the other member of our
compensation committee is Mr. Neff.
Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee
The
nominating and corporate governance committee’s responsibilities with respect to
assisting our board of directors include, among other
responsibilities:
|
·
|
establishing
the criteria for membership on our board of
directors;
|
|
·
|
reviewing
periodically the structure, size and composition of our board of
directors
and making recommendations to the board as to any necessary
adjustments;
|
|
·
|
identifying
individuals qualified to become directors for recommendation to our
board
of directors;
|
|
·
|
identifying
and recommending for appointment to our board of directors, directors
qualified to fill vacancies on any committee of our board of
directors;
|
|
·
|
having
sole authority to select, retain and terminate any consultant or
search
firm to identify director candidates and having sole authority to
approve
the consultant or search firm’s fees and other retention
terms;
|
|
·
|
considering
matters of corporate governance, developing and recommending to the
board
a set of corporate governance principles and our code of business
conduct
and ethics, as well as recommending to the board any modifications
thereto;
|
|
·
|
considering
questions of actual or possible conflicts of interest, including
related
prior transactions, of members of our board of directors and of senior
executives of our Company;
|
|
·
|
developing
and recommending to our board of directors for its approval an annual
board and committee self-evaluation process to determine the effectiveness
of their functioning; and
|
|
·
|
exercising
oversight of the evaluation of the board, its committees and
management.
|
Mr.
Lyons
is the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee and the
other member is Mr. Nigro.
Corporate
Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics
We
have
adopted corporate governance guidelines and a code of business conduct and
ethics that apply to all of our directors, officers and employees. These
documents will be made available in print, free of charge, to any shareholder
requesting a copy in writing from our company secretary at our office located
at
7 Reid Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. A
copy of
our code of business conduct and ethics also
will
be
available in
the
near future on
our
website at www.maiden.bm.
Compensation
Disclosure and Analysis
The
material elements of our compensation philosophy, strategy and plans as of
the
date of this prospectus are discussed below.
Overview
At
this
initial stage of our development, the objectives of our executive compensation
policy will be to retain those executives whom we believe will be essential
to
our growth, to attract other talented and dedicated executives and to motivate
each of our executives to develop our overall profitability. To achieve these
goals, we intend to offer each executive an overall compensation package that
is
simple, but competitive and a substantial portion of which will be tied to
the
achievement of specific performance objectives. Our overall strategy is to
compensate our named executive officers with a simple mix of cash compensation,
in the form of base salary and bonus, and equity compensation, in the form
of
share options and restricted share awards.
We
have
not to date retained a compensation consultant. Compensation decisions,
including those relating to the employment agreements to be offered to certain
of our named executive officers, will be made by our board of directors upon
the
recommendation of the compensation committee. Mr. Caviet will be involved in
making recommendations to the board of directors regarding the compensation
arrangements for other executives.
Prior
to
the completion of the private offering, Mr. Caviet, our Chief Executive
Officer, Mr. Pipoly, our interim Chief Financial Officer and
Mr. Turin, our Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary, were employed by AmTrust and each of them other than Mr. Turin
continues to be employed by AmTrust. In the case of Mr. Caviet, his
employment with AmTrust will continue for a transition period. Mr. Caviet
has entered into a provisional employment agreement with us for the term of
the
transition period, as described in more detail below, under which he will
gradually transition his responsibilities to his replacement at AmTrust while
simultaneously increasing his involvement with us. Mr. Turin has entered into
a
provisional employment agreement with us for the term of the transition period,
as described in more detail below. Additionally, we are currently negotiating
and expect to enter into definitive long-term employment agreements with
Messrs. Caviet and Turin.
During
the transition period we will also reimburse AmTrust for a proportionate share
(based on the amount of time he devotes to our company) of Mr. Pipoly’s current
base salary, which is $300,000. We
are in
the process of hiring a permanent Chief Financial Officer who is expected to
join Maiden in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Executive
Compensation
Our
executive compensation policy includes the following elements:
Base
Salary.
The
base salaries we provide to our named executive officers are designed to provide
an annual salary at a level consistent with individual experience, skills and
contributions to our business. The salaries of the named executive officers
will
be reviewed on an annual basis.
Bonus.
We
believe that bonuses should be dependent on, and strictly tied to, the Company’s
performance and should only be paid in the event of superior performance. Our
bonus policy awards each named executive officer for his individual contribution
to our profits for the fiscal year. The definitive employment agreements for
each of our named executive officers will specify annual bonus targets for
each
executive. The board of directors, acting without participation by the affected
executives, will approve bonus payments for the named executive officers. The
board of directors will approve bonus payments for Mr. Caviet and
Mr. Turin with respect to 2007, based on each executive’s personal
contribution to the Company’s profits during the fiscal year, which will not be
less than 20% of the respective salaries we pay them. These bonuses will be
paid
after the close of the calendar year.
Long-Term
Incentive Program.
We
believe that the use of common shares and share-based awards offers the best
approach to achieving our compensation goals as equity ownership ties a
considerable portion of a named executive officer’s compensation to the
performance of our common shares. We have not adopted share ownership guidelines
for our named executive officers. We have adopted a share incentive plan, as
described below, which provides the principal method for our named executive
officers to acquire equity interests in the Company.
2007
Share Incentive Plan.
Our
board of directors and shareholders have adopted the 2007 Share Incentive Plan.
The Plan is intended to award our employees and named executive officers with
proprietary interests in the Company and to provide an additional incentive
to
promote our success and to remain in our service. The 2007 Share Incentive
Plan
authorizes us to grant incentive share options, non-qualified share options
and
restricted share awards to our employees, officers, directors and consultants.
Our compensation committee oversees the administration of the Plan. 2,800,000
or
our common shares are reserved for issuance under the 2007 Share Incentive
Plan,
of which no more than 700,000 may be used for restricted share awards. We
granted options to purchase 461,000 shares in the aggregate to our senior
executives and non-employee directors on the date of the closing of the private
offering.
Share
Options.
Upon
the closing of the private offering, we awarded 300,000 options to
Mr. Caviet, 50,000 options to Mr. Pipoly, and 75,000 options to
Mr. Turin at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. The options were
granted under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan and will vest under the schedule
described below. To the extent permitted by law, the share options are incentive
stock options within the meaning of section 422 of the Code. Share options
were
granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common shares
on the date of grant as determined by our board of directors based on the share
price of our private offering. We expect that future grants will have an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common shares on the date
of grant. For determining the expense to record on our books of record, we
used
the Black-Scholes method consistent with FAS 123R accepted methodology, and
we
expect the same will apply to future grants. Inputs into the calculation
revolving around volatility were computed using statistics for other similar
size public companies. Under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan, unless otherwise
determined by the compensation committee and provided in an award agreement,
25%
of the options will become exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant
date, with an additional 6.25% of the options vesting each quarter thereafter
based on the executive’s continued employment over a four-year period, and will
expire ten years (five years in the case of options intended to qualify as
incentive stock options that are issued to any person who owns shares
representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of
our shares) after the date of grant.
Restricted
Shares.
Our
board of directors may in the future elect to make grants of restricted shares
to our named executive officers. Under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan, unless
otherwise determined by the compensation committee and provided in an award
agreement, 25% of the restricted share award will become exercisable on the
first anniversary of the grant date, with an additional 6.25% of the restricted
share award vesting each quarter thereafter based on the executive’s continued
employment over a four-year period.
Retirement
Plan.
We do
not provide either a qualified or non-qualified pension plan for our named
executive officers. However, it is intended that all of our employees will
be
eligible to participate in pension plans which will be established on their
behalf.
Change
in Control and Severance Arrangements.
The
provisional employment agreements for each of our named executive officers
do
not contain change in control provisions, nor do we intend to include such
provisions in the definitive employment agreements for our named executive
officers. We do not maintain change in control agreements with any of our named
executive officers. We do not provide any other severance benefits, other than
as may be provided in an executive’s employment agreement.
Perquisites
and Other Benefits.
As a
general matter, we plan to limit the use of perquisites in compensating our
senior management. We maintain health and welfare programs to provide life,
health and disability benefits to our employees. Our named executive officers
participate in these plans on the same terms as other employees. Under the
terms
of the provisional employment agreements, we
reimburse Messrs. Caviet and Turin for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket
expenses that they incur in the performance of their functions, duties and
responsibilities.
Employment
Agreements
Below
is
a summary of the employment agreements we have entered into with certain of
our
named executive officers.
Max
G. Caviet
We
have
entered into a provisional employment agreement with Mr. Caviet under which
he has agreed to serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer. The term
of
the employment agreement will end upon the expiration of the transition period
(which will not extend beyond December 31, 2007) unless terminated earlier
pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement. Mr. Caviet continues to
work for AmTrust during the transition period and receives cash compensation
from AmTrust during such period, but is gradually transitioning his
responsibilities to others at AmTrust while simultaneously increasing his
involvement with us, and the Company is reimbursing AmTrust for the
proportionate amount of time that Mr. Caviet devotes to the Company during
the transition period. Mr. Caviet’s cash compensation is based on his
current annual salary of £250,000. We are currently negotiating and expect to
enter into a definitive long-term employment agreement with Mr. Caviet. If
we do not sign a definitive long-term employment agreement with Mr. Caviet
before the end of the transition period, he will not continue as an employee
of
our Company after December 31, 2007.
Mr. Caviet
was awarded 300,000 options pursuant to the 2007 Share Incentive Plan as
described above. If Mr. Caviet does not enter into a long-term employment
agreement with us by December 31, 2007, he will forfeit 250,000 of his
options.
Under
his
provisional employment agreement, Mr. Caviet is eligible to receive a profit
bonus as described above.
Under
his
provisional employment agreement, we are able to terminate Mr. Caviet’s
employment at any time for “cause” and, upon such an event, we will have no
further compensation or benefit obligation to Mr. Caviet after the date of
termination. Cause is defined in the agreement as (i) a material breach of
the
employment agreement by the executive, but only if such breach is not cured
within 30 days following written notice by the Company to the executive of
such
breach, assuming such breach may be cured; (ii) conviction of any act or course
of conduct involving moral turpitude; or (iii) engagement in any willful act
or
willful course of conduct constituting an abuse of office or authority that
significantly and adversely affects our business or reputation. No act, failure
to act or course of conduct on the executive’s part will be considered willful
unless done, or omitted to be done, by him not in good faith and without
reasonable belief that his action, omission or course of conduct was in our
best
interests.
Under
his
provisional employment agreement, Mr. Caviet has agreed to keep
confidential all information regarding the Company that he receives during
the
term of his employment and thereafter. Mr. Caviet also agreed that during
his employment and for a three-year period beginning upon termination of his
employment he will not solicit any of our customers with whom he had dealings
or
senior employees or solicit any entity that he knows has been contacted by
us
regarding a possible acquisition by us for purposes of acquiring that
entity.
Ben
Turin
We
have
entered into a provisional employment agreement with Mr. Turin under which
he has agreed to serve as our Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary. The
term
of the employment agreement will end upon the expiration of the transition
period (which will not extend beyond December 31, 2007) unless terminated
earlier pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement or extended until
June 30, 2008. We are currently negotiating a definitive long-term
employment agreement with Mr. Turin. If we are unable to reach a definitive
long-term agreement with Mr. Turin, he will remain in his position with our
Company as an at-will employee.
Mr. Turin’s
annual base salary is $275,000, which is subject to annual review by the board
of directors. Mr. Turin was awarded 75,000 options pursuant to the 2007
Share Incentive Plan as described above.
Under
the
provisional employment agreement, Mr. Turin is eligible to receive a profit
bonus as described above.
Under
his
provisional employment agreement, we are able to terminate Mr. Turin’s
employment at any time for “cause” and, upon such an event, we will have no
further compensation or benefit obligation to Mr. Turin after the date of
termination. Cause is defined in the agreement as (i) a material breach of
the
employment agreement by the executive, but only if such breach is not cured
within 30 days following written notice by the Company to the executive of
such
breach, assuming such breach may be cured; (ii) conviction of any act or course
of conduct involving moral turpitude; or (iii) engagement in any willful act
or
willful course of conduct constituting an abuse of office or authority that
significantly and adversely affects our business or reputation. No act, failure
to act or course of conduct on the executive’s part will be considered willful
unless done, or omitted to be done, by him not in good faith and without
reasonable belief that his action, omission or course of conduct was in our
best
interests.
Under
his
provisional employment agreement, Mr. Turin has agreed to keep confidential
all information regarding the Company that he receives during the term of his
employment and thereafter. Mr. Turin also agreed that during his employment
and for a three-year period beginning upon termination of his employment he
will
not solicit any of our customers with whom he had dealings or senior employees
or solicit any entity that he knows has been contacted by us regarding a
possible acquisition by us for purposes of acquiring that entity.
Non-Employee
Director Compensation
We
pay an
annual retainer of $55,000 to each non-employee director of the Company. In
addition, each non-employee director receives a fee of $2,000 for each meeting
of the board of directors attended in person. Each non-employee director who
chairs a committee also receives an annual retainer of $5,000, as well as $1,000
for each meeting of such committee of the board chaired. Each non-employee
director receives a fee of $1,000 for attendance at each meeting of a committee
of the board of directors on which he or she sits. We also reimburse our
directors for reasonable expenses they incur in attending meetings of the board
of directors or committees. Directors may also be eligible in the future for
awards under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan. A director does not receive a fee
for any board of directors meeting or committee meeting he or she does not
attend in person or for any committee meeting he or she attends as a
non-committee member.
At
the
closing of the private offering, each non-employee director received an initial
grant of 12,000 options under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan described above,
to
purchase our common shares with an exercise price equal to $10.00 per share,
which the board of directors determined to be the fair market value of our
shares on the date of grant based on the share price of our private offering,
which closed on that date. For determining the expense to record on our books,
we used the Black-Scholes method consistent with FAS 123R accepted methodology,
and we expect the same will apply to future grants. These options will vest
on
the first anniversary of the grant. In the future, on the anniversary of the
date he or she joined the board of directors, each non-employee director will
receive an annual grant of 6,000 options to purchase our common shares with
an
exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date, which will
vest
on the first anniversary of the grant.
Mr.
Zyskind has not accepted a retainer, any board of directors or committee fees
or
any options for his service as Chairman of our board of directors.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
All
the
members of our compensation committee are independent directors.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Founding
Shareholders and Related Agreements
We
were
formed in June of 2007. In connection with our formation and capitalization,
we
issued 7,800,000 of our common shares, then representing 100% of our outstanding
common shares, to the Founding Shareholders in consideration of their collective
investment of $50 million in us. Currently, the common shares held by the
Founding Shareholders represent 13.1% of our outstanding common shares. In
connection with our formation and capitalization, we also issued 10-year
warrants to the Founding Shareholders to purchase up to an additional 4,050,000
common shares at an exercise price equal to $10.00 per share, which shares
represent 6.4% of our common shares outstanding, assuming the exercise of all
warrants. The shares held by the Founding Shareholders, together with the shares
issuable upon exercise of the Founding Shareholders’ warrants, represent 18.6%
of our outstanding common shares assuming the exercise of all warrants. All
of
the Founding Shareholders’ warrants will expire 10 years from the date of
issuance. To the extent the Founding Shareholders exercise all or part of their
warrants, our common shares issued upon such exercise will be subject to
“lock-up” restrictions preventing transfer by the Founding Shareholders of any
such shares for three years from the date of issuance of such warrants. The
warrants were issued to our Founding Shareholders in recognition of the value
received from them, which included the development of our business strategy,
the
development of the private offering to raise initial funds for our operations,
and the recruitment of certain executives to us. The 4,050,000 common shares
issuable upon exercise of the warrants is based on what we believed would be
an
acceptable percentage of common shares to grant to our Founding Shareholders
upon exercise of the warrants to compensate them for their contributions to
us.
We
have
granted registration rights to Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. for
the benefit of the investors in the private offering and to the Founding
Shareholders for their benefit and the benefit of their direct and indirect
transferees of shares. The registration statement of which this prospectus
is a
part has been filed in accordance with our obligations under the related
registration rights agreement. These registration rights are described under
“Description of Share Capital—Registration Rights” below.
Our
transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, is controlled by
George Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel, two of our Founding
Shareholders.
As
described in this prospectus, our Founding Shareholders, Michael Karfunkel,
George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind, are Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Director and Chief Executive Officer of AmTrust, respectively. The Founding
Shareholders own 57% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust.
Our
Arrangements with AmTrust and its Subsidiaries
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement and Master Agreement
General.
On
July
3, 2007 we entered into a master agreement with AmTrust, which was amended
on
September 17, 2007. Pursuant to the terms of the master agreement, as so
amended, (i) AmTrust agreed to cause its Bermuda reinsurance affiliate, AII,
to
reinsure the AmTrust Ceding Insurers to the extent required to enable AII to
cede to Maiden Insurance 40% of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ gross written
premiums in respect of covered business, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring
reinsurance and 40% of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ Ultimate Net Loss related
thereto, and (ii) we agreed to cause Maiden Insurance to reinsure such
business.
In
addition, on September 17, 2007, Maiden Insurance entered into a quota share
reinsurance agreement with AII (the “Reinsurance Agreement”). Under the
Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance assumes through AII 40% of the gross
written premiums, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance and,
in
the case of IGI, net of commissions, and 40% of the Ultimate Net Loss of each
AmTrust Ceding Insurer.
Quota
Share and Limit of Liability. Pursuant
to the Reinsurance Agreement, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2007
(the “Effective Time”), AII cedes to Maiden Insurance 40% of all Ultimate Net
Loss each AmTrust Ceding Insurer incurs after July 1, 2007 as it relates to
initial cession of unearned premium (in-force basis) and on a risk attaching
basis as a result of premium cession on risks with policy inception dates after
July 1, 2007 and during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement under all of
their
respective workers' compensation, specialty middle-market property and
casualty (consisting of workers' compensation, general liability, commercial
property, commercial automobile liability and auto physical damage insurance
placed through program underwriting agents), and specialty risk and extended
warranty policies during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement (the
“Policies”). The lines of insurance included in the Policies are the only kinds
of insurance that the AmTrust Ceding Insurers currently write. Maiden
Insurance’s maximum liability in respect of a single reinsured loss under a
Policy (without taking into account loss adjustment expenses, Extra-Contractual
Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits (both as defined below)) shall
not exceed $2,000,000. In addition, Maiden Insurance will not reinsure any
risk under a Policy if the AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s retention with respect to
such risk exceeds $5 million. “Ultimate Net Loss” means the sum actually paid or
to be paid by an AmTrust Ceding Insurer in settlement of losses for which it
is
liable, after making deductions for all unaffiliated inuring reinsurance,
whether collectible or not, and all other recoveries, and shall include loss
adjustment expenses, Extra-Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy
Limits.
For
purposes of the Reinsurance Agreement, “Extra-Contractual Obligations” means
liabilities not covered under any other provision of the Reinsurance Agreement
and which arise from an action against AII, or, to the extent reinsured by
AII,
against an AmTrust Ceding Insurer, by an AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s insured, an
assignee of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s insured or a third party claimant, by
reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith on the part of AII
or
any AmTrust Ceding Insurer in handling a claim under a Policy (whether or not
paid) subject to the Reinsurance Agreement, but in each case excluding
fraudulent or criminal acts by a director or executive officer of AII or of
an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer and criminal acts by AII or an AmTrust Ceding
Insurer. “Loss Adjustment Expenses” means court costs, post-judgment interest,
and allocated investigation, adjustment and legal expenses of AII related
to and charged to a specific claim file, but shall not include general overhead
expenses of AII or salaries, per diem and other remuneration of AII’s
employees. “Loss in Excess of Policy Limits” means an amount that AII would have
been contractually obligated to pay had it not been for the limit of the
original Policy, as a result of an action against it, or, to the extent
reinsured by AII, against an AmTrust Ceding Insurer, by an AmTrust Ceding
Insurer’s insured, an assignee of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s insured or a third
party claimant, by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith
in
rejecting an offer of settlement or in the preparation of the defense or in
trial of any action against its insured or in the preparation or prosecution
of
an appeal consequent upon such action, but in each case excluding fraudulent
or
criminal acts by a director or executive officer of AII or of an AmTrust Ceding
Insurer and criminal acts by AII or an AmTrust Ceding Insurer.
AmTrust’s existing excess of loss reinsurance for its workers’ compensation
business includes coverage for extra-contractual obligations and losses in
excess of policy limits within the coverage layers of 100% of $9 million in
excess of the first $1 million of losses and 90% of $110 million in excess
of
$20 million. However, AmTrust does not have excess of loss reinsurance
coverage for extra-contractual obligations and losses in excess of policy limits
between $10 million and $20 million. AmTrust
has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain excess reinsurance
providing substantially the same protection as it currently maintains with
respect to Extra-Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits
during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement.
Premium
and Ceding Commission. Not
later
than October 30, 2007, AII will transfer to Maiden Insurance an amount
equal to 40% of the portion of the direct premiums attributable to the Policies
that was unearned as of the Effective Time. Pending receipt of such amount,
Maiden Insurance will not earn investment income on such amount. However, as
of
the Effective Time, Maiden Insurance began earning premiums from such amount
as
the unearned premiums included therein are earned over the term of the
underlying Policies. AmTrust and Maiden have agreed that, if the mix of the
lines of insurance business ceded under the Reinsurance Agreement, as determined
from time to time, differs materially from the mix as of the effective date
of
the Reinsurance Agreement, the parties will negotiate in good faith an
appropriate adjustment to the ceding commission rate payable by Maiden
Insurance.
In
addition, during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement, AII cedes to Maiden
Insurance 40% of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ gross written premiums in respect
of business covered under the Reinsurance Agreement, net of the cost of
unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and, in the case of IGI, net of commissions
paid by IGI under its Policies) (the “Subject Premium”).
Maiden
Insurance pays to AII a ceding commission. The ceding commission rate is
initially 31% of the ceded Subject Premium and may be adjusted every six months
beginning July 1, 2008 and every six months thereafter, based on the net loss
ratio of all business ceded under the Reinsurance Agreement from the Effective
Time through the date that is six months prior to the adjustment date. The
31%
ceding commission rate will increase by 0.5% for every 1.0% decline in the
net
loss ratio below 60% up to a maximum ceding commission of 32%, and will decrease
by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in the net loss ratio above 60%, subject to
a
minimum ceding commission of 30%. AII has agreed that the ceding commission
includes provision for all commissions, taxes, assessments (other than
assessments based on losses of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer) and all
other expenses of whatever nature, except loss adjustment expenses.
Cessions
of Additional Lines of Business. AmTrust
has agreed that, if the AmTrust Ceding Insurers elect to write lines of
insurance other than the Policies (“Additional Policies”), AII must offer Maiden
Insurance the opportunity to reinsure the Additional Policies through AII
pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement. Any Additional Policies that Maiden
Insurance elects to reinsure pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement would be
considered “Policies” for all purposes of the Reinsurance Agreement and would be
subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Reinsurance Agreement, except
that (a) the effective date of the reinsurance of the Additional Policies may
be
a date other than July 1, 2007 and (b) the formula to calculate the ceding
commission payable in respect of the Additional Policies may be different than
the ceding commission formula described in “— Premium and Ceding Commission”
above.
Cessions
by Additional AmTrust Affiliates. If
AmTrust acquires a majority interest in an insurance company (an “Additional
Company”) that issues workers’ compensation, specialty middle-market property
and casualty (consisting of workers' compensation, general liability, commercial
property, commercial automobile liability, and auto physical damage
insurance placed through program underwriting agents) specialty risk and
extended warranty policies, AmTrust has agreed to cause the Additional Company
to cede to AII a quota share percentage of gross written premium, net of the
cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance, and Ultimate Net Loss, sufficient
to
enable AII to cede 40% of the Additional Company’s gross written premiums in
respect of business covered under the Reinsurance Agreement to Maiden Insurance
and Maiden Insurance has agreed to reinsure such business pursuant to the
Reinsurance Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the master agreement, if an
Additional Company issues policies covering lines of insurance other than those
described above (“Other Additional Company Policies”), AII must offer to Maiden
Insurance the opportunity to reinsure the Other Additional Company Policies
pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement. Any policies issued by an Additional
Company and reinsured pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement would be considered
“Policies” for all purposes of the Reinsurance Agreement, and the Additional
Company would be considered an “AmTrust Ceding Insurer” for all purposes of the
Reinsurance Agreement, except that (a) the effective date and time of the
reinsurance of those policies may be a date and time other than the Effective
Time and (b) the formula to calculate the ceding commission payable in respect
of the Other Additional Company Policies may be different than the ceding
commission formula described in “— Premium and Ceding Commission” above. The
master agreement provides that AmTrust will cause AII to reinsure AIIC when
all
regulatory approvals required for AIIC to enter into a reinsurance agreement
with AII have been obtained.
Loans
and Other Collateral. In
order
to provide Rochdale, TIC and Wesco (and AIIC, when AII begins reinsuring it)
with credit for reinsurance on their statutory financial statements, AII, as
the
direct reinsurer of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers, has established trust accounts
(“Trust Accounts”) for their benefit (and AII will establish a Trust Account for
AIIC’s benefit when all regulatory approvals required for AIIC to enter into a
reinsurance agreement with AII have been obtained). Maiden Insurance has agreed
to provide appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share under the
Reinsurance Agreement of AII’s obligations to the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. This
collateral may be in the form of (a) assets loaned by Maiden Insurance to AII,
for deposit into the Trust Accounts, pursuant to a loan agreement to be entered
into between those parties, (b) assets transferred by Maiden Insurance, for
deposit into the Trust Accounts, (c) a letter of credit obtained by Maiden
Insurance and delivered to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer on AII’s behalf (a “Letter
of Credit”), or (d) premiums withheld by an AmTrust Ceding Insurer at Maiden
Insurance’s request in lieu of remitting such premiums to AII (“Withheld
Funds”). Maiden Insurance may provide any or a combination of these forms of
collateral, provided that the aggregate value thereof equals Maiden Insurance’s
proportionate share of its obligations under its reinsurance agreement with
AII
as described below. If collateral is required to be provided to any other
AmTrust Ceding Insurers under applicable law or regulatory requirements, Maiden
Insurance will provide collateral to the extent required, although Maiden
Insurance does not expect that such collateral will be required unless an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer is domiciled in the United States. Maiden Insurance
currently expects to satisfy its collateral requirements under the Reinsurance
Agreement by lending assets to AII pursuant to a loan agreement to be entered
into between those parties.
The
amount of collateral Maiden Insurance is required to maintain, which is
determined quarterly, equals its proportionate share of (a) the amount
of ceded paid losses for which AII is responsible to such AmTrust Ceding
Insurer but has not yet paid, (b) the amount of loss ceded reserves (including
ceded reserves for claims reported but not resolved and losses incurred but
not
reported) for which AII is responsible to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, and
(c)
the amount of ceded reserves for unearned premiums ceded by such AmTrust Ceding
Insurer to AII. One or more forms of security described above must be maintained
in the sum of these amounts until Maiden Insurance is no longer liable for
its
proportionate share of such obligations. Pursuant to the master agreement,
if
Maiden Insurance provides collateral by depositing assets in a Trust Account,
AmTrust has agreed to cause the AmTrust Ceding Insurers not to commingle Maiden
Insurance’s assets with the AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s other assets or with AII’s
assets if that AmTrust Ceding Insurer
withdraws those assets.
AII
has
agreed that, if an AmTrust Ceding Insurer returns to AII excess assets withdrawn
from a Trust Account, drawn on a Letter of Credit or maintained by such AmTrust
Ceding Insurer as Withheld Funds, AII will immediately return to Maiden
Insurance its proportionate share of such excess assets. AII has further agreed
that if the aggregate fair market value of the amount of Maiden Insurance’s
assets held in the Trust Account, the face amount of the Letter of Credit and
Maiden Insurance’s portion of the Withheld Funds (to the extent Maiden Insurance
has utilized each such form of collateral) exceeds Maiden Insurance’s
proportionate share of AII’s obligations, or if an AmTrust Ceding Insurer
misapplies any such collateral, AII will immediately return to Maiden Insurance
an amount equal to such excess or misapplied collateral, less any amounts AII
has paid to Maiden Insurance as described in the first sentence of this
paragraph. In addition, if an AmTrust Ceding Insurer withdraws Maiden
Insurance’s assets from a Trust Account and maintains those assets on its books
as withheld funds, AII has agreed to pay to Maiden Insurance all interest,
dividends and other income received on those assets (except to the extent Maiden
Insurance’s proportionate share of AII’s obligations to that AmTrust Ceding
Insurer exceeds the value of the collateral Maiden Insurance has provided),
and
net of unpaid fees Maiden Insurance owes to AIIM and its share of fees owed
to
the trustee of the Trust Accounts.
Maiden
Insurance and AII have not finalized the terms of the loan agreement. Maiden
Insurance expects to do so in the near future. However, pursuant to the master
agreement, Maiden and AmTrust have agreed that the loan agreement will contain
the following terms and conditions:
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Commitment.
For
so long as Maiden Insurance remains liable to AII for business reinsured
under the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance shall make advances
under the loan to AII with respect to each AmTrust Ceding Insurer
to which
AII is obligated to provide security. Such loan will be in an amount
equal
to Maiden Insurance’s proportionate share of collateral for AII’s
obligations, unless Maiden Insurance elects to fund or provide for
collateral other than through advances under the loan. AII will be
entitled to request advances under the loan quarterly. Any advances
shall
be made within 10 days of each such
request.
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Use
of Proceeds. AII
will deposit loan proceeds in the applicable Trust
Account.
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Interest.
Interest
on the outstanding amount of the loan will accrue in an amount equal
to
the actual amount of dividends, interest and other income earned
on the
portion of the loan proceeds held in the Trust Accounts or in segregated
accounts maintained by the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. To the extent
that the
principal amount of the loan proceeds (including the undistributed
earnings and interest thereon) plus the value of any other collateral
that
Maiden Insurance has provided with respect to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer
(the “Aggregate Collateral Value”) exceeds Maiden Insurance’s
proportionate share of AII’s obligations to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer,
AII will pay such earnings and interest to Maiden Insurance quarterly,
less any amounts due and payable by Maiden Insurance under the Reinsurance
Agreement or the Asset Management Agreement and less Maiden Insurance’s
proportionate share of fees owed to the trustee of the Trust
Accounts.
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Maturity
Date. Each
loan advance shall mature on the earliest to occur of (a) the date
that is
ten years following the date such advance was made, (b) the date
on which
Maiden Insurance no longer is liable for a proportionate share of
AII’s
obligations to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer and (c) the date on which
Maiden
Insurance is no longer required to secure such
obligations.
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Automatic
Reduction in Principal:
If an AmTrust Ceding Insurer applies loan proceeds to pay claims
or return
premiums to policyholders, the outstanding principal amount of the
loan
automatically shall be reduced by such amount (as shall be Maiden
Insurance’s obligation to pay AII under the Reinsurance Agreement), and as
of the date of such application interest thereon shall no longer
accrue.
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Prepayments
of Principal. If,
as of the end of a calendar quarter, the Aggregate Collateral Value
with
respect to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer exceeds Maiden Insurance’s
proportionate share of AII’s obligations to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer,
AII shall pre-pay advances under the Loan with respect to such AmTrust
Ceding Insurer in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of
such
advances or such excess, net, in either case, of any amounts due
and
payable by Maiden Insurance under the Reinsurance
Agreement.
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Effect
of AII Payment Default under Reinsurance Agreement and Loan Agreement.
Maiden
Insurance will not be required to continue to make advances on the
loan to
the extent that AII has failed to return to Maiden Insurance amounts
owed
under the Reinsurance Agreement (including with respect to collateral)
or
the loan agreement.
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AmTrust
has agreed to guarantee the complete and timely performance of each of AII’s
obligations to Maiden Insurance under the Reinsurance Agreement relating to
the
collateral described above.
Further,
AmTrust has agreed to guarantee the complete and timely performance of each
of
AII’s obligations to Maiden Insurance under the loan agreement between Maiden
Insurance and AII. If AII experiences a Company Change in Control (as defined
below) and Maiden Insurance chooses not to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement,
AmTrust’s guarantee obligations will terminate immediately and
automatically.
Term
and Termination. The
initial term of the Reinsurance Agreement is three years from the Effective
Time. The Reinsurance Agreement will automatically renew for successive
three-year periods thereafter, unless either Maiden Insurance or AII notifies
the other party of its election not to renew the Reinsurance Agreement not
less
than nine months prior to the end of any such three-year period. In addition,
Maiden Insurance and AII are entitled to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement
as
described below.
Termination
by Maiden Insurance. Maiden
Insurance may terminate the Reinsurance Agreement if:
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·
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AII
is 30 or more days in arrears on a payment due to Maiden Insurance
under
the Reinsurance Agreement and AII fails to cure that breach within
30 days
following notice thereof (an “AmTrust Payment
Default”);
|
|
·
|
AII
becomes insolvent or similarly financially
impaired;
|
|
·
|
AII
ceases writing new or renewal business and elects to run off its
existing
business or an insurance or other regulatory authority orders such
party
to cease writing new or renewal
business;
|
|
·
|
either
(a) an individual person, corporation or other entity, or a group
of
commonly controlled persons, corporations or entities, acquires,
including
through merger, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%)
of
the voting securities of AII or obtains the power to vote (directly
or
through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of AII’s voting securities,
except if such individual person, corporation or other entity is
under
common control with AII, or (b) AmTrust no longer directly or indirectly
controls the power to vote more than fifty percent (50%) of AII’s voting
securities (a “Company Change of Control”); provided
that in no event shall the acquisition, including through merger,
of more
than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of AmTrust or of
the
power to vote (directly or through proxies) more than fifty percent
(50%)
of the voting securities of AmTrust, or the merger, combination or
amalgamation of AmTrust into any person, or similar transaction pursuant
to which AmTrust shall not be the surviving entity, be deemed a Company
Change of Control; or
|
|
·
|
the
shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers, in aggregate,
is reduced to 50% or less of the amount of their aggregate shareholders’
equity at either the inception of the Reinsurance Agreement or at
the
latest renewal or anniversary date of the Reinsurance
Agreement.
|
If
Maiden
Insurance terminates the Reinsurance Agreement in these circumstances, the
Reinsurance Agreement will terminate in full. Termination as a result of an
AmTrust Payment Default shall be effective upon not less than 10 days prior
written notice, and termination as a result of any other event described above
shall be effective upon not less than 30 days prior written notice. Maiden
Insurance may not terminate the Reinsurance Agreement as a result of such an
event unless that event is continuing on the date it delivers its notice of
termination to AII. Further, Maiden Insurance must exercise its termination
right within 30 days (and within 10 days, in the case of an AmTrust Payment
Default) following the date on which it has actual knowledge that such event
occurred.
Termination
by AII.
AII may
terminate the Reinsurance Agreement if:
|
·
|
Maiden
Insurance is 30 or more days in arrears on a payment due to any AmTrust
Ceding Insurer under the Reinsurance Agreement and fails to cure
that
breach within 30 days following notice thereof (a “Maiden Insurance
Payment Default”);
|
|
·
|
Maiden
Insurance ceases writing new or renewal business and elects to run
off its
existing business or is ordered by a regulatory authority to do
so;
|
|
·
|
Maiden
Insurance becomes insolvent or similarly financially
impaired;
|
|
·
|
either
(a) an individual person, corporation or other entity, or a group
of
commonly controlled persons, corporations or entities, acquires,
including
through merger, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%)
of
the voting securities of Maiden Insurance or obtains the power to
vote
(directly or through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the
voting
securities of Maiden Insurance, except if such individual person,
corporation or other entity is under common control with Maiden Insurance
or (b) Maiden Holdings no longer directly or indirectly controls
the power
to vote more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of
Maiden
Insurance;
|
|
·
|
the
shareholders’ equity of Maiden Insurance is reduced to 50% or less of the
amount of its shareholders’ equity at either the Effective Time or at the
latest renewal or anniversary date of the Reinsurance Agreement;
or
|
|
·
|
Maiden
Insurance fails to maintain an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or
better.
|
Termination
as a result of a Maiden Insurance Payment Default shall be effective upon not
less than 10 days prior written notice, and termination as a result of any
other
event described immediately above shall be effective upon not less than 30
days
prior written notice. AII may not terminate the Reinsurance Agreement as a
result of such an event unless that event is continuing on the date it delivers
its notice of termination to Maiden Insurance. Further, AII must exercise its
termination right within 30 days (and within 10 days, in the case of a Maiden
Insurance Payment Default) following the date on which it has actual knowledge
that such event occurred.
Effect
of Termination.
If a
party elects to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement (including as a result
of
the events described under “— Termination by Maiden Insurance” and “—
Termination by AII” above), all reinsurance under the Reinsurance Agreement with
respect to those Policies shall remain in force until the expiration date,
anniversary date, or prior termination date of the Policies, unless, not later
than 30 days following the effective date of termination, AII elects that Maiden
Insurance shall not be liable for any losses occurring under those Policies
on
and after the date of termination. If AII makes that election, within 30 days
from the date of termination, then Maiden Insurance shall return to AII the
unearned premium applicable to those Policies in force at the time and date
of
termination, less the unearned portion of the ceding commission paid thereon.
Maiden
Insurance’s Right to Discontinue Reinsuring Business Written by an AmTrust
Ceding Insurer. If
an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer becomes insolvent or similarly financially impaired
or
ceases writing new or renewal business and elects to run off its existing
business or an insurance or other regulatory authority orders such party to
cease writing new or renewal business, or if an AmTrust Ceding Insurer Change
in
Control occurs with respect to any AmTrust Ceding Insurer, Maiden Insurance
shall be entitled to elect not to reinsure any Policies issued or renewed by
such AmTrust Ceding Insurer after the effective date of such event. For purposes
of the Reinsurance Agreement, an “AmTrust Ceding Insurer Change of Control” will
be deemed to occur with respect to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer when either (a)
an
individual person, corporation or other entity, or a group of commonly
controlled persons, corporations or entities, acquires, including through
merger, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities of such AmTrust Ceding Insurer or obtains the power to vote (directly
or through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities
of
such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, except if such individual person, corporation
or
other entity is under common control with the AmTrust Ceding Insurer, or (b)
AmTrust no longer directly or indirectly controls the power to vote more than
fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of such AmTrust Ceding Insurer;
provided
that in
no event shall the acquisition, including through merger, of more than fifty
percent (50%) of the voting securities of AmTrust or of the power to vote
(directly or through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities of AmTrust, or the merger, combination or amalgamation of AmTrust
into any person, or similar transaction pursuant to which AmTrust shall not
be
the surviving entity, be deemed an “AmTrust Ceding Insurer Change of Control.”
If Maiden Insurance exercises this option (which it must exercise within 30
days
following its knowledge of such event), all reinsurance of the business
reinsured under the Reinsurance Agreement written by the applicable AmTrust
Ceding Insurer that is in force as of the date the event occurred will remain
in
effect until the expiration date, anniversary date or prior termination date
of
the related Policies, unless AII elects that Maiden Insurance will not be liable
for any losses occurring under the Policies after the date the event occurred,
in which case Maiden Insurance will return the unearned premium as of that
date
applicable to those Policies, less the unearned portion of the ceding commission
paid thereon.
Mutual
Opportunities.
The
master agreement provides that on any occasion when we and AmTrust are both
presented with opportunities to insure, reinsure or acquire the same book of
business, each company will refer the opportunities to a committee of its
independent directors to decide whether that company wishes to pursue the
opportunity. See “—Potential
Conflicts of Interest with respect to Future Transactions.”
Excess
of Loss Reinsurance
AmTrust
has advised us that we may have an opportunity to participate in the working
layer of the January 1, 2008 scheduled renewal of AmTrust’s workers’
compensation excess of loss reinsurance program, subject to the negotiation
of
mutually acceptable terms.
Asset
Management Agreement
Maiden
Insurance has entered into an asset management agreement with AIIM, an AmTrust
subsidiary, pursuant to which AIIM has agreed to provide investment management
services to Maiden Insurance. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM
provides investment management services for an annual fee equal to 0.35% of
average invested assets plus all costs incurred, except that this fee is not
charged with respect to any assets invested in a hedge fund for which AmTrust
or
an affiliate earns a management fee or other compensation. We expect that a
portion of our investment portfolio will be invested in hedge funds operated
and
managed by AmTrust. We
will
pay AmTrust a fee in connection with such investment. The annual fees associated
with AmTrust’s current hedge fund are 1% of assets under management and 20% of
all net gains. AmTrust receives a majority of these fees. The asset management
agreement has an initial term of one year and is automatically renewable for
additional one-year terms unless either party elects not to renew the agreement.
Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon
30 days written notice by either party.
Reinsurance
Brokerage Agreement
We
have
entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker
Ltd.,
a subsidiary of AmTrust. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AII Reinsurance
Broker Ltd. provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement
for a fee equal to 1.25% of the premium reinsured from AII. The brokerage fee
is
payable in consideration of AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd.’s brokerage services.
AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. is not our exclusive broker. AII Reinsurance Broker
Ltd. may, if mutually agreed, also produce reinsurance for us from other ceding
companies, and in such cases we will negotiate a mutually acceptable commission
rate.
Amendment
to Original Master Agreement
We
originally entered into the master agreement with AmTrust at the time of our
private offering. The original master agreement provided that Maiden Insurance
would enter into two reinsurance agreements, in the forms attached as exhibits
to the master agreement, with the AmTrust Ceding Insurers (one reinsurance
agreement for the U.S. AmTrust Ceding Insurers and one for the non-U.S. AmTrust
Ceding Insurers). Since that time, and prior to entering into the reinsurance
agreements attached as exhibits to the original master agreement, we and AmTrust
agreed to amend the master agreement in certain respects, including with respect
to the terms of the reinsurance agreements that we and AmTrust would cause
Maiden and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers, respectively, to enter into. The
principal changes that we and AmTrust agreed to make are summarized
below:
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·
|
Parties
to the Reinsurance Agreement.
Under the master agreement, as originally executed, Maiden Insurance
would
have reinsured the AmTrust Ceding Insurers directly. Under
the Reinsurance Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the Master
Agreement (the “Amendment”), AII reinsures the AmTrust Ceding Insurers
directly, and Maiden Insurance reinsures AII pursuant to the Reinsurance
Agreement. As a result of the Amendment, Maiden Insurance has no
direct
contractual relationship with the AmTrust Ceding Insurers and the
Reinsurance Agreement is not subject to the review and approval of
the
domiciliary insurance regulators of the U.S. AmTrust Ceding Insurers.
Pursuant
to the Amendment, AmTrust has agreed to cause AII and the AmTrust
Ceding
Insurers to take certain actions for the benefit of Maiden Insurance,
and
has agreed to guarantee AII’s obligations under the Reinsurance Agreement
relating to the collateral to be provided by Maiden Insurance and
under
the loan agreement between Maiden Insurance and AII. See “— Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement and Master
Agreement.”
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|
·
|
Maximum
Liability.
Under the master agreement, as originally executed, Maiden Insurance’s
maximum liability in respect of a single reinsured loss would not
exceed
$2 million, including liability for Loss Adjustment Expenses,
Extra-Contractual Obligations and Losses in Excess of Policy Limits.
Under
the Amendment, the $2 million limit of liability does not include
liability for Loss Adjustment Expenses, Extra-Contractual Obligations
and
Losses in Excess of Policy Limits, and there is no limit on Maiden
Insurance’s maximum liability for these losses. However, AmTrust currently
maintains for its workers’
compensation business, and has agreed to use commercially reasonable
efforts to maintain, excess of loss reinsurance covering extra-contractual
obligations and losses in excess of policy limits, which coverage
indemnifies AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers for 100% of $9 million
in
excess of the first $1 million of losses and 90% of $110 million
in excess
of $20 million. AmTrust’s
excess of
loss reinsurance for the layer of $10 million in excess of $10 million
does not cover extra-contractual obligations and losses in excess
of
policy limits. In addition, Maiden Insurance will not reinsure
any risk under a Policy if the AmTrust Ceding Insurer’s retention
with respect to such risk exceeds $5
million.
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|
·
|
Scope
of Extra-Contractual Obligations and Losses in Excess of Policy
Limits.
For purposes of the original reinsurance agreements, “extra-contractual
obligations” and “losses in excess of policy limits” were defined to
expressly exclude, among other acts, losses incurred by an AmTrust
Ceding
Insurer as a result of its bad faith or fraud or as a result of criminal
acts. Under the Reinsurance Agreement these terms are defined to
include
bad faith and fraud on the part of AII or an AmTrust Ceding Insurer,
but
exclude fraudulent and criminal acts by a director or executive officer
of
AII or of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer and criminal acts by AII or an
AmTrust
Ceding Insurer.
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|
·
|
Ceding
Commissions.
For purposes of the original reinsurance agreements, ceding commissions
included a provision for all assessments. Under the Amendment, assessments
based on losses by the AmTrust Ceding Insurers are not covered by
the
ceding commission payment and Maiden Insurance would be obligated
to
indemnify AII for its proportionate share of such
assessments.
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|
·
|
Security.
Under the original master agreement, Maiden Insurance intended to
secure
its obligations under its reinsurance agreement with the U.S. AmTrust
Ceding Insurers by depositing assets into trust accounts established
for
their benefit. Maiden Insurance and each of the U.S. AmTrust Ceding
Insurers would have entered into a reinsurance trust agreement in
order to
accomplish the foregoing. Under the Amendment, Maiden Insurance has
agreed
to provide appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share
of
AII’s obligations to the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. Maiden Insurance may
provide this collateral in various ways, and it expects to satisfy
its
collateral requirements by lending assets to AII pursuant to a loan
agreement between those parties. AII would in turn deposit these
assets in
Trust Accounts that AII would establish for the benefit of the U.S.
AmTrust Ceding Insurers. AII has agreed to return to Maiden Insurance
any
assets of Maiden Insurance that an AmTrust Ceding Insurer misapplies
or
retains, subject to certain deductions. AmTrust has agreed to guarantee
all of AII’s obligations under the Reinsurance Agreement relating to
security provided for the benefit of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers
(including the foregoing obligation) and the loan agreement. If AII
experiences a change in control and Maiden Insurance chooses not
to
terminate the Reinsurance Agreement, the guarantee is
terminated.
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– |
Payment
default.
Under the original reinsurance agreements, in the event of a payment
default by one party, the other party could terminate the reinsurance
agreements, subject to a five-day cure period. Under the Reinsurance
Agreement, the cure period for a payment default is 30
days.
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|
– |
Change
in control of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer.
Under the original reinsurance agreements, Maiden Insurance would
have
been permitted to terminate the reinsurance agreements, as to an
AmTrust
Ceding Insurer, if an unaffiliated person directly or indirectly
acquired
a majority interest in that AmTrust Ceding Insurer or if AmTrust
no longer
directly or indirectly controlled a majority interest in it. The
reinsurance agreements would have remained in effect as to all AmTrust
Ceding Insurers that did not experience the change in control. Under
the
Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance may terminate the Reinsurance
Agreement in full if AII undergoes a change in control. If an AmTrust
Ceding Insurer undergoes a change in control, Maiden Insurance may
elect
to no longer assume new business reinsured under the Reinsurance
Agreement
written by that AmTrust Ceding Insurer, and the Reinsurance Agreement
will
otherwise remain in effect.
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|
– |
Insolvency
and run-off.
Under the original reinsurance agreements, Maiden Insurance would
have
been entitled to terminate the reinsurance agreements in full if
any
AmTrust Ceding Insurer became insolvent or similarly financially
impaired
or ceased writing new business or experienced a decrease in policyholders’
surplus of 50% or more. Under the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance
is not entitled to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement if the
policyholders’ surplus of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer decreases by 50% or
more. If an AmTrust Ceding Insurer becomes insolvent or similarly
financially impaired or ceases writing new business, Maiden Insurance
may
elect to no longer assume new business reinsured under the Reinsurance
Agreement written by that AmTrust Ceding Insurer, and the Reinsurance
Agreement will otherwise remain in effect. If AII experiences any
of
these events except decrease in policyholder surplus of 50% or more,
Maiden Insurance may terminate the Reinsurance Agreement in
full.
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|
– |
Decrease
in policyholders’ surplus.
Under the original reinsurance agreements, Maiden Insurance would
have
been permitted to terminate the reinsurance agreements in full if
any
AmTrust Ceding Insurer experienced a decrease in policyholders’ surplus of
50% or more. Under the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance is
not
entitled to terminate the Reinsurance Agreement if the policyholders’
surplus of an AmTrust Ceding Insurer decreases by 50% or more. However,
if
the combined shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers
decreases by 50% or more, Maiden Insurance may terminate the Reinsurance
Agreement.
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|
– |
Time to elect to terminate.
Under the original reinsurance agreements, there was no express time
period during which a party was required to elect to terminate the
reinsurance agreements upon the occurrence of a termination event.
Under
the Reinsurance Agreement, the party must exercise the termination
right
within 30 days of its actual knowledge of the triggering event, or
10 days
in the case of a payment default.
|
Potential
Conflicts of Interest with Respect to Future Transactions
Barry
D.
Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board, is the President and Chief Executive Officer
of AmTrust and Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr., our interim Chief Financial Officer,
is
the Chief Financial Officer of AmTrust. In addition, Max G. Caviet, our Chief
Executive Officer, is currently employed by AmTrust (and Mr. Caviet is an
executive of AmTrust) and is expected to continue to serve in his current
position at AmTrust for a transition period which will not extend beyond
December 31, 2007. In addition, Mr. Caviet will continue to own options and
equity in AmTrust. Furthermore, other members of our executive management,
including our Chief Operating Officer, are former managers of AmTrust. Conflicts
of interest could arise with respect to business opportunities that could be
advantageous to AmTrust or its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and us or our
subsidiary, on the other hand. In addition, potential conflicts of interest
may
arise should the interests of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings diverge. See “Risk
Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Our business relationship with AmTrust
and its subsidiaries may present, and make us vulnerable to, difficult conflicts
of interest, related party transactions, business opportunity issues and legal
challenges.” From time to time, we and AmTrust may both be presented with
opportunities to insure, reinsure or acquire the same book of business. Because
of the overlaps between our and AmTrust’s shareholders and management, we and
AmTrust have agreed that in such cases, the opportunities will be referred
to a
committee of independent directors of each company to decide whether that
company wishes to pursue the opportunity.
PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
The
following table sets forth the total number and percentage of our common shares
beneficially owned as of September 14, 2007 (except as otherwise indicated)
by:
|
·
|
each
person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% percent
of
any class of our outstanding voting
shares;
|
|
·
|
each
of our directors and executive officers;
and
|
|
·
|
all
of such directors and executive officers as a
group.
|
This
table does not include stock options since none of the stock options approved
for issuance are exercisable at this time or within 60 days of this prospectus.
Except as otherwise indicated, each person named below has sole investment
and
voting power with respect to the securities shown. Unless otherwise stated,
the
address for all the persons listed below is: c/o Maiden Holdings, Ltd.,
7 Reid Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
|
|
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
|
|
Name
|
|
Number
|
|
Percent
|
|
Barry
D. Zyskind(2)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
(3)
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
Michael
Karfunkel(2)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
(4)
|
|
6.5
|
|
George
Karfunkel(2)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
(5)
|
|
6.5
|
|
Max
G. Caviet
|
|
|
—
|
(7)
|
|
—
|
|
Ronald
E. Pipoly, Jr.
|
|
|
—
|
(8)
|
|
—
|
|
Ben
Turin
|
|
|
—
|
(9)
|
|
—
|
|
Simcha
Lyons
|
|
|
5,000
|
(6)
|
|
*
|
|
Raymond
M. Neff
|
|
|
25,000
|
(6)
|
|
*
|
|
Steven
H. Nigro
|
|
|
—
|
(6)
|
|
—
|
|
All
executive officers and directors as a group (seven
persons)
|
|
|
3,980,000
|
(3)
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
(1) |
Based
on 59,550,000 common shares outstanding. Does not include the grant
at the
closing of the private offering to certain of our non−employee directors
(Messrs. Lyons, Neff and Nigro) of options to purchase 12,000 of
our
common shares, which options will vest on the first anniversary of
the
date of grant. Does not include the grant at the closing of the private
offering of options to purchase (i) 300,000 of our common shares
in the
case of Mr. Caviet, (ii) 50,000 of our common shares in the case
of Mr.
Pipoly and (iii) 75,000 of our common shares in the case of Mr. Turin,
which options will vest 25% on the first anniversary of the date
of grant
and 6.25% each quarter thereafter.
|
(2) |
Together,
Barry D. Zyskind, Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel are our
Founding
Shareholders.
|
(3) |
Includes
1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year warrants
we
issued to Barry Zyskind, in connection with our formation and
capitalization.
|
(4) |
Includes
1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year warrants
we
issued to Michael Karfunkel in connection with our formation and
capitalization.
|
(5) |
Includes
1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year warrants
we
issued to George Karfunkel in connection with our formation and
capitalization.
|
(6) |
Does
not include options to acquire 12,000 common shares granted at the
closing
of the private offering, which options will vest on the first anniversary
of the date of grant.
|
(7) |
Does
not include options to acquire 300,000 common shares granted at the
closing of the private offering, which options will vest 25% on the
first
anniversary of the date of grant and 6.25% each quarter
thereafter.
|
(8) |
Does
not include options to acquire 50,000 common shares granted at the
closing
of the private offering, which options will vest 25% on the first
anniversary of the date of grant and 6.25% each quarter
thereafter.
|
(9) |
Does
not include options to acquire 75,000 common shares granted at the
closing
of the private offering, which options will vest 25% on the first
anniversary of the date of grant and 6.25% each quarter
thereafter.
|
DESCRIPTION
OF SHARE CAPITAL
The
following description of our share capital summarizes select provisions of
our
bye-laws.
General
We
have
an authorized share capital of $1 million divided into 100 million shares of
par
value $0.01 per share. Our issued and outstanding share capital consists of
59,550,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share.
Common
Shares
Holders
of shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.
Subject to the limitation on voting rights described below, holders of shares
are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of holders
of shares. Most matters to be approved by holders of shares require approval
by
a simple majority vote. Under our bye-laws, the holders of at least a majority
of the shares voting in person or by proxy at a meeting must generally approve
an amalgamation with another company. The Companies Act provides that a
resolution to remove our auditor before the expiration of its term of office
must be approved by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of our
shareholders. The quorum for any meeting of our shareholders is two or more
persons holding or representing a majority of the outstanding shares on an
unadjusted basis. Our board of directors has the power to approve our
discontinuation from Bermuda to another jurisdiction. Under our bye-laws, the
rights attached to any class of shares, common or preferred, may be varied
with
the consent in writing of the holders of at least a majority of the issued
shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority
of the votes cast at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares
of
the class.
In
the
event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of shares
are
entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any, remaining after
the
payment of all our debts and liabilities and the liquidation preference of
any
outstanding preferred shares. All outstanding shares are fully paid and
non-assessable. Authorized but unissued shares may, subject to any rights
attaching to existing shares, be issued at any time and at the discretion of
the
board of directors without the approval of our shareholders, with such rights,
preferences and limitations as the board may determine.
Limitation
on Voting Rights
In
general, and except as provided under our bye-laws and as provided below, the
common shareholders have one vote for each common share held by them and are
entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all meetings
of shareholders. However, if, and so long as, the shares of a shareholder
are treated as “controlled shares” (as determined pursuant to sections 957 and
958 of the Code) of any U.S. Person (that owns shares directly or indirectly
through non-U.S. entities) and such controlled shares constitute 9.5% or more
of
the votes conferred by our issued shares, the voting rights with respect to
the
controlled shares owned by such U.S. Person will be limited, in the aggregate,
to a voting power of less than 9.5%, under a formula specified in our
bye-laws. The formula is applied repeatedly until the voting power of all 9.5%
U.S. Shareholders has been reduced to less than 9.5%. In addition, our board
may
limit a shareholder’s voting rights when it deems it appropriate to do so to (i)
avoid the existence of any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder; and (ii) avoid certain
material adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to us, any of our
subsidiaries or any direct or indirect shareholder or its affiliates.
“Controlled shares” include, among other things, all shares that such U.S.
Person is deemed to own directly, indirectly or constructively (within the
meaning of section 958 of the Code). The amount of any reduction of votes that
occurs by operation of the above limitations will generally be reallocated
proportionately amongst other shareholders whose shares were not “controlled
shares” of the 9.5% U.S. Shareholder so long as such reallocation does not cause
any person to become a 9.5% U.S. Shareholder.
Under
these provisions, certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited,
while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of one vote per share.
Moreover, these provisions could have the effect of reducing the votes of
certain shareholders who would not otherwise be subject to the 9.5% limitation
by virtue of their direct share ownership.
We
are
authorized to require any shareholder to provide information as to that
shareholder’s beneficial share ownership, the names of persons having beneficial
ownership of the shareholder’s shares, relationships with other shareholders or
any other facts the directors may deem relevant to a determination of the number
of common shares attributable to any person. If any holder fails to respond
to
this request or submits incomplete or inaccurate information, we may, in our
sole discretion, eliminate the shareholder’s voting rights. Pursuant to our
bye-laws, a shareholder must give notice within ten days of the date the
shareholder acquires actual knowledge that it is the direct or indirect holder
of controlled shares of 9.5% or more of the voting power of all our issued
and
outstanding shares. No shareholder will be liable to any other shareholder
or to
us for any losses or damages resulting from the shareholder’s failure to respond
to, or submission of incomplete or inaccurate information in response to, a
request from us for information as to the shareholder’s beneficial share
ownership or from the shareholder’s failure to give the notice described in the
previous sentence. All information provided by the shareholder will be treated
by us as confidential information and will be used by us solely for the purpose
of establishing whether any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder exists (except as otherwise
required by applicable law or regulation).
If
Maiden
Holdings is required or entitled to vote at an annual or special general meeting
(or to act by unanimous written consent in lieu of a general meeting) of any
directly held non-U.S. subsidiary (including Maiden Insurance), the Maiden
Holdings directors would refer the subject matter of the vote to the Maiden
Holdings shareholders and seek direction from such shareholders as to how the
Maiden Holdings directors should vote on the resolution proposed by the non-U.S.
subsidiary. In such cases, the voting rights of Maiden Holdings’ shareholders
will be subject to the same restriction on voting power as set forth above.
Substantially similar provisions will be contained in the bye-laws (or
equivalent governing documents) of the non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Restrictions
on Transfer, Issuance and Repurchase
Our
directors may decline to register the transfer of any shares if they have reason
to believe that such transfer may expose us or any direct or indirect
shareholder or its affiliates to non-deminimis adverse tax, legal or regulatory
consequences in any jurisdiction. Similarly, we could be restricted from issuing
or repurchasing shares if our directors believe that such issuance or repurchase
may result in a non-deminimis adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequence
to us
or any direct or indirect shareholder or its affiliates.
Our
directors also may, in their absolute discretion, decline to register the
transfer of any shares if they have reason to believe that registration of
the
transfer under the Securities Act or under any U.S. state securities laws or
under the laws of any other jurisdiction is required and such registration
has
not been duly effected. In addition, our directors may decline to approve
or register a transfer of shares unless all applicable consents, authorizations,
permissions or approvals of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda, the
United States or any other applicable jurisdiction required to be obtained
prior
to such transfer shall have been obtained.
We
are
authorized to request information from any holder or prospective acquirer of
shares as necessary to give effect to the transfer, issuance and repurchase
restrictions described above, and may decline to effect any transaction if
complete and accurate information is not received as requested.
Conyers
Dill & Pearman, our Bermuda counsel, has advised us that while the precise
form of the restrictions on transfer contained in our bye-laws is untested,
as a
matter of general principle, restrictions on transfers are enforceable under
Bermuda law and are not uncommon. A proposed transferee will be permitted to
dispose of any shares purchased that violate the restrictions and as to the
transfer of which registration is refused. The proposed transferor of those
shares will be deemed to own those shares for dividend, voting and reporting
purposes until a transfer of such shares has been registered on our
shareholders register.
If
the
directors refuse to register a transfer for any reason, they must notify the
proposed transferor and transferee within 30 days of such refusal. Our bye-laws
also provide that our board of directors may suspend the registration of
transfers for any reason and for such periods as it may determine, provided
that
it may not suspend the registration of transfers for more than 45 days in any
period of 365 consecutive days.
The
voting restrictions and restrictions on transfer described above may have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Maiden
Holdings.
Bye-laws
Our
bye-laws provide for our corporate governance, including the establishment
of
share rights, modification of those rights, issuance of share certificates,
calls on shares which are not fully paid, forfeiture of shares, the transfer
of
shares, alterations of capital, the calling and conduct of general meetings,
proxies, the appointment and removal of directors, conduct and power of
directors, the payment of dividends, the appointment of an auditor and our
winding-up.
Our
bye-laws provide that shareholders may only remove a director for cause prior
to
the expiration of that director’s term at a meeting of shareholders at which a
majority of the holders of shares voting thereon vote in favor of that action.
For a description of our Board of Directors, see “Management —Directors and
Officers of Maiden Holdings.”
Our
bye-laws may only be amended by a resolution adopted by the board of directors
and by resolution of the shareholders.
Transfer
Agent
Our
registrar and transfer agent for the shares is American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company.
Differences
in Corporate Law
The
Companies Act differs in certain material respects from laws generally
applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is
a
summary of certain significant provisions of the Companies Act (including
modifications adopted pursuant to our bye-laws) applicable to us, which differ
in certain respects from provisions of Delaware corporate law, which is the
law that governs many U.S. public companies. The following statements
are summaries, and do not purport to deal with all aspects of Bermuda law
that may be relevant to us and our shareholders.
Duties
of Directors
Under
Bermuda law, at common law, members of a board of directors owe a fiduciary
duty
to the company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of
the
company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office
honestly. This duty has the following essential elements:
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a
duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the
company;
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a
duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise
from the
office of director;
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a
duty to avoid conflicts of interest;
and
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a
duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were
intended.
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The
Companies Act imposes a duty on directors and officers of a Bermuda
company:
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to
act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests
of the
company; and
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to
exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent
person
would exercise in comparable
circumstances.
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In
addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on officers of a company
with
respect to certain matters of management and administration of the
company.
The
Companies Act provides that in any proceedings for negligence, default, breach
of duty or breach of trust against any officer, if it appears to a court that
such officer is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach
of duty or breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably,
and
that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including those
connected with his appointment, he ought fairly to be excused for the
negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, that court may relieve
him, either wholly or partly, from any liability on such terms as the court
may
think fit. This provision has been interpreted to apply only to actions brought
by or on behalf of the company against such officer. Our bye-laws, however,
provide that shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might
have, individually or in the right of Maiden Holdings, against any director
or
officer of us for any act or failure to act in the performance of such
director’s or officer’s duties, except this waiver does not extend to any claims
or rights of action that arise out of fraud or dishonesty on the part of such
director or officer.
Under
Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under
the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors
are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the
corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interests of
its
stockholders.
The
duty
of care requires that directors act in an informed and deliberative manner
and
inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material
information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that
directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate
employees. The duty of loyalty may be summarized as the duty to act in good
faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the director reasonably
believes to be in the best interests of the stockholders.
A
party
challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the burden
of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by
the
“business judgment rule.” If the presumption is not rebutted, the business
judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their
business judgments will not be second-guessed. Where, however, the presumption
is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the entire
fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware
courts subject directors’ conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive
actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control and approval of
a
transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
Dividends
Bermuda
law does not permit payment of dividends or distributions of contributed surplus
by a company if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company,
after the payment is made, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become
due, or that the realizable value of the company’s assets would be less, as a
result of the payment, than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued
share capital and share premium accounts. The excess of the consideration paid
on issue of shares over the aggregate par value of such shares must (except
in
certain limited circumstances) be credited to a share premium account. Share
premium may be distributed in certain limited circumstances, for example to
pay
up unissued shares which may be distributed to shareholders in proportion to
their holdings, but is otherwise subject to limitation. In addition, our ability
to pay dividends is subject to Bermuda insurance laws and regulatory
constraints. See “Dividend Policy” and “Regulation.”
Under
Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the company’s certificate
of incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there
is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend
is
declared and for the preceding fiscal year. Delaware law also provides that
dividends may not be paid out of net profits at any time when capital is less
than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having
a
preference upon the distribution of assets.
Mergers
and Similar Arrangements
The
amalgamation of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation (other
than certain affiliated companies) requires the amalgamation agreement to be
approved by the company’s board of directors and by its shareholders. Under our
bye-laws, we may, with the approval of at least majority of the votes cast
at a
general meeting of our shareholders at which a quorum is present,
amalgamate with another Bermuda company or with a body incorporated outside
Bermuda. In the case of an amalgamation, a shareholder may apply to a Bermuda
court for a proper valuation of such shareholder’s shares if such shareholder is
not satisfied that fair value has been paid for such shares. Under Delaware
law,
with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially
all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors
and
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.
Under Delaware law, a stockholder of a corporation participating in certain
major corporate transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled
to
appraisal rights pursuant to which the stockholder may receive cash in the
amount of the fair value of the shares held by that stockholder (as determined
by a court) in lieu of the consideration that the stockholder would otherwise
receive in the transaction. Delaware law does not provide stockholders of a
corporation with voting or appraisal rights when the corporation acquires
another business through the issuance of its stock or other consideration
(1) in exchange for the assets of the business to be acquired; (2) in
exchange for the outstanding stock of the corporation to be acquired;
(3) in a merger of the corporation to be acquired with a subsidiary of the
acquiring corporation; or (4) in a merger in which the corporation’s
certificate of incorporation is not amended and the corporation issues less
than
20% of its common stock outstanding prior to the merger.
Takeovers
Bermuda
law provides that where an offer is made for shares of another company and,
within four months of the offer, the holders of not less than 90% of the shares
which are the subject of the offer (other than shares held by or for the offeror
or its subsidiaries) accept, the offeror may by notice require the nontendering
shareholders to transfer their shares on the terms of the offer. Dissenting
shareholders may apply to the court within one month of the notice objecting
to
the transfer. The test is one of fairness to the body of the shareholders and
not to individuals and the burden is on the dissenting shareholder to prove
unfairness, not merely that the scheme is open to criticism. Delaware law
provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors
and
without any shareholder vote, may merge with any subsidiary of which it owns
at
least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock that is entitled
to
vote on the transaction. Upon any such merger, dissenting stockholders of the
subsidiary would have appraisal rights.
Interested
Directors
Bermuda
law provides that if a director has a personal interest in a transaction to
which the company is also a party and if the director discloses the nature
of this personal interest at the first opportunity, either at a meeting of
directors or in writing to the directors, then the company will not be able
to
declare the transaction void solely due to the existence of that personal
interest and the director will not be liable to the company for any profit
realized from the transaction. In addition, Bermuda law and our bye-laws provide
that, after a director has made the declaration of interest referred to above,
he is allowed to be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present and to vote on a transaction in which he has an interest, unless
disqualified from doing so by the chairman of the relevant board meeting. Under
Delaware law such transaction would not be voidable if (1) the material
facts as to such interested director’s relationship or interests are disclosed
to or are known by the board of directors and the board in good faith
authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
disinterested directors, (2) such material facts are disclosed to or are
known by the stockholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the
transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the majority
of
shares entitled to vote thereon or (3) the transaction is fair as to the
corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under
Delaware law, such interested director could be held liable for a transaction
in
which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
Shareholder’s
Suit
The
rights of shareholders under Bermuda law are not as extensive as the rights
of
shareholders under legislation or judicial precedent in many U.S. jurisdictions.
Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders
under the laws of Bermuda. However, the Bermuda courts ordinarily would be
expected to follow English case law precedent, which would permit a shareholder
to commence an action in our name to remedy a wrong done to us where the act
complained of is alleged to be beyond our corporate power or is illegal or
would
result in the violation of our memorandum of association or bye-laws.
Furthermore, consideration would be given by the court to acts that are
alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or where an
act
requires the approval of a greater percentage of shareholders than actually
approved it. The winning party in such an action generally would be able to
recover a portion of attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such action.
Our bye-laws provide that shareholders waive all claims or rights of action
that
they might have, individually or in the right of Maiden Holdings, against any
of
our directors or officers for any act or failure to act in the performance
of
such director’s or officer’s duties, except with respect to any fraud or
dishonesty of such director or officer. Class actions and derivative actions
generally are available to stockholders under Delaware law for, among other
things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in
accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court has discretion to
permit the winning party to recover attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with
such action.
Indemnification
of Directors
Our
bye-laws indemnify our directors and officers in their capacity as such in
respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to them by virtue of any
rule
of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust
of which a director or officer may be guilty in relation to us other than in
respect of his own fraud or dishonesty, which is the maximum extent of
indemnification permitted under the Companies Act. Under Delaware law, a
corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against
expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred in defense of an action, suit or
proceeding by reason of such position if (1) the director or officer acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to
the best interests of the corporation and (2) with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, if the director or officer had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. Under our bye-laws, each of our shareholders
agrees to waive any claim or right of action, other than those involving fraud
or dishonesty, against us or any of our officers or directors.
Inspection
of Corporate Records
Members
of the general public have the right to inspect our public documents available
at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, which includes our
memorandum of association (including our objects and powers) and alterations
to
our memorandum of association, including any increase or reduction of our
authorized capital. Our shareholders have the additional right to inspect our
bye-laws, minutes of general meetings and our audited financial statements,
which must be presented to the annual general meeting of shareholders. Our
register of shareholders is also open to inspection by shareholders and to
members of the public without charge. We are required to maintain a share
register in Bermuda but may establish a branch register outside Bermuda. We
are
required to keep at our registered office a register of our directors and
officers which is open for inspection by members of the public without charge.
Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to
inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. Delaware law permits
any stockholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporation’s stockholder list
and its other books and records for any purpose reasonably related to such
person’s interest as a stockholder.
Enforcement
of Judgments and Other Matters
We
have
been advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman, our Bermuda counsel, that there is
doubt as to whether the courts of Bermuda would enforce (1) judgments of
United States courts obtained in actions against us or our directors and
officers who may reside outside the United States, as well as the experts named
in this prospectus who reside outside the United States, predicated upon the
civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws and
(2) original actions brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and
officers, as well as the experts named in this prospectus who reside outside
the
United States predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. There is
no
treaty in effect between the United States and Bermuda providing for such
enforcement, and there are grounds upon which Bermuda courts may not enforce
judgments of U.S. courts. Certain remedies available under the laws of U.S.
jurisdictions, including certain remedies available under the U.S. federal
securities laws, would not be allowed in Bermuda courts as contrary to Bermuda’s
public policy.
Registration
Rights
Purchasers
in the Private Offering
The
purchasers of common shares in the private offering are entitled to the benefits
of a registration rights agreement we have entered into with Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey & Co., Inc., which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part. Pursuant to the registration
rights agreement, we have agreed, at our expense, to file with the SEC no later
than 90 days following the closing of the private offering a shelf registration
statement registering for resale the common shares sold therein, and any
additional common shares issued in respect thereof whether by share dividend,
split or otherwise. The registration statement of which this prospectus is
a
part is being filed in accordance with our obligations under this registration
rights agreement, and constitutes such a shelf registration
statement.
We
are
required to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the shelf
registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act as soon
as
practicable after the filing and to continuously maintain the effectiveness
of
the shelf registration statement under the Securities Act until the first to
occur of:
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the
sale of all of the common shares in accordance with the intended
distribution pursuant to the shelf registration statement or pursuant
to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act;
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the
shares covered by the shelf registration statement are no longer
outstanding; or
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the
second anniversary of the initial effective date of the shelf registration
statement.
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If
we
choose to file a registration statement for an initial public offering of our
common shares, all holders of our common shares purchased in this offering
and
each of their respective direct and indirect transferees may elect to
participate in the registration in order to resell their shares, subject
to:
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compliance
with the registration rights
agreement;
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cutback
rights on the part of the underwriters;
and
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other
conditions and limitations that may be imposed by the
underwriters.
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Upon
an
initial public offering by us, the holders of our common shares that are
beneficiaries of the registration rights agreement will not be able to sell,
grant any option or otherwise transfer any remaining shares not included in
the
initial public offering for a period of 60 days following the effective date
of
the registration statement filed in connection with the initial public
offering.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, we will be permitted, under limited circumstances, to suspend
the
use, from time to time, of the prospectus that is part of a shelf registration
statement (and therefore suspend sales under the registration statement) for
certain periods, referred to as “blackout periods,” if, among other things, any
of the following occurs:
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the
representative of the underwriters of an underwritten offering of
primary
shares by us has advised us that the sale of our common shares under
the
shelf registration statement would have a material adverse effect
on such
primary offering;
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the
majority of the independent members of our board of directors, in
good
faith, determines that (1) the offer or sale of any common shares
would materially impede, delay or interfere with any proposed financing,
offer or sale of securities, acquisition, amalgamation, merger, tender
offer, business combination, corporate reorganization or other significant
transaction involving us; or (2) after the advice of counsel, the
sale of the shares covered by the shelf registration statement would
require disclosure of non-public material information not otherwise
required to be disclosed under applicable law; and (3) (a) we have a
bona fide business purpose for preserving the confidentiality of
the
proposed transaction, (b) disclosure would have a material
adverse effect on us or our ability to consummate the proposed transaction
or (c) the proposed transaction renders us unable to comply with
requirements of the SEC; or
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the
majority of the independent members of our board of directors, in
good
faith, after advice of counsel, determines that we are required by
law,
rule or regulation, or that it is in our best interests to supplement
the
shelf registration statement or file a post-effective amendment to
the
shelf registration statement in order to incorporate information
into the
shelf registration statement for the purpose of (1) including in
the shelf registration statement any prospectus required under
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; (2) reflecting in the
prospectus included in the shelf registration statement any facts
or
events arising after the effective date of the shelf registration
statement (or of the most recent post-effective amendment) that,
individually or in the aggregate, represents a fundamental change
in the
information set forth therein; or (3) including in the prospectus
included in the shelf registration statement any material information
with
respect to the plan of distribution not disclosed in the shelf
registration statement or any material change to such
information.
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The
cumulative blackout periods may not exceed an aggregate of 90 days in any
rolling twelve-month period commencing on the closing of this offering or 60
days in any rolling 90-day period.
We
cannot, without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding registrable shares, enter into any agreement with current or
prospective holders that would allow them to (i) include their shares in
any registration statement filed pursuant to the registration rights agreement,
unless such holders reduce the amount of their shares to be included if
necessary to allow the inclusion of all of the shares of the holders under
the
registration rights agreement or (ii) have their common shares registered
on a registration statement that could be declared effective prior to or within
180 days of the effective date of any registration statement filed pursuant
to
the registration rights agreement.
A
holder
that sells our common shares pursuant to a shelf registration statement or
as a
selling shareholder pursuant to an underwritten public offering generally will
be required to be named as a selling shareholder in the related prospectus
and
to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil
liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales
and
will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement that are
applicable to such holder (including certain indemnification rights and
obligations). In addition, each holder of our common shares will be required
to
deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf registration
statement within a twenty business-day period following receipt of notice from
us in order to have such holder’s common shares included in the shelf
registration statement.
Each
common share certificate may contain a legend to the effect that the holder
thereof, by its acceptance thereof, will be deemed to have agreed to be bound
by
the provisions of the registration rights agreement. In that regard, each holder
will be deemed to have agreed that, upon receipt of notice of the occurrence
of
any event which makes a statement in the prospectus which is part of the shelf
registration statement untrue in any material respect or which requires the
making of any changes in such prospectus in order to make the statements therein
not misleading, or of certain other events specified in the registration rights
agreement, such holder will suspend the sale of our common shares pursuant
to
such prospectus until we have amended or supplemented such prospectus to correct
such misstatement or omission and have furnished copies of such amended or
supplemented prospectus to such holder or we have given notice that the sale
of
the common shares may be resumed.
In
connection with our filing of a registration statement, we have agreed to use
our commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the criteria for listing and
list
or include (if we meet the criteria for listing on such exchange or market)
our
common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange
(including seeking to cure in our listing application any deficiencies
cited by the exchange or market). Application will be made to have our common
shares approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock
Exchange.
We
have
agreed to bear certain expenses incident to our registration obligations upon
exercise of these registration rights, including the payment of U.S. federal
securities law and state blue sky registration fees, except that we will not
bear any underwriting discounts or commissions relating to the sale of common
shares. We have agreed to indemnify each selling shareholder for certain
violations of U.S. federal or state securities laws in connection with any
registration statement in which such selling shareholder sells its common shares
pursuant to these registration rights. Each selling shareholder will in turn
agree to indemnify us for U.S. federal or state securities law violations that
occur in reliance upon written information it provides for us in the
registration statement.
We
will
also provide each holder of registrable shares with copies of the prospectus
that is a part of the registration statement, notify such holder when the
registration statement has become effective and take certain other actions
as are required to permit unrestricted resales.
Generally,
you can satisfy the prospectus delivery requirement by disclosing to a selling
broker the existence of the requirement to sell the shares in accordance
with the resale registration statement covering the shares and making
arrangements with such broker to deliver a current prospectus in connection
with
any such sale. Upon receipt of a written request therefor, we will provide
a
reasonable number of current prospectuses to each investor.
The
preceding summary of certain provisions of the registration rights agreement
is
not intended to be complete, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety
by
reference to, all of the provisions of the registration rights agreement, and
you should read this summary together with the complete text of the registration
rights agreement.
Our
Founding Shareholders’ Registration Rights
We
also
entered into a registration rights agreement with our Founding Shareholders,
pursuant to which we have agreed to register the 7,800,000 common shares they
have purchased from us together with the 4,050,000 of our common shares issuable
upon the exercise of the warrants we granted to our Founding Shareholders in
connection with our formation and capitalization. These 7,800,000 shares are
being registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part. Our Founding Shareholders’ registration rights include, subject to
certain limitations, the right to participate in future registered offerings
of
our common shares and the right to request on not more than two occasions that
we register a portion or all of their shares. We agreed to bear certain expenses
incident to our registration obligations upon exercise of our Founding
Shareholders’ registration rights, including the payment of U.S. federal
securities law and state blue sky registration fees, except that we will not
bear any underwriting discounts or commissions relating to the sale of our
common shares. We agreed to indemnify our Founding Shareholders for certain
violations of U.S. federal or state securities laws in connection with any
registration statement in which our Founding Shareholders sell their common
shares pursuant to these registration rights.
Lock-Up
Arrangements
We
have
agreed that for a period beginning on June 26, 2007 and continuing for
180 days thereafter, without the prior written consent of Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., we will not:
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offer,
pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right
or
warrant for the sale of lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer,
directly
or indirectly, any of our equity securities or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for our equity securities (other
than
our common shares, or securities convertible into or exercisable
or
exchangeable for our common shares, that are issued under our 2007
Share Incentive Plan), except that we may conduct an initial public
offering of our common shares; or
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enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in
part,
directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership
of
any of our equity securities, whether any such transaction described
above
is to be settled by delivery of our common shares or such other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
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For
a
period beginning on June 26, 2007 and continuing until 180 days after the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part becomes effective,
all
of our directors, executive officers and Founding Shareholders have agreed
that
they will not, without the prior written consent of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey
& Co., Inc.:
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offer,
pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right
or
warrant for the sale of, lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer,
directly or indirectly, any of our equity securities or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our equity securities,
or
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enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in
part,
directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership
of
any of our equity securities, whether any such transaction described
above
is to be settled by delivery of our common shares or such other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
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The
restricted period described in the immediately preceding paragraph is subject
to
extension such that, in the event that either (1) during the last 17 days of
the
restricted period we issue an earnings release or material news or
a material event relating to us occurs, or (2) prior to the expiration of
the restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during
the 16-day period following the last day of the restricted period, the ‘lock-up’
restrictions described above will continue to apply until the expiration of
the
18-day period beginning on the date of the issuance of the earnings release
or the occurrence of the material news or material event, unless Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. waives such extension in writing.
Subject
to applicable securities laws, our directors, executive officers and Founding
Shareholders may transfer their common shares in our company: (i) as a bona
fide
gift or gifts, provided that the donees agree to be bound by the same
restrictions; (ii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the
shareholder or the immediate family of the shareholder, provided that the
trustee agrees to be bound by the same restrictions; (iii) as a distribution
to
its shareholders, partners or members, provided that such shareholders, partners
or members agree to be bound by the same restrictions; (iv) as required under
any of our benefit plans or our bye-laws; (v) as collateral for any loan,
provided that the lender agrees to be bound by the same restrictions; (vi)
with
respect to sales of securities acquired in the open market; or (vii) to an
executor or heir in the event of the death of the shareholder, provided that
the
executor or heir agrees to be bound by the same restrictions. In addition,
the
restrictions described above do not apply to the exercise of any options or
other convertible securities granted under any of our benefit
plans.
In
addition, upon an initial public offering by us, our directors, executive
officers and Founding Shareholders generally will not be able to sell our common
shares for a period of 90 days following the effective date of the registration
statement with respect to the initial public offering. See “Description of Share
Capital — Registration Rights.”
In
addition, upon an initial public offering by us, the holders of our common
shares that are beneficiaries of the registration rights agreement and not
our
employees or affiliates will not be able to sell our common shares for a period
of 60 days following the effective date of the registration statement with
respect to the initial public offering.
MATERIAL
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The
following summary of our taxation and the taxation of our shareholders is based
upon current law and is for general information only. Legislative, judicial
or
administrative changes may be forthcoming that could affect this
summary.
The
following legal discussion (including and subject to the matters and
qualifications set forth in such summary) of the material tax considerations
under (i) “Taxation of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance — Bermuda” and
“Taxation of Shareholders — Bermuda Taxation” is based upon the advice of
Conyers Dill & Pearman, our Bermuda counsel, (ii) “Taxation of Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance — United States” and “Taxation of Shareholders —
United States Taxation” is based upon the advice of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene &
MacRae LLP, New York, New York, and (iii) “Taxation of Maiden Holdings and
Maiden Insurance — United Kingdom” is based upon the advice of LeBoeuf, Lamb,
Greene & MacRae, London, United Kingdom. The advice of such firms does not
include any factual or accounting matters, determinations or conclusions
including amounts and computations of RPII and amounts or components thereof
or
facts relating to our business or activities and is premised on the accuracy
of
the assumptions contained herein and the factual statements and representations
made to such firms. The discussion is based upon current law. Legislative,
judicial or administrative changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that
could be retroactive and could affect the tax consequences to us or holders
of
our shares. The tax treatment of a holder of our shares, or of a person treated
as a holder of our shares for U.S. federal income, state, local or non-U.S.
tax
purposes, may vary depending on the holder’s particular tax situation.
Statements contained herein as to the beliefs, expectations and conditions
of
Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance as to the application of such tax laws
or
facts represent the view of management as to the application of such laws and
do
not represent the opinions of counsel.
PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING THE SHARES.
Taxation
of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance
Bermuda
Under
current Bermuda law, there is no income, corporate or profits tax or withholding
tax, capital gains tax or capital transfer tax, estate or inheritance tax
payable by us or our shareholders, other than shareholders ordinarily resident
in Bermuda, if any. Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance will each apply for
and
expect to receive from the Minister of Finance under The Exempted Undertaking
Tax Protection Act 1966, as amended, an assurance that, in the event that
Bermuda enacts legislation imposing tax computed on profits, income, any capital
asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or
inheritance, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to
Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance or to any of their operations or their
shares, debentures or other obligations, until March 28, 2016. Maiden Holdings
and Maiden Insurance could be subject to taxes in Bermuda after that date.
This
assurance is subject to the proviso that it is not to be construed so as to
prevent the application of any tax or duty to such persons as are ordinarily
resident in Bermuda or to prevent the application of any tax payable in
accordance with the provisions of the Land Tax Act 1967 or otherwise payable
in
relation to any property leased to Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance. Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance will each pay annual Bermuda government fees,
and
Maiden Insurance will pay annual insurance license fees. In addition, all
entities employing individuals in Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax
and
there are other sundry taxes payable, directly or indirectly, to the Bermuda
government.
