e425
Filed by
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to
Rule 14a-12
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: MetLife, Inc.
Commission File No.:
001-15787
August 4,
2008
To the Shareholders of Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated:
You are cordially invited to attend the special meeting of the
shareholders of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, a
Missouri corporation (which is referred to as RGA),
which will be held at RGAs corporate headquarters at 1370
Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, on
Friday, September 5, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., local time.
This is an important special meeting that affects your
investment in the company.
At the special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote
to approve a proposed recapitalization of RGA (which is referred
to as the recapitalization), certain changes to the
RGA articles of incorporation to be implemented in connection
with the recapitalization, and ratification of a
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. In the
recapitalization, each issued and outstanding share of RGA
common stock will be reclassified as RGA class A common
stock. Immediately after such reclassification, MetLife, Inc.
and its subsidiaries, which currently hold approximately 52% of
RGAs outstanding stock, will exchange each share of RGA
class A common stock that they hold (other than
3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common
stock) with RGA for one share of RGA class B common
stock. Holders of the RGA class A common stock, voting
together as a class, will be entitled to elect up to 20% of the
RGA board of directors, and holders of the RGA class B
common stock, voting together as a class, will be entitled to
elect at least 80% of the RGA board of directors.
The recapitalization is proposed in conjunction with, and is
conditioned upon, an offer by MetLife to MetLife stockholders to
exchange all of the shares of RGA class B common stock that
MetLife will receive following the recapitalization, for shares
of MetLife common stock (which is referred to as the
exchange offer or, when completed, the
split-off). The exchange offer is being conducted
pursuant to a separate exchange offer prospectus and is subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in the exchange offer
prospectus. The recapitalization and exchange offer will not be
completed unless MetLife stockholders validly tender and do not
withdraw a sufficient number of shares of MetLife common stock
that would result in the distribution of at least
26,319,186 shares (representing 90% of such shares) of RGA
class B common stock in the split-off.
If MetLife continues to hold any shares of RGA class B
common stock following the exchange offer, MetLife will exchange
such shares of RGA class B common stock with its security
holders in one or more private or public debt exchanges (each of
which is referred to as a debt exchange) or one or
more subsequent split-offs (each of which is referred to as a
subsequent split-off). The complete divestiture of
MetLifes RGA class B common stock, whether
accomplished by the exchange offer and any debt exchanges or
subsequent split-offs is referred to as the
divestiture. RGA presently expects that, following
the divestiture, the RGA board of directors will consider
submitting to a vote of RGA shareholders a proposal to convert
the dual-class structure adopted in the recapitalization into a
single class structure (which is referred to as the
conversion). There is, however, no binding
commitment by the RGA board of directors to, and there can be no
assurance that the RGA board of directors will, consider
proposing a conversion or resolve to submit such a proposal to
the RGA shareholders. If submitted, there can be no assurance
that the RGA shareholders would approve such a conversion.
In connection with the recapitalization, you will also be asked
to consider and vote upon some amendments to the RGA articles of
incorporation (which is referred to as the governance
proposals) and to ratify the decision of the RGA special
committee (as defined below) to adopt and implement a
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The RGA board of
directors believes that, together, the governance proposals and
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan will help
preserve the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use certain
of their tax assets, and help protect the RGA class A
shareholders from potentially coercive or abusive takeover
tactics and attempts to acquire control of RGA at a price or on
terms that are not in the best interests of RGA class A
shareholders.
RGA common stock is currently listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (which is referred to as the NYSE) under
the symbol RGA. RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock have been approved for listing on the NYSE,
both subject to official notice of issuance. Following the
recapitalization and the split-off, RGA class A common
stock will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA.A, and RGA class B common stock will be
listed on the NYSE under the symbol RGA.B.
The recapitalization is being effected pursuant to a
recapitalization and distribution agreement, dated as of
June 1, 2008, by and between MetLife and RGA. The RGA board
of directors believes that the recapitalization and the other
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement are fair to, and in the best interests
of, RGA and its shareholders (other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries), and has approved these transactions. Prior to the
approval of the RGA board of directors, a specially constituted
committee of the RGA board of directors, composed of four
independent directors (which is referred to as the RGA
special committee), determined that the recapitalization
and the other transactions contemplated by the recapitalization
and distribution agreement are fair to RGA and its shareholders
(other than MetLife and its subsidiaries) and unanimously
recommended that the RGA board of directors approve the
recapitalization and the other transactions contemplated by the
recapitalization and distribution agreement.
Upon unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee,
the RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife designees,
who abstained) has approved the recapitalization and the other
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, and recommends that you vote for the
approval of each of the proposals. Your participation and vote
are important. The transactions will not be effected without the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of RGAs
outstanding common stock held by RGA shareholders (other than
MetLife and its subsidiaries), present and entitled to vote at
the RGA special meeting.
Your vote is important. Even if you plan to attend the RGA
special meeting in person, please complete, sign, date and
promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed
postage-prepaid envelope. This will not limit your right to
attend or vote at the RGA special meeting.
This document provides detailed information about the proposed
transactions. The RGA board of directors encourages you to read
the entire document and its appendices carefully. Please pay
particular attention to the Risk Factors section
beginning on page 23. You may also obtain more information
about RGA from documents RGA has filed with the SEC.
Thank you for your continued support.
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Sincerely,
A. Greig Woodring
President and Chief Executive Officer
August 4, 2008
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in
connection with the recapitalization, exchange offer, any debt
exchanges
and/or any
subsequent split-offs or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of
this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The accompanying document is dated August 4, 2008 and is
first being mailed to RGA shareholders on or about
August 5, 2008.
REINSURANCE
GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway,
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held September 5, 2008
A special meeting of the shareholders of RGA will be held at
RGAs corporate headquarters at 1370 Timberlake Manor
Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, on Friday,
September 5, 2008, at 9:00 a.m, local time, for the
following purposes:
1. Recapitalization Proposal. To consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, dated as of June 1, 2008, by and
between MetLife and RGA, and the transactions contemplated by
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, including the
recapitalization and the related amendment and restatement of
RGAs articles of incorporation. In the recapitalization,
each issued and outstanding share of RGA common stock will be
reclassified as RGA class A common stock. Immediately after
this reclassification, MetLife and its subsidiaries will
exchange each share of RGA class A common stock that they
hold (other than 3,000,000 shares of RGA class A
common stock) with RGA for one share of RGA class B common
stock. Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A
common stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled
to receive the same per share consideration in any
reorganization or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation
or combination of RGA with any other company (except for such
differences as may be permitted with respect to their existing
rights to elect directors). The recapitalization is proposed in
conjunction with, and is conditioned upon, an offer by MetLife
to MetLife stockholders to exchange all of the shares of RGA
class B common stock for shares of MetLife common stock.
2. Governance Proposals. To consider and
vote upon a number of proposals that would amend the RGA
articles of incorporation, subject to and conditioned upon
completion of the recapitalization, as follows:
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RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitation. This provision would restrict the
voting power with respect to directors of a holder of more than
15% of the outstanding RGA class B common stock to 15% of
the outstanding RGA class B common stock; provided
that, if such holder also has in excess of 15% of the
outstanding RGA class A common stock, such holder of RGA
class B common stock may exercise the voting power of the
RGA class B common stock in excess of 15% to the extent
that such holder has an equivalent percentage of outstanding RGA
class A common stock;
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Acquisition Restrictions. This provision
would, subject to limited exceptions, restrict for a period of
36 months and one day from the completion of the
recapitalization, RGA shareholders from becoming a
5-percent shareholder for purposes of
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and the related
Treasury regulations and restrict any permitted 5-percent
shareholder from further increasing its ownership interest in
RGA; and
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Potential Conversion of Class B Stock Following the
Divestiture. This provision would allow the RGA
board of directors, at its discretion, to convert the RGA
class B common stock into RGA class A common stock on
a one-for-one basis, if and only if the RGA board of directors
determines to submit such proposal to RGAs then existing
shareholders and such shareholders approve such proposal. There
is, however, no binding commitment by the RGA board of directors
to, and there can be no assurance that the RGA board of
directors will, consider proposing a conversion or resolve to
submit such a proposal to RGAs shareholders. If submitted,
there can be no assurance that RGAs shareholders would
approve such a conversion.
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3. Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Proposal. To consider and vote upon a proposal
that RGA shareholders ratify the decision of the RGA special
committee to adopt and implement an amended and restated
Section 382 shareholder rights plan in connection with
the recapitalization and divestiture, subject to and conditioned
upon completion of the recapitalization.
4. Adjournment Proposal. To adjourn the
RGA special meeting if necessary or appropriate to permit
further solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient
votes at the time of the RGA special meeting to approve the RGA
special meeting proposals.
5. Other Business. To transact such other
business as may properly be brought before the RGA special
meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the RGA special
meeting.
RGA shareholders of record at the close of business on
July 28, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at,
the RGA special meeting and any adjournment or postponement of
the special meeting. A complete list of RGA shareholders
entitled to vote at the RGA special meeting will be available
for 10 days prior to the RGA special meeting during
ordinary business hours at RGAs headquarters located at
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017.
By Order of the Board of Directors of
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated.
James E. Sherman, Secretary
Whether or not you plan to attend the RGA special meeting,
please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy and mail it
promptly in the enclosed stamped envelope.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
This document, which forms part of a registration statement on
Form S-4
filed with the SEC by RGA (File
No. 333-151390),
constitutes a prospectus of RGA under Section 5 of the
U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (which is referred
to as the Securities Act), with respect to the
shares of RGA class A common stock to be issued to RGA
public shareholders in the recapitalization. This document also
constitutes a proxy statement of RGA under Section 14(a) of
the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which
is referred to as the Exchange Act), and the rules
thereunder, and a notice of the RGA special meeting of
shareholders, at which the shareholders of RGA will consider and
vote upon a proposal to approve the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, along with other matters described
herein.
This document incorporates by reference important business and
financial information about RGA from documents that are not
included in or delivered with this document. For a list of the
documents incorporated by reference into this document, see
Where You Can Find More Information. This
information is available to you without charge upon your written
or oral request. You can obtain documents related to RGA that
are incorporated by reference in this document, without charge,
from the SECs website at www.sec.gov or by
requesting them in writing or by telephone from the company.
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Attn: Corporate Secretary
(636) 736-7000
www.rgare.com
(All website
addresses given in this document are for information only and
are not intended
to be an active link or to incorporate any website information
into this document.)
Please note that copies of the documents provided to you will
not include exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the documents. You also may ask
any questions about the RGA special meeting or request copies of
the documents, without charge, upon written or oral request to
the proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, at 105 Madison Avenue,
New York, NY 10016,
(800) 322-2885.
In order to receive timely delivery of requested documents in
advance of the RGA special meeting, RGA shareholders should make
their request no later than August 28, 2008.
If you have questions about the RGA special meeting proposals
or how to submit your proxy, or if you need additional copies of
this document, the enclosed proxy card or voting instructions,
you should contact the proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, at
105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016,
(800) 322-2885.
In deciding whether to vote to approve the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and the proposed recapitalization,
including the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, you should rely
only on the information contained or incorporated by reference
into this document. RGA has not authorized any person to provide
you with any information that is different from, or in addition
to, the information that is contained in this document. The
information contained in this document speaks only as of the
date indicated on the cover of this document unless the
information specifically indicates that another date applies.
Additional
Information Regarding the Exchange Offer
In connection with MetLifes proposed divestiture of its
stake in RGA, RGA will file with the SEC a registration
statement on
Form S-4,
which will include a preliminary prospectus relating to the
exchange offer. At the appropriate time, MetLife will file with
the SEC a statement on Schedule TO. Investors and
holders of RGA and MetLife securities are strongly encouraged to
read the registration statement and any other relevant documents
filed with the SEC, including the preliminary and final
prospectuses relating to the exchange offer and related exchange
offer materials and the tender offer statement on
Schedule TO (when available), as well as any amendments and
supplements to those documents, because they will contain
important information about RGA, MetLife, and the proposed
transactions. See Where You Can Find More
Information Additional Information Regarding the
Exchange Offer and Where to Find It.