United
States
The
following discussion is a summary of material U.S. tax considerations relating
to our operations. A non-U.S. corporation that is engaged in the conduct of
a
U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described
below, unless entitled to the benefits of an applicable tax treaty. Whether
business is being conducted in the United States is an inherently factual
determination. However, (i) because there is considerable uncertainty as to
activities which constitute being engaged in a trade or business within the
United States, (ii) a significant portion of Maiden Insurance’s business
will be reinsurance of AmTrust’s insurance subsidiaries and Maiden Insurance may
not be able to expand its reinsurance business beyond its agreement with
AmTrust, (iii) our Chairman of the Board is AmTrust’s President and Chief
Executive Officer, and certain of our executive officers are also executive
officers of AmTrust, including (a) our interim Chief Financial Officer is
AmTrust’s Chief Financial Officer and is expected to continue to serve as an
executive of AmTrust on a permanent basis, and (b) our Chief Executive Officer
is currently an executive officer of AmTrust and is expected to continue to
serve as an executive officer of AmTrust on a transitional basis, (iv) we will
have an asset management agreement with a subsidiary of AmTrust and may also
have additional contractual relationships with AmTrust in the future (see
“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”), and (v) the activities
conducted outside the United States related to Maiden Insurance’s start-up were
limited, we cannot be certain that the IRS will not contend successfully that
we
are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. A non-U.S. corporation deemed
to
be so engaged would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate
rates, as well as the branch profits tax, on its income which is treated as
effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business unless the
corporation is entitled to relief under the permanent establishment provision
of
an applicable tax treaty, as discussed below. Such income tax, if imposed,
would
be based on effectively connected income computed in a manner generally
analogous to that applied to the income of a U.S. corporation, except that
a non-U.S. corporation is generally entitled to deductions and credits only
if
it files a U.S. federal income tax return. Maiden Insurance intends to file
protective U.S. federal income tax returns. The highest marginal federal income
tax rates currently are 35% for a corporation’s effectively connected income and
30% for the additional “branch profits” tax.
If
Maiden
Insurance is entitled to benefits under the income tax treaty between the United
States and Bermuda, which we refer to as the Bermuda Treaty, Maiden Insurance
would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any income found to be
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business unless that trade or
business is conducted through a permanent establishment in the United States.
No
regulations interpreting the Bermuda Treaty have been issued. Maiden Insurance
currently intends to conduct its activities so that it does not have a permanent
establishment in the United States, although we cannot be certain that we will
achieve this result.
An
insurance enterprise resident in Bermuda generally will be entitled to the
benefits of the Bermuda Treaty if (i) more than 50% of its shares are
owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by individual residents of the
United States or Bermuda or U.S. citizens and (ii) its income is not used
in substantial part, directly or indirectly, to make disproportionate
distributions to, or to meet certain liabilities of, persons who are neither
residents of either the United States or Bermuda nor U.S. citizens. We cannot
be
certain that Maiden Insurance will be eligible for Bermuda Treaty benefits
immediately following this offering or in the future because of factual and
legal uncertainties regarding the residency and citizenship of Maiden Holdings’
shareholders. Maiden Holdings would not be eligible for treaty benefits because
it is not an insurance company. Accordingly, Maiden Holdings and Maiden
Insurance have conducted and intend to conduct substantially all of their
operations outside the United States and to limit their U.S. contacts, other
than as noted above, so that Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance can mitigate
the risk that they would be treated as engaged in the conduct of a trade or
business in the United States.
Non-U.S.
insurance companies carrying on an insurance business within the United States
have a certain minimum amount of effectively connected net investment income,
determined in accordance with a formula that depends, in part, on the amount
of
U.S. risk insured or reinsured by such companies. If Maiden Insurance is
considered to be engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United
States and it is not entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general
(because it fails to satisfy one of the limitations on treaty benefits discussed
above), the Code could subject a significant portion of Maiden Insurance’s
investment income to U.S. federal income tax. In addition, while the
Bermuda Treaty clearly applies to premium income, it is uncertain whether the
Bermuda Treaty applies to other income such as investment income. If Maiden
Insurance is considered engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in
the
United States and is entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general,
but the Bermuda Treaty is interpreted to not apply to investment income, a
significant portion of Maiden Insurance’s investment income could be subject to
U.S. federal income tax.
Non-U.S.
corporations not engaged in a trade or business in the United States are
nonetheless subject to a U.S. income tax imposed by withholding on certain
“fixed or determinable annual or periodic gains, profits and income” derived
from sources within the United States (such as dividends and certain interest
on
investments), subject to exemption under the Code or reduction by applicable
treaties. The Bermuda Treaty does not reduce the U.S. federal withholding rate
on U.S.-sourced investment income.
The
United States also imposes an excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premiums
paid to non-U.S. insurers or reinsurers (i) with respect to risks of a U.S.
entity or individual located wholly or partly within the United States and
(ii)
with respect to risks of a non-U.S. entity or individual engaged in a trade
or
business in the United States which are located within the United States. The
rates of tax applicable to premiums paid to Maiden Insurance are 4% for direct
casualty insurance premiums and 1% for reinsurance premiums.
With
respect to related party cross border reinsurance, section 845 of the Code
allows the IRS to allocate income, deductions, assets, reserves, credits and
any
other items related to a reinsurance agreement among certain related parties
to
the reinsurance agreement, or in circumstances where one party is an agent
of
the other, recharacterize such items, or make any other adjustment, in order
to
reflect the proper source, character or amount of the items for each party.
In addition, if a reinsurance contract has a significant tax avoidance effect
on
any party to the contract, the IRS may make adjustments with respect to such
party to eliminate the tax avoidance effect. No regulations have been
issued under section 845 of the Code. Accordingly, the application of such
provisions to us is uncertain and we cannot predict what impact, if any,
such provisions may have on us.
United
Kingdom
A
company
which is resident in the UK for UK corporation tax purposes is subject to UK
corporation tax in respect of its worldwide income and gains. Neither Maiden
Holdings nor Maiden Insurance is incorporated in the UK. Nevertheless, Maiden
Holdings or Maiden Insurance would be treated as being resident in the UK for
UK
corporation tax purposes if its central management and control were exercised
in
the UK. The concept of central management and control is indicative of the
highest level of control of a company’s affairs, which is wholly a question of
fact. The directors and officers of both Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance
intend to manage their affairs so that both companies are resident in Bermuda,
and not resident in the UK, for UK tax purposes. However, Her Majesty’s Revenue
& Customs could challenge our tax residence status.
A
company
which is not resident in the UK for UK corporation tax purposes can nevertheless
be subject to UK corporation tax at the rate of 30% if it carries on a trade
in
the UK through a permanent establishment in the UK, but the charge to UK
corporation tax is limited to profits (including income profits and chargeable
gains) attributable directly or indirectly to such permanent
establishment.
The
directors and officers of Maiden Insurance intend to operate the business of
Maiden Insurance in such a manner that it does not carry on a trade in the
UK
through a permanent establishment in the UK. Nevertheless, Her Majesty’s Revenue
& Customs might contend successfully that Maiden Insurance is trading in the
UK through a permanent establishment in the UK because:
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there
is considerable uncertainty as to the activities which constitute
carrying
on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment in the
UK;
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a
portion of Maiden Insurance’s business will be reinsurance of AmTrust’s UK
insurance subsidiary;
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our
President and Chief Executive
Officer:
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is
expected to continue to serve as Managing Director of AmTrust
International Underwriters Limited, which has substantial operations
in
the UK, for a transitional period;
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is
expected to continue to be professionally based and personally tax
resident in the UK during a transition period (which will not extend
past
December 31, 2007), traveling to Bermuda as
needed;
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is
expected, thereafter, to split his time between the UK and Bermuda;
and
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has
extensive relationships in the London reinsurance markets, which
he
intends to exploit for the benefit of Maiden Insurance;
and
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the
nature of the business of Maiden Insurance is not expected to require
more
than a relatively small underwriting team in
Bermuda.
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The
UK
has no income tax treaty with Bermuda. Companies that are neither resident
in
the UK nor entitled to the protection afforded by a double tax treaty between
the UK and the jurisdiction in which they are resident are liable to income
tax
in the UK, at the basic rate of 22%, on the profits of a trade carried on in
the
UK, where that trade is not carried on through a permanent establishment in
the
UK. The directors and officers of Maiden Insurance intend to operate the
business in such a manner that Maiden Insurance will not fall within the charge
to income tax in the UK (other than by way of deduction or withholding) in
this
respect.
If
either
Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance were treated as being resident in the UK
for
UK corporation tax purposes, or if Maiden Insurance were treated as carrying
on
a trade in the UK, whether through a permanent establishment or otherwise,
the
results of the Group’s operations would be materially adversely
affected.
Taxation
of Shareholders
Bermuda
Taxation
Currently,
there is no Bermuda income, corporate or profits tax or withholding tax, capital
gains tax or capital transfer tax, estate or inheritance tax or other tax
payable by holders of our shares, other than shareholders ordinarily resident
in
Bermuda, if any.
United
States Taxation
The
following summary sets forth the material U.S. federal income tax considerations
related to the ownership and disposition of our shares. Unless otherwise stated,
this summary deals only with shareholders that are U.S. Persons (as defined
below) who acquire our shares through this offering, who do not own (directly,
indirectly through non-U.S. entities or “constructively”) shares of Maiden
Holdings or Maiden Insurance prior to this offering and who hold their shares
as
capital assets within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. The following
discussion is only a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax matters
as described herein and does not purport to address all of the U.S. federal
income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular shareholder in
light of such shareholder’s specific circumstances. In addition, except as
disclosed below, the following summary does not address the U.S. federal income
tax consequences that may be relevant to special classes of shareholders, such
as financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies,
real estate investment trusts, dealers or traders in securities, tax exempt
organizations, expatriates, investors in pass-through entities, persons who
are
considered with respect to any of us as “United States shareholders” for
purposes of the CFC rules of the Code (generally, a U.S. Person, as defined
below, who owns, directly, indirectly through foreign entities or
constructively, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes
of
Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance shares entitled to vote (a “10% U.S.
Shareholder”)), or persons who hold their shares as part of a hedging or
conversion transaction or as part of a short-sale or straddle, who may be
subject to special rules or treatment under the Code. This discussion is based
upon the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and any relevant
administrative rulings or pronouncements or judicial decisions, all as in effect
on the date hereof and as currently interpreted, and does not take into account
possible changes in such tax laws or interpretations thereof, which may apply
retroactively. This discussion does not include any description of the tax
laws
of any state or local governments within the United States or of any non-U.S.
government and does not discuss the effect of the alternative minimum tax.
Persons considering making an investment in our shares should consult their
own
tax advisors concerning the application of the U.S. federal tax laws to their
particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws
of
any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction prior to making such
investment.
If
a
partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) holds our shares, the tax treatment of the partners will
generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our shares, you
should consult your tax advisor.
For
purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Person” means: (i) an individual
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a partnership or corporation
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or under the
laws of any State thereof (including the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate
the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of
its
source, (iv) a trust if either (x) a court within the United States is able
to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one
or
more U.S. Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
such trust or (y) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as
a
U.S. Person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (v) any other person or
entity that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if it were one
of
the foregoing.
Taxation
of Distributions.
Subject
to the discussions below relating to the potential application of the CFC,
RPII
and PFIC rules, cash distributions made with respect to our shares will
constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid
out
of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Maiden Holdings (as computed
using U.S. tax principles). To the extent such distributions exceed Maiden
Holdings’ earnings and profits, they will be treated first as a return of the
shareholder’s basis in their shares to the extent thereof, and then as gain from
the sale of a capital asset. Dividends paid by us to corporate holders will
not
be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. If we successfully list our
common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange, we
believe dividends paid by us on our common shares before 2011 to non-corporate
holders will be eligible for reduced rates of tax up to a maximum of 15% as
qualified dividend income, provided that we are not a PFIC and certain other
requirements, including stock holding period requirements, are
satisfied.
Classification
of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance as CFCs.
Each 10%
U.S. Shareholder of a non-U.S. corporation that is a CFC for an uninterrupted
period of 30 days or more during a taxable year, and who owns shares in the
CFC,
directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities, on the last day of the CFC’s
taxable year, must include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes its pro rata share of the CFC’s “subpart F income,” even if the subpart
F income is not distributed. “Subpart F income” of a non-U.S. insurance
corporation typically includes foreign personal holding company income (such
as
interest, dividends and other types of passive income), as well as insurance
and
reinsurance income (including underwriting and investment income). A non-U.S.
corporation is considered a CFC if 10% U.S. Shareholders own (directly,
indirectly through non-U.S. entities or by attribution by application of the
constructive ownership rules of section 958(b) of the Code (that is,
“constructively”)) more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all
classes of voting stock of such non-U.S. corporation, or more than 50% of the
total value of all stock of such corporation on any day of the taxable year
of
such corporation, which we refer to as the 50% CFC Test. For purposes of taking
into account insurance income, a CFC also includes a non-U.S. insurance company
in which more than 25% of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock or more than 25% of the total value of all stock is owned (directly,
indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively) by 10% U.S. Shareholders
on any day of the taxable year of such corporation, which we refer to as the
25%
CFC Test, if the gross amount of premiums or other consideration for the
reinsurance or the issuing of insurance or annuity contracts (other than certain
insurance or reinsurance related to same country risks written by certain
insurance companies not applicable here) exceeds 75% of the gross amount of
all
premiums or other consideration in respect of all risks. Moreover, Maiden
Insurance may be characterized as a CFC even if, based on the nominal voting
power attributable to its shares, it avoids CFC characterization under the
50%
CFC Test in the case of Maiden Holdings and the 25% CFC Test in the case of
Maiden Insurance if, based on the facts and circumstances, U.S. Persons who
are
not 10% U.S. Shareholders based on the nominal voting power attributable to
the
shares of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance owned by such U.S. Persons
exercise control over Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance disproportionate
to
their nominal voting power in such a manner that Maiden Holdings or Maiden
Insurance should be considered a CFC under the 50% CFC Test or 25% CFC Test,
as
applicable.
Because
George Karfunkel, Michael Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind owned all of the shares
of
Maiden Holdings prior to July 3, 2007, Maiden Holdings was a CFC during the
period of 2007 prior to July 3, 2007. Following the offering, Barry Zyskind
may
be treated as a 10% U.S. Shareholder of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Insurance
as
a result of his seat on the board of Maiden Holdings. We believe, subject to
the
discussion below, that after the closing of this offering, because of the
anticipated dispersion of our share ownership, provisions in our organizational
documents that limit voting power (these provisions are described in
“Description of Share Capital”) and other factors, no U.S. Person who acquires
our shares in this offering directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities
and
that did not own (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities, or
“constructively”) shares of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance prior to this
offering should be treated as owning (directly, indirectly through non-U.S.
entities or “constructively”) 10% or more of the total voting power of all
classes of shares of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance. However, the IRS
could
challenge the effectiveness of the provisions in our organizational documents
and a court could sustain such a challenge. Accordingly, no assurance can be
given that a U.S. Person who owns our shares other than Barry Zyskind will
not
be characterized as a 10% U.S. Shareholder.
The
RPII CFC Provisions.
The
following discussion generally is applicable only if either the 20% Gross Income
Exception (as defined below) or the 20% Ownership Exception (as defined below)
is not met. The following discussion generally would not apply for any tax
year
in which Maiden Insurance meets the 20% Gross Income Exception or the 20%
Ownership Exception. Although we cannot be certain, we believe that Maiden
Insurance should meet either the 20% Ownership Exception or the 20% Gross Income
Exception for each tax year for the foreseeable future.
RPII
is
any insurance income (as defined below) attributable to policies of insurance
or
reinsurance with respect to which the person (directly or indirectly) insured
is
a RPII shareholder (as defined below) or a related person (as defined
below) to such RPII shareholder. In general, and subject to certain limitations,
“insurance income” is income (including premium and investment income)
attributable to the issuing of any insurance or reinsurance contract which
would
be taxed under the portions of the Code relating to insurance companies if
the
income were the income of a domestic insurance company. The term “RPII
shareholder” means any U.S. Person who owns (directly or indirectly through
non-U.S. entities) any amount of Maiden Holdings’ or Maiden Insurance’s shares.
Generally, the term “related person” for this purpose means someone who controls
or is controlled by the RPII shareholder or someone who is controlled by the
same person or persons which control the RPII shareholder. Control is measured
by either more than 50% in value or more than 50% in voting power of stock
applying certain constructive ownership principles. A corporation’s pension plan
is ordinarily not a related person with respect to the corporation unless the
pension plan owns, directly or indirectly through the application of certain
constructive ownership rules, more than 50%, measured by vote or value, of
the
stock of the corporation. Maiden Insurance will be treated as a CFC under the
RPII provisions if RPII shareholders are treated as owning (directly, indirectly
through non-U.S. entities or constructively) 25% or more of the shares of Maiden
Insurance by vote or value.
RPII
Exceptions.
The
special RPII rules do not apply to Maiden Insurance if (i) direct and indirect
insureds and persons related to such insureds, whether or not U.S. Persons,
are
treated as owning (directly or indirectly through entities) less than 20% of
the
voting power and less than 20% of the value of the shares of Maiden Insurance,
which we refer to as the 20% Ownership Exception, (ii) RPII, determined on
a
gross basis, is less than 20% of the gross insurance income of Maiden Insurance
for the taxable year, which we refer to as the 20% Gross Income Exception,
(iii)
Maiden Insurance elects to be taxed on its RPII as if the RPII were effectively
connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business and to waive all treaty
benefits with respect to RPII and meet certain other requirements or (iv) Maiden
Insurance elects to be treated as a U.S. corporation and waives all treaty
benefits and meets certain other requirements. Maiden Insurance does not intend
to make these elections. Where none of these exceptions applies to Maiden
Insurance, each U.S. Person owning directly or indirectly through non-U.S.
entities, any shares in Maiden Holdings (and therefore indirectly, in Maiden
Insurance) on the last day of Maiden Insurance’s taxable year will be required
to include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its share
of
the RPII of Maiden Insurance for the portion of the taxable year during which
Maiden Insurance was a CFC under the RPII provisions, determined as if all
such
RPII were distributed proportionately only to such U.S. Persons at that date,
but limited by each such U.S. Person’s share of Maiden Insurance’s current-year
earnings and profits as reduced by the U.S. Person’s share, if any, of certain
prior-year deficits in earnings and profits. Maiden Insurance intends to operate
in a manner that is intended to ensure that it qualifies for either the 20%
Gross Income Exception or the 20% Ownership Exception; however, it is possible
that we will not be successful in qualifying under these
exceptions.
Computation
of RPII. In
order
to determine how much RPII Maiden Insurance has earned in each taxable year
(for
purposes of providing this information to RPII shareholders), Maiden Insurance
may obtain and rely upon information from its insureds and reinsureds to
determine whether any of the insureds, reinsureds or persons related thereto
own
(directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities) shares of Maiden Insurance
and are U.S. Persons. Maiden Insurance may not be able to determine whether
any
of its underlying direct or indirect insureds are RPII shareholders or related
persons to such RPII shareholders. Consequently, Maiden Insurance may not be
able to determine accurately the gross amount of RPII it earns in a given
taxable year or whether either the 20% Gross Income Exception or the 20%
Ownership Exception is met. For any year in which the 20% Ownership Exception
does not apply and the 20% Gross Income Exception is not met, Maiden Holdings
may also seek information from its shareholders as to whether beneficial owners
of Maiden Insurance shares at the end of the year are U.S. Persons so that
the
RPII may be determined and apportioned among such persons; to the extent Maiden
Holdings is unable to determine whether a beneficial owner of Maiden
Insurance shares is a U.S. Person, Maiden Holdings may assume that such owner
is
not a U.S. Person, thereby increasing the per share RPII amount for all known
RPII shareholders.
If,
as
expected, Maiden Insurance meets the 20% Ownership Exception or 20% Gross Income
Exception for a taxable year, RPII shareholders will not be required to
include RPII in their taxable income. The amount of RPII includible in the
income of a RPII shareholder is based upon the net RPII income for the year
after deducting related expenses such as losses, loss reserves and operating
expenses.
Apportionment
of RPII to U.S. Persons. Every
RPII shareholder who directly or indirectly owns shares of Maiden Insurance
on
the last day of any taxable year of Maiden Insurance in which the 20% Ownership
Exception does not apply to Maiden Insurance and the 20% Gross Income Exception
is not met should expect that for such year the RPII Shareholder will be
required to include in gross income its share of Maiden Insurance’s RPII for the
portion of the taxable year during which Maiden Insurance was a CFC under the
RPII provisions, whether or not distributed, even though such shareholders
may
not have owned the shares throughout such period. A RPII shareholder who owns
Maiden Insurance shares during such taxable year but not on the last day of
the
taxable year is not required to include in gross income any part of Maiden
Insurance’s RPII.
Uncertainty
as to Application of RPII.
The RPII
provisions have never been interpreted by the courts or the U.S. Treasury
Department in final regulations, and regulations interpreting the RPII
provisions of the Code exist only in proposed form. It is not certain whether
these regulations will be adopted in their proposed form or what changes
or clarifications might ultimately be made thereto or whether any such
changes, as well as any interpretation or application of the RPII provisions
by
the IRS, the courts or otherwise, might have retroactive effect. These
provisions include the grant of authority to the U.S. Treasury Department to
prescribe “such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this
subsection including ... regulations preventing the avoidance of this subsection
through cross insurance arrangements or otherwise.” Accordingly, the meaning of
the RPII provisions and the application thereof to Maiden Insurance is
uncertain. In addition, we cannot be certain that the amount of RPII or the
amounts of the RPII inclusions for any particular RPII shareholder, if any,
will
not be subject to adjustment based upon subsequent IRS examination. Any
prospective investors considering an investment in our shares should consult
his
tax advisor as to the effects of these uncertainties.
Basis
Adjustments.
A U.S.
shareholder’s tax basis in its shares will be increased by the amount of any
subpart F income, including any RPII, included in income by the U.S.
shareholder. Any distributions made by Maiden Holdings out of previously taxed
subpart F income, including RPII income, will be exempt from further U.S. income
tax in the hands of the U.S. shareholder. The U.S. shareholder’s tax basis in
its shares will be reduced by the amount of any distributions by Maiden Holdings
that are excluded from income under this rule.
Information
Reporting.
Under
certain circumstances, U.S. Persons who own (directly or indirectly) shares
in
a non-U.S. corporation are required to file IRS Form 5471 with their U.S.
federal income tax returns. Generally, information reporting on IRS Form 5471
is
required by (i) a person who is treated as a RPII shareholder, (ii) a 10% U.S.
Shareholder of a non-U.S. corporation that is a CFC for an uninterrupted period
of 30 days or more during any tax year of the non-U.S. corporation, and who
owned the stock on the last day of that year and (iii) under certain
circumstances, a U.S. Person who acquires stock in a non-U.S. corporation and
as
a result thereof owns 10% or more of the voting power or value of such non-U.S.
corporation, whether or not such non-U.S. corporation is a CFC. For any taxable
year in which Maiden Holdings determines that the 20% Gross Income Exception
is
not met and the 20% Ownership Exception does not apply, Maiden Holdings will
provide to all U.S. Persons registered as shareholders of its shares a completed
IRS Form 5471 or the relevant information necessary to complete the form.
Failure to file IRS Form 5471 may result in penalties.
Tax-Exempt
Shareholders.
Tax-exempt entities will generally be required to treat certain subpart F
insurance income, including RPII, that is includible in income by the tax-exempt
entity as unrelated business taxable income. Prospective investors that are
tax
exempt entities are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the potential
impact of the unrelated business taxable income provisions of the Code. A
tax-exempt organization that is treated as a 10% U.S. Shareholder or a RPII
shareholder also must file IRS Form 5471 in the circumstances described
above.
Dispositions
of Shares.
Subject
to the discussions below relating to the potential application of the Code
section 1248 and PFIC rules, U.S. holders of our shares generally should
recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the
sale,
exchange or other disposition of our shares in the same manner as on the sale,
exchange or other disposition of any other shares held as capital assets. If
the
holding period for the shares exceeds one year, any gain will be subject to
tax
at a current maximum marginal tax rate of 15% for individuals and certain other
non-corporate shareholders and 35% for corporations. Moreover, gain, if any,
generally will be U.S. source gain and will generally constitute “passive
income” for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Code
section 1248 provides that if a U.S. Person sells or exchanges stock in a
non-U.S. corporation and such person owned, directly, indirectly through certain
non-U.S. entities or constructively, 10% or more of the voting power of the
corporation at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of
disposition when the corporation was a CFC, any gain from the sale or exchange
of the shares will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the CFC’s earnings
and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) during the
period that the shareholder held the shares and while the corporation was a
CFC
(with certain adjustments). We believe that, because of the anticipated
dispersion of our share ownership, provisions in our organizational documents
that limit voting power and other factors, no U.S. Person who acquires shares
in
this offering directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities and that did
not
own (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities, or “constructively”) shares
of Maiden Holdings prior to this offering should be treated as owning (directly,
indirectly through non-U.S. entities or “constructively”) 10% or more of the
total voting power of all classes of shares of Maiden Holdings; to the extent
this is the case, the application of Code section 1248 under the regular CFC
rules should not apply to dispositions of our shares. It is possible, however,
that the IRS could challenge the effectiveness of these provisions and that
a
court could sustain such a challenge. A 10% U.S. Shareholder may in certain
circumstances be required to report a disposition of shares of a CFC by
attaching IRS Form 5471 to the U.S. federal income tax or information return
that it would normally file for the taxable year in which the disposition
occurs. In the event this is determined necessary, Maiden Holdings will provide
a completed IRS Form 5471 or the relevant information necessary to complete
the
Form.
Code
section 1248 also applies to the sale or exchange of shares in a non-U.S.
corporation if the non-U.S. corporation would be treated as a CFC for RPII
purposes regardless of whether the shareholder is a 10% U.S. Shareholder or
whether the 20% Gross Income Exception is met or the 20% Ownership Exception
applies. Existing proposed regulations do not address whether Code section
1248
would apply if a non-U.S. corporation is not a CFC but the non-U.S. corporation
has a subsidiary that is a CFC and that would be taxed as an insurance company
if it were a domestic corporation. We believe, however, that this application
of
Code section 1248 under the RPII rules should not apply to dispositions of
our
shares because Maiden Holdings will not be directly engaged in the insurance
business. We cannot be certain, however, that the IRS will not interpret the
proposed regulations in a contrary manner or that the U.S. Treasury Department
will not amend the proposed regulations to provide that these rules will apply
to dispositions of our shares. Prospective investors should consult their tax
advisors regarding the effects of these rules on a disposition of our
shares.
Passive
Foreign Investment Companies.
In
general, a non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC during a given year if (i)
75% or more of its gross income constitutes “passive income,” or the “75% test”
or (ii) 50% or more of its assets produce (or are held for the production of)
passive income, or the “50% test”. A non-U.S. corporation will not be treated as
a PFIC, however, for its first taxable year in which it has gross income
(“Start-up Year”), provided (i) no “predecessor” of the non-U.S.
corporation was a PFIC, (ii) it can be established that the non-U.S. corporation
will not be a PFIC for either of the first two taxable years following the
Start-up Year and (iii) the non-U.S. corporation is not a PFIC for either of
such two years.
If
Maiden
Holdings were characterized as a PFIC during a given year, each U.S. Person
holding our shares would be subject to a penalty tax at the time of the sale
at
a gain of, or receipt of an “excess distribution” with respect to, their shares,
unless such person is a 10% U.S. Shareholder in a taxable year in which Maiden
Holdings is a CFC or made a “qualified electing fund election.” It is
uncertain that Maiden Holdings would be able to provide its shareholders with
the information necessary for a U.S. Person to make a qualified electing
fund election. In addition, if Maiden Holdings were considered a PFIC, upon
the
death of any U.S. individual owning shares, such individual’s heirs or estate
would not be entitled to a “step-up”
in the
basis of their shares that might otherwise be available under U.S. federal
income tax laws. In general, a shareholder receives an “excess
distribution” if the amount of the distribution is more than 125% of the average
distribution with respect to the shares during the three preceding taxable
years
(or shorter period during which the taxpayer held the shares). In general,
the
penalty tax is equivalent to the generally applicable U.S. federal income tax
and an interest charge on taxes that are deemed due during the period the
shareholder owned the shares, computed by assuming that the excess distribution
or gain (in the case of a sale) with respect to the shares was taken in equal
portion at the highest applicable tax rate on ordinary income throughout the
shareholder’s period of ownership. In addition, a distribution paid by a PFIC to
U.S. shareholders that is characterized as a dividend and is not characterized
as an excess distribution would not be eligible for a reduced rate of tax as
qualified dividend income.
For
the
above purposes, passive income generally includes interest, dividends, annuities
and other investment income. The PFIC rules provide that income “derived in the
active conduct of an insurance business by a corporation which is predominantly
engaged in an insurance business ... is not treated as passive income.” The PFIC
provisions also contain a look-through rule under which a non-U.S. corporation
shall be treated as if it “received directly its proportionate share of the
income ...” and as if it “held its proportionate share of the assets ...” of any
other corporation in which it owns at least 25% of the value of the stock.
Under
the look-through rule, Maiden Holdings should be deemed to own its proportionate
share of the assets and to have received its proportionate share of the income
of Maiden Insurance for purposes of the 75% test and the 50% test. We expect
that the income and assets of Maiden Holdings other than the income generated
by
Maiden Insurance and the assets held by Maiden Insurance will be de
minimis
in each
year of operations with respect to the overall income and assets of Maiden
Holdings and Maiden Insurance.
The
insurance income exception is intended to ensure that income derived by a bona
fide insurance company is not treated as passive income, except to the
extent such income is attributable to financial reserves in excess of the
reasonable needs of the insurance business. We expect, for purposes of the
PFIC
rules, that Maiden Insurance will be predominantly engaged in the active conduct
of an insurance business and is unlikely to have financial reserves
in excess of the reasonable needs of its insurance business in each year of
operations. Accordingly, the Insurance Company Exception should apply to Maiden
Insurance, and none of the income or assets of Maiden Insurance should be
treated as passive. As a result, based upon the look-through rule, we believe
that Maiden Holdings should not be and we currently do not expect Maiden
Holdings should be treated as a PFIC, however, we cannot assure that the IRS
will not successfully conclude otherwise, if, for example, Maiden Insurance
is
not able to expand its reinsurance business beyond its agreement with AmTrust’s
insurance companies, or if Mr. Caviet and other similarly qualified individuals
do not become full-time employees of Maiden Insurance. Further, we cannot be
certain that we will not be characterized as a PFIC, as there are currently
no
regulations regarding the application of the PFIC provisions to
an insurance company and new regulations or pronouncements interpreting or
clarifying these rules may be forthcoming. Prospective investors should consult
their tax advisor as to the effects of the PFIC rules.
The
IRS,
in Revenue Ruling 2005-40, took the position that a transaction between an
insurer and an insured did not provide risk distribution, and thus did not
constitute insurance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, when the insured
provided over 90% of the insurer’s premiums for the year. We do not believe that
IRS would attempt to apply such a rule to quota share reinsurance transactions
in which the ceding company cedes a significant number of unrelated risks
to the reinsurer, even if the ceding company provided substantially all of
the
reinsurance business, nor do we believe the IRS would be successful if it took
such a position. Nevertheless, if the IRS successfully asserted such a position
and transactions between AmTrust and its affiliates on one hand and Maiden
Insurance on the other hand were not considered insurance, Maiden Insurance
likely would not qualify for the insurance income exception, in which case
Maiden Holdings could be considered a PFIC. Further, it is possible that Maiden
Insurance may not qualify for the insurance income exception to the PFIC rules
for any taxable year in which its only business was the reinsurance of
affiliates of AmTrust.
Foreign
Tax Credit.
If U.S.
Persons own a majority of our shares, only a portion of the current income
inclusions, if any, under the CFC, RPII and PFIC rules and of dividends paid
by
us (including any gain from the sale of shares that is treated as a dividend
under section 1248 of the Code) will be treated as foreign source income for
purposes of computing a shareholder’s U.S. foreign tax credit limitations. We
will consider providing shareholders with information regarding the portion
of
such amounts constituting foreign source income to the extent such information
is reasonably available. It is also likely that substantially all of the subpart
F income, RPII and dividends that are foreign source income will constitute
either “passive” or “general” income. Thus, it may not be possible for most
shareholders to utilize excess foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. tax on such
income.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding on Distributions and Disposition
Proceeds.
Information returns may be filed with the IRS in connection with distributions
on our shares and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the shares
unless the holder of the shares establishes an exemption from the information
reporting rules. A holder of shares that does not establish such an exemption
may be subject to U.S. backup withholding tax on these payments if the holder
is
not a corporation or non-U.S. Person or fails to provide its taxpayer
identification number or otherwise comply with the backup withholding rules.
The
amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Person will be allowed
as a credit against the U.S. Person’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may
entitle the U.S. Person to a refund, provided that the required information
is
furnished to the IRS.
Proposed
U.S. Tax Legislation.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress intended to eliminate
certain perceived tax advantages of companies (including insurance companies)
that have legal domiciles outside the United States but have certain U.S.
connections. It is possible that legislation could be introduced and enacted
by
the current Congress or future Congresses that could have an adverse impact
on
us or our shareholders. For example, legislation has been introduced in Congress
that would, if enacted, deny “qualified dividend income” treatment to amounts
paid by any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country which
does
not have a comprehensive income tax system, such as Bermuda. It is possible
that
this legislative proposal, if enacted, could apply retroactively. Therefore,
depending on whether, when and in what form this legislative proposal is
enacted, we cannot assure you that any dividends paid by us in the future would
qualify for reduced rates of tax.
Additionally,
the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations regarding whether a company
is engaged in a trade or business within the United States or is a PFIC, or
whether U.S. Persons would be required to include in their gross income the
subpart F income or the RPII of a CFC, are subject to change, possibly on a
retroactive basis. There are currently no regulations regarding the application
of the PFIC rules to insurance companies and the regulations regarding RPII
are
still in proposed form. New regulations or pronouncements interpreting or
clarifying such rules may be forthcoming. We cannot be certain if, when or
in
what form such regulations or pronouncements may be provided and whether such
guidance will have a retroactive effect.
SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
We
have
59,550,000 common shares outstanding, consisting of (1) 51,750,000 common shares
sold in the private offering, and (2) 7,800,000 common shares issued to our
Founding Shareholders in connection with our formation and capitalization,
prior
to the private offering. We are registering up to 59,550,000 shares pursuant
to
the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. We have also
granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 461,000 of our common shares
to our non-employee directors and to some officers of our company. In addition,
we issued warrants to our Founding Shareholders to purchase up to 4,050,000
of
our common shares, which are described under “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions — Sponsor and Related Agreements.”
All
of
our issued common shares are “restricted securities” as that term is defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act and, until this Registration Statement is
declared effective, may not be sold in the absence of registration under the
Securities Act (which is expected to be the case pursuant to the registration
rights agreement that requires us to file a registration statement within 90
days of the closing of the private offering) unless an exemption from
registration is available, including exemptions contained in Rule 144, which
are
summarized below.
Rule
144
In
general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, if one year has elapsed since
the date of acquisition of restricted common shares from us or any of our
affiliates and we have been a public reporting company under the Exchange Act
for at least 90 days, the holder of such restricted common shares can sell
the
shares, provided that the number of shares sold by such person within any
three-month period cannot exceed the greater of:
|
·
|
1%
of the total number of our common shares then outstanding;
or
|
|
·
|
the
average weekly trading volume of our common shares during the four
calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice on Form 144 with
respect
to the sale is filed with the SEC.
|
Sales
under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice
requirements and to the availability of current public information about
us. If two years have elapsed since the date of the acquisition of restricted
common shares from us or any of our affiliates and the holder is not one of
our
affiliates at any time during the three months preceding the proposed sale,
such
person can sell such shares in the public market under Rule 144(k) without
regard to the volume limitations, manner of sale provisions, public information
requirements or notice requirements.
No
assurance can be given as to (1) the likelihood of an active market for our
common shares developing, (2) the liquidity of any such market, (3) the
ability of the shareholders to sell the shares or (4) the prices that
shareholders may obtain for any of the shares. No prediction can be made as
to
the effect, if any, that future sales of shares or the availability of shares
for future sale will have on the market price prevailing from time to time.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common shares, or the perception that
such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of the
common shares. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Shares.”
Rule
144(k)
Under
Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates
at
any time during the three months preceding the proposed sale, and who has
beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years,
including the holding period of any prior owner who was not an affiliate, is
entitled to sell the shares without complying with the manner of sale, public
information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144.
Lock-Up
Agreements
All
of
our directors, executive officers and Founding Shareholders have agreed to
be
restricted in their ability to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer
their common shares in our company for a period beginning on the completion
of
the private offering until 180 days following the effective date of our shelf
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, upon
an
initial public offering by us, our directors, executive officers and our
Founding Shareholders will not be able to sell our common shares for a period
of
90 days following completion of the initial public offering.
In
addition, we agreed, subject to various exceptions (including an initial public
offering of common shares by us), not to sell or issue any common shares or
any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for common shares, or file any
registration statement with the SEC, until 180 days after the private offering,
without the prior written consent of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co.,
Inc.
For
a
description of other restrictions on transfers and ownership of our common
shares held by certain of our shareholders, see “Description of Share Capital”
and “Plan of Distribution.”
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The
selling shareholders may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this
prospectus any or all of the common shares set forth below. When we refer to
the
selling shareholders in this prospectus, we mean those persons listed in the
table below, as well as the permitted transferees, pledgees, donees, assignees,
successors and others who later come to hold any of the selling shareholders’
interests other than through a public sale.
The
table
below is based on the information provided to us by the selling shareholders
and
sets forth the name of each selling shareholder and the number of common shares
that each selling shareholder may offer pursuant to this prospectus. Except
as
noted below, none of the selling shareholders has, or within the past three
years has had, any material relationship with us or any of our affiliates.
Based
on
the information provided to us by the selling shareholders, assuming that the
selling shareholders sell all of the common shares beneficially owned by them
that have been registered by us and do not acquire any additional common shares
during the offering, each selling shareholder will not beneficially own any
common shares other than the common shares appearing in the column entitled
“Beneficial ownership after offering.” We cannot advise you as to whether the
selling shareholders will in fact sell any or all of such common shares. In
addition, the selling shareholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise
disposed of, or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, at any time and
from
time to time, the common shares in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act after the date on which they provided the
information set forth in the table below.
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
Aaron
Wolfson
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Abraham
A. Whittles and Karen G. Whittles, TTEEs, Wire Family
Trust
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Alexandra
Global Master Fund Ltd (3)
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Allied
Funding Inc. (4)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ambrosio
Blanco
|
|
|
571
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
571
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
American
Durham LP (5)
|
|
|
107,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
107,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
AMP
Enhanced Index International Share Fund (6)
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Andrew
F. Jose
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Angela
Marie & Jerry Tegan, JTWROS (7)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Anthony
J. & Patricia Landi, JTWROS
|
|
|
1,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Anthony
J. Landi
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Apple
Ridge Partners LP (8)
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ascend
Partners Fund I Ltd (9)
|
|
|
11,745
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
11,745
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ascend
Partners Fund II BPO Ltd (9)
|
|
|
15,390
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
15,390
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ascend
Partners Fund II LP (9)
|
|
|
10,095
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,095
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ascend
Partners Fund II Ltd (9)
|
|
|
27,960
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
27,960
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Banque
Privee Edmond de Rothschild - Europe (10)
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Barry
D. Zyskind (11)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
|
|
6.49
|
|
|
2,800,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barry
S. & Esther Karfunkel (12)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Bay
Pond Investors (Bermuda) LP (13)
|
|
|
304,300
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
304,300
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Bay
Pond Partners (13)
|
|
|
954,400
|
|
|
1.60
|
|
|
954,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Berencourt
Multi-Strategy Enhanced Dedicated Fund (14)
|
|
|
107,692
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
107,692
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Berencourt
Multi-Strategy Master Ltd (14)
|
|
|
846,154
|
|
|
1.42
|
|
|
846,154
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Blueprint
Partners LP (15)
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Boston
Partners All Cap Value Fund (16)
|
|
|
3,315
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,315
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
BPF
Brood (17)
|
|
|
13,555
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
13,555
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Brad
Marshall-Inman SEP IRA
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
number
that may be sold)
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
Bruce
& Kathleen Saulnier (18)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Brunswick
Master Pension Trust (16)
|
|
|
23,525
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
23,525
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Burlingame
Equity Investors (Offshore) Ltd (19)
|
|
|
44,561
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
44,561
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Burlingame
Equity Investors II LP (19)
|
|
|
12,958
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
12,958
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Burlingame
Equity Investors LP (19)
|
|
|
92,481
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
92,481
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Calm
Waters Partnership (20)
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Canyon
Balanced Equity Master Fund, Ltd (21)
|
|
|
198,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
198,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Canyon
Value Realization Fund (Cayman), Ltd (21)
|
|
|
1,089,000
|
|
|
1.83
|
|
|
1,089,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Canyon
Value Realization Fund, LP (21)
|
|
|
378,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
378,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Canyon
Value Realization MAC 18 Ltd. (21)
|
|
|
54,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
54,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital
Ventures International (22)
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Charles
& Maryann Post
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Charles
H. Miller
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Charles
K. Nulsen, III
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cheyne
Special Situations Fund LP (23)
|
|
|
2,350,000
|
|
|
3.95
|
|
|
2,350,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Christopher
Washburn
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cindu
International Pension Fund (16)
|
|
|
3,295
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,295
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Citi
Canyon Ltd.
|
|
|
18,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
18,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Clough
Global Allocation Fund (24)
|
|
|
23,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
23,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Clough
Global Equity Fund (24)
|
|
|
40,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,100
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Clough
Investment Partners I LP (24)
|
|
|
22,700
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
22,700
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Clough
Offshore Fund Ltd (24)
|
|
|
12,400
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
12,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Clough
Opportunities Equity Fund (24)
|
|
|
100,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
CNF
Investments II LLC (25)
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Corsair
Capital Investors Ltd (26)
|
|
|
61,656
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
61,656
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Corsair
Capital Partners 100 LP (26)
|
|
|
30,044
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
30,044
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Corsair
Capital Partners LP (26)
|
|
|
566,188
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
566,188
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Corsair
Long Short International Ltd (26)
|
|
|
6,090
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,090
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Corsair
Select LP (26)
|
|
|
336,022
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
336,022
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cotran
Investments Ltd (113)
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cottage
Health System (16)
|
|
|
1,610
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,610
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Craig
A. White
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cumber
International SA
|
|
|
210,907
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
210,907
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cumberland
Alpha Partners LP
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cumberland
Benchmarked Partners LP
|
|
|
541,509
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
541,509
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cumberland
Long Partners LP
|
|
|
48,671
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
48,671
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cumberland
Partners
|
|
|
845,761
|
|
|
1.42
|
|
|
845,761
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Daniel
Turin (27)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Daniel
W. & Constance R. Huthwaite, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Daryll
Marshall-Inman SEP IRA
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
David
A. & Doris Mortman, JTWROS (28)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
David
A. Hutzler (29)
|
|
|
8,400
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
8,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
David
A. Lyons (30)
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
David
R. Eidelman
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
David
Stevenson
|
|
|
357
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
357
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Delaware
Group Equity Funds III (31)
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Delta
Institutional LP (32)
|
|
|
880,700
|
|
|
1.48
|
|
|
880,700
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
Delta
Offshore Ltd (32)
|
|
|
1,406,600
|
|
|
2.36
|
|
|
1,406,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Delta
Onshore LP (32)
|
|
|
96,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
96,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Delta
Pleiades LP (32)
|
|
|
116,700
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
116,700
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Donald
T. DeCarlo (33)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Douglas
& Gail Manuel, JTWROS
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Douglas
H. McCorkindale
|
|
|
6,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,100
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dover
Creek Capital LLC (34)
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Doyle
Family Trust (35)
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Drake
Associates LP (36)
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Durga
C. Gaviola
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
E.
Laurence White, III
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Edward
B. Lee (37)
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
EJF
Crossover Master Fund LP (38)
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
EL
Equities LLC (39)
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Electrical
Workers Pension Funds Part A (16)
|
|
|
1,825
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,825
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Electrical
Workers Pension Funds Part B (16)
|
|
|
1,415
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,415
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Electrical
Workers Pension Funds Part C (16)
|
|
|
690
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
690
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Elizabeth
Sexworth, Rollover IRA
|
|
|
430
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
430
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ellerston
Capital Limited (40)
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Elliot
International LP (41)
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
2.52
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Emerson
Electric Company (16)
|
|
|
36,505
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
36,505
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Emerson
Family Foundation (42)
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Emerson
Partners (42)
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Endeavor
Asset Management LP (43)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Endurance
Fund (44)
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Eos
Partners LP (45)
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Eric
R. Kaufman (28)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Eugene
L & Frances L. Gazza, TIC (28)
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Evan
Julber IRA
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Far
West Capital Partners LP (44)
|
|
|
216,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
216,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Farvane
Limited
|
|
|
3,040
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,040
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Felix
Harke SEP IRA
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fereydoon
& Catherine Zohdi (29)
|
|
|
2,300
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,300
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Advisor Series I: Fidelity Advisor Balanced Fund (46)
|
|
|
52,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
52,100
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Advisor Series I: Fidelity Advisor Value Strategies Fund
(46)
|
|
|
89,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
89,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Advisor Series II: Fidelity Advisor Value Fund (46)
|
|
|
6,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Capital Trust: Fidelity Value Fund (46)
|
|
|
833,900
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
|
833,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Puritan Trust: Fidelity Balanced Fund (46)
|
|
|
954,900
|
|
|
1.60
|
|
|
954,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fidelity
Sect Portfolios: Insurance Portfolio (46)
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Financial
Stocks Capital Partners IV LP (47)
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
1.68
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
First
Financial Fund, Inc. (13)
|
|
|
377,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
377,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Flagg
Street Offshore LP (48)
|
|
|
117,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
117,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Flagg
Street Partners Qualified LP (48)
|
|
|
82,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
82,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fleet
Maritime, Inc
|
|
|
6,133
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,133
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fleet
Maritime, Inc
|
|
|
53,621
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
53,621
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fort
Mason Master LP (49)
|
|
|
187,820
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
187,820
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Fort
Mason Partners LP (49)
|
|
|
12,180
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
12,180
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Frank
& Cathy Greek, JTWROS
|
|
|
13,150
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
13,150
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
G.
Rogin and A. Callahan, TTEES, Gilbert L. Rogin 2006 Revocable Trust
(28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
number
that may be sold)
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
Geddes
and Company
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
George
Karfunkel (50)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
|
|
6.49
|
|
|
2,800,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George
Weiss Associates Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (51)
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
GF
Investments Corp (16)
|
|
|
1,815
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,815
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
GLG
Financial Fund (52)
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
GMI
Master Retirement Trust (16)
|
|
|
40,255
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,255
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
GPC
XLII LLC (53)
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gracie
Capital International II Ltd (53)
|
|
|
121,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
121,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gracie
Capital International Ltd (53)
|
|
|
451,950
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
451,950
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gracie
Capital LP (53)
|
|
|
546,250
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
546,250
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gracie
Capital LP II (53)
|
|
|
29,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
29,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Greater
Rochester Health Foundation
|
|
|
3,130
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,130
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Green
Earth Investments LLC
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Green
Forest Investments Ltd
|
|
|
1,222
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,222
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Green
Forest Investments Ltd
|
|
|
14,101
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
14,101
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Guggenheim
Portfolio Co. XXIII LLC
|
|
|
9,810
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
9,810
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
H&H
Associates Ltd (54)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
H.
Jay Eshelman (28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Hagerstown
Motor Carriers and Teamsters Pension Plan (16)
|
|
|
2,305
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,305
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Harry
Schlacter (55)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Harvard
Investments Inc. (56)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Harvest
Capital LP (57)
|
|
|
15,360
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
15,360
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Harvest
Master Enhanced Ltd (57)
|
|
|
56,580
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
56,580
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Harvest
Offshore Investors Ltd (57)
|
|
|
28,060
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
28,060
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Henderson
North American Multi-Strategy Equity Fund (6)
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
24,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Hendersons
Global Multi Strategy Equity Fund (6)
|
|
|
94,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
94,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Henry
Ford Health Care Corp. Master Retirement Trust (16)
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Henry
Ford Health Systems (16)
|
|
|
4,330
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,330
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Henry
Rothman
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Herbert
J. Lemmer (58)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
HFR
Asset Management LLC (59)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
HFR
HE Platinum Master Trust (59)
|
|
|
45,268
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
45,268
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
HFR
HE Soundpost Master Trust (59)
|
|
|
14,860
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
14,860
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Highbridge
Event Driven/Relative Value Fund LP (60)
|
|
|
77,476
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
77,476
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Highbridge
Event Driven/Relative Value Fund Ltd (60)
|
|
|
465,024
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
465,024
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Highbridge
International, LLC (60)
|
|
|
1,207,500
|
|
|
2.03
|
|
|
1,207,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Howard
C. Bluver, IRA
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Institutional
Benchmarks Series (Master Feeder) Limited in respect of Centaur
Series
(61)
|
|
|
18,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
18,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Institutional
Benchmarks Series (MF) Ltd in respect of Canopus Series
(61)
|
|
|
54,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
54,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
International
Durham Ltd (5)
|
|
|
564,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
564,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Investcorp
Event Fund Ltd (14)
|
|
|
138,462
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
138,462
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
IOU
Limited Partnership (51)
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ironworkers
District Council of New England Pension (16)
|
|
|
3,635
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,635
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
J.
Barton Elliott, Jr. (28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
J.
Steven Emerson IRA R/O II, Bear Stearns Securities Corp,
Custodian
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
number
that may be sold)
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
J.
Steven Emerson ROTH IRA, Bear Stearns Securities Corp,
Custodian
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
J.D.
Murphy, Jr.
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jabre
Capital Partners SA (62)
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jacqueline
Fowler
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JAM
Investments LLC (63)
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
James
& Susan Locke, TBE
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
James
A. & Phyllis K. Syme, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
James
M. & Joyce A. Hensler, JTWROS
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jeffrey
T. Neal
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jennifer
A. Gazza (28)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JLF
Offshore Fund Ltd (64)
|
|
|
1,222,000
|
|
|
2.05
|
|
|
1,222,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JLF
Partners I LP (64)
|
|
|
978,000
|
|
|
1.64
|
|
|
978,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JNL/FMR
Balanced Equity
|
|
|
6,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Joann
Elenson (28)
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
John
& Jennifer Duffy
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
John
G. Lauroesch
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
John
M. & Patricia D. Coleman, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
John
McManus, IRA/SEP
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
John
Whalen & Linda D. Rabbitt, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jon
A. Rantzman (28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Joseph
H. Szymanski
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JP
Morgan Securities, Inc. (65)
|
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
|
2.10
|
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
JP
Morgan Ventures Corporation (65)
|
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
|
2.10
|
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kathleen
M. Elliott (28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kavli
Foundation (16)
|
|
|
2,190
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,190
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kensico
Associates LP (66)
|
|
|
526,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
526,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kensico
Offshore Ltd (66)
|
|
|
684,700
|
|
|
1.15
|
|
|
684,700
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kensico
Partners LP (66)
|
|
|
388,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
388,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kings
Road Investments Ltd (67)
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Larry
Jeeter, IRA (29)
|
|
|
1,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Leila
West Jackson (28)
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
LeRoy
III & Lindsay Eakin, JTBE
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Lisa
Ben-Dov
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
LongView
Partners B, LP
|
|
|
205,463
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
205,463
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Lotsoff
Capital Mgmt Investment Trust Micro Cap Fund (68)
|
|
|
63,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
63,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Loyola
University Employee’s Retirement Plan Trust (16)
|
|
|
7,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Loyola
University of Chicago Endowment Fund (16)
|
|
|
9,920
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
9,920
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Lyxor/Canyon
Value Realization Fund Ltd (21)
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Magnetar
Capital Master Fund, Ltd (69)
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
MAN
MAC Schneckhorn 14B Ltd (14)
|
|
|
307,692
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
307,692
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Mark
Braccia
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Martin
& Dina Friedman, JTWROS
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Martin
Hirschorn IRA
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Mason
Tenders District Council Trust Fund (16)
|
|
|
2,075
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,075
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Metal
Trades (16)
|
|
|
12,280
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
12,280
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
MFP
Partners LP (70)
|
|
|
156,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
156,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Michael
F. Horn Sr. IRA
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
Michael
Heijer IRA R/O
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Michael
Karfunkel (71)
|
|
|
3,950,000
|
|
|
6.49
|
|
|
2,800,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota
Mining and Manufacturing Company (16)
|
|
|
129,310
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
129,310
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Moab
Partners, L.P. (72)
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Morgan
Stanley & Co International Ltd (73)
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
550,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Morris
& Deena Zyskind, JTWROS (74)
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Mutual
Financial Services Fund (75)
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
2.52
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Nancy
McGrath, TTEE, Peterson Investment Trust
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Nathan
Aber (76)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Nathan
Hasson, TTEE, Aida Hasson Grantor Charitable Lead Annuity Trust
U/A/D
12/27/00 (77)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Neera
& Raj Singh, JTWROS
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Norges
Bank FX Reserve 53221
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
3.02
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Pacific
Partners LP (28)
|
|
|
8,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
8,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Park
West Investors Master Fund Ltd (78)
|
|
|
534,196
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
534,196
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Park
West Partners International Ltd (78)
|
|
|
115,804
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
115,804
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Patricia
Landi
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Patricia
Landi, TTEE, Revocable Trust Agreement fbo Patricia Landi
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Paul
P. Tanico
|
|
|
33,860
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
33,860
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Paul
P.Tanico & Maria L. Vecchiotti Family Investment Trust
|
|
|
2,250
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,250
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Peninsula
Catalyst Fund (QP) LP (79)
|
|
|
221,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
221,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Peninsula
Catalyst Fund LP (79)
|
|
|
104,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
104,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Peninsula
Master Fund Ltd (79)
|
|
|
575,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
575,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Peter
Minshall
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Philip
E. Huber, Trustee, Huber & Weakland Profit Sharing Plan &
Trust
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Pisces
Capital Management LLC (80)
|
|
|
590
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
590
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Pisces
Capital Management LLC (80)
|
|
|
9,833
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
9,833
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Pisces
Capital Management LLC (80)
|
|
|
14,577
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
14,577
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Plainfield
Special Situations Master Fund Ltd (81)
|
|
|
750,000
|
|
|
1.26
|
|
|
750,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prism
Partners I LP (82)
|
|
|
88,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
88,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prism
Partners II Offshore Fund (82)
|
|
|
66,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
66,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prism
Partners III Leveraged LP (82)
|
|
|
214,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
214,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prism
Partners IV Leveraged Offshore Fund (82)
|
|
|
165,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
165,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prism
Partners Offshore Fund (82)
|
|
|
16,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
16,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Producers-Writers
Guild of America (16)
|
|
|
13,530
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
13,530
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ralph
Herzka
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ray
Neff (83)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Richard
Feinberg
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Richard
S. Bodman TTEE, Richard S. Bodman Revocable Trust dated
9/1/1998
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
RMK
Advantage Income Fund (84)
|
|
|
43,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
43,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
RMK
High Income Fund (84)
|
|
|
32,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
32,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
RMK
Multi-Sector High Income Fund (84)
|
|
|
48,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
48,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
RMK
Select High Income Fund (84)
|
|
|
88,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
88,100
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
RMK
Strategic Income Fund (84)
|
|
|
37,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
37,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
Robeco
US Premium Equities Fund (EUR) (16)
|
|
|
42,840
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
42,840
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robeco
US Premium Equities Fund (USD) (16)
|
|
|
54,735
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
54,735
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Feinberg
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Friedman, TTEE, J & M Friedman Family Trust (85)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Friedman, TTEE, J Friedman Family Trust (85)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Friedman, TTEE, JMF Charitable Foundation (85)
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Friedman, TTEE, M & E Friedman Charitable Foundation
(85)
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
Friedman, TTEE, M Friedman Family Trust (85)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert
G. Schiro
|
|
|
69,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
69,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Roger
Winslow
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ronald
Pipoly, Sr. (86)
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Rudolph
J. Schaeffer III and Lauriston Castleman, TTEES, Jane I. Schaefer
Trust
(87)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Sam
Hollander (88)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Samantha
Glumenick
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Santa
Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation (16)
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Santa
Barbara Hospice Foundation (16)
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Savannah
International Longshoremen’s Assoc Employers Pension Trust
(16)
|
|
|
9,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
9,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Shai
& Michelle Stern
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Simcha
G. Lyons (89)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Sisters
of St. Joseph Carondelet (16)
|
|
|
5,910
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,910
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Soundpost
Capital LP (90)
|
|
|
20,774
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,774
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Soundpost
Capital Offshore Ltd (90)
|
|
|
14,366
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
14,366
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stanley
J. Palder
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Steamfitters
Benefit Fund (16)
|
|
|
3,390
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,390
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Steamfitters
Pension Fund (16)
|
|
|
4,470
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,470
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stephen
& Ellen Conley, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stephen
B. Ungar (91)
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Steven
Rothstein
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stratford
Partners LP (92)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stuart
Hollander (93)
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Stucky
Timberland Inc. (94)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Summer
Street Cumberland Investors LLC
|
|
|
101,896
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
101,896
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Susie
Thorness (28)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Sutter
Health Master Retirement Trust (95)
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Sutther
Health (95)
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
T.
Rowe Price Financial Services Fund, Inc. (96)
|
|
|
186,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
186,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Taconic
Opportunity Fund (97)
|
|
|
488,125
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
488,125
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Taconic
Opportunity Offshore Ltd (97)
|
|
|
761,875
|
|
|
1.28
|
|
|
761,875
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tammy
Klein (98)
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Terry
P. Murphy, Trustee, Terry P. Murphy Trust (99)
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
The
Catalyst Master Fund Ltd
|
|
|
21,883
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
21,883
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
The
H Account (87)
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
The
Liverpool Limited Partnership (100)
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
1.68
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
prior
to offering
|
|
|
Shares
offered
pursuant
to this
prospectus
(maximum
|
|
|
Beneficial
ownership
after
offering(2)
|
|
Selling
Shareholders
|
|
|
Shares(1)
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percentage
of
class
|
The
William K. Warren Foundation (101)
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Third
Point Offshore Fund Ltd (102)
|
|
|
1,089,800
|
|
|
1.83
|
|
|
1,089,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Third
Point Partners LP (102)
|
|
|
135,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
135,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Third
Point Partners Qualified LP (102)
|
|
|
130,800
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
130,800
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Third
Point Ultra Ltd (102)
|
|
|
143,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
143,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Thomas
& Lucy Gies, JTWROS
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Timothy
B. & Jane F. Matz
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Timothy
M. and Jayne N. Donahue, JTWROS
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tivoli
Partners (103)
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Town
of Darien Employee Pension (16)
|
|
|
3,440
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
3,440
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Town
of Darien Police Pension (16)
|
|
|
2,765
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,765
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tribeca
European Strategies (104)
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Triple
Crown Investments LLP (105)
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
UBS
O’Connor LLC f/b/o/ O’Connor PIPE Corporate Strategies Master Limited
(106)
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Union
Investment Privatfonds GmbH (107)
|
|
|
2,075,000
|
|
|
3.48
|
|
|
2,075,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
United
Capital Management (108)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
University
of Richmond Endowment Fund (16)
|
|
|
7,510
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
7,510
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
University
of Southern California Endowment Fund (16)
|
|
|
26,140
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
26,140
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Variable
Insurance Products Fund III Balanced Portfolio
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Variable
Insurance Products Fund III: Value Strategies Portfolio
|
|
|
23,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
23,100
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Variable
Insurance Products Fund: Value Portfolio
|
|
|
4,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
4,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Vecchiotti-Tanico
Family LLC
|
|
|
740
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
740
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Verizon
(16)
|
|
|
129,775
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
129,775
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Verizon
VEBA (16)
|
|
|
23,020
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
23,020
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Vestal
Venture Capital (109)
|
|
|
31,700
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
31,700
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wallace
F. Holladay, Jr
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wildlife
Conservation Society (16)
|
|
|
6,565
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
6,565
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
William
J. Hicken Revocable Living Trust U/A dtd 4/19/1991 (29)
|
|
|
8,400
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
8,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
William
R. Morris, III
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wolf
Creek Investors (Bermuda) LP (13)
|
|
|
293,900
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
293,900
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wolf
Creek Partners (13)
|
|
|
270,400
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
270,400
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wolfson
Equities (110)
|
|
|
290,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
290,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Yale
University c/o MFP Investors LLC (70)
|
|
|
44,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
44,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Yale
Zimmerman
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Yehuda
& Anne Neuberger, JTWROS (111)
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Zeke,
LP (112)
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Zohar
Ben-Dov
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
63,600,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,550,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
*
Less
than one percent (1%).
(1)
Beneficial ownership prior to offering includes private placement shares
acquired by the listed selling shareholder and not subsequently disposed of
(through August 30, 2007, except as otherwise indicated). Beneficial ownership
is calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(i) of the Exchange Act.
(3)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Gena Lovett, as chief
operating officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(4)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Ken S. Perry has
voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(5)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Chris Macke, as managing
principal of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(6)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Robert Villiers, as a director
of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(7)
Mr.
Tegan is a former director of Maiden.
(8)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Jay Spellman, as member
of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(9)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Malcolm P. Fairbrain, as
chief investment officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(10)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Barcela Verinique, as deputy
vice president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power
over the shares of common stock.
(11)
Mr.
Zyskind is one of our Founding Shareholders. The number of shares
includes 1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year
warrants we issued to Mr. Zyskind. See also “Principal
Shareholders.”
(12)
Mrs.
Karfunkel is the sister-in-law and Mr. Karfunkel is the brother-in-law of Barry
Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board of Directors.
(13)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Steven M. Hoffman, as
vice president and counsel of Wellington Management Company, LP, the investment
adviser of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(14)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Palmer, as chief
financial officer of Berencourt Advisers LLC, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(15)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Raj Iduani, as Manager of
the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares
of common stock.
(16)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Mary Ann Iudice, as chief
compliance officer of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. the investment adviser
to Boston Partners Asset Management, LLC, acting in its capacity as investment
adviser of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(17) We
have
been advised by the selling stockholder that Robeco Investment Management,
Inc. has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(18)
Mr.
Saulnier is the President of AMT Service Corporation, an AmTrust
subsidiary.
(19)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Burlingame Asset Management,
LLC, as general partner and investment manager of the selling shareholder,
has
voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(20)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Richard S. Strong, as
managing partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(21)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholders that Canpartners Investments
III,
L.P. and Canyon Capital Advisers LLC are the controlling entities of the selling
shareholder. The general partner of the selling shareholder is Canpartners
Investments III, L.P. and the general partner of Canpartners Investments III,
L.P. is Canyon Capital Advisers LLC. The managing partners of Canyon Capital
Advisers LLC are Joshua S. Friedman, Mitchell R. Julis and K. Robert
Turner.
(22)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Martin Kobinger, as
investment manager of Heights Capital Management, Inc., the authorized agent
of
the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares
of common stock.
(23)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that John Heywood, as portfolio
manager of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(24)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that James E. Canty, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(25)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Robert J. Flanagan, as
manager of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(26)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Steven Major, as managing
member of the general partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(27)
Mr.
Turin is the brother of Ben Turin, our Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary.
(28)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Laurance E. Ach, as
managing director of First Republic Investment Management, the investment
adviser of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(29)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Philip E. Huber, as
president of Huber, Weakland & Associates, Inc. the investment adviser of
the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares
of common stock.
(30)
Mr.
Lyons is the son of Simcha Lyons, one of our directors.
(31)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Steven T. Lampe, as vice
president and portfolio manager of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(32)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Rick Muller, as chief
financial officer of the investment manager of the selling shareholder, has
voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(33)
Mr.
DeCarlo is a director of AmTrust.
(34)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Gregory L. Melchor, as
managing member of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(35)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that James and Virginia
Doyle have voting and dispositive power over the shares of common
stock.
(36)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Alexander W. Rutherford,
as portfolio manager of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(37)
Mr.
Lee is an employee of AmTrust.
(38)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Emanuel J. Friedman, as
chief executive officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(39)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Eli Lavitin, as member of
the
selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of
common stock.
(40)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Johnston, as
director of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(41)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Elliot Greenberg, as vice
president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(42)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that J. Steven Emerson of the
selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of
common stock.
(43)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Patrick Tully, as general
partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(44)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Robert G. Schiro, as
chief executive officer and president of the selling shareholder, has
voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(45)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Beth L. Bernstein, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(46)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Salvatore Schiavone, the
assistant treasurer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(47)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Steven N. Stein, as
president and chief executive officer of the sole general partner of the selling
shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common
stock.
(48)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Andrew Moss, as chief
operating officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(49)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Dan German, as managing
member of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(50)
Mr.
Karfunkel is one of our Founding Shareholders. The number of shares
includes 1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year
warrants we issued to Mr. Karfunkel. See also “Principal
Shareholders.”
(51)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Steven C.
Kleinman has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common
stock.
(52)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Simon White, as chief
operating officer of GLG Partners LP, the investment manager of the selling
shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common
stock.
(53)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Greg Pearson, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(54)
H&H Associates is an affiliate of Stuart Hollander, a Senior Vice President
of AmTrust.
(55)
Mr.
Schlacter is the Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Finance of
AmTrust.
(56)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Craig L. Krumwiede, as
president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(57)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that J. Morgan Rutman, as managing
member of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(58)
Mr.
Lemmer is the General Counsel of our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company, which is controlled by George Karfunkel and Michael
Karfunkel, two of our Founding Shareholders.
(59)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Dora Hines, as attorney
in fact of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(60)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Carolyn Rubin, as managing
director of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(61)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Cynthia Carsiglie of the
selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of
common stock.
(62)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Philippe Riachi, as chief
operating officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(63)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Joseph S. Galli, as vice
president and treasurer of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(64)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Hien Tran, as chief
financial officer of JLF Asset Management, LLC, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(65)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Peter Weiland, as
managing director of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(66)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Thomas Coleman, as president
of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(67)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Brandon L Jones, as
co-head of private investments of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(68)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Donna I. Noble, as chief
compliance officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(69)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Turro, as chief
compliance officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(70)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Price, as general
partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(71)
Mr.
Karfunkel is one of our Founding Shareholders. The number of shares
includes 1,350,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 10-year
warrants we issued to Mr. Karfunkel. See also “Principal
Shareholders.”
(72)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Rothenberg, as
portfolio manager of Moab Partners, L.P., has voting and dispositive power
over
the shares of common stock.
(73)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Riccardo Gastaudo, as
authorized agent of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(74)
Mr.
& Mrs. Zyskind are the parents of Barry Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board
of Directors.
(75)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Bradley Takahashi, as
president of Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(76)
Mr.
Aber is an employee of AmTrust Realty Corp., an affiliate of our transfer agent,
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, which is controlled by George
Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel, two of our Founding Shareholders.
(77)
Mr.
Hasson is the Chief Investment Officer of AmTrust.
(78)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that James J. Watson, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(79)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Scott Bedford of the
selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of
common stock.
(80)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Joshua Fischer, as
managing member of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(81)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Antonio Peguero Jr. of
the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares
of common stock.
(82)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Jerald M. Weintraub, as
president of the general partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(83)
Mr.
Neff is one of our directors.
(84)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Jim Kelsoe, as managing
director of Morgan Asset Management, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(85)
Mr.
Friedman is the brother-in-law of Michael Karfunkel, one of our Founding
Shareholders.
(86)
Mr.
Pipoly is the father of Ronald Pipoly, Jr., our Interim Chief Financial
Officer.
(87)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Marshall C. Cutler, as
executive vice president of Zirkin-Cutler Investments, the investment adviser
of
the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares
of common stock.
(88)
Mr.
Hollander is the father of Stuart Hollander, a Senior Vice President of
AmTrust.
(89)
Mr.
Lyons is one of our directors.
(90)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Jamie Lester, as managing
member of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(91)
Mr.
Ungar is the General Counsel of AmTrust.
(92)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Chad Comtteau, as general
partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(93)
Mr.
Hollander is a Senior Vice President of AmTrust.
(94)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Wade B. Hall, as
president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(95)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that John D. Race, as
principal of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(96)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Daniel N. Braman, as vice
president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(97)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Robin Rothstein, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(98)
Ms.
Klein is the sister of Barry Zyskind, our Chairman of the Board of
Directors.
(99)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that John E. Montgomery, as
president of Montgomery Bros., Inc. the investment adviser of the selling
shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the shares of common
stock.
(100)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Elliot Greenberg, as vice
president of the general partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and
dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(101)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Mark A. Buntz, as chief
financial officer of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(102)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Keith Waller, as managing
director operations of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(103)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Peter Kenner, as general
partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(104)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Dae Levy, as managing director
of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(105)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Leonard B. Zelin, as
general partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(106)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Nicholas Noceciho, as
executive director of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(107)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Jens Lilholm, as authorized
agent of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over the
shares of common stock.
(108)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that James A. Lustig, as
president of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(109)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Allan R. Lyons, as
managing member of the general partner of the selling shareholder, has
voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock.
(110)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Aaron Wolfson, as general
partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
(111)
Mrs. Neuberger is the daughter and Mr. Neuberger is the son-in-law of George
Karfunkel, one of our Founding Shareholders.
(112)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Edward N. Antoian, as
general partner of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive
power over the shares of common stock.
(113)
We
have been advised by the selling shareholder that Michael Heyworth, as a
director of the selling shareholder, has voting and dispositive power over
the shares of common stock.
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
The
selling shareholders, or their pledgees, donees, transferees, or any of their
successors in interest selling shares received from a named selling shareholder
as a gift, partnership distribution or other non-sale-related transfer after
the
date of this prospectus (all of whom may be selling shareholders), may sell
the
common shares offered by this prospectus from time to time on any stock exchange
or automated interdealer quotation system on which the common shares are listed
or quoted at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise, at fixed prices that may be changed,
at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing
market prices or at prices otherwise negotiated. The selling shareholders may
sell the common shares by one or more of the following methods, without
limitation:
|
·
|
block
trades in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell
the
common shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the
block
as principal to facilitate the
transaction;
|
|
·
|
purchases
by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by the broker or dealer
for
its own account pursuant to this
prospectus;
|
|
·
|
an
exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of any stock exchange
on which the common shares are
listed;
|
|
·
|
ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits
purchases;
|
|
·
|
privately
negotiated transactions;
|
|
·
|
the
writing of options on the common shares, whether or not the options
are
listed on an options exchange;
|
|
·
|
the
distribution of the common shares by any selling shareholder to its
partners, members or shareholders;
|
|
·
|
one
or more underwritten offerings on a firm commitment or best efforts
basis;
and
|
|
·
|
any
combination of any of these methods of
sale.
|
These
transactions may include crosses, which are transactions in which the same
broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade. The selling shareholders
may
also transfer the common shares by gift. The selling shareholders will act
independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner
and
size of each sale of the common shares offered hereby. The selling shareholders
have advised us that they have not entered into any agreements, arrangements
or
understandings for the sale of any of their common shares.
The
selling shareholders may sell shares directly to market makers acting as
principals and/or to brokers and dealers, acting as agents for themselves or
their customers. Brokers or dealers may arrange for other brokers or dealers
to
participate in effecting sales of the common shares. Broker-dealers may agree
with a selling shareholder to sell a specified number of the shares at a
stipulated price per share. If the broker-dealer is unable to sell common shares
acting as agent for a selling shareholder, it may purchase as principal any
unsold shares at the stipulated price. Broker-dealers who acquire common shares
as principals may thereafter resell the shares from time to time in transactions
in any stock exchange or automated interdealer quotation system on which the
common shares are then listed, at prices and on terms then prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to the then-current market price or in
negotiated transactions. Broker-dealers may use block transactions and sales
to
and through broker-dealers, including transactions of the nature described
above. The selling shareholders may also sell the common shares in accordance
with Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act, rather than pursuant to
this prospectus. In order to comply with the securities laws of some states,
if
applicable, the common shares may be sold in these jurisdictions only through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the
common shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified
for
sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is
available and is complied with.
From
time
to time, one or more of the selling shareholders may pledge, hypothecate or
grant a security interest in some or all of the shares owned by them. The
pledgees, secured parties or person to whom the shares have been hypothecated
will, upon foreclosure in the event of default, be deemed to be selling
shareholders. The number of a selling shareholder’s shares offered under this
prospectus will decrease as and when it takes such actions. The plan of
distribution for that selling shareholder’s shares will otherwise remain
unchanged. In addition, a selling shareholder may, from time to time, sell
the
shares short, and, in those instances, this prospectus may be delivered in
connection with the short sales and the shares offered under this prospectus
may
be used to cover short sales.
A
selling
shareholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers and the
broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the common shares in the course
of
hedging the positions they assume with that selling shareholder, including,
without limitation, in connection with distributions of the common shares by
those broker-dealers. A selling shareholder may enter into option or other
transactions with broker-dealers, who may then resell or otherwise transfer
those common shares pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended
to
reflect such transactions. A selling shareholder may also loan or pledge the
common shares offered by this prospectus to a broker-dealer and the
broker-dealer may sell the common shares offered by this prospectus so loaned
or
upon a default may sell or otherwise transfer the pledged common shares offered
by this prospectus.
To
the
extent required under the Securities Act, the aggregate amount of selling
shareholders’ shares being offered and the terms of the offering, the names of
any agents, brokers, dealers or underwriters, any applicable commission and
other material facts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in
an
accompanying prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as appropriate.
Any
underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents participating in the distribution
of
the common shares may receive compensation in the form of underwriting
discounts, concessions, commissions or fees from a selling shareholder and/or
purchasers of selling shareholders’ shares, for whom they may act (which
compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be less than or in excess
of
customary commissions). Neither we nor any selling shareholder can presently
estimate the amount of any such compensation.
The
selling shareholders and any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of the common shares may be deemed to be
“underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any discounts,
concessions, commissions or fees received by them and any profit on the resale
of the securities sold by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions. If a selling shareholder is deemed to be an underwriter, the
selling shareholder may be subject to certain statutory liabilities including,
but not limited to Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b−5
under the Exchange Act. Selling shareholders who are deemed underwriters within
the meaning of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act. The SEC staff is of a view that selling
shareholders who are registered broker-dealers or affiliates of registered
broker-dealers may be underwriters under the Securities Act. In compliance
with
the guidelines of the NASD, the maximum commission or discount to be received
by
any NASD member or independent broker-dealer may not exceed 8% for the sale
of
any securities registered hereunder. We will not pay any compensation or give
any discounts or commissions to any underwriter in connection with the
securities being offered by this prospectus.
The
selling shareholders and other persons participating in the sale or distribution
of the common shares will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange
Act, and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, including Regulation
M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the
common shares by the selling shareholders and any other person. The
anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of common
shares in the market and to the activities of the selling shareholders and
their
affiliates. Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in
the
distribution of the common shares to engage in market-making activities with
respect to the particular common shares being distributed. These restrictions
may affect the marketability of the common shares and the ability of any person
or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the common
shares. The selling shareholders have acknowledged that they understand their
obligations to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules
thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation
M.
We
have
agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders and any brokers, dealers and agents
who may be deemed to be underwriters, if any, of the common shares offered
by
this prospectus, against specified liabilities, including liabilities under
the
Securities Act. The selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify us against
specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.
The
common shares offered by this prospectus were originally issued to the selling
shareholders pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of
the
Securities Act. We agreed to register the common shares under the Securities
Act, and to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part
effective until the earliest of:
|
·
|
the
date on which all the common shares offered hereby have been sold
in
accordance with this prospectus and the registration statement to
which
this prospectus relates;
|
|
·
|
the
date on which the common shares offered hereby are distributed to
the
public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any similar
provision then in effect) or are saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k)
under
the Securities Act;
|
|
·
|
the
common shares offered hereby are no longer outstanding;
or
|
|
·
|
the
second anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement
to
which this prospectus relates.
|
Our
obligation to keep the registration statement to which this prospectus relates
effective is subject to specified, permitted exceptions. In these cases, we
may
suspend offers and sales of the common shares pursuant to the registration
statement to which this prospectus relates.
We
have
agreed to pay all expenses incident to the registration of the common shares
in
connection with the private offering, including the fees and expenses of one
counsel to the selling shareholders, but not including broker or underwriting
discounts and commissions or any transfer taxes relating to the sale or
disposition of the common shares by the selling shareholders.
The
aggregate proceeds to the selling shareholders from the sale of the common
shares offered by them will be the purchase price of the common shares less
discounts and commissions, if any. If the common shares are sold through
underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling shareholders will be responsible
for
underwriting discounts and commissions and/or agent’s commissions. We will not
receive any proceeds from sales of any common shares by the selling
shareholders.
We
cannot
assure you that the selling shareholders will sell all or any portion of the
common shares offered by this prospectus. In addition, we cannot assure you
that
a selling shareholder will not transfer our common shares by other means not
described in this prospectus.
CUSIP
Number
The
Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures assigns a unique
number, known as a CUSIP number, to a class or issue of securities in which
all
of the securities have similar rights. Upon issuance, the common shares covered
by this prospectus included shares with three different CUSIP numbers, depending
upon whether the sale of the shares to the selling shareholder was conducted
(a)
by us under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, (b) by Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey & Co., Inc., as the initial purchaser, under Rule 144A or (c) by the
initial purchaser under Regulation S. Prior to any registered resale, all of
the
securities covered by this prospectus are restricted securities under Rule
144
and their designated CUSIP numbers refer to such restricted status.
Any
sales
of our common shares by means of this prospectus must be settled with common
shares bearing our general (not necessarily restricted) common shares CUSIP
number. A selling shareholder named in this prospectus may obtain shares bearing
our general common shares CUSIP number for settlement purposes by presenting
the
shares to be sold (with a restricted CUSIP) to our transfer agent, American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The process of obtaining such shares might
take a number of business days. SEC rules generally require trades in the
secondary market to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any
such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, a selling shareholder who
holds securities with a restricted CUSIP at the time of the trade might wish
to
specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to provide
sufficient time to obtain the shares with an unrestricted CUSIP in order to
prevent a failed settlement.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The
validity of the common shares under Bermuda law has been passed upon for us
by
Conyers Dill & Pearman, Hamilton, Bermuda.
EXPERTS
The
financial statements as of June 14, 2007 and for the period then ended included
in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent chartered accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS
We
are
incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and our business is based in Bermuda.
In
addition, some of our directors and officers may reside outside the United
States, and all or a substantial portion of our assets will be and the assets
of
these persons are, and will continue to be, located in jurisdictions outside
the
United States. As such, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to
effect service of process within the United States upon us or those persons
or
to recover against us or them on judgments of U.S. courts, including judgments
predicated upon civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and
officers in the first instance for violation of U.S. federal securities laws
because these laws have no extraterritorial jurisdiction under Bermuda law
and
do not have force of law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil
liability, including the possibility of monetary damages, on us or our directors
and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to
a
cause of action under Bermuda law.
We
have
been advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman, our Bermuda counsel, that there is
no treaty in force between the United States and Bermuda providing for the
reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial
matters. As a result, whether a United States judgment would be enforceable
in
Bermuda against us or our directors and officers depends on whether the U.S.
court that entered the judgment is recognized by the Bermuda court as having
jurisdiction over us or our directors and officers, as determined by reference
to Bermuda conflict of law rules. A judgment debt from a U.S. court that is
final and for a sum certain based on U.S. federal securities laws will not
be
enforceable in Bermuda unless the judgment debtor had submitted to the
jurisdiction of the U.S. court, and the issue of submission and jurisdiction
is
a matter of Bermuda (not U.S.) law.
In
addition, and irrespective of jurisdictional issues, the Bermuda courts will
not
enforce a U.S. federal securities law that is either penal or contrary to
Bermuda public policy. It is the advice of Conyers Dill & Pearman that an
action brought pursuant to a public or penal law, the purpose of which is the
enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of the state in its
sovereign capacity, will not be entertained by a Bermuda court. Certain remedies
available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including certain remedies
under
U.S. federal securities laws, would not be available under Bermuda law or
enforceable in a Bermuda court, as they would be contrary to Bermuda public
policy.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We
filed
with the SEC a registration statement on Form S−1 under the Securities Act for
the common shares to be sold by our selling shareholders pursuant to this
prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the
registration statement and the exhibits and schedules that were filed with
the
registration statement. For further information with respect to the common
shares and us, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits
and
schedules that were filed with the registration statement. Statements made
in
this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract, agreement or other
document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not
necessarily complete, and we refer you to the full text of the contract or
other
document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. We will file
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings,
and a copy of the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules that
were filed with the registration statement may be inspected without charge
at
the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, DC 20549. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement
may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee. Information
regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling
the SEC at 1−800−SEC−0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
Website
Access to our Periodic SEC Reports
The
Internet address of our corporate website is http://www.maiden.bm. We intend
to
make our periodic SEC reports (on Forms 10−K and 10−Q) and current reports (on
Form 8−K), as well as the beneficial ownership reports filed by our directors,
officers and 10% shareholders (on Forms 3, 4 and 5) available free of charge
through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed
electronically with the SEC. We may from time to time provide important
disclosures to investors by posting them in the investor relations section
of
our website, as allowed by SEC rules. The information on our website is not
a
part of this prospectus and will not be part of any of periodic or current
reports to be filed by us with the SEC.
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
|
|
Page
|
Report
of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Bermuda), Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
|
|
F−2
|
Balance
Sheet as of June 14, 2007
|
|
F−3
|
Statement
of Operations
|
|
F−4
|
Statement
of Changes In Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
F−5
|
Statement
of Cash Flows
|
|
F−6
|
Notes
to Financial Statements
|
|
F-7
|
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered
Accountants
Dorchester
House
7
Church Street
Hamilton
HM 11
Bermuda
Telephone
+1 (441) 295 2000
Facsimile
+1 (441) 295 1242
www.pwc.com/bermuda
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the board of directors and shareholders of Maiden Holdings,
Ltd.
In
our
opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements of
operations, changes in shareholders’ equity
and of
cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. at June 14, 2007, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the period then ended in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on
our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with
auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Chartered
Accountants
A
list of partners can be obtained from the above address
PricewaterhouseCoopers
refers to the members of the worldwide PricewaterhouseCoopers
organisation
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
BALANCE SHEET
As
of June 14, 2007
(dollar
amounts are in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
21,000
|
|
Common
shares subscription price receivable
|
|
|
29,000
|
|
Deferred
costs
|
|
|
976
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$
|
50,976
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
$
|
1,102
|
|
Total
Liabilities
|
|
$
|
1,102
|
|
Shareholders’
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 7,800,000
issued
and outstanding
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
Additional
paid-in-capital
|
|
|
49,922
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(126
|
|
Total
Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
49,874
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
50,976
|
|
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS
For
the Period May 31, 2007 through June 14, 2007
(dollar
amounts are in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
Revenues
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Expenses
|
|
$
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted loss per common share
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average
common shares outstanding: basic and diluted
|
|
|
520
|
|
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
STATEMENT
OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For
the Period May 31, 2007 through June 14, 2007
(dollar
amounts are in thousands (000’s) except per share
data)
|
|
Common
Shares
|
|
Additional
Paid-in Capital
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance,
May 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Comprehensive
loss:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126
|
)
|
|
(126
|
)
|
Comprehensive
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126
|
)
|
Issuance
of common shares
|
|
|
78
|
|
|
49,922
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
Balance,
June 14, 2007
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
$
|
49,922
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(126
|
)
|
$
|
49,874
|
|
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
STATEMENT
OF CASH FLOWS
For
the Period May 31, 2007 through June 14, 2007
(dollar
amounts are in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
(126
|
)
|
Change
in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares issuance
|
|
|
21,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
21,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
21,000
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
21,000
|
|
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar
amounts in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
1.