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APPENDIX A: Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement
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APPENDIX B: Proposed Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation
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APPENDIX C: Amended and Restated
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Agreement
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APPENDIX D: Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated
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iv
The questions and answers below highlight only selected
information from this document. They do not contain all of the
information that may be important to RGA shareholders. RGA
shareholders should read carefully this entire document,
including its annexes, to understand fully the proposed
transaction and the voting procedures for the special meeting of
the RGA shareholders.
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Q: |
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What is happening in this transaction? |
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A: |
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MetLife and RGA entered into a recapitalization and distribution
agreement, pursuant to which MetLife will dispose of most of its
equity interest in RGA to MetLifes security holders. The
transaction consists of: |
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a recapitalization of RGA common stock into two
classes of common stock RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock (which is referred to as
the recapitalization); and
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an exchange offer pursuant to which MetLife offers
to acquire MetLife common stock in exchange for all of the RGA
class B common stock (which is referred to as the
exchange offer or, when completed, the
split-off).
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In addition, to the extent that MetLife holds any RGA
class B common stock following the split-off, MetLife will
dispose of such RGA class B common stock in: |
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one or more public or private debt exchanges,
pursuant to which MetLife will acquire MetLife debt securities
in exchange for RGA class B common stock (each of which is
referred to as a debt exchange); and/or
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one or more subsequent split-offs pursuant to which
MetLife will acquire MetLife common stock in exchange for RGA
class B common stock (each of which is referred to as a
subsequent split-off).
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The complete divestiture of MetLifes RGA class B
common stock, whether accomplished by the exchange offer and any
debt exchanges and/or any subsequent split-offs is referred to
in this document as the divestiture. Following
completion of the divestiture, MetLife and its subsidiaries will
hold no RGA class B common stock and 3,000,000 shares
of RGA class A common stock. MetLife has agreed to complete
the divestiture on or before the first anniversary of the
split-off. |
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Recapitalization. This document relates to the
recapitalization, and is being sent to RGA shareholders to
consider whether to approve the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and
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the transactions contemplated by such
agreement, including the recapitalization and the governance
proposals. |
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MetLife and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 52% of
the outstanding RGA common stock. In the recapitalization, each
outstanding share of RGA common stock will be reclassified as
one share of RGA class A common stock. Immediately after
such reclassification, MetLife and its subsidiaries will
exchange each share of their RGA class A common stock
(other than 3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common
stock) with RGA for one share of RGA class B common stock. |
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The 3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common stock that
MetLife and its subsidiaries will not exchange with RGA for
shares of RGA class B common stock in the recapitalization
are the reclassified shares in respect of RGA common stock
acquired by MetLife and its subsidiaries in the fourth quarter
of 2003, and are referred to as the recently acquired
stock. |
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Exchange Offer. The recapitalization is being
proposed in conjunction with, and is conditioned upon, an offer
by MetLife to MetLife stockholders to exchange all of its shares
of RGA class B common stock for MetLife common stock. In
the exchange offer, MetLife is offering RGA class B common
stock at a discount of not greater than 18% nor less than 8% to
the per-share value of RGA class B common stock, calculated
as described in The Transactions Exchange
Offer, subject to a limit on the number of shares of RGA
class B common stock per share of MetLife common stock
which may be received by tendering MetLife stockholders. The
actual discount and limit will be disclosed in a current report
on
Form 8-K
filed by RGA at least five business days prior to the date of
the RGA special meeting. The existence of a discount, along with
the distribution of shares of RGA class B common stock
pursuant to the exchange offer, may negatively affect the market
price of RGA class A common stock. See The
Transactions Exchange Offer to obtain
additional information regarding the discount. If, for any
reason, the actual discount and limit are not |
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disclosed at least five business days before the date of the
RGA special meeting, RGA intends to postpone the meeting so that
such information can be timely disclosed. The exchange offer
would be effected pursuant to a separate exchange offer
prospectus and is subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in that prospectus. The recapitalization and exchange offer will
not be completed unless MetLife stockholders validly tender and
do not withdraw a sufficient number of shares of MetLife common
stock that would result in the distribution of at least
26,319,186 shares (representing 90% of such shares) of RGA
class B common stock in the split-off. |
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Debt Exchange/Subsequent Split-Offs. To the
extent that MetLife or its subsidiaries hold any RGA
class B common stock after the split-off, MetLife will
dispose of such RGA class B common stock in one or more
debt exchanges and/or one or more subsequent split-offs, thus
completing the divestiture on or prior to the first anniversary
of the completion of the split-off. In the event that MetLife
disposes of such RGA class B common stock in a subsequent
split-off, such subsequent split-off may be on different
economic terms from the exchange offer, which terms may be more
or less favorable than the terms of the exchange offer. |
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The shares of RGA class B common stock distributed by
MetLife pursuant to the divestiture will constitute 100% of the
RGA class B common stock that MetLife and its subsidiaries
will receive in the recapitalization. |
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Q: |
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Why is RGA engaging in a recapitalization concurrently
with the exchange offer? |
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A: |
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For the divestiture to be tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders, current U.S. federal income tax law generally
requires, among other things, that MetLife distribute to its
security holders stock of RGA having the right to elect at least
80% of the members of the RGA board of directors. Accordingly,
RGA will engage in the recapitalization such that, after the
recapitalization, RGAs outstanding equity capital
structure will consist of RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock. The RGA class A common stock
will be identical in all respects to RGAs current common
stock, and will also be identical in all respects to the RGA
class B common stock (including with respect to dividends
and voting on matters other than director-related matters), and
will vote together as a |
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single class, except with respect to
certain limited matters required by Missouri law described
below, and except that: |
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting
together as a single class, will be entitled to elect no more
than 20% of the directors of RGA;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting
together as a single class, will be entitled to elect at least
80% of the directors of RGA;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any
proposal to convert RGA class B common stock into RGA
class A common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B
common stock will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of
the outstanding RGA class B common stock with respect to
directors if they do not also hold an equal or greater
proportion of RGA class A common stock (see
Proposal Two: RGA Class B Significant Holder
Voting Limitation).
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If, for example, the RGA board of directors were to consist of
five directors, four would be designated for election by the
holders of the RGA class B common stock and one would be
designated for election by the holders of the RGA class A
common stock. Following the recapitalization and prior to
completion of the exchange offer, MetLife and its subsidiaries
will hold all of the outstanding shares of RGA class B
common stock and thus, MetLife can distribute to its security
holders RGA stock having the right to elect at least 80% of the
members of the RGA board of directors. |
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Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled to
receive the same per share consideration in any reorganization
or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation or combination
of RGA with any other company (except for such differences as
may be permitted with respect to their existing rights to elect
directors). |
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Q: |
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How will the relationship between RGA and MetLife change
after the exchange offer is completed? |
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A: |
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After the exchange offer is completed, because MetLife and its
subsidiaries will no longer own a controlling interest in RGA,
the RGA board of directors and management will be free to pursue
initiatives that they believe are in RGAs best |
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interest, without requiring these initiatives to be consistent
with MetLifes view of the best interests of RGA or
MetLife. In addition, all three of the RGA directors who are
also officers of MetLife will resign from the RGA board of
directors. See The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Recapitalization Conditions to
Completing the Recapitalization. |
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Q: |
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Will the divestiture have a financial impact on
RGA? |
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A: |
|
RGA does not expect the divestiture to have any material impact
on the financial condition or results of operations of RGA. |
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Q: |
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What RGA shareholder approvals are needed for the
divestiture to occur? |
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A: |
|
In order for the divestiture to occur, RGA shareholders must
approve: (1) the recapitalization proposal, (2) the
governance proposals, and (3) the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal. |
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Recapitalization Proposal. The approval of the
recapitalization proposal requires the affirmative vote of
(1) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock and (2) holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock (other than MetLife and
its subsidiaries) present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote on the recapitalization proposal. |
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Governance Proposals. Each of the governance
proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock. |
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Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Proposal. The proposal to ratify the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of RGA common stock present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote on the proposal. |
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The approval of the divestiture requires the approval of each of
the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal, with
each proposal conditioned upon approval of the others.
Accordingly, RGA shareholders who vote against one proposal will
be effectively voting against the divestiture and the other
proposals. |
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MetLife Voting Agreement. MetLife has agreed
to vote the shares of RGA common stock held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries in favor of each
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of these proposals unless RGA
withdraws or modifies its recommendation that the RGA
shareholders vote in favor of the transactions contemplated by
the recapitalization and distribution agreement. Because of
MetLifes agreement to vote its and its subsidiaries
shares in favor of the above proposals, approval of the
governance proposals and the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan proposal is assured. For specific information about
MetLifes agreement to vote its and its subsidiaries
shares of RGA common stock pending the completion of the
divestiture, see The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Voting. |
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Q: |
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Why is the RGA board of directors recommending the
divestiture? |
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A: |
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The RGA board of directors believes that the divestiture will
provide numerous corporate benefits to RGA and RGA shareholders,
the most important of which are listed below. |
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Eliminate Stock Overhang. The
divestiture is expected to eliminate the overhang on the market
for RGA common stock that results from having a large corporate
shareholder, thereby increasing the liquidity and public float
of RGAs common stock. Consequently, following the
divestiture, RGA expects its common stock to trade more
efficiently than it does today. Moreover, RGA expects that,
following the divestiture, its common stock will be more widely
followed by the equity research community than is the case
presently. Accordingly, RGA expects these factors to provide it
with greater flexibility to use its equity as currency for
acquiring complementary operations and raising cash for its
business operations on a more efficient basis and to enhance the
attractiveness of its equity-based compensation plans, thereby
increasing RGAs ability to attract and retain quality
employees.
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Allow RGA to Make Independent
Decisions. As MetLife and RGAs businesses
evolve over time, and their business strategies diverge, the
divestiture will allow RGA to pursue its future business
initiatives free from the constraints of having a controlling
corporate shareholder whose policies may conflict with the best
interests of RGAs businesses. Absent the divestiture, it
is possible that under certain circumstances, such constraints
could restrict RGAs ability to make investments or pursue
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strategies that RGA management believes are in the best
long-term interests of RGA. |
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Eliminate Customer Conflicts. At
present, a number of key customers of RGA are direct competitors
of MetLife. Some key customers of RGA have expressed concern,
and are expected to continue to express concern, about the
indirect benefit that MetLife derives from the business it
conducts with RGA. RGA expects that the divestiture will
eliminate these customer conflicts and that the elimination of
these conflicts will benefit RGAs business going forward.
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Change in Control Premium. The
divestiture may permit RGA shareholders to share in any premium
associated with a change of control of RGA, if such an event
should occur. The requirements relating to the qualification of
the divestiture for tax-free treatment, however, may restrict
RGAs ability to engage in certain change of control
transactions.
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The provisions described under Proposal Two: RGA
Class B Significant Holder Voting Limitation will
make it more difficult for a potential acquiror of RGA to take
advantage of RGAs new capital structure by means of a
transaction that unfairly discriminates between classes of RGA
common stock. |
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The limitations on
5-percent
shareholders, or acquisition restrictions, as
defined under Proposal Three: Acquisition
Restrictions, impose restrictions on the acquisition of
RGA common stock (and any other capital stock that RGA issues in
the future) by designated persons. Without these restrictions,
it is possible that certain transfers of RGA common stock could
limit, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the
ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize fully the net
operating losses, which are referred to as NOLs, and
other tax attributes currently available for U.S. federal income
tax purposes to RGA and its subsidiaries. The RGA board of
directors believes it is in RGAs best interests to attempt
to prevent the imposition of such limitations by adopting the
proposed acquisition restrictions. |
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The provisions described under Proposal Four:
Class B Potential Conversion Following Divestiture
would provide for the conversion of the RGA class B common
stock into RGA class A common stock, on a share-for-share
basis, and the elimination of any special voting rights,
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subject
to consideration and approval of such a proposal by the RGA
board of directors and shareholders. RGA is proposing the dual
class structure to permit MetLife to proceed with the exchange
offer, any debt exchanges and any subsequent split-offs on a
tax-free basis. RGA presently expects that, following the
divestiture, the RGA board of directors will consider submitting
to an RGA shareholder vote a proposal to convert the dual-class
structure adopted in the recapitalization into a single class
structure. There is, however, no binding commitment by the RGA
board of directors to, and there can be no assurance that the
RGA board of directors will, consider proposing a conversion or
resolve to submit such a proposal to the RGA shareholders. If
submitted, there can be no assurance that the RGA shareholders
would approve such a conversion. |
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The Section 382 shareholder rights plan described
under Proposal Five: Ratification of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan is designed
to protect shareholder value by attempting to protect against a
limitation on the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use
existing NOLs and other tax attributes. The RGA special
committee determined it is in RGAs best interests to
attempt to prevent the imposition of such limitations by
adopting the Section 382 shareholder rights plan. RGA
shareholders are being asked to ratify the unanimous decision of
the RGA special committee to adopt and implement the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan in connection with
the recapitalization and the divestiture. |
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RGA believes the restrictions in the proposed RGA articles of
incorporation and the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
are narrowly tailored to minimize their anti-takeover effects,
that they are limited to the extent believed to be appropriate
for protecting the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use
their NOLs and other tax attributes and that they are in the
best interest of all shareholders of RGA. For example, they have
only a limited duration, which is determined by the application
of the Internal Revenue Code. Similarly, there are numerous
exceptions that would not have been included if not narrowly
tailored to protect such NOLs and other tax attributes. In
addition, the RGA board of directors does not intend to
discourage offers to acquire substantial blocks of RGA stock
that would clearly improve shareholder value, taking |
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into account, as appropriate, any loss of the NOLs and other tax
attributes. In the case of any such proposed acquisition that
the RGA board of directors determines to be in the best interest
of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all factors deemed
relevant, the RGA board would grant approval for such
acquisition to proceed. |
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Q: |
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Will the governance proposals be implemented, and will the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan be ratified, even if
the recapitalization does not occur? |
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A: |
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No. The implementation of the governance proposals
will become effective upon, and is conditioned upon the
completion of, the recapitalization. In addition, if the
recapitalization is not approved by the RGA shareholders, then
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan will terminate. |
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Q: |
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Will the recapitalization take place if the split-off does
not occur? |
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A: |
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No. RGA will not implement the recapitalization if
the split-off does not occur, as the completion of each
transaction is conditioned upon the other. |
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Q: |
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What if RGA shareholders do not vote? |
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A: |
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If RGA shareholders fail to vote their shares of RGA common
stock, it will not have any effect on the recapitalization
proposal, the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
proposal, or the adjournment proposal, but it will have the same
effect as a vote against the governance proposals. Because
approval of each of the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal is a
condition to completion of the recapitalization and the
split-off, failure to vote for the governance proposals or for
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal will have
the same effect as a vote against such transactions, including
the recapitalization. |
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If RGA shareholders respond and do not indicate how they want to
vote, their proxies will be counted as a vote in favor of each
of the special meeting proposals. |
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MetLife has agreed to vote the shares of RGA common stock held
by MetLife and its subsidiaries in favor of each of these
proposals unless RGA withdraws or modifies its recommendation
that the RGA shareholders vote in favor of the |
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transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement. |
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Q: |
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How will abstentions and broker non-votes be
treated? |
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A: |
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If RGA shareholders respond and abstain from voting, their
proxies will have the same effect as a vote against each of the
proposals. |
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Under the rules applicable to broker-dealers, brokers, banks and
other nominee record holders holding shares in street
name have the authority to vote on routine proposals when
they have not received instructions from beneficial owners.
However, brokers, banks and other nominee record holders are
precluded from exercising their voting discretion with respect
to the approval of non-routine matters such as the approval of
the proposals set forth in this document. As a result, absent
specific instructions from the beneficial owner, brokers, banks
and other nominee record holders are not empowered to vote those
street name shares. |
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Since the vote required for approval of the recapitalization
proposal and the governance proposals is based on a percentage
of the shares outstanding, broker non-votes will have the same
effect as a vote against these proposals. However, broker
non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal or the
adjournment proposal because the vote required for approval of
these proposals is based on the number of shares actually voted,
whether in person or by proxy. |
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The approval of the divestiture requires the approval of each of
the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal, with each
proposal conditioned upon approval of the others. Accordingly,
RGA shareholders who vote or are deemed to vote against one
proposal will be effectively voting against the
recapitalization, the divestiture and the other proposals. |
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Q: |
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Can RGA shareholders change their votes after they have
delivered their proxies? |
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A: |
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Yes. RGA shareholders can change their vote at any
time before their proxies are voted at the RGA special meeting.
RGA shareholders can do this in one of three ways. First, they
can revoke their proxies. Second, they can submit new proxies.
If RGA shareholders choose either of these two methods, they
must submit their |
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notice of revocation or their new proxies to RGAs
corporate secretary before the RGA special meeting. If their
shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm or bank, they
should contact their brokerage firm or bank to change their
votes. Third, if they are a holder of record, they can attend
the RGA special meeting and vote in person. |
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Q: |
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Should RGA shareholders send in their stock certificates
now? |
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A: |
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No. RGA shareholders should not send in their stock
certificates with their proxies at this time. |
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Q: |
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Will the shares of RGA common stock continue to be listed
on the NYSE after the recapitalization? |
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A: |
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Yes. RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock have been approved for listing on the
NYSE, both subject to official notice of issuance. Following the
recapitalization and the split-off, RGA class A common
stock will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA.A, and RGA class B common stock will be
listed on the NYSE under the symbol RGA.B. RGA
class A common stock and RGA class B common stock will
trade independently of each other and the trading prices of the
shares of such classes of common stock may be different. |
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Q: |
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When does RGA expect the recapitalization and split-off to
be completed? |
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A: |
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RGA expects the recapitalization and split-off to be completed
in the third quarter of 2008, following receipt of RGA
shareholder approval of the special meeting proposals and the
satisfaction or waiver of the applicable conditions to
completion of the recapitalization and split-off, as described
under The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement. |
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Q: |
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Are there any conditions to RGAs obligation to
complete the recapitalization? |
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A: |
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Yes. RGAs obligation to complete the
recapitalization will be subject to satisfaction or waiver by
RGA of the conditions described under The Recapitalization
and Distribution Agreement. For example, RGA will not be
required to complete the recapitalization unless, among other
things: |
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holders of both (1) a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock and (2) a majority
of the outstanding shares of RGA |
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common stock (other than
MetLife or its affiliates) present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote on the recapitalization proposal, will have
approved the recapitalization proposal; |
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holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
RGA common stock will have approved the governance proposals;
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the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of RGA common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled
to vote will have ratified the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan; and
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all of the conditions to the completion of the
exchange offer (other than the condition that the
recapitalization will have occurred) will have been satisfied or
waived.
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Q: |
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Will the RGA class B common stock be listed on a
securities exchange following the split-off? |
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A: |
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Yes. The RGA class B common has been approved
for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
and will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA.B following the split-off. |
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Q: |
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Will trading prices for the RGA class A common stock
and the RGA class B common stock be different? |
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A: |
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There is currently no trading market for the RGA class B
common stock, and neither MetLife nor RGA can assure MetLife
stockholders that one will develop. RGA common stock is listed
on the NYSE under the symbol RGA, and the RGA
class B common stock has been approved for listing on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. RGA cannot predict
whether there will be any disparity in the trading prices for
the two classes of RGA stock once both are listed on the NYSE.
It is possible that RGA class B common stock may trade at a
premium or discount to the RGA class A common stock. |
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If, immediately after the split-off, the RGA class B common
stock were to trade at a discount to the RGA class A common
stock, that would result in tendering MetLife stockholders
effectively receiving less than the range of approximately $1.09
to $1.22 of RGA class B common stock for each $1.00 of
MetLife common stock tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. |
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Q: |
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Will the RGA class B common stock be converted into
RGA class A common stock automatically following the
completion of the divestiture? |
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A: |
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No. RGA currently expects that, following the completion of the
divestiture, in connection with the next regularly scheduled
annual shareholders meeting of RGA (anticipated to be held
on May 27, 2009), or in connection with a special meeting
called for such purpose, the RGA board of directors will
consider a proposal to convert the RGA class B common stock
into RGA class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (which
is referred to as the conversion), and to submit
such a proposal to the RGA shareholders. However, there is no
binding commitment by the RGA board of directors to, and there
can be no assurance that the RGA board of directors will,
consider the issue or resolve to submit such a proposal to the
RGA shareholders. If submitted, there can be no assurance that
the RGA shareholders would approve such a conversion. |
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In connection with the recapitalization, the RGA amended and
restated articles of incorporation will provide that the RGA
class B common stock will convert into RGA class A
common stock, on a one-for-one basis, if and when: |
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the RGA board of directors determines to propose
such conversion to the RGA shareholders;
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the RGA board of directors adopts a resolution
submitting the proposal to convert the shares of RGA
class B common stock to its shareholders; and
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the holders of a majority of RGA class A common
stock and the holders of a majority of RGA class B common
stock, represented in person or by proxy at the
shareholders meeting each approve the proposal.
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Q: |
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Do the shares of RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock have different voting rights? |
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A: |
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Yes. RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common
stock will vote together as a single class, except with respect
to certain limited matters required by Missouri law described in
the answer to the following question, and except that: |
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting
together as a single class, will be entitled |
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to elect no more
than 20% of the directors of RGA;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting
together as a single class, will be entitled to elect at least
80% of the directors of RGA;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any
proposal to convert RGA class B common stock into RGA
class A common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B
common stock will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of
the outstanding RGA class B common stock with respect to
directors if they do not also hold an equal or greater
proportion of RGA class A common stock (see
Proposal Two: RGA Class B Significant Holder
Voting Limitation).
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For example, assuming the RGA board of directors were to consist
of five directors, four would be designated for election by the
RGA class B holders and one would be designated for
election by the RGA class A holders. |
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Q: |
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Other than the voting rights for the RGA board of
directors, is there any difference between a share of RGA
class A common stock and a share of RGA class B common
stock? |
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A: |
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Generally, no. The rights of the holders of RGA class A
common stock and RGA class B common stock will be
substantially the same in all other respects. More specifically,
the voting rights of RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock will be the same in all matters
submitted to the RGA shareholders except (1) the election
of RGAs directors, (2) a reduction in the voting
power with respect to directors by holders of more than 15% of
the RGA class B common stock if such holders do not also
hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA class A common
stock, (3) separate voting by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock, and (4) certain other limited matters
required by Missouri law. |
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Missouri law requires a separate class voting right if an
amendment to the RGA articles of incorporation would alter the
aggregate number of authorized shares or par value of either
such class or alter the powers, preferences or special rights of
either such class so as to affect these rights adversely. These
class voting rights provide each class with an additional
measure of protection in the case of a limited number of |
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actions that could have an adverse effect on the holders of
shares of such class. For example, if the RGA board of directors
were to propose an amendment to the RGA articles of
incorporation that would adversely affect the rights and
privileges of RGA class A common stock or RGA class B
common stock, the holders of shares of that class would be
entitled to a separate class vote on such proposal, in addition
to any vote that may be required under the RGA articles of
incorporation. |
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Q: |
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Why is RGA amending its organizational documents? |
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A: |
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RGA is amending its organizational documents in order, among
other things, to effect the recapitalization. Subject to the
approval of the RGA shareholders, RGA will amend the RGA
articles of incorporation to provide, among other things, that: |
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holders of RGA class A common stock have, as a
class, the right to elect no more than 20% of the directors of
RGA;
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holders of RGA class B common stock have, as a
class, the right to elect at least 80% of the directors of RGA;
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the voting power of a holder of more than 15% of the
outstanding RGA class B common stock with respect to
directors will be restricted to 15% of the outstanding RGA
class B common stock (provided that, if such holder also
has in excess of 15% of the outstanding RGA class A common
stock, the holder of RGA class B common stock may exercise
the voting power of the RGA class B common stock in excess
of 15% to the extent that such holder has an equivalent
percentage of outstanding RGA class A common stock); and
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RGA shareholders are subject to stock ownership
limitations, which would generally limit RGA shareholders from
owning 5% or more (by value) of RGA stock for a period of
36 months and one day from the completion of the
recapitalization (it being understood that such limitation,
among other things, (i) would not apply to MetLife or its
subsidiaries, (ii) would not apply to any participating
banks that may participate in any debt exchanges, and
(iii) would not prohibit a person from acquiring or owning
5% or more (by value) of RGA stock as a result of the
divestiture). Any person permitted to acquire or own
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5% or more
(by value) of RGA stock pursuant to the three exceptions
described in the immediately preceding sentence will not be
permitted to acquire any additional RGA stock at any time during
the 36 month and one day restriction period, unless and
until such person owns less than 5% (by value) of RGA stock, at
which point such person may acquire RGA stock only to the extent
that, after such acquisition, such person owns less than 5% (by
value) of RGA stock.