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Principles
Description
of Business
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd. (sometimes referred to as the “Company”), has been organized as a
Cayman Islands company to provide, through an insurance subsidiary to be
established under the laws of Bermuda, property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance business solutions primarily to small insurance companies and
program underwriting agents in the United States. The Company is being formed
to
take advantage of opportunities that management of the Company believes exist
in
the insurance and reinsurance industry for providing traditional quota share
reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance. The Company intends to change its
jurisdiction of organization to Bermuda (See Note 8 — Subsequent
Events).
Basis
of Presentation
These
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date. Estimates also affect
the
reported amounts of income and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
These
financial statements are presented from May 31, 2007, the date of
incorporation, to June 14, 2007 in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Formation
On
June
14, 2007 the Company received subscriptions for an aggregate of 7,800,000 common
shares from Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind (sometimes
referred to as the “Founding Shareholders”) for $50,000. As of June 14, 2007,
$21,000 of the $50,000 subscription had been received. Subsequently on June
15,
2007, an additional $4,000 was collected from the Founding Shareholders. The
remaining $25,000 is in the process of clearing the bank. The Company intends
to
conduct a private offering of its common shares as described under “Significant
accounting policies” below. If the Company were unable to complete the proposed
offering, the capital funds received from the Founding Shareholders, net of
any
expenses incurred by the Company, would be returned upon liquidation of the
Company.
Significant
accounting policies
The
following is a summary of the significant accounting policies adopted by the
Company:
(a)
Cash
and cash equivalents
Cash
and
cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, and include
all securities that, at their purchase date, have a maturity of less than 90
days. The Company maintains its cash accounts in the Bank of Bermuda, which
are
not insured.
(b)
Warrants
The
Company has accounted for certain warrants to purchase up to 4,050,000 common
shares of the Company issued to the founders of the Company, in conjunction
with
the capitalization of the Company, and which may be settled by the Company
using
the physical settlement method, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force
00-19: “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and
Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock” (“EITF 00-19”). Accordingly, the
fair value of these warrants has been recorded in equity as an addition to
additional paid-in-capital. The associated cost of the fair value of these
warrants has been recorded in accordance with Note 1(c) below.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar
amounts in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
1.
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Principles -
(continued)
(c)
Offering and incorporation expenses
The
Company intends to offer 45,000,000 common shares and up to an additional
6,750,000 common shares to cover over-allotments in a private offering. Offering
expenses incurred in connection with the proposed offering will be recorded
as a
reduction of paid-in-capital. These costs are expected to include certain
investment banking fees, legal fees, printer fees and audit fees.
With
respect to the warrants issued to the founders, which had an effective date
of
June 14, 2007, the aggregate value of these warrants
was
recorded as an addition to additional paid-in-capital on such effective date
with an offsetting charge to additional paid-in-capital as well.
Any
incorporation expenses not related to the raising of capital are expensed as
incurred and are included in other operating expenses.
(d)
Earnings Per Share
Basic
earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common
shares outstanding. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted
for the dilutive impact of warrants and share options using the treasury stock
method. There were no dilutive shares for the period between May 31, 2007 and
June 14, 2007
(e)
Recent Accounting Developments
During
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S.
GAAP financial statements, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
periods beginning after November 14, 2007, and interim periods within those
fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined
the impact, if any, on its financial statements of adopting SFAS
157.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”) which provides reporting
entities the ability to choose to report many financial instruments and certain
other items at fair value with changes in fair value included in current
earnings. SFAS No. 159 establishes presentation and disclosure requirements
designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different
measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The standard
also requires additional information to aid financial statement users’
understanding of a reporting entity’s choice to use fair value on its earnings
and also requires entities to display on the face of the balance sheet the
fair
value of those assets and liabilities which the reporting entity has chosen
to
measure at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of a
reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. Early
adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the previous fiscal year provided
the entity makes that choice in the first 120 days of that fiscal year and
also
elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. Because application of the
standard is optional, any impacts are limited to those financial assets and
liabilities to which SFAS No. 159 would be applied, which has yet to be
determined.
2.
Statement of Operations
For
the
period from inception to June 14, 2007 the Company did not have any revenue
to
report. The retained deficit of $126 was due to audit and rating service
fees.
3.
Share Capital
(a)
Authorized and issued
The
Company’s authorized share capital is 100,000,000 common shares with a par value
of $0.01 per share, of which there are 7,800,000 common shares issued and
outstanding, which were issued to the Founding Shareholders
in consideration of their investment of $50,000 in the Company as described
in
Note 1 under “Formation”.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar
amounts in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
The
holders of our common shares are entitled to receive dividends and are allocated
one vote per share, subject to downward adjustment under certain
circumstances.
(b)
Warrants
In
connection with the formation by our Founding Shareholders, the Company issued
to the Founding Shareholders 10-year warrants to purchase up to 4,050,000 common
shares of the Company. The warrants are effective as of June 14, 2007 and will
expire on June 14, 2017. The warrants are exercisable at a price per share
of
$10.00, equal to the price per share to be paid by investors in the proposed
private offering.
The
warrants may be settled using the physical settlement method. The warrants
have
been classified as equity instruments, in accordance with EITF 00-19. The
warrants were initially measured at an aggregate fair value of $19,521, which
was recorded as an addition to additional paid-in-capital with an offsetting
charge to additional paid-in-capital as well.
The
fair
value of the warrants issued was estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The volatility assumption used, 34.53%,
was
derived from the historical volatility of the share price of a range of
publicly-traded companies with similar types of business to that of the Company.
No allowance was made for any potential illiquidity associated with the private
trading of the Company’s shares. The other assumptions in the option pricing
model were as follows: risk free interest rate of 5.16%, expected life of 10
years and a dividend yield of 1%.
(c)
Dividends
The
Company did not declare any dividends as of the date of the balance
sheet.
4.
Taxation
Bermuda
The
Company has received from the Bermuda government an exemption from all local
income, withholding and capital gains taxes until March 28, 2016. At the present
time, no such taxes are levied in Bermuda.
United
States
The
Company intends to operate in such manner that it will not be engaged in a
trade
or business in the United States and, accordingly, does not expect to be subject
to United States federal income taxation.
5.
Commitments and Contingencies
(a)
Concentrations of credit risk
As
of
June 14, 2007 the Company’s assets consisted of cash, common share subscription
price receivable and deferred costs.
The
Company’s future investments will be managed following standards of
diversification to be established by the Company from time to time. Specific
provisions will limit the allowable holdings of a single issue and issuers.
The
Company believes that there are no significant concentrations of credit risk
associated with its investments.
(b)
Employment agreements
The
Company has entered into employment agreements, effective as of the date of
the closing of the proposed offering, with certain of its executive
officers.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar
amounts in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
(c)
Operating leases
The
Company subleases office space. Future minimum lease commitments are $10 for
2007. There are no commitments for 2008 and thereafter.
6.
Related Party Transactions
The
transactions listed below are classified as related party transactions as each
counterparty may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Company.
The
Company, through a subsidiary, plans to provide reinsurance to certain
subsidiaries of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”) pursuant to quota
share reinsurance agreements and, potentially, one or more excess of loss
reinsurance agreements.
The
Company and its subsidiary have entered into an asset management agreement
with an AmTrust affiliate.
Also, the
Company’s subsidiary has entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement
with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd., a subsidiary of AmTrust, appointing AII
Reinsurance Broker Ltd. reinsurance broker on the proposed quota-share
reinsurance agreements between the Company’s subsidiary and the subsidiaries of
AmTrust.
7.
Earnings Per Share
The
following, is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted
loss per share (amounts in $000s):
|
|
Period
from May 31 through June 14, 2007
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(126
|
)
|
Weighted
average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted
|
|
|
520
|
|
Net
loss - basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
Weighted
average warrants outstanding of 270,000 for the period have been excluded as
these were anti-dilutive to earnings per share.
8.
Subsequent Events
On
June
15, 2007, the Company received $4,000 from the Founding Shareholders for payment
related to the subscription receivable as discussed in Note 1 (Formation).
An
additional $25,000 has been collected.
On
June
20, 2007, the Bermuda Monetary Authority ("BMA") approved the formation of
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. allowing for the change in jurisdiction of organization
as
discussed in Note 1 (Description of Business). On July 2, 2007 with an effective
date of June 29, 2007 the BMA approved the registration of the Company's
insurance subsidary, Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd.
On
July 3
and July 13, 2007, the Company sold an aggregate of 51,750,000 common shares
in
a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act at a
purchase price of $9.30 per share to Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.,
the initial purchaser of some of the shares, and directly to certain investors.
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. resold the shares it purchased to
investors pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.
The
Company raised approximately $480.6 million in net proceeds from the private
offering. The Company used approximately $450 million of these proceeds and
the
$50.0 million our Founding Shareholders invested in the Company, a total of
approximately $500 million, to capitalize Maiden Insurance, the Company’s
reinsurance subsidiary.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar
amounts in thousands (000’s) except per share data)
On
August
21, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of
$0.025 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on October 15, 2007
to
shareholders of record as of October 1, 2007.
2007
Share Incentive Plan
The
Company has adopted a 2007 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) providing
for grants of any options or restricted shares. The total number of shares
reserved for issuance under the Plan is expected to be 2,800,000 common shares.
The Plan is expected to be administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors. Grant prices will be established at the fair market value
of
the Company’s common shares at the date of grant.
GLOSSARY
OF SELECTED REINSURANCE, INSURANCE
AND
INVESTMENT TERMS
Acquisition
expense:
|
|
The
aggregate of policy acquisition costs attributable to underwriting
operations, including ceding and direct commissions as well as premium
taxes, excise taxes and assessments, if applicable.
|
Broker:
|
|
One
who negotiates contracts of insurance or reinsurance, receiving a
commission for placement and other service rendered, between
(1) a policyholder and a primary insurer, on behalf of the
insured party, (2) a primary insurer and reinsurer, on behalf of
the primary insurer, or (3) a reinsurer and a retrocessionaire,
on behalf of the reinsurer.
|
Capacity:
|
|
The
percentage of surplus, or the dollar amount of exposure, that an
insurer
or reinsurer is willing or able to place at risk.
|
Case
reserves:
|
|
Loss
reserves established with respect to specific, individual reported
claims.
|
Casualty
insurance:
|
|
Insurance
that is primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to
third
persons (in other words, persons other than the policyholder) and
the
resulting legal liability imposed on the underlying insured resulting
therefrom.
|
Catastrophe;
Catastrophic:
|
|
A
severe loss or disaster, typically involving multiple claimants.
Common
perils include earthquakes, hurricanes, hailstorms, severe winter
weather,
floods, fires, tornadoes, explosions and other natural or man-made
disasters. Catastrophe losses may also arise from acts of war, acts
of
terrorism and political instability.
|
Catastrophe
loss:
|
|
Loss
and directly identified loss adjustment expense from
catastrophes.
|
Cede;
Cedent; Ceding company:
|
|
When
a party reinsures its liability with another, it transfers or “cedes”
business (premiums or losses) and is referred to as the “cedent” or
“ceding company.”
|
Ceding
commission:
|
|
A
fee based upon the ceding company’s cost of acquiring the business being
reinsured (including commissions, premium taxes, assessments and
miscellaneous administrative expense), which also may include a profit
factor.
|
Claim:
|
|
Request
by an insured or reinsured for indemnification by an insurance company
or
a reinsurance company for loss incurred from an insured peril
or event.
|
Combined
ratio:
|
|
The
sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio below
100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the
consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally
indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of
investment income. A combined ratio can be stated on a gross basis
(before
the effects of reinsurance) or a net basis (after the effects of
reinsurance).
|
Deductible:
|
|
With
respect to an insurance policy, the amount of loss that an insured
retains, although the insurer is legally responsible for losses within
the
deductible and looks to the insured for reimbursement for such losses.
This is in contrast to a self-insured retention (SIR), where the
insurer
is only responsible for claims in excess of the SIR, regardless of
the
financial status of the insured. With respect to a reinsurance agreement,
an amount of loss that a ceding company retains within a layer of
reinsurance and does not cede to the reinsurer.
|
Excess
of loss:
|
|
A
generic term describing insurance or reinsurance that indemnifies
the
insured or the reinsured against all or a specified portion of losses
on
underlying insurance policies in excess of a specified amount, which
is
called a “retention.” Also known as non-proportional insurance or
reinsurance. Excess of loss insurance or reinsurance is written in
layers.
An insurer or reinsurer or group of insurers or reinsurers accepts
a band
of coverage up to a specified amount. The total coverage purchased by
the cedent is referred to as a “program” and will typically be placed with
predetermined insurers or reinsurers in pre-negotiated layers. Any
liability exceeding the outer limit of the program reverts to the
ceding
company, which also bears the credit risk of an insurer’s or
reinsurer’s insolvency.
|
Exclusions:
|
|
Provisions
in an insurance or reinsurance policy excluding certain risks or
otherwise
limiting the scope of coverage.
|
Expense
ratio:
|
|
The
ratio of acquisition expenses, salaries and benefits and other insurance
general and administrative expenses to premiums earned. The expense
ratio
can be stated on a gross basis (before the effects of reinsurance)
or a
net basis (after the effects of reinsurance, in which expenses may
be
reduced by the amount (if any) of ceding commissions received on
the ceded
business).
|
Exposure:
|
|
The
possibility of loss. It is also a unit of measure of the amount of
risk a
company assumes.
|
Extended
Warranty:
|
|
A
contract or agreement to repair or replace or to provide indemnification
for the repair or replacement of a product or specified parts due to
mechanical failure. An extended warranty, which may be offered by
the
manufacturer, retailer or other warranty provider for consideration
which
is separate from or in addition to the purchase price of the product,
provides coverage for a specific period of time upon expiration of
or for
parts which are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, if any, which
is included in the purchase price of the product.
|
Facultative
Reinsurance:
|
|
The
reinsurance of all or a portion of the insurance provided by a single
policy. Each policy reinsured is separately negotiated.
|
Frequency:
|
|
The
number of claims occurring during a given coverage period. This is
sometimes quoted as number of claims per unit of exposure.
|
Generally
accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”):
|
|
Generally
accepted accounting principles as defined by the American Institute
of
Certified Public Accountants or statements of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board. GAAP is the method of accounting to be used by Maiden
Holdings for reporting to shareholders.
|
Gross
premiums written:
|
|
Total
premiums for insurance or reinsurance written during a given
period.
|
Incurred
but not reported (“IBNR”):
|
|
Reserves
for estimated losses that have been incurred by insureds and reinsureds
but not yet reported to the insurer or reinsurer, including unknown
future
developments on losses which are known to the insurer or
reinsurer.
|
Layer:
|
|
The
interval between the retention or attachment point and the maximum
limit
of indemnity for which an insurer or reinsurer is
responsible.
|
Loss
ratio:
|
|
The
ratio of losses and loss adjustment expense to premiums earned. The
loss
ratio can be stated on a gross basis (before the effects of reinsurance)
or a net basis (after the effects of reinsurance).
|
Loss
reserves:
|
|
Reserves
established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated cost
of claims payments and the related expenses that the insurer or
reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay with respect to insurance
or
reinsurance it has written.
|
Losses
and loss adjustment expense:
|
|
The
expense of settling claims, including legal and other fees and the
portion
of general expenses allocated to claim settlement costs (also known
as
claim adjustment expenses) plus losses incurred with respect to
claims.
|
Losses
incurred:
|
|
The
total losses sustained by an insurer or reinsurer under a policy
or
policies, whether paid or unpaid. Incurred losses include a provision
for
IBNR.
|
Managing
general agent:
|
|
An
insurance intermediary that aggregates business from retail and general
agents and manages business on behalf of insurance companies, including
functions such as risk selection and underwriting, premium collection,
policy form design and client service.
|
Net
premiums earned:
|
|
The
portion of net premiums written during or prior to a given period
that was
actually recognized as income during such period.
|
Net
premiums written:
|
|
Gross
premiums written for a given period less premiums ceded to reinsurers
during such period.
|
Premiums:
|
|
The
amount charged during the term on policies and contracts issued,
renewed
or reinsured by an insurance company or reinsurance company.
|
Program:
|
|
Refers
to an aggregation of narrowly defined classes of insurance business
with
some element of similarity that are underwritten on an individual
policy
basis by managing general agents on behalf of insurance
companies.
|
Property
insurance:
|
|
Insurance
that provides coverage to a person with an insurable interest in
tangible
property for that person’s property loss, damage or loss of
use.
|
Quota
share reinsurance:
|
|
A
type of reinsurance (also called proportional reinsurance) under
which the
insurer cedes a fixed or variable percentage of liabilities, premiums
and
losses for each policy covered on a pro rata basis. In quota share
reinsurance, the reinsurer generally pays the ceding company a ceding
commission.
|
Rates:
|
|
Amounts
charged per unit of insurance and reinsurance (also sometimes shown
per
unit of exposure).
|
Reinsurance:
|
|
An
arrangement in which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees
to
indemnify another insurance or reinsurance company, the ceding company,
against all or a portion of the insurance or reinsurance risks
underwritten by the ceding company under one or more policies. Reinsurance
can provide a ceding company with several benefits, including a reduction
in net liability on individual risks and catastrophe protection from
large or multiple losses. Reinsurance also provides a ceding company
with
additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to accept larger
risks
and write more business than would be possible without a concomitant
increase in capital and surplus, and facilitates the maintenance
of
acceptable financial ratios by the ceding company. Reinsurance does
not
legally discharge the primary insurer from its liability with respect
to its obligations to the insured.
|
Reinsurance
agreement:
|
|
A
contract specifying the terms of a reinsurance transaction (also
known as
a reinsurance certificate).
|
Reported
losses:
|
|
Claims
or potential claims that have been identified to a reinsurer by a
ceding
company or to an insurer by an insured.
|
Reserves:
|
|
Liabilities
established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated costs
of
claim payments and the related expenses that the insurer or reinsurer
will
ultimately be required to pay with respect to insurance or reinsurance
it
has written. Reserves are established for losses, for loss expenses
and
for unearned premiums. Loss reserves consist of “case reserves,” or
reserves established with respect to individual reported claims,
and “IBNR
reserves.” For reinsurers, loss expense reserves are generally not
significant because substantially all of the loss expenses associated
with
particular claims are incurred by the primary insurer and reported
to
reinsurers as losses. Unearned premium reserves constitute the
portion of premium paid in advance for insurance or reinsurance that
has
not yet been provided. See also “Loss reserves.”
|
Retention:
|
|
The
amount or portion of risk that an insurer retains for its own account.
Losses in excess of the retention level up to the outer limit of
the
policy or program, if any, that do not fall within any applicable
deductible are paid by the reinsurer. In proportional agreements,
the
retention may be a percentage of the original policy’s limit. In excess of
loss business, the retention is a dollar amount of loss, a loss ratio
or a
percentage.
Retention
may also mean that portion of the loss retained by the insured or
policyholder. Most insureds do not purchase insurance to cover their
entire exposure. Rather, they elect to take a deductible or self-insured
retention, a portion of the risk that they will cover
themselves.
|
Specialty
lines:
|
|
Lines
of insurance that provide coverage for risks that are often unusual
or difficult to place and do not fit the underwriting criteria of
standard commercial products carriers.
|
Statutory
accounting principles (“SAP”):
|
|
The
rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by United States state
insurance regulatory authorities including the National Association
of
Insurance Commissioners for recording transactions and preparing
financial
statements, which in general reflect a liquidating, rather than going
concern, concept of accounting.
|
Treaty
reinsurance; Reinsurance treaties:
|
|
The
reinsurance of a specified type or category of risks defined in a
reinsurance agreement between a primary insurer or other reinsured
and a
reinsurer. Typically, in treaty reinsurance, the primary insurer
or
reinsured is obligated to offer, and the reinsurer is obligated to
accept,
a specified portion of all of the specified type or category of risks
originally written by the primary insurer or reinsured. Treaty reinsurance
can be contrasted with facultative reinsurance, in which the reinsurance
of each policy is separately negotiated.
|
Underwriter:
|
|
An
employee of an insurance or reinsurance company who examines, accepts
or
rejects risks and classifies accepted risks in order to charge an
appropriate premium for each accepted risk. The underwriter is expected
to
select business that will produce an average risk of loss no greater
than
that anticipated for the class of business.
|
Underwriting:
|
|
The
insurer’s or reinsurer’s process of reviewing applications for coverage,
and the decision whether to accept all or part of the exposure and
determination of the applicable premiums; also refers to the acceptance
of
that coverage.
|
Workers’
compensation:
|
|
A
system (established under state and federal laws) under which employers
provide insurance for benefit payments to their employees for work-related
injuries, deaths and diseases, regardless of fault.
|
You
may rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or to which we
have referred you. Neither we nor the selling shareholders have authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with
different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Neither we
nor
the selling shareholders are making an offer to sell, or are soliciting an
offer
to buy, these securities in any circumstances in which such offer or
solicitation is unlawful. The information appearing in this prospectus is
accurate only as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that
date,
and neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made in connection
with
this prospectus shall, under any circumstances, crease any implication that
the
information contained in this prospectus is correct as of any time after its
date.
|
Page
|
|
|
CERTAIN
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
|
i
|
|
59,550,000
Common
Shares
PROSPECTUS
,
2007
|
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
|
1
|
|
THE
OFFERING
|
5
|
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
6
|
|
A
WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
28
|
|
USE
OF PROCEEDS
|
30
|
|
INSTITUTIONAL
TRADING AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
|
31
|
|
DIVIDEND
POLICY
|
32
|
|
CAPITALIZATION
|
33
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
34
|
|
INDUSTRY
BACKGROUND
|
43
|
|
BUSINESS
|
46
|
|
REGULATION
|
64
|
|
MANAGEMENT
|
70
|
|
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
|
78
|
|
PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
|
87
|
|
DESCRIPTION
OF SHARE CAPITAL
|
88
|
|
MATERIAL
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
|
97
|
|
SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
|
106
|
|
SELLING
SHAREHOLDERS
|
108
|
|
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
|
122
|
|
LEGAL
MATTERS
|
124
|
|
EXPERTS
|
124
|
|
ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS
|
125
|
|
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
|
125
|
|
|
F-1
|
|
GLOSSARY
OF SELECTED REINSURANCE, INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TERMS
|
G-1
|
|
PART
II
INFORMATION
NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item
13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The
expenses in connection with the registration of the common shares covered by
this prospectus are set forth in the following table. All amounts except the
registration fee are estimated:
Securities
and Exchange Commission registration fee
|
|
$
|
16,454
|
|
NASDAQ/New
York Stock Exchange listing fee
|
|
|
*
|
|
NASD
filing fee
|
|
|
*
|
|
Printing
and engraving expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Accounting
fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Legal
fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
*
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
|
|
* To
be
filed by amendment
All
expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities
being offered shall be borne by the registrant, other than underwriting
discounts and selling commissions, if any.
Item
14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
We
are a
Bermuda exempted company. Section 98 of the Companies Act provides generally
that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors
against any liability which by virtue
of
any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence,
default, breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability
arises from fraud or dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor
may
be guilty in relation to the company. Section 98 further provides that a Bermuda
company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability
incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in
which judgment is awarded in their favor or in which they are acquitted or
granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to section 281 of the
Companies Act.
We
have
adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we will indemnify our
officers and directors in respect of their actions and omissions, except in
respect of their fraud or dishonesty. Our bye-laws provide that the shareholders
waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or
in
right of the company, against any of the company’s directors or officers for any
act or failure to act in the performance of such director’s or officer’s duties,
except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer.
Section 98A of the Companies Act permits us to purchase and maintain insurance
for the benefit of any officer or director in respect of any loss or liability
attaching to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach
of trust, whether or not we may otherwise indemnify such officer or director.
We
have purchased and maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability policy for such
a purpose.
Item
15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The
following information relates to the securities we have issued or sold since
our
incorporation on May 31, 2007 that were not registered under the Securities
Act
of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(i) On
June
14, 2007, we issued 7,800,000 of our common shares, with an initial par value
of
$0.01 per share, to Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind
(together, our “Founding Shareholders”), our founding shareholders, in
consideration of their $50.0 million investment in us. These shares were issued
pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for
transactions not involving a public offering.
(ii) On
June
14, 2007, we issued warrants to our Founding Shareholders to purchase up to
4,050,000 of our common shares. These warrants are exercisable at $10.00 per
share and have a 10-year term. The warrants were issued pursuant to the
exemption provided by Section 4(2) under the Securities Act for a transaction
not involving a public offering.
(iii) On
July 3
and July 13, 2006, we issued an aggregate of (1) 43,953,534 of our common shares
to Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. (“FBR”) as the initial purchaser
at a purchase price of $9.30 per share, and (2) 7,796,466 of our common shares
directly to “accredited investors” (as defined under Rule 501(a) under the
Securities Act) at an offering price of $10.00 per share. The shares purchased
by FBR were resold by FBR to investors at $10.00 per share pursuant to Rule
144A
and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The aggregate offering price to
investors was $517,500,000.
The
issuances we made to FBR and to “accredited investors” were made pursuant to the
exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for transactions not
involving a public offering.
FBR
received a discount of $0.70 per share with respect to 43,953,534 of the common
shares sold pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act
and
a placement fee of $0.70 per share with respect to 7,796,466 of the common
shares that we sold directly to “accredited investors,” for an aggregate
discount/placement fee of $36,225,000.
(iv) On
July
3, 2007, we granted options to (1) certain officers to purchase an aggregate
of
425,000 common shares and (ii) our non-employee directors to purchase an
aggregate of 36,000 common shares, each pursuant to 2007 share incentive plan.
These options are exercisable at $10.00 per share and have a 10-year term.
The
options granted to our officers will vest in installments over a period of
four
years. The options granted to our non-employee directors will vest on the first
anniversary of the date of grant. The options were granted pursuant to the
exemption provided by Section 4(2) under the Securities Act for transactions
not
involving a public offering.
Item
16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
1.1
|
|
Purchase/Placement
Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey
& Co., Inc., dated June 26, 2007
|
3.1
|
|
Memorandum
of Association of Maiden Holdings
|
3.2
|
|
Bye-Laws
of Maiden Holdings
|
4.1
|
|
Form
of Common Share Certificate
|
4.2
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to George Karfunkel, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.3
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to Michael Karfunkel, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.4
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to Barry D. Zyskind, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.5
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated as of July 3, 2007
|
4.6
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and George Karfunkel,
Michael Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind, dated as of July 3,
2007
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion
of Conyers Dill & Pearman*
|
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
10.1
|
|
Employment
Agreement between Maiden Holdings and Max G. Caviet, dated as of
July 3,
2007
|
10.2
|
|
Employment
Agreement between Maiden Holdings and Bentzion S. Turin, dated as
of July
3, 2007
|
10.3
|
|
2007
Share Incentive Plan
|
10.4
|
|
Form
of Share Option Agreement for Executive Employee Recipients of Options
under 2007 Share Incentive Plan
|
10.5
|
|
Form
of Share Option Agreement for Non-Employee Director Recipients of
Options
under 2007 Share Incentive Plan
|
10.6
|
|
Master
Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2007, by and between Maiden Holdings
and
AmTrust
|
10.7
|
|
Amendment
No. 1 to the Master Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2007, by
and
between Maiden Holdings and AmTrust
|
10.8
|
|
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement, entered into as of September 17, 2007,
by and
between Maiden Insurance and AmTrust International Insurance
Ltd.
|
10.9
|
|
Asset
Management Agreement, entered into as of July 3, 2007, by and between
AII
Insurance Management Limited and Maiden Insurance
|
10.10
|
|
Reinsurance
Brokerage Agreement, entered into as of July 3, 2007, by and between
Maiden Insurance and AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd.
|
21.1
|
|
List
of subsidiary of Maiden Holdings
|
23.1
|
|
Consent
of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Bermuda)
|
23.2
|
|
Consent
of Conyers Dill & Pearman (to be included in Exhibit
5.1)*
|
23.3
|
|
Consent
of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP*
|
24.1
|
|
Power
of Attorney
|
99.1
|
|
Form
F-N
|
*
To be
filed by amendment.
Item
17. Undertakings.
The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To
file,
during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to the registration statement:
(i) To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933.
(ii) To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date
of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in
the information in the 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 “Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration
Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
(iii) To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any other material change
to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That
for
the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(3) To
remove
from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(4) That,
for
the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser,
if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C under the Securities Act, each
prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement
relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule
430B
or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed
to be
part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first
used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a
registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement
or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into
the
registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement
will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first
use,
supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement
or
prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such
document immediately prior to such date of first use.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been informed that, in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange 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 us of expenses incurred or paid by our
directors, officers or controlling persons in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by any of our directors, officers or
controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we
will,
unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly
caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Bermuda on
this
seventeenth day
of
September, 2007.
|
|
|
|
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
|
|
Bentzion
S. Turin |
|
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
Barry
D. Zyskind
|
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
Max
G. Caviet
|
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
Ronald
E. Pipoly, Jr.
|
|
Interim
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Bentzion
S. Turin
|
|
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
Simcha
Lyons
|
|
Director
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
Raymond
M. Neff
|
|
Director
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
Steven
H. Nigro
|
|
Director
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Bentzion
S. Turin
|
|
Authorized
Representative in the United States
|
|
September
17, 2007
|
*
By: /s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Attorney-in-fact.
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
1.1
|
|
Purchase/Placement
Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey
& Co., Inc., dated June 26, 2007
|
3.1
|
|
Memorandum
of Association of Maiden Holdings
|
3.2
|
|
Bye-Laws
of Maiden Holdings
|
4.1
|
|
Form
of Common Share Certificate
|
4.2
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to George Karfunkel, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.3
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to Michael Karfunkel, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.4
|
|
Warrant
granted by Maiden Holdings to Barry D. Zyskind, effective June 14,
2007
|
4.5
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and Friedman, Billings,
Ramsey & Co., Inc., dated as of July 3, 2007
|
4.6
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement by and between Maiden Holdings and George Karfunkel,
Michael Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind, dated as of July 3,
2007
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion
of Conyers Dill & Pearman*
|
10.1
|
|
Employment
Agreement between Maiden Holdings and Max G. Caviet, dated as of
July 3,
2007
|
10.2
|
|
Employment
Agreement between Maiden Holdings and Bentzion S. Turin, dated as
of July
3, 2007
|
10.3
|
|
2007
Share Incentive Plan
|
10.4
|
|
Form
of Share Option Agreement for Executive Employee Recipients of Options
under 2007 Share Incentive Plan
|
10.5
|
|
Form
of Share Option Agreement for Non-Employee Director Recipients of
Options
under 2007 Share Incentive Plan
|
10.6
|
|
Master
Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2007, by and between Maiden Holdings
and
AmTrust
|
10.7
|
|
Amendment
No. 1 to the Master Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2007, by
and
between Maiden Holdings and AmTrust
|
10.8
|
|
Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement, entered into as of September 17, 2007,
by and
between Maiden Insurance, and AmTrust International Insurance
Ltd.
|
10.9
|
|
Asset
Management Agreement, entered into as of July 3, 2007, by and between
AII
Insurance Management Limited and Maiden Insurance
|
10.10
|
|
Reinsurance
Brokerage Agreement, entered into as of July 3, 2007, by and between
Maiden Insurance and AII Reinsurance Broker
Ltd.
|
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
21.1
|
|
List
of subsidiary of Maiden Holdings
|
23.1
|
|
Consent
of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Bermuda)
|
23.2
|
|
Consent
of Conyers Dill & Pearman (to be included in Exhibit
5.1)*
|
23.3
|
|
Consent
of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP*
|
24.1
|
|
Power
of Attorney
|
99.1
|
|
Form
F-N
|
*
To be
filed by amendment.
EXHIBIT
1.1
EXECUTION
COPY
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
45,000,000
Shares of Common Stock
PURCHASE/PLACEMENT
AGREEMENT
June
26, 2007
PURCHASE/PLACEMENT
AGREEMENT
June
26,
2007
FRIEDMAN,
BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.
1001
19th
Street North
Arlington,
Virginia 22209
Dear
Sirs:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda company limited by shares (the “Company”),
proposes to issue and sell to you, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.
(“FBR”),
as
initial purchaser, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value
$0.01 per share (the “Common
Stock”)
equal
to 45,000,000 shares less the number of Regulation D Shares sold in the Private
Placement (each as defined herein) (the “144A/Regulation S
Shares”).
FBR
will
also act as the Company's sole placement agent in connection with the Company's
offer and sale to certain “Accredited Investors” (as such term is defined in
Regulation D (“Regulation
D”)
under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”)
of (a)
that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between
45,000,000
shares
and the number of 144A/Regulation S Shares (the “Regulation
D Shares”
and,
together with the 144A/Regulation S Shares, the “Initial
Shares”),
and
(b) the Placed Option Shares (as defined herein), as set forth in the Final
Memorandum (as defined herein) under the headings “Plan of Distribution”’ and
“Private Placement”. The offer and sale of the shares described in the first
sentence of this paragraph (the “Private
Placement Shares”)
is
referred to herein as the “Private
Placement”.
In
addition, the Company proposes to grant to you the option described in
Section 1(c) hereof to purchase or place all or any part of 6,750,000
additional
shares of Common Stock (the “Option
Shares”
and,
together with the Initial Shares, the “Shares”)
to
cover additional allotments, if any.
The
offer
and sale of the Shares to you and to the Accredited Investors, respectively,
will be made without registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and
the
rules and regulations thereunder (the “Securities
Act Regulations”),
in
reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act provided by Section 4(2) thereof. You have advised the Company that you
will
make offers and sales (“Exempt
Resales”)
of the
144A/Regulation S Shares and the Purchased Option Shares (as defined
herein) purchased by you hereunder (such shares referred to collectively herein
as “Resale
Shares”)
in
accordance with Section 3 hereof on the terms set forth in the Final Memorandum
(as defined herein), as soon as you deem advisable after this Agreement has
been
executed and delivered.
In
connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, the Company has prepared
a
preliminary offering memorandum, subject to completion, dated June 7, 2007
(the
“Preliminary
Memorandum”),
each
of the supplements to the Preliminary Memorandum, dated June 21, 2007 and June
26, 2007, respectively (each a “Supplement”
and,
collectively, the “Supplements”)
and a
final offering memorandum, dated the date hereof and as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time (the “Final
Memorandum”).
Each
of the Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements and the Final Memorandum sets
forth certain information concerning the Company and the Shares. The Company
hereby confirms that it has authorized the use of the Preliminary Memorandum,
the Supplements and the Final Memorandum in connection with (i) the
offering and resale of the Resale Shares by FBR and by all dealers to whom
Resale Shares may be sold and (ii) the Private Placement. Any references to
the Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements or the Final Memorandum shall be
deemed to include all exhibits and annexes thereto.
It
is
understood and acknowledged that holders (including subsequent transferees)
of
the Shares will have the registration rights set forth in the registration
rights agreement between the Company and FBR, which shall be in substantially
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A
and
dated as of the Closing Time (as defined herein) (the “Registration
Rights Agreement”),
for
so long as their Shares constitute “Registrable Shares” (as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement).
Pursuant
to, and subject to the terms of, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company
will agree to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“Commission”),
under
the circumstances set forth therein, (i) a registration statement on
Form S-1 under the Securities Act for the initial public offering of Common
Stock that includes the resale by holders of the Registrable Shares (if any
holders of Registrable Shares so request) and/or (ii) a shelf registration
statement on Form S-1 or such other appropriate form pursuant to Rule 415
under the Securities Act relating to the resale by holders of the Registrable
Shares, and to use its best efforts to cause any such registration statement
to
be declared effective.
The
Company and FBR agree as follows:
1.
Sale
and Purchase.
(a) 144A/Regulation S
Shares.
Upon the
basis of the warranties and representations and other terms and conditions
herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to FBR and FBR agrees
to
purchase from the Company the 144A/Regulation S Shares at a purchase price
of
$9.30 per share (the “144A/Regulation S
Purchase Price”).
(b) Regulation
D Shares.
The
Company agrees to issue and sell the Regulation D Shares and, to the extent
that
FBR exercises the option described in Section 1(c), the Placed Option Shares,
for which the Accredited Investors have subscribed pursuant to the terms and
conditions set forth in the subscription agreements substantially in the forms
attached to the Preliminary Memorandum as Annex III and Annex IV, as
applicable (each a “Subscription
Agreement”).
The
Private Placement Shares will be sold by the Company pursuant to this Agreement
at a price of $10.00 per share (the “Regulation
D Purchase Price”).
As
compensation for the services to be provided by FBR in connection with the
Private Placement, the Company shall pay to FBR at each of the Closing Time,
the
Extended Closing Time (as defined herein), to the extent applicable and any
Secondary Closing Time (as defined herein), to the extent applicable, an amount
equal to $0.70 per Private Placement Share sold at such time (the “Placement
Fee”).
(c) Option
Shares. Upon
the
basis of the representations and warranties and
subject
to the other terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company hereby grants an option to FBR to (i) purchase from the
Company, as initial purchaser, up to an aggregate of 6,750,000 Option
Shares
at
the 144A/Regulation S Purchase Price per share (the
“Purchased
Option Shares”);
and
(ii) place, as exclusive placement agent for the Company, up to that number
of Option
Shares
remaining, after subtracting any Purchased Option Shares with respect to which
FBR has exercised its option pursuant to clause (i), at the Regulation D
Purchase Price per share (the
“Placed
Option Shares”).
The
option granted
hereby will expire thirty (30) days after the date hereof and may
be
exercised in whole or in part from time to time in one or more installments,
including at the Closing Time, only for the purpose of covering additional
allotments which may be made
in
connection with the offering and distribution of
the
Initial Shares upon written notice
by
FBR to the Company setting forth (i) the number of
Option
Shares as to which FBR
is
then exercising the option, (ii) the names and
denominations to which the Option Shares are to be delivered in book-entry
form
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”),
(iii) the number of Option Shares that will be Purchased Option Shares and
the number of Option Shares that will be Placed Option Shares, and (iv) the
time and date
of
payment for and delivery of such
Option Shares in book-entry form. Any such time and date of delivery shall
be
determined by FBR, but shall not
be
later than five (5) full business days nor earlier
than one (1) full business day after
the
exercise of said option, nor in any event prior
to
the Closing Time,
unless
otherwise agreed in writing by FBR and
the
Company.
2.
Payment
and Delivery.
(a) 144A/Regulation
S Shares.
The
closing of FBR’s purchase of the 144A/Regulation S Shares shall be held at the
office of Sidley Austin LLP,
787
Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019 (unless another place shall be agreed
upon by FBR and the Company). At the closing, subject to the satisfaction or
waiver of the closing conditions set forth herein, FBR shall pay to the Company
the aggregate purchase price for the 144A/Regulation S Shares by wire transfer
of immediately available funds to an account previously designated by the
Company in writing against delivery by the Company of the 144A/Regulation S
Shares to FBR for FBR’s account through the facilities of DTC in such
denominations and registered in such names as FBR shall specify. Such payment
and delivery shall be made at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the fifth
business day after the date hereof (unless another time, not later than ten
(10)
business days after such date, shall be agreed to by FBR and the Company).
The
time at which such payment and delivery are actually made is hereinafter called
the “Closing
Time”.
(b) Regulation
D Shares.
At
the
Closing Time, subject to the satisfaction of
the
closing conditions set forth herein, FBR shall pay
to
the Company the aggregate applicable purchase price for the Regulation D Shares
received by FBR prior to the Closing
Time (net of any Placement Fee, if the Placement Fee is withheld as provided
in
the immediately following paragraph) against the Company’s
delivery of the Regulation
D Shares to FBR, as placement agent in respect of such shares, in book-entry
form through the facilities of DTC for each
such
Accredited Investor’s account. At
FBR’s
option, it may delay the placement of up to 3% of Regulation D Shares (the
“Extended
Regulation D Shares”)
for an
additional five (5) business days after the Closing Time (the “Extended
Regulation D Closing Date”)
at
which time FBR shall cause an escrow agent, to the extent it has funds
transferred to it by Accredited Investors, to pay the Company the aggregate
applicable purchase price for the Extended Regulation D Shares placed by FBR
(net of any Placement Fee, if the Placement Fee is withheld as provided herein)
against the Company’s delivery of the Extended Regulation D Shares to the
purchasers thereof, in book-entry form through the facilities of DTC. Extended
Regulation D Shares may only be placed with Accredited Investors who have
committed to purchase Regulation D Shares before the Closing Time. The time
at
which payment and delivery on an Extended Regulation D Closing Date is actually
made is hereinafter sometimes called the “Extended
Closing Time.”
On
the
Extended Regulation D Closing Date, FBR shall purchase as Initial Shares any
unpaid Extended Regulation D Shares at the 144A/Regulation S Purchase Price
described in Section 1(a) above.
At
each
of the Closing Time or any Extended Closing Time, unless FBR has withheld such
amount from the applicable purchase price paid by FBR to the Company with
respect to the Regulation D Shares placed by FBR on such date, the Company
shall
pay to FBR, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or
accounts designated by FBR, any Placement Fee amount payable with respect to
the
Regulation D Shares for which the Company shall have received the purchase
price.
(c) Option
Shares.
The
closing of FBR’s purchase or placement of the Option Shares shall occur from
time to time at the office of Sidley Austin LLP,
787
Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019 (unless another place shall
be
agreed
upon by FBR and the Company). On the applicable Secondary Closing Time (as
defined herein),
subject
to
the
satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set
forth
herein, FBR shall pay to the Company the aggregate applicable purchase price
for
the Option Shares then purchased or placed by FBR (net of any Placement Fee
with
respect to any Placed Option Shares) by wire transfer of immediately available
funds against the Company’s delivery of the Option Shares. Such payment and
delivery shall be made at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each Secondary
Closing Time. The
Option
Shares shall be delivered in book-entry form through the facilities of DTC,
in
such
names
and
in such denominations as FBR shall specify.
The
time
at which payment by FBR for and delivery by the Company of any Option Shares
are
actually made is referred to herein as a “Secondary
Closing Time”.
3.
Offering
of the Shares; Restrictions on Transfer.
(a) FBR
represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that it is an Accredited
Investor. FBR represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company that
(i) it (and each person acting on its behalf) has not solicited and will
not solicit any offer to buy, and has not and will not make any offer to sell,
the Shares by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising
(within the meaning of Regulation D, and, with respect to Resale Shares sold
in
reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation
S”),
by
means of any directed selling efforts (within the meaning of Regulation S);
and
(ii) it (and each person acting on its behalf) has solicited and will
solicit offers to buy the Resale Shares only from, and has offered and will
offer, sell and deliver the Resale Shares only to, (A) persons who it
reasonably believes to be “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule
144A under the Securities Act) (“QIBs”)
or, if
any such person is buying for one or more institutional accounts for which
such
person is acting as fiduciary or agent, only when such person has represented
to
it that each such account is a QIB to whom notice has been given that such
sale
or delivery is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, and, in each case, in
transactions under Rule 144A and who provide to it a fully completed and
executed purchaser’s letter substantially in the form of Annex I to the
Preliminary Memorandum or Final Memorandum, and (B) persons (each a
“Regulation
S Purchaser”)
to
whom, and under which circumstances, it reasonably believes offers and sales
of
Resale Shares may be made without registration under the Securities Act in
reliance on Regulation S thereunder, and who provide to it a fully completed
and
executed purchaser’s letter substantially in the form of Annex II to the
Preliminary Memorandum or Final Memorandum (such persons specified in clauses
(A) and (B) being referred to herein as the “Eligible
Purchasers”).
FBR
will
provide a copy of each certificate or agreement that it receives from an
Eligible Purchaser regarding its status as an Eligible Purchaser to the Company
as soon as reasonably practicable after FBR receives such certificate or
agreement. FBR agrees to abide by the provisions of Rule 902(g)(1) of the
Securities Act Regulations. Each of the Company and FBR represents, warrants
and
agrees that it is familiar with the rules and restrictions set forth in
Regulation S and that it (and
any
person acting on its behalf; provided that the Company makes no representation,
warranty or covenant in this Agreement with respect to FBR) has
not
undertaken any activity for the purpose of, or that would reasonably be expected
to have the effect of, conditioning the market in the United States for any
Resale Shares being offered in reliance on Regulation S. FBR further agrees
with
the Company that, in the case of any sale of Resale Shares to a distributor,
a
dealer (as defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the Securities Act) or a person
receiving a selling concession, fee or other remuneration, prior to the
expiration of the distribution compliance period set forth in Rule 903(b)(3)
of
Regulation S, it will use commercially reasonable efforts to send a confirmation
or other notice to the purchaser stating that the purchaser is subject to the
same restrictions on offers and sales that apply to FBR. FBR
agrees not to engage in hedging transactions with regard to the Resale Shares
except in compliance with the Securities Act.
(b) The
Company represents and warrants to and agrees with
FBR
that it (together with its respective affiliates) has
not
solicited and will not solicit any offer to buy,
and
it (together with its respective affiliates) has not offered and will not offer
to sell, the Shares by means of
any
form of general solicitation or general advertising (within
the meaning of Regulation
D), and it has solicited and will solicit offers
to
buy the Private Placement Shares only from, and has offered and will offer,
sell
or deliver the Shares only to, Accredited
Investors.
The
Company also represents and warrants and agrees that it will sell the Private
Placement Shares only to persons that have provided
to the Company a fully completed and executed Subscription Agreement
in the form of Annex III or Annex IV, as applicable, to the Preliminary
Memorandum or Final Memorandum.
(c) The
Company represents and warrants to and agrees with
FBR
that, assuming
the accuracy of FBR’s representations and
warranties and FBR’s compliance with its obligations set forth in this
Section 3, (i) none of the Company or any of its respective affiliates or
any person acting on
behalf
of it or its affiliates has engaged in, nor will it engage in, any directed
selling efforts (as that term is defined
in Regulation S) with respect to the Shares; and
(ii)
the Company or any of its respective affiliates, and any person acting
on
behalf of it or its affiliates (in each case, other than FBR as to
which
no
representation, warranty or covenant is made by the Company in this Agreement)
have
complied, and will comply, with the offering restrictions requirement
of
Regulation S.
(d) FBR
represents and warrants that it (or any person acting on its behalf) has not
offered or sold, nor will it offer or sell, any Resale Shares in a jurisdiction
outside of the United States except in material compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations and rules of those countries and in accordance with the
selling restrictions described in the Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements
and the Final Memorandum.
(e) Each
of
FBR and the Company severally represents and warrants to the other that no
action is being taken by it (and any person acting on its behalf; provided
that
the Company makes no representation, warranty or covenant in this Agreement
with
respect to FBR) or is contemplated that would permit an offering or sale of
the
Shares or possession or distribution of the Preliminary Memorandum, the
Supplements or the Final Memorandum or any other offering material relating
to
the Shares in any jurisdiction where, or in any other circumstances in which,
action for those purposes is required (other than in jurisdictions where such
action has been duly taken by counsel for FBR).
(f) FBR
and
the Company agree that FBR may arrange (i) for the private offer and sale
of a portion of the Resale Shares to a limited number of Eligible Purchasers
(which may include affiliates of FBR), and (ii) for the private offer and
sale of the Private Placement Shares by the Company to Accredited Investors
(which may include affiliates of FBR), in each case under restrictions and
other
circumstances designed to preclude a distribution of the Shares that would
require registration of the Shares under the Securities Act or the securities
laws of any other jurisdiction.
(g) FBR
and
the Company agree that the Shares may be resold or otherwise transferred by
the
holders thereof only if the offer and sale of such Shares are registered under
the Securities Act or if an exemption is available from registration under
the
Securities Act and the securities laws of each other applicable jurisdiction.
FBR hereby represents, warrants and agrees that it has observed and will observe
the following procedures in connection with offers, sales and subsequent resales
or other transfers of any Shares placed by FBR:
(i) Sales
only to Eligible Purchasers.
Initial
offers and sales of the Resale Shares will be made only in Exempt Resales by
FBR
to investors that FBR reasonably believes to be Eligible Purchasers and who
have
delivered to the Company and FBR a fully completed and executed purchaser’s
letter substantially in the form of Annex I or II, as applicable, to the
Preliminary Memorandum or Final Memorandum.
(ii) No
general solicitation.
The
Shares will be offered only by approaching prospective purchasers on an
individual basis with whom FBR and or the Company has an existing relationship.
No general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Regulation
D will be used in connection with the offering of the Shares.
(iii) Restrictions
on transfer.
Each of
the Preliminary Memorandum and the Final Memorandum shall state that the offer
and sale of the Shares have not been and will not be registered (other than
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement) under the Securities Act, and
that no resale or other transfer of any Shares or any interest therein prior
to
the date that is two years (or such shorter period as is prescribed by Rule
144(k) under the Securities Act as then in effect) after the later of the
original issuance of such Shares and the last date on which the Company or
any
“affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Company was
the owner of such Shares may be made by a purchaser of such Shares except as
follows:
(A) to
the
Company or any subsidiary thereof,
(B) pursuant
to a registration statement that has been declared effective under the
Securities Act,
(C) for
so
long as the Shares are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, in a transaction complying with the requirements of Rule 144A
to
a person who such purchaser reasonably believes is a QIB that purchases for
its
own account or for the account of a QIB and to whom notice is given that the
offer, resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on
Rule 144A,
(D) pursuant
to offers and sales that occur in “offshore transactions” to persons who are not
“U.S. persons” within the meaning of (and as such terms are defined in)
Regulation S, with the consent of the Company,
(E) to
an
Accredited Investor that is acquiring the Shares for his, her or its own account
or an investment adviser who is acquiring the Shares for the account of an
Accredited Investor for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for
offer
or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof, or
(F) pursuant
to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act,
in
each
case in accordance with any applicable federal securities laws and the
securities laws of any state of the United States or of any other jurisdiction
and in accordance with the selling restrictions described in the Final
Memorandum.
(h) FBR
and
the Company agree that each initial resale of Resale Shares by FBR (and each
purchase of Resale Shares from the Company by FBR) in accordance with this
Section 3 shall be deemed to have been made on the basis of and in reliance
on
the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements (including, without
limitation, agreements with respect to indemnification and contribution) of
the
Company herein contained.
4.
Representations
and Warranties of the Company.
Subject
to Section 14, the Company hereby represents and warrants to FBR that, as of
the
date of this Agreement:
(a) each
of
the Preliminary Memorandum and the Supplements did not, as of its date, contain
an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; the Preliminary
Memorandum and the Supplements, as amended and supplemented as of 7:00 p.m
E.S.T. on June 26, 2007 (the “Applicable
Time”)
(the
“Disclosure Package”)
did
not, as of the Applicable Time, contain an untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading; and the Final Memorandum will not, as of its date, at Closing Time
and each Secondary Closing Time (if any), contain an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; provided,
however,
that
this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statement in or omission
from the Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements or Final Memorandum made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in
writing by FBR expressly for use therein (that information being limited to
that
described in the last sentence of Section 8(b) hereof);
(b) the
Company is a company limited by shares duly organized and validly existing
and
in good standing under the laws of Bermuda, with
requisite corporate power and authority to own,
lease or operate its properties and to conduct its
business as described in the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum
and to execute and deliver this Agreement and the
Registration Rights Agreement, and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby (including
the issuance, sale
and
delivery of the Shares) and
thereby;
(c) Maiden
Insurance Company, Ltd. (“Maiden
Insurance”
or
the
“Subsidiary”)
is a
company duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the
laws
of its jurisdiction of incorporation, with requisite corporate power and
authority to own, lease
or
operate its properties and to conduct its
business as described in the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum;
(d) all
issued and outstanding shares of the Subsidiary have been duly authorized and
validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, and have not been issued
in
violation of or subject to any preemptive right, co-sale right, registration
right, right of first refusal or other similar right of shareholders arising
by
operation of law, under the articles of incorporation or bye-laws of the
Subsidiary, under any agreement to which the Subsidiary is a party or otherwise,
and are owned by the Company free and clear of any pledge, security interests,
liens, encumbrances, claims or equitable interests. The Company does not, and
as
of any Closing Date will not, own or control, directly or indirectly, any
corporation, association or other entity other than the Subsidiary;
(e) the
Company had, at the date indicated and at the Closing Time, the duly
authorized
capitalization set forth
in
the both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum under the caption
“Capitalization” after giving effect to the
adjustments set forth thereunder; all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
the
Company have been duly and validly
authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable,
and have not been issued in violation of or subject to any pre-emptive
right or other similar right of shareholders arising by operation of law,
under
the
certificate of incorporation or bye-laws of the Company, under any agreement
to
which the Company is a party or otherwise; except
as
disclosed in or contemplated by both the
Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum, there are no outstanding
(i) securities or obligations of the Company
convertible into or exchangeable for
any
capital stock of the Company, (ii) warrants, rights
or
options to subscribe for or purchase
from the Company any such capital stock or
any
such convertible or exchangeable
securities or obligations or (iii) obligations
of the Company to issue or sell any
shares of capital stock, any such convertible or
exchangeable securities or obligation, or any such warrants, rights or
options;
(f) the
Shares have been duly authorized for issuance, sale and delivery pursuant to
this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company against payment
therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly and
validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge,
lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim except for any such pledge,
lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim resulting solely from the
actions of FBR, the Eligible Purchasers or Accredited Investors purchasing
Shares in the Private Placement, and the issuance, sale and delivery of the
Shares by the Company are not subject to any preemptive right, co-sale right,
registration right, right of first refusal or other similar right of
shareholders arising by operation of law, under the articles of incorporation
or
bye-laws of the Company, under any agreement to which the Company is a party
or
otherwise, other than as provided for in the Registration Rights Agreement
and
in that certain Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Michael
Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind (the “Founding
Shareholders Registration Rights Agreement”);
the
Shares satisfy the requirements set forth in Rule 144A under the Securities
Act;
(g) each
of
the Company and the Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed by, and
is
in
good standing in, each
jurisdiction in which it conducts its business, or in which it owns
or
leases property or
maintains an office and in which such qualification or
licensing is necessary and in which
the
failure, individually or in the aggregate, to be so qualified or licensed could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on
the business, condition
(financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects
of the Company and the Subsidiary taken as a whole (a “Material
Adverse Effect”);
(h) each
of
the Company and the Subsidiary has good and marketable title in fee simple
to
all real property and good title to all personal property reflected as owned
by
them in the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum, in each case free
and
clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances,
mortgages and defects, except such as are disclosed in the both the Disclosure
Package and the Final Memorandum or as could not reasonably be expected to
have
a Material Adverse Effect; any real property or personal property held under
lease by the Company or the Subsidiary is held under a lease that is valid,
existing and enforceable by the Company or such Subsidiary, with such exceptions
as are disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum or as could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company
has not received any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been
asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or such Subsidiary
under
any such lease;
(i) the
Company and the Subsidiary owns or possesses such licenses or other rights
to
use all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, software
and design licenses, trade secrets, manufacturing processes, other intangible
property rights and know-how (collectively “Intangibles”),
as
are necessary to entitle the Company and the Subsidiary
to
conduct its business
described in the Disclosure
Package and the Final
Memorandum,
and
neither the Company nor the Subsidiary has received written notice of any
infringement of or conflict with (and, upon due inquiry, the Company does not
know of any such infringement of or conflict with) asserted rights of others
with respect to any Intangibles which could reasonably be expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect;
(j) neither
the Company nor the Subsidiary has violated, or received notice of any violation
with respect to, any law, rule, regulation, order decree or judgment applicable
to it and its business, including those relating to transactions with
affiliates, environmental, safety or similar laws, federal or state laws
relating to discrimination in the hiring, promotion or pay of employees, federal
or state wages and hours law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or
the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except for those violations that
would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have
a
Material Adverse Effect;
(k) neither
the Company nor the Subsidiary nor any officer, director, agent or employee
purporting to act on behalf of the Company or the Subsidiary, has at any time,
directly or indirectly, (i) made any contributions to any candidate for
political office, or failed to disclose fully any such contributions, in
violation of law, (ii) made any payment to any state, federal or foreign
governmental officer or official, or other person charged with similar public
or
quasi-public duties, other than payments required or allowed by applicable
law
(including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended),
(iii) engaged in any transactions, maintained any bank account or used any
corporate funds except for transactions, bank accounts and funds which have
been
and are reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the Company
and the Subsidiary, (iv) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or (v) made any other unlawful
payment;
(l) except
as
otherwise disclosed in both the Disclosure
Package and the Final
Memorandum, there are no outstanding loans or advances or guarantees of
indebtedness by the Company or the Subsidiary to or for the benefit of any
of
the officers, directors, affiliates or representatives of the Company or the
Subsidiary or any of the members of the families of any of them; any
outstanding loans or advances or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company
or
the
Subsidiary
or to or
for the benefit of any such persons will be repaid, satisfied or terminated,
as
the case may be, within 60 days after the Closing Time;
(m) except
with respect to FBR, neither the Company nor the Subsidiary has incurred any
liability for any finder’s fees or similar payments in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby;
(n) neither
the Company nor the Subsidiary is in breach of, or in default under (nor has
any
event occurred which with notice, lapse of time, or both would constitute a
breach of, or default under) its respective certificate of incorporation,
memorandum of association, bye-laws, or other organizational documents
(collectively, the “Charter
Documents”)
or in
the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or
condition contained in any contract, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which
the Company or such Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them or their
respective properties may be bound or affected, except for such breaches or
defaults which would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
(o) the
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, and the
execution, delivery and performance by the Company and the Subsidiary, as
applicable, of the Registration Rights Agreement; the Founding Shareholders
Registration Rights Agreement; the warrants dated as of June 14, 2007, issued
by
the Company in favor of the Founding Shareholders (the “Warrants”);
the
Master Agreement between the Company and AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. to
be
dated as of July 3, 2007 (the “Master
Agreement”);
the
Asset Management Agreement among Maiden Insurance
and
AII Insurance Management Limited to be dated as of July 3, 2007 (the
“Asset
Management Agreement”);
and
the Reinsurance
Brokerage Agreement by and between Maiden Insurance and AII Reinsurance Broker
Ltd. to be dated as of July 3, 2007 (the “Brokerage
Agreement”
and,
together with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Founding Shareholders
Registration Rights Agreement, the Warrants, the Master Agreement and the Asset
Management Agreement, the “Transaction
Documents”),
and
the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares by the Company and the
consummation
by
the
Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and, in the case of the Company
and the Subsidiary, as applicable, thereby and compliance by the Company with
the terms
and
provisions hereunder and, in the case of the Company and the Subsidiary, as
applicable, thereunder will
not
conflict with, or result in any breach of or constitute a default under (nor
constitute any event which with notice, lapse of time, or both would constitute
a breach of, or default under), (i) any provision of the Charter Documents
of the Company or the Subsidiary, (ii) any provision of any contract,
license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit agreement
or
other agreement or instrument to which the Company or the Subsidiary is a party
or by which it or its respective properties may be bound or affected, or
(iii) any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule or any
decree, judgment, permit or order applicable to the Company or the Subsidiary,
except in the case of clauses (ii) or (iii) for such conflicts, breaches or
defaults which have been validly waived or would not reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect or result in the creation or imposition of any
material lien, charge, claim or encumbrance upon any property or asset of the
Company or the Subsidiary;
(p) this
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and
is
enforceable in accordance with its terms, and each of the Transaction Documents
has been duly authorized by the Company and the Subsidiary, as applicable,
and
at the Closing Time will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company
and the Subsidiary, as applicable, and will constitute a legal, valid and
binding agreement of the Company and the Subsidiary, as applicable, enforceable
in accordance with its terms, except in each case as may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally, and by general principles of equity, and except
to
the extent that the indemnification provisions hereof or thereof may be limited
by federal or state securities laws and public policy considerations in respect
thereof;
(q) the
Shares, this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents conform in all
material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in both the Disclosure
Package and the Final Memorandum; the form of certificate used to evidence
the
Common Stock complies in all material respects with all applicable statutory
requirements (including any requirement under the laws of Bermuda) and with
any
applicable requirements of the Charter Documents of the Company;
(r) assuming
the accuracy of FBR's representations and warranties set forth in Section 3
of this Agreement and that the purchasers who buy the Resale Shares in Exempt
Resales are Eligible Purchasers, no approval, authorization, consent or order
of
or filing with any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory
commission, board, body, authority or agency is required in connection with
the
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement or the
Registration Rights Agreement, or the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby and, in the case of the Company, thereby,
or
the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares as contemplated hereby, other
than
(i) such as have been obtained or made, or will have been obtained or made
at the Closing Time, (ii) any necessary qualification under the securities
or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being
offered or placed by FBR, (iii) with or by federal or state securities
regulatory authorities in connection with or pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement, including without limitation the filing of the registration
statement(s) required thereby with the Commission, and (iv) the filing of a
Form D with the Commission and with the applicable state regulatory
authorities;
(s) each
of
the Company and the Subsidiary has all necessary licenses, permits,
certificates, authorizations, consents and approvals and has made all necessary
filings required under any federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation
or
rule, and has obtained all necessary licenses, permits, certificates,
authorizations, consents and approvals from other persons required in order
to
conduct its respective business as described in both the Disclosure Package
and
the Final Memorandum, except to the extent that any failure to have any such
licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, consents or approvals, to
make
any such filings or to obtain any such licenses, permits, certificates,
authorizations, consents or approvals would not, individually and in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; neither the Company nor the
Subsidiary is in violation of, or in default under, any such license, permit,
certificate, authorization, consent or approval or any federal, state, local
or
foreign law, regulation or rule or any decree, order or judgment applicable
to
the Company or the Subsidiary, the effect of which could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(t) both
the
Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum contain accurate summaries of all
material contracts, agreements, instruments and other documents of the Company
and the Subsidiary that would be required to be described in a prospectus
included in a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act;
the
copies of all contracts, agreements, instruments and other documents (including
governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals and
all
amendments or waivers relating to any of the foregoing) that have been
previously furnished to FBR or its counsel are complete and genuine and include
all material collateral and supplemental agreements thereto;
(u) other
than as set forth in both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum,
there
are no material actions, suits, proceedings, inquiries or investigations pending
or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Subsidiary, threatened against the
Company or such Subsidiary, or any of their respective properties, directors,
officers or affiliates at law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state,
local or foreign governmental or regulatory commission, board, body, authority
or agency; other than FBR, the Company has not authorized anyone to make any
representations regarding the offer and sale of the Shares, or regarding the
Company in connection therewith; the
Company has not received notice of any order
or
decree
preventing the use of the Preliminary Memorandum, the
Supplements or
the
Final Memorandum or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any order asserting
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the
registration requirements of the Securities
Act, has been issued and no proceeding for
that
purpose has commenced or is pending or, to its knowledge, is
contemplated;
(v) no
securities of the Company are of the same class (within the meaning of Rule
144A
under the Securities Act) as the Shares and listed on a national securities
exchange registered under Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as
amended (the “Exchange
Act”),
or
quoted in a U.S. automated inter-dealer quotation system;
(w) subsequent
to the date of the Preliminary Memorandum and the Supplements, and except as
may
be otherwise stated in both the Disclosure
Package and the
Final
Memorandum, there has not been (i) any event, circumstance or change that
has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect,
(ii) any transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business, which
is material to the Company or the Subsidiary, contemplated or entered into
by
the Company or the Subsidiary, (iii) any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, directly or indirectly incurred by the Company or the Subsidiary,
other than in the ordinary course of business, which is material to the Company
or such Subsidiary, (iv) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared,
paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock, or any purchase
by the Company of any of its outstanding capital stock, or (v) any change
in the capital stock or indebtedness of the Company or the Subsidiary, other
than the incorporation of the Subsidiary;
(x) neither
the Company nor the Subsidiary is, nor upon the sale of the Shares as
contemplated herein and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as
described in both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum under the
caption “Use of Proceeds”, will be, an “investment company” or an entity
“controlled” by an “investment company” (as such terms are defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended);
(y) there
are
no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any securities
registered by the Company or the Subsidiary under the Securities Act other
than
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or the Founding Shareholders
Registration Rights Agreement;
(z) the
Company has not relied upon FBR or legal counsel for FBR for any legal, tax
or
accounting advice in connection with the offering and sale of the
Shares;
(aa) each
of
the independent directors named in the Disclosure Package and the Final
Memorandum has not within the last five years, been employed by or affiliated,
directly or indirectly, with the Company, whether by ownership of, ownership
interest in, employment by, any
material business or professional relationship with,
or
serving as an officer or director of the Company or any of its
affiliates;
(bb) in
connection with the offering of the Shares, neither the Company, the Subsidiary
nor any of their respective affiliates (as defined in Section 501(b) of
Regulation D) has, whether directly or through any agent or person acting on
its
behalf (other than FBR): (i) offered Common Stock of the Company or any
other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such Common
Stock in a manner in violation of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations thereunder, (ii) distributed any other offering material in
connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, other than as described in
both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum, or (iii) sold,
offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect
of
any security (as defined in the Securities Act) which is or will be integrated
with the offering and sale of the Shares in a manner that would require the
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act;
(cc) neither
the Company nor any of its affiliates (i) is required to register as a “broker”
or “dealer” in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Act or the rules
and regulations thereunder, or (ii) directly, or indirectly through one or
more intermediaries, controls or has any other association with (within the
meaning of Article 1 of the Bylaws of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”))
any
member firm of the NASD;
(dd) none
of
the Company, the Subsidiary or any of its respective directors, officers,
representatives (it being understood that FBR shall not be deemed to be a
representative of the Company for this purpose) or affiliates have taken,
directly or indirectly, any action intended, or which might reasonably be
expected, to cause or result, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or
otherwise, in, or which has constituted, stabilization or manipulation of the
price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the
Shares;
(ee) Each
of
the Company and the Subsidiary carries or is covered by, insurance (issued
by
insurers of recognized financial responsibility to the best knowledge of the
Company) in such amounts and covering such risks as is appropriate for the
conduct of their respective businesses and the value of the assets to be held
by
them upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by both the
Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum and as is customary for companies
engaged in businesses similar to the business of the Company, all of which
insurance is in full force and effect;
(ff) the
balance sheet and accompanying notes included in the Disclosure Package and
the
Final Memorandum fairly present in all material respects the financial condition
of the Company as of the date thereof and have been prepared in conformity
with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis;
(gg) PricewaterhouseCoopers,
who have certified certain financial statements included in the Supplement
dated
June 21, 2007 and the Final Memorandum, whose reports with respect to such
financial statements included in such Supplement and the Final Memorandum are
included in such Supplement and the Final Memorandum and who have delivered
the
comfort letters referred to in Section 6(c) hereof, are independent registered
public accountants with respect to the Company within the meaning of the
Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations.
(hh) except
as
disclosed in the Disclosure Package and Final Memorandum, the Subsidiary is
not
currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends or
distributions to the Company to the extent permitted by applicable law, from
making any other distribution on the Subsidiary’s issued and outstanding capital
stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to the Subsidiary
from
the Company or from transferring any of the property or assets of the Subsidiary
to the Company;
(ii) neither
the Company, nor the Subsidiary, nor to the Company's knowledge, any employee
or
agent of the Company or the Subsidiary, has made any payment of funds of the
Company or the Subsidiary or received or retained any funds in violation of
any
law, rule or regulation, including without limitation the “know your customer”
and anti-money laundering laws of any jurisdiction;
(jj) any
certificate signed by any officer of the Company delivered to FBR or to counsel
for FBR pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed a
representation and warranty by the Company to FBR as to the matters covered
thereby; and
(kk) except
where such failure to file or pay an assessment or lien would not in the
aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or where
such
matters are the result of a pending bona fide dispute with taxing authorities,
(i) each of the Company and the Subsidiary has accurately prepared and timely
filed any and all federal, state, foreign and other tax returns that are
required to be filed by it (other than those tax returns that would be required
to be filed if
the
Company or the Subsidiary was characterized as (x) engaged in a U.S. trade
or
business or (y) managed and controlled in the United Kingdom or (z) having
a
permanent establishment in the United Kindgom),
if any,
and has paid or made provision for the payment of all taxes, assessments,
governmental or other similar charges (other than those taxes that would be
required to be paid if the Company or the Subsidiary was characterized as (x)
engaged in a U.S. trade or business or (y) managed and controlled in the United
Kingdom or (z) having a permanent establishment in the United Kindgom),
including without limitation, all sales and use taxes and all taxes which the
Company or the Subsidiary is obligated to withhold from amounts owing to
employees, creditors and third parties, with respect to the periods covered
by
such tax returns (whether or not such amounts are shown as due on any tax
return), (ii) no deficiency assessment with respect to a proposed adjustment
of
the Company’s or the Subsidiary’s federal, state, local or foreign taxes is
pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, threatened; (iii) since the
date of the most recent audited financial statements, neither the Company nor
the Subsidiary has incurred any liability for taxes other than in the ordinary
course of its business; and (iv) to the Company’s knowledge there is no tax
lien, whether imposed by any federal, state, foreign or other taxing authority,
outstanding against the assets, properties or business of the Company or the
Subsidiary.
5.
Certain
Covenants of the Company.
Subject
to Section 14, the Company hereby agrees with FBR:
(a) to
furnish such information as may be required and otherwise to cooperate in
qualifying the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws
of such states and other jurisdictions as FBR may designate or as required
for
the Private Placement and to maintain such qualifications in effect as long
as
required by such laws for the distribution of the Shares and for the Exempt
Resales of the Resale Shares; provided,
however,
that
the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to
consent to the service of process under the laws of, or subject itself to
taxation as doing business in, any such state or other jurisdiction (except
service of process with respect to the offering and sale of the
Shares);
(b) to
prepare the Final Memorandum in a form approved by FBR and to furnish promptly
(and with respect to the initial delivery of such Final Memorandum, not later
than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the first day following the execution
and delivery of this Agreement) to FBR or to purchasers upon the direction
of
FBR as many copies of the Final Memorandum (and any amendments or supplements
thereto) as FBR may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by this
Agreement;
(c) to
advise
FBR promptly, confirming such advice in writing, of: (i) the happening of
any event known to the Company within the time during which the Final Memorandum
shall (in the view of FBR) be required to be distributed by FBR in connection
with an Exempt Resale (and FBR hereby agrees to notify the Company in writing
when the foregoing time period has ended) which, in the judgment of the Company,
would require the making of any change in the Final Memorandum then being used
so that the Final Memorandum would not include an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
are made, not misleading; and (ii) the receipt of any notification with
respect to the modification, rescission, withdrawal or suspension of the
qualification of the Shares, or of any exemption from such qualification or
from
registration of the Shares, for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of
the
initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes and,
if
any government agency or authority should issue any such order, to make every
reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal of such order as soon as
possible;
(d) to
furnish to FBR for a period of two years from the Closing Time, (i) copies
of all annual, quarterly and current reports supplied to holders of the Shares,
(ii) copies of all reports filed by the Company with the Commission, and
(iii) such other information as FBR may reasonably request regarding the
Company provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to provide
FBR
with any such information that has been filed with or furnished to the
Commission by any electronic transmission pursuant to the Electronic Data
Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”)
or an
equivalent electronic database authorized by the Commission and that is
available to the public;
(e) not
to
amend or supplement the Final Memorandum prior to the Closing Time or any
Secondary Closing Time unless FBR shall previously have been advised thereof
and
shall have consented thereto or not have reasonably objected thereto (for legal
reasons) in writing within a reasonable time after being furnished a copy
thereof;
(f) during
any period in the two years (or such shorter period (x) as may then be
applicable under the Securities Act regarding the holding period for securities
under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any successor rule or (y) until
the Company is required to file reports with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act) after the Closing Time in which the Company
is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act to furnish, upon
request, to any holder of such Shares the information (“Rule
144A Information”)
specified in Rule l44A(d)(4) under the Securities Act and any additional
information (“PORTAL
Information”)
required by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
PortalSM
Market
(“PORTAL”),
and
any such Rule l44A Information and Portal Information will not, at the date
thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light
of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(g) to
apply
the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in the manner set forth under
the
caption “Use of Proceeds” in both the Disclosure Package and the Final
Memorandum;
(h) that
neither the Company nor the Subsidiary, nor any of their respective affiliates
(as defined in Section 501(b) of Regulation D) will, whether directly or
through any agent or person acting on its behalf (other than FBR):
(i) offer Common Stock of the Company or any other securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for such Common Stock in a manner in
violation of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder,
(ii) distribute any other offering material in connection with the offer
and sale of the Shares, other than as described in both the Disclosure Package
and the Final Memorandum, or (iii) sell, offer for sale, solicit offers to
buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as defined in the
Securities Act), any of which will be integrated with the offering and sale
of
the Shares in a manner that would require the registration under the Securities
Act
of the
sale to FBR or the Eligible Purchasers of the Resale Shares or to the Accredited
Investors of the Private Placement Shares;
(i) that
neither the Company nor any of its affiliates will take, directly or indirectly,
any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result
in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares;
(j) that,
except as permitted by the Securities Act, neither the Company nor any of its
affiliates will distribute any offering materials in connection with Exempt
Resales;
(k) to
pay
all expenses, fees and taxes in connection with (i) the preparation of both
the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum, and any amendments or
supplements thereto, and the printing and furnishing of copies of each thereof
to FBR (including costs of mailing and shipment), (ii) the preparation,
issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares, including any stock or other transfer
taxes or duties payable upon the sale of the Resale Shares to FBR,
(iii) the printing of this Agreement and any dealer agreements, and the
reproduction and/or printing and furnishing of copies of each thereof to dealers
(including costs of mailing and shipment) (iv) the qualification of the
Shares for offering and sale under state laws and the determination of their
eligibility for investment under state law as aforesaid (including any filing
fees), and the printing and furnishing of copies of any blue sky surveys or
legal investment surveys to FBR and to dealers, (v) the designation of the
Shares as PORTAL-eligible securities by PORTAL, (vi) all fees and
disbursements of counsel and accountants for the Company (vii) the fees and
expenses of any transfer agent or registrar for the Common Stock,
(viii) costs of background investigations, (ix) the
costs
and expenses of FBR and the Company incurred in connection with the marketing
and offering of the Shares, including all “out of pocket” expenses, roadshow
costs (regardless of the form in which the roadshow is conducted) and expenses,
and
expenses of Company personnel, including but not limited to commercial or
charter air travel, local hotel accommodations and transportation,
and
(x)
performance of the Company's other obligations hereunder, and to pay such other
expenses and fees as may be provided for in a separate letter agreement between
FBR and the Company;
(l) to
use
reasonable efforts in cooperation with FBR to obtain permission for the Shares
(other than Shares offered and sold in accordance with Regulation S) to be
eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC, and for the Shares sold
in
accordance with Regulation S to be eligible for clearance and settlement through
the Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme,
Luxembourg;
(m) in
connection with Resale Shares offered and sold in an offshore transaction (as
defined in Regulation S), not to register any transfer of such Resale Shares
not
made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S and not, except in
accordance with the provisions of Regulation S, if applicable, to issue any
such
Resale Shares in the form of definitive securities;
(n) to
refrain during the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending
on
the date that is 180 days thereafter, without the prior written consent of
FBR
(which consent may be withheld or delayed in FBR’s sole discretion), from
(i) offering, pledging, selling, contracting to sell, selling any option or
contract to purchase, purchasing any option or contract to sell, granting any
option, right or warrant for the sale of, lending or otherwise disposing of
or
transferring, directly or indirectly, any equity securities of the Company
or
any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for equity
securities of the Company, or filing any registration statement under the
Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing, or (ii) entering into
any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, directly
or
indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of equity securities
of the Company, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii)
above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities,
in
cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (i) the Shares
to be sold hereunder, (ii) the registration and sale of the Shares in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, (iii) the
registration and sale of Common Stock in an initial public offering of the
Company as contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, (iv) any
Shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of an option
outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in both the Disclosure Package
and the Final Memorandum, or (v) such issuances of options or grants of
restricted stock under the Company’s stock option and incentive plans as
described in both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum;
(o) if
the
Resale Shares are not delivered by the Company to FBR for any reason (other
than
(x) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to clauses (ii) through (v)
of
the first paragraph of Section 7 hereof or (y) the default by FBR in its
obligations hereunder), to reimburse FBR for all of its out-of-pocket expenses
relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, including the reasonable
fees
and disbursements of its legal counsel;
(p) that,
from and after the Closing Time, the Company shall have in place and maintain
a
system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with
management's general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset
accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with
management's general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded
accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable
intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any
differences;
(q) that
the
Company will conduct its affairs and the affairs of the Subsidiary in such
a
manner so as to ensure that neither the Company nor the Subsidiary will be
an
"investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an investment company within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act;
(r) that
the
Company shall use its best efforts to cause Maiden Insurance to be incorporated,
licensed and capitalized as described in the Final Memorandum; and
(s) that,
as
soon as reasonably practicable following completion of the transactions
contemplated hereunder, it will use commercially reasonable efforts to make
such
changes to the corporate governance policies and procedures as may be required
by law prior to filing any registration statement with the
Commission.
6.
Conditions
of FBR's Obligations.
The
obligations of FBR hereunder at the Closing Time and each Secondary Closing
Time, as applicable, are subject to (i) the accuracy of the statements of the
Company’s officers made in any certificate pursuant to the provisions hereof as
of the date of such certificate, and (ii) subject to Section 14, the following
other conditions:
(a) The
Company shall furnish to FBR at the Closing Time an opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb,
Greene & MacRae LLP, counsel for the Company, addressed to FBR and dated the
Closing Time, in form and substance satisfactory to FBR, covering the matters
set forth on Exhibit B
hereto.
Such opinion shall indicate that it is being rendered to FBR at the request
of
the Company. The Company shall also furnish to FBR at the Closing Time an
opinion of Ben
Turin, General Counsel of the Company, addressed
to FBR and dated the Closing Time, in form and substance satisfactory to FBR,
covering the matters set forth on Exhibit B-1
hereto.
(b) The
Company shall furnish to FBR at the Closing Time an opinion of Conyers, Dill
& Pearman, special Bermuda counsel for the Company, addressed to FBR and
dated the Closing Time, in form and substance satisfactory to FBR, covering
the
matters set forth on Exhibit C
hereto.
Such opinion shall indicate that it is being rendered to FBR at the request
of
the Company.
(c) FBR
shall
have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers, “comfort” letters dated,
respectively, as of the date hereof and the Closing Time, addressed to FBR
and
in form and substance satisfactory to FBR. FBR shall have also received from
BDO
Seidman, LLP, a letter dated as of the date hereof and the Closing Time,
addressed to FBR, in form and substance satisfactory to FBR, containing
statements and information with respect to the financial statements and certain
financial information of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. included in the Final
Offering Memorandum and the Disclosure Package.
(d) FBR
shall
have received at the Closing Time a favorable opinion of Sidley Austin
LLP,
counsel
for FBR, dated the Closing Time, in form and substance satisfactory to
FBR.
(e) Prior
to
the Closing Time or any Secondary Closing Time, (i) no suspension of the
qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of
the
initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes, shall
have occurred and (ii) both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum
and all amendments or supplements thereto, or modifications thereof, if any,
shall not contain an untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.
(f) Between
the time of execution of this Agreement and the Closing Time or any Secondary
Closing Time, (i) no event, circumstance or change constituting a Material
Adverse Effect shall have occurred or become known, (ii) no transaction
which is material to the Company, taken as a whole, shall have been entered
into
by the Company that has not been fully and accurately disclosed in both the
Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum, or any amendment or supplement
thereto; and (iii) no order or decree preventing the use of any of the
Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements, the Disclosure Package or the Final
Memorandum, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any order asserting
that
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the
registration requirements of the Securities Act shall have been issued and
shall
remain in effect.
(g) The
Company shall have delivered to FBR a certificate, executed by the secretary
of
the Company and dated as of the Closing Time, as to (i) the resolutions adopted
by the Company's board of directors in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to FBR, (ii) the Company’s certificate of incorporation and memorandum of
association, as amended and (iii) the Company’s bye-laws, as amended, each
as in effect at the Closing Time. The Company shall have delivered to FBR a
certificate, executed by the secretary of Maiden Insurance as to: (i) the
resolutions adopted by such company’s board of directors in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to FBR; (ii) such company’s certificate of incorporation;
and (iii) such Company’s bye-laws, each as in effect at the Closing
Time.
(h) (i)
The
representations and warranties of the Company set
forth
in this Agreement shall
be
true and correct as of the Closing Time as though made
on
and as of such date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties speak
as
of another date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and
correct as of such other date), (ii) the Company shall
have complied
with all covenants and agreements and satisfied all
conditions on its part to be performed
or satisfied under this Agreement at or prior
to
the Closing Time
and
(iii) the Company shall have delivered to FBR a certificate, executed by its
chief executive officer and chief financial officer certifying (x) to the effect
set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above and (y) that the conditions set forth
in
subsections (e) and (f) of this Section 6 have been satisfied as
of the
Closing Time.
(i) On
or
before the Closing Time, FBR shall have received the Transaction Documents
executed by the Company and the Subsidiary, as applicable, and such agreements
shall be in full force and effect.
(j) At
the
time of execution and delivery of this Agreement, FBR shall
have received from each of the Founding Shareholders, officers
and
directors of the Company a written agreement (a “Lock-up
Agreement”)
in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
(k) At
each
Secondary Closing Time, FBR
shall
have received:
(i) certificates,
dated as of each Secondary Closing Time, of the Company, substantially
to
the
same effect as the certificates
delivered at the Closing Time pursuant to
subsections (g) and (h) of this Section 6,
subject
to any exceptions that,
in
the reasonable judgment of FBR, are not material.
(ii) the
opinions of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP and Ben
Turin,
each
in
form
and substance satisfactory
to FBR, dated as
of
such Secondary Closing Time relating
to the
Regulation D Shares or the Option Shares, as applicable, and
otherwise substantially
to the same effect as the opinions required by
subsection (a) of this Section 6.
(iii) the
opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, in
form
and substance satisfactory
to FBR, dated as
of
each Secondary Closing Time relating
to the
Regulation D Shares or the Option Shares, as applicable, and
otherwise substantially
to the same effect as the opinions required by
subsection (b) of this Section 6.
(iv) “comfort”
letters
from PricewaterhouseCoopers and BDO Seidman, LLP, in form and substance
satisfactory to FBR, dated as of each Secondary Closing Time, substantially
the
same in scope and substance as the letter furnished to FBR pursuant to
subsection (c) of this Section 6, except that the "specified date" in the
letter furnished pursuant to this subsection (k)(iv) shall be a date not
more than five days prior to such Secondary Closing Time.
In
the
event that any “comfort” letter referred to in subsection (c) of this
Section 6 or this subsection (k)(iv) sets forth any such changes, decreases
or increases that, in the reasonable discretion of FBR, are likely to result
in
a Material Adverse Effect, it shall be a further condition to the obligations
of
FBR that such letters shall be accompanied by a written explanation of the
Company as to the significance thereof, unless FBR deems such explanation
unnecessary. References
to the Preliminary Memorandum, any Supplement, the Disclosure Package and/or
Final Memorandum with respect to any “comfort” letter referred to in this
Section 6 shall include any amendment or supplement thereto at the date of
such letter.
(v) the
opinion of Sidley Austin LLP,
dated
as
of
each Secondary
Closing Time, relating
to the Regulation
D Shares or the Option Shares, as applicable, and
otherwise to the same
effect as the opinion required by subsection (d)
of
this Section 6.
(l) The
Company shall have furnished to FBR such other documents and certificates as
FBR
may reasonably request as to the accuracy and completeness of any statement
in
both the Disclosure Package and the Final Memorandum or any amendment or
supplement thereto, and any additional matters as FBR may reasonably request,
as
of the Closing Time or any Secondary Closing Time.
(m) The
Shares to be resold by FBR to QIBs pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act shall have been designated as PORTAL-eligible securities by
PORTAL.
(n) Each
Subscription Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and no event shall
have occurred giving any party the right to terminate any Subscription Agreement
pursuant to the terms thereof.
7.
Termination.
The
obligations of FBR hereunder shall be subject to termination in the absolute
discretion of FBR, at any time prior to the Closing Time or any Secondary
Closing Time, if (i) any of the conditions specified in Section 6
shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement to be
fulfilled, (ii) trading in securities in general on any exchange or
national quotation system shall have been suspended or minimum prices shall
have
been established on such exchange or quotation system, (iii) there has been
a material disruption in the securities settlement, payment or clearance
services in the United States, (iv) a banking moratorium shall have been
declared either by the United States or New York State authorities, or
(v) if the United States shall have declared war in accordance with its
constitutional processes or there shall have occurred any material outbreak
or
escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis
or change in economic, political or other conditions of such magnitude in its
effect on the financial markets of the United States as, in the judgment of
FBR,
to make it impracticable to market the Shares.
If
FBR
elects to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 7, the
Company shall be notified promptly by letter or fax.
If
the
sale to FBR of the Resale Shares, as contemplated by this Agreement, is not
carried out by FBR for any reason permitted under this Agreement or if such
sale
is not carried out because the Company shall be unable to comply with any of
the
terms of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall not be under any obligation
or
liability to FBR under this Agreement (except to the extent provided in Sections
5(k), 5(p) and 8 hereof), and (ii) FBR shall be under no obligation or liability
to the Company under this Agreement (except to the extent provided in Section
8
hereof).
8.
Indemnity.
(a) The
Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless FBR and its affiliates,
and their respective directors, officers, representatives and agents, and any
person who controls FBR within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities
Act
or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense, liability
or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which, jointly or
severally, FBR or any such controlling person may incur under the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, expense, liability
or
claim arises out of or is based upon (i) any breach of any representation
or warranty made by the Company herein, (ii) any breach by the Company of
any covenant set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Memorandum
as
supplemented by any Supplement as of the Applicable Time, the Disclosure Package
or the Final Memorandum, or arises out of or is based upon any omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as any such loss,
expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in and in conformity
with information furnished in writing by FBR to the Company expressly for use
in
such Preliminary Memorandum, the Supplements, the Disclosure Package or Final
Memorandum (that information being limited to that described in the last
sentence of Section 8(b) hereof).
(b) FBR
agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its directors
and
officers and any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section
15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against
any
loss, expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of
investigation) which, jointly or severally, the Company or any such person
may
incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such
loss, expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in and made
in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by
FBR
to the Company expressly for use in the Preliminary Memorandum as supplemented
by any Supplement as of the Applicable Time, the Disclosure Package or Final
Memorandum (or in any amendment or supplement thereof by the Company), such
information being limited to the following:
(i) the
penultimate and final paragraphs of the cover page of the Preliminary Memorandum
and the Final Memorandum;
(ii) the
fourth and fifth sentences of the fifth paragraph under “Plan of
DistributionំGeneral”; and
(iii) the
two
paragraphs under “Plan of DistributionំAdditional Allotments, Price
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids.”
(c) If
any
action is brought against any person or entity (each
an
“Indemnified Party”),
in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to
Section 8(a) or (b) above, the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the
party(ies) obligated to provide such indemnity (each an “Indemnifying
Party”)
in
writing of the institution of such action and
the
Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense of
such
action, including the employment
of counsel and payment of expenses; provided that
the
failure so to notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying
Party from any liability which the Indemnifying Party may have to any
Indemnified Party unless and to the extent the Indemnifying
Party did not otherwise know of such action
and such failure results in the forfeiture or loss by the Indemnifying Party
of
rights and defenses that would have had material value in the defense. The
Indemnified Party(ies)
shall have the right to employ its or their own
counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be
at
the expense of the Indemnified Party unless the
employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in
writing by the Indemnifying
Party in connection with the defense of
such
action or the Indemnifying Party
shall not have employed counsel to have charge of
the
defense of such action within
a
reasonable time or such Indemnified Party(ies) shall
have reasonably concluded (based
on
the advice of counsel) that counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party has
an
actual conflict of interest or there may be defenses
available to the Indemnified Party(ies) which are
different from or additional to those available to
the
Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the
right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified
Party(ies)), in any of which events such fees and expenses shall be borne by
the
Indemnifying Party and paid as incurred (it being understood, however, that
the
Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of more
than
one separate firm of counsel (in addition to
local
counsel) for the Indemnified Party
in
any one action or series of related actions in
the
same jurisdiction representing the Indemnified Parties who are parties to such
action). Anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any
such
claim or action effected without its written consent.
The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to settle any such claim or action
for itself and any Indemnified Party so long as the Indemnifying Party pays
any
settlement payment and such settlement (i) includes
a complete and unconditional release of the Indemnified Party
from all losses, expenses, claims, damages, injunctions, liability and other
obligations with respect to any claims
that are the subject matter of such action and
(ii) does not include a statement as to,
or an
admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to
act by
or on behalf of the Indemnified Party.
(d) If
the
indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an Indemnified
Party under subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 8 in respect of any losses,
expenses, liabilities or claims referred to therein, then each applicable
Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result
of such losses, expenses, liabilities or claims (i) in such proportion as
is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on
the
one hand, and FBR, on the other hand, from the offering of the Shares or
(ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted
by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only
the
relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative
fault of the Company,
on
the
one hand, and of FBR, on the other hand, in connection with the statements
or
omissions which resulted in such losses, expenses, liabilities or claims, as
well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits
received by the Company, on the one hand, and FBR, on the other hand, shall
be
deemed to be in the same proportion as the total proceeds from the offering
(net
of initial purchaser discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses)
received by the Company bear to the discounts and commissions received by FBR.
The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of FBR, on the other
hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission
or
alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company or by FBR and
the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity
to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable
by
a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred
to
above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably
incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any claim
or action.
(e) The
parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any
other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in subsection (d) above. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 8, FBR shall not be required to contribute any amount
in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares were
initially offered (either in the Exempt Resales or to subscribers in the Private
Placement) exceeds the amount of any damages which FBR has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall
be
entitled to contribution from any person who
was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(f) The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 8 and the
covenants, warranties and representations of the Company contained in this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of FBR or its affiliates, or their respective directors,
officers, representatives and agents, or any person who controls FBR within
the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act,
or by or on behalf of the Company or their respective directors and officers
or
any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and shall survive any
termination of this Agreement or the sale and delivery of the Shares. Each
party
to this Agreement agrees promptly to notify the other party of the commencement
of any litigation or proceeding against it and, in the case of the Company,
against any of their respective officers and directors, in connection with
the
sale and delivery of the Shares, or in connection with the both the Disclosure
Package and/or Final Memorandum.
9.
Notices.
Except
as otherwise herein provided, all statements, requests, notices and agreements
shall be in writing delivered by facsimile (with receipt confirmed), overnight
courier or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by
telegram and:
(a) if
to
FBR, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to Friedman,
Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., 1001 Nineteenth Street North, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, Attention: Compliance Department, (facsimile: 703-312-9698);
with a copy to Sidley Austin LLP,
One
South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: John J. Sabl (facsimile:
312-853-7036); and
(b) if
to the
Company, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered to the Company at
the
offices of the Company at 7
Reid
Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda, Attention:
Ben Turin; (facsimile: 441-292-5796);
with a
copy to LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP, 125 West 55th Street, New York,
New York 10019, Attention: Matthew M. Ricciardi (facsimile 212 649
9483).
10.
Duties.
Except
with respect to FBR’s engagement as placement agent with respect to the Private
Placement Shares, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to create a
partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the parties. FBR
undertakes to perform such duties and obligations only as expressly set forth
herein. Such duties and obligations of FBR with respect to the Shares
shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Agreement, and
FBR shall not be liable except for the performance
of such duties and obligations with respect to the Shares as are specifically
set forth in this Agreement. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (i)
the purchase and sale of the Resale Shares pursuant to this Agreement and the
determination of the offering price of the Shares and any related discounts
and
commissions are each an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company,
on the one hand, and FBR, on the other hand, and the Company is capable of
evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and
conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) except
as
aforesaid with respect to the Private Placement Shares, in connection with
each
transaction contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction
FBR
is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor,
agent or fiduciary of the Company or its affiliates, shareholders, creditors
or
employees or any other party; (iii) except as aforesaid with respect to the
Private Placement Shares, FBR has not assumed and will not assume an advisory,
agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to
any
of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto
(irrespective of whether FBR has advised or is currently advising the Company
on
other matters); and (iv) FBR and its affiliates may be engaged in a broad range
of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company
and
that FBR has no obligation to disclose any of such interests. The Company
acknowledges that FBR disclaims any implied
duties
(including any fiduciary duty), covenants or obligations arising from its
performance of the duties and obligations expressly set forth herein.
The
Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
any
claims that the Company may have against FBR with respect to any breach or
alleged breach of agency (except with respect to the Private Placement Shares)
or fiduciary duty.
11.
GOVERNING
LAW; HEADINGS.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE
LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THAT
WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE. EACH OF THE PARTIES
HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE COURT IN
THE
STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK IN RESPECT OF ANY
SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND
IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES
HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING
OF
THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
AND
ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. The
section headings in this Agreement have been inserted as a matter of convenience
of reference and are not a part of this Agreement.
12.
Parties
at Interest.
The
Agreement herein set forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of FBR
and the Company and the controlling persons, directors and officers referred
to
in Section 8 hereof, and their respective successors, assigns, executors and
administrators. No other person, partnership, association or corporation
(including a purchaser, in its capacity as such, from FBR) shall acquire or
have
any right under or by virtue of this Agreement.
13.
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be signed by the parties in counterparts, which together shall
constitute one and the same agreement among the parties.
14. Maiden
Insurance.
FBR
acknowledges that as of the date of this Agreement, Maiden Insurance has not
been incorporated or capitalized and has not been issued a license to operate
as, or registered as, a Class 3 insurer in Bermuda. Notwithstanding anything
to
the contrary in this Agreement, the Company and FBR agree that:
(a)(x) the
Company makes (i) no representation or warranty in this Agreement as to Maiden
Insurance (except as provided in (y) below) at any time prior to such time
as
Maiden Insurance has been incorporated and (ii) no representation or warranty
in
the following Sections of this Agreement as to Maiden Insurance at any time
prior to such time as Maiden Insurance has been capitalized and licensed as
described in the Final Memorandum:
· |
4(c)
(to the extent such Section refers to the corporate power and authority
of
Maiden Insurance to own, lease or operate its properties and to conducts
its business as described in the Disclosure Package and the Final
Memorandum),
|
· |
4(o)
(to the extent such Section refers to Transaction Documents that
Maiden
Insurance may not legally execute and deliver prior to the time that
it is
capitalized and licensed as described in the Final
Memorandum),
|
· |
4(p)
(to the extent such Section refers to Transaction Documents that
Maiden
Insurance may not legally execute and deliver prior to the time that
it is
capitalized and licensed as described in the Final
Memorandum),
|
· |
4(s)
(to the extent such Section refers to matters other than violations
of, or
defaults under, any federal, state, local or foreign
law),
|
(y)
if
any of the incorporation, capitalization and licensing of Maiden Insurance
as
described in the Final Memorandum has not occurred, the Company represents
and
warrants that nothing has come to its attention that causes it to believe that
such incorporation, capitalization and licensing, as the case may be, is not
likely to occur in the near future;
(b) the
definition of “Material Adverse Effect” shall be deemed not to include any
reference to Maiden Insurance at any time prior to such time as Maiden Insurance
has been incorporated as described in the Final Memorandum;
(c) until
such time as Maiden Insurance has been incorporated, capitalized and licensed
as
described in the Final Memorandum, Maiden Insurance will not be able to execute
and deliver or perform any of the Transaction Documents or any other agreement
or document to which it is contemplated that Maiden Insurance will be a
party;
(d) except
as
set forth in Section 5(r), the Company makes no covenant in this Agreement
as to
Maiden Insurance at any time prior to such time as Maiden Insurance has been
incorporated and, with respect to the covenant in Section 5(q) of this
Agreement, capitalized and licensed, as described in the Final
Memorandum;
(e) the
conditions specified in Section 6 to the obligations of FBR under this Agreement
shall apply to Maiden Insurance at the Closing Time or any Secondary Closing
Time only if and to the extent that, as of such Closing Time or Secondary
Closing Time, respectively, Maiden Insurance has been incorporated, capitalized
and licensed as described in the Final Memorandum;
(f) the
failure of Maiden Insurance to be incorporated, capitalized and licensed as
described in the Final Memorandum shall in no event, in and of itself, (x)
constitute a Material Adverse Effect or (y) provide any grounds for FBR to
refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to
terminate this Agreement, unless in either case (x) or (y) an event, state
of
fact or circumstance shall have occurred or arisen as a result of communications
with the Bermuda Monetary Authority or otherwise as a result of which it is
reasonable to conclude that the chances for the approval of the incorporation
or
licensing of Maiden Insurance in the near future have materially diminished
from
the date of this Agreement; and
(g) the
legal
opinions required to be delivered at the Closing Time or any Secondary Closing
Time shall not be required to refer to Maiden Insurance if, as of such Closing
Time or Secondary Closing Time, respectively, Maiden Insurance has not been
incorporated, provided
that if
Maiden Insurance has been incorporated (but not capitalized or licensed as
described in the Final Memorandum) as of the Closing Time or such Secondary
Closing Time, paragraphs 6 and 7 of the legal opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene
& MacRae LLP (as set forth in Exhibit B hereto) and paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of
the legal opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman (as set forth in Exhibit C
hereto) that are delivered at the Closing Time or such Secondary Closing Time,
as applicable, shall not be required to refer to Maiden Insurance.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
If
the
foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding among the Company and
FBR,
please so indicate in the space provided below for the purpose, whereupon this
letter shall constitute a binding agreement between the Company and
FBR.
Very
truly yours,
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By:
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Name: Bentzion
S. Turin
Title: Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
Accepted
and agreed to as
of
the
date first above written:
FRIEDMAN,
BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.
By:/s/
James R. Kleebatt
Name: James
R.
Kleebatt
Title: Senior
Vice President
[SIGNATURE
PAGE TO PURCHASE/PLACEMENT AGREEMENT]
EXHIBIT
3.2
BYE-LAWS
OF
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Interpretation
Shares
|
3.
|
Power
of the Company to Purchase its
Shares
|
|
4.
|
Rights
Attaching to Shares
|
|
6.
|
Prohibition
on Financial Assistance
|
Registration
of Shares
|
11.
|
Registered
Holder Absolute Owner
|
|
12.
|
Transfer
of Registered Shares
|
|
13.
|
Transmission
of Registered Shares
|
Alteration
of Share Capital
|
14.
|
Power
to Alter Capital
|
|
15.
|
Variation
of Rights Attaching to Shares
|
Dividends
and Capitalisation
|
17.
|
Power
to Set Aside Profits
|
Meetings
of Members
|
20.
|
Annual
General Meetings
|
|
21.
|
Special
General Meetings
|
|
22.
|
Requisitioned
General Meetings
|
|
24.
|
Giving
Notice and Access
|
|
25.
|
Postponement
or Cancellation of General Meeting
|
|
26.
|
Electronic
Participation and Security at General
Meetings
|
|
27.
|
Quorum
at General Meetings
|
|
28.
|
Chairman
to Preside at General Meetings
|
|
29.
|
Voting
on Resolutions
|
|
30.
|
Power
to Demand Vote on Poll
|
|
31.
|
Voting
by Joint Holders of Shares
|
|
32.
|
Votes
of Members - General
|
|
33.
|
Adjustment
of Voting Power
|
|
34.
|
Other
Adjustments of Voting Power
|
|
36.
|
Board
Determination Binding
|
|
37.
|
Requirement
to Provide Information and Notice
|
|
39.
|
Representation
of Corporate Member
|
|
40.
|
Adjournment
of General Meeting
|
|
42.
|
Directors
Attendance at General Meetings
|
Certain
Subsidiaries
|
43.
|
Voting
of Subsidiary Shares
|
|
44.
|
Bye-law
or Articles of Association of Certain
Subsidiaries
|
Directors
and Officers
|
45.
|
Election
of Directors
|
|
46.
|
Intentionally
Omitted
|
|
47.
|
Term
of Office of Directors
|
|
50.
|
Vacancy
in the Office of Director
|
|
51.
|
Remuneration
of Directors
|
|
52.
|
Defect
in Appointment
|
|
53.
|
Directors
to Manage Business
|
|
54.
|
Powers
of the Board of Directors
|
|
55.
|
Register
of Directors and Officers
|
|
56.
|
Appointment
of Officers
|
|
57.
|
Appointment
of Secretary
|
|
59.
|
Remuneration
of Officers
|
|
60.
|
Conflicts
of Interest
|
|
61.
|
Indemnification
and Exculpation of Directors and
Officers
|
Meetings
of the Board of Directors
|
63.
|
Notice
of Board Meetings
|
|
64.
|
Electronic
Participation in Meetings
|
|
65.
|
Quorum
at Board Meetings
|
|
66.
|
Board
to Continue in Event of Vacancy
|
|
69.
|
Validity
of Prior Acts of the Board
|
Corporate
Records
|
71.
|
Place
Where Corporate Records Kept
|
Accounts
Audits
|
76.
|
Appointment
of Auditor
|
|
77.
|
Remuneration
of Auditor
|
|
81.
|
Distribution
of Auditor’s Report
|
|
82.
|
Vacancy
in the Office of Auditor
|
Business
Combinations
|
83.
|
Business
Combinations
|
Voluntary
Winding-Up and Dissolution
Changes
to Constitution
INTERPRETATION
|
1.1
|
In
these Bye-laws, the following words and expressions shall, where
not
inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings,
respectively:
|
|
Act
|
the
Companies Act 1981 as amended from time to
time;
|
|
Alternate
Director
|
an
alternate director appointed in accordance with these
Bye-laws;
|
|
Attribution Percentage |
with
respect to a Member, the percentage of the Member’s shares
that are treated as Controlled Shares of a Tentative 9.5% U.S.
Member; |
|
Auditor
|
includes
an individual or partnership;
|
|
Board
|
the
board of directors appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-laws
and
acting by resolution in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws
or the
directors present at a meeting of directors at which there is a
quorum;
|
|
Code |
the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as
amended; |
|
Company
|
the
company for which these Bye-laws are approved and
confirmed;
|
|
Controlled Shares |
all shares of the Company directly, indirectly or
constructively owned by a person as determined pursuant to sections
957
and 958 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder; |
|
Director
|
a
director of the Company and shall include an Alternate
Director;
|
|
indirect
|
when
referring to a holder or owner of shares, ownership of shares within
the
meaning of section 958(a)(2) of the
Code;
|
|
Member
|
the
person registered in the Register of Members as the holder of shares
in
the Company and, when two or more persons are so registered as joint
holders of shares, means the person whose name stands first in the
Register of Members as one of such joint holders or all of such persons,
as the context so requires;
|
|
9.5%
U.S. Member
|
a
U.S. Person whose Controlled Shares constitute nine and one-half
percent
(9.5%) or more of the voting power of all issued shares of the Company
and
who generally would be required to recognize income with respect
to the
Company under section 951(a)(1) of the Code, if the Company were
a
controlled foreign corporation as defined in section 957 of the Code
and
if the ownership threshold under section 951(b) of the Code were
9.5%;
|
|
notice
|
written
notice as further provided in these Bye-laws unless otherwise specifically
stated;
|
|
Officer
|
any
person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the
Company;
|
|
Register
of Directors and Officers
|
the
register of directors and officers referred to in these
Bye-laws;
|
|
Register
of Members
|
the
register of members referred to in these
Bye-laws;
|
|
Resident
Representative
|
any
person appointed to act as resident representative and includes any
deputy
or assistant resident
representative;
|
|
Secretary
|
the
person appointed to perform any or all of the duties of secretary
of the
Company and includes any deputy or assistant secretary and any person
appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Secretary;
|
|
Tentative
9.5% U.S. Member
|
a
U.S. Person that, but for adjustments or restrictions on exercise
of the
voting power of shares pursuant to Bye-law 20, would be a 9.5% U.S.
Member;
|
|
Treasury
Share
|
a
share of the Company that was or is treated as having been acquired
and
held by the Company and has been held continuously by the Company
since it
was so acquired and has not been cancelled;
and
|
|
U.S.
Person
|
(i)
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States,
(ii) a
corporation or partnership that is, as to the United States, a domestic
corporation or partnership, (iii) an estate that is subject to United
States federal income tax on its income, regardless of its source,
(iv) a
"U.S. Trust;" a U.S. Trust is any trust (A) if and only if (i) a
court
within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision
over the
administration of the trust, and (ii) one or more U.S. trustees have
the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B)
that
has otherwise validly elected to be treated as a domestic trust under
applicable U.S. Treasury regulations; or (v) any person that is treated
as
one of the foregoing for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
|
|
1.2
|
In
these Bye-laws, where not inconsistent with the
context:
|
|
(a)
|
words
denoting the plural number include the singular number and vice
versa;
|
|
(b)
|
words
denoting the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter
genders;
|
|
(c)
|
words
importing persons include companies, associations or bodies of persons
whether corporate or not;
|
|
(i)
|
"may"
shall be construed as permissive;
and
|
|
(ii)
|
"shall"
shall be construed as imperative;
and
|
|
(e)
|
unless
otherwise provided herein, words or expressions defined in the Act
shall
bear the same meaning in these
Bye-laws.
|
|
1.3
|
In
these Bye-laws expressions referring to writing or its cognates shall,
unless the contrary intention appears, include facsimile, printing,
lithography, photography, electronic mail and other modes of representing
words in visible form.
|
|
1.4
|
Headings
used in these Bye-laws are for convenience only and are not to be
used or
relied upon in the construction
hereof.
|
SHARES
|
2.1
|
Subject
to these Bye-laws and to any resolution of the Members to the contrary,
and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred
on the
holders of any existing shares or class of shares, the Board shall
have
the power to issue any unissued shares on such terms and conditions
as it
may determine.
|
|
2.2
|
Without
limitation to the provisions of Bye-law 4, subject to the Act, any
preference shares may be issued or converted into shares that (at
a
determinable date or at the option of the Company or the holder)
are
liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as may be
determined by the Board (before the issue or
conversion).
|
|
2.3
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or any other provision of these Bye-laws, the Company
may
not issue any shares in a manner that the Board determines in its
sole
discretion may result in a non de minimis adverse tax, legal or regulatory
consequence to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or any direct
or
indirect holder of shares or its
affiliates.
|
3.
|
Power
of the Company to Purchase its
Shares
|
|
3.1
|
The
Company may purchase its own shares for cancellation or acquire them
as
Treasury Shares in accordance with the Act on such terms as the Board
shall think fit.
|
|
3.2
|
The
Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to purchase or acquire
all or any part of its own shares in accordance with the
Act.
|
|
3.3
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing or any other provision of these Bye-laws, any such
purchase
or acquisition may not be made if the Board determines in its sole
discretion that the purchase or acquisition may result in a non de
minimis
adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequence to the Company, any
of its
subsidiaries or any direct or indirect holder of shares or its
affiliates.
|
4.
|
Rights
Attaching to Shares
|
|
4.1
|
Without
prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders
of any
existing shares or class of shares, the share capital shall consist
of at
least one class of common shares (the "Common Shares"), the holders
of
which shall, subject to these
Bye-laws:
|
|
(a)
|
be
entitled to one vote per share;
|
|
(b)
|
be
entitled to such dividends as the Board may from time to time
declare;
|
|
(c)
|
in
the event of a winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether
voluntary
or involuntary or for the purpose of a reorganisation or otherwise
or upon
any distribution of capital, be entitled to the surplus assets of
the
Company; and
|
|
(d)
|
generally
be entitled to enjoy all of the rights attaching to
shares.
|
|
4.2
|
The
Board is authorised to provide for the creation and issuance of preference
shares (the "Preference Shares") in one or more series, and to establish
from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such
series,
and to fix the terms, including designation, powers, preferences,
rights,
qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of each
such
series (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such matters and the issuance
of
such Preference Shares shall not be deemed to vary the rights attached
to
the Common Shares or, subject to the terms of any other series of
Preference Shares, to vary the rights attached to any other series
of
Preference Shares). Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision
of these Bye-laws, the Company shall not vary or alter the rights
attaching to any class of shares if the Board, after taking into
account
any adjustments to or restrictions on exercise of voting rights under
Bye-laws 33-37 (inclusive), determines in its sole discretion that
any non
de minimis adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to the Company,
any subsidiary of the Company, or any direct or indirect holders
of shares
or its affiliates may result from such variation. The authority of
the
Board with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited
to,
determination of the following:
|
|
(a)
|
the
number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive designation
of that series;
|
|
(b)
|
the
dividend rate on the shares of that series, whether dividends shall
be
cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates, and the relative
rights
of priority, if any, of the payment of dividends on shares of that
series;
|
|
(c)
|
whether
that series shall have voting rights, in addition to the voting rights
provided by law, and if so, the terms of such voting
rights;
|
|
(d)
|
whether
that series shall have conversion or exchange privileges (including,
without limitation, conversion into Common Shares), and, if so, the
terms
and conditions of such conversion or exchange, including provision
for
adjustment of the conversion or exchange rate in such events as the
Board
shall determine;
|
|
(e)
|
whether
or not the shares of that series shall be redeemable or repurchaseable,
and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption or repurchase,
including the manner of selecting shares for redemption or repurchase
if
less than all shares are to be redeemed or repurchased, the date
or dates
upon or after which they shall be redeemable or repurchaseable, and
the
amount per share payable in case of redemption or repurchase, which
amount
may vary under different conditions and at different redemption or
repurchase dates;
|
|
(f)
|
whether
that series shall have a sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase
of
shares of that series, and, if so, the terms and amount of such sinking
fund;
|
|
(g)
|
the
right of the shares of that series to the benefit of conditions and
restrictions upon the creation of indebtedness of the Company or
any
subsidiary, upon the issue of any additional shares (including additional
shares of such series or any other series) and upon the payment of
dividends or the making of other distributions on, and the purchase,
redemption or other acquisition by the Company or any subsidiary
of any
issued shares of the Company;
|
|
(h)
|
the
rights of the shares of that series in the event of voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
and the
relative rights of priority, if any, of payment in respect of shares
of
that series; and
|
|
(i)
|
any
other relative participating, optional or other special rights,
qualifications, limitations or restrictions of that
series.
|
|
4.3
|
Any
Preference Shares of any series which have been redeemed (whether
through
the operation of a sinking fund or otherwise) or which, if convertible
or
exchangeable, have been converted into or exchanged for shares of
any
other class or classes shall have the status of authorised and unissued
Preference Shares of the same series and may be reissued as a part
of the
series of which they were originally a part or may be reclassified
and
reissued as part of a new series of Preference Shares to be created
by
resolution or resolutions of the Board or as part of any other series
of
Preference Shares, all subject to the conditions and the restrictions
on
issuance set forth in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the
Board
providing for the issue of any series of Preference
Shares.
|
|
4.4
|
At
the discretion of the Board, whether or not in connection with the
issuance and sale of any shares or other securities of the Company,
the
Company may issue securities, contracts, warrants or other instruments
evidencing any shares, option rights, securities having conversion
or
option rights, or obligations on such terms, conditions and other
provisions as are fixed by the Board, including, without limiting
the
generality of this authority, conditions that preclude or limit any
person
or persons owning or offering to acquire a specified number or percentage
of the issued Common Shares, other shares, option rights, securities
having conversion or option rights, or obligations of the Company
or
transferee of the person or persons from exercising, converting,
transferring or receiving the shares, option rights, securities having
conversion or option rights, or
obligations.
|
|
4.5
|
All
the rights attaching to a Treasury Share shall be suspended and shall
not
be exercised by the Company while it holds such Treasury Share and, except
where required by the Act, all Treasury Shares shall be excluded
from the
calculation of any percentage or fraction of the share capital, or
shares,
of the Company.
|
|
5.1
|
The
Board may make such calls as it thinks fit upon the Members in respect
of
any moneys (whether in respect of nominal value or premium) unpaid
on the
shares allotted to or held by such Members (and not made payable
at fixed
times by the terms and conditions of issue) and, if a call is not
paid on
or before the day appointed for payment thereof, the Member may at
the
discretion of the Board be liable to pay the Company interest on
the
amount of such call at such rate as the Board may determine, from
the date
when such call was payable up to the actual date of payment. The
Board may
differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be
paid and
the times of payment of such calls.
|
|
5.2
|
Any
amount which by the terms of allotment of a share becomes payable
upon
issue or at any fixed date, whether on account of the nominal value
of the
share or by way of premium, shall for all the purposes of these Bye-laws
be deemed to be an amount on which a call has been duly made and
payable
on the date on which, by the terms of issue, the same becomes payable,
and
in case of non-payment all the relevant provisions of these Bye-laws
as to
forfeiture, payment of interest, costs and expenses, forfeiture or
otherwise shall apply as if such amount had become payable by virtue
of a
duly made and notified call.
|
|
5.3
|
The
joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to
pay all
calls and any interest, costs and expenses in respect
thereof.
|
|
5.4
|
The
Company may accept from any Member the whole or a part of the amount
remaining unpaid on any shares held by him, although no part of that
amount has been called up or become
payable.
|
6.
|
Prohibition
on Financial Assistance
|
The
Company shall not give, whether directly or indirectly, whether by means of
loan, guarantee, provision of security or otherwise, any financial assistance
for the purpose of the acquisition or proposed acquisition by any person of
any
shares in the Company, but nothing in this Bye-law shall prohibit transactions
permitted under the Act.
|
7.1
|
If
any Member fails to pay, on the day appointed for payment thereof,
any
call in respect of any share allotted to or held by such Member,
the Board
may, at any time thereafter during such time as the call remains
unpaid,
direct the Secretary to forward such Member a notice in writing in
the
form, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, of the
following:
|
Notice
of
Liability to Forfeiture for Non-Payment of Call
·
(the
"Company")
You
have
failed to pay the call of [amount of call] made on the [ ] day of [ ], 200[
],
in respect of the [number] share(s) [number in figures] standing in your name
in
the Register of Members of the Company, on the [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ], the
day
appointed for payment of such call. You are hereby notified that unless you
pay
such call together with interest thereon at the rate of [ ] per annum computed
from the said [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ] at the registered office of the Company
the
share(s) will be liable to be forfeited.
Dated
this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
[Signature
of Secretary] By Order of the Board
|
7.2
|
If
the requirements of such notice are not complied with, any such share
may
at any time thereafter before the payment of such call and the interest
due in respect thereof be forfeited by a resolution of the Board
to that
effect, and such share shall thereupon become the property of the
Company
and may be disposed of as the Board shall determine.
|
|
7.3
|
A
Member whose share or shares have been so forfeited shall, notwithstanding
such forfeiture, be liable to pay to the Company all calls owing
on such
share or shares at the time of the forfeiture, together with all
interest
due thereon and any costs and expenses incurred by the Company in
connection therewith.
|
|
7.4
|
The
Board may accept the surrender of any shares which it is in a position
to
forfeit on such terms and conditions as may be agreed. Subject to
those
terms and conditions, a surrendered share shall be treated as if
it had
been forfeited.
|
|
8.1
|
Every
Member shall be entitled to a certificate under the common seal of
the
Company or bearing the signature (or a facsimile thereof) of a Director
or
Secretary or a person expressly authorized to sign specifying the
number
and, where appropriate, the class of shares held by such Member and
whether the same are fully paid up and, if not, specifying the amount
paid
on such shares. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally
or
in a particular case, that any or all signatures on certificates
may be
printed thereon or affixed by mechanical
means.
|
|
8.2
|
The
Company shall be under no obligation to complete and deliver a share
certificate unless specifically called upon to do so by the person
to whom
the shares have been allotted.
|
|
8.3
|
If
any share certificate shall be proved to the satisfaction of the
Board to
have been worn out, lost, mislaid, or destroyed the Board may cause
a new
certificate to be issued and request an indemnity for the lost certificate
if it sees fit.
|
|
8.4
|
Notwithstanding
any provisions of these Bye-laws:
|
|
(a)
|
the
Directors shall, subject always to the Act and any other applicable
laws
and regulations and the facilities and requirements of any relevant
system
concerned, have power to implement any arrangements they may, in
their
absolute discretion, think fit in relation to the evidencing of title
to
and transfer of uncertificated shares and to the extent such arrangements
are so implemented, no provision of these Bye-laws shall apply or
have
effect to the extent that it is in any respect inconsistent with
the
holding or transfer of shares in uncertificated form;
and
|
|
(b)
|
unless
otherwise determined by the Directors and as permitted by the Act
and any
other applicable laws and regulations, no person shall be entitled
to
receive a certificate in respect of any share for so long as the
title to
that share is evidenced otherwise than by a certificate and for so
long as
transfers of that share may be made otherwise than by a written
instrument.
|
The
Company may issue its shares in fractional denominations and deal with such
fractions to the same extent as its whole shares and shares in fractional
denominations shall have in proportion to the respective fractions represented
thereby all of the rights of whole shares including (but without limiting the
generality of the foregoing) the right to vote, to receive dividends and
distributions and to participate in a winding-up.
REGISTRATION
OF SHARES
|
10.1
|
The
Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books a Register of Members
and shall enter therein the particulars required by the
Act.
|
|
10.2
|
The
Register of Members shall be open to inspection without charge at
the
registered office of the Company on every business day, subject to
such
reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose, so that not less
than two
hours in each business day be allowed for inspection. The Register
of
Members may, after notice has been given in accordance with the Act,
be
closed for any time or times not exceeding in the whole thirty days
in
each year.
|
11.
|
Registered
Holder Absolute Owner
|
The
Company shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share as the
absolute owner thereof and accordingly shall not be bound to recognise any
equitable claim or other claim to, or interest in, such share on the part of
any
other person.
12.
|
Transfer
of Registered Shares
|
|
12.1
|
An
instrument of transfer shall be in writing in the form of the following,
or as near thereto as circumstances admit, or in such other form
as the
Board may accept:
|
Transfer
of a Share or Shares
·
(the
"Company")
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED……………….. [amount], I, [name of transferor] hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto [transferee] of [address], [number] shares of the
Company.
DATED
this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
|
|
|
Signed
by:
|
|
In
the presence of:
|
|
|
|
Transferor
|
|
Witness
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transferee
|
|
Witness
|
|
12.2
|
Such
instrument of transfer shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor
and transferee, provided that, in the case of a fully paid up share,
the
Board may accept the instrument signed by or on behalf of the transferor
alone. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of such
share
until the same has been registered as having been transferred to
the
transferee in the Register of
Members.
|
|
12.3
|
The
Board may refuse to recognise any instrument of transfer unless it
is
accompanied by the certificate in respect of the shares to which
it
relates and by such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require
to
show the right of the transferor to make the transfer.
|
|
12.4
|
The
joint holders of any share may transfer such share to one or more
of such
joint holders, and the surviving holder or holders of any share previously
held by them jointly with a deceased Member may transfer any such
share to
the executors or administrators of such deceased
Member.
|
|
12.5
|
The
Board may in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason
therefor refuse to register the transfer of a share which is not
fully
paid up. The Board shall refuse to register a transfer (x) unless
all
applicable consents, authorisations and permissions of any governmental
body or agency in Bermuda have been obtained or (y) if such transfer
is
not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S under
the
United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to registration
under such Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from
registration under such Securities Act. The Board may decline to
approve
or register or permit the registration of any transfer of shares
if it
appears to the Board that any non de minimis adverse tax, regulatory
or
legal consequences to the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any
direct or indirect holder of shares or its affiliates would result
from
such transfer. If the Board refuses to register a transfer of any
share
the Secretary shall, within three months after the date on which
the
transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferor and
transferee notice of the refusal.
|
|
12.6
|
The
registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such
periods as the Directors may from time to time determine; provided
that
such registration shall not be suspended for more than forty five
days in
any period of three hundred and sixty five (365) consecutive
days.
|
|
12.7
|
Shares
may be transferred without a written instrument if transferred by
an
appointed agent or otherwise in accordance with the
Act.
|
13.
|
Transmission
of Registered Shares
|
|
13.1
|
In
the case of the death of a Member, the survivor or survivors where
the
deceased Member was a joint holder, and the legal personal representatives
of the deceased Member where the deceased Member was a sole holder,
shall
be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title
to the
deceased Member's interest in the shares. Nothing herein contained
shall
release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any liability
in
respect of any share which had been jointly held by such deceased
Member
with other persons. Subject to the Act, for the purpose of this Bye-law,
legal personal representative means the executor or administrator
of a
deceased Member or such other person as the Board may, in its absolute
discretion, decide as being properly authorised to deal with the
shares of
a deceased Member.
|
|
13.2
|
Any
person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or
bankruptcy of any Member may be registered as a Member upon such
evidence
as the Board may deem sufficient or may elect to nominate some person
to
be registered as a transferee of such share, and in such case the
person
becoming entitled shall execute in favour of such nominee an instrument
of
transfer in writing in the form, or as near thereto as circumstances
admit, of the following:
|
Transfer
by a Person Becoming Entitled on Death/Bankruptcy of a Member
·
(the
"Company")
I/We,
having become entitled in consequence of the [death/bankruptcy] of [name and
address of deceased/bankrupt Member] to [number] share(s) standing in the
Register of Members of the Company in the name of the said [name of
deceased/bankrupt Member] instead of being registered myself/ourselves, elect
to
have [name of transferee] (the "Transferee") registered as a transferee of
such
share(s) and I/we do hereby accordingly transfer the said share(s) to the
Transferee to hold the same unto the Transferee, his or her executors,
administrators and assigns, subject to the conditions on which the same were
held at the time of the execution hereof; and the Transferee does hereby agree
to take the said share(s) subject to the same conditions.
DATED
this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
|
|
|
Signed
by:
|
|
In
the presence of:
|
|
|
|
Transferor
|
|
Witness
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transferee
|
|
Witness
|
|
|
|
|
13.3
|
On
the presentation of the foregoing materials to the Board, accompanied
by
such evidence as the Board may require to prove the title of the
transferor, the transferee shall be registered as a Member.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board shall, in any case, have
the same
right to decline or suspend registration as it would have had in
the case
of a transfer of the share by that Member before such Member's death
or
bankruptcy, as the case may be.
|
|
13.4
|
Where
two or more persons are registered as joint holders of a share or
shares,
then in the event of the death of any joint holder or holders the
remaining joint holder or holders shall be absolutely entitled to
such
share or shares and the Company shall recognise no claim in respect
of the
estate of any joint holder except in the case of the last survivor
of such
joint holders.
|
ALTERATION
OF SHARE CAPITAL
14.
|
Power
to Alter Capital
|
|
14.1
|
The
Company may if authorised by resolution of the Members increase,
divide,
consolidate, subdivide, change the currency denomination of, diminish
or
otherwise alter or reduce its share capital in any manner permitted
by the
Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of these
Bye-laws, the Company shall not vary or alter the rights attaching
to any
class of shares if the Board, after taking into account any adjustments
to
or restrictions on exercise of voting rights under Bye-laws 33-37
(inclusive), determines in its sole discretion that any non de minimis
adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to the Company, any
subsidiary of the Company, or any direct or indirect holders of shares
or
its affiliates may result from such variation.
|
|
14.2
|
Where,
on any alteration or reduction of share capital, fractions of shares
or
some other difficulty would arise, the Board may deal with or resolve
the
same in such manner as it thinks
fit.
|
15.
|
Variation
of Rights Attaching to
Shares
|
If,
at
any time, the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the
rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue
of
the shares of that class) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up,
be
varied with the consent in writing of the holders of at least a majority of
the
issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by
a
majority of the votes cast at a separate general meeting of the holders of
the
shares of the class at which meeting the necessary quorum shall be two persons
at least holding or representing by proxy one-third of the issued shares of
the
class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued
with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided
by
the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the
creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
DIVIDENDS
AND CAPITALISATION
|
16.1
|
The
Board may, subject to these Bye-laws and in accordance with the Act,
declare a dividend to be paid to the Members, in proportion to the
number
of shares held by them, and such dividend may be paid in cash or
wholly or
partly in specie in which case the Board may fix the value for
distribution in specie of any assets. No unpaid dividend shall bear
interest as against the Company.
|
|
16.2
|
The
Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members
entitled to receive any dividend.
|
|
16.3
|
The
Company may pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid up on
each
share where a larger amount is paid up on some shares than on
others.
|
|
16.4
|
The
Board may declare and make such other distributions (in cash or in
specie)
to the Members as may be lawfully made out of the assets of the Company.
No unpaid distribution shall bear interest as against the
Company.
|
17.
|
Power
to Set Aside Profits
|
The
Board
may, before declaring a dividend, set aside out of the surplus or profits of
the
Company, such amount as it thinks proper as a reserve to be used to meet
contingencies or for equalising dividends or for any other purpose.
|
18.1
|
Any
dividend or other moneys payable in respect of a share may be paid
by
cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the address of
the
Member in the Register of Members (in the case of joint Members,
the
senior joint holder, seniority being determined by the order in which
the
names stand in the Register of Members), or by direct transfer to
such
bank account as such Member may direct. Every such cheque shall be
made
payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent or to such
persons
as the Member may direct, and payment of the cheque or warrant shall
be a
good discharge to the Company. Every such cheque or warrant shall
be sent
at the risk of the person entitled to the money represented thereby.
If
two or more persons are registered as joint holders of any shares
any one
of them can give an effectual receipt for any dividend paid in respect
of
such shares.
|
|
18.2
|
The
Board may deduct from the dividends or distributions payable to any
Member
all moneys due from such Member to the Company on account of calls
or
otherwise.
|
|
18.3
|
Any
dividend and or other moneys payable in respect of a share which
has
remained unclaimed for 7 years from the date when it became due for
payment shall, if the Board so resolves, be forfeited and cease to
remain
owing by the Company. The payment of any unclaimed dividend or other
moneys payable in respect of a share may (but need not) be paid by
the
Company into an account separate from the Company's own account.
Such
payment shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect
thereof.
|
|
18.4
|
The
Company shall be entitled to cease sending dividend cheques and warrants
by post or otherwise to a Member if those instruments have been returned
undelivered to, or left uncashed by, that Member on at least two
consecutive occasions, or, following one such occasion, reasonable
enquiries have failed to establish the Member's new address. The
entitlement conferred on the Company by this Bye-law 18.4 in respect
of
any Member shall cease if the Member claims a dividend or cashes
a
dividend cheque or warrant.
|
|
19.1
|
The
Board may capitalise any amount for the time being standing to the
credit
of any of the Company's share premium or other reserve accounts or
to the
credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for
distribution by applying such amount in paying up unissued shares
to be
allotted as fully paid up bonus shares pro-rata (except in connection
with
the conversion of shares of one class to shares of another class)
to the
Members.
|
|
19.2
|
The
Board may capitalise any amount for the time being standing to the
credit
of a reserve account or amounts otherwise available for dividend
or
distribution by applying such amounts in paying up in full, partly
or nil
paid up shares of those Members who would have been entitled to such
amounts if they were distributed by way of dividend or
distribution.
|
MEETINGS
OF MEMBERS
20.
|
Annual
General Meetings
|
The
annual general meeting of the Company shall be held in each year (other than
the
year of incorporation) at such time and place as the President or the Chairman
(if any) or the Board shall appoint.
21.
|
Special
General Meetings
|
The
President or the Chairman (if any) or the Board may convene a special general
meeting whenever in their judgment such a meeting is necessary.
22.
|
Requisitioned
General Meetings
|
The
Board
shall, on the requisition of Members holding at the date of the deposit of
the
requisition not less than one-tenth of such of the paid-up share capital of
the
Company as at the date of the deposit carries the right to vote at general
meetings, forthwith proceed to convene a special general meeting and the
provisions of the Act shall apply.
|
23.1
|
At
least 21 days' notice of an annual general meeting shall be given
to each
Member entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, place
and
time at which the meeting is to be held, that the election of Directors
will take place thereat, and as far as practicable, the other business
to
be conducted at the meeting.
|
|
23.2
|
At
least 21 days' notice of a special general meeting shall be given
to each
Member entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, time,
place
and the general nature of the business to be considered at the
meeting.
|
|
23.3
|
The
Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Members
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at any general
meeting.
|
|
23.4
|
A
general meeting shall, notwithstanding that it is called on shorter
notice
than that specified in these Bye-laws, be deemed to have been properly
called if it is so agreed by (i) all the Members entitled to attend
and
vote thereat in the case of an annual general meeting; and (ii) by
a
majority in number of the Members having the right to attend and
vote at
the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than 95%
in
nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote thereat
in
the case of a special general
meeting.
|
|
23.5
|
The
accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the
non-receipt of a notice of a general meeting by, any person entitled
to
receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that
meeting.
|
24.
|
Giving
Notice and Access
|
|
24.1
|
A
notice may be given by the Company to a Member:
|
(a)
by
delivering it to such Member in person; or
|
(b)
|
by
sending it by letter mail or courier to such Member's address in
the
Register of Members; or
|
|
(c)
|
by
transmitting it by electronic means (including facsimile and electronic
mail, but not telephone) in accordance with such directions as may
be
given by such Member to the Company for such purpose;
or
|
|
(d)
|
in
accordance with Bye-law 24.4.
|
|
24.2
|
Any
notice required to be given to a Member shall, with respect to any
shares
held jointly by two or more persons, be given to whichever of such
persons
is named first in the Register of Members and notice so given shall
be
sufficient notice to all the holders of such
shares.
|
|
24.3
|
Any
notice (save for one delivered in accordance with Bye-law 24.4) shall
be
deemed to have been served at the time when the same would be delivered
in
the ordinary course of transmission and, in proving such service,
it shall
be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and
prepaid,
if posted, and the time when it was posted, delivered to the courier
or
transmitted by electronic means.
|
|
24.4
|
Where
a Member indicates his consent (in a form and manner satisfactory
to the
Board) to receive information or documents by accessing them on a
website
rather than by other means, or receipt in this manner is otherwise
permitted by the Act, the Board may deliver such information or documents
by notifying the Member of their availability and including therein
the
address of the website, the place on the website where the information
or
document may be found, and instructions as to how the information
or
document may be accessed on the
website.
|
|
24.5
|
In
the case of information or documents delivered in accordance with
Bye-law
24.4, service shall be deemed to have occurred when (i) the Member
is
notified in accordance with that Bye-law; and (ii) the information
or
document is published on the
website.
|
25.
|
Postponement
or Cancellation of General
Meeting
|
The
Chairman or the President may, and the Secretary on instruction from the
Chairman or the President shall, postpone or cancel any general meeting called
in accordance with these Bye-laws (other than a meeting requisitioned under
these Bye-laws) provided that notice of postponement or cancellation is given
to
each Member before the time for such meeting. Fresh notice of the date, time
and
place for the postponed or cancelled meeting shall be given to the Members
in
accordance with these Bye-laws.
26.
|
Electronic
Participation and Security at General
Meetings
|
|
26.1
|
Members
may participate in any general meeting by such telephonic, electronic
or
other communications facilities or means as permit all persons
participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously
and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting.
|
|
26.2
|
The
Board may, and at any general meeting, the chairman of such meeting
may
make any arrangement and impose any requirement or restriction it
or he
considers appropriate to ensure the security of a general meeting
including, without limitation, requirements for evidence of identity
to be
produced by those attending the meeting, the searching of their personal
property and the restriction of items that may be taken into the
meeting
place. The Board and, at any general meeting, the chairman of such
meeting
are entitled to refuse entry to a person who refuses to comply with
any
such arrangements, requirements or
restrictions.
|
27.
|
Quorum
at General Meetings
|
|
27.1
|
At
any general meeting two or more persons present in person at the
start of
the meeting and representing in person or by proxy in excess of 50%
of the
total issued voting shares in the Company shall form a quorum for
the
transaction of business.
|
|
27.2
|
If
within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum
is
not present, then, in the case of a meeting convened on a requisition,
the
meeting shall be deemed cancelled and, in any other case, the meeting
shall stand adjourned to the same day one week later, at the same
time and
place or to such other day, time or place as the Secretary may determine.
Unless the meeting is adjourned to a specific date, place and time
announced at the meeting being adjourned, fresh notice of the date,
place
and time for the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given
to
each Member entitled to attend and vote thereat in accordance with
these
Bye-laws.
|
28.
|
Chairman
to Preside at General
Meetings
|
Unless
otherwise agreed by a majority of those attending and entitled to vote thereat,
the Chairman, if there be one, and if not the President, if there be one, shall
act as chairman at all general meetings at which such person is present. In
their absence, a chairman shall be appointed or elected by those present at
the
meeting and entitled to vote.
29.
|
Voting
on Resolutions
|
|
29.1
|
Subject
to the Act and these Bye-laws, any question proposed for the consideration
of the Members at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative
votes of a majority of the votes cast in accordance with these Bye-laws
and in the case of an equality of votes the resolution shall
fail.
|
|
29.2
|
At
any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall,
in
the first instance, be voted upon by a show of hands and, subject
to these
Bye-laws and any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully
attached to any class of shares, every Member present in person and
every
person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to
one vote
for each voting share (subject to any adjustments or eliminations
of
voting power of any shares pursuant to Bye-laws 33 and 34) of which
such
person is the holder or for which such person holds a proxy and such
votes
shall be counted in the manner set out in Bye-law
30.4.
|
|
29.3
|
In
the event that a Member participates in a general meeting by telephone,
electronic or other communications facilities or means, the chairman
of
the meeting shall direct the manner in which such Member may cast
his vote
on a show of hands.
|
|
29.4
|
At
any general meeting if an amendment is proposed to any resolution
under
consideration and the chairman of the meeting rules on whether or
not the
proposed amendment is out of order, the proceedings on the substantive
resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such
ruling.
|
|
29.5
|
At
any general meeting a declaration by the chairman of the meeting
that a
question proposed for consideration has been carried, or carried
unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to
that
effect in a book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the
Company
shall, subject to these Bye-laws, be conclusive evidence of that
fact.
|
30.
|
Power
to Demand a Vote on a Poll
|
|
30.1
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a poll may be demanded by any of the following
persons:
|
|
(a)
|
the
chairman of such meeting; or
|
|
(b)
|
at
least three Members present in person or represented by proxy;
or
|
|
(c)
|
any
Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy and holding
between them not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of
all the
Members having the right to vote at such meeting;
or
|
|
(d)
|
any
Member or Members present in person or represented by proxy holding
shares
in the Company conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being
shares
on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than
one-tenth of the total amount paid up on all such shares conferring
such
right.
|
|
30.2
|
Where
a poll is demanded, subject to any rights or restrictions for the
time
being lawfully attached to any class of shares, every person present
at
such meeting shall have one vote for each share of which such person
is
the holder or for which such person holds a proxy (subject to any
adjustments or eliminations of voting power of any shares pursuant
to
Bye-laws 33 and 34) and such vote shall be counted by ballot as described
herein, or in the case of a general meeting at which one or more
Members
are present by telephone, electronic or other communications facilities
or
means, in such manner as the chairman of the meeting may direct and
the
result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting
at
which the poll was demanded and shall replace any previous resolution
upon
the same matter which has been the subject of a show of hands. A
person
entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast
all the
votes he uses in the same way.
|
|
30.3
|
A
poll demanded for the purpose of electing a chairman of the meeting
or on
a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded
on any
other question shall be taken at such time and in such manner during
such
meeting as the chairman (or acting chairman) of the meeting may direct.
Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded
may be
conducted pending the taking of the
poll.
|
|
30.4
|
Where
a vote is taken by poll, each person physically present and entitled
to
vote shall be furnished with a ballot paper on which such person
shall
record his vote in such manner as shall be determined at the meeting
having regard to the nature of the question on which the vote is
taken.
Each ballot paper shall be signed or initialled or otherwise marked
so as
to identify the voter and the registered holder in the case of a
proxy.
Each person present by telephone, electronic or other communications
facilities or means shall cast his vote in such manner as the chairman
shall direct. At the conclusion of the poll, the ballot papers and
votes
cast in accordance with such directions shall be examined and counted
by a
committee of not less than two Members or proxy holders appointed
by the
chairman for the purpose. The result of the poll shall be declared
by the
chairman.
|
31.
|
Voting
by Joint Holders of Shares
|
In
the
case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote (whether in
person or by proxy) shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the
other
joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order
in which the names stand in the Register of Members.
32.
|
Votes
of Members - General
|
Subject
to the provisions of Bye-laws 33 and 34 below, and subject to any rights and
restrictions for the time being attached to any class or classes or series
of
shares, every Member shall have one vote for each share carrying the right
to
vote on the matter in question of which he is the holder. Notwithstanding any
other provisions of these Bye-laws, all determinations in these Bye-laws that
are made by or subject to a vote or approval of Members shall be based upon
the
voting power of such Members’ shares as determined pursuant to Bye-laws 33 and
34.
33.
|
Adjustment
of Voting Power
|
|
33.1
|
The
voting power of all shares is hereby adjusted (and shall be automatically
adjusted in the future) to the extent necessary so that there
is no 9.5%
U.S. Member. The Board shall implement the foregoing in the manner
provided herein, provided however, that the foregoing provision
and the
remainder of this Bye-law 33 shall not apply in the event that
one Member
owns greater than 75% of the voting power of the issued shares
of the
Company determined without applying the voting power adjustments
or
eliminations under Bye-law 33.
|
|
33.2
|
The
Board shall from time to time, including prior to any time at
which a vote
of Members is taken, take all reasonable steps necessary to ascertain,
including those specified in Bye-law 33.6, through communications
with
Members or otherwise, whether there exists, or will exist at
the time any
vote of Members is taken, a Tentative 9.5% U.S.
Member.
|
|
33.3
|
In
the event that a Tentative 9.5% U.S. Member exists, the aggregate
votes
conferred by shares held by a Member and treated as Controlled Shares
of
that Tentative 9.5% U.S. Member shall be reduced to the extent necessary
such that the Controlled Shares of the Tentative 9.5% U.S. Member
will
constitute less than 9.5% of the voting power of all issued and
outstanding shares. In applying the previous sentence where shares
held by
more than one Member are treated as Controlled Shares of such Tentative
9.5% U.S. Member, the reduction in votes shall apply to such Members
in
descending order according to their respective Attribution Percentages,
provided that, in the event of a tie, the reduction shall apply pro
rata
to such Members. The votes of Members owning no shares treated as
Controlled Shares of any Tentative 9.5% U.S. Member shall, in the
aggregate, be increased by the same number of votes subject to reduction
as described above provided however that no shares shall be conferred
votes to the extent that doing so will cause any person to be treated
as a
9.5% U.S. Member. Such increase shall be apportioned to all such
Members
in proportion to their voting power at that time, provided that such
increase shall be limited to the extent necessary to avoid causing
any
person to be a 9.5% U.S. Member. The adjustments of voting power
described
in this Bye-law shall apply repeatedly until there is no 9.5% U.S.
Member.
The Board of Directors may deviate from any of the principles described
in
this Bye-law and determine that shares held by a Member shall carry
different voting rights as it determines appropriate (1) to avoid
the
existence of any 9.5% U.S. Member or (2) to avoid adverse tax, legal
or
regulatory consequences to the Company, any subsidiary of the Company,
or
any direct or indirect holder of shares or its affiliates. For the
avoidance of doubt, in applying the provisions of Bye-laws 33 and
34, a
share may carry a fraction of a
vote.
|
34.
|
Other
Adjustments of Voting
Power
|
In
addition to the provisions of Bye-law 33, any shares shall not carry any right
to vote to the extent that the Board of Directors determines that it is
necessary that such shares should not carry the right to vote in order to avoid
adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to the Company, any subsidiary
of
the Company, or any other direct or indirect holder of shares or its affiliates,
provided that no adjustment pursuant to this sentence shall cause any person
to
become a 9.5% U.S. Member.
Prior
to
the meeting on which Members shall vote on any matter (or prior to any vote
in
the case of notification to Members specified in item (3) of this Bye-law 35),
the Board may, in its sole discretion, (1) retain the services of an
internationally recognized accounting firm or organization with comparable
professional capabilities in order to assist the Company in applying the
principles of Bye-laws 33 and 34 and (2) obtain from such firm or organization
a
statement describing the information obtained and procedures followed and
setting forth the determinations made with respect to Bye-laws 33 and 34, and
(3) notify in writing or orally each Member of the voting power conferred
by its shares determined in accordance with Bye-laws 33 and 34. For the
avoidance of doubt, any failure by the Board to take any of the actions
described in this Bye-law 35 shall not invalidate any votes cast or the
proceedings at the meeting.
36.
|
Board
Determination Binding
|
Any
determination by the Board as to any adjustments or eliminations of voting
power
of any shares made pursuant to Bye-laws 33 and 34 shall be final and binding
and
any vote taken based on such determination shall not be capable of being
challenged solely on the basis of such determination.
37.
|
Requirement
to Provide Information and
Notice
|
|
37.1
|
The
Board shall have the authority to request from any direct or indirect
holder of shares, and such holder of shares shall provide, such
information as the Board may reasonably request for the purpose of
determining whether any holder’s voting rights are to be adjusted. If such
holder fails to respond to such a request, or submits incomplete
or
inaccurate information in response to such a request, the Board may
determine in its sole discretion that such holder’s shares shall carry no
voting rights in which case such holder shall not exercise any voting
rights in respect of such shares until otherwise determined by the
Board.
|
|
37.2
|
Any
direct or indirect holder of shares shall give notice to the Company
within ten days following the date that such holder acquires actual
knowledge that it is the direct or indirect holder of Controlled
Shares of
9.5% or more of the voting power of all issued shares of the Company
(without giving effect to voting power adjustments or eliminations
under
Bye-law 33.
|
|
37.3
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no Member shall be liable to any other Member or the
Company for any losses or damages resulting from such Member’s failure to
respond to, or submission of incomplete or inaccurate information
in
response to, a request under Bye-law 37.1 or from such Member’s failure to
give notice under Bye-law 37.2.
|
|
37.4
|
Any
information provided by any Member to the Company pursuant to this
Bye-law
37 or for purposes of making the analysis required by Bye-laws 33
and 34,
shall be deemed “confidential information” (the “Confidential
Information”) and shall be used by the Company solely for the purposes
contemplated by such Bye-law (except as may be required otherwise
by
applicable law or regulation). The Company shall hold such Confidential
Information in strict confidence and shall not disclose any Confidential
Information that it receives, except (i) to the U.S. Internal Revenue
Service (the “Service”) if and to the extent the Confidential Information
is required by the Service, (ii) to any outside legal counsel or
accounting firm engaged by the Company to make determinations regarding
the relevant Bye-law or (iii) as otherwise required by applicable
law or
regulation.
|
|
37.5
|
For
the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be permitted to disclose
to the
Members and others the relative voting percentages of all Members
after
application of Bye-law 33. At the written request of a Member, the
Confidential Information of such Member shall be destroyed or returned
to
such Member after the later to occur of (i) such Member no longer
being a
Member or (ii) the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations
with respect to any Confidential Information obtained for purposes
of
engaging in any tax-related
analysis.
|
38.
Instrument
of Proxy
|
38.1
|
A
Member may appoint a proxy by (a) an instrument appointing a proxy
in
writing in substantially the following form or such other form as
the
Board may determine from time to time:
|
Proxy
·
(the
"Company")
I/We,
[insert names here], being a Member of the Company with [number] shares, HEREBY
APPOINT [name] of [address] or failing him, [name] of [address] to be my/our
proxy to vote for me/us at the meeting of the Members to be held on the [ ]
day
of [ ], 200[ ] and at any adjournment thereof. (Any restrictions on voting
to be
inserted here.)
Signed
this [ ] day of [ ], 200[ ]
Member(s)
or
(b)
such telephonic, electronic or other means as may be approved by the Board
from
time to time.
|
38.2
|
The
appointment of a proxy must be received by the Company at the registered
office or at such other place or in such manner as is specified in
the
notice convening the meeting or in any instrument of proxy sent out
by the
Company in relation to the meeting at which the person named in the
appointment proposes to vote, and an appointment of proxy which is
not
received in the manner so permitted shall be
invalid.
|
|
38.3
|
A
Member who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than
one
proxy to represent him and vote on his behalf in respect of different
shares.
|
|
38.4
|
The
decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity
of any
appointment of a proxy shall be
final.
|
39.
|
Representation
of Corporate Member
|
|
39.1
|
A
corporation which is a Member may, by written instrument, authorise
such
person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative
at any
meeting and any person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise
the
same powers on behalf of the corporation which such person represents
as
that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member,
and that
Member shall be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting
attended by its authorised representative or
representatives.
|
|
39.2
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the chairman of the meeting may accept such assurances
as
he thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend and vote
at general
meetings on behalf of a corporation which is a
Member.
|
40.
|
Adjournment
of General Meeting
|
|
40.1
|
The
chairman of any general meeting at which a quorum is present may
with the
consent of Members holding a majority of the voting rights of those
Members present in person or by proxy (and shall if so directed by
Members
holding a majority of the voting rights of those Members present
in person
or by proxy), adjourn the meeting.
|
|
40.2
|
In
addition, the chairman may adjourn the meeting to another time and
place
without such consent or direction if it appears to him
that:
|
|
(a)
|
it
is likely to be impracticable to hold or continue that meeting because
of
the number of Members wishing to attend who are not present;
or
|
|
(b)
|
the
unruly conduct of persons attending the meeting prevents, or is likely
to
prevent, the orderly continuation of the business of the meeting;
or
|
|
(c)
|
an
adjournment is otherwise necessary so that the business of the meeting
may
be properly conducted.
|
|
40.3
|
Unless
the meeting is adjourned to a specific date, place and time announced
at
the meeting being adjourned, fresh notice of the date, place and
time for
the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Member
entitled to attend and vote thereat in accordance with these
Bye-laws.
|
41.
Written
Resolutions
|
41.1
|
Subject
to these Bye-laws anything which may be done by resolution of the
Company
in general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of
the
Members may, without a meeting be done by written resolution in
accordance
with this Bye-law.
|
|
41.2
|
Notice
of a written resolution shall be given, and a copy of the resolution
shall
be circulated to all Members who would be entitled to attend a
meeting and
vote thereon. The accidental omission to give notice to, or the
non-receipt of a notice by, any Member does not invalidate the
passing of
a resolution.
|
|
41.3
|
A
written resolution is passed when it is signed by, or in the case
of a
Member that is a corporation on behalf of, the Members who at the
date
that the notice is given represent such majority of votes as would
be
required if the resolution was voted on at a meeting of Members
at which
all Members entitled to attend and vote thereat were present and
voting.
|
|
41.4
|
A
resolution in writing may be signed by any number of
counterparts.
|
|
41.5
|
A
resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law is as
valid as
if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or by a
meeting of
the relevant class of Members, as the case may be (provided that
(i) any
such resolution shall be valid only if the signature of the last
Member to
sign is affixed outside the United States (unless the Board dispenses
with
this requirement), and (ii) the Board may declare such resolution
to be
invalid if the Board determines that the use of a resolution in
writing
would result in a non-de minimis adverse tax, regulatory or legal
consequence to the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any
direct
or indirect holder of shares or its affiliates), and any reference
in any
Bye-law to a meeting at which a resolution is passed or to Members
voting
in favour of a resolution shall be construed
accordingly.
|
|
41.6
|
A
resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law shall
constitute minutes for the purposes of the
Act.
|
|
41.7
|
This
Bye-law shall not apply to:
|
|
(a)
|
a
resolution passed to remove an Auditor from office before the expiration
of his term of office; or
|
|
(b)
|
a
resolution passed for the purpose of removing a Director before the
expiration of his term of office.
|
|
41.8
|
For
the purposes of this Bye-law, the effective date of the resolution
is the
date when the resolution is signed by, or in the case of a Member
that is
a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the
Act, on
behalf of, the last Member whose signature results in the necessary
voting
majority being achieved and any reference in any Bye-law to the date
of
passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance
with this Bye-law, a reference to such
date.
|
42.
|
Directors
Attendance at General
Meetings
|
The
Directors shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at
any
general meeting.
CERTAIN
SUBSIDIARIES
43.
|
Voting
of Subsidiary Shares
|
Notwithstanding
any other provision of these Bye-laws to the contrary, if the Company is
required or entitled to vote at a general meeting of any direct non-U.S.
subsidiary of the Company, the Board shall refer the subject matter of the
vote
to the Members of the Company on a poll (subject to Bye-law 33) and seek
authority from the Members for the Company’s corporate representative or proxy
to vote in favour of the resolution proposed by the subsidiary. The Board
shall
cause the Company’s corporate representative or proxy to vote the Company’s
shares in the subsidiary pro rata to the votes received at the general meeting
of the Company, with votes for or against the directing resolution being
taken,
respectively, as an instruction for the Company’s corporate representative or
proxy to vote the appropriate proportion of its shares for and the appropriate
proportion of its shares against the resolution proposed by the subsidiary.
The
Board shall have authority to resolve any ambiguity.
44.
|
Bye-law
or Articles of Association of Certain
Subsidiaries
|
The
Board
in its discretion shall require that the Bye-law or Articles of Association
or
similar organizational documents of each subsidiary of the Company, organized
under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States of America, other
than any non-U.S. subsidiary that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of a
U.S.
Person, shall contain provisions substantially similar to Bye-law 43 and
44. The
Company shall enter into agreements, as and when determined by the Board,
with
each such subsidiary, only if and to the extent reasonably necessary and
permitted under applicable law, to effectuate or implement this
Bye-law.
DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
45.
Election
of Directors
|
45.1
|
The
Board shall consist of such number of Directors being not less than
three
(3) Directors and not more than such maximum number of Directors,
not
exceeding eleven (11) Directors, as the Board may from time to time
determine.
|
|
45.2
|
Only
persons who are proposed or nominated in accordance with this Bye-law
shall be eligible for election as Directors. Any Member or the Board
may
propose any person for election as a Director. Where any person,
other
than a Director retiring at the meeting or a person proposed for
re-election or election as a Director by the Board, is to be proposed
for
election as a Director, notice must be given to the Company of the
intention to propose him and of his willingness to serve as a Director.
Where a Director is to be elected:
|
|
(a)
|
at
an annual general meeting, such notice must be given not less than
90 days
nor more than 120 days before the anniversary of the last annual
general
meeting prior to the giving of the notice or, in the event the annual
general meeting is called for a date that is not 30 days before or
after
such anniversary the notice must be given not later than 10 days
following
the earlier of the date on which notice of the annual general meeting
was
posted to Members or the date on which public disclosure of the date
of
the annual general meeting was made;
and
|
|
(b)
|
at
a special general meeting, such notice must be given not later than
10
days following the earlier of the date on which notice of the special
general meeting was posted to Members or the date on which public
disclosure of the date of the special general meeting was
made.
|
|
45.3
|
Where
the number of persons validly proposed for re-election or election
as a
Director is greater than the number of Directors to be elected, the
persons receiving the most votes (up to the number of Directors to
be
elected) shall be elected as Directors, and an absolute majority
of the
votes cast shall not be a prerequisite to the election of such
Directors.
|
|
45.4
|
At
any general meeting the Members may authorise the Board to fill any
vacancy in their number left unfilled at a general
meeting.
|
46.
Intentionally
Omitted
47.
Term
of Office of Directors
Directors
shall hold office for such term as the Members may determine or, in the absence
of such determination, until the next annual general meeting or until their
successors are elected or appointed or their office is otherwise
vacated.
48.
Alternate
Directors
|
48.1
|
At
any general meeting, the Members may elect a person or persons to
act as a
Director in the alternative to any one or more Directors or may authorise
the Board to appoint such Alternate
Directors.
|
|
48.2
|
Unless
the Members otherwise resolve, any Director may appoint a person
or
persons to act as a Director in the alternative to himself by notice
deposited with the Secretary. Any person so elected or appointed
shall
have all the rights and powers of the Director or Directors for whom
such
person is appointed in the alternative provided that such person
shall not
be counted more than once in determining whether or not a quorum
is
present.
|
|
48.3
|
An
Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notice of all meetings
of
the Board and to attend and vote at any such meeting at which a Director
for whom such Alternate Director was appointed in the alternative
is not
personally present and generally to perform at such meeting all the
functions of such Director for whom such Alternate Director was
appointed.
|
|
48.4
|
An
Alternate Director shall cease to be such if the Director for whom
he was
appointed to act as a Director in the alternative ceases for any
reason to
be a Director, but he may be re-appointed by the Board as an alternate
to
the person appointed to fill the vacancy in accordance with these
Bye-laws.
|
49.
Removal
of Directors
|
49.1
|
Subject
to any provision to the contrary in these Bye-laws, the Members entitled
to vote for the election of Directors may, at any special general
meeting
convened and held in accordance with these Bye-laws, remove a Director,
only with cause, provided that the notice of any such meeting convened
for
the purpose of removing a Director shall contain a statement of the
intention so to do and be served on such Director not less than 14
days
before the meeting and at such meeting the Director shall be entitled
to
be heard on the motion for such Director's
removal.
|
|
49.2
|
If
a Director is removed from the Board under the provisions of this
Bye-law
the Members may fill the vacancy at the meeting at which such Director
is
removed and a Director so appointed shall hold office in the same
class of
Directors as the removed Director held until the next annual general
meeting or until such Director’s office is otherwise vacated. In the
absence of such election or appointment, the Board may fill the
vacancy.
|
|
49.3
|
For
the purpose of Bye-law 49.1, “cause” shall mean a conviction for a
criminal offence involving dishonesty or engaging in conduct which
brings
the Director or the Company into disrepute and which results in material
financial detriment to the Company.
|
50.
Vacancy
in the Office of Director
50.1 The
office of Director shall be vacated if the Director:
|
(a)
|
is
removed from office pursuant to these Bye-laws or is prohibited from
being
a Director by law;
|
|
(b)
|
is
or becomes bankrupt, or makes any arrangement or composition with
his
creditors generally;
|
|
(c)
|
is or becomes of unsound mind or dies;
or |
|
(d)
|
resigns
his office by notice to the
Company.
|
|
50.2
|
The
Members in general meeting or the Board shall have the power to appoint
any person as a Director to fill a vacancy on the Board occurring
as a
result of the death, disability, disqualification or resignation
of any
Director or as a result of an increase in the size of the Board and
to
appoint an Alternate Director to any Director so
appointed.
|
51.
|
Remuneration
of Directors
|
The
remuneration (if any) of the Directors shall be determined by the Company
in
general meeting and shall be deemed to accrue from day to day. The Directors
may
also be paid all travel, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them
in
attending and returning from the meetings of the Board, any committee appointed
by the Board, general meetings, or in connection with the business of the
Company or their duties as Directors generally.
52.
|
Defect
in Appointment
|
All
acts
done in good faith by the Board, any Director, a member of a committee appointed
by the Board, any person to whom the Board may have delegated any of its
powers
shall, or any person acting as a Director shall, notwithstanding that it
be
afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any
Director or person acting as aforesaid, or that he was, or any of them were,
disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed
and
was qualified to be a Director or act in the relevant capacity.
53.
|
Directors
to Manage Business
|
|
53.1
|
The
business of the Company shall be managed and conducted by the Board.
In
managing the business of the Company, the Board may exercise all
such
powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Bye-laws,
required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting.
|
|
53.2
|
Subject
to these Bye-laws, the Board may delegate to any company, firm,
person, or
body of persons any power of the Board (including the power to
sub-delegate).
|
54.
|
Powers
of the Board of Directors
|
The
Board
may:
|
(a)
|
appoint,
suspend, or remove any manager, secretary, clerk, agent or employee
of the
Company and may fix their remuneration and determine their
duties;
|
|
(b)
|
exercise
all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or
charge
its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part thereof,
and
may issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether
outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of
the
Company or any third party;
|
|
(c)
|
appoint
one or more Directors to the office of managing director or chief
executive officer of the Company, who shall, subject to the control
of the
Board, supervise and administer all of the general business and
affairs of
the Company;
|
|
(d)
|
appoint
a person to act as manager of the Company's day-to-day business
and may
entrust to and confer upon such manager such powers and duties
as it deems
appropriate for the transaction or conduct of such
business;
|
|
(e)
|
by
power of attorney, appoint any company, firm, person or body of
persons,
whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be an
attorney
of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities
and
discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the
Board)
and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think
fit and
any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the
protection
and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the
Board may
think fit and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate
all or
any of the powers, authorities and discretions so vested in the
attorney;
|
|
(f)
|
procure
that the Company pays all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating
the Company and listing the shares of the
Company;
|
|
(g)
|
delegate
any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to a committee
appointed by the Board which may consist partly or entirely of
non-Directors, provided that every such committee shall conform
to such
directions as the Board shall impose on them and provided further
that the
meetings and proceedings of any such committee shall be governed
by these
Bye-laws regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board,
so far as
the same are applicable and are not superseded by directions imposed
by
the Board;
|
|
(h)
|
delegate
any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to any
person on
such terms and in such manner as the Board may see
fit;
|
|
(i)
|
present
any petition and make any application in connection with the liquidation
or reorganisation of the
Company;
|
|
(j)
|
in
connection with the issue of any share, pay such commission and
brokerage
as may be permitted by law; and
|
|
(k)
|
authorise
any company, firm, person or body of persons to act on behalf of
the
Company for any specific purpose and in connection therewith to
execute
any deed, agreement, document or instrument on behalf of the
Company.
|
55.
|
Register
of Directors and Officers
|
The
Board
shall cause to be kept in one or more books at the registered office of the
Company a Register of Directors and Officers and shall enter therein the
particulars required by the Act.
56.
|
Appointment
of Officers
|
The
Board
may appoint such officers (who may or may not be Directors) as the Board
may
determine.
57.
|
Appointment
of Secretary
|
The
Secretary shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.
The
Officers shall have such powers and perform such duties in the management,
business and affairs of the Company as may be delegated to them by the Board
from time to time.
59.
|
Remuneration
of Officers
|
The
Officers shall receive such remuneration as the Board may
determine.
60.
|
Conflicts
of Interest
|
|
60.1
|
Any
Director, or any Director's firm, partner or any company with whom
any
Director is associated, may act in any capacity for, be employed
by or
render services to the Company and such Director or such Director's
firm,
partner or company shall be entitled to remuneration as if such
Director
were not a Director. Nothing herein contained shall authorise a
Director
or Director's firm, partner or company to act as Auditor to the
Company.
|
|
60.2
|
A
Director who is directly or indirectly interested in a contract
or
proposed contract or arrangement with the Company shall declare
the nature
of such interest as required by the
Act.
|
|
60.3
|
Following
a declaration being made pursuant to this Bye-law, and unless disqualified
by the chairman of the relevant Board meeting, a Director may vote
in
respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement in
which such
Director is interested and may be counted in the quorum for such
meeting.
|
61.
|
Indemnification
and Exculpation of Directors and
Officers
|
|
61.1
|
The
Directors, Secretary and other Officers (such term to include any
person
appointed to any committee by the Board) for the time being acting
in
relation to any of the affairs of the Company, any subsidiary thereof,
and
the liquidator or trustees (if any) for the time being acting in
relation
to any of the affairs of the Company or any subsidiary thereof,
and every
one of them, and their heirs, executors and administrators, shall
be
indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets of the Company
from and
against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses
which
they or any of them, their heirs, executors or administrators,
shall or
may incur or sustain by or by reason of any act done, concurred
in or
omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or supposed duty,
or in
their respective offices or trusts, and none of them shall be answerable
for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the others of them
or for
joining in any receipts for the sake of conformity, or for any
bankers or
other persons with whom any moneys or effects belonging to the
Company
shall or may be lodged or deposited for safe custody, or for insufficiency
or deficiency of any security upon which any moneys of or belonging
to the
Company shall be placed out on or invested, or for any other loss,
misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of their
respective
offices or trusts, or in relation thereto, PROVIDED THAT this indemnity
shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty
(as
determined in a final judgment or decree not subject to appeal)
on the
part of any of the said persons. Each Member agrees to waive any
claim or
right of action such Member might have, whether individually or
by or in
the right of the Company, against any Director or Officer on account
of
any action taken by such Director or Officer, or the failure of
such
Director or Officer to take any action in the performance of his
duties
with or for the Company or any subsidiary thereof, PROVIDED THAT
such
waiver shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or
dishonesty which may attach to such Director or
Officer.
|
|
61.2
|
The
Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of
any
Director or Officer against any liability incurred by him under
the Act in
his capacity as a Director or Officer or indemnifying such Director
or
Officer in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to
him by
virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default,
breach of
duty or breach of trust of which the Director or Officer may be
guilty in
relation to the Company or any subsidiary
thereof.
|
|
61.3
|
The
Company may advance moneys to an Officer, Director or auditor for
the
costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Officer, Director or
auditor
in defending any civil or criminal proceedings against them, on
condition
that the Officer, Director or auditor shall repay the advance if
any
allegation of fraud or dishonesty is proved against
him.
|
MEETINGS
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The
Board
may meet for the transaction of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate
its
meetings as it sees fit. Subject to these Bye-laws, a resolution put to the
vote
at a meeting of the Board shall be carried by the affirmative votes of a
majority of the votes cast and in the case of an equality of votes the
resolution shall fail.
63.
|
Notice
of Board Meetings
|
A
Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at
any
time summon a meeting of the Board. Notice of a meeting of the Board shall
be
deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to such Director verbally
(including in person or by telephone) or otherwise communicated or sent to
such
Director by post, electronic means or other mode of representing words in
a
visible form at such Director's last known address or in accordance with
any
other instructions given by such Director to the Company for this
purpose.
64.
|
Electronic
Participation in Meetings
|
Directors
may participate in any meeting by such telephonic, electronic or other
communications facilities or means as permit all persons participating in
the
meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously,
and
participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.
65.
|
Quorum
at Board Meetings
|
The
quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board
shall
be two Directors.
66.
|
Board
to Continue in the Event of
Vacancy
|
The
Board
may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its number but, if and so long as
its
number is reduced below the number fixed by these Bye-laws as the quorum
necessary for the transaction of business at meetings of the Board, the
continuing Directors or Director may act for the purpose of (i) summoning
a
general meeting; or (ii) preserving the assets of the Company.
Unless
otherwise agreed by a majority of the Directors attending , the Chairman,
if
there be one, and if not, the President, if there be one, shall act as chairman
at all meetings of the Board at which such person is present. In their absence
a
chairman shall be appointed or elected by the Directors present at the
meeting.
A
resolution signed by all the Directors, which may be in counterparts, shall
be
as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly called and
constituted, such resolution to be effective on the date on which the last
Director signs the resolution (provided that (i) any such resolution shall
be
valid only if the signature of the last Director to sign is affixed outside
the
United States (unless the Board dispenses with this requirement), and (ii)
the
Board may declare such resolution to be invalid if the Board determines that
the
use of a resolution in writing would result in a non-de minimis adverse tax,
regulatory or legal consequence to the Company, any subsidiary of the Company,
or any direct or indirect holder of shares or its affiliates). For the purposes
of this Bye-law only, "the Directors" shall not include an Alternate
Director.
69.
|
Validity
of Prior Acts of the Board
|
No
regulation or alteration to these Bye-laws made by the Company in general
meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been
valid
if that regulation or alteration had not been made.
CORPORATE
RECORDS
The
Board
shall cause minutes to be duly entered in books provided for the
purpose:
|
(a)
|
of
all elections and appointments of
Officers;
|
|
(b)
|
of
the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Board
and of any
committee appointed by the Board;
and
|
|
(c)
|
of
all resolutions and proceedings of general meetings of the Members,
meetings of the Board, and meetings of committees appointed by
the
Board.
|
71.
|
Place
Where Corporate Records
Kept
|
Minutes
prepared in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws shall be kept by the
Secretary at the registered office of the Company.
|
72.1
|
The
Company may adopt a seal in such form as the Board may determine.
The
Board may adopt one or more duplicate seals for use in or outside
Bermuda.
|
|
72.2
|
A
seal may, but need not be affixed to any deed, instrument, share
certificate or document, and if the seal is to be affixed thereto,
it
shall be attested by the signature of (i) any Director; or (ii)
any
Officer; or (iii) the Secretary; or (iv) any person authorized
by the
Board for that purpose.
|
|
72.3
|
A
Resident Representative may, but need not, affix the seal of the
Company
to certify the authenticity of any copies of
documents.
|
ACCOUNTS
|
73.1
|
The
Board shall cause to be kept proper records of account with respect
to all
transactions of the Company and in particular with respect
to:
|
|
(a)
|
all
sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters
in
respect of which the receipt and expenditure
relates;
|
|
(b) |
all sales and purchases of goods by the Company;
and |
(c) all
assets and liabilities of the Company.
|
73.2
|
Such
records of account shall be kept at the registered office of the
Company,
or subject to the Act, at such other place as the Board thinks
fit and
shall be available for inspection by the Directors during normal
business
hours.
|
The
financial year end of the Company may be determined by resolution of the
Board
and failing such resolution shall be 31st
December
in each year.
AUDITS
Subject
to any rights to waive laying of accounts or appointment of an Auditor pursuant
to the Act, the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in
every
year.
76.
|
Appointment
of Auditor
|
|
76.1
|
Subject
to the Act, at the annual general meeting or at a subsequent special
general meeting in each year, an independent representative of
the Members
shall be appointed by them as Auditor of the accounts of the
Company.
|
|
76.2
|
The
Auditor may be a Member but no Director, Officer or employee of
the
Company shall, during his continuance in office, be eligible to
act as an
Auditor of the Company.
|
77.
|
Remuneration
of Auditor
|
The
remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Company in general meeting
or
in such manner as the Members may determine. In the case of an Auditor appointed
pursuant to Bye-law 82, the remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by
the
Board.
|
78.1
|
The
financial statements provided for by these Bye-laws shall be audited
by
the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
The
Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with
generally
accepted auditing standards.
|
|
78.2
|
The
generally accepted auditing standards referred to in this Bye-law
may be
those of a country or jurisdiction other than Bermuda or such other
generally accepted auditing standards as may be provided for in
the Act.
If so, the financial statements and the report of the Auditor shall
identify the generally accepted auditing standards
used.
|
The
Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to all books kept by the
Company and to all accounts and vouchers relating thereto, and the Auditor
may
call on the Directors or Officers of the Company for any information in their
possession relating to the books or affairs of the Company.
Subject
to any rights to waive laying of accounts pursuant to the Act, financial
statements as required by the Act shall be laid before the Members in general
meeting. A resolution in writing made in accordance with Bye-law 41 receiving,
accepting, adopting, approving or otherwise acknowledging financial statements
shall be deemed to be the laying of such statements before the Members in
general meeting.
81.
|
Distribution
of Auditor’s report
|
The
report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Members in general
meeting.
82.
|
Vacancy
in the Office of Auditor
|
If
the
office of Auditor becomes vacant by the resignation or death or the Auditor,
or
by the Auditor becoming incapable of acting by reason of illness or other
disability at a time when the Auditor's services are required, the vacancy
thereby created shall be filled in accordance with the Act.