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These amendments are referred to in this document as the
governance proposals. |
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In addition, RGA has adopted a Section 382 shareholder
rights plan, which will be amended prior to or in connection
with the divestiture that will be designed to limit holders of
5% or more (by value) of RGA stock, generally on the same terms
and subject to the same exceptions, as set forth in the
paragraph immediately above (any such rights plan, as it may be
amended, the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan). RGA is submitting this
Section 382 shareholder rights plan to its
shareholders for ratification. See Proposal Five:
Ratification of Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan. |
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Q: |
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Are there any appraisal rights for holders of RGA common
stock? |
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A: |
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No. There are no appraisal rights available to RGA shareholders
in connection with the recapitalization or the exchange offer. |
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Q: |
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Who can help answer any questions that RGA shareholders
may have? |
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A: |
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RGA shareholders who have any questions about the special
meeting proposals or about how to submit their proxies, or who
need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the
enclosed proxy card or voting instructions, should contact: |
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MacKenzie Partners
105 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(800) 322-2885 |
8
SUMMARY
This brief summary does not contain all of the information that
may be important to you. You should carefully read this entire
document and the other documents to which this document refers
to understand fully the recapitalization. See the section
entitled Where You Can Find More Information.
As used in this document, unless the context requires otherwise:
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references to RGA include Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries; and
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references to MetLife include MetLife, Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries.
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The
Companies
Reinsurance
Group of America, Incorporated
RGA believes that it is one of the largest life reinsurers in
the world based on premiums and life reinsurance in force. As of
December 31, 2007, RGA had consolidated assets of
$21.6 billion, shareholders equity of
$3.2 billion and assumed reinsurance in-force of
approximately $2.1 trillion. The term in-force
refers to insurance policy face amounts or net amounts at risk.
According to Standard & Poors, RGA is the third
largest life reinsurer in the world, based on 2006 gross
life reinsurance premiums. RGAs operations have grown
significantly since 2000. Net premiums increased from
$1,404.1 million in 2000 to $4,909.0 million in 2007.
After-tax income from continuing operations almost tripled from
$105.8 million in 2000 to $308.3 million in 2007.
Assumed reinsurance in-force grew from $546.0 billion as of
December 31, 2000 to $2,119.9 billion as of
December 31, 2007. For additional information on RGAs
financial results, please see the selected consolidated
financial data and other unaudited financial data incorporated
by reference in this document, as described in Where You
Can Find More Information.
RGA was formed on December 31, 1992. As of
December 31, 2007, General American Life Insurance Company,
a Missouri life insurance company (which is referred to in this
document as General American) owned approximately
52% of the outstanding shares of common stock of RGA. General
American is a wholly owned subsidiary of MetLife.
RGA has five main geographic-based operational segments: United
States, Canada, Europe & South Africa, Asia Pacific
and Corporate and Other. These operating segments write
reinsurance business that is wholly or partially retained in one
or more of RGAs reinsurance subsidiaries.
RGA maintains its principal executive offices at 1370 Timberlake
Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. Its telephone
number is
(636) 736-7000,
and its Internet address is www.rgare.com. Except as
expressly provided, information contained on RGAs website
does not constitute part of this prospectus. This website
address is an inactive text reference and is not intended to be
an actual link to the website.
MetLife,
Inc.
MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading
provider of insurance and other financial services with
operations throughout the United States and the regions of Latin
America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Through its domestic and
international subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife offers life
insurance, annuities, automobile and homeowners insurance,
retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as
well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement and savings
products and services to corporations and other institutions.
MetLife is organized into five operating segments:
Institutional, Individual, Auto & Home, International
and Reinsurance, as well as Corporate & Other.
MetLife is one of the largest insurance and financial services
companies in the United States. MetLifes franchises and
brand names uniquely position it to be the preeminent provider
of protection and savings and investment products in the United
States. In addition, MetLifes international operations are
focused on markets where the demand for insurance and savings
and investment products is expected to grow rapidly in the
future.
9
MetLifes well-recognized brand names, leading market
positions, competitive and innovative product offerings and
financial strength and expertise should help drive future growth
and enhance shareholder value, building on a long history of
fairness, honesty and integrity.
MetLife maintains its principal executive offices at 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Its telephone number is
(212) 578-2211,
and its Internet address is www.metlife.com. Except as
expressly provided, information contained on MetLifes
website does not constitute part of this prospectus. This
website address is an inactive text reference and is not
intended to be an actual link to the website.
RGAs
Relationship with MetLife
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Ownership. MetLife is currently RGAs
majority shareholder, beneficially owning approximately 52% of
RGAs outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2008.
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Directors. Three of RGAs eight
directors, including RGAs current chairman, are officers
of MetLife. These three directors will resign in connection with
the completion of the exchange offer.
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Reinsurance Business. RGA has direct policies
and reinsurance agreements with MetLife and some of its
affiliates. Under these agreements, RGA has net premiums of
approximately $250.9 million in 2007, $227.8 million
in 2006, and $226.7 million in 2005. The net premiums
reflect the net business assumed from and ceded to such
affiliates of MetLife. The pre-tax income (loss) on this
business, excluding investment income allocated to support the
business, was approximately $16.0 million in 2007,
$10.9 million in 2006, and ($11.3) million in 2005.
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For more information about RGAs corporate structure and
relationship with MetLife, see Business
Overview, Corporate
Structure Intercorporate Relationships and
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in
RGAs Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007, and Other
Arrangements and Relationships Between MetLife and RGA in
this document.
Recapitalization
and Distribution Agreement
Overview
At the RGA special meeting, RGA shareholders will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the
recapitalization and distribution agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the agreement, including the recapitalization,
the governance proposals and the ratification of the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The recapitalization
and distribution agreement is attached hereto as Appendix A
and described below under The Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement.
Pursuant to the recapitalization and distribution agreement,
MetLife will dispose of most of its equity interest in RGA to
MetLifes security holders. The transactions consist of:
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a recapitalization of RGA common stock into two classes of
common stock RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock; and
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an exchange offer pursuant to which MetLife offers to acquire
MetLife common stock from its stockholders in exchange for all
of the RGA class B common stock.
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In addition, to the extent that MetLife holds any RGA
class B common stock following the split-off, MetLife will
dispose of such RGA class B common stock in:
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one or more public or private debt exchanges, pursuant to which
MetLife will acquire MetLife debt securities in exchange for RGA
class B common stock; and/or
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one or more subsequent split-offs pursuant to which MetLife will
acquire MetLife common stock from its stockholders in exchange
for RGA class B common stock.
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Following completion of the divestiture, MetLife and its
subsidiaries will hold no RGA class B common stock and
3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common stock. MetLife
has agreed to complete the divestiture on or before the first
anniversary of the completion of the split-off.
10
Recapitalization
For the divestiture to be tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders, current U.S. federal income tax law generally
requires, among other things, that MetLife distribute to its
security holders RGA stock having the right to elect at least
80% of the members of the RGA board of directors. Accordingly,
in the recapitalization, RGA will make certain changes to its
equity capital structure so that MetLifes shares of RGA
common stock will have the right to elect at least 80% of the
RGA board of directors. Specifically, RGA will reclassify each
issued and outstanding share of RGA common stock as one share of
RGA class A common stock. Immediately thereafter, RGA will
exchange each share of RGA class A common stock that is
held by MetLife or its subsidiaries after such reclassification
(other than 3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common
stock) for one share of RGA class B common stock.
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
will be identical in all respects (including with respect to
dividends and voting on matters other than director-related
matters), and will vote together as a single class, except with
respect to certain limited matters required by Missouri law
described below, and except that:
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
directors of RGA;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the
directors of RGA;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B common stock
will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of outstanding RGA
class B common stock with respect to directors if they do
not also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA class A
common stock (see Proposal Two: RGA Class B
Significant Holder Voting Limitation).
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For example, assuming the RGA board of directors were to consist
of five directors, four would be designated for election by the
RGA class B holders and one would be designated for
election by the RGA class A holders.
Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled to
receive the same per share consideration in any reorganization
or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation or combination
of RGA with any other company (except for such differences as
may be permitted with respect to their existing rights to elect
directors).
In general, the rights of the holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be substantially
the same in all other respects. More specifically, the voting
rights of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B
common stock will be the same in all matters submitted to the
RGA shareholders except (1) the election of RGAs
directors, (2) a reduction in the voting power with respect
to directors by holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B
common stock if such holders do not also hold an equal or
greater proportion of RGA class A common stock,
(3) separate voting by class on any proposal to convert RGA
class B common stock into RGA class A common stock,
and (4) certain other limited matters required by Missouri
law. Missouri law requires a separate class voting right if an
amendment to the RGA articles of incorporation would alter the
aggregate number of authorized shares or par value of either
such class or alter the powers, preferences or special rights of
either such class so as to affect these rights adversely. These
class voting rights provide each class with an additional
measure of protection in the case of a limited number of actions
that could have an adverse effect on the holders of shares of
such class. For example, if the RGA board of directors were to
propose an amendment to the RGA articles of incorporation that
would adversely affect the rights and privileges of RGA
class A common stock or RGA class B common stock, the
holders of shares of that class would be entitled to a separate
class vote on such proposal, in addition to any vote that may be
required under the RGA articles of incorporation.
11
Exchange
Offer
In the exchange offer, MetLife will offer to acquire outstanding
shares of MetLife common stock in exchange for all of the shares
of RGA class B common stock that MetLife and its
subsidiaries will hold after the recapitalization at a discount
of not greater than 18% nor less than 8% to the per-share value
of RGAs class B common stock, calculated as described
in The Transactions Exchange Offer,
subject to a limit on the number of shares of RGA class B
common stock per share of MetLife common stock which may be
received by tendering MetLife stockholders. The actual discount
and limit will be disclosed in a current report on
Form 8-K
filed by RGA at least five business days prior to the date of
the RGA special meeting. The existence of a discount, along with
the distribution of shares of RGA class B common stock
pursuant to the exchange offer, may negatively affect the market
price of RGA class A common stock. See The
Transactions Exchange Offer to obtain
additional information regarding the discount. If, for any
reason, the actual discount and limit are not disclosed at least
five business days before the date of the RGA special meeting,
RGA intends to postpone the meeting so that such information can
be timely disclosed. The exchange offer would be effected
pursuant to a separate exchange offer prospectus and is subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in that prospectus. The
recapitalization and exchange offer will not be completed unless
MetLife stockholders validly tender and do not withdraw a
sufficient number of shares of MetLife common stock that would
result in the distribution of at least 26,319,186 shares
(representing 90% of such shares) of RGA class B common
stock in the split-off.