BUSINESS
COMBINATIONS
83.
|
Business
Combinations
|
|
83.1
|
(a)
|
Any
Business Combination with any Interested Shareholder within a period
of
three years following the time of the transaction in which the
person
become an Interested Shareholder must be approved by the Board
and
authorised at an annual or special general meeting, by the affirmative
vote of at least 66 and 2/3% of the issued and outstanding voting
shares
of the Company that are not owned by the Interested Shareholder
unless:
|
|
(i)
|
prior
to the time that the person became an Interested Shareholder, the
Board
approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which
resulted
in the person becoming an Interested Shareholder;
or
|
|
(ii)
|
upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the person becoming
an
Interested Shareholder, the Interested Shareholder owned at least
85% of
the number of issued and outstanding voting shares of the Company
at the
time the transaction commenced, excluding for the purposes of determining
the number of shares issued and outstanding those shares owned
(i) by
persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee share
plans
in which employee participants do not have the right to determine
whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or
exchange
offer.
|
(b) The
restrictions contained in this Bye-law 83.1 shall not apply if:
|
(i)
|
a
Member becomes an Interested Shareholder inadvertently and (i)
as soon as
practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so
that the
Member ceases to be an Interested Shareholder; and (ii) would not,
at any
time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business
Combination between the Company and such Member, have been an Interested
Shareholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership;
or
|
|
(ii)
|
the
Business Combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment
of, and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or
the notice
required hereunder of, a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes
one of
the transactions described in the following sentence; (ii) is with
or by a
person who either was not an Interested Shareholder during the
previous
three years or who became an Interested Shareholder with the approval
of
the Board; and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of
the
members of the Board then in office who were Directors prior to
any person
becoming an Interested Shareholder during the previous three years
or were
recommended for election or elected to succeed such Directors by
resolution of the Board approved by a majority of such Directors.
The
proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are
limited
to:
|
|
(a)
|
a
merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company (except an
amalgamation in respect of which, pursuant to the Act, no vote
of the
shareholders of the Company is
required);
|
|
(b)
|
a
sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition
(in
one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of
a
dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company or of any entity
directly or indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned by the Company
(other than to the Company or any entity directly or indirectly
wholly-owned by the Company) having an aggregate market value equal
to 50%
or more of either the aggregate market value of all of the assets
of the
Company determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market
value
of all the issued and outstanding shares of the Company;
or
|
|
(c)
|
a
proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of the issued
and
outstanding voting shares of the
Company.
|
The
Company shall give not less than 20 days notice to all Interested Shareholders
prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in subparagraphs
(a) or (b) of the second sentence of this paragraph (ii).
(c) For
the
purpose of this Bye-law 83 only, the term:
|
(i)
|
"affiliate"
means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control
with, another person;
|
|
(ii)
|
"associate,"
when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means: (i)
any
company, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity
of which
such person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or
indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting shares;
(ii)
any trust or other estate in which such person has at least a 20%
beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee
or in a
similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of
such
person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence
as such
person;
|
|
(iii)
|
"Business
Combination," when used in reference to the Company and any Interested
Shareholder of the Company, means:
|
|
(a)
|
any
merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company or any entity
directly or indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned by the Company,
wherever incorporated, with (A) the Interested Shareholder or any
of its
affiliates, or (B) with any other company, partnership, unincorporated
association or other entity if the merger, amalgamation or consolidation
is caused by the Interested
Shareholder;
|
|
(b)
|
any
sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition
(in
one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately
as a
shareholder of the Company, to or with the Interested Shareholder,
whether
as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Company
or of any
entity directly or indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned by
the
Company which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10%
or more
of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Company
determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value
of all
the issued and outstanding shares of the
Company;
|
|
(c)
|
any
transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Company
or by
any entity directly or indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned
by the
Company of any shares of the Company, or any share of such entity,
to the
Interested Shareholder, except: (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange
or
conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible
into shares of the Company, or shares of any such entity, which
securities
were issued and outstanding prior to the time that the Interested
Shareholder became such; (B) pursuant to a dividend or distribution
paid
or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities
exercisable
for, exchangeable for or convertible into shares of the Company,
or shares
of any such entity, which security is distributed, pro rata to
all holders
of a class or series of shares subsequent to the time the Interested
Shareholder became such; (C) pursuant to an exchange offer by the
Company
to purchase shares made on the same terms to all holders of such
shares;
or (D) any issuance or transfer of shares by the Company; provided
however, that in no case under items (B)-(D) of this subparagraph
shall
there be an increase in the Interested Shareholder's proportionate
share
of the any class or series of
shares;
|
|
(d)
|
any
transaction involving the Company or any entity directly or indirectly
wholly-owned or majority-owned by the Company which has the effect,
directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of
any class
or series of shares, or securities convertible into any class or
series of
shares of the Company, or shares of any such entity, or securities
convertible into such shares, which is owned by the Interested
Shareholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional
share adjustments or as a result of any repurchase or redemption
of any
shares not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Shareholder;
or
|
|
(e)
|
any
receipt by the Interested Shareholder of the benefit, directly
or
indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder of the Company),
of
any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits
(other than those expressly permitted in subparagraphs (a)-(d)
of this
paragraph) provided by or through the Company or any entity directly
or
indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned by the
Company;
|
|
(iv)
|
"control,"
including the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common
control with," means the possession, directly or indirectly, of
the power
to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies
of a
person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract
or
otherwise. A person who is the owner of 20% or more of the issued
and
outstanding voting shares of any company, partnership, unincorporated
association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of
such
entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence
to the
contrary; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, such presumption
of
control shall not apply where such person holds voting shares,
in good
faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this provision,
as an
agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more
owners
who do not individually or as a group have control of such
entity;
|
|
(v)
|
"Interested
Shareholder" means any person (other than the Company and any entity
directly or indirectly wholly-owned or majority-owned by the Company)
that
(i) is the owner of 15% or more of the issued and outstanding voting
shares of the Company, (ii) is an affiliate or associate of the
Company
and was the owner of 15% or more of the issued and outstanding
voting
shares of the Company at any time within the three-year period
immediately
prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether
such
person is an Interested Shareholder or (iii) is an affiliate or
associate
of any person listed in (i) or (ii) above; provided, however, that
the
term "Interested Shareholder" shall not include any person whose
ownership
of shares in excess of the 15% limitation set forth herein is the
result
of action taken solely by the Company unless such person referred
to in
this proviso acquires additional voting shares of the Company otherwise
than as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly
or
indirectly, by such person. For the purpose of determining whether
a
person is an Interested Shareholder, the voting shares of the Company
deemed to be issued and outstanding shall include voting shares
deemed to
be owned by the person through application of paragraph (8) below,
but
shall not include any other unissued shares which may be issuable
pursuant
to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise
of
conversion rights, warrants or options, or
otherwise;
|
|
(vi)
|
"person"
means any individual, company, partnership, unincorporated association
or
other entity;
|
|
(vii)
|
"voting
shares" means, with respect to any company, shares of any class
or series
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with
respect
to any entity that is not a company, any equity interest entitled
to vote
generally in the election of the governing body of such
entity;
|
|
(viii)
|
"owner,"
including the terms "own" and "owned," when used with respect to
any
shares, means a person that individually or with or through any
of its
affiliates or associates:
|
|
(a)
|
beneficially
owns such shares, directly or indirectly;
or
|
|
(b)
|
has
(A) the right to acquire such shares (whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any
agreement,
arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion
rights,
exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however,
that a person shall not be deemed the owner of shares tendered
pursuant to
a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such person's
affiliates or associates until such tendered shares are accepted
for
purchase or exchange; or (B) the right to vote such shares pursuant
to any
agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that
a person
shall not be deemed the owner of any shares because of such person's
right
to vote such shares if the agreement, arrangement or understanding
to vote
such shares arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given
in
response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more
persons;
or
|
|
(c)
|
has
any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring,
holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or
consent as
described in item (B) of subparagraph (b) of this paragraph), or
disposing
of such shares with any other person that beneficially owns, or
whose
affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
such
shares.
|
|
83.2
|
In
respect of any Business Combination to which the restrictions contained
in
Bye-law 83.1 do not apply but which the Act requires to be approved
by the
Members, the necessary general meeting quorum and Members’ approval shall
be as set out in Bye-laws 27 and 29
respectively.
|
VOLUNTARY
WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION
If
the
Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a resolution
of the Members, divide amongst the Members in specie or in kind the whole
or any
part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property
of the
same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as he deems fair
upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division
shall be carried out as between the Members or different classes of Members.
The
liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such
assets in the trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Members as
the
liquidator shall think fit, but so that no Member shall be compelled to accept
any shares or other securities or assets whereon there is any
liability.
CHANGES
TO CONSTITUTION
85. Changes
to Bye-laws
No
Bye-law
may be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law may be made until
the
same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and by a resolution of
the
Members.
The
Board
may exercise all the powers of the Company to discontinue the Company to
a
jurisdiction outside Bermuda pursuant to the Act.
Any
resolution proposed for consideration at any general meeting to approve the
amalgamation of the Company with any other company, wherever incorporated,
shall
require the approval of a simple majority of votes cast at such meeting and
the
quorum for such meeting shall be that required in Bye-law 27 and a poll may
be
demanded in respect of such resolution in accordance with the provisions
of
Bye-law 30.
EXHIBIT
4.2
THIS
WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AMD HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE OR FOREIGN
SECURITIES LAWS. THE TRANSFER OF ANY COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXERCISE
HEREOF IS SUBJECT TO THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 4.5 OF
THIS
WARRANT. THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE EXERCISED AND THE WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES
ISSUABLE UPON ITS EXERCISE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS, UNLESS
THE
COMPANY RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
TRANSFER DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR QUALIFICATION
UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
Warrant
To Purchase 1,350,000 Common Shares
Issuance
Date: June 7, 2007
This
Warrant Certifies That,
for
value received, George
Karfunkel
(the
“Holder”),
is
entitled to subscribe for and purchase at the Exercise Price (defined below)
from Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.,
a
Cayman Islands company (the “Company”),
on
the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, One Million
Three
Hundred Fifty Thousand (1,350,000) Common Shares (defined below) of the
Company.
1. DEFINITIONS.
In
addition to the definitions set forth in this Warrant, as used herein, the
following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
“Affiliate”
shall
mean, with respect to any specified person, any other person controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with, such person. For the purposes
of
this definition, control when used with respect to any specified person means
the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract
or
otherwise and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative
to the foregoing.
“Business
Day”
shall
mean any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal
holiday in the United States or in Bermuda, or a day on which banking
institutions in the State of New York or Bermuda are authorized or required
by
law or other government action to close.
“Common
Shares” shall
mean common shares, $0.01 par value each, of the Company.
“Exercise
Price”
shall
mean Ten United States Dollars (U.S.$10.00) per share, subject to adjustment
pursuant to Section 5 below; provided,
that at
no time shall the Exercise Price be less than the then current par value of
any
share to be issued pursuant hereto.
“Warrant
Shares”
shall
mean the number of the Company’s Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms herein, including but
not
limited to adjustment pursuant to Section 5 below.
2. EXERCISE
OF WARRANT.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in Section 4.5 of this Warrant, the rights
represented by this Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part during the
period commencing on the Issuance Date of this Warrant and ending on the tenth
anniversary thereof (such period being referred to as the “Exercise
Period”)
by
delivery of the following to the Company at its address set forth below (or
at
such other address as it may designate by notice in writing to the
Holder):
|
(a)
|
An
executed Notice of Exercise in the form attached
hereto;
|
|
(b)
|
Payment
of the Exercise Price by any of the following: (i) in cash, (ii)
by check,
or (iii) in immediately available funds, by wire transfer to a bank
account designated in writing by the Company;
and
|
Upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant, if applicable, the Company
shall use reasonable efforts to complete as quickly as possible the requirements
of Section 42A of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended (the “Bermuda
Act”),
and a
certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares so purchased, registered
in
the name of the Holder or persons affiliated with the Holder, if the Holder
so
designates (and subject to securities law limitations as to any such Affiliate
and the transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s Bye-laws), shall be
issued and delivered to the Holder or the Holder’s designee, as the case may be,
within five (5) Business Days after the rights represented by this Warrant
shall
have been so exercised. In the event that this Warrant is being exercised for
less than all of the then current number of Warrant Shares purchasable
hereunder, the Company shall, concurrently with the issuance by the Company
of
the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is then being exercised,
issue a new Warrant to the Holder, which shall be identical hereto, except
that
the number of remaining Warrant Shares covered thereby shall be adjusted
accordingly, and exercisable for the remaining number of Warrant Shares
purchasable hereunder.
The
person in whose name any certificate or certificates for Warrant Shares are
to
be issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be deemed to have become the
holder of record of such shares on the latest of (i) the date the Company
receives the executed Notice of Exercise, payment of the Exercise Price, if
any,
and this Warrant; (ii) if applicable, the date the Company has complied with
the
requirements of Section 42A of the Bermuda Act; and (iii) the date on which
the
Holder’s or designee’s name is entered in the Register of Members of the
Company, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate or
certificates.
3. COVENANTS
OF THE COMPANY.
3.1 Covenants
as to Warrant Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that all Warrant Shares that may be issued upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant will, upon issuance, be
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and free from
all
taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issuance thereof. The Company
further covenants and agrees that the Company will at all times hereunder have
authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights, a sufficient number of
its
Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this
Warrant. If the number of authorized but unissued Common Shares shall not be
sufficient to permit exercise of this Warrant, the Company will take such
corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase
its authorized but unissued Common Shares to such number of shares as shall
be
sufficient for such purposes.
3.2 Notices
of Record Date.
In the
event of any taking by the Company of a record of the holders of any class
of
securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled
to receive any dividend (other than a cash dividend which is comparable to
cash
dividends paid in previous quarters) or other distribution, the Company shall
mail to the Holder, at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified herein,
a
notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the
purpose of such dividend or distribution.
4. REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF HOLDER.
4.1 Acquisition
of Warrant for Own Account.
The
Holder represents and warrants that it is acquiring the Warrant and the Warrant
Shares solely for its account for investment and not with a view to or for
sale
or distribution of said Warrant or Warrant Shares or any part thereof. The
Holder also represents that the entire legal and beneficial interests of the
Warrant and Warrant Shares the Holder is acquiring is being acquired for, and
will be held for, its account only.
4.2 Securities
Are Not Registered.
(a) The
Holder understands that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
on
the basis that no distribution or public offering of the shares of the Company
is to be effected. The Holder realizes that the basis for the exemption may
not
be present if, notwithstanding its representations, the Holder has a present
intention of acquiring the securities for a fixed or determinable period in
the
future, selling (in connection with a distribution or otherwise), granting
any
participation in, or otherwise distributing the securities. The Holder has
no
such present intention.
(b) The
Holder recognizes that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares must be held
indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act
or
an exemption from such registration is available. The Holder recognizes that
the
Company has no obligation to register the Warrant, or to comply with any
exemption from such registration.
(c) The
Holder is aware that neither the Warrant nor the Warrant Shares may be sold
pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions
are met, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for
the
shares, the availability of certain current public information about the
Company, the resale following the required holding period under Rule 144 and
the
number of shares being sold during any three month period not exceeding
specified limitations. Holder is aware that the conditions for resale set forth
in Rule 144 have not been satisfied and that there can be no assurance that
the
Company will satisfy these conditions in the foreseeable future.
4.3 Legended
Shares.
The
Holder understands and agrees that all certificates evidencing the Common Shares
to be issued in connection with the exercise of this Warrant will bear legends
substantially in the form set forth below:
THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE,
PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED (EXCEPT TO THE COMPANY
OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) UNLESS (I) (A) THERE IS IN EFFECT A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (B) A WRITTEN
OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED IS PROVIDED TO THE COMPANY, AND (II) THE TRANSFEREE, IF APPLICABLE,
HAS
OBTAINED THE CONSENT OF THE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY.
IN
ADDITION, ANY SALE, OFFER FOR SALE, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION
OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS RESTRICTED BY, AND THE
RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CONTAINED IN THE WARRANT ISSUED ON JUNE 7, 2007 BY THE COMPANY TO GEORGE
KARFUNKEL (THE “GEORGE KARFUNKEL WARRANT”) AND IN THE BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY,
AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION
BY
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES AT THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY.
UNDER
THE
TERMS OF THE GEORGE KARFUNKEL WARRANT, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS
CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED
OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO JUNE 7, 2010.
4.4 Accredited
Investor Status.
The
Holder is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under
the Securities Act.
4.5 Transfer
Restriction.
The
Holder hereby acknowledges, covenants and agrees that the Warrant Shares may
not
be sold, offered for sale, hypothecated, assigned or otherwise transferred,
directly or indirectly, prior to June 7, 2010.
4.6 Reservation
of Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that the Company will, at all times during the
Exercise Period, have authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights,
a
sufficient number of Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights
represented by the Warrant. The Company further covenants and agrees to take
all
such actions as may be necessary to ensure that all Common Shares delivered
upon
exercise of this Warrant will be duly and validly authorized and issued and
fully paid and nonassessable and free from preemptive rights with respect to
the
issue thereof.
5. ADJUSTMENT
OF EXERCISE PRICE AND NUMBER OF WARRANT SHARES.
The
Exercise Price in effect and the number and kind of securities purchasable
upon
the exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time
upon the happening of certain events as provided in this Section 5 and in
Section 7 below. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Shares of
the
Company by reason of share dividends, splits, recapitalizations,
reclassifications, combinations or exchanges of shares, reorganizations,
liquidations, or the like, the number and class of Exercise Shares available
under the Warrant in the aggregate and the Exercise Price shall be
correspondingly adjusted to give the Holder of the Warrant, on exercise for
the
same aggregate Exercise Price, the total number, class, and kind of shares
as
the Holder would have owned had the Warrant been exercised prior to the event
and had the Holder continued to hold such shares until after the event requiring
adjustment. The form of this Warrant need not be changed because of any
adjustment in the number of Exercise Shares subject to this
Warrant.
6. FRACTIONAL
SHARES.
No
fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant as a
consequence of any adjustment pursuant hereto. All Warrant Shares (including
fractions) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant may be aggregated for purposes
of determining whether the exercise would result in the issuance of any
fractional share. If, after aggregation, the exercise would result in the
issuance of a fractional share, the Company shall, in lieu of issuance of any
fractional share, pay the Holder otherwise entitled to such fraction a sum
in
cash equal to the product resulting from multiplying the then current fair
market value of an Exercise Share by such fraction.
7. REORGANIZATION.
In the
event of, at any time during the Exercise Period, any capital reorganization,
or
any reclassification of the capital shares of the Company (other than a change
in par value or as a result of a share dividend or subdivision, split-up or
combination of shares), or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale or other disposition
of
all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Company in its
entirety to any other person (an “Organic
Change”),
then,
as a condition of such Organic Change, lawful and adequate provisions shall
be
made by the Company whereby the Holder hereof shall thereafter have the right
to
purchase and receive (in lieu of the Common Shares of the Company immediately
theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights
represented hereby) such shares, securities or other assets or property as
may
be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of outstanding
Common Shares equal to the number of shares immediately theretofore purchasable
and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented hereby.
8. NO
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.
This
Warrant in and of itself shall not entitle the Holder to any voting rights
or
other rights as a shareholder of the Company.
9. REGISTRATION
RIGHTS.
The
Company shall afford the Holder certain registration rights with respect to
the
Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of
that certain Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Barry D.
Zyskind, George Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel to
be
entered into in connection with the Company’s proposed private placement of
Common Shares contemplated by the preliminary offering memorandum dated June
7,
2007.
10. TRANSFER
OF WARRANT.
Neither
this Warrant nor any of the rights or interests of the Holder hereunder are
transferable or assignable, except by operation of law, without the prior
written consent of the Company. Subject to the foregoing and Section 4 above,
this warrant and the rights and interests of the Holder hereunder may be
transferred as to all or any part of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise
hereof, provided
that the
Holder and the transferee shall deliver to the Company a properly completed
and
executed Assignment Form in the form attached to this Warrant.
11. LOST,
STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED WARRANT.
Upon
receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of the ownership of and the
loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and of indemnity (other
than in connection with any mutilated Warrant surrendered to the Company for
cancellation) reasonably satisfactory to the Company, upon reimbursement of
the
Company’s reasonable direct expenses, and upon such other terms as the Company
may reasonably impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include
the surrender thereof), the Company shall issue a new Warrant of like
denomination and tenor as the Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
Any such new Warrant shall constitute an original contractual obligation of
the
Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed
Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.
12. NOTICES,
ETC.
All
notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified,
(b)
when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent during normal business hours
of the recipient, if not, then on the next Business Day, (c) five (5) days
after
having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized
overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification
of
receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at the address listed
on the signature page and to the Holder at AmTrust Financial Services, 59 Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor,
New York, New York 10038, or at such other address as the Company or Holder
may
designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other parties
hereto.
13. ACCEPTANCE.
Receipt
of this Warrant by the Holder shall constitute acceptance of and agreement
to
all of the terms and conditions contained herein.
14. GOVERNING
LAW.
This
Warrant and all rights, obligations and liabilities hereunder shall be governed
by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect
to conflicts of laws principles.
15. SEVERABILITY.
In the
event that any provision or any part of any provision of this Warrant shall
be
void or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, then such provision shall
be
stricken and of no force and effect. However, unless such stricken provision
goes to the essence of the consideration bargained for by a party, the remaining
provisions of this Warrant shall continue in full force and effect, and to
the
extent required, shall be modified to preserve their validity.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its
duly
authorized officer as of June 7, 2007.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
|
By: |
/s/ Bentzion S.
Turin________________ |
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Title:
|
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Secretary
|
Address: 7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attn:
Bentzion S. Turin
Facsimile:
(441) 292-5796
NOTICE
OF EXERCISE
To:
Maiden Holdings, Ltd.
(1) The
undersigned hereby elects to purchase ___ Common Shares of Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
(the
“Company”)
pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment
of
the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if
any.
(2) Please
issue a certificate or certificates representing said Common Shares in the
name
of the undersigned.
(3) The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Common Shares are being acquired
for the account of the undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or
for
resale in connection with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned
has
no present intention of distributing or reselling such shares; (ii) the
undersigned is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition
and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed
and knowledgeable decision regarding its investment in the Company; (iii) the
undersigned is experienced in making investments of this type and has such
knowledge and background in financial and business matters that the undersigned
is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment and protecting
the undersigned’s own interests; (iv) the undersigned understands that the
Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (v) the undersigned is aware
that
the aforesaid Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under
the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and until the undersigned
has held the shares for the number of years prescribed by Rule 144, that among
the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the availability of current information
to
the public about the Company and that the Company has not made such information
available and has no present plans to do so; and (vi) the undersigned agrees
not
to make any disposition of all or any part of the aforesaid Common Shares unless
and until there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities
Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in
accordance with said registration statement, or the undersigned has provided
the
Company with an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that
such registration is not required.
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(Date)
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(Signature)
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(Print
name)
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ASSIGNMENT
FORM
(To
assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to purchase shares.)
FOR
VALUE RECEIVED,
the
foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned
to
Name: |
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(Please
Print)
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Address:
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(Please
Print)
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with
respect to _________ shares of Common Stock.
Dated:
_________ ,
20__
Holder’s
Signature:
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Holder’s
Address:
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NOTE:
The
signature of the Holder on this Assignment Form must correspond with the
name as
it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement
or any
change whatever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary
or
other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to
assign
the foregoing Warrant.
The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Warrant and the Common Shares
issuable upon exercise thereof are being acquired for the account of the
undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or for resale in connection
with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned has no present intention
of distributing or reselling such Warrant or Common Shares; (ii) the undersigned
understands that such Warrant and Common Shares have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (iii) the undersigned is aware
that the aforesaid Warrant and Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule
144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and
until
the undersigned has held such Warrant or Common Shares for the number of years
prescribed by Rule 144, that among the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the
availability of current information to the public about the Company and that
the
Company has not made such information available and has no present plans to
do
so; and (iv) the undersigned agrees not to make any disposition of all or any
part of the aforesaid Warrant or Common Shares unless and until there is then
in
effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed
disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said registration
statement, or the undersigned has provided the Company with an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that such registration is not
required.
EXHIBIT
4.3
THIS
WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AMD HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE OR FOREIGN
SECURITIES LAWS. THE TRANSFER OF ANY COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXERCISE
HEREOF IS SUBJECT TO THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 4.5 OF
THIS
WARRANT. THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE EXERCISED AND THE WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES
ISSUABLE UPON ITS EXERCISE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS, UNLESS
THE
COMPANY RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
TRANSFER DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR QUALIFICATION
UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
Warrant
To Purchase 1,350,000 Common Shares
Issuance
Date: June 7, 2007
This
Warrant Certifies That,
for
value received, Michael
Karfunkel
(the
“Holder”),
is
entitled to subscribe for and purchase at the Exercise Price (defined below)
from Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.,
a
Cayman Islands company (the “Company”),
on
the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, One Million
Three
Hundred Fifty Thousand (1,350,000) Common Shares (defined below) of the
Company.
1. DEFINITIONS.
In
addition to the definitions set forth in this Warrant, as used herein, the
following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
“Affiliate”
shall
mean, with respect to any specified person, any other person controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with, such person. For the purposes
of
this definition, control when used with respect to any specified person means
the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract
or
otherwise and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative
to the foregoing.
“Business
Day”
shall
mean any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal
holiday in the United States or in Bermuda, or a day on which banking
institutions in the State of New York or Bermuda are authorized or required
by
law or other government action to close.
“Common
Shares” shall
mean common shares, $0.01 par value each, of the Company.
“Exercise
Price”
shall
mean Ten United States Dollars (U.S.$10.00) per share, subject to adjustment
pursuant to Section 5 below; provided,
that at
no time shall the Exercise Price be less than the then current par value of
any
share to be issued pursuant hereto.
“Warrant
Shares”
shall
mean the number of the Company’s Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms herein, including but
not
limited to adjustment pursuant to Section 5 below.
2. EXERCISE
OF WARRANT.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in Section 4.5 of this Warrant, the rights
represented by this Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part during the
period commencing on the Issuance Date of this Warrant and ending on the tenth
anniversary thereof (such period being referred to as the “Exercise
Period”)
by
delivery of the following to the Company at its address set forth below (or
at
such other address as it may designate by notice in writing to the
Holder):
|
(a)
|
An
executed Notice of Exercise in the form attached
hereto;
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|
(b)
|
Payment
of the Exercise Price by any of the following: (i) in cash, (ii)
by check,
or (iii) in immediately available funds, by wire transfer to a bank
account designated in writing by the Company;
and
|
Upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant, if applicable, the Company
shall use reasonable efforts to complete as quickly as possible the requirements
of Section 42A of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended (the “Bermuda
Act”),
and a
certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares so purchased, registered
in
the name of the Holder or persons affiliated with the Holder, if the Holder
so
designates (and subject to securities law limitations as to any such Affiliate
and the transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s Bye-laws), shall be
issued and delivered to the Holder or the Holder’s designee, as the case may be,
within five (5) Business Days after the rights represented by this Warrant
shall
have been so exercised. In the event that this Warrant is being exercised for
less than all of the then current number of Warrant Shares purchasable
hereunder, the Company shall, concurrently with the issuance by the Company
of
the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is then being exercised,
issue a new Warrant to the Holder, which shall be identical hereto, except
that
the number of remaining Warrant Shares covered thereby shall be adjusted
accordingly, and exercisable for the remaining number of Warrant Shares
purchasable hereunder.
The
person in whose name any certificate or certificates for Warrant Shares are
to
be issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be deemed to have become the
holder of record of such shares on the latest of (i) the date the Company
receives the executed Notice of Exercise, payment of the Exercise Price, if
any,
and this Warrant; (ii) if applicable, the date the Company has complied with
the
requirements of Section 42A of the Bermuda Act; and (iii) the date on which
the
Holder’s or designee’s name is entered in the Register of Members of the
Company, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate or
certificates.
3. COVENANTS
OF THE COMPANY.
3.1 Covenants
as to Warrant Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that all Warrant Shares that may be issued upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant will, upon issuance, be
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and free from
all
taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issuance thereof. The Company
further covenants and agrees that the Company will at all times hereunder have
authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights, a sufficient number of
its
Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this
Warrant. If the number of authorized but unissued Common Shares shall not be
sufficient to permit exercise of this Warrant, the Company will take such
corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase
its authorized but unissued Common Shares to such number of shares as shall
be
sufficient for such purposes.
3.2 Notices
of Record Date.
In the
event of any taking by the Company of a record of the holders of any class
of
securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled
to receive any dividend (other than a cash dividend which is comparable to
cash
dividends paid in previous quarters) or other distribution, the Company shall
mail to the Holder, at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified herein,
a
notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the
purpose of such dividend or distribution.
4. REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF HOLDER.
4.1 Acquisition
of Warrant for Own Account.
The
Holder represents and warrants that it is acquiring the Warrant and the Warrant
Shares solely for its account for investment and not with a view to or for
sale
or distribution of said Warrant or Warrant Shares or any part thereof. The
Holder also represents that the entire legal and beneficial interests of the
Warrant and Warrant Shares the Holder is acquiring is being acquired for, and
will be held for, its account only.
4.2 Securities
Are Not Registered.
(a) The
Holder understands that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
on
the basis that no distribution or public offering of the shares of the Company
is to be effected. The Holder realizes that the basis for the exemption may
not
be present if, notwithstanding its representations, the Holder has a present
intention of acquiring the securities for a fixed or determinable period in
the
future, selling (in connection with a distribution or otherwise), granting
any
participation in, or otherwise distributing the securities. The Holder has
no
such present intention.
(b) The
Holder recognizes that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares must be held
indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act
or
an exemption from such registration is available. The Holder recognizes that
the
Company has no obligation to register the Warrant, or to comply with any
exemption from such registration.
(c) The
Holder is aware that neither the Warrant nor the Warrant Shares may be sold
pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions
are met, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for
the
shares, the availability of certain current public information about the
Company, the resale following the required holding period under Rule 144 and
the
number of shares being sold during any three month period not exceeding
specified limitations. Holder is aware that the conditions for resale set forth
in Rule 144 have not been satisfied and that there can be no assurance that
the
Company will satisfy these conditions in the foreseeable future.
4.3 Legended
Shares.
The
Holder understands and agrees that all certificates evidencing the Common Shares
to be issued in connection with the exercise of this Warrant will bear legends
substantially in the form set forth below:
THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE,
PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED (EXCEPT TO THE COMPANY
OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) UNLESS (I) (A) THERE IS IN EFFECT A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (B) A WRITTEN
OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED IS PROVIDED TO THE COMPANY, AND (II) THE TRANSFEREE, IF APPLICABLE,
HAS
OBTAINED THE CONSENT OF THE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY.
IN
ADDITION, ANY SALE, OFFER FOR SALE, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION
OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS RESTRICTED BY, AND THE
RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CONTAINED IN THE WARRANT ISSUED ON JUNE 7, 2007 BY THE COMPANY TO MICHAEL
KARFUNKEL (THE “MICHAEL KARFUNKEL WARRANT”) AND IN THE BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY,
AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION
BY
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES AT THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY.
UNDER
THE
TERMS OF THE MICHAEL KARFUNKEL WARRANT, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS
CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED
OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO JUNE 7, 2010.
4.4 Accredited
Investor Status.
The
Holder is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under
the Securities Act.
4.5 Transfer
Restriction.
The
Holder hereby acknowledges, covenants and agrees that the Warrant Shares may
not
be sold, offered for sale, hypothecated, assigned or otherwise transferred,
directly or indirectly, prior to June 7, 2010.
4.6 Reservation
of Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that the Company will, at all times during the
Exercise Period, have authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights,
a
sufficient number of Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights
represented by the Warrant. The Company further covenants and agrees to take
all
such actions as may be necessary to ensure that all Common Shares delivered
upon
exercise of this Warrant will be duly and validly authorized and issued and
fully paid and nonassessable and free from preemptive rights with respect to
the
issue thereof.
5. ADJUSTMENT
OF EXERCISE PRICE AND NUMBER OF WARRANT SHARES.
The
Exercise Price in effect and the number and kind of securities purchasable
upon
the exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time
upon the happening of certain events as provided in this Section 5 and in
Section 7 below. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Shares of
the
Company by reason of share dividends, splits, recapitalizations,
reclassifications, combinations or exchanges of shares, reorganizations,
liquidations, or the like, the number and class of Exercise Shares available
under the Warrant in the aggregate and the Exercise Price shall be
correspondingly adjusted to give the Holder of the Warrant, on exercise for
the
same aggregate Exercise Price, the total number, class, and kind of shares
as
the Holder would have owned had the Warrant been exercised prior to the event
and had the Holder continued to hold such shares until after the event requiring
adjustment. The form of this Warrant need not be changed because of any
adjustment in the number of Exercise Shares subject to this
Warrant.
6. FRACTIONAL
SHARES.
No
fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant as a
consequence of any adjustment pursuant hereto. All Warrant Shares (including
fractions) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant may be aggregated for purposes
of determining whether the exercise would result in the issuance of any
fractional share. If, after aggregation, the exercise would result in the
issuance of a fractional share, the Company shall, in lieu of issuance of
any
fractional share, pay the Holder otherwise entitled to such fraction a sum
in
cash equal to the product resulting from multiplying the then current fair
market value of an Exercise Share by such fraction.
7. REORGANIZATION.
In the
event of, at any time during the Exercise Period, any capital reorganization,
or
any reclassification of the capital shares of the Company (other than a change
in par value or as a result of a share dividend or subdivision, split-up
or
combination of shares), or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale or other disposition
of
all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Company in its
entirety to any other person (an “Organic
Change”),
then,
as a condition of such Organic Change, lawful and adequate provisions shall
be
made by the Company whereby the Holder hereof shall thereafter have the right
to
purchase and receive (in lieu of the Common Shares of the Company immediately
theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights
represented hereby) such shares, securities or other assets or property as
may
be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of outstanding
Common Shares equal to the number of shares immediately theretofore purchasable
and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented hereby.
8. NO
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.
This
Warrant in and of itself shall not entitle the Holder to any voting rights
or
other rights as a shareholder of the Company.
9. REGISTRATION
RIGHTS.
The
Company shall afford the Holder certain registration rights with respect
to the
Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions
of
that certain Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Barry
D.
Zyskind, George Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel to
be
entered into in connection with the Company’s proposed private placement of
Common Shares contemplated by the preliminary offering memorandum dated June
7,
2007.
10. TRANSFER
OF WARRANT.
Neither
this Warrant nor any of the rights or interests of the Holder hereunder are
transferable or assignable, except by operation of law, without the prior
written consent of the Company. Subject to the foregoing and Section 4 above,
this warrant and the rights and interests of the Holder hereunder may be
transferred as to all or any part of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise
hereof, provided
that the
Holder and the transferee shall deliver to the Company a properly completed
and
executed Assignment Form in the form attached to this Warrant.
11. LOST,
STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED WARRANT.
Upon
receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of the ownership of and the
loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and of indemnity (other
than in connection with any mutilated Warrant surrendered to the Company
for
cancellation) reasonably satisfactory to the Company, upon reimbursement
of the
Company’s reasonable direct expenses, and upon such other terms as the Company
may reasonably impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include
the surrender thereof), the Company shall issue a new Warrant of like
denomination and tenor as the Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
Any such new Warrant shall constitute an original contractual obligation
of the
Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed
Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.
12.
NOTICES,
ETC.
All
notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified,
(b)
when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent during normal business hours
of the recipient, if not, then on the next Business Day, (c) five (5) days
after
having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized
overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification
of
receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at the address listed
on the signature page and to the Holder at AmTrust Financial Services, 59 Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor,
New York, New York 10038, or at such other address as the Company or Holder
may
designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other parties
hereto.
13. ACCEPTANCE.
Receipt
of this Warrant by the Holder shall constitute acceptance of and agreement
to
all of the terms and conditions contained herein.
14. GOVERNING
LAW.
This
Warrant and all rights, obligations and liabilities hereunder shall be governed
by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect
to conflicts of laws principles.
15. SEVERABILITY.
In the
event that any provision or any part of any provision of this Warrant shall
be
void or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, then such provision shall
be
stricken and of no force and effect. However, unless such stricken provision
goes to the essence of the consideration bargained for by a party, the remaining
provisions of this Warrant shall continue in full force and effect, and to
the
extent required, shall be modified to preserve their validity.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its
duly
authorized officer as of June 7, 2007.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
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By: |
/s/ Bentzion S.
Turin
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Title:
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Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Secretary
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Address: 7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attn:
Bentzion S. Turin
Facsimile:
(441) 292-5796
NOTICE
OF EXERCISE
To:
Maiden Holdings, Ltd.
(1) The
undersigned hereby elects to purchase ___ Common Shares of Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
(the
“Company”)
pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment
of
the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if
any.
(2) Please
issue a certificate or certificates representing said Common Shares in the
name
of the undersigned.
(3) The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Common Shares are being acquired
for the account of the undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or
for
resale in connection with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned
has
no present intention of distributing or reselling such shares; (ii) the
undersigned is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition
and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed
and knowledgeable decision regarding its investment in the Company; (iii) the
undersigned is experienced in making investments of this type and has such
knowledge and background in financial and business matters that the undersigned
is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment and protecting
the undersigned’s own interests; (iv) the undersigned understands that the
Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (v) the undersigned is aware
that
the aforesaid Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under
the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and until the undersigned
has held the shares for the number of years prescribed by Rule 144, that among
the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the availability of current information
to
the public about the Company and that the Company has not made such information
available and has no present plans to do so; and (vi) the undersigned agrees
not
to make any disposition of all or any part of the aforesaid Common Shares unless
and until there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities
Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in
accordance with said registration statement, or the undersigned has provided
the
Company with an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that
such registration is not required.
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(Date)
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(Signature)
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(Print
name)
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ASSIGNMENT
FORM
(To
assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to purchase shares.)
FOR
VALUE RECEIVED,
the
foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned
to
Name: |
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(Please
Print)
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Address: |
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(Please
Print)
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with
respect to _________ shares of Common Stock.
Dated:______________,
20__
Holder’s
Signature:
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Holder’s
Address:
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NOTE:
The
signature of the Holder on this Assignment Form must correspond with the name
as
it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or
any
change whatever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or
other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign
the foregoing Warrant.
The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Warrant and the Common Shares
issuable upon exercise thereof are being acquired for the account of the
undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or for resale in connection
with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned has no present intention
of distributing or reselling such Warrant or Common Shares; (ii) the undersigned
understands that such Warrant and Common Shares have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (iii) the undersigned is aware
that the aforesaid Warrant and Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule
144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and
until
the undersigned has held such Warrant or Common Shares for the number of years
prescribed by Rule 144, that among the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the
availability of current information to the public about the Company and that
the
Company has not made such information available and has no present plans to
do
so; and (iv) the undersigned agrees not to make any disposition of all or any
part of the aforesaid Warrant or Common Shares unless and until there is then
in
effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed
disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said registration
statement, or the undersigned has provided the Company with an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that such registration is not
required.
EXHIBIT
4.4
THIS
WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AMD HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE OR FOREIGN
SECURITIES LAWS. THE TRANSFER OF ANY COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXERCISE
HEREOF IS SUBJECT TO THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 4.5 OF
THIS
WARRANT. THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE EXERCISED AND THE WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES
ISSUABLE UPON ITS EXERCISE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS, UNLESS
THE
COMPANY RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
TRANSFER DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR QUALIFICATION
UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
Warrant
To Purchase 1,350,000 Common Shares
Issuance
Date: June
7, 2007
This
Warrant Certifies That,
for
value received, Barry
D. Zyskind
(the
“Holder”),
is
entitled to subscribe for and purchase at the Exercise Price (defined below)
from Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.,
a
Cayman Islands company (the “Company”),
on
the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, One Million
Three
Hundred Fifty Thousand (1,350,000) Common Shares (defined below) of the
Company.
1. DEFINITIONS.
In
addition to the definitions set forth in this Warrant, as used herein, the
following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
“Affiliate”
shall
mean, with respect to any specified person, any other person controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with, such person. For the purposes
of
this definition, control when used with respect to any specified person means
the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract
or
otherwise and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative
to the foregoing.
“Business
Day”
shall
mean any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal
holiday in the United States or in Bermuda, or a day on which banking
institutions in the State of New York or Bermuda are authorized or required
by
law or other government action to close.
“Common
Shares” shall
mean common shares, $0.01 par value each, of the Company.
“Exercise
Price”
shall
mean Ten United States Dollars (U.S.$10.00) per share, subject to adjustment
pursuant to Section 5 below; provided,
that at
no time shall the Exercise Price be less than the then current par value of
any
share to be issued pursuant hereto.
“Warrant
Shares”
shall
mean the number of the Company’s Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms herein, including but
not
limited to adjustment pursuant to Section 5 below.
2. EXERCISE
OF WARRANT.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in Section 4.5 of this Warrant, the rights
represented by this Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part during the
period commencing on the Issuance Date of this Warrant and ending on the tenth
anniversary thereof (such period being referred to as the “Exercise
Period”)
by
delivery of the following to the Company at its address set forth below (or
at
such other address as it may designate by notice in writing to the
Holder):
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(a)
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An
executed Notice of Exercise in the form attached
hereto;
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(b)
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Payment
of the Exercise Price by any of the following: (i) in cash, (ii)
by check,
or (iii) in immediately available funds, by wire transfer to a bank
account designated in writing by the Company;
and
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Upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant, if applicable, the Company
shall use reasonable efforts to complete as quickly as possible the requirements
of Section 42A of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended (the “Bermuda
Act”),
and a
certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares so purchased, registered
in
the name of the Holder or persons affiliated with the Holder, if the Holder
so
designates (and subject to securities law limitations as to any such Affiliate
and the transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s Bye-laws), shall be
issued and delivered to the Holder or the Holder’s designee, as the case may be,
within five (5) Business Days after the rights represented by this Warrant
shall
have been so exercised. In the event that this Warrant is being exercised for
less than all of the then current number of Warrant Shares purchasable
hereunder, the Company shall, concurrently with the issuance by the Company
of
the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is then being exercised,
issue a new Warrant to the Holder, which shall be identical hereto, except
that
the number of remaining Warrant Shares covered thereby shall be adjusted
accordingly, and exercisable for the remaining number of Warrant Shares
purchasable hereunder.
The
person in whose name any certificate or certificates for Warrant Shares are
to
be issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be deemed to have become the
holder of record of such shares on the latest of (i) the date the Company
receives the executed Notice of Exercise, payment of the Exercise Price, if
any,
and this Warrant; (ii) if applicable, the date the Company has complied with
the
requirements of Section 42A of the Bermuda Act; and (iii) the date on which
the
Holder’s or designee’s name is entered in the Register of Members of the
Company, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate or
certificates.
3. COVENANTS
OF THE COMPANY.
3.1 Covenants
as to Warrant Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that all Warrant Shares that may be issued upon
the
exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant will, upon issuance, be
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and free from
all
taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issuance thereof. The Company
further covenants and agrees that the Company will at all times hereunder have
authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights, a sufficient number of
its
Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this
Warrant. If the number of authorized but unissued Common Shares shall not be
sufficient to permit exercise of this Warrant, the Company will take such
corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase
its authorized but unissued Common Shares to such number of shares as shall
be
sufficient for such purposes.
3.2 Notices
of Record Date.
In the
event of any taking by the Company of a record of the holders of any class
of
securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled
to receive any dividend (other than a cash dividend which is comparable to
cash
dividends paid in previous quarters) or other distribution, the Company shall
mail to the Holder, at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified herein,
a
notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the
purpose of such dividend or distribution.
4. REPRESENTATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF HOLDER.
4.1 Acquisition
of Warrant for Own Account.
The
Holder represents and warrants that it is acquiring the Warrant and the Warrant
Shares solely for its account for investment and not with a view to or for
sale
or distribution of said Warrant or Warrant Shares or any part thereof. The
Holder also represents that the entire legal and beneficial interests of the
Warrant and Warrant Shares the Holder is acquiring is being acquired for, and
will be held for, its account only.
4.2 Securities
Are Not Registered.
(a) The
Holder understands that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
on
the basis that no distribution or public offering of the shares of the Company
is to be effected. The Holder realizes that the basis for the exemption may
not
be present if, notwithstanding its representations, the Holder has a present
intention of acquiring the securities for a fixed or determinable period in
the
future, selling (in connection with a distribution or otherwise), granting
any
participation in, or otherwise distributing the securities. The Holder has
no
such present intention.
(b) The
Holder recognizes that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares must be held
indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act
or
an exemption from such registration is available. The Holder recognizes that
the
Company has no obligation to register the Warrant, or to comply with any
exemption from such registration.
(c) The
Holder is aware that neither the Warrant nor the Warrant Shares may be sold
pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions
are met, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for
the
shares, the availability of certain current public information about the
Company, the resale following the required holding period under Rule 144 and
the
number of shares being sold during any three month period not exceeding
specified limitations. Holder is aware that the conditions for resale set forth
in Rule 144 have not been satisfied and that there can be no assurance that
the
Company will satisfy these conditions in the foreseeable future.
4.3 Legended
Shares.
The
Holder understands and agrees that all certificates evidencing the Common Shares
to be issued in connection with the exercise of this Warrant will bear legends
substantially in the form set forth below:
THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE,
PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED (EXCEPT TO THE COMPANY
OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF) UNLESS (I) (A) THERE IS IN EFFECT A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (B) A WRITTEN
OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED IS PROVIDED TO THE COMPANY, AND (II) THE TRANSFEREE, IF APPLICABLE,
HAS
OBTAINED THE CONSENT OF THE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY.
IN
ADDITION, ANY SALE, OFFER FOR SALE, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION
OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS RESTRICTED BY, AND THE
RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CONTAINED IN THE WARRANT ISSUED ON JUNE 7, 2007 BY THE COMPANY TO BARRY D.
ZYSKIND (THE “ZYSKIND WARRANT”) AND IN THE BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY, AS THEY MAY
BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION BY HOLDERS
OF
SECURITIES AT THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY.
UNDER
THE
TERMS OF THE ZYSKIND WARRANT, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY
NOT
BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO JUNE 7, 2010.
4.4 Accredited
Investor Status.
The
Holder is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under
the Securities Act.
4.5 Transfer
Restriction.
The
Holder hereby acknowledges, covenants and agrees that the Warrant Shares may
not
be sold, offered for sale, hypothecated, assigned or otherwise transferred,
directly or indirectly, prior to June 7, 2010.
4.6 Reservation
of Shares.
The
Company covenants and agrees that the Company will, at all times during the
Exercise Period, have authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights,
a
sufficient number of Common Shares to provide for the exercise of the rights
represented by the Warrant. The Company further covenants and agrees to take
all
such actions as may be necessary to ensure that all Common Shares delivered
upon
exercise of this Warrant will be duly and validly authorized and issued and
fully paid and nonassessable and free from preemptive rights with respect to
the
issue thereof.
5. ADJUSTMENT
OF EXERCISE PRICE AND NUMBER OF WARRANT SHARES.
The
Exercise Price in effect and the number and kind of securities purchasable
upon
the exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time
upon the happening of certain events as provided in this Section 5 and in
Section 7 below. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Shares of
the
Company by reason of share dividends, splits, recapitalizations,
reclassifications, combinations or exchanges of shares, reorganizations,
liquidations, or the like, the number and class of Exercise Shares available
under the Warrant in the aggregate and the Exercise Price shall be
correspondingly adjusted to give the Holder of the Warrant, on exercise for
the
same aggregate Exercise Price, the total number, class, and kind of shares
as
the Holder would have owned had the Warrant been exercised prior to the event
and had the Holder continued to hold such shares until after the event requiring
adjustment. The form of this Warrant need not be changed because of any
adjustment in the number of Exercise Shares subject to this
Warrant.
6. FRACTIONAL
SHARES.
No
fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant as a
consequence of any adjustment pursuant hereto. All Warrant Shares (including
fractions) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant may be aggregated for purposes
of determining whether the exercise would result in the issuance of any
fractional share. If, after aggregation, the exercise would result in the
issuance of a fractional share, the Company shall, in lieu of issuance of any
fractional share, pay the Holder otherwise entitled to such fraction a sum
in
cash equal to the product resulting from multiplying the then current fair
market value of an Exercise Share by such fraction.
7. REORGANIZATION.
In the
event of, at any time during the Exercise Period, any capital reorganization,
or
any reclassification of the capital shares of the Company (other than a change
in par value or as a result of a share dividend or subdivision, split-up or
combination of shares), or the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale or other disposition
of
all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Company in its
entirety to any other person (an “Organic
Change”),
then,
as a condition of such Organic Change, lawful and adequate provisions shall
be
made by the Company whereby the Holder hereof shall thereafter have the right
to
purchase and receive (in lieu of the Common Shares of the Company immediately
theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights
represented hereby) such shares, securities or other assets or property as
may
be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of outstanding
Common Shares equal to the number of shares immediately theretofore purchasable
and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented hereby.
8. NO
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.
This
Warrant in and of itself shall not entitle the Holder to any voting rights
or
other rights as a shareholder of the Company.
9. REGISTRATION
RIGHTS.
The
Company shall afford the Holder certain registration rights with respect to
the
Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of
that certain Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Barry D.
Zyskind, George Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel
to be entered into in connection with the Company’s proposed private placement
of Common Shares contemplated by the preliminary offering memorandum dated
June
7, 2007.
10. TRANSFER
OF WARRANT.
Neither
this Warrant nor any of the rights or interests of the Holder hereunder are
transferable or assignable, except by operation of law, without the prior
written consent of the Company. Subject to the foregoing and Section 4 above,
this warrant and the rights and interests of the Holder hereunder may be
transferred as to all or any part of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise
hereof, provided
that the
Holder and the transferee shall deliver to the Company a properly completed
and
executed Assignment Form in the form attached to this Warrant.
11. LOST,
STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED WARRANT.
Upon
receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of the ownership of and the
loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and of indemnity (other
than in connection with any mutilated Warrant surrendered to the Company for
cancellation) reasonably satisfactory to the Company, upon reimbursement of
the
Company’s reasonable direct expenses, and upon such other terms as the Company
may reasonably impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include
the surrender thereof), the Company shall issue a new Warrant of like
denomination and tenor as the Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
Any such new Warrant shall constitute an original contractual obligation of
the
Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed
Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.
12. NOTICES,
ETC.
All
notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified,
(b)
when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent during normal business hours
of the recipient, if not, then on the next Business Day, (c) five (5) days
after
having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized
overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification
of
receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at the address listed
on the signature page and to the Holder at AmTrust Financial Services, 59 Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor,
New York, New York 10038, or at such other address as the Company or Holder
may
designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other parties
hereto.
13. ACCEPTANCE.
Receipt
of this Warrant by the Holder shall constitute acceptance of and agreement
to
all of the terms and conditions contained herein.
14. GOVERNING
LAW.
This
Warrant and all rights, obligations and liabilities hereunder shall be governed
by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect
to conflicts of laws principles.
15. SEVERABILITY.
In the
event that any provision or any part of any provision of this Warrant shall
be
void or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, then such provision shall
be
stricken and of no force and effect. However, unless such stricken provision
goes to the essence of the consideration bargained for by a party, the remaining
provisions of this Warrant shall continue in full force and effect, and to
the
extent required, shall be modified to preserve their validity.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its
duly
authorized officer as of June 7, 2007.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
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By: |
/s/ Bentzion S.
Turin
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Title:
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Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Secretary
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Address: 7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attn:
Bentzion S. Turin
Facsimile:
(441) 292-5796
NOTICE
OF EXERCISE
To:
Maiden Holdings, Ltd.
(1) The
undersigned hereby elects to purchase ___ Common Shares of Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
(the
“Company”)
pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment
of
the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if
any.
(2) Please
issue a certificate or certificates representing said Common Shares in the
name
of the undersigned.
(3) The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Common Shares are being acquired
for the account of the undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or
for
resale in connection with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned
has
no present intention of distributing or reselling such shares; (ii) the
undersigned is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition
and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed
and knowledgeable decision regarding its investment in the Company; (iii) the
undersigned is experienced in making investments of this type and has such
knowledge and background in financial and business matters that the undersigned
is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment and protecting
the undersigned’s own interests; (iv) the undersigned understands that the
Common Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (v) the undersigned is aware
that
the aforesaid Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under
the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and until the undersigned
has held the shares for the number of years prescribed by Rule 144, that among
the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the availability of current information
to
the public about the Company and that the Company has not made such information
available and has no present plans to do so; and (vi) the undersigned agrees
not
to make any disposition of all or any part of the aforesaid Common Shares unless
and until there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities
Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in
accordance with said registration statement, or the undersigned has provided
the
Company with an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that
such registration is not required.
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ASSIGNMENT
FORM
(To
assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to purchase shares.)
FOR
VALUE RECEIVED,
the
foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned
to
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with
respect to _________ shares of Common Stock.
Dated:
_____________,
20__
Holder’s
Signature:
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Holder’s
Address:
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NOTE:
The
signature of the Holder on this Assignment Form must correspond with the name
as
it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or
any
change whatever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or
other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign
the foregoing Warrant.
The
undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid Warrant and the Common Shares
issuable upon exercise thereof are being acquired for the account of the
undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or for resale in connection
with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned has no present intention
of distributing or reselling such Warrant or Common Shares; (ii) the undersigned
understands that such Warrant and Common Shares have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
by
reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the
Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona
fide
nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such
securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be
held
indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an
exemption from such registration is available; (iii) the undersigned is aware
that the aforesaid Warrant and Common Shares may not be sold pursuant to Rule
144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and
until
the undersigned has held such Warrant or Common Shares for the number of years
prescribed by Rule 144, that among the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the
availability of current information to the public about the Company and that
the
Company has not made such information available and has no present plans to
do
so; and (iv) the undersigned agrees not to make any disposition of all or any
part of the aforesaid Warrant or Common Shares unless and until there is then
in
effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed
disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said registration
statement, or the undersigned has provided the Company with an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that such registration is not
required.
EXHIBIT
4.5
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This
Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”)
is
made and entered into as of July 3, 2007, by and between Maiden Holdings, Ltd.,
a Bermuda company limited by shares (together with any successor entity thereto,
the “Company”),
and
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“FBR”),
for
the benefit of FBR, the purchasers of the Company’s common stock, par value
$0.01 per share, as participants (“Participants”)
in the
private placement by the Company of shares of its common stock (the
“Private
Placement”),
and
the direct and indirect transferees of FBR, and each of the
Participants.
This
Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase/Placement Agreement (the
“Purchase/Placement
Agreement”),
dated
as of June 26, 2007, by and among the Company and FBR in connection with the
purchase and sale or placement of an aggregate of 45,000,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock (plus an additional 6,750,000 shares to cover additional
allotments, if any). In order to induce FBR to enter into the Purchase/Placement
Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights provided
for in this Agreement to FBR, the Participants, and their respective direct
and
indirect transferees. The execution of this Agreement is a condition to the
closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase/Placement
Agreement.
The
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions
As
used
in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
Accredited
Investor Shares:
Shares
initially sold by the Company to “accredited investors” (within the meaning of
Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act) as Participants.
Agreement:
As
defined in the preamble.
Affiliate:
As to
any specified Person, (i) any Person directly or indirectly owning,
controlling or holding, with power to vote, ten percent or more of the
outstanding voting securities of such other Person, (ii) any Person ten
percent or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or
indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person,
(iii) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under
common control with such other Person, (iv) any executive officer,
director, trustee or general partner of such Person and (v) any legal
entity for which such Person acts as an executive officer, director, trustee
or
general partner. An indirect relationship shall include circumstances in which
a
Person's spouse, children, parents, siblings or mother-, father-, sister- or
brother-in-law is or has been associated with a Person.
Business
Day:
With
respect to any act to be performed hereunder, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New
York,
New York or other applicable places where such act is to occur are authorized
or
obligated by applicable law, regulation or executive order to
close.
Closing
Date:
July 3,
2007 or such other time or such other date as FBR and the Company may
agree.
Commission:
The
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common
Stock:
The
common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.
Company:
As
defined in the preamble.
Controlling
Person:
As
defined in Section 6(a) hereof.
End
of
Suspension Notice:
As
defined in Section 5(b) hereof.
Exchange
Act:
The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Commission pursuant thereto.
FBR:
As
defined in the preamble.
Holder:
Each
record owner of any Registrable Shares from time to time, including FBR and
its
Affiliates.
Indemnified
Party:
As
defined in Section 6(c) hereof.
Indemnifying
Party:
As
defined in Section 6(c) hereof.
Inside
Holders:
Michael
Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry D. Zyskind and any transferees of shares
of Common Stock therefrom.
IPO
Registration Statement:
As
defined in Section 2(b) hereof.
Liabilities:
As
defined in Section 6(a) hereof.
Market
Value:
With
respect to the Common Stock for any 180-day period contemplated by Section
2(e)(ii) shall mean (i) if the Common Stock is then listed on a national
securities exchange, the average of the closing sale prices on the principal
exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed for the days in which sales
occurred in the last thirty (30) days of such 180-day period or (ii) if the
Common Stock is not then listed on a stock exchange but is eligible for resale
on The Portal Market, the average of the closing sale prices for days on which
trading is reporting on The Portal Market in the last thirty (30) days of such
180-day period.
NASD:
The
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
No
Objections Letter:
As
defined in Section 4(t) hereof.
Offering
Memorandum:
The
Offering Memorandum of the Company dated June 26, 2007 pursuant to which the
Rule 144A Shares, the Regulation S Shares and the Accredited Investor Shares
are
offered and sold.
Participant:
As
defined in the preamble.
Person:
Any
individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint stock
company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government agency
or political subdivision thereof.
Private
Placement:
As
defined in the preamble.
Proceeding:
An
action, claim, suit or proceeding (including without limitation, an
investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced
or, to the knowledge of the Person subject thereto, threatened.
Prospectus:
The
prospectus included in any Registration Statement, including any preliminary
prospectus, and all other amendments and supplements to any such prospectus,
including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference
or deemed to be incorporated by reference, if any, in such
prospectus.
Purchase/Placement
Agreement:
As
defined in the preamble.
Purchaser
Indemnitee:
As
defined in Section 6(a) hereof.
Registrable
Shares:
The
Rule 144A Shares, the Accredited Investor Shares and the Regulation S Shares,
upon original issuance thereof, and at all times subsequent thereto, including
upon the transfer thereof by the original holder or any subsequent holder and
any shares or other securities issued in respect of such Registrable Shares
by
reason of or in connection with any stock dividend, stock distribution, stock
split, purchase in any rights offering or in connection with any exchange for
or
replacement of such Registrable Shares or any combination of shares,
recapitalization, merger or consolidation, any other equity securities issued
in
respect of Registrable Shares pursuant to any other pro rata distribution with
respect to the Common Stock or any issuance of shares pursuant to Section
2(e)(ii), until, in the case of any such Rule 144A Share, Accredited Investor
Share or Regulation S Share, the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which
it has been registered effectively pursuant to the Securities Act and disposed
of in accordance with the Registration Statement relating to it, (ii) the
date on which either it is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 (or
any similar provision then in effect) or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k)
promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act or (iii) the
date on which it is sold to the Company.
Registration
Expenses:
Any and
all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement,
including, without limitation: (i) all Commission, securities exchange,
NASD registration, listing, inclusion and filing fees, (ii) all fees and
expenses incurred in connection with compliance with international, federal
or
state securities or blue sky laws (including, without limitation, any
registration, listing and filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements
of
counsel in connection with blue sky qualification of any of the Registrable
Shares and the preparation of a blue sky memorandum and compliance with the
rules of the NASD), (iii) all expenses in preparing or assisting in
preparing, word processing, duplicating, printing, delivering and distributing
any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any amendments or supplements
thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements, certificates
and any other documents relating to the performance under and compliance with
this Agreement, (iv) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
listing or inclusion of any of the Registrable Shares on any securities exchange
or The Nasdaq Stock Market pursuant to Section 4(n) of this Agreement,
(v) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of the
independent public accountants of the Company (including, without limitation,
the expenses of any special audit and “cold comfort” letters required by or
incident to such performance), (vi) reasonable fees and disbursements (not
exceeding $35,000) of one counsel (which counsel shall be Sidley Austin LLP,
unless another such counsel shall have been selected by the Holders holding
a
majority of the Registrable Shares) (such counsel, “Selling
Holders’ Counsel”)
and
(vii) any fees and disbursements customarily paid in issues and sales of
securities (including the fees and expenses of any experts retained by the
Company in connection with any Registration Statement); provided, however,
that
Registration Expenses shall exclude (i) brokers' or underwriters' discounts
and
commissions, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Shares
by a Holder and (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by any underwriter, other
than such fees and expenses (x) agreed to be paid under this Agreement or (y)
that the Company shall have agreed in writing with such underwriter to pay.
Registration
Statement:
Any
registration statement of the Company that covers the resale of Registrable
Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus,
amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus,
including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all
material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference,
if
any, in such registration statement.
Regulation
S:
Regulation S (Rules 901-905) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities
Act, as such rules may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or
regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having
substantially the same effect as such regulation.
Regulation
S Shares:
Shares
initially resold by FBR pursuant to the Purchase/Placement Agreement to
“non-U.S. persons” (in accordance with Regulation S) in an “offshore
transaction” (in accordance with Regulation S).
Rule
144:
Rule
144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
144A:
Rule
144A promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such
rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
144A Shares:
Shares
initially resold by FBR pursuant to the Purchase/Placement Agreement to
“qualified institutional buyers” (as such term is defined in Rule
144A).
Rule
158:
Rule
158 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
174:
Rule
174 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
415:
Rule
415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
424:
Rule
424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Rule
429:
Rule
429 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule
may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto having substantially the
same
effect as such rule.
Securities
Act:
The
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
by
the Commission thereunder.
Shares:
The
shares of Common Stock being offered and sold pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Purchase/Placement Agreement
Shelf
Registration Statement:
As
defined in Section 2(a) hereof.
Suspension
Event:
As
defined in Section 5(b) hereof.
Suspension
Notice:
As
defined in Section 5(b) hereof.
Underwritten
Offering:
A sale
of securities of the Company to an underwriter or underwriters for reoffering
to
the public.
2. Registration
Rights
(a) Mandatory
Shelf Registration. As
set
forth in Section 4 hereof, the Company agrees to file with the Commission
as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement (but
in
no event later than the date that is 90 days after the date of this Agreement)
a
shelf Registration Statement on Form S-1 or such other form under the Securities
Act then available to the Company providing for the resale of any Registrable
Shares pursuant to Rule 415 from time to time by the Holders (a “Shelf
Registration Statement”).
The
Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf
Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as
practicable. Any Shelf Registration Statement shall provide for the resale
from
time to time, and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally
available (including, without limitation, an Underwritten Offering, a direct
sale to purchasers or a sale through brokers or agents, which may include sales
over the internet) by the Holders of any and all Registrable Shares.
(b) IPO
Registration.
If the
Company proposes to file a registration statement on Form S-1 or such other
form
under the Securities Act providing for the initial public offering of shares
of
Common Stock (the “IPO
Registration Statement”),
the
Company will notify each Holder of the proposed filing and afford each Holder
an
opportunity to include in the IPO Registration Statement all or any part of
the
Registrable Shares then held by such Holder. Each Holder desiring to include
in
the IPO Registration Statement all or part of the Registrable Shares held by
such Holder shall, within twenty (20) days after mailing or delivery of the
above-described notice from the Company, so notify the Company in writing,
and
in such notice shall inform the Company of the number of Registrable Shares
such
Holder wishes to include in the IPO Registration Statement. Any election by
any
Holder to include any Registrable Shares in the IPO Registration Statement
will
not affect the inclusion of such Registrable Shares in the Shelf Registration
Statement until such Registrable Shares have been sold under the IPO
Registration Statement.
(i) Right
to Terminate IPO Registration.
The
Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw the IPO Registration
Statement initiated by it referred to in this Section 2(b) prior to the
effectiveness of such registration whether or not any Holder has elected to
include Registrable Shares in such registration.
(ii) Selection
of Underwriter.
The
Company shall have the sole right to select the managing underwriter(s) for
its
initial public offering, regardless of whether any Registrable Securities are
included in the IPO Registration Statement or otherwise.
(iii) Shelf
Registration not Impacted by IPO Registration Statement.
The
Company's obligation to file the Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to
Section 2(a) hereof shall not be affected by the filing or effectiveness of
the IPO Registration Statement.
(c) Underwriting.
The
Company shall advise all Holders of the underwriter for the Underwritten
Offering proposed under the IPO Registration Statement. The right of any such
Holder to include any of its Registrable Shares in the IPO Registration
Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) shall be conditioned upon such Holder's
participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder's
Registrable Shares in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All
Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Shares through such
underwriting shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with
the managing underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting and complete and
execute any questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, securities escrow
agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such
underwriting, and furnish to the Company such information as the Company may
reasonably request in writing for inclusion in the Registration Statement;
provided,
however,
that no
Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to or
agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations,
warranties or agreements regarding such Holder and such Holder's intended method
of distribution and any other representation required by law or reasonably
requested by the underwriters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, if the managing underwriter(s) determine(s) in good faith that
marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be included,
then the managing underwriter(s) may exclude shares (including Registrable
Shares) from the IPO Registration Statement and Underwritten Offering, and
any
shares included in such IPO Registration Statement and Underwritten Offering
shall be allocated first,
to the
Company, and second,
to each
of the Holders requesting inclusion of their Registrable Shares in such IPO
Registration Statement (on a pro
rata
basis
based on the total number of Registrable Shares then held by each such Holder
who is requesting inclusion); provided,
however,
that
the number of Registrable Shares to be included in the IPO Registration
Statement shall not be reduced unless all other securities of the Company held
by (i) officers, directors, other employees of the Company and consultants;
and (ii) other holders of the Company’s capital stock with registration
rights that are inferior (with respect to such reduction) to the registration
rights of the Holders set forth herein, are first entirely excluded from the
underwriting and registration; provided,
further,
however,
that
Holders of Registrable Shares shall be permitted to include Registrable Shares
comprising at least 20% of the total securities included in the Underwritten
Offering proposed under the IPO Registration Statement.
By
electing to include the Registrable Shares in the IPO Registration Statement,
the Holder of such Registrable Shares shall be deemed to have agreed not to
effect any public sale or distribution of securities of the Company of the
same
or similar class or classes of the securities included in the IPO Registration
Statement or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for
such securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, during such periods as reasonably requested (but in no event
for
a period longer than thirty (30) days prior to and one hundred eighty (180)
days
following the effective date of the IPO Registration Statement) by the
representatives of the underwriters, if an Underwritten Offering, or by the
Company in any other registration. If (i) during the last 17 days of the
restricted period described above the Company issues an earnings release or
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs; or (ii) prior
to the expiration of such restricted period, the Company announces that it
will
release earnings results during the 16 day period beginning on the last day
of
the restricted period; the restrictions imposed by this agreement shall continue
to apply until the expiration of the 18 day period beginning on the issuance
of
the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material
event.
If
any
Holder disapproves of the terms of any such underwriting, such Holder may elect
to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the underwriter,
delivered at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the effective date of the
IPO
Registration Statement. Any Registrable Shares excluded or withdrawn from such
underwriting shall be excluded and withdrawn from the registration.
(d) Expenses.
The
Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with the registration
of the Registrable Shares pursuant to this Agreement. Each Holder participating
in a registration pursuant to this Section 2 shall bear such Holder's
proportionate share (based on the total number of Registrable Shares sold in
such registration) of all discounts and commissions payable to underwriters
or
brokers in connection with a registration of Registrable Shares pursuant to
this
Agreement.
(e) Executive
Bonuses.
(i) If
the Company does not file a Registration Statement registering the resale of
the
Accredited Investor Shares, the Rule 144A Shares, and the Regulation S Shares
within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, other than as a result of the
Commission being unable to accept such filings, each of Max G. Caviet and Ben
Turin shall forfeit any bonus that would otherwise be payable to him in the
2007
fiscal year (or to which he or she became entitled as a result of performance
during the 2007 fiscal year), whether under an employment agreement with the
Company, a bonus plan or any other bonus arrangement, including any bonus
compensation for which payment would otherwise be deferred until after
2007.
(ii) If
the
Company does not file a Registration Statement registering the resale of the
Accredited Investor Shares, the Rule 144A Shares, and the Regulation S Shares
within two hundred forty (240) days after the Closing Date, it shall pay not
later than two hundred forty-five (245) days after the Closing Date to the
Holders (other than the Inside Holders) an aggregate of six million dollars
($6,000,000) in cash (such amounts to be paid to them pro rata, based on the
respective number of Registrable Shares then held by such Holders). If the
Company has not filed a Registration Statement registering the resale of the
Accredited Investor Shares, the Rule 144A Shares, and the Regulation S Shares
by
the end of any rolling 180-day period commencing after such 240-day period
(e.g.,
if at
the end of 420 days or 600 days after the Closing Date or the end of any such
subsequent period), the Company will make an additional payment not later than
five days after the end of each such 180-day period to the Holders (other than
the Inside Shareholders) of an aggregate of six million dollars ($6,000,000)
in
cash (or to the extent provided below, at the Company’s option in Common Stock),
such payment to be made pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable
Shares held by such Holders. If the Company elects to make any such additional
payment in Common Stock, such stock will be valued at its Market Value as of
the
end of such 180-day period; provided,
that
the Company shall not have the option to elect to an additional payment in
Common Stock rather than cash if there has not been at least five (5) days
of
trading in the Common Stock on a stock exchange or the Portal Market during
at
least five (5) days during the last thirty (30) days of such 180-day period.
The
parties acknowledge that damages from a failure to file a Registration Statement
are difficult to measure and that the payments provided for in this Section
2(e)(ii) are reasonable liquidated damages and not a penalty.
3. Rules
144 and 144A Reporting
With
a
view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the
Commission that may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Shares to
the
public without registration, the Company agrees to:
(a) make
and
keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined
in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the effective date of
the
first registration under the Securities Act filed by the Company for an offering
of its securities to the general public;
(b) use
commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner
all reports and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject
to
such reporting requirements);
(c) so
long
as a Holder owns any Registrable Shares, if the Company is not required to
file
reports and other documents under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act,
it
will make available other information as required by, and so long as necessary
to permit sales of Registrable Shares pursuant to, Rule 144 or Rule 144A, and
in
any event shall make available (either by mailing a copy thereof, by posting
on
the Company’s website, or by press release) to each Holder a copy
of:
(i) the
Company’s annual consolidated financial statements (including at least balance
sheets, statements of profit and loss, statements of stockholders’ equity and
statements of cash flows) prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles, accompanied by an audit report of the Company’s
independent accountants, no later than ninety (90) days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Company; and
(ii) the
Company’s unaudited quarterly financial statements (including at least balance
sheets, statements of profit and loss, statements of stockholders’ equity and
statements of cash flows) prepared in a manner consistent with the preparation
of the Company’s annual financial statements, no later than forty-five (45) days
after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company (other than the fourth
fiscal quarter); and
the
Company shall hold, a reasonable time after the availability of such financial
statements and upon reasonable notice to the Holders and FBR (either by mail,
by
posting on the Company’s website, or by press release), a quarterly investor
conference call to discuss such financial statements, which call will also
include an opportunity for the Holders to ask questions of management with
regard to such financial statements, and will also cooperate with, and make
management reasonably available to, FBR personnel in connection with making
Company information available to investors; and
(d) so
long
as a Holder owns any Registrable Shares, to furnish to the Holder promptly
upon
request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the
reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after
the
effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company for
an
offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act
and
the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to the reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or
quarterly report of the Company, and (iii) such other reports and documents
of
the Company, and take such further actions, as a Holder may reasonably request
in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing a Holder
to sell any such Registrable Shares without registration.
4. Registration
Procedures
In
connection with the obligations of the Company with respect to any registration
pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to effect or cause to be effected the registration of the Registrable
Shares under the Securities Act to permit the sale of such Registrable Shares
by
the Holder or Holders in accordance with the Holder’s or Holders' intended
method or methods of distribution, and the Company shall:
(a) notify
FBR and Selling Holders' Counsel, in writing, at least ten (10) Business Days
prior to filing a Registration Statement, of its intention to file a
Registration Statement with the Commission and, at least five (5) Business
Days
prior to filing, provide a copy of the Registration Statement to FBR, its
counsel, and Selling Holders' Counsel for review and comment; prepare and file
with the Commission, as specified in this Agreement, a Registration
Statement(s), which Registration Statement(s) (x) shall comply as to form in
all
material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include
all
financial statements required by the Commission to be filed therewith and (y)
shall be acceptable to FBR, its counsel and Selling Holders’ Counsel; notify FBR
and Selling Holders' Counsel in writing, at least five (5) Business Days prior
to filing of any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement and,
at
least three (3) Business Days prior to filing, provide a copy of such amendment
or supplement to FBR, its counsel and Selling Holders' Counsel for review and
comment; promptly following receipt from the Commission, provide to FBR, its
counsel and Selling Holders’ Counsel copies of any comments made by the staff of
the Commission relating to such Registration Statement and of the Company's
responses thereto for review and comment; and use its commercially reasonable
efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective as soon as
practicable after filing and to remain effective, subject to Section 5
hereof, until the earlier of (i) such time as all Registrable Shares
covered thereby have been sold in accordance with the intended distribution
of
such Registrable Shares, (ii) there are no Registrable Shares outstanding
or (iii) the second anniversary of the effective date of such Registration
Statement (subject to extension as provided in Section 5(c) hereof);
provided,
however,
that the
Company shall not be required to cause the IPO Registration Statement to remain
effective for any period longer than ninety (90) days following the effective
date of the IPO Registration Statement (subject to extension as provided in
Section 5(c) hereof); provided,
further,
that if
the Company has an effective Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-1 under
the
Securities Act and becomes eligible to use Form S-3 or such other short-form
registration statement form under the Securities Act, the Company may file
a
post-effective amendment on Form S-3 to such registration statement on Form
S-1;
(b) subject
to Section 4(i) hereof, (i) prepare and file with the Commission such
amendments and post-effective amendments to each such Registration Statement
as
may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the period
described in Section 4(a) hereof; (ii) cause each Prospectus contained
therein to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so
supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 or any similar rule that may
be
adopted under the Securities Act; and (iii) comply with the provisions of
the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered
by
each Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with
the
intended method or methods of distribution by the selling Holders
thereof;
(c) furnish
to the Holders, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, including
each preliminary Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto and such
other documents as such Holder may reasonably request, in order to facilitate
the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Shares; the Company
consents to the use of such Prospectus, including each preliminary Prospectus,
by the Holders, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the
Registrable Shares covered by any such Prospectus;
(d) use
its
commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify, or obtain exemption
from
registration or qualification for, all Registrable Shares by the time the
applicable Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission under
all applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as FBR
or any Holder of Registrable Shares covered by a Registration Statement shall
reasonably request in writing, keep each such registration or qualification
or
exemption effective during the period such Registration Statement is required
to
be kept effective pursuant to Section 4(a) and do any and all other acts
and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Holder
to consummate the disposition in each such jurisdiction of such Registrable
Shares owned by such Holder; provided,
however,
that the
Company shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in
any jurisdiction or to register as a broker or dealer in such jurisdiction
where
it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 4(d) and
except as may be required by the Securities Act, (ii) subject itself to
taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) submit to the general service
of process in any such jurisdiction;
(e) use
its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Shares covered by
such
Registration Statement to be registered and approved by such other governmental
agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the Holders thereof to
consummate the disposition of such Registrable Shares; provided,
however,
that the
Company shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in
any jurisdiction or to register as a broker or dealer in any jurisdiction where
it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 4(e) and
except as may be required by the Securities Act, (ii) subject itself to
taxation in any jurisdiction, or (iii) submit to the general service of
process in any jurisdiction;
(f) notify
FBR and each Holder promptly and, if requested by FBR or any Holder, confirm
such advice in writing (i) when a Registration Statement has become
effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements thereto become
effective, (ii) of the issuance by the Commission or any state securities
authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration
Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) of
any request by the Commission or any other federal, state or foreign
governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement
or related Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) of the happening
of any event during the period a Registration Statement is effective as a result
of which such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any document
incorporated by reference therein contains any untrue statement of a material
fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading (which
information shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the
Prospectus until the requisite changes have been made) and (v) at the
request of any such Holder, promptly to furnish to such Holder a reasonable
number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may
be
necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchaser of such securities,
such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or
omit
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading;
(g) make
every reasonable effort to avoid the issuance of, or if issued, to obtain the
withdrawal of, any order enjoining or suspending the use or effectiveness of
a
Registration Statement or suspending of the qualification (or exemption from
qualification) of any of the Registrable Shares for sale in any jurisdiction,
as
promptly as practicable;
(h) upon
request, furnish to each requesting Holder of Registrable Shares, without
charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendment or supplement thereto (without documents incorporated
therein by reference or exhibits thereto, unless requested);
(i) except
as
provided in Section 5, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by
Section 4(f)(iv) hereof, use its commercially reasonable efforts to
promptly prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration
Statement or the related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by
reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered
to the purchasers of the Registrable Shares, such Prospectus will not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading;
(j) if
requested by the representative of the underwriters, if any, or any Holders
of
Registrable Shares being sold in connection with such offering,
(i) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective
amendment such information as the representative of the underwriters, if any,
or
such Holders indicate relates to them or that they reasonably request be
included therein and (ii) make all required filings of such Prospectus
supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the
Company has received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such
Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;
(k) in
the
case of an Underwritten Offering, use its commercially reasonable efforts to
furnish to the underwriters a signed counterpart, addressed to the underwriters,
of: (i) an opinion of counsel for the Company, dated the date of each
closing under the underwriting agreement, reasonably satisfactory to the
underwriters; and (ii) a “comfort” letter, dated the effective date of such
Registration Statement and the date of each closing under the underwriting
agreement, signed by the independent public accountants who have certified
the
Company's financial statements included in such Registration Statement, covering
substantially the same matters with respect to such Registration Statement
(and
the Prospectus included therein) and with respect to events subsequent to the
date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in accountants'
letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities
and such other financial matters as the underwriters may reasonably
request;
(l) enter
into customary agreements (including in the case of an Underwritten Offering,
an
underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all other action in
connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the distribution of
the
Registrable Shares included in such Registration Statement and, in the case
of
an Underwritten Offering, make representations and warranties to the Holders
covered by such Registration Statement and to the underwriters in such form
and
scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten
offerings and confirm the same to the extent customary if and when
requested;
(m) make
available for inspection by the representative of any underwriters participating
in any disposition pursuant to a Registration Statement and any one special
counsel retained by the Holders or any one special counsel or firm of
accountants retained by the underwriters, all financial and other records,
pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and cause the
respective officers, directors and employees of the Company to supply all
information reasonably requested by the representative of the underwriters,
counsel or accountants in connection with a Registration Statement; provided,
however, that
such
records, documents or information that the Company determines, in good faith,
to
be confidential and notifies such representative of the underwriters, counsel
or
accountants are confidential shall not be disclosed by such representative
of
the underwriters, counsel or accountants unless (i) the release of such
records, documents or information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other
order from a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) such records,
documents or information have been generally made available to the
public;
(n) use
its
commercially reasonable efforts (including, without limitation, seeking to
cure
any deficiencies cited by the exchange or market in the Company's listing or
inclusion application) to list or include all Registrable Shares on the New
York
Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market;
(o) prepare
and file in a timely manner all documents and reports required by the Exchange
Act and, to the extent the Company's obligation to file such reports pursuant
to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act expires prior to the expiration of the
effectiveness period of the Registration Statement as required by
Section 4(a) hereof, the Company shall register the Registrable Shares
under the Exchange Act and shall maintain such registration through the
effectiveness period required by Section 4(a) hereof;
(p) provide
a
CUSIP number for all Registrable Shares, not later than the effective date
of
the Registration Statement;
(q) (i) otherwise
use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules
and
regulations of the Commission, (ii) make generally available to its
stockholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earning statement covering
at least 12 months that satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
Securities Act and (at the Company’s option) Rule 158 (or any similar rule
promulgated under the Securities Act ) thereunder, but in no event later than
forty five (45) days after the end of the fourth full fiscal quarter ending
after the fiscal quarter in which any registration statement is declared
effective;
(r) provide
and cause to be maintained a registrar and transfer agent for all Registrable
Shares covered by any Registration Statement from and after a date not later
than the effective date of such Registration Statement;
(s) in
connection with any sale or transfer of the Registrable Shares (whether or
not
pursuant to a Registration Statement) that will result in the security being
delivered no longer being Registrable Shares, cooperate with the Holders and
the
representative of the underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation
and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Shares to be sold,
which certificates shall not bear any transfer restrictive legends (other than
as required by the Company's Charter) and to enable such Registrable Shares
to
be in such denominations and registered in such names as the representative
of
the underwriters, if any, or the Holders may request at least two (2) Business
Days prior to any sale of the Registrable Shares;
(t) in
connection with the initial filing of a Shelf Registration Statement and each
amendment thereto with the Commission pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof, prepare
and, within one Business Day of such filing with the Commission, provide
information to the Holders, any underwriter or their counsel as such Holders,
such underwriter or their counsel may reasonably request in order to assist
such
Holders or such underwriter to file with the NASD all forms and information
required or requested by the NASD in order to obtain written confirmation from
the NASD that the NASD does not object to the fairness and reasonableness of
the
underwriting terms and arrangements (or any deemed underwriting terms and
arrangements) (each such written confirmation, a “No
Objections Letter”)
relating to the resale of Registrable Shares pursuant to the Shelf Registration
Statement, including, without limitation, information provided to the NASD
through its COBRADesk system, and pay all costs, fees and expenses incident
to
the NASD’s review of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related
underwriting terms and arrangements, including, without limitation, all filing
fees associated with any filings or submissions to the NASD and the legal
expenses, filing fees and other disbursements of FBR and any other NASD member
that is the holder of, or is affiliated or associated with an owner of,
Registrable Shares included in the Shelf Registration Statement (including
in
connection with any initial or subsequent member filing);
(u) in
connection with the initial filing of a Shelf Registration Statement and each
amendment thereto with the Commission pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof, provide
to FBR and its representatives the opportunity to conduct due diligence,
including, without limitation, an inquiry of the Company’s financial and other
records, and make available members of its management for questions regarding
information which FBR may request in order to fulfill any due diligence
obligation on its part; and
(w) upon
effectiveness of the first Registration Statement filed under this Agreement,
the Company will take such actions and make such filings as are necessary to
effect the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act
simultaneously with or immediately following the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement.
The
Company may require the Holders to furnish to the Company such information
regarding the proposed distribution by such Holder of such Registrable Shares
as
the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing or as shall
be
required to effect the registration of the Registrable Shares, and no Holder
shall be entitled to be named as a selling stockholder in any Registration
Statement and no Holder shall be entitled to use the Prospectus forming a part
thereof if such Holder does not provide such information to the Company. Each
Holder further agrees to furnish promptly to the Company in writing all
information required from time to time to make the information previously
furnished by such Holder not misleading.
Each
Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening
of any event of the kind described in Section 4(f)(iii) or 4(f)(iv) hereof,
such Holder will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Shares
pursuant to a Registration Statement until such Holder's receipt of the copies
of the supplemented or amended Prospectus. If so directed by the Company, such
Holder will deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies
in
its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder's
possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Shares current at the
time of receipt of such notice.