Debt
Exchanges/Subsequent Split-Offs
To the extent that MetLife holds any RGA class B common
stock after the split-off, MetLife will dispose of such RGA
class B common stock in one or more public or private debt
exchanges
and/or one
or more subsequent split-offs, thus completing the divestiture
on or prior to the first anniversary of the split-off.
MetLife currently expects that, to the extent it holds any RGA
class B common stock after the split-off, it will divest
such shares in a private debt exchange pursuant to an
arrangement with one or more investment banks (which are
referred to as participating banks). MetLife
currently expects that the participating banks will purchase an
amount of MetLife debt securities (either in the market, through
one or more tender offers commenced prior to or after the
closing of the exchange offer
and/or in
private transactions) so that, when such MetLife debt securities
are exchanged with MetLife in any debt exchanges, the
participating banks will receive any remaining shares of RGA
class B common stock then held by MetLife, thereby
completing the divestiture. The participating banks may sell the
RGA class B common stock that they receive in any debt
exchanges in the market or to a third party, including pursuant
to a registered public offering. In connection with this
potential sale, MetLife currently expects that the participating
banks will enter into a registration rights agreement with RGA,
which agreement will provide, on terms and conditions reasonably
satisfactory to RGA, the participating banks with rights to
request that RGA file a registration statement to register the
sale of RGA class B common stock to the public.
The shares of RGA class B common stock distributed by
MetLife pursuant to the exchange offer, any debt exchanges and
any subsequent split-offs will constitute 100% of the RGA
class B common stock that MetLife and its subsidiaries will
receive in connection with the recapitalization.
IRS
Letter Ruling Matters
MetLife received a private letter ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service (which is referred to as the IRS)
regarding the recapitalization, the divestiture, which
contemplates that MetLife will retain and not exchange the
recently acquired stock in the divestiture, and certain other
related transactions and ancillary issues (which is referred to
as the ruling or the IRS ruling). It is
a condition to MetLifes obligation to complete the
split-off that, if the recapitalization and split-off will not
be completed by November 11, 2008, it and/or RGA will
receive a supplemental IRS private letter ruling providing that
MetLife either may exchange the recently acquired stock for RGA
class B common stock and distribute such shares in the
divestiture or retain the recently acquired stock as RGA
class A common stock. It is a condition to RGAs
obligation to complete the recapitalization that, if the
recapitalization and split-off will not be completed by
November 11, 2008, it and/or MetLife will receive a
supplemental IRS private letter ruling providing that MetLife
can continue to retain the recently acquired stock as RGA
class A common stock. If MetLife receives a supplemental
IRS private letter
12
ruling providing that it may exchange the recently acquired
stock for RGA class B common stock and distribute such stock in
the divestiture (but not that it may retain the recently
acquired stock), RGA can decide whether or not to waive the
condition set forth in the immediately preceding sentence.
Covenants
Each of MetLife and RGA has undertaken various covenants in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement. In particular, RGA
has undertaken various covenants in respect of its interim
operations, including with respect to amendments to its
organizational documents, adoption of certain plans of
liquidation or dissolution, making certain changes to its line
of business or effecting certain issues, sales, grants,
purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions or disposals of its
own securities, or granting certain options with respect to
them. RGA has also agreed not to take certain actions in respect
of outstanding warrants, make certain declarations or payments
of dividends or effect certain reclassifications of its stock.
See The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Interim Operating Covenants.
Standstill
and Non-Solicitation
Each of MetLife and RGA has agreed in the recapitalization and
distribution agreement (subject to certain exceptions, including
exercise of certain fiduciary duties) to restrictions on its
ability to solicit alternative proposals or offers (as
applicable) or to provide certain information to any person in
connection with such an alternative proposal or offer. See
The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Interim Operating Covenants and
Standstill.
Termination
The recapitalization and distribution agreement may be
terminated prior to completion of the recapitalization and
exchange offer by, among other things, (1) the mutual
written consent of both MetLife and RGA, (2) if the
transactions contemplated thereby are not completed by
December 31, 2009 (other than as a result of a breach by
the terminating party or if there are not four complete window
periods (that is, a period, following the announcement of
MetLifes earnings for each fiscal quarter, in which its
employees may purchase or sell shares of MetLife common stock)
prior to the termination date (in which case the termination
date shall be extended until after the fourth window period)) or
(3) by either MetLife or RGA due to the failure of RGA
shareholders to approve the recapitalization and distribution
agreement and related proposals, certain breaches of the
agreement or the triggering of the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan. The recapitalization and distribution agreement may
also be terminated by MetLife if its board of directors
authorizes it to enter into a binding written agreement with a
specific third party providing for a transaction that
constitutes a proposal for 90% or more of the RGA common stock
owned by MetLife and its other subsidiaries, so long as the
MetLife board of directors determines in good faith, after
consultation with its advisors, that such alternative proposal
is more favorable to MetLife than the divestiture.
The RGA
Special Meeting Proposals
RGA
Special Meeting
The special meeting of RGA shareholders will be held on Friday,
September 5, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at
RGAs headquarters located at 1370 Timberlake Manor
Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, unless it is adjourned or
postponed.
Recapitalization
Proposal
The RGA board of directors recommends a proposal that the RGA
shareholders approve the recapitalization and distribution
agreement and the transactions contemplated by that agreement,
including the recapitalization and the amendment and restatement
of the RGA articles of incorporation. In the recapitalization,
each issued and outstanding share of RGA common stock will be
reclassified as one share of RGA class A common stock.
Immediately after such reclassification, MetLife and its
subsidiaries will exchange each share of RGA class A common
stock that they hold (other than the recently acquired stock)
for one share of RGA class B common stock. The
recapitalization is proposed in conjunction with, and is
conditioned upon, an offer by
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MetLife to MetLifes stockholders to exchange all of the
shares of RGA class B common stock for shares of MetLife
common stock. RGA believes this proposal is in the best
interests of RGA and RGAs public shareholders.
Governance
Proposals
The RGA board of directors recommends a number of governance
proposals. RGA believes these proposals are in the best
interests of RGA and RGAs public shareholders. RGA is
proposing to amend the RGA articles of incorporation as follows:
RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitation. This provision is a feature of the
RGA class B common stock that is designed to ensure that
any person, entity or group cannot seek to obtain control of the
RGA board of directors solely by acquiring a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA class B common stock and to
protect RGAs public shareholders by ensuring that anyone
seeking to take over RGA must acquire control of the outstanding
shares of each class of common stock. The proposed provision
would restrict the voting power with respect to directors of a
holder of more than 15% of the outstanding RGA class B
common stock to 15% of the outstanding RGA class B common
stock; provided that, if such holder also has in excess
of 15% of the outstanding RGA class A common stock, the
holder may exercise the voting power of the RGA class B
common stock in excess of 15% to the extent that such holder has
an equivalent percentage of outstanding RGA class A common
stock. Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A
common stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled
to receive the same per share consideration in any
reorganization or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation
or combination of RGA with any other company (except for such
differences as may be permitted with respect to their existing
rights to elect directors).
Acquisition Restrictions. This provision will
generally restrict the accumulation of 5% or more (by value) of
RGA stock for a period of 36 months and one day following
the completion of the recapitalization, or such shorter period
as may be determined by the RGA board of directors (which is
referred to as the restriction period).
The acquisition restrictions impose restrictions on the
acquisition of RGA common stock (and any other equity securities
that RGA issues in the future) by designated persons. Without
these restrictions, it is possible that certain changes in
ownership of RGAs stock could result in the imposition of
limitations on the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to fully
utilize the NOLs and other tax attributes currently available
for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes to RGA and
its subsidiaries. The RGA board of directors believes it is in
RGAs best interests to attempt to prevent the imposition
of such limitations by adopting the proposed acquisition
restrictions.
During the restriction period, no RGA shareholder may be or
become a
5-percent
shareholder of RGA as defined in the Internal Revenue Code
(applying certain attribution and constructive ownership rules).
However, this restriction will not apply to:
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any RGA stock held by MetLife or its subsidiaries prior to the
recapitalization;
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any RGA stock acquired in connection with the divestiture;
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any RGA stock acquired by the participating banks in a private
debt exchange (it being understood, however, that the limitation
will apply to any person who acquires RGA stock from such
participating banks and to such participating banks other than
in connection with a private debt exchange);
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any transaction directly with RGA, including pursuant to the
exercise of outstanding options or warrants;
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tender or exchange offers for all of the RGA common stock
meeting certain fairness criteria; or
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any transaction approved in advance by the RGA board of
directors.
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Any person permitted to acquire or own RGA stock representing 5%
or more (by value) of RGA stock pursuant to any of the foregoing
bullet points will not be permitted to acquire any additional
RGA stock at
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any time during the restriction period without the approval of
the RGA board of directors, unless and until such person owns
less than 5% (by value) of RGA stock, at which point such person
may acquire RGA stock only to the extent that, after such
acquisition, such person owns less than 5% (by value) of RGA
stock. This provision would take effect upon completion of the
recapitalization and split-off.
Class B Potential Conversion Following
Post-Exchange. Subject to the discretion of the
RGA board of directors and required approvals, the terms of RGA
class B common stock will provide that such shares convert
into RGA class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, if
and when:
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the RGA board of directors determines, in its sole discretion,
to propose the conversion to the RGA shareholders;
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the RGA board of directors adopts, in its sole discretion, a
resolution submitting the proposed conversion to the RGA
shareholders; and
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the holders of a majority of each class of RGA common stock
represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the
meeting approve the proposal to convert the shares pursuant to
the conversion, as discussed in Proposal Four:
Class B Potential Conversion Following Divestiture.
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There is, however, no binding commitment by the RGA board of
directors to, and there can be no assurance that the RGA board
of directors will, consider proposing a conversion or resolve to
submit such a proposal to the RGA shareholders. If submitted,
there can be no assurance that the RGA shareholders would
approve such a conversion.
Section 382 Shareholder
Rights Plan Proposal
The RGA board of directors recommends that the RGA shareholders
ratify the Section 382 shareholder rights plan. RGA
believes this proposal and the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan are in the best interests of RGA and RGAs
public shareholders.
RGA believes the acquisition restrictions and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan are narrowly
tailored to minimize their anti-takeover effects, that they are
limited to the extent believed to be appropriate for protecting
the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use their NOLs and
other tax attributes and that they are in the best interest of
all shareholders of RGA. For example, they have only a limited
duration, which is determined by the application of the Internal
Revenue Code. Similarly, there are numerous exceptions which
would not have been included if not narrowly tailored to protect
RGAs and its subsidiaries NOLs and other tax
attributes. In addition, the RGA board of directors does not
intend to discourage offers to acquire substantial blocks of RGA
stock that would clearly improve shareholder value, taking into
account, as appropriate, any loss of the NOLs and other tax
attributes. In the case of any such proposed acquisition that
the RGA board of directors determines to be in the best interest
of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all factors deemed
relevant, the RGA board of directors would grant approval for
such acquisition to proceed.
The recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal are referred
to in this document as the RGA special meeting
proposals.
Expected
Benefits of the Divestiture to RGA and Its
Shareholders
The recapitalization, split-off, any debt exchanges and any
subsequent split-offs and related transactions described in this
document are expected to result in the benefits set forth below,
which are described in greater detail under
Proposal One: Approval of the Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement RGAs Reasons for the
Recapitalization. The recapitalization will allow the
public holders of RGA class A common stock to elect one
director (based on the current size of the RGA board of
directors), compared to their current inability to significantly
influence any members of the RGA board of directors due to
MetLifes majority voting control. Apart from the increased
influence over the election of one director, the
recapitalization itself will not result in any material benefits
to the RGA shareholders. However, the recapitalization is
necessary so that the divestiture is tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders. Accordingly, the RGA board of directors reviewed
the
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proposed transactions in their entirety, and considered the
following benefits of the recapitalization, divestiture and
related transactions:
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the transactions would be expected to eliminate the overhang on,
and increase the liquidity and public float of, the market for
RGA common stock by increasing the number of shares held by
RGAs public shareholders from approximately
30 million shares to approximately 62.3 million shares;
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the transactions would be expected to result in RGA being more
widely followed by the equity research community because of its
broader shareholder base;
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the transactions would be expected to facilitate the use of RGA
common stock as an acquisition currency and as a source of
capital;
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the transactions would be expected to allow RGA to pursue its
future business initiatives free from the constraint of having a
controlling corporate shareholder whose policies may conflict
with the best interests of RGAs business, as MetLife and
RGAs businesses evolve over time, and their business
strategies diverge;
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the transactions would be expected to eliminate customer
conflicts, given that a number of key customers of RGA are
direct competitors of MetLife; and
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the transactions would be expected to permit the RGA
shareholders to share in any premium associated with any
subsequent change in control of RGA, should such an event occur.
|
The RGA class B significant holder voting limitation is
designed to ensure that any person, entity or group cannot seek
to obtain control of the RGA board of directors solely by
acquiring a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
class B common stock and to protect RGAs public
shareholders by ensuring that anyone seeking to take over RGA
must acquire control of the outstanding shares of each class of
common stock.
The acquisition restrictions and Section 382 shareholder
rights plan are designed to restrict or discourage transfers of
RGA stock that would result in the imposition of limitations on
the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize fully certain
tax attributes available to them.
Disadvantages
of the Divestiture to RGA and Its Shareholders
The recapitalization, divestiture and related transactions also
have the following actual or potential disadvantages to RGA and
its shareholders, which RGA shareholders should consider
carefully:
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|
|
current public RGA shareholders will hold shares of RGA
class A common stock which have inferior voting rights with
respect to the election of directors as compared to RGA
class B common stock;
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|
|
the divestiture makes it more likely that RGA could experience
an ownership change under Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code that could limit the ability of RGA and
its subsidiaries to fully utilize their NOLs and other tax
attributes;
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|
|
after the divestiture, RGA expects to incur increased
shareholder servicing costs, for which MetLife will reimburse
RGA a portion of such costs for four years;
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|
RGA may be restricted from engaging in certain transactions such
as redeeming or purchasing its stock, issuing equity securities
or engaging in certain business combinations, which, although
otherwise in the best interests of RGA and its shareholders,
could jeopardize the tax-free status of the split-off, any debt
exchanges and any subsequent split-offs to MetLife;
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|
RGA has also agreed with MetLife that RGA will not engage in
certain transactions prior to completion of the divestiture, or
to engage in any equity-related capital raising activity for
specified periods, without MetLifes prior consent, subject
to certain exceptions;
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|
|
after the split-off, it is possible that some MetLife
stockholders will sell all or part of the RGA class B
common stock received by them, which could depress the market
price of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common
stock;
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|
|
under certain circumstances, if RGA were to cause the
divestiture to be taxable to MetLife due to any breach of, or
inaccuracy in, any representation, covenant or obligation of RGA
under the
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
recapitalization and distribution agreement or any
representations or warranties that will be made in connection
with the tax opinion, RGA could be obligated to indemnify
MetLife for significant tax liabilities;
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|
|
in the past, MetLife has provided director and officer liability
insurance for RGA, for which it charged RGA an allocable cost.
As an independent public company, RGA will be required to
replace this insurance, although MetLife has agreed for six
years to continue to provide coverage for claims arising from
facts or events occurring on or prior to the split-off;
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|
|
by becoming independent from MetLife, RGA would lose any
positive perceptions from which it may benefit as a result of
being associated with a company of MetLifes stature and
industry recognition;
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|
|
|
it is possible that conversion of the RGA class B common
stock into RGA class A common stock, if proposed by the RGA
board of directors, will not be approved;
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|
|
|
MetLife stockholders that participate in the exchange offer will
be exchanging their shares of MetLife common stock for shares of
RGA class B common stock at a discount to the per-share
value of RGA common stock. The existence of a discount, along
with the distribution of shares of RGA class B common stock
pursuant to the exchange offer, may negatively affect the market
price of RGA class A common stock;
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|
|
|
negotiation and consideration of the transactions contemplated
by the recapitalization and distribution agreement required the
incurrence of various costs and expenses for advisors and
certain other transaction-related expenses (although MetLife has
agreed to reimburse RGA for certain expenses whether or not the
divestiture is completed), and completion of the divestiture
requires RGA to register securities under federal securities
laws, which entails time, expense and risk of potential
liabilities; and
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|
|
|
MetLife is able to delay commencement of the split-off pending
satisfaction of certain conditions or up to three times at its
discretion, and MetLife is willing to consummate the split-off
only during its customary window periods.
|
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors and the RGA Special
Committee
The RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife designees,
who abstained), upon the unanimous recommendation of the RGA
special committee, has approved the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, the recapitalization and the other
transactions contemplated by the agreement, and has determined
that each of the special meeting proposals is advisable and
favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the best interests
of RGA and its shareholders (other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries). The RGA board of directors (other than the
MetLife designees, who abstained) recommends that the RGA
shareholders vote FOR the approval of the RGA
special meeting proposals.
Record
Date
The record date for the RGA special meeting is July 28,
2008.
Required
Vote
Each outstanding share of existing RGA common stock is entitled
to one vote on each matter which may properly come before the
RGA special meeting. MetLife and its subsidiaries currently own
approximately 52% of RGAs outstanding common stock and
have agreed to vote such shares in favor of the RGA special
meeting proposals unless RGA withdraws or modifies its
recommendation that the RGA shareholders vote in favor of the
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement. For specific information about the
voting agreement, see The Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement Voting.
In order for the recapitalization and the divestiture to occur,
RGA shareholders must approve each of the recapitalization
proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal.
17
Recapitalization Proposal. The approval of the
recapitalization proposal requires the affirmative vote of the
holders of (1) a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock and (2) a majority of the outstanding shares
of RGA common stock (other than MetLife and its subsidiaries)
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the
recapitalization proposal.
Governance Proposals. Each of the governance
proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock.
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Proposal. The proposal to ratify the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal requires
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock present in person or by
proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal.
The approval of the recapitalization and distribution agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby requires the approval
of each of the recapitalization proposal, the governance
proposals and the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
proposal, with each proposal conditioned upon approval of the
others. Accordingly, RGA shareholders who vote against one
proposal will be effectively voting against the divestiture and
the other proposals.
MetLife Voting Agreement. MetLife has agreed
to vote the shares of RGA common stock held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries in favor of each of these proposals unless RGA
withdraws or modifies its recommendation that the RGA
shareholders vote in favor of the transactions contemplated by
the recapitalization and distribution agreement. Because of
MetLifes agreement to vote its and its subsidiaries
shares in favor of the above proposals, approval of the
governance proposals and the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan proposal is assured.
Any proposal to adjourn the special meeting will require the
affirmative vote of the RGA shareholders holding at least a
majority of the RGA common stock represented at the special
meeting, whether or not a quorum is present.
Interests
of RGAs Officers and Directors
Some of RGAs officers and directors may have interests in
the recapitalization, exchange offer, any debt exchanges, any
subsequent split-offs and related transactions that are
different from, or in addition to, the interests of RGAs
public shareholders. For example, three of RGAs current
eight directors, including RGAs chairman, are officers of
MetLife. The members of RGAs management and board of
directors may also have interests in the proposals that differ
from the interests of RGAs public shareholders because
these proposals may discourage takeover bids and other
transactions that could result in the removal of the RGA board
of directors or incumbent management. These differing interests
are described in more detail under Proposal One:
Approval of the Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Interests of Certain Persons in the
Divestiture.
In addition, as of June 30, 2008, RGAs executive
officers and directors beneficially owned 1,056,765 shares
of RGA common stock, representing approximately 1.7% of the
shares outstanding as of such date, excluding beneficial
ownership of such shares which may be deemed to be attributed to
such executive officers and directors through their ownership
interest in MetLife.
U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Recapitalization
The reclassification of shares of RGA common stock as shares of
RGA class A common stock and the amendment of the RGA
articles of incorporation will constitute a
recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and RGA holders (as defined under
Proposal One: Approval of the Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Consequences of the Recapitalization) will not
recognize gain or loss upon the recapitalization. See
Proposal One: Approval of the Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Consequences of the Recapitalization.
18
Dissenters
Rights of Appraisal
Holders of RGA common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights
under Section 351.455 of the Missouri General and Business
Corporation Law (which is referred to in this document as the
MGBCL) in connection with the recapitalization.
Exchange
of Stock Certificates
The stock certificates the RGA shareholders currently hold will
continue to represent an equal number of shares of RGA
class A common stock. No physical exchange of stock
certificates is necessary. See The RGA Special
Meeting Surrender of Certificates.
Solicitation
Agent
The solicitation agent in connection with the RGA special
meeting proposals is MacKenzie Partners.
Risk
Factors
In deciding whether to vote for the RGA special meeting
proposals, RGA shareholders should carefully consider the
matters described under Risk Factors, as well as
other information included in this document and the other
documents to which they have been referred. In addition to risks
relating to RGA generally, some of the principal risks relating
to the transactions include:
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|
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|
|
the transactions could limit RGAs ability to execute
certain aspects of its business plan and could potentially
result in significant tax-related liabilities to RGA or limit
RGAs and its subsidiaries ability to fully utilize
their NOLs and other tax attributes;
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|
|
|
the proposed acquisition restrictions and RGAs
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGAs and its subsidiaries
NOLs and other tax attributes, may not be effective or may have
unintended negative effects;
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|
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|
the right of the holders of RGA class A common stock to
elect up to 20% of RGAs directors will be subject to
RGAs existing shareholder nomination procedures, and such
directors will act as fiduciaries for all of the RGA
shareholders, which factors may diminish the value and
effectiveness of the RGA class A voting rights;
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|
the holders of the RGA class B common stock will control
the election of at least 80% of RGAs directors, which may
render RGA more vulnerable to unsolicited takeover bids,
including bids that unfairly discriminate between classes of RGA
shareholders;
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|
the divestiture will result in a substantial amount of RGA
class B common stock entering the market, which may
adversely affect the market price of the RGA class A common
stock and the RGA class B common stock, and the prior
performance of RGA common stock may not be indicative of the
performance of the RGA common stock after the split-off;
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|
RGAs stock price may fluctuate significantly following the
split-off or any additional divestiture transactions, and
tendering MetLife stockholders could lose all or part of their
investment as a result;
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|
|
RGAs anti-takeover provisions may delay or prevent a
change in control of RGA, which could adversely affect the price
of each class of RGA common stock;
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|
|
applicable insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a
change of control of RGA; and
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|
after the recapitalization and divestiture, RGA will no longer
benefit from MetLifes stature and industry recognition.
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Regulatory
Approval
Certain acquisitions of RGA class B common stock under the
exchange offer may require a filing under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. If MetLife
stockholders decide to
19
participate in the exchange offer and, consequently, acquire
enough shares of RGA class B common stock to exceed the
$63.1 million threshold stated in the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act and associated regulations, and if an exemption under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act or regulations does not apply, RGA and tendering MetLife
stockholders would be required to make filings under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act and tendering MetLife stockholders would be required to pay
the applicable filing fee. A filing requirement could delay the
exchange of shares with tendering MetLife stockholders until the
waiting periods in the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act have expired or been terminated. See the section entitled
The Transactions Regulatory Approval.