5. Black-Out
Period
(a) Subject
to the provisions of this Section 5 and a good faith determination by a
majority of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company
that it is in the best interests of the Company to suspend the use of the
Registration Statement, following the effectiveness of a Registration Statement
(and the filings with any international, federal or state securities
commissions), the Company, by written notice to FBR and the Holders, may direct
the Holders to suspend sales of the Registrable Shares pursuant to a
Registration Statement for such times as the Company reasonably may determine
is
necessary and advisable (but in no event for more than an aggregate of ninety
(90) days in any rolling twelve (12)-month period commencing on the Closing
Date
or more than sixty (60) days in any rolling 90-day period), if any of the
following events shall occur: (i) the representative of the underwriters of
an
Underwritten Offering of primary shares by the Company has advised the Company
that the sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement
would
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s primary offering; (ii) the
majority of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company
shall have determined in good faith that (A) the offer or sale of any
Registrable Shares would materially impede, delay or interfere with any proposed
financing, offer or sale of securities, acquisition, corporate reorganization
or
other significant transaction involving the Company, (B) after the advice
of counsel, the sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to the Registration
Statement would require disclosure of non-public material information not
otherwise required to be disclosed under applicable law, and (C)
(x) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving the
confidentiality of such transaction, (y) disclosure would have a material
adverse effect on the Company or the Company’s ability to consummate such
transaction, or (z) the proposed transaction renders the Company unable to
comply with Commission requirements, in each case under circumstances that
would
make it impractical or inadvisable to cause the Registration Statement (or
such
filings) to become effective or to promptly amend or supplement the Registration
Statement on a post-effective basis, as applicable; or (iii) the majority
of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company shall have
determined in good faith, after the advice of counsel, that it is required
by
law, rule or regulation or that it is in the best interests of the Company
to
supplement the Registration Statement or file a post-effective amendment to
the
Registration Statement in order to incorporate information into the Registration
Statement for the purpose of (1) including in the Registration Statement
any prospectus required under Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(2) reflecting in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement any
facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement
(or of the most-recent post-effective amendment) that, individually or in the
aggregate, represents a fundamental change in the information set forth therein;
or (3) including in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not disclosed
in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information. Upon
the occurrence of any such suspension, the Company shall use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective or to promptly
amend or supplement the Registration Statement on a post-effective basis or
to
take such action as is necessary to make resumed use of the Registration
Statement compatible with the Company’s best interests, as applicable, so as to
permit the Holders to resume sales of the Registrable Shares as soon as
possible.
(b) In
the
case of an event that causes the Company to suspend the use of a Registration
Statement (a “Suspension
Event”),
the
Company shall give written notice (a “Suspension
Notice”)
to FBR
and the Holders to suspend sales of the Registrable Shares and such notice
shall
state generally the basis for the notice and that such suspension shall continue
only for so long as the Suspension Event or its effect is continuing and the
Company is using all reasonable efforts and taking all reasonable steps to
terminate suspension of the use of the Registration Statement as promptly as
possible. The Holders shall not effect any sales of the Registrable Shares
pursuant to such Registration Statement (or such filings) at any time after
it
has received a Suspension Notice from the Company and prior to receipt of an
End
of Suspension Notice (as defined below). If so directed by the Company, each
Holder will deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies
other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession of the
Prospectus covering the Registrable Shares at the time of receipt of the
Suspension Notice. The Holders may recommence effecting sales of the Registrable
Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement (or such filings) following
further notice to such effect (an “End
of
Suspension Notice”)
from
the Company, which End of Suspension Notice shall be given by the Company to
the
Holders and FBR in the manner described above promptly following the conclusion
of any Suspension Event and its effect.
(c) Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, if the Company shall give a Suspension
Notice pursuant to this Section 5, the Company agrees that it shall extend
the period of time during which the applicable Registration Statement shall
be
maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during
the
period from the date of receipt by the Holders of the Suspension Notice to
and
including the date of receipt by the Holders of the End of Suspension Notice
and
copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus necessary to resume
sales.
6. Indemnification
and Contribution
(a) The
Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Holder of
Registrable Shares and any underwriter (as determined in the Securities Act)
for
such Holder (including, if applicable, FBR), (ii) each Person, if any, who
controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act), any such Person described in clause (i)
(any of the Persons referred to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred
to as a “Controlling
Person”),
and
(iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees,
representatives and agents of any such Person or any Controlling Person (any
Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred
to
as a “Purchaser
Indemnitee”),
to
the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
judgments, actions, out-of-pocket expenses, and other liabilities (the
“Liabilities”),
including without limitation and as incurred, reimbursement of all reasonable
costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any claim or action,
or
any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced
or
threatened, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to any
Purchaser Indemnitee, joint or several, directly or indirectly related to,
based
upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement
or
Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished
to
such Purchaser Indemnitee any amendments or supplements thereto), or any
preliminary Prospectus or any other document used to sell the Shares, or any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as
such
Liabilities arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and
in
conformity with information relating to any Purchaser Indemnitee furnished
to
the Company or any underwriter in writing by such Purchaser Indemnitee expressly
for use therein, or (ii) any untrue statement contained in or omission from
a preliminary Prospectus if a copy of the Prospectus (as then amended or
supplemented, if the Company shall have furnished to or on behalf of the Holder
participating in the distribution relating to the relevant Registration
Statement any amendments or supplements thereto) was not sent or given by or
on
behalf of such Holder to the Person asserting any such Liabilities who purchased
Shares, if such Prospectus (or Prospectus as amended or supplemented) is
required by law to be sent or given at or prior to the written confirmation
of
the sale of such Shares to such Person and the untrue statement contained in
or
omission from such preliminary Prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus (or
the Prospectus as amended or supplemented). The Company shall notify the Holders
promptly of the institution, written threat or written assertion of any claim,
proceeding (including any governmental investigation), or litigation of which
it
shall have become aware in connection with the matters addressed by this
Agreement which involves the Company or a Purchaser Indemnitee. The indemnity
provided for herein shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Purchaser Indemnitee.
(b) In
connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable
Shares is participating, such Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each Person who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and the respective partners, directors,
officers, members, representatives, employees and agents of such Person or
Controlling Person to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the
Company to each Purchaser Indemnitee, but only with reference to untrue
statements or omissions or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to such Holder
furnished to the Company in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any
Registration Statement or Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto or
any
preliminary Prospectus. The liability of any Holder pursuant to this paragraph
shall in no event exceed the net proceeds received by such Holder from sales
of
Registrable Shares giving rise to such obligations.
(c) If
any
suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory
investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any Person
in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b)
above, such Person (the “Indemnified
Party”),
shall
promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the
“Indemnifying
Party”),
in
writing of the commencement thereof (but the failure to so notify an
Indemnifying Party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have
under this Section 6, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is
materially prejudiced by the failure to give notice), and the Indemnifying
Party, upon request of the Indemnified Party, shall retain counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party and
any
others the Indemnifying Party may reasonably designate in such proceeding and
shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses actually incurred by such counsel
related to such proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any such
proceeding, any Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own
counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of
such Indemnified Party, unless (i) the Indemnifying Party and the
Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed in writing to the contrary,
(ii) the Indemnifying Party failed within a reasonable time after notice of
commencement of the action to assume the defense and employ counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, (iii) the Indemnifying Party and its
counsel do not actively pursue the defense of such action or (iv) the named
parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties), include both
such
Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, or any Affiliate of the
Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been reasonably
advised by counsel that either (x) there may be one or more legal defenses
available to it which are different from or additional to those available to
the
Indemnifying Party or such Affiliate of the Indemnifying Party or (y) a
conflict may exist between such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party
or
such Affiliate of the Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party
shall not have the right to assume nor direct the defense of such action on
behalf of such Indemnified Party, it being understood, however, that the
Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate
but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising
out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees
and
expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local
counsel), for all such Indemnified Parties, which firm shall be designated
in
writing by those Indemnified Parties who sold a majority of the Registrable
Shares sold by all such Indemnified Parties and any such separate firm for
the
Company, the directors, the officers and such control Persons of the Company
as
shall be designated in writing by the Company). The Indemnifying Party shall
not
be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with
such consent or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying
Party agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Party from and against any Liability
of a character for which such Indemnified Party would be liable under paragraph
(a) or (b), as applicable, of this Section 6 by reason of such settlement or
judgment. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of
the
Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding
in respect of which any Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and
indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless
such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party
from
all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such
proceeding.
(d) If
the
indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6 is
for any reason held to be unavailable to an Indemnified Party in respect of
any
Liabilities referred to therein (other than by reason of the exceptions provided
therein) or is insufficient to hold harmless a party indemnified thereunder,
then each Indemnifying Party under such paragraphs, in lieu of indemnifying
such
Indemnified Party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable
by
such Indemnified Party as a result of such Liabilities (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits of the Indemnified
Party on the one hand and the Indemnifying Party(ies) on the other in connection
with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Liabilities, or
(ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by
applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault
of
the Indemnifying Party(ies) and the Indemnified Party, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company on the
one
hand and any Purchaser Indemnitees on the other shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Company or by such Purchaser Indemnitees
(or the related Holder) and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access
to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
omission.
(e) The
parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant
to this Section 6 were determined by pro
rata
allocation (even if such Indemnified Parties were treated as one entity for
such
purpose), or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of
the
equitable considerations referred to in paragraph 6(d) above. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 6, in no event shall a Purchaser Indemnitee
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which proceeds
received by such Purchaser Indemnitee from sales of Registrable Shares exceeds
the amount of any damages that such Purchaser Indemnitee has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission. For purposes of this Section 6, each Person, if any,
who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) FBR or a Holder of Registrable Shares
shall have the same rights to contribution as FBR or such Holder, as the case
may be, and each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) the
Company, and each officer, director, partner, employee, representative, agent
or
manager of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the
Company. Any party entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt of
notice of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party
in
respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party
or
parties, notify each party or parties from whom contribution may be sought,
but
the omission to so notify such party or parties shall not relieve the party
or
parties from whom contribution may be sought from any obligation it or they
may
have under this Section 6 or otherwise, except to the extent that any party
is materially prejudiced by the failure to give notice. No Person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act), shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was
not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(f) The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 6 will be
in addition to any liability which the Indemnifying Parties may otherwise have
to the Indemnified Parties referred to above. The Purchaser Indemnitees’
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 6 are several in
proportion to the respective number of Shares sold by each of the Purchaser
Indemnitees hereunder and not joint.
7. Market
Stand-off Agreement
Each
Holder hereby agrees that it shall not, to the extent requested by the Company
or an underwriter of securities of the Company, directly or indirectly sell,
offer to sell (including without limitation any short sale), grant any option
or
otherwise transfer or dispose of any Registrable Shares or other shares of
Common Stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for shares of Common Stock of the Company then owned by such
Holder (other than to donees or partners of the Holder who agree to be similarly
bound) for a period of sixty (60) days following the effective date of an IPO
Registration Statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act;
provided,
however,
that:
(a) the
restrictions above shall not apply to Registrable Shares sold pursuant to the
IPO Registration Statement;
(b) all
executive officers and directors of the Company then holding shares of Common
Stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for shares of Common Stock of the Company enter into similar
agreements;
(c) the
Holders shall be allowed any concession or proportionate release allowed to
any
officer or director that entered into similar agreements (with such proportion
being determined by dividing the number of shares being released with respect
to
such officer or director by the total number of issued and outstanding shares
held by such officer or director); provided,
that
nothing in this Section 7(c) shall be construed as a right to proportionate
release for the executive officers and directors of the Company upon the
expiration of the 60-day period applicable to all Holders other than the
executive officers and directors of the Company;
(d) this
Section 7 shall not be applicable if a Shelf Registration Statement of the
Company filed under the Securities Act has been declared effective prior to
the
filing of an IPO Registration Statement.
In
order
to enforce the foregoing covenants, the Company shall have the right to place
restrictive legends on the certificates representing the securities subject
to
this Section 7 and to impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the
Registrable Shares and such other securities of each Holder (and the securities
of every other Person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of
such period.
8.
Termination
of the Company's Obligation
The
Company shall have no obligation pursuant to this Agreement with respect
to any
Registrable Shares proposed to be sold by a Holder in a registration pursuant
to
this Agreement if, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, all such
Registrable Shares proposed to be sold by a Holder may be sold in a three-month
period without registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 144
under
the Securities Act.
9.
Limitations
on Subsequent Registration Rights
From
and
after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior
written consent of Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of
the
then outstanding Registrable Shares (provided,
however,
that
for purposes of this Section 9, Registrable Shares that are owned, directly
or
indirectly, by an Affiliate of the Company shall not be deemed to be
outstanding), enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder
of
any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder
(a) to include such securities in any Registration Statement filed pursuant
to the terms hereof, unless under the terms of such agreement, such holder
or
prospective holder may include such securities in any such registration only
to
the extent that the inclusion of his securities will not reduce the amount
of
Registrable Shares of the Holders that is included, or (b) to have his
securities registered on a registration statement that could be declared
effective prior to, or within one hundred eighty (180) days of, the effective
date of any Registration Statement filed pursuant to this
Agreement.
(a) Remedies.
In the
event of a breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement,
each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided
herein or, in the case of FBR, in the Purchase/Placement Agreement, or granted
by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance
of its rights under this Agreement. Subject to Section 6, the Company agrees
that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred
by reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and
hereby further agree that, in the event of any action for specific performance
in respect of such breach, it shall waive the defense that a remedy at law
would
be adequate.
(b) Amendments
and Waivers.
The
provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may
not
be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures
from the provisions hereof may not be given, without the written consent of
the
Company and Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority of the then
outstanding Registrable Shares; provided,
however,
that for
purposes of this Section 11(b), (i) Registrable Shares that are owned, directly
or indirectly, by an Affiliate of the Company shall not be deemed to be
outstanding and (ii) the provisions of Section 2(e)(ii) may be amended,
modified, supplemented or waived with the written consent of the Company and
FBR. No amendment shall be deemed effective if by its terms it expressly
discriminates against any Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or
consent to or departure from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter
that
relates exclusively to the rights of a Holder whose securities are being sold
pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly
affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Holders may be given
by
such Holder; provided
that the
provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified or supplemented except
in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding
sentence.
(c) Notices.
All
notices and other communications, provided for or permitted hereunder shall
be
made in writing by delivered by facsimile (with receipt confirmed), overnight
courier or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by
telegram
(i) if
to a
Holder, at the most current address given by the transfer agent and registrar
of
the Shares to the Company;
(ii) if
to the
Company at the offices of the Company at 7 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 12,
Bermuda, Attention:
Ben Turin; (facsimile: 441-292-5796) with a copy to: with
a
copy to LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP, 125 West 55th Street, New York,
New York 10019, Attention: Matthew M. Ricciardi (facsimile
212-649-9483);
and
(iii) If
to
FBR, at the offices of FBR at 1001
Nineteenth Street North, Arlington, Virginia 22209, Attention: Compliance
Department, (facsimile: 703-312-9698); with a copy to Sidley Austin LLP,
One
South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: John J. Sabl (facsimile:
312-853-7036).
(d) Successors
and Assigns.
This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors
and
assigns of each of the parties hereto, including, without limitation and without
the need for an express assignment or assumption, subsequent Holders. The
Company agrees that the Holders shall be third party beneficiaries to the
agreements made hereunder by FBR and the Company, and each Holder shall have
the
right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such
enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights hereunder; provided,
however,
that
such Holder fulfills all of its obligations hereunder.
(e) Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties
hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed
to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and
the
same agreement.
(f) Headings.
The
headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall
not
limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(g) Governing
Law.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF
THE
PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE
COURT
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK IN RESPECT
OF
ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,
AND
IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES
HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING
OF
THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
AND
ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
(h) Severability.
If any
term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court
of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the
remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein
shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired
or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable
efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or
substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision,
covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the
intention of the parties hereto that they would have executed the remaining
terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such
that
may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
(i) Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, together with the Purchase/Placement Agreement, is intended by the
parties hereto as a final expression of their agreement, and is intended to
be a
complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the
parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and
therein.
(j) Registrable
Shares Held by the Company or its Affiliates.
Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of
Registrable Shares is required hereunder, Registrable Shares held by the Company
or its Affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent
or
approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.
(k) Adjustment
for Stock Splits, etc.
Wherever
in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of shares or
liquidated damages payable with respect to any Registrable Shares, then upon
the
occurrence of any subdivision, combination, or stock dividend of such shares,
the specific number of shares or amount of liquidated damages payable with
respect to any Registrable Shares so referenced in this Agreement shall
automatically be proportionally adjusted to reflect the effect on the
outstanding shares of such class or series of stock by such subdivision,
combination, or stock dividend.
(l) Survival.
This
Agreement is intended to survive the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Purchase/Placement Agreement. The indemnification and
contribution obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement shall survive
the termination of the Company's obligations under Section 2 of this
Agreement.
(m) Attorneys’
Fees.
In any
action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or
where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the prevailing
party, as determined by the court, shall be entitled to recover its reasonable
attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By:______/s/
Bentzion S. Turin_____________
Name: Bentzion
S. Turin
Title: Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
FRIEDMAN,
BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.
By:______/s/
James R. Kleebatt______________
Name: James
R.
Kleebatt
Title: Executive
Vice President
Each
of
the undersigned, Max G. Caviet and Ben Turin, hereby acknowledges and agrees
to
the provisions of Section 2(e) of the foregoing Registration Rights
Agreement.
__/s/
Max G. Caviet_______________________
Max
G.
Caviet
__/s/
Ben Turin ________________________
Ben
Turin
EXHIBIT
4.6
EXECUTION
COPY
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”)
is
made and entered into as of July 3, 2007 by and between Barry D. Zyskind,
George
Karfunkel and Michael Karfunkel (each, a “Founding Shareholder” and
collectively, the “Founding
Shareholders”)
and
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD., a Bermuda company (the “Company”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
each of the Founding Shareholders purchased from the Company 2,600,000 common
shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Common
Shares”),
pursuant to a Subscription Agreement between the Company and each of the
Founding Shareholders (the “Subscription
Agreements”);
WHEREAS,
the Company issued to each of the Founding Shareholders warrants to purchase
1,350,000 Common Shares (the “Founding
Shareholders Warrants”);
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company
(i) is consummating the issuance and sale of 50,410,101 Common Shares in a
private placement and (ii) in connection with such issuance and sale, is
entering into a Registration Rights Agreement with Friedman, Billings, Ramsey
& Co., Inc. for the benefit of, among others, the Persons (as defined below)
who purchased Common Shares in such private placement (the “Private Placement
Registration Rights Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
in consideration of the Founding Shareholders’ entry into the Subscription
Agreements, the Company has agreed to execute and deliver to the Founding
Shareholders this Agreement;
AGREEMENT
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) In
addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, as used in this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth
below:
“Affiliate”
of
any
specified Person means any other Person who directly, or indirectly through
one
or more intermediaries, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, control
of
a Person means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract,
securities ownership or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled”
have the respective meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Agreement”
means
this Registration Rights Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented
or
modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Blackout
Period”
has
the
meaning specified in Section 2(c).
“Closing
Date”
means
July 3, 2007, or such other time or such other date as the Company and the
Founding Shareholders may agree.
“Commission”
means
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Covered
Shareholder”
means
(x) each Founding Shareholder, but only in respect of Registrable
Securities owned by him and (y) any permitted transferee or assignee of
Registrable Securities who agrees to become bound by all of the terms and
provisions of this Agreement.
“Exchange
Act”
means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of the Commission thereunder, or any similar successor statute.
“Free
Writing Prospectus”
means
a
free writing prospectus (as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act) relating to Registrable Securities.
“Issuer
Free Writing Prospectus”
means
an issuer free writing prospectus (as such term is defined in Rule 433(h)
under
the Securities Act) relating to Registrable Securities.
“Participating
Covered Shareholder”
means,
with respect to any Registration Statement, each Covered Shareholder whose
Registrable Securities are included or are to be included in such Registration
Statement.
“Person”
means
any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint
stock
company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government
agency
or political subdivision thereof.
“Prospectus”
means
the prospectus (including any preliminary prospectus and/or any final prospectus
filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act and any prospectus
that
discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part
of an
effective registration statement in reliance on Rule 430A, Rule 430B or Rule
430C under the Securities Act) included in a Registration Statement, as amended
or supplemented by any prospectus supplement or any Issuer Free Writing
Prospectus (as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act) with respect
to
the terms of the offering or any portion of the Registrable Securities covered
by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements
to
such prospectus, including all material incorporated by reference in such
prospectus and all documents filed after the date of such prospectus by the
Company under the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference
therein.
“Public
Offering”
means
an offer registered with the Commission and the appropriate state securities
commissions by the Company of its Common Shares and made pursuant to the
Securities Act.
“Registrable
Securities”
means
(i) the
Common Shares purchased pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, (ii) the
Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Founding Shareholders Warrants,
and
(iii) any shares or other securities issued in respect of such Registrable
Securities by reason of or in connection with any share dividend, share
distribution, share split, purchase in any rights offering or in connection
with
any exchange for or replacement of such Registrable Securities or any
combination of shares, recapitalization, amalgamation, merger or consolidation,
any other equity securities issued in respect of Registrable Securities pursuant
to any other pro rata distribution with respect to the Common Shares;
provided,
however,
that a
Common Share shall cease to be a Registrable Security for purposes of this
Agreement when it no longer is a Restricted Security.
“Registration
Expenses”
means
any and all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this
Agreement, including, without limitation: (i) all Commission, securities
exchange, NASD registration, listing, inclusion and filing fees, (ii) all
fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with international,
federal or state securities or blue sky laws (including, without limitation,
any
registration, listing and filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements
of
counsel in connection with blue sky qualification of any of the Registrable
Securities and the preparation of a blue sky memorandum and compliance with
the
rules of the NASD), (iii) all expenses in preparing or assisting in
preparing, word processing, duplicating, printing, delivering and distributing
any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any amendments or supplements
thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements, certificates
and any other documents relating to the performance under and compliance
with
this Agreement, (iv) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
listing or inclusion of any of the Registrable Securities on any securities
exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market pursuant to Section 3(l) of this
Agreement, (v) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of
the independent public accountants of the Company (including, without
limitation, the expenses of any special audit and “cold comfort” letters
required by or incident to such performance), and (vi) any fees and
disbursements customarily paid in issues and sales of securities (including
the
fees and expenses of any experts retained by the Company in connection with
any
Registration Statement); provided,
however,
that
Registration Expenses shall exclude (x) brokers’ or underwriters’ discounts
and commissions, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable
Securities by any Covered Shareholder and (y) any fees and expenses
incurred by any underwriter, other than such fees and expenses that the Company
shall have agreed in writing with such underwriter to pay.
“Registration
Statement”
means
any registration statement of the Company, which covers any of the Registrable
Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the
Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or
Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto
and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by
reference, if any, in such registration statement.
“Restricted
Security”
means
(i) any Common Share purchased pursuant to the Subscription Agreements,
(ii) any Common Share issuable upon exercise of a Founding Shareholders
Warrant, and (iii) any shares or other securities issued in respect of such
Restricted Securities by reason of or in connection with any share dividend,
share distribution, share split, purchase in any rights offering or in
connection with any exchange for or replacement of such Restricted Securities
or
any combination of shares, recapitalization, amalgamation, merger or
consolidation, any other equity securities issued in respect of Registrable
Securities pursuant to any other pro rata distribution with respect to the
Common Shares; provided, however,
that
Restricted Security shall exclude any of the foregoing securities that
(i) has been registered pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act and sold in a manner contemplated by the prospectus
included in such registration statement, (ii) has been transferred by a
Covered Shareholder in compliance with the resale provisions of Rule 144
under
the Securities Act (or any successor provision thereto) or is transferable
by a
Covered Shareholder pursuant to paragraph (k) of Rule 144 under the Securities
Act (or any successor provision thereto), or (iii) otherwise has been
transferred by a Covered Shareholder and a new certificate representing a
Common
Share not subject to transfer restrictions under the Securities Act has been
delivered by or on behalf of the Company.
“Securities
Act”
means
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of
the
Commission thereunder, or any similar successor statute.
“Shelf
S-1 Resale Registration Statement”
means
a
shelf registration statement on Form S-1 to be filed by the Company within
90
days after the Closing Date, as contemplated by Section 2(a) of the Private
Placement Registration Rights Agreement.
“Underwritten
Offering”
means
a
sale of securities of the Company to an underwriter or underwriters for
reoffering to the public.
2. Registration.
(a)
Demand Registration Rights.
(ii) At
any
time after the Shelf S-1 Resale Registration Statement has been withdrawn
or has
ceased to be effective, or if the Shelf S-1 Resale Registration Statement
has
not been filed within 90 days after the Closing Date, if the Company shall
receive a written request from the Covered Shareholders holding a majority
of
the Registrable Securities, the Company shall (A) provide written notice to
all other Covered Shareholders of such request and extend to them the
opportunity to include their Registrable Securities in the proposed
registration, (B) in no event later than 60 days after the receipt of such
request (but subject to any applicable Blackout Periods) (the “Filing
Deadline”),
prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement under the
Securities Act on Form S-3 (or such other form as may be available for use
by
the Company) relating to the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities
by the
Covered Shareholders joining in such request, (C) promptly take all actions
that are necessary or advisable in connection with such registration, including
without limitation, providing written responses to any comments made by the
Commission regarding such Registration Statement and filing any necessary
pre-effective amendments and all necessary exhibits thereto, and (D) use
its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement
to be
declared effective by the Commission as soon as possible after the initial
filing thereof. The Company shall, subject to any applicable Blackout Periods,
use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement
effective for the period beginning on the date such Registration Statement
becomes effective (the “Effectiveness
Date”)
and
terminating on the earlier of (x) two years from the Effectiveness Date and
(y) the date upon which all Registrable Securities then held by the
Participating Covered Shareholders and included in such Registration Statement
either (i) may be resold without restriction of any kind and without need
for such Registration Statement to be effective or (ii) have been disposed
of pursuant to transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement. The
Company’s obligation to file and maintain the effectiveness of a Registration
Statement under this Section 2(a) shall terminate on the date upon which
all Registrable Securities then held by the Participating Covered Shareholders
and included in such Registration Statement either (i) may be resold
without restriction of any kind under the Securities Act and without need
for a
Registration Statement to be effective or (ii) have been disposed of
pursuant to transactions contemplated by the Registration
Statement.
(iii) If
a
registration pursuant to this Section 2(a) involves a Public Offering that
is an Underwritten Offering, the Company and each other selling security
holder
participating in such Public Offering shall agree to sell any Common Shares
to
be sold by them to the underwriters on the same terms as apply to the Common
Shares to be sold by the Participating Covered Shareholders. If the managing
underwriter thereof advises the Company and the Participating Covered
Shareholders that, in its view, the number of Common Shares that the Company
and
the Participating Covered Shareholders and other selling security holders
(if
any) intend to include in such registration exceeds the largest number of
Common
Shares that can be sold without having an adverse effect on such Public
Offering, including with respect to the price at which such shares can be
sold
(the “Maximum
Offering Size”),
the
Company shall include in such registration only that number of Common Shares
which does not exceed the Maximum Offering Size, in the following order of
priorities: (1) first, all Registrable Securities that the Participating
Covered Shareholders have requested to include therein and (2) second, the
securities proposed to be registered by the Company and by other holders
of
securities entitled to participate in the registration, drawn from them in
such
amounts as may be agreed between the Company and such other
holders.
(iv) The
Company shall be required to register the Registrable Securities not more
than
two (2) times pursuant to this Section 2(a).
(v) At
any
time before a Registration Statement requested by any Covered Shareholder
pursuant to this Section 2(a) has become effective, any Participating
Covered Shareholder may withdraw its request by written notice to the Company
and upon receipt of such notice the Company shall, at its option, either
(x) withdraw the Registration Statement (if any) that it previously filed
in connection with such request (but only if the number of Registrable
Securities withdrawn is more than half of the number of Registrable Securities
included in such Registration Statement) or (y) amend such Registration
Statement to remove any Registrable Securities included therein at the request
of the Participating Covered Shareholders seeking to withdraw their Registrable
Securities, and in either case shall be relieved of all obligations under
this
Section 2(a) with respect to such request; provided
that if
the Company elects to withdraw the Registration Statement and the Participating
Covered Shareholders reimburse the Company for all of the Company’s costs and
expenses incurred in complying with such request through the time the Company
receives notice of the Covered Shareholders’ withdrawal of such request, such
request shall not count as a request to register Registrable Securities for
purposes of Section 2(a)(iii).
(b) Piggyback
Registration Rights.
(i) If
the Company proposes to register any of its Common Shares under the Securities
Act (other than a registration on Form S-8 or S-4 or any successor or similar
forms), whether or not for sale for its own account, it shall at such time
give
prompt written notice at least 20 calendar days prior to the anticipated
filing
date of the registration statement relating to such registration to the Covered
Shareholders, which notice shall set forth such Covered Shareholders’ rights
under this Section 2(b) and shall offer the Covered Shareholders the
opportunity to include in such registration statement such number of Registrable
Securities as the Covered Shareholders may request. Upon the written request
of
any Covered Shareholder made within 15 calendar days of the notice from the
Company (which request shall specify the number of Registrable Securities
such
Covered Shareholder seeks to register), the Company shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to include in such registration all Registrable Securities
that the Company has been so requested to register by any Covered Shareholder,
to the extent requisite to permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities
to be so registered; provided,
however,
that
(A) if such registration involves an underwritten Public Offering, the
Participating Covered Shareholders must sell their Registrable Securities
to the
underwriters on the same terms and conditions as apply to the Company or
other
selling security holders, (B) if such registration does not involve an
underwritten Public Offering, the Participating Covered Shareholders must
sell
their Registrable Securities in accordance with the plan of distribution
set
forth on Exhibit
A
and
(C) if, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to
register any Common Shares pursuant to this Section 2(b) and prior to the
effective date of the Registration Statement filed in connection with such
registration, the Company shall determine for any reason not to register
such
Common Shares, the Company shall give written notice to the Participating
Covered Shareholders and, thereupon, shall be relieved of its obligation
to
register any Registrable Securities in connection with such
registration.
(ii) If
a
registration pursuant to this Section 2(b) involves an Underwritten
Offering and the managing underwriter thereof advises the Company that, in
its
view, the number of Common Shares that the Company and the Participating
Covered
Shareholders and other selling security holders (if any) intend to include
in
such registration exceeds the Maximum Offering Size, the Company shall include
in such registration only that number of Common Shares which does not exceed
the
Maximum Offering Size, in the following order of priorities: (1) first, all
securities the Company proposes to sell for its own account and all securities
that other holders of securities entitled to participate in the registration
with a priority greater than the priority of the Covered Shareholders, in
such
priority among them as is agreed among the Company and such other holders
of
securities, (2) second, the Registrable Securities of the Participating
Covered Shareholders and the securities requested to be registered by other
holders of securities entitled to participate in the registration having
a
priority equal to the priority of the Covered Shareholders, drawn from them
pro-rata based on the number of shares each has requested to be included
in such
registration and (3) third, the securities requested to be registered by
other holders of securities entitled to participate in the registration having
a
priority lower than the priority of the Covered Shareholders, drawn from
them in
such amounts as may be agreed by such holders.
(iii) If
as a
result of the proration provisions of this Section 2(b), the Participating
Covered
Shareholders are not entitled to include all Registrable Securities that
they
have requested to include in such registration, any Participating Covered
Shareholder may elect to withdraw its request to include any Registrable
Securities in such registration.
(iv) If
any
Participating Covered Shareholder decides not to include all of its Registrable
Securities in any Registration Statement filed by the Company but before
such
Registration Statement becomes effective, such Participating Covered Shareholder
shall nevertheless continue to have the right under this Section 2(b) to
include any Registrable Securities then held by it in any subsequent
Registration Statement as may be filed by the Company with respect to offerings
of its Common Shares.
(v) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligations under this
Section 2(b) at any time that the Registrable Securities that the
Participating Covered Shareholders seek to include in a Registration Statement
are the subject of an effective registration statement.
(c) Blackout
Period.
(i) Subject
to the provisions of this Section 2(c) and a good faith determination by a
majority of the independent members of the Board of Directors of the Company
that it is in the best interests of the Company to suspend the use of the
Registration Statement, following the effectiveness of a Registration Statement
(and the filings with any foreign, federal or state securities commissions),
the
Company, by written notice to managing underwriter (if any) and the
Participating Covered Shareholders, may direct the Participating Covered
Shareholders to suspend sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a
Registration Statement for such times as the Company reasonably may determine
is
necessary and advisable (but in no event for more than (x) an aggregate of
ninety (90) days in any rolling twelve (12)-month period commencing on the
Closing Date or (y) more than sixty (60) days in any rolling 90-day
period), if any of the following events shall occur: (1) the representative
of the underwriters of an Underwritten Offering of primary shares by the
Company
has advised the Company that the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant
to the
Registration Statement would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
primary offering; (2) the majority of the independent members of the Board
of Directors of the Company shall have determined in good faith that
(A) the offer or sale of any Registrable Securities would materially
impede, delay or interfere with any proposed financing, offer or sale of
securities, acquisition, amalgamation, merger, tender offer, business
combination, corporate reorganization or other significant transaction involving
the Company or (B) after the advice of counsel, the sale of Registrable
Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement would require disclosure
of
non-public material information not otherwise required to be disclosed under
applicable law, and (C) (x) the Company has a bona fide business
purpose for preserving the confidentiality of the proposed transaction,
(y) disclosure would have a material adverse effect on the Company or the
Company’s ability to consummate the proposed transaction, or (z) the
proposed transaction renders the Company unable to comply with Commission
requirements, in each case under circumstances that would make it impractical
or
inadvisable to cause the Registration Statement (or such filings) to become
effective or to promptly amend or supplement the Registration Statement on
a
post-effective basis, as applicable; or (3) the majority of the independent
members of the Board of Directors of the Company shall have determined in
good
faith, after the advice of counsel, that the Company is required by law,
rule or
regulation or that it is in the best interests of the Company to supplement
the
Registration Statement or file a post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement in order to incorporate information into the Registration Statement
for the purpose of (A) including in the Registration Statement any
prospectus required under Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(B) reflecting in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement any
facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement
(or of the most recent post-effective amendment) that, individually or in
the
aggregate, represents a fundamental change in the information set forth therein;
or (C) including in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not disclosed
in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information.
Any
period in which the use of the Registration Statement has been suspended
in
accordance with this Section 2(c) is sometimes referred to herein as a
“Blackout
Period.”
Upon
the occurrence of any such suspension, the Company shall use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective or to promptly
amend or supplement the Registration Statement on a post-effective basis
or to
take such action as is necessary to make resumed use of the Registration
Statement compatible with the Company’s best interests, as applicable, so as to
permit the Participating Covered Shareholders to resume sales of the Registrable
Securities as soon as possible.
(ii) In
the
case of an event that causes the Company to suspend the use of a Registration
Statement (a “Suspension
Event”),
the
Company shall give written notice (a “Suspension
Notice”)
to the
managing underwriter (if any) and the Participating Covered Shareholders
to
suspend sales of the Registrable Securities and such notice shall state
generally the basis for the notice and that such suspension shall continue
only
for so long as the Suspension Event or its effect is continuing (but in no
event
longer than the periods specified in Section 2(c)(i)) and that the Company
is using all reasonable efforts and taking all reasonable steps to terminate
suspension of the use of the Registration Statement as promptly as possible.
Such Participating Covered Shareholders shall not effect any sales of their
Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement (or such filings)
at any time after they have received a Suspension Notice from the Company
and
prior to receipt of an End of Suspension Notice (as defined below). If so
directed by the Company, such Participating Covered Shareholders shall deliver
to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies (other than permanent
file copies) then in such Participating Covered Shareholders’ possession of the
Prospectus covering the Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of
the
Suspension Notice. Such Participating Covered Shareholders may recommence
effecting sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration
Statement (or such filings) following further notice to such effect (an
“End
of
Suspension Notice”)
from
the Company, which End of Suspension Notice shall be given by the Company
to
such Participating Covered Shareholders and the managing underwriter in the
manner described above promptly following the conclusion of any Suspension
Event
and its effect.
(iii) Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, if the Company shall give a Suspension
Notice pursuant to this Section 2(c), the Company agrees that it shall
extend the period of time during which the applicable Registration Statement
shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of
days
during the period from the date of receipt by such Participating Covered
Shareholders of the Suspension Notice to and including the date of receipt
by
such Participating Covered Shareholders of the End of Suspension Notice and
copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus necessary to resume
sales.
3. Obligations
of the Company.
In
connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities, the Company
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to:
(a) (i)
Prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement, within the
relevant time period specified in Section 2, on the appropriate form under
the Securities Act (as shall be selected by the Company), which Registration
Statement (1) shall be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities
by the Participating Covered Shareholders, (2) shall comply as to form in
all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include
or incorporate by reference all financial statements required by the Commission
to be filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein, and (3) shall
comply in all respects with the requirements of Regulation S-T under the
Securities Act, and (ii) cause such Registration Statement to become effective
and remain effective in accordance with Section 2 of this
Agreement.
(b) Prepare
and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments
to
each Registration Statement as may be necessary under applicable law to keep
such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period; and cause
each
Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement or Issuer
Free Writing Prospectus, and cause the Prospectus as so supplemented or any
such
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to be filed pursuant
to Rule
424 or Rule 433, respectively (or any similar provision then in force) under
the
Securities Act and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to it with
respect to the disposition of all securities covered by each Registration
Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method
or
methods of distribution by the Participating Covered Shareholders thereof
(including sales by any broker-dealer);
(c) Not
prepare, use or file any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus with respect to
Registrable Securities unless such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus has been
approved by the Participating Covered Shareholders holding a majority of
the
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld);
(d) During
such time as a Registration Statement is effective or such shorter period
that
will terminate when all the Registrable Securities included therein have
been
sold (the “Registration
Period”),
comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the Registrable
Securities covered by the Registration Statement;
(e) (i)
Prior
to the filing with the Commission of any Registration Statement (including
any
amendments thereto) and the distribution or delivery of any Prospectus
(including any supplements thereto) or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, provide
draft copies thereof (including a copy of the accountant’s consent letter to be
included in the filing) to the Participating Covered Shareholders and reflect
in
such documents all such comments relating to such Participating Covered
Shareholders and the plan of the distribution of the Registrable Securities
as
such Participating Covered Shareholders reasonably may propose; and
(ii) Furnish
to the Participating Covered Shareholders, without charge, (A) promptly
after the same is prepared and publicly distributed, filed with the Commission
or received by the Company, one copy of the Registration Statement, each
Prospectus, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and each amendment or supplement
to any of the foregoing and (B) such number of copies of each Prospectus,
each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto
and such other documents as such Covered Shareholders may reasonably request
in
order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable
Securities owned by them;
(f) (i)
Register or qualify, or obtain exemption from registration or qualification
for,
the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such
securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any Participating Covered
Shareholder shall reasonably request in writing;
(ii) Prepare
and file in such jurisdictions such amendments (including post-effective
amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may
be
necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof at all times during the
Registration Period;
(iii) Take
all
such other lawful actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations
and
qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period;
and
(iv) Take
all
such other lawful actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the
Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions;
provided,
however,
that
the Company shall not be required in connection with any of its obligations
under this Section 3(f) (A) to qualify to do business in any
jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for
this
Section 3(f), (B) to subject itself to general taxation in any such
jurisdiction or (C) to file a general consent to service of process in any
such jurisdiction;
(g) Use
its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered
by
such Registration Statement to be registered and approved by such other
governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the
Participating Covered Shareholders to consummate the disposition of such
Registrable Securities; provided, however,
that the
Company shall not be required (A) to qualify to do business in any
jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for
this
Section 3(f), (B) to subject itself to general taxation in any such
jurisdiction or (C) to file a general consent to service of process in any
such jurisdiction;
(h) As
promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event, notify the
Participating Covered Shareholders of the occurrence of any event, as a result
of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in
effect,
or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, taken as a whole with the Prospectus,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
and
promptly prepare an amendment to a Registration Statement and supplement
to the
Prospectus to correct such untrue statement or omission, and deliver a number
of
copies of such supplement and amendment to such Covered Shareholders as such
Covered Shareholders may reasonably request;
(i) Notify
each Participating Covered Shareholder promptly and, if requested by any
Participating Covered Shareholder, confirm such advice in writing (i) when
a Registration Statement has become effective and when any post-effective
amendments and supplements thereto become effective, (ii) of the issuance
by the Commission or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any
proceedings for that purpose, (iii) of any request by the Commission or any
other federal, state or foreign governmental authority for amendments or
supplements to a Registration Statement or related Prospectus or for additional
information, (iv) of the happening of any event during the period a
Registration Statement is effective as a result of which such Registration
Statement or the related Prospectus or any document incorporated by reference
therein contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state
any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made) not misleading (which information shall be accompanied
by
an instruction to suspend the use of the Prospectus until the requisite changes
have been made) and (v) at the request of any Participating Covered
Shareholder, promptly to furnish to such Participating Covered Shareholder
a
reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such
Prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchaser
of such securities, such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement
of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading;
(j) Make
every reasonable effort to avoid the issuance of, or if issued, to obtain
the
withdrawal of, any order enjoining or suspending the use or effectiveness
of a
Registration Statement or suspending of the qualification (or exemption from
qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any
jurisdiction, as promptly as practicable;
(k) Except
as
provided in Section 2(c), upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by
Section 3(i)(iv), use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly
prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement
or
the related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference
or file
any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers
of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(l) Use
its
commercially reasonable efforts (including, without limitation, seeking to
cure
any deficiencies cited by the exchange or market in the Company's listing
or
inclusion application) to cause all the Registrable Securities covered by
a
Registration Statement to be listed on a principal national securities exchange,
or included in an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national
securities association, on or in which securities of the same class or series
issued by the Company are then listed or included;
(m) Enter
into and perform customary agreements (including in the case of an Underwritten
Offering, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all other
action
in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the distribution
of
the Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement and, in
the
case of an Underwritten Offering, make representations and warranties to
the
Participating Covered Shareholders covered by such Registration Statement
and to
the underwriters in such form and scope as are customarily made by issuers
to
underwriters in underwritten offerings and confirm the same to the extent
customary if and when requested;
(n) Provide
and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar, which may be a
single
entity, for the Registrable Securities not later than the effective date
of the
first Registration Statement;
(o) Cooperate
with the Participating Covered Shareholders to facilitate the timely preparation
and delivery of certificates for the Registrable Securities to be offered
pursuant to a Registration Statement and enable such certificates for the
Registrable Securities to be in such denominations or amounts, as the case
may
be, as such Participating Covered Shareholders reasonably may request and
registered in such names as such Participating Covered Shareholders may request;
and, within three business days after a Registration Statement which includes
Registrable Securities is declared effective by the Commission, deliver to
the
transfer agent for the Registrable Securities (with copies to such Participating
Covered Shareholders) an appropriate instruction and, to the extent necessary,
cause legal counsel selected by the Company to deliver an opinion of such
counsel to such transfer agent;
(p) Take
all
such other lawful actions reasonably necessary to expedite and facilitate
the
disposition by such Participating Covered Shareholders of their Registrable
Securities in accordance with the intended methods therefor provided in the
Prospectus which are customary under the circumstances, including without
limitation, by making senior management available to participate in road
shows
and meeting with potential investors as such Participating Covered Shareholders
shall reasonably request.
4. Obligations
of the Covered Shareholders.
In
connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities, the
Participating Covered Shareholders shall have the following
obligations:
(a) It
shall
be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to complete the
registration pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Registrable
Securities that the Participating Covered Shareholders shall furnish to the
Company such information regarding themselves, the Registrable Securities
held
by them and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities
held by them as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of
such
Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with
such
registration as the Company may reasonably request. At least ten business
days
prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement, the
Company shall notify such Participating Covered Shareholders and their counsel,
whether in-house or otherwise (“Counsel”)
of the
information relating to such Covered Shareholders and the Registrable Securities
the Company requires from such Participating Covered Shareholders in order
to
prepare and file a Registration Statement that complies with the Securities
Act
(the “Requested
Information”).
If
four business days prior to the anticipated filing date the Company has not
received the Requested Information from such Participating Covered Shareholders
or their Counsel, then the Company shall send such Participating Covered
Shareholders and their Counsel a reminder of such information request. If
two
business days prior to the anticipated filing date the Company still has
not
received the Requested Information from any such Participating Covered
Shareholder or its Counsel, then the Company may file the Registration Statement
without including Registrable Securities of such Participating Covered
Shareholder. However, promptly upon receipt of the Requested Information,
and at
such Participating Covered Shareholder’s expense, the Company shall file such
amendment(s) to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to include
therein the Registrable Securities of such Participating Covered
Shareholder.
(b) Each
Covered Shareholder agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with
the
preparation and filing of such Registration Statement hereunder, unless such
Covered Shareholder has notified the Company in writing of its election in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement to exclude all
of its
Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
(c) The
Covered Shareholders shall not prepare or use any Free Writing Prospectus
(as
such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) unless any and
all
issuer information included therein has been approved by the Company (such
approval not be unreasonably withheld).
(d) As
promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event, each Participating
Covered Shareholder shall notify the Company of the occurrence of any event,
as
a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as
then
in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state
a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(e) Upon
receipt of any notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event of
the
kind described in Section 3(g) or 3(h), the Participating Covered
Shareholders shall immediately discontinue their disposition of Registrable
Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement covering such Registrable
Securities until the Participating Covered Shareholders’ receipt of the copies
of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(g) and,
if so directed by the Company, the Participating Covered Shareholders shall
deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) or destroy (and deliver
to the Company a certificate of destruction) all copies (other than permanent
file copies) in their possession of the Prospectus covering such Registrable
Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.
5. Expenses
of Registration.
All
Registration Expenses shall be paid by the Company. The Participating Covered
Shareholders selling Registrable Securities shall pay the underwriting discount
attributable to their Registrable Securities, any transfer taxes payable
with
respect thereto and all fees and expenses, including fees and expenses of
such
Participating Covered Shareholders’ counsel, incurred by the Participating
Covered Shareholders.
6. Indemnification
and Contribution.
(a) The
Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (i) the Covered Shareholders,
(ii) each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange
Act), any such Person described in clause (i) (any of the Persons referred
to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a “Controlling
Person”),
and
(iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees,
representatives and agents of any such Person or any Controlling Person (any
Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred
to as a “Purchaser
Indemnitee”),
to
the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
judgments, actions, out-of-pocket expenses, and other liabilities (the
“Liabilities”),
including without limitation and as incurred, reimbursement of all reasonable
costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any claim or action,
or
any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced
or
threatened, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to any
Purchaser Indemnitee, joint or several, directly or indirectly related to,
based
upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement
or
Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished
to
such Purchaser Indemnitee any amendments or supplements thereto), or any
preliminary Prospectus or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus taken as a whole
with
the preliminary Prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state
therein
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, except insofar as such Liabilities arise out of or are based
upon (i) any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating
to
any Purchaser Indemnitee furnished to the Company or any underwriter in writing
by such Purchaser Indemnitee expressly for use therein, or (ii) any untrue
statement contained in or omission from or alleged untrue statement contained
in
or alleged omission from a preliminary Prospectus if a copy of the preliminary
Prospectus (as then amended or supplemented, if the Company shall have furnished
or made available to or on behalf of the applicable Participating Covered
Shareholders any amendments or supplements thereto) was not sent or given
by or
on behalf of the applicable Participating Covered Shareholder to the Person
asserting any such Liabilities who purchased the Registrable Securities,
if such
preliminary Prospectus (or preliminary Prospectus as amended or supplemented)
is
furnished or made available to the Participating Covered Shareholders prior
to
the time of sale of such Common Shares to such Person and the untrue statement
contained in or omission from or alleged untrue statement contained in or
alleged omission from such preliminary Prospectus was corrected in the
preliminary Prospectus, as amended or supplemented. The Company shall notify
the
Covered Shareholders promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of
any
claim, proceeding (including any governmental investigation), or litigation
of
which it shall have become aware in connection with the matters addressed
by
this Agreement which involves the Company or a Purchaser Indemnitee. The
indemnity provided for herein shall remain in full force and effect regardless
of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Purchaser
Indemnitee.
(b) Indemnification
by the Covered Shareholders.
In
connection with any Registration Statement that includes Registrable Securities
of a Participating Covered Shareholder, each Participating Covered Shareholder
agrees, severally and not jointly, to indenmify and hold harmless the Company,
each Person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and the respective
partners, directors, officers, members, representatives, employees and agents
of
such Person or Controlling Person to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity
from the Company to each Purchaser Indemnitee, but only with reference to
untrue
statements or omissions or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in
reliance upon and in strict conformity with information relating to such
Participating Covered Shareholder furnished to the Company in writing by
such
Participating Covered Shareholder expressly for use in any Registration
Statement or Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto or any preliminary
Prospectus or Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. The liability of any Participating
Covered Shareholder pursuant to this paragraph shall in no event exceed the
net
proceeds received by such Participating Covered Shareholder from sales of
Registrable Securities giving rise to such obligations.
(c) Notice
of Claims, etc.
If any
suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory
investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any
Person
in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to paragraph (a) or
(b) above, such Person (the “Indemnified
Party”),
shall
promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the
“Indemnifying
Party”)
in
writing of the commencement thereof (but the failure to so notify an
Indemnifying Party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have
under this Section 6, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is
materially prejudiced by the failure to give notice), and the Indemnifying
Party, upon request of the Indemnified Party, shall retain counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party
and any
others the Indemnifying Party may reasonably designate in such action, suit,
proceeding, claim or demand and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses
actually incurred by such counsel related to such proceeding. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in any such proceeding, any Indemnified Party shall have the
right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall
be at the expense of such Indemnified Party, unless (i) the Indemnifying
Party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed in writing to
the
contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Party failed within a reasonable time after
notice of commencement of the action to assume the defense and employ counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, or (iii) the named
parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both
such
Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, or any Affiliate of the
Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been reasonably
advised by counsel that either (x) there may be one or more legal defenses
available to it which are different from or additional to those available
to the
Indemnifying Party or such Affiliate of the Indemnifying Party or (y) a
conflict may exist between such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party
or
such Affiliate of the Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying
Party
shall not have the right to assume nor direct the defense of such action
on
behalf of such Indemnified Party, it being understood, however, that the
Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate
but substantially similar or related actions arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more
than
one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel), for all
such
Indemnified Parties, and any such separate firm for the Indemnifying Party,
the
directors, the officers and such control Persons of the Indemnified Party
as
shall be designated in writing by the Indemnifying Party). The Indemnifying
Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without
its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but
if
settled with such consent or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff,
the
Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Party from and against
any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No Indemnifying
Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party,
effect
any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which
any
Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have
been
sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such settlement includes
an
unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims
that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
(d) Contribution.
If the
indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
Section 6 is for any reason held to be unavailable to an Indemnified Party
in respect of any Liabilities referred to therein (other than by reason of
the
exceptions provided therein) or is insufficient to hold harmless a party
indemnified thereunder, then each Indemnifying Party under such paragraphs,
in
lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party thereunder, shall contribute
to the
amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Liabilities
(i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
of the Indemnified Party on the one hand and the Indemnifying Party(ies)
on the
other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such
Liabilities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is
not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect
not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the
relative fault of the Indenmifying Party(ies) and the Indemnified Party,
as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the
Company on the one hand and any Purchaser Indemnitees on the other shall
be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to
state
a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by such
Purchaser Indemnitees and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
omission.
(e) The
parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant
to this Section 6 were determined by pro
rata
allocation (even if such Indemnified Parties were treated as one entity for
such
purpose), or by any other method of allocation that does not take account
of the
equitable considerations referred to in Section 6(d) above. The amount paid
or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of any Liabilities referred
to in
Section 6(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set
forth above, any reasonable legal or other expenses actually incurred by
such
Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such
action
or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6, in no event
shall a Purchaser Indemnitee be required to contribute any amount in excess
of
the amount by which proceeds received by such Purchaser Indemnitee from sales
of
Registrable Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Purchaser
Indemnitee has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. For purposes of
this
Section 6, each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) any
Covered Shareholder shall have the same rights to contribution as the Covered
Shareholders and each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) the
Company, and each officer, director, partner, employee, representative, agent
or
manager of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the
Company. Any party entitled to contribution shall, promptly after receipt
of
notice of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party
in
respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party
or
parties, notify each party or parties from whom contribution may be sought,
but
the omission to so notify such party or parties shall not relieve the party
or
parties from whom contribution may be sought from any obligation it or they
may
have under this Section 6 or otherwise, except to the extent that any party
is materially prejudiced by the failure to give notice. No Person guilty
of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was
not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(f) The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 6 shall be
in addition to any liability which the Indemnifying Parties may otherwise
have
to the Indemnified Parties referred to above. The Covered Shareholders’
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 6
are
several in proportion to the respective number of Common Shares sold by each
of
the Covered Shareholders hereunder and not joint.
7. Assignment.
The
rights to have the Company register Registrable Securities pursuant to this
Agreement may be assigned or transferred only with the prior written consent
of
the Company, and any such assignment or transfer without such consent shall
be
void and of no effect. In the event of any such permitted assignment or transfer
by any Covered Shareholder to any permitted transferee of all or any portion
of
such Registrable Securities such transfer shall be allowed only if: (a) the
Covered Shareholder agrees in writing with the transferee or assignee to
assign
such rights and a copy of such agreement is furnished to the Company within
a
reasonable time after such assignment, (b) the Company is, within a
reasonable time after such transfer or assignment, furnished with written
notice
of (i) the name and address of such transferee or assignee and
(ii) the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration
rights are being transferred or assigned, (c) immediately following such
transfer or assignment, the Registrable Securities so transferred or assigned
to
the transferee or assignee constitute Restricted Securities, (d) at or
before the time the Company received the written notice contemplated by
clause (b) of this sentence the transferee or assignee agrees in writing
with the Company to be bound by all of the provisions contained herein, and
(e) the Company is furnished with an opinion of counsel, which counsel and
opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that
the
permitted assignment would be in compliance with the Securities Act and any
applicable state or other securities laws.
8. Amendment
and Waiver.
The
provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence,
may not
be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures
from the provisions hereof may not be given, without the written consent
of the
Company and Covered Holders beneficially owning not less than a majority
of the
then outstanding Registrable Securities; provided, however,
that for
purposes of this Section 8, Registrable Securities that are owned, directly
or indirectly, by the Company shall not be deemed to be outstanding. No
amendment shall be deemed effective if by its terms it expressly discriminates
against any Covered Shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver
or
consent to or departure from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter
that
relates exclusively to the rights of a Covered Shareholder whose securities
are
being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly
or
indirectly affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Covered
Shareholders may be given by such Covered Shareholder; provided
that the
provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified or supplemented
except
in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding
sentence.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Holders
of Registrable Securities.
A
Person shall be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever
such
Person owns of record such Registrable Securities. If the Company receives
conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two or more Persons with
respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the
basis
of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of
such
Registrable Securities.
(b) Notices.
Except
as may be otherwise provided herein, any notice or other communication or
delivery required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered personally or sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, by a nationally
recognized overnight courier service or by facsimile as follows, and shall
be
deemed given when actually received.
If
to the
Company, to:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attention:
Ben Turin
Fax:
(441) 292-5796
With
a
copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP
125
West
55th
Street
New
York,
New York 10019
Attention:
Matthew M. Ricciardi, Esq.
Fax:
(212) 649-9483
If
to any
Covered Shareholder, to it at the address set forth below its name on the
signature page of this Agreement or, in the case of a Covered Shareholder
who
becomes such as a result of an assignment in accordance with Section 7,
on the
instrument by which such Person agrees to be bound by the provisions contained
herein.
The
Company or any Covered Shareholder may, by notice given pursuant to this
Section 9(b), change the address for notices to it.
(c) Implied
Waivers.
Failure
of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise,
or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate
as a
waiver thereof.
(d) Remedies;
Specific Performance.
The
remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any
remedies provided by law. In the event of a breach by the Company of any
of its
obligations under this Agreement, each Covered Shareholder, in addition to
being
entitled to exercise all rights provided herein, or granted by law, including
recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights
under this Agreement. Subject to Section 6, the Company agrees that
monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred
by
reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby
further agree that, in the event of any action for specific performance in
respect of such breach, it shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would
be
adequate.
(e) Governing
Law.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN
THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH
OF THE
PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE
COURT
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK IN RESPECT
OF
ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,
AND
IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY
AND
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES
HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO
UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING
OF
THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
AND
ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT
HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
(f) Severability.
If any
term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court
of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the
remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth
herein
shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired
or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use good faith efforts to find
and
employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same
result
as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It
is
hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they
would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions
without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal,
void or unenforceable.
(g) Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto with
respect
to the subject matter hereof. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties
or
undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings among the parties hereto
with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
(h) Persons
Bound.
Subject
to the requirements of Section 7 hereof, this Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the
parties
hereto.
(i) Registrable
Shares Held by the Company or its Affiliates.
Whenever the consent or approval of Covered Shareholders holding a specified
percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, Registrable
Securities held directly or indirectly by the Company shall not be counted
in
determining whether such consent or approval was given by Covered Shareholders
holding such required percentage.
(j) Adjustment
for Stock Splits, etc.
Wherever
in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of shares or
liquidated damages payable with respect to any Registrable Securities, then
upon
the occurrence of any subdivision, combination, or stock dividend of such
shares, the specific number of shares or amount of liquidated damages payable
with respect to any Registrable Securities so referenced in this Agreement
shall
automatically be proportionally adjusted to reflect the effect on the
outstanding shares of such class or series of stock by such subdivision,
combination, or stock dividend.
(k) Survival.
The
indemnification and contribution obligations under Section 6 of this
Agreement shall survive the termination of the Company's obligations under
Section 2 of this Agreement.
(l) Interpretation.
All
pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter,
singular or plural, as the context may require. The headings in this Agreement
are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect
the meaning thereof.
(m) Further
Assurances.
From
and after the date of this Agreement, upon the request of the Covered
Shareholders or the Company, the Company and the Covered Shareholders shall
execute and deliver such instruments, documents or other writings as may
be
reasonably necessary or desirable to confirm and carry out and to effectuate
fully the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
(n) Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be an
original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were
upon
the same instrument. Signatures delivered by facsimile shall be deemed to
be
original signatures.
[Signature
Page Follows]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
date
first above written.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
a
Bermuda
company
By: /s/
Ben
Turin
Name: Ben
Turin
Title: Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Secretary
THE
FOUNDING SHAREHOLDERS
By: /s/
George Karfunkel
Name: George
Karfunkel
Address
for notices:
AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc.
59
Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor
New
York,
NY 10038
By: /s/
Michael Karfunkel
Name: Michael
Karfunkel
Address
for notices:
AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc.
59
Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor
New
York,
NY 10038
By: /s/
Barry
D. Zyskind
Name: Barry
D.
Zyskind
Address
for
notices: AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc.
59
Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor
New
York,
NY 10038
Exhibit
A
Plan
of Distribution
The
selling shareholder and any of its donees, transferees, pledgees, assignees
and
successors-in-interest may sell, from time to time, any or all of their common
shares on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares
are
traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated
prices. The selling shareholder may use any one or more of the following
methods
when selling shares:
· ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits
purchasers;
· block
trades in which the broker-dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares
as
agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to
facilitate the transaction;
· purchases
by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its
account;
· over-the-counter
distribution in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock
Market;
· privately
negotiated transactions;
· short
sales;
· broker-dealers
may agree with the selling shareholder to sell a specified number of such
shares
at a stipulated price per share;
· a
combination of any such methods of sale; and
· any
other
method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
Under
applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as
amended (the “Securities Exchange Act”), any person engaged in a distribution of
the common shares covered by this prospectus may be limited in its ability
to
engage in market activities with respect to such shares. The selling
shareholder, for example, will be subject to applicable provisions of the
Securities Exchange Act and the rules and regulations under it, including,
without limitation, Regulation M, which provisions may restrict certain
activities of the selling shareholder and limit the timing of purchases and
sales of any common shares by the selling shareholder. Furthermore, under
Regulation M, persons engaged in a distribution of securities are prohibited
from simultaneously engaging in market making and certain other activities
with
respect to such securities for a specified period of time prior to the
commencement of such distributions, subject to specified exceptions or
exemptions. The foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares offered
by
this prospectus.
To
the
extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time
to
time to describe a specific plan of distribution.
In
connection with distributions of the shares or otherwise, the selling
shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other
financial institutions. In connection with such transactions, broker-dealers
or
other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our common shares
in
the course of hedging the positions they assume with selling shareholders.
The
selling shareholders may also sell our securities short and redeliver the
shares
to close out such short positions. The selling shareholders may also enter
into
option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions
that require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution
of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares the broker-dealer or other
financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented
or
amended to reflect such transaction.
The
selling shareholder may also engage in short sales against the box, puts
and
calls and other transactions in our securities or derivatives of our securities
and may sell or deliver shares in connection with these trades. The selling
shareholder may pledge its shares to its brokers under the margin provisions
of
customer agreements. If the selling shareholder defaults on a margin loan,
the
broker may offer and sell, from time to time, the pledged shares.
The
selling shareholder may sell shares directly to market makers acting as
principals and/or broker-dealers acting as agents for itself or its customers.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling shareholder may arrange for other
broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions,
concessions or discounts from the selling shareholder (or, if any broker-dealer
acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts
to be
negotiated. The selling shareholder does not expect these commissions and
discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
Market makers and block purchasers that purchase the shares will do so for
their
own account and at their own risk. It is possible that a selling shareholder
will attempt to sell shares in block transactions to market makers or other
purchasers at a price per share that may be below the then-current market
price.
We cannot make assurances that all or any of the common shares will be issued
to, or sold by, the selling shareholder.
In
addition, any shares that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may be sold
under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.
The
selling shareholder and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in
selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the
Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions
received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of
the
shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act.
In
certain states, the applicable state securities laws will require a holder
of
shares desiring to sell its shares to sell its shares only through registered
or
licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states the shares may
not
be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable
state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement
is
available and is complied with.
We
are
required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the
shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders against certain
losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
In
addition, we will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling
shareholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act. The selling shareholders may indemnify any broker-dealer
that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against
certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities
Act.
At
the
time a particular offer of shares is made, if required, a prospectus supplement
will be distributed that will set forth the number of shares being offered
and
the terms of the offering, including the name of any underwriter, dealer
or
agent, the purchase price paid by any underwriter, any discount, commission
and
other item constituting compensation, any discount, commission or concession
allowed or reallowed or paid to any dealer, and the proposed selling price
to
the public.
EXHIBIT
10.1
EXECUTION
COPY
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
dated as
of July 3, 2007 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Maiden Holdings, Ltd.,
7
Reid Street, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda, a Bermuda company (the "Company") and
Max
G. Caviet, an individual residing at Ashford House 56 Tilt Road Cobham Surrey
KT11 3HQ ("Executive").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS,
the
Company and Executive each desire to enter into this Employment Agreement (the
"Agreement") in order to set forth the terms and conditions of Executive's
employment during the period in which the Company establishes itself (the
"Transition Period"), intending to supersede any prior employment agreement,
written or oral, whether with the Company or other affiliates with regard to
this Transition Period employment with the Company.
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
1. Duties
and Responsibilities.
It
is the
intention of the Company that Executive serve as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, at the pleasure of the board of directors of the Company
(the "Board of Directors"). The
duties, responsibilities and authorities of Executive shall be those which
are
customary for presidents of corporations of the size, type and nature of the
Company including, without limitation, authority, in conjunction with the Board
of Directors as appropriate, to hire and terminate other employees of the
Company. Executive's principal place of work will be in Hamilton, Bermuda,
but
he shall be required to travel as reasonably necessary to carry out his duties.
Executive
shall continue to also be employed by AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
("AmTrust") during the Employment Period (as defined in Clause 2), however,
Executive will transition his duties to the Company during the Employment Period
and Executive agrees to devote his best efforts to promote and develop the
business of the Company. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Executive shall be entitled to serve
on corporate, civic, and/or charitable boards or committees and to otherwise
reasonably participate as a member in community, civic, or similar organizations
and the pursuit of personal investments which do not present any material
conflicts of interest with the Company.
During
the Employment Period, the Company shall use its best efforts to secure the
election of Executive to the Board of Directors. During the Employment Period,
if the Board of Directors forms an executive or similar committee, Executive
shall serve thereon. If
elected or appointed, Executive shall serve on the Board of Directors and/or
the
board of directors of the Company's affiliates without additional
compensation.
2. Employment
Period.
For the
Transition Period, commencing on the Effective Date hereof and ending December
31, 2007 (the "Employment Period"), subject always to Clause 5, the Company
hereby employs Executive in the capacities herein set forth. Executive agrees,
pursuant to the terms hereof, to serve in such capacities for the Employment
Period. If Executive has not entered into a successive employment agreement
with
the Company by the expiration of the Employment Period, Executive's
employment with the Company will terminate as of the expiration of the
Employment Period.
3. Compensation
and Benefits.
(a) Salary.
The Company shall compensate Executive for a portion of Executive’s £250,000 per
annum salary with AmTrust (such portion referred to herein as "Salary") based
on
the proportionate amount of time that Executive devotes to Company matters
during the Employment Period.
(b) Profit
Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to receive a profit bonus in an amount equal
to no less than 20% of Salary, to reflect the Executive's individual
contribution to the Company's profits for the fiscal year, as determined in
the
sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Profit Bonus, if any, shall
be
paid on the date following the date that the Company's completed consolidated
financial statements for the 2007 calendar year are issued, but in no event
later than June 30, 2008.
(c) Special
Bonus. It is understood and agreed that the Company intends to adopt a 2007
Share Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Executive shall be granted options to
purchase under the Plan 300,000 shares of the Company's common shares, subject
to the terms and conditions of the Plan and respective award agreement. Such
share options will be incentive share options within the meaning of Section
422
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to the extent
permitted by law. Twenty-five percent of the options will become exercisable
on
the first anniversary of the date that the options are granted, with an
additional 6.25% of the options vesting each quarter thereafter based on
Executive's continued employment, and will expire ten years after the date
of
grant, provided, however, that notwithstanding such vesting schedule, 250,000
of
the options shall be forfeited upon the expiration of the Employment Period
in
the event Executive does not enter into a successive employment agreement with
the Company by the expiration of the Employment Period.
(d) Executive
shall also be entitled to the following benefits:
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(i)
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two
and one-half (2 ½) weeks of paid vacation for the Employment Period, or
such greater period as may be approved from time to time by Board
of
Directors to be taken at times mutually convenient to Executive
and the
Company. Compensation shall not be provided in lieu of unused vacation
time;
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(ii)
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paid
holidays and any and all other work-related leave (whether sick
leave or
otherwise) as provided to the Company's other executive employees;
and
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(iii)
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Executive
will participate in such benefit schemes to which executive employees
of
the Company, their dependents and beneficiaries generally are entitled
during the Employment Period, including, without limitation, private
medical, permanent health insurance, life assurance, retirement
and other
present or successor plans and practices of Company for which executive
employees, their dependents and beneficiaries are
eligible.
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4. Reimbursement
of Expenses.
The
Company recognizes that Executive, in performing Executive's functions, duties
and responsibilities under this Agreement, may be required to spend sums of
money in connection with those functions, duties and responsibilities for the
benefit of the Company and, accordingly, shall reimburse Executive for travel
and other out-of-pocket expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in the
performance of his functions, duties and responsibilities hereunder upon
submission of written statements and/or bills in accordance with the regular
procedures of the Company in effect from time to time.
5. Termination
By Company for Cause.
The
Company may discharge Executive for Cause at any time. Cause shall include
(i) a
material breach of this Agreement by Executive, but only if such material breach
is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice by the Company
to
Executive of such breach, assuming such breach may be cured; (ii) Executive
is
convicted of any act or course of conduct involving moral turpitude; or (iii)
Executive engages in any willful act or willful course of conduct constituting
an abuse of office or authority which significantly and adversely affects the
business or reputation of the Company. No act, failure to act or course of
conduct on Executive's part shall be considered willful unless done, or omitted
to be done, by him not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his
action, omission or course of conduct was in the Company's best interests.
Any
written notice by the Company to Executive pursuant to this Clause 5 shall
set
forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to constitute
the Cause. If Executive is discharged for Cause, the Company, without any
limitations on any remedies it may have at law or equity, shall have no
liability for Salary or any other compensation and benefits to Executive after
the date of such discharge.
6. Non-Disclosure
of Confidential Information.
"Confidential Information" means all information known by Executive about the
Company's business plans, present or prospective customers, vendors, products,
processes, services or activities, including the costing and pricing of such
services or activities, employees, agents and representatives. Confidential
Information does not include information generally known, other than through
breach of a confidentiality agreement with the Company, in the industry in
which
the Company engages or may engage. Executive will not, while this Agreement
is
in effect or after its termination, directly or indirectly, use or disclose
any
Confidential Information, except in the performance of Executive's duties for
the Company, or to other persons as directed by the Board of Directors.
Executive will use reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure
of Confidential Information. Upon termination of employment with the Company,
Executive will deliver to the Company all writings relating to or containing
Confidential Information, including, without limitation, notes, memoranda,
letters, electronic data, drawings, diagrams, and printouts, as well as any
tapes, discs, flash drives or other forms of recorded information. If Executive
violates any provision of this Clause 6 while this Agreement is in effect or
after termination, the Company specifically reserve the right, in appropriate
circumstances, to seek full indemnification from Executive should the Company
suffer any monetary damages or incur any legal liability to any person as a
result of the disclosure or use of Confidential Information by Executive in
violation of this Clause 6.
7. Restrictive
Covenant.
(a) Prohibited
Activities.
Executive agrees that he shall not (unless he has received the prior written
consent of the Company), during the Employment Period and the period beginning
on the date of termination of employment and ending three (3) years thereafter
(together, the "Restriction Period"), directly or indirectly, for any reason,
for his own account or on behalf of or together with any other person or
firm:
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(i)
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hire
or solicit for employment or call on, directly or indirectly, through
any
person or firm, any senior employee who is at that time (or at any
time
during the one year prior thereto) employed by or representing the
Company
or its affiliates with the purpose or intent of attracting that senior
employee from the employ or representation of the Company or its
affiliates;
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(ii)
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call
on, solicit or perform services for, directly or indirectly through
any
person or firm, any person or firm that at that time is, or at any
time
within the one year prior to that time was, a customer of the Company
or
its affiliates with whom Executive had dealings, for the purpose
of
soliciting or selling any product or service in competition with
the
Company or its affiliates; or
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(iii)
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call
on, directly or indirectly through any person or firm, any entity
which
has been called on by the Company or an affiliate in connection with
a
possible acquisition by the Company or an affiliate with the knowledge
of
that entity's status as such an acquisition candidate, for the purpose
of
acquiring that entity or arranging the acquisition of that entity
by any
person or firm other than the Company or the
affiliate.
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(b) Damages.
Because
of (i) the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result
of
any breach by Executive of the covenants in Clause 7(a), and (ii) the immediate
and irreparable damage which could be caused to the Company for which they
would
have no other adequate remedy, Executive agrees that the Company may enforce
the
provisions of Clause 7(a) by injunction and restraining order against Executive
if he breaches any of said provisions, without the necessity of providing a
bond
or other security.
(c) Reasonable
Restraint.
The
parties hereto agree that Clauses 7(a) and 7(b) impose a reasonable restraint
on
Executive in light of the activities and business of the Company on the date
hereof and the current business plans of the Company.
8. Ownership
of Inventions.
Executive shall promptly disclose in writing to the Board of Directors all
inventions, discoveries, and improvements conceived, devised, created, or
developed by Executive in connection with his employment (collectively,
"Invention"), and Executive shall transfer and assign to the Company all right,
title and interest in and to any such Invention, including any and all domestic
and foreign patent rights, domestic and foreign copyright rights therein, and
any renewal thereof. Such disclosure is to be made promptly after the conception
of each Invention, and each Invention is to become and remain the property
of
the Company, whether or not patent or copyright applications are filed thereon
by the Company. Upon request of the Company, Executive shall execute from time
to time during or after the termination of employment such further instruments
including, without limitation, applications for patents and copyrights and
assignments thereof as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the Company
to
effectuate the provisions of this Clause 8.
9. Construction.
If the
provisions of Clause 7 should be deemed unenforceable, invalid, or overbroad
in
whole or in part for any reason, then any court of competent jurisdiction
designated in accordance with Clause 11 is hereby authorized, requested, and
instructed to reform such Clause 7 to provide for the maximum competitive
restraint upon Executive's activities (in time, product, geographic area and
customer or employee solicitation) which shall then be legal and
valid.
10. Damages
and Jurisdiction.
Executive agrees that violation of or threatened violation of Clauses 6, 7
or 8
would cause irreparable injury to the Company for which any remedy at law would
be inadequate, and the Company shall be entitled in any court of law or equity
of competent jurisdiction to preliminary, permanent and other injunctive relief
against any breach or threatened breach of the provisions contained in Clauses
6, 7 or 8 hereof, without providing bond or other security, and such
compensatory damages as shall be awarded. Further, in the event of a violation
of the provisions of Clause 7, the Restriction Period referred to therein shall
be extended for a period of time equal to the period that any violation
occurred.
11. Jurisdiction
and Venue.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
Bermuda, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
The Company and Executive hereby each consents to the exclusive jurisdiction
of
the Bermuda courts with respect to any dispute arising under the terms of this
Agreement and further consents that any process or notice of motion therewith
may be served by certified or registered mail or personal service, within or
without Bermuda, provided a reasonable time for appearance is allowed. Each
party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this
Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore
each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such party
may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or
indirectly arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach,
termination or validity of this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement. The parties further agree that any judgment, order or injunction
granted by any court within Bermuda shall be enforceable in any jurisdiction
in
which the Company or its affiliates do business.
12. Indemnification.
To the
fullest extent permitted by, and subject to, the Company's Certificates of
Incorporation and By-laws, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless
Executive against any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
attorney's fees) incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with any
threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding in which he is or becomes
a
party by virtue of his employment by the Company or any affiliates or by reason
of his having served as an officer or director of the Company or any other
corporation at the express request of the Company, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity.
13. Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable,
that determination will not affect the enforceability of any other provision
of
this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will be valid
and
enforceable according to their terms.
14.
Withholding.
Any
payments provided for herein shall be reduced by any amounts required to be
withheld by the Company from time to time under any applicable employment or
income tax laws or similar statutes or other provisions of law then in
effect.
15. Successors
to Company.
Except
as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to
the benefit of Executive and Executive's personal representatives, and the
Company and any successor or assign of the Company, including, without
limitation, any corporation acquiring, directly or indirectly, all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, whether by merger,
consolidation, sale or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed
embraced within the term "Company" for the purposes of this Agreement), but
shall not otherwise be assignable by the Company. The services to be provided
by
Executive hereunder may not be delegated nor may Executive assign any of his
rights hereunder.
16. No
Restrictions.
Executive represents and warrants that as of the Effective Date of this
Agreement, Executive will not be subject to any contractual obligations or
other
restrictions, including, but not limited to, any covenant not to compete, that
could interfere in any way with his employment hereunder.
17. Personal
Data.
Executive
acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall process certain personal data
regarding him outside of the European Economic Area in connection with personnel
administration and Company management.
18. Collective
Agreements.
There
are
no collective agreements that directly affect the terms and conditions of
Executive's employment.
19. Miscellaneous.
(a) This
Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect
to
the subject hereof and may be modified only in writing.
(b) If
Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him under this
Agreement if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise
provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to
Executive's estate or legal representative.
(c) The
failure of any of the parties hereto to enforce any provision hereof on any
occasion shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any provision or succeeding
breach of such provision or any other provision.
(d) All
notices under this Agreement shall be given by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, directed to parties at the following addresses or
to
such other addresses as the parties may designate in writing:
If
to the
Company:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attention:
Bentzion S. Turin
If
to
Executive:
Max
G.
Caviet
Ashford
House
56
Tilt
Road
Cobham
Surrey KT11 3HQ
(e) In
furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, this Agreement supersedes
any employment agreement between Executive and Maiden Holdings, Ltd., written
or
oral, and any such agreement hereby is terminated and is no longer binding
on
either party.
20. Key
Man Insurance Authorization.
At any
time during the term of this Agreement, the Company will have the right (but
not
the obligation) to insure the life of Executive for the sole benefit of the
Company and to determine the amount of insurance and type of policy. The Company
will be required to pay all premiums due on such policies. Executive will
cooperate with the Company in taking out the insurance by submitting to physical
examination, by supplying all information required by the insurance company,
and
by executing all necessary documents. Executive, however, will incur no
financial obligation by executing any required document, and will have no
interest in any such policy.
21. Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be
deemed to be duplicate originals.
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD. |
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By:
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/s/ Bentzion
S. Turin
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/s/ Max
G. Caviet |
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Bentzion S. Turin
Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and
Assistant
Secretary
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EXHIBIT
10.2
EXECUTION
COPY
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
dated as
of July 3, 2007 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Maiden Holdings, Ltd.,
7
Reid Street, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda, a Bermuda company (the "Company")
and
Bentzion S. Turin, an individual residing at 10 West 87th Street, Apartment 1B, New York, New York, 10024 ("Executive").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS,
the
Company and Executive each desire to enter into this Employment Agreement (the
"Agreement") in order to set forth the terms and conditions of Executive's
employment during the period in which the Company establishes itself (the
"Transition Period"), intending to supersede any prior employment agreement,
written or oral, whether with the Company or other affiliates with regard to
this Transition Period employment with the Company.
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
1. Duties
and Responsibilities. It
is the
intention of the Company that Executive shall serve as Chief Operating Officer,
General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, at the pleasure of the board
of
directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors"), reporting on a day-to-day
basis directly to the President and
Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Executive shall have such duties and
responsibilities, consistent with his title and position, as may be
assigned to him by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Executive's
principal place of work will be in Hamilton, Bermuda, but he shall be required
to travel as reasonably necessary to carry out his duties.
Executive
recognizes that, during the period of his employment hereunder, he owes an
undivided duty of loyalty to the Company and agrees to devote all of his
business time and attention to the performance of his duties and
responsibilities and to use his best efforts to promote and develop the business
of the Company. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, which shall
not be unreasonably withheld, Executive shall be entitled to serve on corporate,
civic, and/or charitable boards or committees and to otherwise reasonably
participate as a member in community, civic, or similar organizations and the
pursuit of personal investments which do not present any material conflicts
of
interest with the Company. If elected or appointed, Executive shall serve on
the
Board of Directors and/or the board of directors of the Company's affiliates
without additional compensation.
2. Employment
Period.
For the
Transition Period, commencing on the Effective Date hereof and ending December
31, 2007 (the "Employment Period"), subject always to Clause 5, the Company
hereby employs Executive in the capacities herein set forth. Executive agrees,
pursuant to the terms hereof, to serve in such capacities for the Employment
Period. If Executive has not entered into a successive employment agreement
with
the Company by the expiration of the Employment Period, this Agreement will
automatically renew on such date one time for an additional Employment Period
which will expire on June 30, 2008. If Executive has not entered into a
successive employment agreement by the expiration of this second Employment
Period, Executive will be treated as an at-will employee of the
Company.
3. Compensation
and Benefits.
(a) Salary.
The Company shall pay or cause an affiliate to pay Executive a salary at the
rate of $275,000 per annum during the Employment Period, payable in accordance
with the Company's normal payroll process (and such amount paid by the Company
shall be referred to herein as "Salary").
(b) Profit
Bonus. Executive
shall be eligible to receive a profit bonus in an amount equal to no less than
20% of Salary, to reflect the Executive's individual contribution to the
Company's profits for the fiscal year, as determined in the sole discretion
of
the Board of Directors. The Profit Bonus, if any, shall be paid on the date
following the date that the Company's completed consolidated financial
statements for the 2007 calendar year are issued, but in no event later than
June 30, 2008.
(c) Special
Bonus. It
is
understood and agreed that the Company intends to adopt a 2007 Share Incentive
Plan (the "Plan"). Executive shall be granted
options
to purchase under the Plan 75,000 shares of the Company's common shares, subject
to the terms and conditions of the Plan and respective award agreement.
Such
share options will be incentive share options within the meaning of Section
422
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to the extent
permitted by law. Twenty-five percent of the options will become exercisable
on
the first anniversary of the date that the options are granted, with an
additional 6.25% of the options vesting each quarter thereafter based on
Executive's continued employment, and will expire ten years after the date
of
grant.
(d) Executive
shall also be entitled to the following benefits:
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(i)
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two
and one-half (2 ½) weeks of paid vacation for the Employment Period, or
such greater period as may be approved from time to time by Board
of
Directors to be taken at times mutually convenient to Executive and
the
Company. Compensation shall not be provided in lieu of unused vacation
time;
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(ii)
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paid
holidays and any and all other work-related leave (whether sick leave
or
otherwise) as provided to the Company's other executive employees;
and
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(iii)
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Executive
will participate in such benefit schemes to which executive employees
of
the Company, their dependents and beneficiaries generally are entitled
during the Employment Period, including, without limitation, medical,
dental, disability, life, retirement and other present or successor
plans
and practices of Company for which executive employees, their dependents
and beneficiaries are eligible.
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4. Reimbursement
of Expenses.
The
Company recognizes that Executive, in performing Executive's functions, duties
and responsibilities under this Agreement, may be required to spend sums of
money in connection with those functions, duties and responsibilities for the
benefit of the Company and, accordingly, shall reimburse Executive for travel
and other out-of-pocket expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in the
performance of his functions, duties and responsibilities hereunder upon
submission of written statements and/or bills in accordance with the regular
procedures of the Company in effect from time to time.
5. Termination
By Company for Cause.
The
Company may discharge Executive for Cause at any time. Cause shall include
(i) a
material breach of this Agreement by Executive, but only if such material breach
is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice by the Company
to
Executive of such breach, assuming such breach may be cured; (ii) Executive
is
convicted of any act or course of conduct involving moral turpitude; or (iii)
Executive engages in any willful act or willful course of conduct constituting
an abuse of office or authority which significantly and adversely affects the
business or reputation of the Company. No act, failure to act or course of
conduct on Executive's part shall be considered willful unless done, or omitted
to be done, by him not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his
action, omission or course of conduct was in the Company's best interests.
Any
written notice by the Company to Executive pursuant to this Clause 5 shall
set
forth, in reasonable detail, the facts and circumstances claimed to constitute
the Cause. If Executive is discharged for Cause, the Company, without any
limitations on any remedies it may have at law or equity, shall have no
liability for Salary or any other compensation and benefits to Executive after
the date of such discharge.
6. Non-Disclosure
of Confidential Information.
"Confidential Information" means all information known by Executive about the
Company's business plans, present or prospective customers, vendors, products,
processes, services or activities, including the costing and pricing of such
services or activities, employees, agents and representatives. Confidential
Information does not include information generally known, other than through
breach of a confidentiality agreement with the Company, in the industry in
which
the Company engages or may engage. Executive will not, while this Agreement
is
in effect or after its termination, directly or indirectly, use or disclose
any
Confidential Information, except in the performance of Executive's duties for
the Company, or to other persons as directed by the Board of Directors.
Executive will use reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure
of Confidential Information. Upon termination of employment with the Company,
Executive will deliver to the Company all writings relating to or containing
Confidential Information, including, without limitation, notes, memoranda,
letters, electronic data, drawings, diagrams, and printouts, as well as any
tapes, discs, flash drives or other forms of recorded information. If Executive
violates any provision of this Clause 6 while this Agreement is in effect or
after termination, the Company specifically reserve the right, in appropriate
circumstances, to seek full indemnification from Executive should the Company
suffer any monetary damages or incur any legal liability to any person as a
result of the disclosure or use of Confidential Information by Executive in
violation of this Clause 6.
7. Restrictive
Covenant.
(a) Prohibited
Activities.
Executive agrees that he shall not (unless he has received the prior written
consent of the Company), during the Employment Period and the period beginning
on the date of termination of employment and ending three (3) years thereafter
(together, the "Restriction Period"), directly or indirectly, for any reason,
for his own account or on behalf of or together with any other person or
firm:
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(i)
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hire
or solicit for employment or call on, directly or indirectly, through
any
person or firm, any senior employee who is at that time (or at any
time
during the one year prior thereto) employed by or representing the
Company
or its affiliates with the purpose or intent of attracting that senior
employee from the employ or representation of the Company or its
affiliates;
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(ii)
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call
on, solicit or perform services for, directly or indirectly through
any
person or firm, any person or firm that at that time is, or at any
time
within the one year prior to that time was, a customer of the Company
or
its affiliates with whom Executive had dealings, for the purpose
of
soliciting or selling any product or service in competition with
the
Company or its affiliates; or
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(iii)
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call
on, directly or indirectly through any person or firm, any entity
which
has been called on by the Company or an affiliate in connection with
a
possible acquisition by the Company or an affiliate with the knowledge
of
that entity's status as such an acquisition candidate, for the purpose
of
acquiring that entity or arranging the acquisition of that entity
by any
person or firm other than the Company or the
affiliate.