In connection with the exchange offer, and following the
recapitalization, General American will distribute to GenAmerica
Financial, LLC all of the shares of RGA class B common
stock that it holds. GenAmerica Financial, LLC will then, in
turn, distribute all of those shares to its parent, Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company will
in turn distribute all of those shares to its parent, MetLife,
Inc. Both General American and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company are insurance companies that are subject to various
statutory and regulatory restrictions that limit their ability
to dividend these shares without first obtaining approval from
the applicable state regulatory authorities. The Missouri
Department of Insurance will need to approve the dividend
distribution by General American, and the New York State
Insurance Department will need to approve the dividend
distribution by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before
MetLife can complete the exchange offer. In addition, the
Missouri Department of Insurance will need to waive certain
change of control requirements in connection with the fact that,
as a result of the dividend distribution described above,
GenAmerica Financial, LLC and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company will each cease to be an intermediate parent holding
company of Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated and RGA
Reinsurance Company, both Missouri reinsurance subsidiaries of
RGA. These approvals are conditions to complete the exchange
offer. On July 21, 2008, the New York State Insurance
Department approved the dividend distribution by Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company. On July 22, 2008, the Missouri
Department of Insurance approved the dividend distribution and
waived the applicable change of control requirements, with the
approval of such dividend distribution expiring if it does not
occur on or prior to December 31, 2008. Under the Missouri
insurance laws, the acquisition of 10% or more of RGAs
outstanding common stock is prohibited without prior approval by
the Director of the Missouri Department of Insurance.
Consequently, if a tendering MetLife stockholder were to own 10%
or more of RGAs outstanding common stock, such stockholder
would be required to make filings with, and obtain approval of,
the Missouri Department of Insurance as required by Missouri
insurance laws. See The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Recapitalization Conditions to
Completing the Recapitalization.
Apart from the registration of shares of RGA class B common
stock offered in the exchange offer under federal and state
securities laws and MetLifes filing of a Schedule TO
with the SEC, and the other approvals described above, MetLife
and RGA do not believe that any other material U.S. federal
or state regulatory filings or approvals will be necessary to
consummate the recapitalization, the exchange offer, any
subsequent split-offs or any debt exchanges.
20
MARKET
PRICE DATA AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
The following table sets forth the high and low intraday trading
price per share of RGA common stock, as adjusted for all stock
splits and as reported on the NYSE, for the periods indicated:
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RGA
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For the Quarterly Period Ended:
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High
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Low
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|
Dividends
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|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
March 31, 2006
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|
$
|
49.15
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|
|
$
|
45.55
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|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2006
|
|
|
49.15
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|
|
|
46.61
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|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2006
|
|
|
53.04
|
|
|
|
48.07
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
58.65
|
|
|
|
51.95
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
59.84
|
|
|
$
|
53.47
|
|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2007
|
|
|
64.79
|
|
|
|
57.42
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2007
|
|
|
61.49
|
|
|
|
48.81
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
59.37
|
|
|
|
49.94
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
March 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
59.31
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|
|
$
|
47.45
|
|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
|
57.81
|
|
|
|
43.19
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2008 (through August 1, 2008)
|
|
|
51.16
|
|
|
|
40.95
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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RGA urges its shareholders to obtain current market quotations
before making their decision regarding the recapitalization.
The common stock of RGA is listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA. The following table presents trading
information for RGA common stock on May 30, 2008, the last
trading day before the public announcement of the execution of
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, and
August 1, 2008, the latest practicable trading day before
the date of this document.
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RGA Common Stock
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High
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|
Low
|
|
Close
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|
May 30, 2008
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|
$
|
51.62
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|
|
$
|
50.78
|
|
|
$
|
51.42
|
|
August 1, 2008
|
|
$
|
49.96
|
|
|
$
|
49.00
|
|
|
$
|
49.31
|
|
21
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR RGA
The selected consolidated financial data presented below have
been derived from, and should be read together with, RGAs
audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying
notes and the related Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
sections included in RGAs Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and RGAs
Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, which are incorporated
by reference into this document. The selected historical
consolidated financial information at and for the six months
ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 has been derived from the
unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
included in the RGA Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008. Interim
results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance.
To find out where you can obtain copies of RGAs documents
that have been incorporated by reference, see the section
entitled Where You Can Find More Information.
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|
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|
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|
Six Months Ended
|
|
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|
June 30,
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
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|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
(In millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
$
|
3,003
|
|
|
$
|
2,843
|
|
|
$
|
5,718
|
|
|
$
|
5,194
|
|
|
$
|
4,585
|
|
|
$
|
4,039
|
|
|
$
|
3,205
|
|
Net income from continuing operations
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
156
|
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
|
293
|
|
|
|
236
|
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
178
|
|
Loss from discontinued accident and health operations, net of
income taxes
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(14
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(23
|
)
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of
income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
154
|
|
|
|
294
|
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
|
224
|
|
|
|
222
|
|
|
|
173
|
|
Basic earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from continuing operations before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle and discontinued operations
|
|
|
2.37
|
|
|
|
2.53
|
|
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
|
4.79
|
|
|
|
3.77
|
|
|
|
3.94
|
|
|
|
3.47
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2.29
|
|
|
|
2.49
|
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
4.71
|
|
|
|
3.58
|
|
|
|
3.56
|
|
|
|
3.37
|
|
Diluted earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from continuing operations before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle and discontinued operations
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
|
|
2.43
|
|
|
|
4.80
|
|
|
|
4.65
|
|
|
|
3.70
|
|
|
|
3.90
|
|
|
|
3.46
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2.22
|
|
|
|
2.39
|
|
|
|
4.57
|
|
|
|
4.57
|
|
|
|
3.52
|
|
|
|
3.52
|
|
|
|
3.36
|
|
Cash dividends declared per common share
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
0.27
|
|
|
|
0.24
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
22,410
|
|
|
|
20,334
|
|
|
|
21,598
|
|
|
|
19,037
|
|
|
|
16,194
|
|
|
|
14,048
|
|
|
|
12,113
|
|
Long-term debt, including capital leases
|
|
|
926
|
|
|
|
909
|
|
|
|
896
|
|
|
|
676
|
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
|
350
|
|
|
|
398
|
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
3,061
|
|
|
|
2,895
|
|
|
|
3,190
|
|
|
|
2,815
|
|
|
|
2,527
|
|
|
|
2,279
|
|
|
|
1,948
|
|
You should read these selected historical financial data
together with the financial statements of RGA that are
incorporated by reference into this document and their
accompanying notes and managements discussion and analysis
of operations and financial condition of RGA contained in such
reports.
22
RISK
FACTORS
You should carefully consider the matters described in this
section, as well as other information included in this document
and the other documents to which you have been referred, in
considering whether or not to vote to approve the RGA
recapitalization proposal, as well as to approve the governance
proposals and ratify the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan. Past financial performance may not be a reliable
indicator of future performance and historical trends should not
be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
In addition, for a discussion of additional uncertainties
associated with (1) RGAs businesses and
(2) forward-looking statements in this document, see
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements. In addition, you should consider the risks
associated with RGAs business that appear in RGAs
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 as such risks may be
updated or supplemented in RGAs subsequently filed
Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
which have been incorporated by reference into this document.
Risks
Relating to the Recapitalization and Divestiture
The
tax-free distribution by MetLife could result in potentially
significant limitations on the ability of RGA to execute certain
aspects of its business plan and could potentially result in
significant tax-related liabilities to RGA.
MetLife and RGA each have received a ruling from the IRS to the
effect that the divestiture will be tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders, and it is a condition to the completion of the
divestiture that MetLife receive a tax opinion, in form and in
substance reasonably satisfactory to MetLife, regarding the
satisfaction of certain requirements for tax-free treatment
under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code on which the
IRS will not and did not rule. Notwithstanding the IRS ruling
and tax opinion, however, the divestiture could become taxable
to MetLife and its stockholders under certain circumstances.
Therefore, MetLife and RGA have agreed to certain tax-related
restrictions and indemnities set forth in the recapitalization
and distribution agreement referred to herein, under which RGA
may be restricted or deterred, following completion of the
divestiture, from (i) redeeming or purchasing its stock in
excess of certain agreed-upon amounts, (ii) issuing any
equity securities in excess of certain agreed upon amounts, or
(iii) taking any other action that would be inconsistent
with the representations and warranties made in connection with
the IRS ruling and the tax opinion. Except in specified
circumstances, RGA has agreed to indemnify MetLife for taxes and
tax-related losses it incurs as a result of the divestiture
failing to qualify as tax-free, if the taxes and related losses
are attributable solely to any breach of, or inaccuracy in, any
representation, covenant or obligation of RGA under the
recapitalization and distribution agreement or that will be made
in connection with the tax opinion. This indemnity could result
in significant liabilities to RGA.
The
occurrence of various events may adversely affect the ability of
RGA and its subsidiaries to fully utilize their NOLs and other
tax attributes.
RGA and its subsidiaries have a substantial amount of NOLs and
other tax attributes, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
that are available both currently and in the future to offset
taxable income and gains. Events outside of RGAs control,
such as certain acquisitions and dispositions of RGA common
stock, RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common
stock, may cause RGA (and, consequently, its subsidiaries) to
experience an ownership change under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and the related
Treasury regulations, and limit the ability of RGA and its
subsidiaries to utilize fully such NOLs and other tax
attributes. Moreover, the divestiture will increase the
likelihood of RGA experiencing such an ownership change.
In general, an ownership change occurs when, as of any testing
date, the percentage of stock of a corporation owned by one or
more 5-percent shareholders, as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code and the related Treasury regulations, has
increased by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest
percentage of stock of the corporation owned by such
shareholders at any time during the three-year period preceding
such date. In general, persons who own 5% or more (by value) of
a corporations stock are 5-percent shareholders, and all
other persons who own less than 5% (by value) of a
corporations stock are treated, together, as a
23
single, public group 5-percent shareholder, regardless of
whether they own an aggregate of 5% or more (by value) of a
corporations stock. If a corporation experiences an
ownership change, it is generally subject to an annual
limitation, which limits its ability to use its NOLs and other
tax attributes to an amount equal to the equity value of the
corporation multiplied by the federal long term tax-exempt rate.
If RGA were to experience an ownership change, it could
potentially have in the future higher U.S. federal income
tax liabilities than it would otherwise have had and it may also
result in certain other adverse consequences to RGA. In this
connection, RGA has adopted the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan (described in
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan) and the
RGA board of directors recommends the adoption of new
Article Fourteen to RGAs articles of incorporation,
as described in Proposal Three: Acquisition
Restrictions, in order to reduce the likelihood that RGA
and its subsidiaries will experience an ownership change under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. There can be no
assurance, however, that these efforts will prevent the
divestiture, together with certain other transactions involving
the stock of RGA, from causing RGA to experience an ownership
change and the adverse consequences that may arise therefrom, as
described below under Risks Relating to the
Governance Proposals and the Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan The proposed acquisition restrictions and
RGAs Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGA and its subsidiaries NOLs
and other tax attributes, may not be effective or may have
unintended negative effects.
The
divestiture may be taxable to MetLife if there is an acquisition
of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA
and may result in indemnification obligations from RGA to
MetLife.
Even if the divestiture otherwise qualifies as tax-free under
Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, the divestiture
would result in significant U.S. federal income tax
liabilities to MetLife, (but not MetLife stockholders), if there
is an acquisition of stock of MetLife or RGA as part of a plan
or series of related transactions that includes the divestiture
and that results in an acquisition of 50% or more of the
outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA (by vote or value).
For purposes of determining whether the divestiture is
disqualified as tax-free to MetLife under the rules described in
the preceding paragraph, current tax law generally creates a
presumption that any acquisitions of the stock of MetLife or RGA
within two years before or after the divestiture are presumed to
be part of a plan, although the parties may be able to rebut
that presumption. The process for determining whether a
prohibited change in control has occurred under the rules is
complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the
facts and circumstances of a particular case. If MetLife or RGA
does not carefully monitor its compliance with these rules, it
might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in the
ownership of MetLife or RGA to occur, thereby triggering tax to
MetLife, which could have a material adverse effect. If the
divestiture is determined to be taxable to MetLife, MetLife
would recognize gain equal to the excess of the fair market
value of the RGA class B common stock held by it
immediately before the completion of the divestiture over
MetLifes tax basis therein. In certain specified
circumstances, RGA has agreed to indemnify MetLife for taxes
resulting from such a 50% or greater change in RGAs stock
ownership.