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(b) Damages.
Because
of (i) the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result
of
any breach by Executive of the covenants in Clause 7(a), and (ii) the immediate
and irreparable damage which could be caused to the Company for which they
would
have no other adequate remedy, Executive agrees that the Company may enforce
the
provisions of Clause 7(a) by injunction and restraining order against Executive
if he breaches any of said provisions, without the necessity of providing a
bond
or other security.
(c) Reasonable
Restraint.
The
parties hereto agree that Clauses 7(a) and 7(b) impose a reasonable restraint
on
Executive in light of the activities and business of the Company on the date
hereof and the current business plans of the Company.
8. Ownership
of Inventions.
Executive shall promptly disclose in writing to the Board of Directors all
inventions, discoveries, and improvements conceived, devised, created, or
developed by Executive in connection with his employment (collectively,
"Invention"), and Executive shall transfer and assign to the Company all right,
title and interest in and to any such Invention, including any and all domestic
and foreign patent rights, domestic and foreign copyright rights therein, and
any renewal thereof. Such disclosure is to be made promptly after the conception
of each Invention, and each Invention is to become and remain the property
of
the Company, whether or not patent or copyright applications are filed thereon
by the Company. Upon request of the Company, Executive shall execute from time
to time during or after the termination of employment such further instruments
including, without limitation, applications for patents and copyrights and
assignments thereof as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the Company
to
effectuate the provisions of this Clause 8.
9. Construction.
If the
provisions of Clause 7 should be deemed unenforceable, invalid, or overbroad
in
whole or in part for any reason, then any court of competent jurisdiction
designated in accordance with Clause 11 is hereby authorized, requested, and
instructed to reform such Clause 7 to provide for the maximum competitive
restraint upon Executive's activities (in time, product, geographic area and
customer or employee solicitation) which shall then be legal and
valid.
10. Damages
and Jurisdiction.
Executive agrees that violation of or threatened violation of Clauses 6, 7
or 8
would cause irreparable injury to the Company for which any remedy at law would
be inadequate, and the Company shall be entitled in any court of law or equity
of competent jurisdiction to preliminary, permanent and other injunctive relief
against any breach or threatened breach of the provisions contained in Clauses
6, 7 or 8 hereof, without providing bond or other security, and such
compensatory damages as shall be awarded. Further, in the event of a violation
of the provisions of Clause 7, the Restriction Period referred to therein shall
be extended for a period of time equal to the period that any violation
occurred.
11. Jurisdiction
and Venue.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
Bermuda, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
The Company and Executive hereby each consents to the exclusive jurisdiction
of
the Bermuda courts with respect to any dispute arising under the terms of this
Agreement and further consents that any process or notice of motion therewith
may be served by certified or registered mail or personal service, within or
without Bermuda, provided a reasonable time for appearance is allowed. Each
party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this
Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore
each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such party
may have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or
indirectly arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach,
termination or validity of this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement. The parties further agree that any judgment, order or injunction
granted by any court within Bermuda shall be enforceable in any jurisdiction
in
which the Company or its affiliates do business.
12. Indemnification.
To the
fullest extent permitted by, and subject to, the Company's Certificates of
Incorporation and By-laws, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless
Executive against any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
attorney's fees) incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with any
threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding in which he is or becomes
a
party by virtue of his employment by the Company or any affiliates or by reason
of his having served as an officer or director of the Company or any other
corporation at the express request of the Company, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity.
13. Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable,
that determination will not affect the enforceability of any other provision
of
this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will be valid
and
enforceable according to their terms.
14.
Withholding.
Any
payments provided for herein shall be reduced by any amounts required to be
withheld by the Company from time to time under any applicable Federal, State
or
local or non-U.S. employment or income tax laws or similar statutes or other
provisions of law then in effect.
15. Successors
to Company.
Except
as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to
the benefit of Executive and Executive's personal representatives, and the
Company and any successor or assign of the Company, including, without
limitation, any corporation acquiring, directly or indirectly, all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, whether by merger,
consolidation, sale or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed
embraced within the term "Company" for the purposes of this Agreement), but
shall not otherwise be assignable by the Company. The services to be provided
by
Executive hereunder may not be delegated nor may Executive assign any of his
rights hereunder.
16. No
Restrictions.
Executive represents and warrants that as of the Effective Date of this
Agreement, Executive will not be subject to any contractual obligations or
other
restrictions, including, but not limited to, any covenant not to compete, that
could interfere in any way with his employment hereunder.
17. Miscellaneous.
(a) This
Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect
to
the subject hereof and may be modified only in writing.
(b) If
Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to him under this
Agreement if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise
provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
to
Executive's estate or legal representative.
(c) The
failure of any of the parties hereto to enforce any provision hereof on any
occasion shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any provision or succeeding
breach of such provision or any other provision.
(d) All
notices under this Agreement shall be given by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, directed to parties at the following addresses or
to
such other addresses as the parties may designate in writing:
If
to the
Company:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attention:
Secretary
If
to
Executive:
Bentzion
S. Turin
10
West
87th St., Apt. 1B
New
York,
NY 10024
(e) In
furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, this Agreement supersedes
any employment agreement between the Company and Executive, written or oral,
and
any such agreement hereby is terminated and is no longer binding on either
party.
18. Key
Man Insurance Authorization.
At any
time during the term of this Agreement, the Company will have the right (but
not
the obligation) to insure the life of Executive for the sole benefit of the
Company and to determine the amount of insurance and type of policy. The Company
will be required to pay all premiums due on such policies. Executive will
cooperate with the Company in taking out the insurance by submitting to physical
examination, by supplying all information required by the insurance company,
and
by executing all necessary documents. Executive, however, will incur no
financial obligation by executing any required document, and will have no
interest in any such policy.
19. Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be
deemed to be duplicate originals.
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By:____/s/
Max G. Caviet ______________ ____/s/
Bentzion S. Turin_______________
Max
G.
Caviet, Bentzion
S. Turin
President,
Chief Executive Officer and
Director
EXHIBIT
10.3
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD. 2007 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Preamble.
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda company, hereby establishes the Maiden Holdings,
Ltd.
2007 Share Incentive Plan as a means whereby the Company may, through awards
of
(i) incentive share options, (ii) non-qualified share options and (iii)
restricted shares:
|
(a)
|
provide
selected officers, directors, employees and consultants with additional
incentive to promote the success of the Company’s
business;
|
|
(b)
|
encourage
such persons to remain in the service of the Company;
and
|
|
(c)
|
enable
such persons to acquire proprietary interests in the
Company.
|
2. Definitions
and Rules of Construction.
2.01 “Award”
means the grant of Options and/or Restricted Shares to a
Participant.
2.02 “Award
Date” means the date upon which an Option or Restricted Share is awarded to a
Participant under the Plan.
2.03 “Board”
or “Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the
Company.
2.04 “Cause”
shall mean any willful misconduct by the Participant which affects the business
reputation of the Company or willful failure by the Participant to perform
his
or her material responsibilities to the Company (including, without limitation,
breach by the Participant of any provision of any employment, consulting,
advisory, nondisclosure, non-competition or other similar agreement between
the
Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary). The Participant shall be
considered to have been discharged for “Cause” if the Company determines, within
30 days after the Participant’s resignation, that discharge for Cause was
warranted.
2.05 “Change
of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred on the first to occur of any of the
following:
|
(i)
|
any
“person” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than any Subsidiary or any
employee benefit plan of the Company or a Subsidiary or former Subsidiary,
is or becomes a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of shares
of the
Company representing 25% or more of the total voting power of the
Company’s then outstanding shares;
|
|
|
a
tender offer (for which a filing has been made with the SEC which
purports
to comply with the requirements of Section 14(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the corresponding SEC rules) is made for
the
shares of the Company. In case of a tender offer described in this
paragraph (ii), the “Change of Control” will be deemed to have occurred
upon the first to occur of (A) any time during the offer when the
person
(using the definition in (i) above) making the offer owns or has
accepted
for payment shares of the Company with 25% or more of the total voting
power of the Company’s outstanding shares or (B) three business days
before the offer is to terminate unless the offer is withdrawn first,
if
the person making the offer could own, by the terms of the offer
plus any
shares owned by this person, shares with 50% or more of the total
voting
power of the Company’s outstanding shares when the offer terminates;
or
|
|
(iii)
|
individuals
who were the Board’s nominees for election as directors of the Company
immediately prior to a meeting of the shareholders of the Company
involving a contest for the election of directors shall not constitute
a
majority of the Board following the
election.
|
2.06 “Code”
means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
to
time, or any successor thereto.
2.07 “Committee”
means two or more directors elected by the Board of Directors from time to
time;
provided, however, that in the absence of an election by the Board, the
Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
or if
there is no such Committee, then the Board of Directors.
2.08 "Company”
means Maiden Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda company, and any successor
thereto.
2.09 “Exchange
Act” shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it exists
now or from time to time may hereafter be amended.
2.10 “Fair
Market Value” shall be as determined in good faith by the Committee or the Board
until such time as the Ordinary Shares are quoted or listed on the NASDAQ Stock
Market System or a national securities exchange. Thereafter, Fair Market Value
shall be the closing sale price on such market for the Ordinary Shares on the
date of the Award.
2.11 “Good
Reason” shall mean any of the following:
|
(i)
|
any
significant diminution in the Participant’s title, authority, or
responsibilities from and after a Change of
Control;
|
|
(ii)
|
any
reduction in the base compensation payable to the Participant from
and
after a Change of Control; or
|
|
(iii)
|
the
relocation after a Change of Control of the Company’s place of business at
which the Participant is principally located to a location that is
greater
than 50 miles from the site immediately prior to the Change of
Control.
|
2.12 “ISO”
means an incentive share option which is intended to qualify as an incentive
stock option within the meaning of section 422 of the Code.
2.13 “NSO”
means a non-qualified share option, which is not intended to qualify as an
incentive stock option under section 422 of the Code.
2.14 “Option”
means the right of a Participant, whether granted as an ISO or an NSO, to
purchase a specified number of Ordinary Shares, subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.
2.15 “Option
Price” means the price per Ordinary Share at which an Option may be
exercised.
2.16 "Ordinary
Shares" means the $0.01 par value ordinary shares of the Company.
2.17 “Participant”
means an individual to whom an Award has been granted under the
Plan.
2.18 “Plan”
means the Maiden Holdings, Ltd. 2007 Share Incentive Plan, as set forth herein
and from time to time amended.
2.19 “Restricted
Shares” means the Ordinary Shares awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 8
of this Plan.
2.20 “Subsidiary”
means any entity during any period which the Company owns or controls more
than
50% of (i) the outstanding capital shares, or (ii) the combined voting power
of
all classes of shares.
2.21 Rules
of
Construction:
2.21.1 Governing
Law and Venue.
The
construction and operation of this Plan are governed by the laws of Bermuda
without regard to any conflicts or choice of law rules or principles that might
otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the
substantive law of another jurisdiction.
2.21.2 Undefined
Terms.
Unless
the context requires another meaning, any term not specifically defined in
this
Plan is used in the sense given to it by the Code.
2.21.3 Headings.
All
headings in this Plan are for reference only and are not to be utilized in
construing the Plan.
2.21.4 Conformity
with Section 422.
Any
ISOs issued under this Plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock options
described in section 422 of the Code, and all provisions of the Plan relating
to
ISOs shall be construed in conformity with this intention. Any NSOs issued
under
this Plan are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options described
in
section 422 of the Code, and all provisions of the Plan relating to NSOs shall
be construed in conformity with this intention.
2.21.5 Gender.
Unless
clearly inappropriate, all nouns of whatever gender refer indifferently to
persons or objects of any gender.
2.21.6 Singular
and Plural.
Unless
clearly inappropriate, singular terms refer also to the plural and vice
versa.
2.21.7 Severability.
If any
provision of this Plan is determined to be illegal or invalid for any reason,
the remaining provisions are to continue in full force and effect and to be
construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision did not exist,
unless the continuance of the Plan in such circumstances is not consistent
with
its purposes.
3. Shares
Subject to the Plan.
Subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 11 hereof, the aggregate number of Ordinary
Shares for which Awards may be issued under this Plan may not exceed 2,800,000
shares, of which only 700,000 shares may be issued as Restricted Share Awards.
Reserved shares shall be authorized but unissued shares. If any Award shall
terminate or expire, as to any number of Ordinary Shares, new Awards may
thereafter be awarded with respect to such shares. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the total number of Ordinary Shares with respect to which Awards
may
be granted to any Participant in any calendar year shall not exceed 500,000
shares (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11
hereof).
4. Administration.
The
Committee shall administer the Plan. All determinations of the Committee are
made by a majority vote of its members. The Committee’s determinations are final
and binding on all Participants. In addition to any other powers set forth
in
this Plan, the Committee has the following powers:
|
(a)
|
to
construe and interpret the Plan;
|
|
(b)
|
to
establish, amend and rescind appropriate rules and regulations relating
to
the Plan;
|
|
(c)
|
subject
to the terms of the Plan, to select the individuals who will receive
Awards, the times when they will receive them, the number of Options
and
Restricted Shares to be subject to each Award, the Option Price,
the
vesting schedule (including any performance targets to be achieved
in
connection with the vesting of any Award), the expiration date applicable
to each Award and other terms, provisions and restrictions of the
Awards
(which need not be identical) and subject to Section 16 hereof, to
amend
or modify any of the terms of outstanding
Awards;
|
|
(d)
|
to
contest on behalf of the Company or Participants, at the expense
of the
Company, any ruling or decision on any matter relating to the Plan
or to
any Awards;
|
|
(e)
|
generally,
to administer the Plan, and to take all such steps and make all such
determinations in connection with the Plan and the Awards granted
thereunder as it may deem necessary or advisable;
and
|
|
(f)
|
to
determine the form in which tax withholding under Section 14 of this
Plan
will be made (i.e.,
cash, Ordinary Shares or a combination
thereof).
|
Except
to
the extent prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of a stock
exchange, the Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities
and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part
of
its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it. Any
such allocation or delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any
time.
5. Eligible
Participants.
Present
and future directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company or
any
Subsidiary shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. The Committee from
time
to time shall select those officers, directors and employees of the Company
and
any Subsidiary of the Company who shall be designated as Participants and shall
designate in accordance with the terms of the Plan the number, if any, of ISOs,
NSOs, and Restricted Shares or any combination thereof, to be awarded to each
Participant.
6. Terms
and Conditions of Non-Qualified Share Options.
Subject
to the terms of the Plan, the Committee, in its discretion, may award an NSO
to
any Participant. Each NSO shall be evidenced by an agreement, in such form
as is
approved by the Committee, and except as otherwise provided by the Committee
in
such agreement, each NSO shall be subject to the following express terms and
conditions, and to such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the
Plan, as the Committee may deem appropriate:
6.01 Option
Period.
Each
NSO will expire as of the earliest of:
|
(i)
|
the
date on which it is forfeited under the provisions of Section
10.1;
|
|
(ii)
|
10
years from the Award Date;
|
|
(iii)
|
in
the case of a Participant who is an employee of the Company or a
Subsidiary, three months after the Participant’s termination of employment
with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason other than for
Cause
or death or total and permanent
disability;
|
|
(iv)
|
in
the case of a Participant who is a member of the board of directors
of the
Company or a Subsidiary, but not an employee of the Company or a
Subsidiary, three months after the Participant’s retirement from such
board for any reason other than for Cause or death or total and permanent
disability or the sale, merger or consolidation, or similar extraordinary
transaction involving the Company or Subsidiary, as the case may
be;
|
|
(v)
|
immediately
upon the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company and its
Subsidiaries or service on the board of directors of the Company
or a
Subsidiary for Cause;
|
|
(vi)
|
12
months after the Participant’s death or total and permanent disability;
or
|
|
(vii)
|
any
other date specified by the Committee when the NSO is
granted.
|
6.02 Option
Price.
The
Option Price of any NSO shall be determined by the Committee at the time the
NSO
is granted, and shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
Ordinary Shares subject to the NSO on the Award Date.
6.03 Vesting.
Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the agreement evidencing
an Award, NSO Awards shall vest in accordance with Section 10.1.
6.04 Other
Option Provisions.
The
form of NSO authorized by the Plan may contain such other provisions as the
Committee may from time to time determine.
7. Terms
and Conditions of Incentive Share Options.
Subject
to the terms of the Plan, the Committee, in its discretion, may award an ISO
to
any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary. Each ISO shall be evidenced by
an
agreement, in such form as is approved by the Committee, and except as otherwise
provided by the Committee, each ISO shall be subject to the following express
terms and conditions and to such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the Plan, as the Committee may deem appropriate:
7.01 Option
Period.
Each
ISO will expire as of the earliest of:
|
(i)
|
the
date on which it is forfeited under the provisions of Section
10.1;
|
|
(ii)
|
10
years from the Award Date, except as set forth in Section 7.02
below;
|
|
(iii)
|
immediately
upon the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company and its
Subsidiaries for Cause;
|
|
(iv)
|
three
months after the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company
and its Subsidiaries for any reason other than for Cause or death
or total
and permanent disability;
|
|
(v)
|
12
months after the Participant’s death or total and permanent disability;
or
|
|
(vi)
|
any
other date (within the limits of the Code) specified by the Committee
when
the ISO is granted.
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions granting discretion to the Committee to determine
the
terms and conditions of ISOs, such terms and conditions shall meet the
requirements set forth in section 422 of the Code or any successor
thereto.
7.02 Option
Price and Expiration.
The
Option Price of any ISO shall be determined by the Committee at the time an
ISO
is granted, and shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
Ordinary Shares subject to the ISO on the Award Date; provided, however, that
if
an ISO is granted to a Participant who, immediately before the grant of the
ISO,
beneficially owns shares representing more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all classes of shares of the Company or its parent or subsidiary
corporations, the Option Price shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value
of the Ordinary Shares subject to the ISO on the Award Date and in such cases,
the exercise period specified in the Option agreement shall not exceed five
years from the Award Date.
7.03 Vesting.
Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the agreement evidencing
an Award, ISO Awards shall vest in accordance with Section 10.1.
7.04 Other
Option Provisions.
The
form of ISO authorized by the Plan may contain such other provisions as the
Committee may, from time to time, determine; provided, however, that such other
provisions may not be inconsistent with any requirements imposed on incentive
stock options under Code section 422 and the regulations
thereunder.
8. Terms
and Conditions of Restricted Share Awards.
Subject
to the terms of the Plan, the Committee, in its discretion, may award Restricted
Shares to any Participant at no additional cost to the Participant. Each
Restricted Share Award shall be evidenced by an agreement, in such form as
is
approved by the Committee, and all Ordinary Shares awarded to Participants
under
the Plan as Restricted Shares shall be subject to the following express terms
and conditions and to such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with
the
Plan, as the Committee shall deem appropriate:
|
(a)
|
Restricted
Period.
Restricted Shares awarded under this Section 8 may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered before they
vest.
|
|
(b)
|
Vesting.
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the
agreement evidencing an Award, Restricted Share Awards under this
Section
8 shall vest in accordance with Section
10.2.
|
|
(c)
|
Certificate
Legend.
Each certificate issued in respect of Restricted Shares awarded under
this
Section 8 shall be registered in the name of the Participant and
shall
bear the following (or a similar) legend until such shares have
vested:
|
“The
transferability of this certificate and the shares represented hereby are
subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) relating to
Restricted Shares contained in Section 8 of the Maiden Holdings, Ltd. 2007
Share
Incentive Plan and an Agreement entered into between the registered owner and
Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file at the
principal office of Maiden Holdings, Ltd.”
|
(d)
|
Escrow.
Any Restricted Shares issued pursuant to this Section 8 shall be
held by
the Company in escrow for the benefit of the Participant to whom
the
Restricted Shares are awarded. Upon vesting, a certificate for the
vested
shares shall be issued to the participant free of the restrictive
legend
required by Section 8(c).
|
9. Manner
of Exercise of Options.
To
exercise an Option in whole or in part, a Participant (or, after his death,
his
executor or administrator) must give written notice to the Committee on a form
acceptable to the Committee, stating the number of shares with respect to which
he intends to exercise the Option. The Company will issue the shares with
respect to which the Option is exercised upon payment in full of the Option
Price. The Committee may permit the Option Price to be paid in cash or Ordinary
Shares held by the Participant having an aggregate Fair Market Value, as
determined on the date of delivery, equal to the Option Price. The Committee
may
also permit the Option Price to be paid by any other method permitted by law,
including by delivery to the Committee from the Participant of an election
directing the Company to withhold the number of Ordinary Shares from the
Ordinary Shares otherwise due upon exercise of the Option having an aggregate
Fair Market Value on that date equal to the Option Price. If a Participant
pays
the Option Price with Ordinary Shares which were received by the Participant
upon exercise of one or more ISOs, and such Ordinary Shares have not been held
by the Participant for at least the greater of:
|
(a)
|
two
years from the date the ISOs were granted;
or
|
|
(b)
|
one
year after the transfer of the Ordinary Shares to the
Participant;
|
the
use
of the shares shall constitute a disqualifying disposition and the ISO
underlying the shares used to pay the Option Price shall no longer satisfy
all
of the requirements of Code section 422.
To
the
extent that an Option is not exercised by a Participant when it becomes
initially exercisable, it shall not expire but shall be carried forward and
shall be exercisable, on a cumulative basis, until the expiration of the
exercise period. No partial exercise may be for less than 100 full Ordinary
Shares.
Notwithstanding
any other term or provision of the Plan, no Option granted hereunder may be
exercised and no Award of Restricted Shares shall take effect, in whole or
in
part, unless at the time that the Option or Award has vested (i) the Ordinary
Shares are quoted or listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market System or other national
securities exchange, (ii) there has been a sale of in excess of twenty percent
(20%) of its outstanding shares of the Company to persons not affiliated with
the Company as the date of the adoption of the Plan, or (iii) all or
substantially all of the Company’s assets and business have been acquired by
another corporation or the Company has been merged or consolidated with another
corporation and the Company is not the surviving corporation of such
transaction.
10. Vesting.
10.1 Options.
A
Participant may not exercise an Option until it has become vested. The portion
of an Award of Options that is vested depends upon the period that has elapsed
since the Award Date. The following schedule applies to any Award of Options
under this Plan unless the Committee establishes a different vesting schedule
on
the Award Date:
Number
of Months
Since
Award Date
|
|
Vested
Percentage
|
fewer
than 12 months
|
|
0.0%
|
12
months
|
|
25.00%
|
15
months
|
|
31.25%
|
18
months
|
|
37.50%
|
21
months
|
|
43.75%
|
24
months
|
|
50.00%
|
27
months
|
|
56.25%
|
30
months
|
|
62.50%
|
33
months
|
|
68.75%
|
36
months
|
|
75.00%
|
39
months
|
|
81.25%
|
42
months
|
|
87.50%
|
45
months
|
|
93.75%
|
48
months or more
|
|
100.00%
|
Notwithstanding
the above schedule, unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth
in the agreement evidencing an Award, a Participant’s Awards shall become fully
vested if a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries or
service on the board of directors of the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated
due to: (i) retirement on or after his sixty-fifth birthday; (ii) retirement
on
or after his fifty-fifth birthday with consent of the Company; (iii) retirement
at any age on account of total and permanent disability as determined by the
Company; or (iv) death. Unless the Committee otherwise provides in the
applicable agreement evidencing an Award or Section 10.3 applies, if a
Participant’s employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary
terminates for any other reason, any Awards that are not yet vested are
immediately and automatically forfeited.
A
Participant’s employment shall not be considered to be terminated hereunder by
reason of a transfer of his employment from the Company to a Subsidiary, or
vice
versa, or a leave of absence approved by the Participant’s employer. A
Participant’s employment shall be considered to be terminated hereunder if, as a
result of a sale or other transaction, the Participant’s employer ceases to be a
Subsidiary (and the Participant’s employer is or becomes an entity that is
separate from the Company and its Subsidiaries).
10.2 Restricted
Shares.
The
Committee shall establish the vesting schedule to apply to any Award of
Restricted Shares that is not associated with an ISO or NSO granted under the
Plan to a Participant, and in the absence of such a vesting schedule, such
Award
shall vest in accordance with Section 10.1.
10.3 Effect
of “Change of Control”.
Notwithstanding Sections 10.1 and 10.2 above, if within 12 months following
a
“Change of Control” the employment of a Participant with the Company and its
Subsidiaries is terminated, the Board of Directors may vest any Award issued
to
the Participant, and in the case of an Award other than a Restricted Share
Award, such Award shall be fully exercisable for 90 days following the date
on
which the Participant’s service with the Company and its Subsidiaries is
terminated, but not beyond the date the Award would otherwise expire but for
the
Participant’s termination of employment.
11. Adjustments
to Reflect Changes in Capital Structure.
11.01 Adjustments.
If
there
is any change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the Committee
shall make any appropriate adjustments, including, but limited to, such
adjustments deemed necessary to prevent accretion, or to protect against
dilution, in the number and kind of Ordinary Shares with respect to which Awards
may be granted under this Plan (including the maximum number of Ordinary Shares
with respect to which Awards may be granted under this Plan in the aggregate
and
individually to any Participant during any calendar year as specified in Section
3) and, with respect to outstanding Awards, in the number and kind of shares
covered thereby and in the applicable Option Price.
For
the
purpose of this Section 11, a change in the corporate structure or shares
of the Company includes, without limitation, any change resulting from a
recapitalization, stock split, share dividend, consolidation, rights offering,
separation, reorganization, or liquidation (including a partial liquidation)
and
any transaction in which Ordinary Shares are changed into or exchanged for
a
different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company or another
corporation.
11.02 Cashouts.
In the
event of an extraordinary dividend or other distribution, merger,
reorganization, consolidation, combination, sale of assets, split up, exchange,
or spin off, or other extraordinary corporate transaction, the Committee may,
in
such manner and to such extent (if any) as it deems appropriate and equitable
make provision for a cash payment or for the substitution or exchange of any
or
all outstanding Awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the
holder of any or all outstanding Awards based upon the distribution or
consideration payable to holders of Ordinary Shares upon or in respect of such
event; provided, however, in each case, that with respect to any ISO, no such
adjustment may be made that would cause the Plan to violate section 422 of
the
Code (or any successor provision).
12. Nontransferability
of Awards.
ISOs
are
not transferable, voluntarily or involuntarily, other than by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order as defined by the Code. During a Participant’s lifetime, his ISOs may be
exercised only by him. All other Awards (other than an ISO) are transferable
by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order as defined in the Code. With the approval of the
Committee, a Participant may transfer an Award (other than an ISO) for no
consideration to or for the benefit of one or more Family Members of the
Participant subject to such limits as the Committee may establish, and the
transferee shall remain subject to all the terms and conditions applicable
to
the Award prior to such transfer. The transfer of an Award pursuant to this
Section 12 shall include a transfer of the right set forth in Section 16 hereof
to consent to an amendment or revision of the Plan and, in the discretion of
the
Committee, shall also include transfer of ancillary rights associated with
the
Award. For purposes of this Section 12, “Family Members” mean with respect to a
Participant, any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent,
spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law,
son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including
adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Participant’s household (other
than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50%
of
the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the
Participant) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which
these persons (or the Participant) own more than 50% of the voting
interests.
13. Rights
as Shareholder.
No
Ordinary Shares may be delivered upon the exercise of any Option until full
payment has been made. A Participant has no rights whatsoever as a shareholder
with respect to any shares covered by an Option until the date of the issuance
of a share certificate for the shares.
14. Withholding
Tax.
The
Committee may, in its discretion and subject to such rules as it may adopt,
permit or require a Participant to pay all or a portion of the federal, state
and local taxes, including FICA and Medicare withholding tax, arising in
connection with any Awards by (i) having the Company withhold Ordinary Shares
at
the minimum rate legally required, (ii) tendering back Ordinary Shares received
in connection with such Award or (iii) delivering other previously acquired
Ordinary Shares having a Fair Market Value approximately equal to the amount
to
be withheld.
15. No
Right to Employment.
Participation
in the Plan will not give any Participant a right to be retained as an employee
or director of the Company or its parent or Subsidiaries, or any right or claim
to any benefit under the Plan, unless the right or claim has specifically
accrued under the Plan.
16. Amendment
of the Plan.
The
Board, at any time and from time to time, may modify or amend the Plan in any
respect, except that without the approval of the shareholders of the Company,
the Board may not (a) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants,
(b) increase the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan
(except for permissible adjustments provided in the Plan) or (c) materially
modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan or
exercise of an Option. The termination or any modification or amendment of
the
Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, affect the Participant’s
rights under an Award previously granted to him or her. With the consent of
the
Participant affected, the Board may amend outstanding option agreements in
a
manner not inconsistent with the Plan. The Board hereby reserves the right
to
amend or modify the terms and provisions of the Plan and of any outstanding
options under the Plan to the extent necessary to qualify any or all options
under the Plan for such favorable United States federal income tax treatment
(including deferral of taxation upon exercise) as may be afforded ISO’s under
Section 422A of the Code or any successor provision of the Code.
17. Conditions
Upon Issuance of Shares.
An
Option
shall not be exercisable and a share of Ordinary Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option, and Restricted Shares shall not be
awarded until and unless the award of Restricted Shares, exercise of such Option
and the issuance and delivery of such share pursuant thereto shall comply with
all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the United States
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange or national
securities association upon which the Ordinary Shares may then be listed or
quoted, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company
with respect to such compliance.
As
a
condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the person
exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise
that the Ordinary Shares are being purchased only for investment and without
any
present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned relevant provisions of law.
18. Substitution
or Assumption of Awards by the Company.
The
Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards
granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such
other company or otherwise, by either (a) granting an Award under the Plan
in
substitution of such other company’s award, or (b) assuming such award as if it
had been granted under the Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be
applied to an Award granted under the Plan. Such substitution or assumption
shall be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would
have been eligible to be granted an Award under the Plan if the other company
had applied the rules of the Plan to such grant. In the event the Company
assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such
award shall remain unchanged (except that the exercise price and the number
and
nature of shares issuable upon exercise of any such option will be adjusted
appropriately pursuant to section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company
elects to grant a new Award rather than assuming an existing option, such new
Award may be granted with a similarly adjusted exercise price.
19. Effective
Date and Termination of Plan.
19.01 Effective
Date.
This
Plan is effective as of the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors,
subject to subsequent approval by the Company’s shareholders.
19.02 Termination
of the Plan.
Unless
sooner terminated in accordance with Section 11.02 hereof, the Plan shall
terminate upon the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of its
adoption by the Board or (ii) the date on which all shares available for
issuance under the Plan shall have been issued pursuant to the exercise or
cancellation of Options granted hereunder and/or the issuance of Restricted
Shares. If the date of termination is determined under (i) above, then Options
outstanding on such date shall continue to have force and effect in accordance
with the provisions of the instruments evidencing such Options.
EXHIBIT
10.4
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
Form
of Share Option Agreement
1. Grant
of Option.
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda Holding company (the “Company”), hereby grants to
[ ]
(the
“Participant”) an Option to purchase an aggregate of [ ]
Ordinary Shares, $.01 par value, of the Company, at a price of
$[ ]
per
share, purchasable as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions
herein. The date of grant of this Option is [ ]
(“Award
Date”). This Option has been duly granted by the Company’s Board of Directors
pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and subject to
the terms and provisions thereof. To the extent permissible under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the “Code”), or any
successor thereto, it is intended that [ ]
of the
Ordinary Shares shall be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of
Section
422 of the Code (“ISOs”) and [ ]
Ordinary Shares shall be non-qualified options (“NSOs”). Any capitalized terms
not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
2. Exercise
of Option and Provisions for Termination.
(a) Except
as
otherwise provided herein and subject to the right of cumulation provided
herein, this Option may be exercised, prior to the 10th
anniversary of the Award Date, as to not more than the following number
of
shares covered by this option during the respective periods set forth
below:
Number
of Months
From
Award Date
|
Vested
Percentage
|
Number
of
ISO
Shares
|
Number
of
NSO
Shares
|
0
up to 12
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
12
up to 15
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
15
up to 18
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
18
up to 21
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
21
up to 24
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
24
up to 27
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
27
up to 30
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
30
up to 33
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
33
up to 36
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
36
up to 39
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
39
up to 42
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
42
up to 45
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
45
up to 48
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
48
through 10th
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
[
]
|
Anniversary
of
Award
Date
|
|
|
|
(b) The
right
of exercise provided herein shall be cumulative so that if the Option
were not
exercised to the maximum extent permissible during any such period it
shall be
exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to all shares not so purchased
at
any time during any subsequent period prior to the expiration or termination
of
this Option. This Option may not be exercised at any time after the
10th
anniversary of the Award Date.
(c) Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, this Option shall be exercisable by
Participant giving written notice of exercise to the Company on a form
acceptable to the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased
and
the purchase price to be paid therefore and accompanied by payment in accordance
with Section 3 hereof. Such exercise shall be effective upon receipt by
the
Treasurer of the Company of the written notice together with the required
payment. Participant shall be entitled to purchase fewer than the number
of
shares purchasable hereunder at the date of exercise, provided that no
partial
exercise of this Option shall be for fewer than 100 shares.
(d) This
Option shall become fully vested if Participant’s employment is terminated due
to: (i) retirement on or after the Participant’s sixty-fifth birthday; (ii)
retirement on or after the Participant’s fifty-fifth birthday with the consent
of the Company; (iii) retirement at any age on account of total and permanent
disability as determined by the Company; or (iv) death.
(e) In
the
event that Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated within twelve
months of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan), the Participant
may
exercise any portion of the Option which the Board of Directors, in accordance
with the Plan, deems to be vested as of the termination date, for a period
of
ninety days following the date of such termination, but not beyond the
10th
anniversary of the Award Date.
(f) Except
as
provided in Subsections (d) and (e), this Option shall terminate immediately
if
Participant’s employment is terminated for any reason; provided,
however,
that
except in the event of termination for Cause, death or total and permanent
disability, any portion of this Option which was otherwise exercisable
on the
date of termination of such employment may be exercised within the three-month
period following the date of such termination, but in no event after the
10th
anniversary of the Award Date. Any such exercise may be made only to the
extent
of the number of shares subject to this Option, which are purchasable upon
the
date of such termination.
(g) In
the
event of death or total and permanent disability, this Option shall be
exercisable within twelve months of the date of death or such disability
by the
Participant or, if applicable, by Participant’s personal representatives, heirs
or legatees, to the same extent that Participant could have exercised this
Option on the date of death or such disability.
3. Payment
of Purchase Price.
(a) Payment
of the Option Price for shares purchased upon exercise of this Option shall
be
made by delivery to the Company of cash or check payable to the order of
the
Company in an amount equal to the Option Price of such shares or, within
the
sole discretion of the Company, any other method of payment permitted by
law,
including, but not limited to, delivery of Ordinary Shares of the Company
having
an aggregate Fair Market Value as determined on the date of delivery equal
to
the Option Price of such shares.
(b) For
purposes, hereof, the Fair Market Value of any shares of the Company’s Ordinary
Shares to be delivered to the Company in exercise of this Option shall
be
determined in accordance with the Plan.
(c) If
Participant, with the approval of the Company, elects to exercise this
Option by
delivery of Ordinary Shares of the Company, the certificate or certificates
representing the Ordinary Shares of the Company to be delivered shall be
duly
executed in blank, with signature guaranteed, by Participant or shall be
accompanied by a stock power, executed in blank suitable for purposes of
transferring such shares to the Company. Fractional Ordinary Shares of
the
Company will not be accepted in payment of the purchase price of shares
acquired
upon exercise of this Option.
(d) If
a
Participant pays the Option Price with Ordinary Shares which were received
by
the Participant upon exercise of one or more ISOs, and such Ordinary Shares
have
not been held by the Participant for at least the greater of (i) two years
from the date the ISOs were granted or (ii) one year after the transfer of
Ordinary Shares to the Participant, the use of such shares shall constitute
a
disqualifying disposition and the ISO underlying the shares used to pay
the
Option Price shall no longer satisfy all of the requirements of Section 422
of the Code.
4. Delivery
of Shares.
The
Company shall, upon payment of the Option Price for the number of shares
purchased and paid for, make prompt delivery of such shares to Participant;
provided, that if any law or regulation requires the Company to take any
action
with respect to such shares before the issuance thereof, then the date
of
delivery of such shares shall be extended for the period necessary to complete
such action. No shares shall be issued and delivered upon exercise of this
Option unless and until, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, any
applicable registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, any
applicable listing requirements of any national securities exchange on
which
shares of the same class are then listed, and any other requirements of
law or
of any regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over such issuance and delivery,
shall have been fully complied with.
5. Non-transferability
of Option.
Except
as
provided in Section 2(g) hereof or
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, this Option is personal
and no
rights granted hereunder shall be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated
in anyway (whether by operation of law or otherwise) nor shall any such
rights
be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt
to
transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this Option
or of
such rights contrary to the provisions here, or upon the levy of any attachment
or similar process upon this Option of such rights, this Option and such
rights
shall, at the election of the Company, become null and void.
6. Rights
as a Shareholder.
Participant
shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any shares which
may be
purchased upon exercise of this Option unless and until a certificate or
certificates representing such shares are duly issued and delivered to
him.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no adjustments shall be
made for
dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date
such
share certificate is issued.
7. Recapitalization.
If
there
is any change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee
(as defined in the Plan) or the Board of Directors shall make any appropriate
adjustments, including, but not limited to, such adjustments deemed necessary
to
prevent accretion, or to protect against dilution, in the number and kind
of
Ordinary Shares covered by this Option and in the applicable Option Price.
8. Extraordinary
Corporate Transaction.
In
the
event of an extraordinary dividend or other distribution, merger,
reorganization, consolidation, combination, sale of assets, split up, exchange
or spin off or other extraordinary corporate transaction, the Committee
or the
Board of Directors may, in such manner and to such extent (if any) as it
deems
appropriate and equitable make provision for a cash payment or for the
substitution or exchange of the Option or the cash, securities or property
deliverable to the Participant pursuant to the Option based upon the
distribution or consideration payable to holders of Ordinary Shares upon
or in
respect of such event; provided, however, that no such adjustment may be
made
that would cause this Option or the Plan to violate Section 422 of the
Code (or
any successor provision).
9. Investment
Representation, Etc.
(a) Participant
represents that any shares purchased upon the exercise of this Option shall
be
acquired by Participant for his own account for investment and not with
a view
to or for sale in connection with, any distribution of such shares, nor
with any
present intention of distributing or selling such shares. Participant further
represents that he has made detailed inquiry concerning the Company, that
the
officers of the Company have made available to Participant any and all
written
information which Participant has requested, that the officers of the Company
have answered to Participant’s satisfaction all inquires made by him and that he
has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that
he is
capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company’s
Ordinary Shares and able to bear the economic risk of that investment.
By making
payment upon exercise of this Option, Participant shall be deemed to have
reaffirmed, as of the date of such payment, the representations made in
this
Section 9.
(b) All
share
certificates representing Ordinary Shares issued to Participant upon exercise
of
this Option shall, at the election of the Company, have affixed thereto
a legend
substantially in the following form:
“The
ordinary shares represented by this certificate have not been registered
under
the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be transferred, sold or otherwise
disposed of in the absence of an effective registration statement with
respect
to the shares evidenced by this certificate, filed and made effective under
the
Securities Act of 1933, or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company
to
the effect that registration under such Act is not required.”
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Except
as
provided herein, this Agreement may not be amended or otherwise modified
unless
evidenced in writing and signed by the Company and Participant.
(b) All
notices under this Agreement shall be mailed or delivered by hand to the
parties
at their respective addresses set forth beneath their names below or at
such
other address as may be designated in writing by either of the parties
to one
another.
(c) Nothing
contained herein shall be deemed an undertaking by the Company to continue
Participant’s employment by the Company which may be terminated at any time at
the sole discretion of the Company, except as provided in an employment
agreement between the Company and Participant, if any.
(d) This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of
Bermuda without regard to any conflicts or choice of law rules or principles
that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement
to
the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
Dated:
[ ]
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By
PARTICIPANT’S
ACCEPTANCE
The
undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing Option and agrees to the terms
and
conditions thereof.
PARTICIPANT:
Signature
[ ]
Date
Address:
EXHIBIT
10.5
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
Form
of Share Option Agreement
1. Grant
of Option.
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda Holding company (the “Company”), hereby grants to
[ ]
(the
“Participant”) an Option to purchase an aggregate of [ ]
Ordinary Shares, $.01 par value, of the Company, at a price of
$[ ]
per
share, purchasable as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions
herein. The date of grant of this Option is [ ]
(“Award
Date”). This Option for non-qualified shares (“NSO”) has been duly granted by
the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Share Incentive
Plan (the “Plan”) and subject to the terms and provisions thereof. Any
capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in
the
Plan.
2. Exercise
of Option and Provisions for Termination.
(a) Except
as
otherwise provided herein and subject to the right of cumulation provided
herein, this Option may be exercised, prior to the 10th
anniversary of the Award Date, as to not more than the following number
of
shares covered by this option during the respective periods set forth
below:
Number
of Months
From
Award Date
|
Vested
Percentage
|
Number
of
NSO
Shares
|
0
up to 12
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
12
through 10th
|
[
]%
|
[
]
|
Anniversary
of
Award
Date
|
|
|
(b) The
right
of exercise provided herein shall be cumulative so that if the Option were
not
exercised to the maximum extent permissible during any such period it shall
be
exercisable, in whole or in part, with respect to all shares not so purchased
at
any time during any subsequent period prior to the expiration or termination
of
this Option. This Option may not be exercised at any time after the
10th
anniversary of the Award Date.
(c) Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, this Option shall be exercisable by
Participant giving written notice of exercise to the Company on a form
acceptable to the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased
and
the purchase price to be paid therefore and accompanied by payment in accordance
with Section 3 hereof. Such exercise shall be effective upon receipt by
the
Treasurer of the Company of the written notice together with the required
payment. Participant shall be entitled to purchase fewer than the number
of
shares purchasable hereunder at the date of exercise, provided that no
partial
exercise of this Option shall be for fewer than 100 shares.
(d) This
Option shall become fully vested if Participant’s service on the Board of
Directors is terminated due to: (i) retirement on or after the Participant’s
sixty-fifth birthday; (ii) retirement on or after the Participant’s fifty-fifth
birthday with the consent of the Company; (iii) retirement at any age
on account
of total and permanent disability as determined by the Company; or
(iv) death.
(e) Except
as
provided in Subsection (d), this Option shall terminate immediately if
Participant’s service on the Board of Directors is terminated for any reason;
provided,
however,
that
except in the event of termination for Cause, death, total and permanent
disability, or the sale, merger or consolidation, or similar extraordinary
transaction involving the Company, any portion of this Option which was
otherwise exercisable on the date of termination of such service may be
exercised within the three-month period following the date of such termination,
but in no event after the 10th
anniversary of the Award Date. Any such exercise may be made only to the
extent
of the number of shares subject to this Option, which are purchasable upon
the
date of such termination.
(f) In
the
event of death or total and permanent disability, this Option shall be
exercisable within twelve months of the date of death or such disability
by the
Participant or, if applicable, by Participant’s personal representatives, heirs
or legatees, to the same extent that Participant could have exercised this
Option on the date of death or such disability.
3. Payment
of Purchase Price.
(a) Payment
of the Option Price for shares purchased upon exercise of this Option shall
be
made by delivery to the Company of cash or check payable to the order of
the
Company in an amount equal to the Option Price of such shares or, within
the
sole discretion of the Company, any other method of payment permitted by
law,
including, but not limited to, delivery of Ordinary Shares of the Company
having
an aggregate Fair Market Value as determined on the date of delivery equal
to
the Option Price of such shares.
(b) For
purposes, hereof, the Fair Market Value of any shares of the Company’s Ordinary
Shares to be delivered to the Company in exercise of this Option shall
be
determined in accordance with the Plan.
(c) If
Participant, with the approval of the Company, elects to exercise this
Option by
delivery of Ordinary Shares of the Company, the certificate or certificates
representing the Ordinary Shares of the Company to be delivered shall be
duly
executed in blank, with signature guaranteed, by Participant or shall be
accompanied by a stock power, executed in blank suitable for purposes of
transferring such shares to the Company. Fractional Ordinary Shares of
the
Company will not be accepted in payment of the purchase price of shares
acquired
upon exercise of this Option.
4. Delivery
of Shares.
The
Company shall, upon payment of the Option Price for the number of shares
purchased and paid for, make prompt delivery of such shares to Participant;
provided, that if any law or regulation requires the Company to take any
action
with respect to such shares before the issuance thereof, then the date
of
delivery of such shares shall be extended for the period necessary to complete
such action. No shares shall be issued and delivered upon exercise of this
Option unless and until, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, any
applicable registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, any
applicable listing requirements of any national securities exchange on
which
shares of the same class are then listed, and any other requirements of
law or
of any regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over such issuance and delivery,
shall have been fully complied with.
5. Non-transferability
of Option.
This
Option is transferable by will or by the laws of descent and distribution
or
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. With the approval of
the
Committee (as defined in the Plan) or the Board of Directors, Participant
may
transfer the Option for no consideration to or for the benefit of one or
more
Family Members of the Participant subject to such limits as the Committee
or the
Board of Directors may establish, and the transferee shall remain subject
to all
the terms and conditions applicable to the Option prior to such transfer.
6. Rights
as a Shareholder.
Participant
shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any shares which
may be
purchased upon exercise of this Option unless and until a certificate or
certificates representing such shares are duly issued and delivered to
him.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no adjustments shall be
made for
dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date
such
share certificate is issued.
7. Recapitalization.
If
there
is any change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee
or the Board of Directors shall make any appropriate adjustments, including,
but
not limited to, such adjustments deemed necessary to prevent accretion,
or to
protect against dilution, in the number and kind of Ordinary Shares covered
by
this Option and in the applicable Option Price.
8. Extraordinary
Corporate Transaction.
In
the
event of an extraordinary dividend or other distribution, merger,
reorganization, consolidation, combination, sale of assets, split up, exchange
or spin off or other extraordinary corporate transaction, the Committee
or the
Board of Directors may, in such manner and to such extent (if any) as it
deems
appropriate and equitable make provision for a cash payment or for the
substitution or exchange of the Option or the cash, securities or property
deliverable to the Participant pursuant to the Option based upon the
distribution or consideration payable to holders of Ordinary Shares upon
or in
respect of such event; provided, however, that no such adjustment may be
made
that would cause the Plan to violate Section 422 of the United States Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor
thereto.
9. Investment
Representation, Etc.
(a) Participant
represents that any shares purchased upon the exercise of this Option shall
be
acquired by Participant for his own account for investment and not with
a view
to or for sale in connection with, any distribution of such shares, nor
with any
present intention of distributing or selling such shares. Participant further
represents that he has made detailed inquiry concerning the Company, that
the
officers of the Company have made available to Participant any and all
written
information which Participant has requested, that the officers of the Company
have answered to Participant’s satisfaction all inquires made by him and that he
has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that
he is
capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company’s
Ordinary Shares and able to bear the economic risk of that investment.
By making
payment upon exercise of this Option, Participant shall be deemed to have
reaffirmed, as of the date of such payment, the representations made in
this
Section 0.
(b) All
share
certificates representing Ordinary Shares issued to Participant upon exercise
of
this Option shall, at the election of the Company, have affixed thereto
a legend
substantially in the following form:
“The
ordinary shares represented by this certificate have not been registered
under
the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be transferred, sold or otherwise
disposed of in the absence of an effective registration statement with
respect
to the shares evidenced by this certificate, filed and made effective under
the
Securities Act of 1933, or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company
to
the effect that registration under such Act is not required.”
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Except
as
provided herein, this Agreement may not be amended or otherwise modified
unless
evidenced in writing and signed by the Company and Participant.
(b) All
notices under this Agreement shall be mailed or delivered by hand to the
parties
at their respective addresses set forth beneath their names below or at
such
other address as may be designated in writing by either of the parties
to one
another.
(c) Nothing
contained herein shall be deemed an undertaking by the Company to continue
Participant’s service on the Board of Directors.
(d) This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of
Bermuda without regard to any conflicts or choice of law rules or principles
that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Agreement
to
the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
Dated:
[ ]
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By
PARTICIPANT’S
ACCEPTANCE
The
undersigned hereby accepts the foregoing Option and agrees to the terms
and
conditions thereof.
PARTICIPANT:
Signature
[ ]
Date
Address:
EXHIBIT
10.6
EXECUTION
COPY
MASTER
AGREEMENT
This
Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this 3rd day of July, 2007 by and between
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“AmTrust”), and Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda corporation (“Maiden Holdings”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
Maiden Holdings plans to capitalize Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd., a
reinsurance company to be domiciled in Bermuda (“Maiden Insurance”) and wholly
owned by Maiden Holdings; and
WHEREAS,
AmTrust, directly or indirectly, owns Rochdale Insurance Company, a New York
corporation (“Rochdale”), Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a New Hampshire
corporation (“TIC”), Wesco Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation (“Wesco”),
AmTrust International Underwriters, Ltd., a Irish corporation (“AIU”), and IGI
Insurance Company, a United Kingdom corporation (“IGI,” together with Rochdale,
TIC, Wesco, AIU and any additional companies that write direct insurance
business as to which AmTrust acquires a majority interest that Maiden Insurance
desires to reinsure as contemplated hereby, the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”), and
intends to enter into a strategic reinsurance arrangement with Maiden Insurance;
and
WHEREAS,
when AmTrust completes its acquisition of Associated Industries Insurance
Company, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Associated”), Associated will become an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer; and
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Maiden Insurance
is entering into a quota share reinsurance agreement with AIU and IGI, pursuant
to which agreement Maiden Insurance will, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July
1,
2007 (the “Effective Time”) and subject to the licensing and capitalization of
Maiden Insurance, reinsure 40% of all ultimate net loss each of AIU and IGI
incurs as a result of losses under all of their respective workers’
compensation, general liability, commercial automobile liability, specialty
risk
and extended warranty policies and such other types of policies that Maiden
Insurance desires to reinsure pursuant to the provisions of any such quota
share
reinsurance agreement as contemplated by Article I therein; and
WHEREAS,
after the Effective Time and the licensing and capitalization of Maiden
Insurance, subject to the receipt of regulatory approval, Maiden Holdings plans
to cause Maiden Insurance to reinsure 40% of all ultimate net loss each such
AmTrust Ceding Insurer incurs as a result of losses under all of its respective
workers’ compensation, general liability, commercial automobile liability,
specialty risk and extended warranty policies (the “Covered Business”), and such
other types of policies that Maiden Insurance desires to reinsure pursuant
to
the provisions of any such quota share reinsurance agreement as contemplated
by
Article I therein, pursuant to a reinsurance quota share agreement to be entered
into by Maiden Insurance and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers; and
WHEREAS,
effective as of the Effective Time, but subject to the licensing and
capitalization of Maiden Insurance and receipt of all required U.S. state
insurance regulatory approvals, Maiden Holdings plans to cause Maiden Insurance
to reinsure 40% of all ultimate net loss each of Rochdale, TIC and Wesco incurs
as a result of losses pursuant to policies issued by those insurers that cover
the Covered Business and such other types of policies that Maiden Insurance
desires to reinsure pursuant to the provisions of the such quota share
reinsurance agreement as contemplated by Article I therein;
WHEREAS,
in connection with such reinsurance agreements, where necessary for an AmTrust
Ceding Company to receive credit for reinsurance under applicable law) each
of
AmTrust and Maiden Holdings intend to cause such AmTrust Ceding Insurers
(initially Rochdale, TIC and Wesco) and Maiden Insurance, respectively, to
enter
into reinsurance trust agreements for the purpose of providing collateral
security for the performance by Maiden Insurance of its obligation to the
AmTrust Ceding Insurers under the applicable reinsurance agreement;
and
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (i) AII
Insurance Management Ltd. and Maiden Insurance are entering into an Asset
Management Agreement pursuant to which AmTrust will provide asset management
services to Maiden Insurance, and (ii) AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. and Maiden
Insurance are entering into a Reinsurance Brokerage Agreement pursuant to which
Maiden Insurance will appoint AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. as a broker of
reinsurance and will pay it a fee in connection with reinsurance ceded to Maiden
Insurance by AmTrust’s insurance company subsidiaries; and
WHEREAS,
Maiden Holdings and AmTrust would like to establish a procedure to provide
for
the conduct of business with regard to any future opportunities presented to
both AmTrust and Maiden Holdings to insure, reinsure or acquire the same book
of
business;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements described in this
Agreement, AmTrust and Maiden Holdings agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
PURPOSE
AND OVERVIEW
1.1 Overview.
As a
result of the contemplated transactions set forth herein, whereby AmTrust is
an
intended strategic business partner with Maiden Holdings, it is intended that
Maiden Holdings will be an organization that on fair and reasonable terms (a)
can provide a stable source of reinsurance to the AmTrust Ceding Insurers,
and
(b) can have a steady source of profitable reinsurance business from the AmTrust
Ceding Insurers in its initial years as it establishes itself in the
marketplace.
1.2 Purpose
of Agreement.
The
purpose of this Agreement is to set forth duties and covenants of AmTrust and
Maiden Holdings including:
(a) Duties
and covenants of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings to each other after the Effective
Time; and
(b) Duties
and covenants of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings to each other regarding the
establishment of appropriate corporate governance principles to address
conflicts of interest and the pursuit of corporate opportunities by each in
connection with any opportunities that may be presented to both AmTrust and
its
subsidiaries and Maiden Holdings and its subsidiaries to insure, reinsure or
acquire the same book of business.
1.3 Agreements
Contemplated.
This
Agreement contemplates that, in order to effectuate the business goals set
forth
herein, (a) quota share reinsurance agreements between Maiden Insurance and
the
AmTrust Ceding Insurers, substantially in the same form as the agreements
attached hereto as Exhibit
A-1
(applying to Rochdale; TIC; Wesco, upon the closing of AmTrust’s acquisition of
Associated, Associated and potentially other AmTrust Ceding Insurers from time
to time, the “U.S. Reinsurance Agreement”) and A-2
(applying to AIU, IGI and potentially other AmTrust Ceding Insurers over time,
the “International Reinsurance Agreement”) (collectively, the “Reinsurance
Agreements”), shall be executed and delivered by the parties and (b) reinsurance
trust agreements among Rochdale, TIC and Wesco, as beneficiaries, Maiden
Insurance, as grantor, and a trustee, substantially in the same form as the
agreements attached hereto as Exhibits
B-1,
B-2
and
B-3
(the
“Reinsurance Trust Agreements”) shall be executed and delivered by the parties.
If AmTrust acquires a majority equity interest in any other insurance company
that writes direct business (an “Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer”) and such
company writes direct business of a type constituting Covered Business,
1.4 it
will
cause such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer to enter into one of the
Reinsurance Agreements (the U.S. Reinsurance Agreement if such Additional
AmTrust Ceding Insurer is organized under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory or possession of the
United States and the International Reinsurance Agreement if such Additional
AmTrust Ceding Insurer is organized under the laws of any other jurisdiction).
If the direct business written by such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer is
not
of a type constituting Covered Business, AmTrust shall cause such Additional
AmTrust Ceding Insurer to offer Maiden Insurance the opportunity to reinsure
such business pursuant to the terms of the applicable Reinsurance Agreement,
and, if Maiden accepts such offer, will cause such Additional AmTrust Ceding
Insurer to enter into one of the Reinsurance Agreements (the U.S. Reinsurance
Agreement if such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer is organized under the
laws
of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any
territory or possession of the United States and International Reinsurance
Agreement if such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer is organized under the
laws
of any other jurisdiction).
It
is
expressly understood by all parties that the parties will act with diligence
to
cause the U.S. Reinsurance Agreement to become effective as soon as practicable
after the Effective Time but that it will require submission to and approval
or
non-disapproval by all applicable U.S. state insurance regulators before it
becomes effective.
1.5 Good
Faith.
Each
party agrees that it will negotiate and act in good faith and will take all
steps reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement and
preserve the economic arrangements contemplated hereby, including modifying
the
Reinsurance Agreements and the Reinsurance Trust Agreements to the extent
required to comply with the laws, orders or directives of any insurance
regulator having jurisdiction over the parties thereto or negotiating and
entering into any other agreements that are reasonable and necessary in order
to
carry out the intent of the parties.
1.6 Term.
This
Agreement shall be effective upon the Effective Time.
ARTICLE
II
TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT
2.1 Duties
of the Parties after the Effective Time.
Maiden
Holdings shall cause Maiden Insurance to enter into the Reinsurance Agreements
and the Reinsurance Trust Agreements and AmTrust shall cause the AmTrust Ceding
Insurers to enter into the Reinsurance Agreements and each of the AmTrust Ceding
Insurers contemplated as being parties to a Reinsurance Trust Agreement to
enter
into the applicable Reinsurance Trust Agreement. If AmTrust acquires a majority
equity interest in an Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer, Maiden Holdings will
cause Maiden Insurance, and AmTrust will cause such Additional AmTrust Ceding
Insurer, to enter into(i) an amendment to the applicable Reinsurance Agreement
to provide for the inclusion of such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer and
(ii)
if a Reinsurance Trust Agreement is required for such Additional AmTrust Ceding
Insurer to be given credit for such reinsurance under applicable law, a
Reinsurance Trust Agreement in form substantially consistent with the other
Reinsurance Trust Agreements but with such modifications as shall be reasonably
necessary to comply with the laws of the jurisdiction under which such AmTrust
Ceding Company is organized.
2.2 Corporate
Governance Considerations.
Both
AmTrust and Maiden Holdings are committed to good corporate governance,
compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchange listing
requirements, adherence to the applicable governing corporate laws, and
satisfaction of state regulatory laws regarding insurance holding company
structure and related party transactions.
Both
AmTrust and Maiden Holdings recognize that because they have large shareholders
in common and because AmTrust and Maiden Holdings will initially share members
of executive management and boards of directors, activities of each that impact
the other will attract special scrutiny from interested parties and demand
special scrutiny from AmTrust’s and Maiden Holdings’ management and boards of
directors. Accordingly, each of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings shall require that
on any occasion where a business opportunity to insure, reinsure or acquire
the
same book of business is presented to both AmTrust and Maiden Holdings, each
company shall refer such opportunity to a committee of its independent directors
to decide whether that company shall pursue the opportunity. A director of
Maiden Holdings or AmTrust shall not be considered “independent” unless the
board of directors of Maiden Holdings or AmTrust, respectively, determines
that
such director is independent with respect to both Maiden Holdings and AmTrust
under the applicable standards for director independence under the rules of
the
principal stock exchange on which any securities of Maiden Holdings or AmTrust,
respectively, are listed (or, if no securities of such party are listed on
any
stock exchange, the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market).
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF AMTRUST
AmTrust
hereby represents and warrants to Maiden Holdings the following:
3.1 Organization
and Corporate Power.
AmTrust
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of the State of Delaware having all corporate power and authority necessary
to own its property and operate its businesses as now conducted. It has all
corporate power, authority and legal right necessary to execute and deliver
this
Agreement and, subject to receipt of the requisite approvals or non-disapprovals
of the U.S. Reinsurance Agreement and the Reinsurance Trust Agreements from
the
applicable insurance regulators, to
perform
and carry out the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
3.2 Authorization
and Effect.
This
Agreement and the performance of the actions provided for herein have been
duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of AmTrust.
This Agreement has been executed and delivered by duly authorized and acting
officers of AmTrust, and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery
of this Agreement by Maiden Holdings, constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of AmTrust enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to
(i)
laws relating to bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyances, reorganization,
liquidation, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditor’s rights
generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless whether enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (iii) standards of
commercial reasonableness and good faith, (iv) public policy and (v) concepts
of
comity.
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF MAIDEN HOLDINGS
Maiden
Holdings hereby represents and warrants to AmTrust the following:
4.1 Organization
and Corporate Power.
Maiden
Holdings is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Bermuda having all corporate power and authority necessary
to
own its property and operate its businesses as now conducted. It has all
corporate power, authority and legal right necessary to execute and deliver
this
Agreement and, subject to receipt of the requisite approvals or non-disapprovals
of the U.S. Reinsurance Agreement and the Reinsurance Trust Agreements from
the
applicable insurance regulators, to
perform
and carry out the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
4.2 Authorization
and Effect.
This
Agreement and the performance of the actions provided for herein have been
duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Maiden
Holdings. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by duly authorized
and
acting officers of Maiden Holdings, and assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery of this Agreement by AmTrust, constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of Maiden Holdings enforceable in accordance with its
terms, subject to (i) laws relating to bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyances,
reorganization, liquidation, moratorium and other similar laws affecting
creditor’s rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless
whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law),
(iii)
standards of commercial reasonableness and good faith, (iv) public policy and
(v) concepts of comity.
ARTICLE
V
ADDITIONAL
COVANENTS OF THE PARTIES
5.1 Regulatory
Matters.
The
parties hereto will cooperate with each other in the preparation and submission
of those filings and documents necessary to obtain the permits, consents,
approvals, non-disapprovals and authorizations of governmental bodies necessary
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. AmTrust and
Maiden Holdings will furnish the other all information concerning itself and
its
subsidiaries and such other matters and things as may be necessary, prudent
or
advisable in connection with any statement or application made by or on behalf
of AmTrust or Maiden Holdings to any governmental body in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein.
5.2 Further
Assurances.
Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, each of the parties hereto agrees to use
all
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do or
cause
to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws
and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement as expeditiously as possible. If at any time further action
is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper
officers and directors of the parties hereto shall take all such reasonably
necessary action.
ARTICLE
VI
CONDITIONS
TO THE CONSUMMATION OF TRANSACTIONS
6.1 General
Conditions.
The
obligations of the parties to complete the various transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following terms
and
conditions, except as otherwise specifically provided herein:
(a) receipt
of all necessary regulatory approvals or non-disapprovals, without material
or
substantial qualification or condition, as are required to consummate the
transaction contemplated hereby (except where the failure to obtain any such
approval would not render the transaction contemplated hereby illegal or
otherwise deprive either party of the material benefits of this Agreement or
be
materially inconsistent with the conditions set forth above), and such shall
remain in full force and effect, and all statutory waiting periods in respect
thereof shall have expired; and
(b) neither
AmTrust or any of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers, on one hand, nor Maiden Holdings
or Maiden Insurance, on the other hand, shall be subject to any order, decree
or
injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or
prohibits the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby, nor shall
there be pending a suit or proceeding by any governmental authority which seeks
injunctive or other relief in connection with the transaction contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE
VII
TERMINATION
AND AMENDMENT
7.1 Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to its expiration:
(a) by
the
written consent of AmTrust and Maiden Holdings;
(b) by
AmTrust if there shall have been any material misrepresentation in this
Agreement by Maiden Holdings or any material breach of any covenant of Maiden
Holdings hereunder and such breach shall not have been remedied within 30 days
after receipt by Maiden Holdings of notice in writing from AmTrust specifying
the nature of the breach and requesting such be remedied; and
(c) by
Maiden
Holdings if there shall have been any material misrepresentation in this
Agreement by AmTrust or any material breach of any covenant of AmTrust hereunder
and such breach shall not have been remedied within 30 days after receipt by
AmTrust of notice in writing from Maiden Holdings specifying the nature of
the
breach and requesting such be remedied;
provided
that the
provisions of Section 2.2 shall survive such termination, if, and for so long
as, (i) any member of the executive management or board of directors of AmTrust
or any person or group of persons acting in concert who beneficially owns (as
defined below) voting securities having 10% or more of the voting power of
all
outstanding voting securities of AmTrust is a member of the executive management
or board of directors of Maiden Holdings, (ii) any member of the executive
management or board of directors of Maiden Holdings or Maiden Insurance or
any
person or group of persons acting in concert who beneficially owns voting
securities having 10% or more of the voting power of all outstanding voting
securities of Maiden Holdings is a member of the executive management of
AmTrust, or (iii) any person or group of persons acting in concert beneficially
owns voting securities having 10% or more of the voting power of all outstanding
voting securities of both Maiden Holdings and AmTrust. “Beneficially owns” shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
7.2 Effect
of Termination.
In
the
event that this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 7.1 above, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void (other than this Section 7.2, and Sections
8.1, 9.1 through 9.3, and 9.5 through 9.11, hereof which shall remain in full
force and effect) and there shall be no further liability on the part of AmTrust
or Maiden Holdings. Nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall relieve any
party hereto from liability for its breach of this Agreement.
7.3 Amendment.
At any
time during the term of this Agreement, the parties hereto may amend this
Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
ARTICLE
VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification.
Each
party to this Agreement shall indemnify the other party against, and hold it
harmless from, all losses, damages, and liabilities incurred by such party
arising from any material breach of any representation or warranty made herein
or of any material failure to fulfill its obligations as set forth in this
Agreement by the party against which such indemnification is sought. All
representations and warranties and indemnification obligations made in this
Agreement shall survive the implementation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE
IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Expenses.
All
costs
and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and
expenses.
9.2 Notices.
Except
as
may be otherwise provided herein, any notice or other communication or delivery
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered
personally or sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, by a nationally
recognized overnight courier service or by facsimile as follows, and shall
be
deemed given when actually received.
(a) if
to
AmTrust:
AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc.
59
Maiden
Lane, 6th Floor
New
York,
New York 10038
Attention:
Stephen Ungar
Facsimile:
(212) 220-7130
(b) if
to
Maiden Holdings:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12 Bermuda
Attention:
Ben Turin
Facsimile:
(441) 292-5796
With
a
copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP
125
West
55th
Street
New
York,
New York 10019
Attention:
Matthew M. Ricciardi, Esq.
Facsimile:
(212) 649-9483
9.3 Parties
in Interest.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns.
9.4 Survival
of Covenants, Representations and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties contained herein shall survive throughout the
course of the transactions contemplated hereby and may be enforced by the
parties hereto. The covenants shall survive according to their individual
terms.
9.5 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be
considered one and the same agreement, and each of which shall be deemed an
original.
9.6 Headings.
The
article and section headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning
or interpretation of any provision, term or condition hereof.
9.7 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws and
decisions of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles
of
conflicts of laws thereof.
9.8 Entire
Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes
all
prior written or oral agreements relating to the transactions contemplated
hereby and is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties
any
rights or remedies hereunder.
9.9 Severability
of Invalid Provision.
If any
one
or more covenants or agreements provided in this Agreement should be contrary
to
law, then such covenant or covenants, agreement or agreements shall be null
and
void and shall in no way affect the validity of the other provisions of this
Agreement.
9.10 Assignment
of Agreement.
This
Agreement may not be assigned without the written consent of all parties to
it.
This Agreement shall insure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the
successors of each party. This Agreement shall be for the sole benefit of the
parties to this Agreement and their respective heirs, successors, assigns and
legal representatives and is not
intended, nor shall be construed, to give any person, other than the parties
hereto and their respective heirs, successors, assigns and legal
representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim
hereunder.
9.11 Waiver.
No
party
to this Agreement shall be deemed to have waived any rights or remedies under
this Agreement unless such waiver is expressly made in writing and signed by
such party. Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this
Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy,
shall not operate as a waiver thereof. No single waiver or failure to exercise
any right or remedy shall be construed as a waiver of any other right or
remedy.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have caused it to be executed
by
their respective undersigned officers, each thereunto duly
authorized.
AMTRUST
FINANCIAL
SERVICES, INC.
By:_
/s/
Stephen Ungar______________
Name: Stephen
Ungar
Title: Secretary
MAIDEN
HOLDINGS, LTD.
By:__
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin____________
Name: Bentzion
S. Turin
Title: Chief
Operating Officer,
General
Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
EXHIBIT
10.7
Execution
Copy
FIRST
AMENDMENT
TO
MASTER
AGREEMENT
THIS
FIRST AMENDMENT (this
"Amendment"), dated and effective as of September 17, 2007, to the Master
Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of July 3, 2007, by and between AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AmTrust") and Maiden
Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda corporation ("Maiden Holdings"), is made by and
between AmTrust and Maiden Holdings.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Agreement, the parties hereto wish to amend
certain provisions of the Agreement in the manner set forth in this
Amendment.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
AND USAGE
1.1
|
Definitions.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning
set
forth in the Agreement.
|
1.2
|
Headings.
The headings contained in this Amendment are for reference purposes
only
and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Amendment.
|
ARTICLE
II
AMENDMENTS
2.1
|
The
fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh Recitals of the Agreement are hereby
deleted in their entirety and replaced with the
following:
|
WHEREAS,
after the Effective Time and the licensing and capitalization of Maiden
Insurance, subject to the receipt of regulatory approval, Maiden Holdings plans
to cause Maiden Insurance to reinsure, pursuant to a Quota Share Reinsurance
Agreement between AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII") and Maiden
Insurance, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A
(the
"Reinsurance Agreement"), 40% of all ultimate net loss each such AmTrust Ceding
Insurer incurs as a result of losses under all of its respective workers’
compensation, general liability, commercial automobile liability, specialty
risk
and extended warranty policies (the “Covered Business”) to the extent reinsured
by AII pursuant to existing reinsurance agreements between the AmTrust Ceding
Insurers and AII (the "Underlying Reinsurance Agreements"), and such other
types
of policies that Maiden Insurance desires to reinsure pursuant to the provisions
of the Reinsurance Agreement as more particularly set forth in the Reinsurance
Agreement, and
2.2
|
Section
1.3 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as
follows:
|
|
1.3
|
Agreements
Contemplated.
|
(a) This
Agreement contemplates that, in order to effectuate the business goals set
forth
herein, Maiden Insurance and AII shall (i) no later than September 17, 2007
,
execute and deliver the Reinsurance Agreement and (ii) promptly following the
execution hereof negotiate in good faith and execute and deliver a loan
agreement on mutually acceptable terms and conditions between Maiden Insurance
and AII, provided that such loan agreement shall include the terms and provision
set forth in Exhibit
B
(the
"Loan Agreement").
(b) If
either
party to this Agreement determines in good faith that (i) the mix of business
represented by the Covered Business as of the end of any semi-annual period
during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement differs materially from (ii) the
mix of business represented by the Covered Business reinsured by Maiden
Insurance under the Reinsurance Agreement as of the Effective Time, then, upon
written notice by such party to the other party hereto, the parties hereto
shall
cause Maiden Insurance and AII, respectively, to promptly negotiate in good
faith appropriate adjustments to the rate of commissions payable under the
Reinsurance Agreement.
2.3
|
Section
1.4 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as
follows:
|
1.4 Representations,
Warranties and Covenants.
AmTrust
hereby represents, warrants and covenants to Maiden that:
(a) AmTrust
shall cause AII to enforce its rights and exercise its remedies under the
Underlying Reinsurance Agreements on a timely basis and in an arms-length
manner;
(b) AmTrust
shall cause AII to cede to Maiden Insurance pursuant to the Reinsurance
Agreement an amount of premium equal to forty percent (40%) of Affiliate Subject
Premium (as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement) with respect to each AmTrust
Ceding Insurer as more particularly set forth in the Reinsurance Agreement,
unless AII shall no longer be an Affiliate (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement) of AmTrust or AII shall have become insolvent, or shall have been
placed into liquidation or receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary),
or
there shall have been instituted against it proceedings for the appointment
of a
receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator, or trustee in bankruptcy
or
other agent known by whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control
of its operations (an “AII Insolvency”);
(c) Subject
to applicable law, AmTrust shall cause each AmTrust Ceding Insurer, to the
extent such AmTrust Ceding Insurer writes Covered Business, to cede to AII
not
less than forty percent (40%) of Affiliate Subject Premium in accordance with
the terms of an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement, unless AII shall no longer
be
an Affiliate of AmTrust or an AII Insolvency shall have occurred, in which
event
AmTrust shall either cause each such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, as a cedent, to
cede the Subject Premium to (i) Maiden Insurance, as reinsurer, on terms
substantially similar to the Reinsurance Agreement mutatis mutandis
or
(ii) another Affiliate of AmTrust, as a reinsurer, reasonably acceptable to
Maiden Insurance, which shall in turn retrocede such Subject Premium to Maiden
Insurance on terms substantially similar to the Reinsurance Agreement
mutatis mutandis
and
Maiden Holdings shall cause Maiden Insurance to accept such cession or
retrocession.
(d) if
an
Affiliate writes direct business that is not of a type constituting Covered
Business (including direct business that would be Covered Business, except
that
the retention of such Affiliate as to any one risk under any Policy (as defined
in the Reinsurance Agreement) shall be greater than $5,000,000) or AmTrust
directly or indirectly acquires an Affiliate after the date of this Agreement
that writes direct business of any type, AmTrust shall cause AII to offer Maiden
Insurance the opportunity to reinsure forty percent (40%) of such Affiliate's
gross written premium, less the cost of inuring reinsurance and other deductions
from premium ceded to AII, attributable to such additional business and, if
Maiden Insurance accepts such offer within thirty (30) days of such offer,
shall
cause such Affiliate to reinsure such business to AII pursuant to an Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement, which shall in turn cede such business to Maiden
Insurance pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Reinsurance
Agreement, unless AII shall no longer be an Affiliate of AmTrust or an AII
Insolvency shall have occurred, in which event AmTrust shall either cause such
Affiliate that is a direct writer, as a cedent, or another Affiliate of AmTrust,
as retrocedent, reasonably acceptable to Maiden Insurance, to make such offer
to
Maiden Insurance;
(e) AmTrust
shall cause AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers to (i) not assign any Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement (including without limitation Underlying Reinsurance
Agreements entered into after the date hereof) without the prior written consent
of Maiden Insurance, such consent to not be unreasonably withheld, (ii) not
amend or waive any provision of any Underlying Reinsurance Agreement (or, in
the
case of Underlying Reinsurance Agreements entered into after the date hereof,
agree to any such provision) that could reasonably be expected to affect the
definition of Subject Premium or Ultimate Net Loss (both as defined in the
Underlying Reinsurance Agreement) or the method of calculation of Subject
Premium or Net Ultimate Loss under the Reinsurance Agreement or terms or
provisions relating to the timing or manner of payments to Maiden Insurance
under the Reinsurance Agreement, or otherwise could reasonably be expected
to
have a material adverse affect on the financial condition of AII, without the
prior written consent of Maiden Insurance, such consent to not be unreasonably
withheld;
(f) AmTrust
shall cause AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers to deliver to Maiden Insurance
concurrent copies of all notices delivered under the Underlying Reinsurance
Agreements and under each reinsurance trust agreement among AII, an AmTrust
Ceding Insurer and a trustee;
(g) AmTrust
shall cause the AmTrust Ceding Insurers to permit Maiden Insurance to examine,
and make and retain (at Maiden Insurance's expense) copies of, their books
and
records and to make their executives reasonably available to Maiden
Insurance
(h) AmTrust
shall cause the AmTrust Ceding Insurers to timely provide to AII all information
required for AII to deliver to Maiden Insurance the information required by
Article VII of the Reinsurance Agreement;
(i) if
an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer withdraws Reinsurer Trust Assets (as defined in the
Reinsurance Agreement) from a Trust Account (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement) or draws on a Letter of Credit (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement) provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement,
AmTrust shall cause such AmTrust Ceding Insurer to take such steps as are
necessary to not commingle Reinsurer Trust Assets or drawings under such Letter
of Credit with its own assets or AII's assets, including but not limited to,
by
maintaining Maiden Insurance's assets in a separately identifiable account,
except for purpose of paying claims or other amounts due under the applicable
Underlying Reinsurance Agreement; and
(j) AmTrust
hereby represents and warrants that AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers
maintain, as of the date hereof, excess reinsurance coverage with respect to
Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits (both as
defined in the Reinsurance Agreement) pursuant to the reinsurance agreements
set
forth on Exhibit C hereto, which coverage indemnifies AII and the AmTrust Ceding
Insurers, collectively, for: 100% of $9 million excess of $1 million and 90%
of
$110 million excess of $20 million, respectively. AmTrust shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to maintain excess reinsurance providing substantially the
same protection as to Extra Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy
Limits during the term of the Reinsurance Agreement. AmTrust shall notify Maiden
Insurance in writing not less than 60 days prior to the date on which any such
excess reinsurance is terminated or amended.
2.4
|
Section
2.1of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as
follows:
|
2.1 Duties
of the Parties after the Effective Time.
If
AmTrust acquires a majority equity interest in any other insurance company
that
writes direct business (an “Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer”) and such company
writes direct business of a type constituting Covered Business, AmTrust (i)
will
cause such Additional AmTrust Additional Ceding Insurer to enter into an
Underlying Reinsurance Agreement with AII and (ii) will cause AII to reinsure
Covered Business written by such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer with Maiden
Insurance pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, unless AII shall no longer
be
an Affiliate of AmTrust or an AII Insolvency shall have occurred, in which
event
AmTrust shall either cause each such Additional AmTrust Ceding Insurer, as
cedent, to cede the Subject Premium to (x) Maiden Insurance, as reinsurer,
on
terms substantially similar to the Reinsurance Agreement mutatis mutandis
or
(y) another Affiliate of AmTrust, as reinsurer, reasonably acceptable to
Maiden Insurance, which shall in turn retrocede such Subject Premium to Maiden
Insurance on terms substantially similar to the Reinsurance Agreement
mutatis mutandis
and
Maiden Holdings shall cause Maiden Insurance to accept such cession or
retrocession.
2.5 |
Sections
1.5, 3.1 and 4.1 of the Agreement are hereby amended by replacing
references to "Reinsurance Agreements" with "Reinsurance Agreement"
and by
replacing references to "Reinsurance Trust Agreements" to "Loan
Agreement."
|
2.6
|
Section
7.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the word “and” at the
end of subsection (b) thereof, adding to the end of subsection (c)
the
word “and” and inserting as new subsection (d) following subsection (c)
the following:
|
(d) automatically
upon the termination of the Reinsurance Agreement, other than as a result of
a
Company Change of Control (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement);
2.7
|
Section
7.2 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as
follows:
|
7.2 Effect
of Termination.
In
the
event that this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 7.1 above, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void (other than this Section 7.2, and Sections
8.1, 9.1 through 9.3, 9.5 through 9.11, and Article X hereof which shall remain
in full force and effect) and there shall be no further liability on the part
of
AmTrust or Maiden Holdings. Nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall relieve
any party hereto from liability for its breach of this Agreement.
2.8
|
The
Agreement is hereby amended by adding thereto a new Article X to
read as
follows:
|
10.1 AmTrust
Guarantee.
To
induce
Maiden Insurance to enter into the Reinsurance Agreement and the Loan Agreement,
AmTrust hereby unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely guarantees to Maiden
Insurance the punctual performance and discharge of all the obligations of
AII
when due and arising under Article XXIII of the Reinsurance Agreement and under
the Loan Agreement (the "AII Agreements") at any time and of any kind or nature
whatsoever (the “Obligations”);
provided,
however,
that,
except as otherwise provided in Section 10.2, it is a condition to AmTrust's
liability under this Article X that (i) Maiden Insurance shall have provided
AII
with written notice that specifies AII’s failure to pay and/or perform the
Obligations within any applicable cure period, with a copy to AmTrust, and
(ii)
AII shall have failed to fully cure such deficient performance and/or payment
to
Maiden Insurance’s reasonable satisfaction within ten (10) business days after
AmTrust’s receipt of such notice.
The
guarantee set forth in this Article X (“Guarantee”) is a guarantee of timely
payment and performance of the Obligations by AmTrust. Maiden Insurance may
proceed directly against AmTrust, and AmTrust shall pay and/or perform the
Obligations directly to Maiden Insurance, if AII fails to so cure such
deficient performance and/or payment within
such ten (10) business day period.
10.2 Scope
of Guarantee.
AmTrust
hereby
agrees that this Guarantee is a continuing guarantee and that AmTrust’s
obligation to pay and/or perform or cause performance of the Obligations in
full
shall be unconditional, irrespective of and unaffected by (i) the absence of
any
action to enforce the same; (ii) the
rendering of any judgment against AII or any action to enforce the same; (iii)
any waiver, consent, grant of time, forbearance or other indulgence by Maiden
Insurance to or for the benefit of AII with respect to Obligations that are
not
subject to a claim by Maiden Insurance under the Guarantee; (iv) (x) AII
becoming insolvent or suspending its business; (y) AII filing a voluntary
petition or consenting to an involuntary petition purporting to be pursuant
to
any reorganization or insolvency law of any jurisdiction or making a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors or applying for or consenting to the
appointment of a receiver or trustee for a substantial part of its property
(collectively, a “Bankruptcy Event”); (v) the genuineness, validity,
regularity or enforceability of the Obligations, except to the extent that
any
lack of genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Obligations
is due to the acts or omissions of Maiden Insurance; (vi) any transaction or
series of transactions that results in a change of control of AII; and (vii)
subject to the requirement that the Obligations are then due under the AII
Agreements, any circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or
equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor or surety or any other matter
that
would release a guarantor. In the event of a Company Change of Control, if
Maiden Insurance shall not terminate the Reinsurance Agreement in accordance
with the terms and provisions of the Reinsurance Agreement, this Guarantee
shall
automatically terminate and be of no further force and effect.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Article X, in the event of a
Bankruptcy Event affecting AII, Maiden Insurance may proceed directly against
AmTrust for the payment in full of all Obligations of AII then due and payable.
Maiden Insurance shall not be required to file any claim in the event of a
Bankruptcy Event, it being understood and agreed that Maiden Insurance’s failure
so to file and any action taken by a governmental Entity in connection with
a
Bankruptcy Event shall not diminish or in any way affect AmTrust’s obligation to
Maiden Insurance under Article X or the timing, amount or recoverability of
the
Obligations under the Guarantee; provided that if Maiden Insurance shall not
so
file such a claim, it hereby grants to AmTrust a power of attorney to file
on
behalf of Maiden Insurance any such claim as shall be reasonably necessary
to
preserve any subrogation claim that AmTrust may have as a result of the
performance of its obligations hereunder. Maiden Insurance agrees to execute
any
instrument that AmTrust may reasonably request to evidence such power of
attorney. AmTrust hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment or
any
defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that AII may have or assert under
the
AII Agreements as to the Obligations.
Except
for the notice requirements under Section 10.1, which shall not be waived under
this Section 10.2, AmTrust further waives any right to require a proceeding
first against AII or any other person before proceeding against AmTrust, protest
or notice with respect to the Obligations and all demands whatsoever, and
covenants that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete payment
of the Obligations. This Guarantee shall continue to be effective
or be
reinstated (to the extent that any payment made is rescinded or must otherwise
be restored or returned by Maiden Insurance), as the case may be, if at any
time
any payment made by AII to
Maiden
Insurance is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by Maiden
Insurance in the event of a Bankruptcy Event, all as though such payment had
not
been made.
10.3 Payments.
Payment
of amounts to Maiden Insurance under the Guarantee shall be made promptly by
AmTrust on demand in writing by wire transfer in immediately available funds
to
an account or accounts designated by Maiden Insurance. AmTrust
shall reimburse Maiden Insurance on demand for all reasonable costs, expenses
and charges (including without limitation reasonable fees and charges of legal
counsel for Maiden Insurance) incurred by Maiden Insurance in connection with
the enforcement of this Guarantee.
ARTICLE
III
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1
|
Confirmation
of the Agreement.
Except as amended by this Amendment, the Agreement remains in full
force
and effect, without further modification or amendment.
|
3.2
|
Governing
Law.
This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New
York,
without regard to principles of conflict of
laws.
|
3.3
|
Counterparts.
This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, and such
counterparts together shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
|
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.
|
|
|
|
AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Steve
Ungar |
|
Name:
Steve Ungar |
|
Title: Secretary |
|
|
|
|
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Bentzion
S. Turin |
|
Name:
Bentzion S. Turin |
|
Title: Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel
and
Assistant
Secretary |
[First
Amendment to Master Agreement]
Exhibit
B
Terms
of
Loan
1. Commitment:
During
the term of the Reinsurance Agreement, any renewals thereof, and any periods
thereafter in which Maiden Insurance remains liable to AII for Covered Business,
Maiden Insurance shall make advances under the Loan to AII with respect to
each
AmTrust Ceding Insurer which AII is obligated to secure in an amount equal
to
its proportionate share of collateral for AII’s Obligations (as defined in the
Reinsurance Agreement) to the AmTrust Ceding Insurer, unless in accordance
with
the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Insurance elects to fund or provide for
collateral other than through advances under the Loan; provided however that
Maiden Insurance shall not be required to make an advance under the Loan if
and
to the extent that AII shall have failed to perform its obligations to Maiden
Insurance (including its payment obligations) under Article XXIII of the
Reinsurance Agreement after expiration of any applicable cure period.
2. Use
of
Proceeds:
AII
agrees to deposit Loan proceeds in Trust Accounts (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement) established or to be established for each such AmTrust Ceding Insurer
on the same terms as apply to the Trust Account with respect to Reinsurer Trust
Assets (as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement).
3. Interest:
An
amount equal to the actual amount of dividends, interest and other income earned
on the portion of the Loan proceeds with respect to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer
deposited in the Trust Accounts and, to the extent so transferred, Loan proceeds
held by an AmTrust Ceding Insurer in a segregated account as described in
Sections C(5)(d) or D(4) of Article XXIII of the Reinsurance Agreement. To
the
extent that the sum of principal amount of such proceeds (including the
undistributed earnings and interest thereon) and the Aggregate Collateral Value
(as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement) with respect to such AmTrust Ceding
Insurer exceeds the Reinsurer’s proportionate share of the Obligations to such
AmTrust Ceding Insurer, such earnings and interest will be paid quarterly,
less
any amounts due and payable (i) by Maiden Insurance under the Reinsurance
Agreement or the Asset Management Agreement (as defined in the Reinsurance
Agreement) or (ii) to any Trustee (as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement
with
respect to loan proceeds deposited into a Trust Account. AII agrees that all
Loan proceeds, including those deposited into a Trust Account or held in a
segregated account, as described above, will be managed for AII by AII Insurance
Management, Ltd. (“AIM”) in accordance the terms of and pursuant to the Asset
Management Agreement dated July 3, 2007 entered into by Maiden Insurance and
AIM
(the “Asset Management Agreement”) and invested in accordance with the
investment guidelines established pursuant to the Asset Management Agreement.
AII and Maiden Insurance agree that, pursuant to the Loan, AIM will acknowledge
and agree to such management of the Loan proceeds.
4. Maturity:
Each
Loan advance shall mature on the earliest to occur of (i) ten (10) years
following the date such advance was made with respect to an AmTrust Ceding
Insurer, (ii) there are no further Obligations due to such AmTrust Ceding
Insurer or (iii) AII is no longer required to secure such Obligations.
5. Prepayments:
If, as
of the end of a calendar quarter, the sum of the Aggregate Collateral Value
and
the outstanding advances under the Loan, in each case with respect to an AmTrust
Ceding Insurer, shall exceed Maiden Insurance’s proportionate share of the
Obligations to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer, the advances under the Loan with
respect to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer shall be prepaid in an amount equal
to
the lesser of the amount of such advances or such excess within 60 days
following the end of such quarter, less, in either case, any amounts due and
payable by Maiden Insurance under the Reinsurance Agreement.
6. Frequency
of Advances.
AII
shall be entitled to request advances under the Loan quarterly. An advances
shall be made within 10 days of each such request.
7. Automatic
Reduction in Principal:
If an
AmTrust Ceding Insurer withdraws Loan proceeds from a Trust Account with respect
to an AmTrust Ceding Insurer into which Loan advances with respect to such
AmTrust Ceding Insurer have been deposited, or from the segregated account
described in Section C(5)(d) or D(4) of Article XXIII of the Reinsurance
Agreement, funded by withdrawals from such a Trust Account, for the purpose
of
reimbursing such AmTrust Ceding Insurer for Ultimate Net Loss not received
from
AII or for unearned premiums due to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer but not
otherwise paid by AII, the outstanding principal amount of the Loan and the
advances with respect to such AmTrust Ceding Insurer automatically shall be
reduced by the amount of such withdrawal and, as of the date the AmTrust Ceding
Insurer applies such amount for such purposes, interest shall no longer be
due
on the amount of the reduction in principal.
EXHIBIT
C
Schedule
of Excess Reinsurance
1.
|
|
AmTrust
Group Workers’ Compensation Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Agreement
|
|
|
Reinsurer:
|
|
Midwest
Employers Casualty Company
|
|
|
Term:
|
|
January
1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
|
|
|
Retention
and Limit:
|
|
9
million xs 1 million
|
|
|
ECO/EPL:
|
|
100%
(Subject to Retention and Limit)
|
|
|
Intermediary:
|
|
Aon
Re Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
|
|
First
Workers’ Compensation Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Contract
|
|
|
Reinsurer:
|
|
Various
|
|
|
Term:
|
|
May
1, 2007 to May 1, 2008
|
|
|
Retention
and Limit:
|
|
30
million xs 20 million
|
|
|
ECO/EPL:
|
|
90%
(Subject to Retention and Limit)
|
|
|
Intermediary:
|
|
Willis
Re Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
|
Second
Workers’ Compensation Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Contract
|
|
|
Reinsurer:
|
|
Various
|
|
|
Term:
|
|
May
1, 2007 to May 1, 2008
|
|
|
Retention
and Limit:
|
|
30
million xs 50 million
|
|
|
ECO/EPL:
|
|
90%
(Subject to Retention and Limit)
|
|
|
Intermediary:
|
|
Willis
Re Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
|
Third
Workers’ Compensation Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance
Contract
|
|
|
Reinsurer:
|
|
Various
|
|
|
Term:
|
|
May
1, 2007 to May 1, 2008
|
|
|
Retention
and Limit:
|
|
50
million xs 80 million
|
|
|
ECO/EPL:
|
|
90%
(Subject to Retention and Limit)
|
|
|
Intermediary:
|
|
Willis
Re Inc.
|
EXHIBIT
10.8
Execution
Copy
QUOTA
SHARE REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMTRUST
INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE, LTD
HAMILTON,
BERMUDA
(hereinafter
referred to as the “Company”)
AND
MAIDEN
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD
HAMILTON,
BERMUDA
(hereinafter
referred to as the “Reinsurer”)
ARTICLE
I -
BUSINESS REINSURED
A.
|
The
Reinsurer, subject to the terms and conditions hereunder and the
exclusions set forth herein, agrees to indemnify the Company, as
specified
in Article V below, for its Ultimate Net Loss which accrues during
the
term of this Agreement under any and all binders, policies, or contracts
of insurance issued by Affiliates (including as a member or reinsurer
of
any assigned risk or similar plans) and reinsured by the Company
(individually, a “Policy” and, collectively, “Policies”) pursuant to an
Underlying Reinsurance Agreement to the extent covering the lines
of
insurance specified in Schedule
A
hereto, but not including any Ultimate Net Loss with respect to any
risk
under any Policy if the applicable ceding Affiliate’s retention with
respect to such risk shall be greater than $5,000,000) (all hereinafter
referred to as “Covered Business”).
|
B.
|
The
Company hereby agrees that, if it reinsures binders, policies, or
contracts of insurance issued by Affiliates that cover lines of insurance
other than those specified in Schedule A hereto (“Additional Business”),
it shall offer to the Reinsurer the opportunity to reinsure, on a
retrocession basis, all such Additional Business pursuant to this
Agreement. If
the Reinsurer elects in its sole discretion to so reinsure any Additional
Business, such Additional Business shall be considered “Covered Business”
for all purposes, and shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions,
of this Agreement, other than (a) the date and time as of which the
reinsurance of such Additional Business shall be effective for purposes
of
this Agreement and (b) the ceding commission allowed in respect of
such
Additional Business, which terms and conditions described in clauses
(a)
and (b) shall be mutually agreed upon by the Reinsurer and the
Company.
|
ARTICLE
II -
COMMENCEMENT
This
Agreement shall commence effective as of 12:01 a.m., Eastern Standard Time,
July
1, 2007 (the “Effective Time”) and shall remain in force thereafter, subject to
the terms and conditions for termination stipulated in Article XXI - TERM AND
TERMINATION.
ARTICLE
III -
TERRITORY
This
Agreement shall follow the territorial limits of the Covered
Business.
ARTICLE
IV -
DEFINITIONS
A.
|
“Affiliate”
means Rochdale, Wesco, Technology, IGI, AIU, Associated Industries
Insurance Company (“AIIC”) and each other insurance company more than
fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of which are directly
or
indirectly controlled by AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”), for
so long as AmTrust continues to so directly or indirectly control
such
entity.
|
B.
|
“Affiliate
Subject Premium” means, for each Affiliate, the gross written premium, as
defined in the subject Underlying Reinsurance Agreement, charged
by such
Affiliate for Covered Business, less the cost of inuring reinsurance
(and,
in the case of IGI, less commissions paid by IGI in respect of Policies
issued by IGI), but without deduction for any Federal Excise Tax
payable
by such Affiliate as a result reinsuring Subject Business to the
Company.
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C.
|
“Extra
Contractual Obligations” means any punitive, exemplary, compensatory or
consequential damages, other than Loss in Excess of Policy Limits,
paid or
payable by the Company as a result of an action against it, or, to
the
extent reinsured pursuant to an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement,
against
an Affiliate, by an Affiliate's insured, an assignee of an Affiliate's
insured or a third party claimant, by reason of alleged or actual
negligence, fraud or bad faith on the part of the Company or any
Affiliate
in handling a claim under a Policy (whether or not paid) subject
to this
Agreement, but in each case excluding fraudulent or criminal acts
by a
director or executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate or criminal
acts by the Company or an Affiliate.
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D.
|
“Loss
Adjustment Expenses” means court costs, post-judgment interest, and
allocated investigation, adjustment and legal expenses of the Company
related to and charged to a specific claim file, but shall not include
general overhead expenses of the Company or salaries, per diem and
other
remuneration of the Company’s employees.
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E.
|
“Loss
in Excess of Policy Limits” means an amount that the Company would have
been contractually obligated to pay had it not been for the limit
of the
original Policy, as a result of an action against it, or, to the
extent
reinsured pursuant to an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement, against
an
Affiliate, by an Affiliate's insured, an assignee of an Affiliate's
insured or a third party claimant, by reason of alleged or actual
negligence, fraud or bad faith in rejecting an offer of settlement
or in
the preparation of the defense or in trial of any action against
its
insured or in the preparation or prosecution of an appeal consequent
upon
such action, but in each case excluding fraudulent or criminal acts
by a
director or executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate or criminal
acts by the Company or an Affiliate.
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F.
|
"Net
Loss Ratio" means, for any period, the ratio of (a) Ultimate Net
Loss
ceded to the Reinsurer plus the Reinsurer’s quota share of ceded reserves
for Ultimate Net Loss (including losses incurred but not reported)
during
such period, to (b) the Subject Premiums earned during such
period.
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G.
|
“Subject
Premium” means, for each Affiliate, the percentage of the premium ceded to
the Company under the Underlying Reinsurance Agreement to which such
Affiliate is a party equal to forty percent (40%) of the Affiliate
Subject
Premium, in respect of Covered Business in accordance with the terms
of
the Underlying Reinsurance Agreements, to the extent the Affiliates
shall
have collected such premiums, and whether or not such Affiliates
shall
have remitted such premiums to the
Company.
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H.
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“Ultimate
Net Loss” means the sum actually paid or to be paid by the Company to
Affiliates in settlement of losses for which the Company is liable
in
accordance with the terms of an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement,
after
making deductions for all inuring reinsurance (whether inuring to
the
benefit of the Company or to an Affiliate), whether or not collectible
by
an Affiliate or by the Company, and all Recoveries, and shall include
payments to Affiliates for Loss Adjustment Expenses, Extra Contractual
Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy Limits (subject to the
limitations specified in Article XXII
hereof).
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I.
|
"Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement" means each of (a) that certain AmTrust Intercompany
Reinsurance Agreement, effective June 1, 2006, by and among Technology
Insurance Company, Inc. ("Technology"), Rochdale Insurance Company
("Rochdale"), Wesco Insurance Company ("Wesco") and the Company,
(b) that
certain 70% Whole Account Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, effective
as
of July 1, 2006, by and between IGI Insurance Company Limited ("IGI")
and
the Company, (c) that certain Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement,
effective
as of May 1, 2007, by and between AmTrust International Underwriters,
Ltd.
("AIU") and the Company, and (d) any other reinsurance agreement
entered
into from time to time after the date hereof by and between an Affiliate,
as ceding company, including without limitation AIIC, and the Company,
as
reinsurer.
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ARTICLE
V -
LIABILITY OF THE REINSURER
A.
|
Commencing
as of the Effective Time, the Company hereby agrees to cede to the
Reinsurer, and the Reinsurer agrees to accept and reinsure, the Ultimate
Net Loss of the Company equal to forty percent (40%) of the Affiliate
Ultimate Net Loss with respect to Covered Business ceded to the Company
by
each Affiliate, subject to all other terms and conditions set forth
in
this Agreement; provided,
however,
that the Reinsurer's maximum liability hereunder in respect of a
single
loss under a Policy reinsured hereunder (without taking into account
any
Loss Adjustment Expenses, Extra Contractual Obligations or Loss in
Excess
of Policy Limits attributable thereto) shall not exceed $2,000,000.
For
purposes of this Agreement, "Affiliate Ultimate Net Loss" means the
sum
actually paid or to be paid by such Affiliate in settlement of losses
for
which it is liable in respect of the Covered Business, after making
deductions for all inuring reinsurance (other than reinsurance with
any
direct or indirect subsidiary of AmTrust), whether collectible or
not, and
all Recoveries. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the
Reinsurer shall be liable for its proportionate share of any
experience-related premium rebates or credits to policyholders under
Policies of workers compensation insurance, and shall benefit
proportionately to the extent any such policyholder pays any additional
premiums as a result of the experience under such
Policies.
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B.
|
If
an Affiliate Change in Control or Affiliate Run-Off Event occurs
with
respect to any Affiliate, the Reinsurer shall be entitled to elect
not to
reinsure Covered Business related to Policies issued or renewed by
such
Affiliate (“Applicable Covered Business”) effective as of such Affiliate
Change in Control or Affiliate Run-Off Event (the “Election Effective
Date”). Such election shall be in writing (an “Affiliate Run-Off Notice”),
and shall be given not later than thirty (30) days following the
date on
which the Reinsurer has actual knowledge that the Affiliate Change
in
Control or the Affiliate Run-Off event (as applicable) shall have
occurred. Subject to the immediately following sentence, if the Reinsurer
makes such an election, all reinsurance hereunder of Applicable Covered
Business that is in force as of the Election Effective Date shall
remain
in full force and effect until the applicable expiration date, anniversary
date, or prior termination date of the Policies attributable to the
Applicable Covered Business (the “Run-Off Policies”). The Company shall be
entitled to notify the Reinsurer, within thirty (30) days following
delivery to it of the Affiliate Run-Off Notice, that the Reinsurer shall
not be liable for any Ultimate Net Loss arising out of the Run-Off
Policies to the extent such Ultimate Net Loss occurs, accrues or
arises on
or after the Election Effective Date and, if the Company makes such
election, the Reinsurer shall, within thirty (30) days following
the date
of such election, return to the Company the unearned premium attributable
to the Run-Off Policies in force as of the Election Effective Date,
less
the unearned portion of the ceding commission paid thereon.
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C.
|
For
purposes of this Agreement:
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|
1.
|
an
“Affiliate Change of Control” will be deemed to occur with respect to an
Affiliate when either (a) an individual person, corporation or other
entity, or a group of commonly controlled persons, corporations or
entities, acquires, including through merger, directly or indirectly,
more
than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of such Affiliate
or
obtains the power to vote (directly or through proxies) more than
fifty
percent (50%) of the voting securities of such Affiliate, except
if such
individual person, corporation or other entity is under common control
with the Affiliate, or (b) AmTrust no longer directly or indirectly
controls the power to vote more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities of such Affiliate; provided
that in no event shall the acquisition, including through merger,
of more
than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of AmTrust or of
the
power to vote (directly or through proxies) more than fifty percent
(50%)
of the voting securities of AmTrust, or the merger, combination or
amalgamation of AmTrust into any person, or similar transaction pursuant
to which AmTrust shall not be the surviving entity, be deemed a "Affiliate
Change of Control".
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|
2.
|
An
“Affiliate Run-off Event” shall be deemed to have occurred as to an
Affiliate if:
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(a) such
Affiliate ceases writing new or renewal business and elects to run off its
existing business or an insurance or other regulatory authority orders such
party to cease writing new or renewal business; or
(b) such
Affiliate becomes insolvent, or has been placed into liquidation or receivership
(whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted against it
proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator,
conservator, or trustee in bankruptcy or other agent known by whatever name,
to
take possession of its assets or control of its operations; or
D.
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No
more frequently than quarterly the Company shall, and shall cause
each
ceding Affiliate under an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement to, provide
to
the Reinsurer and its representatives reasonable access, on reasonable
advance notice and during business hours, to its claims files with
respect
to Covered Business. The Reinsurer shall have the right, but not
the
obligation, to consult with the Company and such Affiliate regarding
the
handling of any disputed or contested
claim.
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ARTICLE
VI -
PREMIUM
AND CEDING COMMISSION
A.
|
As
consideration for entering into this Agreement, the Company shall
transfer
to the Reinsurer, not later than October 30, 2007, the portion of
premium
attributable to Covered Business ceded to the Company by each Affiliate
equal to the Subject Premium that is unearned as of the Effective
Time
(the "Initial Premium"). The Reinsurer shall be entitled to verify
the
accuracy of the amount of Initial Premium so transferred and shall
be
entitled to dispute such amount if it has reason to believe in good
faith
that the Company improperly or inaccurately calculated such
amount.
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B.
|
Subject
to and in accordance with the terms of Article VII, in addition to
the
payment of the Initial Premium, during the term of this Agreement,
the
Company shall cede to the Reinsurer the Subject
Premium.
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C.
|
The
Reinsurer shall allow the Company a 31% commission on all Subject
Premium
ceded hereunder until July 1, 2008 and attributable to Covered Business.
Thereafter, during the remaining term of this Agreement, the commission
may be adjusted on each January 1 and July 1 (each an “Adjustment Date”)
based on the Net Loss Ratio, calculated during the period from the
Effective Time through the date that is six months prior to the applicable
Adjustment Date, of the Covered Business as follows: (a) the ceding
commission shall increase 0.5% for every 1.0% decline in the Net
Loss
Ratio below 60% up to a maximum ceding commission of 32%, and (b)
the
ceding commission shall decrease 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in
the Net
Loss Ratio above 60%, subject to a minimum ceding commission of 30%.
The
Company and the Reinsurer acknowledge and agree that the commission
payable hereunder shall be subject to appropriate adjustments if
Additional Business is reinsured hereunder as described in Section
B of
Article I hereof. The Company shall allow the Reinsurer return commission
on return premiums at the rate in effect when the return premiums
were
originally ceded to the Reinsurer. It is expressly agreed that the
ceding
commission allowed the Company includes provision for all commissions,
taxes, assessments (other than assessments based on losses of an
Affiliate, as a ceding company under an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement)
and all other expenses of whatever nature of the Company and Affiliates,
except loss adjustment expense.
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ARTICLE
VII -
ACCOUNTS, REPORTS AND REMITTANCES
Within
thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Company shall
report to the Reinsurer:
A.
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Affiliate
Subject Premium, by Affiliate and by line of Covered Business, for
the
quarter
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B.
|
Ceded
Subject Premium, by Affiliate and by line of Covered Business, for
the
quarter;
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C.
|
Ceding
commission thereon;
|
D.
|
Ceded
Ultimate Net Loss in respect of Covered Business, by Affiliate and
by line
of Covered Business, as of the end of the quarter;
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E.
|
Reinsurer’s
share of Recoveries made by Company during the quarter, as determined
in
accordance with Article VIII hereof;
and
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F.
|
The
balance due to or from the Reinsurer as determined by subtracting
the sum
of (C) and (D) from the sum of (B) and
(E).
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The
Company shall provide, and shall cause all Affiliates to provide, to the
Reinsurer all information respecting premiums and losses, including reserves,
as
reasonably requested by the Reinsurer, including without limitation such
information as is reasonably necessary to enable the Reinsurer to maintain
and
adjust the balance of the collateral to be provided pursuant to the terms of
Article XXIII of this Agreement.
If
the
amount calculated pursuant to paragraph F above is negative, the Reinsurer
shall
remit to the Company the absolute value of such amount within fifteen (15)
days
following the Company’s submission of the quarterly report to the Reinsurer. If
the amount calculated pursuant to paragraph F above is positive, the Company
shall remit such amount to the Reinsurer simultaneously with the Company’s
submission of the quarterly report to the Reinsurer.
ARTICLE
VIII -
RECOVERIES
The
Company shall pay to or credit the Reinsurer with the Reinsurer’s portion of any
recovery connected with an Ultimate Net Loss obtained from salvage, subrogation
or other insurance (collectively, "Recoveries"), and such amount shall be paid
or credited to the Reinsurer when obtained irrespective of the termination
of
this Agreement. Expenses allocated to the Company by Affiliates in connection
with obtaining Recoveries shall be apportioned between the Company and the
Reinsurer in the proportion that the benefit to each party from such Recoveries
bears to the total amount of the Recovery.
ARTICLE
IX -
OFFSET
The
Company or the Reinsurer may offset any balance, whether on account of premium,
commission, claims or losses, Loss Adjustment Expenses, Recoveries or any other
amount due from one such party to the other such party under this Agreement.
The
right of offset shall not be affected by the insolvency of the Company or the
Reinsurer.
ARTICLE
X -PREMIUM
TAXES
The
Company shall be liable for all taxes on premiums paid to it with respect to
the
business reinsured pursuant to the Agreement.
ARTICLE
XI -
EXCISE
TAXES
The
Company shall be liable for the U.S. federal insurance excise tax ("FET") (as
imposed under section 4371 of the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent premium
paid by it to the Reinsurer under this Agreement is subject to the FET. The
Company acknowledges and agrees that the net amount of Subject Premium due
to
the Reinsurer hereunder (being the Reinsurer’s proportionate share of Subject
Premium less the ceding commission described in Article VI hereof) shall not
be
reduced as a result of or in order to pay such Federal Excise Tax, if
any.
ARTICLE
XII -
ERRORS
AND OMISSIONS
The
Reinsurer shall not be relieved of liability because of an error or accidental
omission by the Company in reporting any claim, loss, or any business reinsured
under this agreement, provided that the error or omission is rectified promptly
after discovery. The Reinsurer shall be obligated only for the return of the
premium paid for business reported but not reinsured under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
XIII -
AMENDMENTS
The
terms
and conditions contained in this Agreement may be changed, altered or amended
as
the parties may agree, provided such change, alteration or amendment is
evidenced by Addendum to this Agreement executed by the Company and the
Reinsurer.
ARTICLE
XIV -
ACCESS
TO RECORDS
The
Company shall comply with the Reinsurer’s reasonable request for any information
relating to this Agreement. Additionally, the Reinsurer, or its authorised
representatives, shall have the right to inspect at any reasonable time at
the
offices of the Company and the Affiliates (or that of service providers), and
shall be permitted to make and retain copies of, all papers, books, accounts,
documents, claims files and other records of the Company and the Affiliates
relating to this Agreement, and in connection therewith the Company shall make
available to the Reinsurer responsible representatives of the Company and the
Affiliates upon reasonable prior notice. The Reinsurer’s right of inspection
shall continue to exist after the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE
XV -
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE
XVI-
ARBITRATION
A.
|
As
a condition precedent to any right of action hereunder, any dispute
arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this
Agreement, including the formation or validity thereof (each, a
"Dispute"), shall be submitted for decision to a panel of three
arbitrators. Notice requesting arbitration shall be in writing and
sent
certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested.
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B.
|
Each
party shall choose one arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall,
before
instituting the hearing, choose an impartial third arbitrator who
shall
preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator
within thirty (30) days after being requested to do so by the other
party,
which request shall be made by certified or registered mail, the
latter
may appoint the second arbitrator and then notify the other party
by
certified or registered mail of its
appointment.
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C.
|
If
the first two arbitrators are unable to agree upon the third arbitrator
within thirty (30) days of their appointment, each arbitrator shall
name
three candidates within ten days thereafter, two of whom shall be
declined
by the other arbitrator within fifteen days after receiving their
names,
and within five days the choice shall be made between the two remaining
candidates by drawing lots. All arbitrators shall be disinterested
active
or former executive officers of insurance or reinsurance companies
or
Underwriters at Lloyd’s.
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D.
|
Within
thirty (30) days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators,
the panel
shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures
and schedules for hearings. The panel shall be relieved of all judicial
formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure
and
evidence. Unless the panel agrees otherwise, arbitration shall take
place
in New York, New York, but the venue may be changed when deemed by
the
panel to be in the best interest of the arbitration proceeding. Insofar
as
the arbitration panel looks to substantive law, it shall consider
the law
of the New York. The decision of any two arbitrators when rendered
in
writing shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant
interim relief as it may deem
appropriate.
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E.
|
The
panel shall make its decision considering the custom and practice
of the
applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible
following the termination of hearings. Judgment upon the award may
be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Except
as provided above, arbitration shall be based, insofar as applicable,
upon
the then most current version of the Procedures for the Resolution
of U.S.
Insurance and Reinsurance Disputes provided by ARIAS
US.
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F.
|
Each
party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly
and
equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator.
In the
event that both arbitrators are chosen by one party, the fees of
all
arbitrators shall be equally divided between the parties. The panel
shall
allocate the remaining costs of the arbitration.
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ARTICLE
XVII -
APPLICABLE LAW
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard
to any conflicts of law principles thereof that would call for the application
of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
ARTICLE
XVIII -
NO
THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES
The
acceptance of risks under this Agreement will create no right or legal relation
between the Reinsurer and any third party or person having an interest of any
kind in the Policies or the Underlying Reinsurance Agreements retroceded under
this Agreement, including without limitation any Affiliate.
ARTICLE
XIX -
FOLLOW
THE FORTUNES
The
Reinsurer’s liability shall attach simultaneously to that of the Company and all
reinsurance for which the Reinsurer shall be liable by virtue of this Agreement
shall be subject in all respects to the same risks, terms, rates, conditions,
interpretations, assessments, waivers, and the same modifications, alterations
and cancellations, as the Policies to which this Agreement relates.
ARTICLE
XX -
CURRENCY
All
premium and loss payments hereunder shall be in the currency designated in
the
applicable Underlying Reinsurance Agreement.
ARTICLE
XXI -
TERM
AND TERMINATION
A.
|
This
Agreement shall remain in effect until three years following the
Effective
Time, and shall automatically renew for successive three-year periods
thereafter, unless the Reinsurer or Company elects to terminate this
Agreement effective as of the expiration of any such three-year period.
If
the Reinsurer or Company elects to so terminate this Agreement, it
shall
give written notice to the other party hereto not less than nine
months
prior to the expiration of any such three-year period.
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B.
|
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section A of this Article XXI, the Reinsurer may
terminate this Agreement in the event of any of the following (clauses
1
through 5 below, collectively, the “Company Termination Events”) by
written notice to the Company no later than thirty (30) days (or
in the
case of a Company Termination Event described in subsection B(1)
below,
ten (10) days) following actual knowledge of the applicable Company
Termination Event by the Reinsurer:
|
1. the
Company is thirty (30) or more days in arrears on payment due to the Reinsurer
under this Agreement, and has not cured such breach within thirty (30) days
following written notice thereof from the Reinsurer (unless the amount not
so
paid is the subject of a good faith dispute) (a “Company Payment
Default”);
2. the
Company has ceased writing new or renewal business and has elected to run off
its existing business or an insurance or other regulatory authority has ordered
such party to cease writing new or renewal business;
3. the
Company has become insolvent, or has been placed into liquidation or
receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted
against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator,
rehabilitator, conservator, or trustee in bankruptcy or other agent known by
whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its operations;
4. a
Company
Change of Control has occurred. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Company
Change of Control” will be deemed to occur with respect to the Company when
either (a) an individual person, corporation or other entity, or a group of
commonly controlled persons, corporations or entities, acquires, including
through merger, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the
voting securities of the Company or obtains the power to vote (directly or
through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of
the
Company, except if such individual person, corporation or other entity is under
common control with such Company, or (b) AmTrust no longer directly or
indirectly controls the power to vote more than fifty percent (50%) of the
voting securities of the Company; provided
that in
no event shall the acquisition, including through merger, of more than fifty
percent (50%) of the voting securities of AmTrust or of the power to vote
(directly or through proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities of AmTrust, or the merger, combination or amalgamation of AmTrust
into any person, or similar transaction pursuant to which AmTrust shall not
be
the surviving entity, be deemed a "Company Change of Control"; or
5. the
combined shareholders' equity of the Company and the Affiliates is reduced
to
50% or less of the amount of such shareholders’ equity at either the inception
of this Agreement or at the latest renewal or anniversary date of this
Agreement.
Termination
as a result of a Company Payment Default shall be effective upon not less than
ten (10) days prior written notice from the Reinsurer to the Company, and
termination as a result of any other Company Termination Event shall be
effective upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice from the
Reinsurer to the Company. For greater certainty, the Reinsurer may not terminate
this Agreement as a result of a Company Termination Event unless such event
is
continuing on the date it delivers its notice of termination to the
Company.
C.
|
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section A of this Article XXI, the Company may
terminate
this Agreement, in the event of any of the following (clauses 1 through
6
below, collectively, the “Reinsurer Termination Events”) by written notice
to the Reinsurer no later than thirty (30) days (or in the case of
a
Reinsurer Termination Event described in subsection B(1) below, ten
(10)
days) following actual knowledge of the applicable Reinsurer Termination
Event by the Company:
|
1. the
Reinsurer is thirty (30) or more days in arrears on payment due to the Company
under this Agreement or its obligations under Article XXIII and the Reinsurer
has not cured such breach within thirty (30) days following written notice
thereof from the Company (unless the amount not so paid is the subject of a
good
faith dispute) (a “Reinsurer Payment Default”);
2. the
Reinsurer has ceased writing new or renewal business and has elected to run
off
its existing business or an insurance or other regulatory authority has ordered
the party to cease writing new or renewal business;
3. the
Reinsurer has become insolvent, or has been placed into liquidation or
receivership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or there have been instituted
against it proceedings for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator,
rehabilitator, conservator, or trustee in bankruptcy or other agent known by
whatever name, to take possession of its assets or control of its
operations;
4. a
Reinsurer Change of Control has occurred. For purposes of this Agreement, a
“Reinsurer Change of Control” will be deemed to occur when either (a) an
individual person, corporation or other entity, or a group of commonly
controlled persons, corporations or entities, acquires, including through
merger, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities of the Reinsurer or obtains the power to vote (directly or through
proxies) more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of the
Reinsurer, except if such individual person, corporation or other entity is
under common control with the Reinsurer or (b) Maiden Holdings, Ltd. no longer
directly or indirectly controls the power to vote more than fifty percent (50%)
of the voting securities of the Reinsurer;
5. the
Reinsurer's shareholders' equity is reduced to 50% or less of the amount of
its
shareholders’ equity at either the inception of this Agreement or at the latest
renewal or anniversary date of this Agreement; or
6. the
Reinsurer fails to maintain an A.M. Best rating of A- or better.
Termination
as a result of a Reinsurer Payment Default shall be effective upon not less
than
ten (10) days prior written notice from the Company to the Reinsurer, and
termination as a result of any other Reinsurer Termination Event shall be
effective upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice from the
Company to the Reinsurer. For greater certainty, the Company may not terminate
this Agreement as a result of a Reinsurer Termination Event unless such event
is
continuing on the date the applicable Company delivers its notice of termination
to the Reinsurer.
D.
|
Following
the effective date of the termination of this Agreement as described
in
Sections A, B or C of this Article XXI, all reinsurance hereunder
of
Covered Business shall remain in force until the expiration date,
anniversary date, or prior termination date of all Policies included
therein, unless, not later than thirty (30) days following such effective
date of termination of this Agreement, the Company shall elect that
the
Reinsurer shall not be liable for any Ultimate Net Loss that occurs,
accrues or arises on or after the effective date of termination.
If the
Company shall make such election, within thirty (30) days following
the
date of such election, the Reinsurer shall return to the Company
the
unearned premium applicable to such Policies in force at the time
and date
of termination, less the unearned portion of the ceding commission
paid
thereon.
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ARTICLE
XXII -
EXTRA
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND LOSS IN EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS
A.
|
The
Reinsurer shall indemnify the Company for the Reinsurer’s quota share
portion of Extra-Contractual Obligations and Loss in Excess of Policy
Limits.
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B.
|
The
Reinsurer shall receive the benefit of its proportionate share of
recoveries from any other form of insurance or reinsurance that protects
the Company or any Affiliate against any loss or liability covered
under
this Article XVII, which shall be deducted from the total amount
of any
Extra-Contractual Obligation and/or Loss in Excess of Policy Limits
in
determining the amount of Extra-Contractual Obligation and/or Loss
in
Excess of Policy Limits that shall be indemnified under this Article
XXII.
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C.
|
The
Company shall be indemnified in accordance with this Article XXII
to the
extent that indemnification of the Company or subject Affiliate is
permitted by applicable law.
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ARTICLE
XXIII -
UNAUTHORIZED REINSURANCE
A.
|
If
the Company is unauthorized or otherwise unqualified in any state
or other
United States jurisdiction, and if, without security in a form acceptable
to the insurance regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over
an
Affiliate, a financial penalty to such Affiliate, arising from the
inability to make a reduction to liabilities for the reinsurance
ceded to
the Company or the recording of a liability for unauthorized
reinsurance, would
result on any statutory statement or report such Affiliate is required
to
make or file with such insurance regulatory authorities or a court
of law
in the event of insolvency, the Reinsurer will timely fund or provide
for
the Reinsurer’s share of security for the Obligations (as defined below)
under the Underlying Reinsurance Agreement with such Affiliate
by:
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1. lending
assets to the Company on terms and conditions that shall be mutually acceptable
to the Company and the Reinsurer (a “Loan”), provided, however, that the terms
and conditions of the Loan shall be consistent with the terms and conditions
set
forth in Exhibit B to that certain First Amendment, dated as of September 17,
2007, to the Master Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2007, by and between AmTrust
and Maiden Holdings, Ltd.;
2. transferring
to the Company assets (the "Reinsurer Trust Assets") for deposit into one or
more trust accounts established or to be established by Company for the sole
benefit of such Affiliate (each, a “Trust Account”) with a trustee (the
“Trustee”), which Trustee shall be at the time a Trust Account is established,
and shall continue to be, a member of the Federal Reserve System and shall
not
be a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Reinsurer, Company or such
Affiliate, pursuant to a trust agreement meeting the applicable requirements
of
the jurisdictions having regulatory authority over each applicable Affiliate
(each a “Trust Agreement”);
3. delivering
one or more clean, unconditional and irrevocable letters of credit to such
Affiliate (each, a "Letter of Credit") in form and substance satisfying the
requirements of the jurisdictions having regulatory authority over such
Affiliate; and/or
4. requesting
that the Company cause such Affiliate to withhold Subject Premium in lieu of
remitting Affiliate Subject Premium to the Company (the "Subject Withheld
Funds", together with any other Affiliate Subject Premium that shall be withheld
under an Underlying Reinsurance Agreement, the “Withheld Funds”) in accordance
with the terms of the Underlying Reinsurance Agreement with such
Affiliate.
For
the
avoidance of doubt, the Reinsurer shall be permitted to elect any or a
combination of the above forms of security, provided that the aggregate value
of
the security funded or provided by the Reinsurer equals the Reinsurer's
proportionate share of the Obligations. The Company and the Reinsurer
acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement,
the
Reinsurer intends to satisfy this obligation in the form of a Loan.
B.
|
The
“Obligations” referred to herein means, as to each Affiliate, the then
current (as of the end of each calendar quarter) sum
of:
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1. The
amount of ceded Ultimate Net Loss for which the Company is responsible to such
Affiliate but has not yet paid;
2. The
amount of ceded reserves for Ultimate Net Loss (including without limitation
ceded reserves for claims reported but not resolved and losses incurred but
not
reported) for which the Company is responsible to such Affiliate;
and
3. The
amount of ceded reserves for unearned Affiliate Subject Premiums attributable
to
such Affiliate.
C.
|
With
respect to the Trust Accounts, the following shall
apply:
|
1. The
Reinsurer shall transfer Reinsurer Trust Assets to the Company, and the Company
shall immediately upon receipt thereof transfer to the Trustee, for deposit
into
the applicable Trust Account, such Reinsurer Trust Assets, to be held in trust
by the Trustee for the benefit of such Affiliate as security for the payment
of
the Reinsurer's proportionate share of the Obligations to such Affiliate. The
Reinsurer Trust Assets shall be maintained in the Trust Account as long as
the
Reinsurer continues to remain liable for its proportionate share of such
Obligations; provided however, that all Reinsurer Trust Assets shall be
maintained in a sub-account of the Trust Account separate and apart from any
other assets deposited therein by the Company. For each Trust Account in which
Reinsurer Trust Asset shall be deposited, the Company shall authorize and direct
the Trustee to timely provide to the Reinsurer all account statements and other
notices to be delivered to the Company under the related Trust
Agreement.
2. The
Reinsurer agrees that the Reinsurer Trust Assets shall be valued according
to
their current fair market value and shall consist only of currency of the United
States of America, certificates of deposit issued by a United States bank and
payable in United States legal tender, and investments of the types permitted
by
the insurance regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the applicable
Affiliate in regards to security provided with respect to the obligations of
an
unauthorized or unqualified reinsurer (“Authorized Investments”). The Company
agrees that the Reinsurer Trust Assets will be managed for the Company by AII
Insurance Management, Ltd. (“AIM”) in accordance the terms of and pursuant to
the Asset Management Agreement dated July 3, 2007 entered into by Reinsurer
and
AIM (the “Asset Management Agreement”) and, by executing this Agreement (solely
for purposes of this Section C(2)), AIM acknowledges and agrees to the
provisions of this Section C(2).
3. The
Reinsurer, prior to transferring the Reinsurer Trust Assets to the Company,
shall execute all assignments and endorsements in blank, and shall transfer
legal title to the Company of all shares, obligations or any other assets
requiring assignments, in order to permit the Reinsurer to transfer to the
Trustee such Reinsurer Trust Assets for deposit into the Trust
Account.
4. All
settlements of account between the Company and an Affiliate with respect to
Reinsurer Trust Assets shall be made in cash or its equivalent.
5. The
Reinsurer acknowledges that the Reinsurer Trust Assets may be withdrawn by
such
Affiliate at any time, notwithstanding any provisions in the Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement to which such Affiliate is a party, provided that such
Affiliate has agreed in such Underlying Reinsurance Agreement that such
withdrawn assets shall be applied and utilized by such Affiliate or any
successor of such Affiliate by operation of law, including, without limitation,
any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator of such Affiliate,
without diminution because of the insolvency of such Affiliate or the Company,
only for the following purposes:
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(a)
|
to
reimburse such Affiliate for the Company’s share of any Ultimate Net Loss
paid by such Affiliate but not received from the Company or for unearned
premiums due to such Affiliate but not otherwise paid by the Company
with
respect to the business reinsured hereunder;
or
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|
(b)
|
to
make payment to the Company of any amounts held in the Trust Accounts
established for the benefit of such Affiliate that exceed 102% of
the
Company’s Obligations to such Affiliate (less the undrawn balance
available under any Letter(s) of Credit for the benefit of such Affiliate
and less the fair market value of the Withheld Funds of such Affiliate);
or
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|
(c)
|
to
pay any other amounts the Affiliate claims are due under the Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement or
|
|
(d)
|
where
such Affiliate has received notification of termination of a Trust
Account
in which Reinsurer Trust Assets are held, and where the Obligations
under
the related Underlying Reinsurance Agreement remain unliquidated
and
undischarged ten (10) days prior to such termination, to withdraw
amounts
equal to such Obligations (less the undrawn balance available under
any
Letter(s) of Credit for the benefit of such Affiliate and less the
fair
market value of the Withheld Funds of such Affiliate) and deposit
such
amounts in a separate account, in the name of such Affiliate, in
any
United States bank or trust company, apart from its general assets,
in
trust for such uses and purposes specified in subparagraphs (a) and
(b)
above as may remain executory after such withdrawal and for any period
after such termination.
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D.
|
The
Reinsurer acknowledges that any Letter(s) of Credit provided by it
pursuant hereto for the benefit of an Affiliate may be drawn upon
by such
Affiliate at any time, notwithstanding any provisions in the Underlying
Reinsurance Agreement to which such Affiliate is a party, provided
that
such Affiliate has agreed in such Underlying Reinsurance Agreement
that
any amounts drawn shall be applied and utilized by such Affiliate
or any
successor of such Affiliate by operation of law, including, without
limitation, any liquidator, rehabilitator, receiver or conservator
of such
Affiliate, without diminution because of the insolvency of such Affiliate
or the Company, only for the following
purposes:
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1. to
pay or
reimburse the Affiliate for the Company's share of any premiums returned to
the
owners of Policies on account of cancellations of such Policies;
2. to
pay or
reimburse the Affiliate for the Company's share of Ultimate Net Loss paid or
payable by the Affiliate under the terms and provisions of the
Policies;
3. to
pay
any other amounts the Affiliate claims are due under the Underlying Reinsurance
Agreement; and
4. to
fund
an account with the Affiliate in an amount at least equal to the deduction,
for
reinsurance ceded as to such Affiliate's Policies, for the uses and purposes
described in clauses 1, 2 and 3 above. Such amount shall include, but not be
limited to, amounts for policy reserves, reserves for claims and losses incurred
(including losses incurred but not reported), loss adjustment expenses, and
unearned premiums.
E.
|
With
respect to assets to be returned to the Reinsurer, the following
shall
apply:
|
1. The
Company, at the written request of the Reinsurer, shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to seek the applicable Affiliate’s approval to withdraw all
or any part of the Reinsurer Trust Assets from the Trust Account established
for
the benefit of such Affiliate and shall transfer such assets to the Reinsurer,
provided that the withdrawal conforms to the following
requirements:
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(a)
|
the
Reinsurer shall, at the time of any such withdrawal, deliver to the
Company, for deposit by the Company into such Trust Account, other
Authorized Investments having a market value equal to the market
value of
the assets withdrawn from such Trust Account,
and
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|
(b)
|
after
such withdrawal, transfer, and deposit into such Trust Account, the
market
value of assets in the Trust Accounts established for the benefit
of such
Affiliate is no less than 102% of the Obligations to such Affiliate
(less
the undrawn balance available under any Letter(s) of Credit for the
benefit of such Affiliate and less the fair market value of the Withheld
Funds of such Affiliate).
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2. The
Company, at the request of the Reinsurer, shall use its best efforts to seek
each Affiliate's approval to permit an amendment to, or to surrender and
replace, a Letter of Credit, provided that, after such amendment or surrender
and replacement, the remaining undrawn balance, if any, of such Letter of
Credit, plus the fair market value of assets in Trust Accounts established
for
the benefit of such Affiliate, plus the fair market value of the Withheld Funds
of such Affiliate, plus the undrawn balance of any other Letters of Credit
for
the benefit of such Affiliate, is not less 102% of the Obligations to such
Affiliate.
3. If
an
Affiliate returns to the Company excess assets withdrawn from the Trust Account
established for such Affiliate, excess amounts drawn on a Letter of Credit,
or
an excess portion of the Withheld Funds, the Company shall immediately return
to
the Reinsurer its proportionate share of such excess assets.
4. If,
as of
any date of determination, and with respect to any Affiliate, the sum of (w)
the
fair market value of the Reinsurer Trust Assets for the benefit of such
Affiliate, (x) the undrawn balance of any Letters of Credit for the benefit
of
such Affiliate provided by the Reinsurer pursuant to Section A of this Article
XXIII, (y) the fair market value of any separate account established by such
Affiliate as described in Section C(5)(d) or D(4) of this Article XXIII, and
(z)
the Subject Withheld Funds of such Affiliate (the “Aggregate Collateral Value”),
exceeds the Reinsurer’s share of the Obligations to such Affiliate (the excess
Aggregate Collateral Value, the "Excess Collateral Value"), the Company shall,
with respect to such excess collateral, at its option, undertake one or more
of
the following:
(a) a
withdrawal of such Reinsurer Trust Assets and the payment of withdrawn Reinsurer
Trust Assets to the Reinsurer pursuant to Section E(1) of this Article XXIII,
(b) payment
to the Reinsurer of an amount in cash;
(c) payment
to the Company by such Affiliate of Withheld Funds, and the payment to the
Reinsurer of its proportionate share thereof;
(d) a
payment
to the Company by such Affiliate from any separate account or accounts
established by such Affiliate as described in Sections C(5)(d) and D(4) of
this
Article XXIII, and the payment to the Reinsurer of its proportionate share
thereof; and/or
(e) the
amendment or replacement of any of such Letters of Credit, with the consent
of
the Reinsurer, not to be unreasonably withheld, to reduce the undrawn balance
of
such Letters of Credit after giving effect to such amendment or
replacement;
provided
that the
aggregate amount of such payments to the Reinsurer pursuant to (a) through
(d)
above plus such reduction in the undrawn balance of the Letters of Credit
pursuant to (e) above shall at least equal the Excess Collateral Value. The
Aggregate Collateral Value and the Reinsurer’s share of the Obligations shall be
calculated (separately as to each Affiliate) as of the last day of each calendar
quarter during the term of this Agreement, and the Excess Collateral Value,
if
any, resulting from such calculations shall be remitted to the Reinsurer not
later than the forty-fifth (45th)
calendar day following the end of such calendar quarter.
5. In
the
event that any Affiliate withdraws Reinsurer Trust Assets from a Trust Account,
draws on a Letter of Credit and/or utilizes Subject Withheld Funds in excess
of
the Reinsurer’s proportionate share of the Obligations, in excess of the amount
payable by the Reinsurer to the Company with respect to such Obligations, or
other than for the purposes described in Sections C(5) and D of this Article
XXIII, the Company shall reimburse Reinsurer immediately for the amount of
the
excess or the misapplied amount (as the case may be), taking into account any
payments made by the Company to the Reinsurer pursuant to Section E(4) of this
Article XXIII.
6. If
an
Affiliate withdraws Reinsurer Trust Assets from a Trust Account, or draws on
a
Letter of Credit, and deposits such assets in a separate account as described
in
Sections C(5)(d) and D(4) of this Article XXIII, the Company shall pay to the
Reinsurer, not later than 15 calendar days following the end of each calendar
month during the term of this Agreement, an amount equal to all dividends,
interest and other income earned on the assets held in such account during
such
month, except to the extent that such dividends, interest or other income relate
to assets of the Reinsurer for which the Company has made payment to the
Reinsurer pursuant to Paragraph 3 or 4 of this Article XXIII(E) and except
to
the extent that the Aggregate Collateral Value at such time is less than the
Reinsurer’s share of the Obligations to such Affiliate; provided that any such
payment shall be net of the Reinsurer’s proportionate share of fees of the
Trustee with respect to Reinsurer Trust Assets and shall be reduced by the
amount of any unpaid fees or expenses then due and payable under the Asset
Management Agreement.
F.
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The
Company, upon receipt and not less frequently than quarterly, will
provide
to the Reinsurer statements prepared by the Affiliates for the purpose
of
showing the Company’s Obligations in respect of each Affiliate and a
statement prepared by Company showing the Reinsurer’s proportionate share
thereof. If the Reinsurer’s share thereof exceeds the market value of the
security provided by the Reinsurer to the Company for such Affiliate
as
required by in Section A of this Article XXIII, the Reinsurer will,
within
fifteen (15) days of receipt of the statements, provide additional
security of such types with respect to the Reinsurer’s proportionate share
of the Obligations to such
Affiliate(s).
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G.
|
If
the Company is unauthorized or otherwise unqualified in any jurisdiction
outside of the United States, and if, without security, a financial
penalty to an Affiliate domiciled outside of the United States would
result on any statutory statement or report it is required to make
or file
with the insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over
such
Affiliate or a court of law in the event of insolvency, the Reinsurer
will
timely secure the Reinsurer’s share of the Obligations in form and
substance satisfying the requirements of the insurance regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over such
Affiliate.
|
ARTICLE
XXIV -
SERVICE
OF SUIT
Subject
to Article XVI, it is agreed that the Company and Reinsurer have the right
to
commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States,
to remove an action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer
or
remand of a case to another court as permitted by the laws of the United States
or of any state in the United States.
It
is
further agreed that the Company may serve process upon the Reinsurer by
serving:
A
Person
indicated by the Company in a written notice to the Reinsurer within five (5)
days of the date hereof.
The
right
of the Company to bring suit as provided herein shall be limited to a suit
brought in its own name and for its own account.
ARTICLE
XXV -
MISCELLANEOUS
A.
|
Entire
Agreement.
This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties
hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces
all oral
statements and prior writings with respect
thereto.
|
B.
|
Assignment.
Neither party may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of the other
party.
|
C.
|
Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and
by the
parties on separate counterparts, but will not be effective until
each
party has executed at least one counterpart. Each counterpart will
constitute an original of this Agreement, but all the counterparts
will
together constitute but one and the same instrument. All signatures
of the
parties to this Agreement may be transmitted by facsimile, and such
facsimile will, for all purposes, be deemed to be the original signature
of such Party whose signature it reproduces and will be binding upon
such
Party.
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D.
|
Waiver.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, there
shall be
no waiver of any breach of the terms of this Agreement, nor waiver
of any
right, remedy, power or privilege conferred by this Agreement, except
as
notified in writing by the party waiving to the other party, or as
otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement. Notwithstanding
this,
and for the avoidance of doubt:
|
1. any
waiver of a breach of any term of this Agreement or of any default hereunder
shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default and shall
in no
way affect the other terms of this Agreement; and
2. no
failure to exercise and no delay on the part of any party in exercising any
right, remedy, power or privilege of that party under this Agreement and no
course of dealing between the parties shall be construed or operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power
or
privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of
any
right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided by this
Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies
provided by law.
E.
|
Headings.
The headings of the Articles of this Agreement are inserted for
convenience only, and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any
provision of this Agreement.
|
F.
|
Notices.
Any notice and other communication required or permitted hereunder
shall
be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile
transmission (and immediately after transmission confirmed by telephone),
or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid;
provided, however, that the party delivering a communication by facsimile
transmission shall retain the electronically generated confirmation
of
delivery, showing the telephone number to which the transmission
was sent
and the date and time of the transmission. Any such notice shall
be deemed
given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission
(and
immediately after transmission confirmed by telephone), or, if mailed,
on
the date shown on the receipt therefor, as follows (or to such other
address or facsimile number as the party shall furnish the other
party in
accordance with this paragraph):
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If
to the
Company, to:
AmTrust
International Insurance, Ltd.
Suite
102
Washington Mall
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 11
Bermuda
Tel:
441.292.6564
Fax:
441.292.5796
With
a
copy to:
AmTrust
Financial Services, Inc.
59
Maiden
Lane, 6th
Floor
New
York,
NY 10038
Tel:
212.220.7120
Fax:
212.220.7130
Attention:
General Counsel
If
to the
Reinsurer, to:
Maiden
Insurance Company, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 11
Bermuda
Attention:
CFO
Tel:
441-295-5225
Fax:
With
a
copy to:
Conyers
Dill and Pearman
Clarendon
House
2
Church
Street
PO
Box HM
666
Hamilton
HM CX
Bermuda
Attention:
Christopher Garrod, Esq.
Tel:
(441) 295 1422
Fax:
(441) 292 4720
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto, by their respective duly authorized
officers, have executed this QUOTA SHARE REINSURANCE AGREEMENT, in duplicate,
as
of the dates recorded below:
AMTRUST
INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE, LTD.
By:
/s/
Michael Bott
Dated:
September
17, 2007
MAIDEN
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.
By:
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Dated:
September
17, 2007
AII
INSURANCE MANAGEMENT, LTD.
(solely
for the purposes of Section C(2) of Article XXIII hereof)
By:
/s/
Michael Bott
Dated:
September
17, 2007
[Quota
Share Reinsurance Agreement]
Schedule
A
Lines
of Insurance Covered Under this Agreement
All
lines
of business classified by the Company as:
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2.
|
Extended
Warranty and Specialty Risk, which includes Mechanical Breakdown,
Accidental Damage, Theft, Gap and Creditor and Payment Protection,
and
coverages which are substantially similar to those listed herein
or any
current business classified by the Company as Extended Warranty and
Specialty Risk.
|
|
3.
|
Specialty
Middle-Market Property and Casualty (as reported by AmTrust in its
filings
with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission) placed through program
underwriting agents, which includes General Liability, Commercial
Property, Commercial Automobile Liability, and Auto Physical Damage,
Workers' Compensation and other substantially similar commercial
property
and casualty coverages.
|
EXHIBIT
10.9
EXECUTION
COPY
ASSET
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT, made this 3rd day of July 2007 by and between AII Insurance
Management Limited (“AIM”), a Bermuda corporation, and Maiden Insurance Company,
Ltd. (“Company”), a Bermuda joint stock company.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS,
Company is a licensed Bermuda insurer, whose sponsors are the Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of AmTrust Financial Services,
Inc., which is a multinational insurance holding company, which owns AIM and
currently owns three U.S. insurers, an Irish insurer, U.K. insurer and Bermuda
reinsurer;
WHEREAS,
AIM provides certain services to its affiliates, including investment management
services;
WHEREAS,
Company wishes to retain AIM to provide investment management services with
respect to assets held in trust pursuant to those certain reinsurance Trust
Agreements specified on Appendix A (each such agreement a “Trust Agreement”, and
each portfolio of assets held pursuant to a Trust Agreement a “Trust Account”)
and other assets designated by Company in writing from time to time (the
“General Account”, together with the Trust Accounts the “Account”) and AIM is
willing to do so.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of their respective promises and covenants
hereinafter set forth, AIM and Company agree as follows:
1. AIM
shall
perform the following investment management services on behalf of Company in
accordance with Company’s investment guidelines, which are attached hereto as
Appendix B (the “Investment Guidelines”), and regulatory requirements regarding
investments. Company has established separate Investment Guidelines with respect
to each Reinsurance Trust and with respect to the General Account. Company
in
its discretion may amend the
Investment Guidelines from time to time, by delivering such amendment to AIM
in
writing no less than 5 business days prior to the effective date. In
the
event that there is a failure to comply with the Investment Guidelines as a
result of changes in market conditions or otherwise, AIM shall promptly notify
Company and shall take such corrective action as may be agreed with
Company.
Subject
to the Investment Guidelines, AIM
shall
have full discretionary authority with respect to the Account, including the
authority and power to enter into contracts binding on Company with respect
thereto, and to:
(a) establish,
maintain and terminate discretionary and non-discretionary investment accounts
with banks, brokers, dealers, investment advisers or other investment
professionals, including affiliates of AIM (“Investment Service Providers”),
provided, such Investment Service Providers maintain all required licenses,
registrations, memberships and approvals required to perform the investment
services being offered. If AIM delegates any of its discretionary investment,
advisory and other rights, powers and functions hereunder to any Investment
Service Provider, AIM shall always remain liable to Company for its obligations
hereunder. References herein to AIM shall include, as the context may require,
any of AIM’s affiliates that are selected to manage assets under this Agreement.
Any affiliate of AIM that is delegated authority under this Agreement shall
accept such delegation in an agreement between the AIM and any such affiliate
and acknowledge that it is a fiduciary with respect to the Account.
(b) purchase,
hold, sell, write, exchange, transfer, and otherwise invest and trade in
property of all kind, including without limitation:
· |
any
publicly-traded or non-publicly traded, U.S or non-U.S.: general
or
limited partnership or limited liability company interest; share
of
capital stock; share of beneficial interest; investment contract,
preorganization certificate or subscription; bond, note, debenture
(whether subordinated, convertible or otherwise), trust receipt or
certificate, loan participation and/or assignment, account or note
receivable, trade acceptance, contract or other claim, executory
contract
(including any notional principal contract), instrument or evidence
of
indebtedness; certificate of
deposit;
|
· |
any
non-U.S. currency or any right or option to acquire or dispose of
a
non-U.S. currency, including a put or call;
and
|
· |
any
commodity or any right or option to acquire or dispose of a commodity,
including a put or call, a straddle, or futures, forward, or spot
contract, or any notional principal contract relating to any such
commodity, right, or option (whether or not traded on an
exchange);
|
(c) invest
or
deposit in obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, time deposits in and certificates of deposit of banks, the long term
debt of which is rated not less than AA by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services,
a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), securities issued by
corporations the long-term debt of which is rated not less than AA by S&P,
or commercial paper which is rated A-1 by S&P, in each case having a
maturity of not more than 91 days from the date of issuance, or foreign money
market mutual funds, or other short-term investments which have at the time
of
investment a rating of AAA by S&P; and
(d) vote
proxies, grant consents solicited by or with respect to the issuers of
securities in which assets of the Account may be invested from time to time,
provided that Company reserves the right to exercise or direct the exercise
of
voting rights with respect to securities which are Account assets or grant
its
consent with respect to solicitations by or with respect to the issuers of
such
securities, in each case upon consultation with Company.
2.
Portfolio Transactions.
(a) AIM
may
place orders for the execution of transactions for the Account with or through
Investment Service Providers as AIM may select. AIM agrees that securities
are
to be purchased through such brokers as, in AIM’s best judgment, shall offer the
best combination of price and execution. AIM, in seeking to obtain best
execution of portfolio transactions for the Account, may consider the quality
and reliability of brokerage services, as well as research and investment
information and other services provided by brokers or dealers. AIM may cause
the
Account to pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research services
to AIM an amount of commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the
amount of commission that another broker or dealer would have charged for
effecting that transaction, if AIM determines in good faith that such amount
of
commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by the broker or dealer. These brokerage and research services
may also assist AIM in rendering services to other clients, and not all such
services will necessarily be used in connection with the Account. In addition,
where permitted by applicable legal and regulatory requirements, AIM or its
affiliates may execute transactions on behalf of the Account.
(b) Company
authorizes AIM to, at AIM’s discretion, bunch or aggregate orders for the
Account with orders of other clients and to allocate the aggregate amount of
the
investment among accounts (including accounts in which AIM, its affiliates
and/or their personnel have beneficial interests) in a manner in which AIM
shall
determine is fair over time to the participating accounts. When portfolio
decisions are made on an aggregated basis, AIM may in its discretion, place
a
large order to purchase or sell a particular security for the Account and the
accounts of several other clients. Because of the prevailing trading activity,
it is frequently not possible to receive the same price or execution on the
entire volume of securities purchased or sold. When this occurs, the various
prices may be averaged and the Account will be charged or credited with the
average price; and the effect of the aggregation may operate on some occasions
to Company’s disadvantage. Although in such an instance Company will be charged
the average price, AIM will make the information regarding the actual
transactions available to Company upon Company’s request. Neither AIM nor its
affiliates, however, are required to bunch or aggregate orders, and therefore
Company may not receive the average price on any given trade.
3.
Affiliated Brokerage; Principal Transactions
(a) Subject
to AIM’s execution obligations described in Section 2 above, Company hereby
authorizes AIM, when determined by AIM in its capacity of a fiduciary to be
in
the best interest of Company, to effect agency transactions and agency
cross-transactions through affiliated broker-dealers. Such transactions shall
be
effected at prevailing market levels in accordance with the procedures under
Rule 17a-7(b) of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 and other applicable
law. Company at any time without penalty may terminate in whole or in part
its
authorization to effect such transactions by written notice to AIM.
(b) When
determined by AIM in its capacity as a fiduciary to be in the best interest
of
Company, AIM may effect transactions in which, acting for its own account or
an
account of its affiliate, AIM buys a security from, or sells a security to,
Company, with Company’s consent after written disclosure by AIM to Company of
the transaction and the capacity in which AIM is acting before the completion
of
such transaction, in accordance with applicable regulatory
requirements.
4. Information
and Reports
AIM
shall
or shall direct the Investment Service Providers to provide to Company copies
of
all Account statements and Account information to Company. Monthly, AIM shall
provide Company a written report and inventory of the Account in a format
approved by Company and such other reports and information as Company shall
request. Valuation levels for the assets listed in the written report and
inventory will reflect AIM’s good faith effort to ascertain fair market levels
(including accrued income, if any) for the securities and other assets in the
Account based on pricing and valuation information believed by AIM to be
reliable for round lot sizes. Then current exchange rates will be applied in
valuing holdings in foreign currency.
5.
Custody
Custody
of the cash and assets of the General Account shall be held by a custodian
(the
“Custodian”) appointed by Company pursuant to a separate custody agreement or by
Company itself. Custody of the cash and assets of the Trust Accounts shall
be
held by a trustee or trustees (the “Trustee(s)”) appointed by Company pursuant
to the Trust Agreements or other separate trust agreement. The Custodian and
the
Trustee are qualified custodians as defined in Section 206(4)-2 of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Company
authorizes AIM to give Custodian and the Trustee instructions for the purchase,
sale, conversion, redemption, exchange or retention of any security, cash or
cash equivalents or other investment for Company. Except as provided in Section
1 and the Trust Agreements, exclusive responsibility for the custody and
safekeeping of Company’s assets constituting the Account shall remain with the
Custodian and the Trustee, and AIM and its affiliates shall not have custody
or
physical control of the assets and cash in the Account. AIM shall provide the
Custodian and the Trustee with such documents and information, including
certification of AIM’s duly authorized representatives, as the Custodian or
Trustee may reasonably request. All directions given by AIM to the Custodian
shall be in writing, and signed by an authorized representative of AIM;
provided, however, that the Custodian may accept oral directions from AIM,
subject to confirmation in writing. AIM’s directions to the Trustee shall be
given as provided in the Trust Agreements. Company will give AIM reasonable
prior notice of any change the Custodian or the Trustee, together with the
name
and other relevant information with respect to the new Custodian or
Trustee.
6. Compensation
and Reimbursement of Expenses
(a) Subject
to section 6(d) below, within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter,
Company shall pay to AIM an amount equal to 0.0875% of the average value of
the
Account for the preceding calendar quarter.
(b) Company
shall be responsible for the investment expenses of the Account, as well as
expenses incurred in connection with carrying out its own accounting, auditing,
and compliance policies, procedures, and other obligations with respect to
the
Account. Company shall reimburse AIM for the payment of reasonable expenses
incurred by AIM with respect to such policies, procedures, and obligations
of
Company, but in no event shall Company be responsible for AIM’s general overhead
expenses or expenses of AIM in carrying out its own accounting, auditing and
compliance policies, procedures or obligations. Investment expenses shall
include brokerage commissions, transfer fees, registration costs, taxes and
other similar costs and transaction-related expenses and fees arising out of
transactions in the Account. AIM may, at its discretion, make payments out
of
fees received from Company pursuant to this Agreement to any Investment Service
Provider from which it obtains investment advisory services, including
Investment Service Providers that are affiliates of AIM, and Company shall
have
no obligation to compensate such Investment Service Provider for such
services.
(c)
Custodial fees are charged separately by the Custodian for the General Account
and are not included in the investment advisory fee due AIM pursuant to this
Agreement. Company will pay any custodial fees directly from the custodial
account. Trustee fees may not be paid from the Trust Accounts; Company will
pay
any trustee fees due under the Trust Agreements.
(d) AIM
agrees to waive the investment advisory fee due pursuant to Section 6(a) of
this
Agreement on any assets of the Account invested in any collective investment
vehicle advised or sponsored by AIM or any of its affiliates.
7. Directions
to AIM
All
directions by or on behalf of Company to AIM shall be in writing signed either
by Company or by an authorized agent of Company or, if by telephone, confirmed
in writing. For this purpose, the term in writing, shall include directions
given by facsimile. A list of persons authorized to give instructions to AIM
hereunder with specimen signatures, is set out in Appendix C to this Agreement.
Company may revise the list of authorized persons from time to time by sending
AIM a revised list which has been certified either by Company or by a duly
authorized agent of Company. AIM shall incur no liability whatsoever in relying
upon any direction from, or document signed by, any person reasonably believed
by it to be authorized to give or sign the same, whether or not the authority
of
such person is then effective. AIM shall be under no duty to make any
investigation or inquiry as to any statement contained in any writing and may
accept the same as conclusive evidence of the truth and accuracy of the
statements therein contained. Directions given by Company to AIM hereunder
shall
be effective only upon actual receipt by AIM and shall be acknowledged by AIM
through its actions hereunder only, unless Company is advised by AIM
otherwise.
8. Term
and
Termination
(a) This
Agreement shall remain in effect from for a period of one year from the
Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Thereafter, this Agreement shall
automatically renew for successive one year terms unless (i) AIM or Company,
as
the case may be, provides notice thirty (30) days prior to the end of a term
of
its intent not to renew, or (ii) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
sections 8(b) and (c) below.
(b) Following
the Initial Term, the Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party
upon thirty (30) days written notice.
(c) Company
may terminate this Agreement immediately, upon written notice, upon the
occurrence of any of the following events:
i. AIM
fails
to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement, or for whatever reason,
does not commence fulfillment of duties provided in this Agreement, or once
having commenced its duties, engages in neglect of its duties and obligations
hereunder, fails or refuses to act to carry out its duties and obligations
hereunder;
ii. AIM
is
sold, undergoes a material change in ownership, in its capital participation
or
control, change in management, board of directors, officers or key personnel
or
causes to be sold, transferred or pledged all or substantially all of its stock
or assets to a third party; or
iii. AIM
suffers the loss, suspension or revocation of any license or certificate of
authority from any regulatory body that is material to the performance of its
duties and obligations herein, or such license becomes invalid or expires and
is
not renewed without any lapse.
9. Confidentiality
It
is
understood and agreed that all information pertaining to Company, whether
developed by AIM or Company, is the sole and exclusive property of Company
(“Proprietary Information”). AIM shall maintain the confidentiality of the
Proprietary Information and upon termination of this Agreement shall return
or
destroy all Proprietary Information as directed by Company. It is further
understood and agreed that all of Company’s files and records shall be made
available only to inspection by directors, officers and employees of AIM, the
directors, officers, employees and independent auditors of Company, and anyone
properly authorized in writing by Company. Notwithstanding the above,
Proprietary Information may be disclosed if (i) requested by or through, or
related to a judicial, administrative, governmental or self-regulatory
organization process, investigation, inquiry or proceeding, or is otherwise
legally required, (ii) required in order for each party to carry out its
responsibilities hereunder, or (iii) permitted upon the prior written consent
of
the other party. Company and AIM shall cooperate in responding to any
governmental inquiry or investigation.
10. Choice
of
Law
This
Agreement shall be governed and construed by the laws of the Islands of Bermuda.
Each party submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Islands of Bermuda,
which shall be the exclusive forum for adjudicating any dispute based on,
arising out of, or in connection with this Agreement.
11. Assignment
No
assignment of this Agreement shall be made by AIM without the written consent
of
Company. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “assignment” shall have the
meaning given it by Section 202(a)(1) of the Advisers Act.
(a) |
All
notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement
shall be in writing and delivered in person, by fax, e-mail, recognized
overnight courier, or certified mail, postage prepaid and properly
addressed as follows
|
To
Company:
Maiden
Insurance Company, Ltd.
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12, Bermuda
Attention:
Bentzion S. Turin
Fax
No.:
441-292-5796
To
AIM:
AII
Insurance Management Limited
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12, Bermuda
Attention:
Michael Bott
Fax
No.:
441-292-5796
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of
the
Effective Date.
Maiden
Insurance Company, Ltd.
By:__
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin_____________
Bentzion
S. Turin
Director
AII
Insurance Management Limited
By:__
/s/
Andre Dill____________________________
Andre
Dill
Assistant
Secretary
EXHIBIT
10.10
EXECUTION
COPY
REINSURANCE
BROKERAGE AGREEMENT
This
REINSURANCE BROKERAGE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as
of July 3, 2007 by and between Maiden Insurance Company, Ltd., a Bermuda company
(“Maiden”), and AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd., a Bermuda company
(“ARBL”).
WHEREAS,
Maiden is duly licensed in Bermuda to transact insurance business as a Class
3
insurer; and
WHEREAS,
ARBL is duly licensed in Bermuda to transact business as an insurance broker;
and
WHEREAS,
ARBL is a subsidiary of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”);
and
WHEREAS,
Maiden wishes to appoint ARBL as its broker for procurement or placement of
reinsurance to be assumed by Maiden from insurance company subsidiaries of
AmTrust (the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”), and ARBL wishes to accept such
appointment; and
WHEREAS,
(a) AmTrust International Underwriters, Ltd. and IGI Insurance Company (being
AmTrust Ceding Insurers), as ceding companies, and Maiden, as reinsurer, have
entered into that certain Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated the date
hereof, and (b) Rochdale Insurance Company, Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
and Wesco Insurance Company (being AmTrust Ceding Insurers), as ceding
companies, and Maiden, as reinsurer, intend to enter into a Quota Share
Reinsurance Agreement following receipt of regulatory approvals therefor (the
agreements described in (a) and (b), together, the “Initial Reinsurance
Agreements”); and
WHEREAS,
ARBL has provided, and desires to continue to provide, certain of the Services
(as defined below) to Maiden in connection with the Initial Reinsurance
Agreements.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein
contained, Maiden and ARBL agree as follows:
1. |
APPOINTMENT
AND AUTHORITY
|
1.1 |
Maiden
hereby engages and appoints ARBL, and ARBL hereby accepts appointment,
as
a reinsurance broker to provide, as requested from time to time by
Maiden,
the following services with respect to the assumption of reinsurance
by
Maiden from AmTrust Ceding Insurers (collectively, the
“Services”):
|
a. |
At
the direction of Maiden, to submit proposals for reinsurance and
reinsurance markets approved by
Maiden;
|
b. |
To
make recommendations to Maiden regarding such reinsurance
coverage;
|
c. |
To
maintain records regarding reinsurance procured and administered
on behalf
of Maiden as required by applicable law and regulation;
and
|
d. |
If
directed by Maiden, to administer reporting requirements in connection
with reinsurance placed on behalf of
Maiden.
|
1.2 |
ARBL
shall perform all Services in accordance with any standards and guidelines
developed by Maiden from time to time and communicated to ARBL. ARBL
shall
perform all Services in a professional and timely manner.
|
1.3 |
Nothing
contained herein shall create the relationship of employer and employee
between Maiden and ARBL. Except as set forth herein, Maiden shall
have no
right of control over personnel supplied by ARBL as to the time,
means, or
manner of performance of such personnel’s duties hereunder. ARBL shall
conduct itself and its business under the terms of this Agreement
solely
as an independent contractor.
|
2. |
TERM
OF AGREEMENT & TERMINATION
|
This
Agreement is effective as of July 3, 2007, and may be terminated by Maiden
at
any time upon not less than 15 days prior written notice to ARBL.
ARBL
shall comply with Maiden's request for any information relating to this
Agreement. Additionally, Maiden, or its authorised representatives, shall have
the right to inspect at any reasonable time at ARBL's offices, and shall be
permitted to make and retain copies of, all papers, books, accounts, documents,
claims files and other records of ARBL relating to this Agreement. Maiden's
right of inspection shall continue to exist after the termination of this
Agreement. The books, accounts, and records of each party shall be so maintained
as to clearly and accurately disclose the nature and details of the transactions
under this Agreement. In any event, each party shall own and have custody of
its
own general corporate accounts and records. Upon termination of this Agreement,
each party shall deliver to the other party all books and records that are,
or
are deemed by this Agreement to be, the property of such other
party.
Maiden
shall pay to ARBL during the term of this Agreement, as consideration for the
provision of the Services, 1.25% of all gross written premium ceded by AmTrust
Ceding Insurers to Maiden pursuant to reinsurance agreements entered between
Maiden and such AmTrust Ceding Insurers from time to time. For greater
certainty, ARBL shall be entitled to the foregoing rate of compensation with
respect to Maiden’s quota share of the Subject Premium (as defined in the
Initial Reinsurance Agreements) ceded to it from time to time under the Initial
Reinsurance Agreements.
5.1 |
As
a condition precedent to any right of action hereunder, any dispute
arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this
Agreement, including the formation or validity thereof, shall be
submitted
for decision to a panel of three arbitrators. Notice requesting
arbitration will be in writing and sent certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested.
|
5.2 |
Each
party shall choose one arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall,
before
instituting the hearing, choose an impartial third arbitrator who
shall
preside at the hearing. If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator
within thirty (30) days after being requested to do so by the other
party,
the latter, after ten (10) days notice by certified or registered
mail of
its intention to do so, may appoint the second
arbitrator.
|
5.3 |
If
the first two arbitrators are unable to agree upon the third arbitrator
within thirty (30) days of their appointment, each arbitrator shall
name
three candidates within ten days thereafter, two of whom shall be
declined
by the other arbitrator within fifteen days after receiving their
names,
and within five days the choice shall be made between the two remaining
candidates by drawing lots. All arbitrators shall be disinterested
active
or former executive officers of insurance or reinsurance companies
or
Underwriters at Lloyd’s.
|
5.4 |
Within
thirty (30) days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators,
the panel
shall meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures
and schedules for hearings. The panel shall be relieved of all judicial
formality and shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure
and
evidence. Unless the panel agrees otherwise, arbitration shall take
place
in New York, New York, but the venue may be changed when deemed by
the
panel to be in the best interest of the arbitration proceeding. Insofar
as
the arbitration panel looks to substantive law, it shall consider
the law
of the New York. The decision of any two arbitrators when rendered
in
writing shall be final and binding. The panel is empowered to grant
interim relief as it may deem
appropriate.
|
5.5 |
The
panel shall make its decision considering the custom and practice
of the
applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as possible
following the termination of hearings. Judgement upon the award may
be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Except
as provided above, arbitration shall be based, insofar as applicable,
upon
the arbitration procedures of ARIAS
US.
|
5.6 |
Each
party shall bear the expense of its own arbitrator and shall jointly
and
equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator.
In the
event that both arbitrators are chosen by one party, the fees of
all
arbitrators shall be equally divided between the parties. The panel
shall
allocate the remaining costs of the arbitration.
|
6. MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 |
Governing
Law.
This Agreement shall
be governed as to all disputes arising under this Agreement by the
laws of
the State of New York without regard to the principles of conflicts
of
laws.
|
6.2 |
Entire
Agreement.
This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties
hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces
all oral
statements and prior writings with respect
thereto.
|
6.3 |
Assignment
and Amendment.
Neither party hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations
hereunder
without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. No
amendment or modification of this Agreement will be effective unless
it is
in writing and signed by both parties
hereto.
|
6.4 |
Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and
by the
parties on separate counterparts, but will not be effective until
each
party has executed at least one counterpart. Each counterpart will
constitute an original of this Agreement, but all the counterparts
will
together constitute but one and the same instrument. All signatures
of the
parties to this Agreement may be transmitted by facsimile, and such
facsimile will, for all purposes, be deemed to be the original signature
of such party whose signature it reproduces and will be binding upon
such
party.
|
6.5 |
Waiver.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, there
shall be
no waiver of any breach of the terms of this Agreement, nor waiver
of any
right, remedy, power or privilege conferred by this Agreement, except
as
notified in writing by the party waiving to the other party, or as
otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement. Notwithstanding
this,
and for the avoidance of doubt:
|
a. any
waiver of a breach of any term of this Agreement or of any default hereunder
shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default and shall
in no
way affect the other terms of this Agreement; and
b. no
failure to exercise and no delay on the part of any party in exercising any
right, remedy, power or privilege of that party under this Agreement and no
course of dealing between the parties shall be construed or operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power
or
privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of
any
right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided by this
Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies
provided by law.
6.6 |
Headings.
The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only,
and
shall not affect the meaning or construction of any provision of
this
Agreement.
|
6.7 |
Notices.
Any notice and other communication required or permitted hereunder
shall
be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile
transmission (and immediately after transmission confirmed by telephone),
or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid;
provided, however, that the party delivering a communication by facsimile
transmission shall retain the electronically generated confirmation
of
delivery, showing the telephone number to which the transmission
was sent
and the date and time of the transmission. Any such notice shall
be deemed
given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission
(and
immediately after transmission confirmed by telephone), or, if mailed,
on
the date shown on the receipt therefor, as follows (or to such other
address or facsimile number as the party shall furnish the other
party in
accordance with this paragraph):
|
If
to
Maiden, to:
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12, Bermuda
Attention:
Bentzion S. Turin
Fax
No.:
441-292-5796
If
to
ARBL, to:
7
Reid
Street
Hamilton
HM 12, Bermuda
Attention:
Michael Bott
Fax
No.:
441-292-5796
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by their
respective duly authorized officers.
MAIDEN
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.
By:___/s/
Bentzion S. Turin___
Dated:
July 3, 2007__________________
AII
REINSURANCE BROKER LTD.
By:____/s/
Andre Dill________
Dated:
July 3, 2007__________________
EXHIBIT
21.1
List
of Subsidiary of Maiden Holdings, Ltd.
Entity
|
Country
of Incorporation
|
Maiden
Insurance Company,
Ltd.
|
Bermuda
|
|
EXHIBIT
23.1
|
September
17, 2007
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered
Accountants
Dorchester
House
7
Church Street
Hamilton
HM 11
Bermuda
Telephone
+1 (441) 295 2000
Facsimile
+1 (441) 295 1242
www.pwc.com/bermuda
|
CONSENT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We
hereby
consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report
dated September 17, 2007 relating to the June 14, 2007 financial statements
of
Maiden Holdings, Ltd., which appears in such Registration Statement. We also
consent to the references to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration
Statement.
Chartered
Accountants
A
list of partners can be obtained from the above address
PricewaterhouseCoopers
refers to the members of the worldwide PricewaterhouseCoopers
organisation
EXHIBIT
24.1
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL
PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
does
hereby constitute and appoint Max G. Caviet and Bentzion S. Turin and each
of
them, with full power of substitution and full power to act, his true and
lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent to act for him in his name, place and stead, in
any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to the registration statement of Maiden Holdings, Ltd., any and
all
registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act
of
1933 (including post-effective amendments) to register additional securities
and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority
to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done
in
order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as they
or
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power of Attorney
has
been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
|
|
|
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
|
|
|
__/s/
Barry D. Zyskind__
Barry
D. Zyskind
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
___/s/
Max G. Caviet ___
Max
G. Caviet
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
_/s/
Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr._
Ronald
E. Pipoly, Jr.
|
Interim
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
__/s/
Bentzion S. Turin__
Bentzion
S. Turin
|
Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
___/s/
Simcha Lyons___
Simcha
Lyons
|
Director
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
__/s/
Raymond N. Neff__
Raymond
N. Neff
|
Director
|
August
21, 2007
|
|
|
|
___/s/
Steven H. Nigro_
Steven
H. Nigro
|
Director
|
August
21, 2007
|
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGES COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
F-N
APPOINTMENT
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS
BY
FOREIGN BANKS AND FOREIGN INSURANCE
COMPANIES
AND CERTAIN OF THEIR HOLDING COMPANIES
AND
FINANCE SUBSIDIARIES MAKING PUBLIC OFFERINGS
OF
SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
A. |
Name
of issuer or person filing (“Filer”): Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
|
x
an original filing for
the Filer
o
an amended filing for
the Filer
C. |
Identify
the filing in conjunction with which this Form is being filed:
|
Name
of
registrant: Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
Form
type: Form
S-1
File
Number (if known):
Filed
by:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
Date
Filed (if filed concurrently, so indicate): Filed
concurrently with the registration Statement on Form S-1.
D. |
The
Filer is incorporated or organized under the laws of (Name of the
jurisdiction under whose laws the filer is organized or
incorporated)
|
Bermuda
and
has
its principal place of business at (Address in full and telephone
number)
7
Reid
Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda
(Telephone:
441-295-5225)
E. |
The
filer designates and appoints (Name of United States person serving
as
agent)
|
CT
Corporation System
(“Agent”) located at (Address in full in the United States and telephone
number)
111
Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, (Telephone: 212-590-9330)
as the
agent of the Filer upon whom may be served any process, pleadings, subpoenas,
or
other papers in:
(a) |
any
investigation or administrative proceeding conducted by the Commission,
and
|
(b) |
any
civil suit or action brought against the Filer or to which the Filer
has
been joined as defendant or respondent, in any appropriate court
in any
place subject to the jurisdiction of any state or of the United States
or
any of its territories or possessions or of the District of Columbia,
arising out of or based on any offering made or purported to be made
in
connection with the securities registered by the Filer on Form (Name
of
Form) S-1
filed on (Date) September
17, 2007
or
any purchases or sales of any security in connection therewith. The
Filer
stipulates and agrees that any such civil suit or action or administrative
proceeding may be commenced by the service of process upon, and that
service of an administrative subpoena shall be effected by service
upon,
such agent for service of process, and that the service as aforesaid
shall
be taken and held in all courts and administrative tribunals to be
valid
and binding as if personal service thereof had been
made.
|
F. |
Each
person filing this Form stipulates and agrees to appoint a successor
agent
for service of process and file an amended
Form F-N
if
the Filer discharges the Agent or the Agent is unwilling or unable
to
accept service on behalf of the Filer at any time until six years
have
elapsed from the date of the Filer’s last registration statement or
report, or amendment to any such registration statement or report,
filed
with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Filer further undertakes to advise the Commission
promptly of any change to the Agent’s name or address during the
applicable period by amendment of this Form referencing the file
number of
the relevant registration form in conjunction with which the amendment
is
being filed.
|
G. |
Each
person filing this form undertakes to make available, in person or
by
telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission
staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission
staff, information relating to the securities registered pursuant
to the
form referenced in paragraph E or transactions in said
securities.
|
The
Filer
certifies that it has duly caused this power of attorney, consent, stipulation
and agreement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the
City
of
Hamilton, Country of Bermuda
this
17th
day
of
September,
2007
Filer:
Maiden
Holdings, Ltd.
By
(Signature and Title):
/s/
Bentzion S. Turin
Name:
Bentzion S. Turin
Title: Chief
Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
This
statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the
dates indicated.
(Signature)
/s/
Mark S. Eppley
Name:
Mark
S. Eppley
(Title)
Officer
of CT Corporation
(Date)
September
17, 2007
Instructions
1. |
The
power of attorney, consent, stipulation and agreement shall be signed
by
the Filer and its authorized Agent in the United
States.
|
2. |
The
name of each person who signs Form
F-N
shall be typed or printed beneath his signature. Where any name is
signed
pursuant to a board resolution, a certified copy of the resolution
shall
be filed with each copy of the Form. If any name is signed pursuant
to a
power of attorney, a manually signed copy of each power of attorney
shall
be filed with each copy of the
Form.
|
SEC’S
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
An
agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number.
Filing of this Form is mandatory. Rule 489 under the Securities Act of 1933
[17
CFR 230.489] requires foreign banks and foreign insurance companies and holding
companies and finance subsidiaries of foreign banks and foreign insurance
companies that are excepted from the definition of “investment company” by
virtue of rules 3a-1,3a-5, and 3a-6 under the Investment Company Act of 1940
to
file Form F-N to appoint an agent for service of process in the United States
when making a public offering of securities. The information collected on Form
F-N is publicly available. Any member of the public may direct to the Commission
any comments concerning the accuracy of the burden estimate of this Form and
any
suggestions for reducing the burden of the Form. This collection of information
has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with
the
clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.