Risks
Relating to the Governance Proposals and the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
The
proposed acquisition restrictions and RGAs
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGA and its subsidiaries NOLs
and other tax attributes, may not be effective or may have
unintended negative effects.
RGA has recognized and may continue to recognize substantial net
operating losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and
under the Internal Revenue Code, RGA may carry
forward these NOLs, in certain circumstances to offset any
current and future taxable income and thus reduce RGAs
federal income tax liability, subject to certain requirements
and restrictions. To the extent that the NOLs do not otherwise
become limited, RGA believes that it will be able to carry
forward a substantial amount of NOLs and, therefore, these NOLs
are a substantial asset to RGA. However, if RGA and its
subsidiaries experience an ownership change, as
defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and
related Treasury regulations, their ability to use the NOLs
could be substantially limited, and the timing of the usage of
the NOLs could be substantially delayed, which consequently
could significantly impair the value of that asset.
24
To reduce the likelihood of an ownership change, in light of
MetLifes proposed divestiture of most of its RGA common
stock, the RGA board of directors adopted a
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The
Section 382 shareholder rights plan is designed to
protect shareholder value by attempting to protect against a
limitation on the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use
their existing NOLs and other tax attributes. The proposed
acquisition restrictions in the proposed RGA articles of
incorporation are also intended to restrict certain acquisitions
of RGA stock to help preserve the ability of RGA and its
subsidiaries to utilize their NOLs and other tax attributes by
avoiding the limitations imposed by Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code and the related Treasury regulations. The
acquisition restrictions and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan are generally
designed to restrict or deter direct and indirect acquisitions
of RGA stock if such acquisition would result in an RGA
shareholder becoming a 5-percent shareholder or increase the
percentage ownership of RGA stock that is treated as owned by an
existing 5-percent shareholder.
Although the acquisition restrictions and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan are intended to
reduce the likelihood of an ownership change that could
adversely affect RGA and its subsidiaries, RGA can give no
assurance that such restrictions would prevent all transfers
that could result in such an ownership change. In particular,
RGA has been advised by its counsel that, absent a court
determination, there can be no assurance that the acquisition
restrictions will be enforceable against all of the RGA
shareholders, and that they may be subject to challenge on
equitable grounds. In particular, it is possible that the
acquisition restrictions may not be enforceable against the RGA
shareholders who vote against or abstain from voting on the
governance proposals or who do not have notice of the
restrictions at the time when they subsequently acquire their
shares.
Further, as described in Proposal Three: Acquisition
Restrictions, Proposal Five: Ratification of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan and
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan, the
acquisition restrictions and Section 382 shareholder
rights plan will not apply to, among others, any RGA
class B common stock acquired by any person in the
split-off, any debt exchanges, or any subsequent split-offs.
Accordingly, the acquisition restrictions and Section 382
shareholder rights plan may not prevent an ownership change in
connection with the divestiture.
Moreover, under certain circumstances, the RGA board of
directors may determine it is in the best interest of RGA and
its shareholders to exempt certain
5-percent
shareholders from the operation of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan, in light of the provisions of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement. In particular, the
agreement becomes terminable by either party in the event any
non-exempted person becomes a
5-percent
shareholder prior to the closing of the exchange offer, as the
exercisability of the rights, in certain instances, may
jeopardize the tax-free nature of the divesture. Additionally,
after the split-off, RGA may, under certain circumstances, incur
significant indemnification obligations under the
recapitalization and distribution agreement in the event that
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan is triggered
following the split-off in a manner that would result in the
divestiture failing to qualify as tax-free. Accordingly, the RGA
board of directors may determine that the consequences of
enforcing the Section 382 shareholder rights plan and
enhancing its deterrent effect by not exempting a 5-percent
shareholder in order to provide protection to RGAs and its
subsidiaries NOLs and other tax attributes, are more
adverse to RGA and its shareholders.
The acquisition restrictions and
Section 382 shareholder rights plan also will require
any person attempting to become a holder of 5% or more (by
value) of RGA stock, as determined under the Internal Revenue
Code, to seek the approval of the RGA board of directors. This
may have an unintended anti-takeover effect because
the RGA board of directors may be able to prevent any future
takeover. Similarly, any limits on the amount of stock that a
shareholder may own could have the effect of making it more
difficult for shareholders to replace current management.
Additionally, because the acquisition restrictions will have,
and RGAs Section 382 shareholder rights plan
does have, the effect of restricting a shareholders
ability to dispose of or acquire RGA common stock, the liquidity
and market value of RGA common stock might suffer. The
acquisition restrictions and the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan will remain in effect until the earliest of (a) the date
that is 36 months and one day from the completion of the
recapitalization, or (b) such other date as the RGA board
of directors in good faith determines that the acquisition
restrictions are no longer in the best interests of RGA and its
shareholders. The acquisition restrictions may be waived by the
RGA board of directors. Shareholders are advised to monitor
carefully their ownership of RGA stock and consult their
25
own legal advisors
and/or RGA
to determine whether their ownership of RGA stock approaches the
proscribed level.
The
right of the holders of RGA class A common stock to elect
up to 20% of RGAs directors will be subject to RGAs
existing shareholder nomination procedures, and such directors
will act as fiduciaries for all of the RGA shareholders, which
factors may diminish the value and effectiveness of the RGA
class A voting rights.
As a result of the recapitalization, the holders of RGA
class A common stock will have the right to elect up to 20%
of the members of the RGA board of directors. Following the
recapitalization, the RGA board of directors will consist of
five members. Therefore, the holders of RGA class A common
stock will have the right to elect one member of the RGA board
of directors, whom RGA refers to as an RGA class A
director. The initial RGA class A director will be J.
Cliff Eason, who has served as a member of the RGA special
committee. Mr. Eason has been designated to serve as the
initial RGA class A director by a majority of the members
of the RGA board of directors for a term that will commence upon
the effectiveness of the recapitalization and end on the third
annual meeting of RGA shareholders after the RGA special meeting
or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. In the
future, nominations of persons who are to stand for election as
RGA class A directors will be made by the board of
directors upon the recommendation of the nominating committee of
the RGA board of directors or, in accordance with the applicable
provisions of RGAs amended bylaws, by a shareholder
entitled to vote for the election of such director. RGAs
articles of incorporation impose significant limitations on the
ability of the RGA shareholders to nominate directors, including
a 60-to-90 day advance notice requirement for nominations
for election at an annual meeting. In addition, RGA believes
that, under Missouri law, an RGA class A director owes
fiduciary duties to RGA and all of RGAs shareholders, and
accordingly does not act as an exclusive representative of the
holders of RGAs class A common stock. These factors
may tend to diminish the value and effectiveness of the class
voting rights of the holders of RGA class A common stock.
The
RGA class B common stock will control the election of at
least 80% of RGAs directors, which may render RGA more
vulnerable to unsolicited takeover bids, including bids that
unfairly discriminate between classes of RGA
shareholders.
Following the recapitalization, holders of the RGA class B
common stock will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the RGA
board of directors. If any person or group of persons acquires
the ability to control the voting of the outstanding shares of
RGA class B common stock, that person or group will be able
to obtain control of RGA. This would also have negative
consequences under some of RGAs agreements. The creation
and issuance of the RGA class B common stock could render
RGA more susceptible to unsolicited takeover bids from third
parties. In particular, an unsolicited third party may be
willing to pay a premium for shares of RGA class B common
stock not offered to holders of shares of RGA class A
common stock.
In addition, because MetLife currently owns approximately 52% of
the outstanding shares of RGA common stock, there is at present
no likelihood of a person other than MetLife gaining control of
the RGA board of directors without MetLifes consent. In
contrast, after completion of the divestiture, MetLife will no
longer be RGAs majority shareholder and approximately 95%
of the outstanding RGA common stock will be publicly held.
Accordingly, the divestiture could render RGA more susceptible
to unsolicited takeover bids from third parties, including
offers below RGAs intrinsic value or other offers that
would not be in the best interests of all of RGAs
shareholders.
The risk of an unsolicited takeover attempt may be mitigated in
part by provisions of the amended and restated articles of
incorporation that make it more difficult for third parties to
gain control of the RGA board of directors, including through
the acquisition of a controlling block of shares of RGA
class B common stock. For example, the RGA class B
voting limitation may have the effect of discouraging
unsolicited takeover attempts as discussed under the caption
Proposal Two: RGA Class B Significant Holder
Voting Limitation Purpose and Effects of the RGA
Class B Significant Holder Voting Limitation. The RGA
articles of incorporation, however, do not provide an absolute
deterrent against unsolicited takeover attempts. For example, an
unsolicited acquirer may condition its takeover proposal on
acquiring all, but not less than all, of
26
the outstanding shares of RGA class B common stock.
Notwithstanding the RGA class B voting limitation, there
would be no other holder of RGA class B common stock to
vote against the acquirer. If the unsolicited acquirer were
successful in acquiring all outstanding shares of RGA
class B common stock, it would then be able to control the
election of RGA class B directors at each annual meeting of
shareholders. See Description of RGA Capital
Stock Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of RGA.
The
recapitalization and distribution will increase the voting
rights of the shares of common stock held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries without the payment of any consideration by MetLife
and its subsidiaries.
As a result of the recapitalization of RGAs common stock,
29,243,539 of the 32,243,539 shares of RGA common stock
held by MetLife and its subsidiaries will be converted into
shares of RGA class B common stock having the right to
elect 80% of the members of the RGA board of directors. As a
result, MetLife and its subsidiaries will receive shares having
superior voting rights with respect to the election of directors
without being required to pay proportional consideration for
their increased voting power. The increase in the voting power
of a portion of the shares currently held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries is necessary to permit MetLife and its subsidiaries
to effect the divestiture in transactions that are tax-free to
MetLife and its stockholders.
RGA presently expects that, following the divestiture, the RGA
board of directors will consider submitting to a shareholder
vote a proposal to convert the dual-class structure adopted in
the recapitalization into a single class structure. The approval
of the conversion would require approval by the holders of a
majority of each class of common stock represented in person or
by proxy and entitled to vote at the RGA special meeting. There
is, however, no binding commitment by the RGA board of directors
to, and there can be no assurance that the RGA board of
directors will, consider proposing a conversion or resolve to
submit such a proposal to RGA shareholders. If submitted, there
can be no assurance that the RGA shareholders would approve the
conversion.
Risks
Relating to an Investment in RGA Common Stock
The
divestiture will result in a substantial amount of RGA
class B common stock entering the market, which may
adversely affect the market price of the RGA class A common
stock and the RGA class B common stock. The prior
performance of RGA common stock may not be indicative of the
performance of the RGA common stock after the
split-off.
RGA is currently a majority-owned subsidiary of MetLife and
approximately 30 million shares of RGA common stock (or 48%
of the total equity value of RGA) are held by the public.
Following the divestiture, all shares of RGA common stock not
held by its affiliates (other than the recently acquired stock
held by MetLife, which represents approximately 5% of the equity
value of RGA) will be held by the public. The distribution of
such a large number of shares of RGA class B common stock
could adversely affect the market prices of RGA class A
common stock and RGA class B common stock after the
exchange offer. In addition, prior performance of RGA common
stock may not be indicative of the performance of RGA
class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
after the exchange offer.
Stock
sales following the split-off or any additional divestiture
transactions, including sales by MetLife, may affect the stock
price of the RGA common stock.
After the split-off or any additional divestiture transactions,
RGA shareholders (including the tendering MetLife stockholders
who receive shares of RGA class B common stock pursuant to
the exchange offer) may sell all or a substantial portion of
their shares in the public market, which could result in
downward pressure on the stock price of all RGA equity
securities. Moreover, promptly after the split-off, in the event
MetLife holds any RGA class B common stock, MetLife may effect a
private debt exchange pursuant to an arrangement with one or
more participating banks. Under this arrangement, the
participating banks will purchase an amount of MetLife debt
securities (either in the market, through one or more tender
offers commenced prior to or after the closing of the exchange
offer and/or
in private transactions) so that, when such MetLife debt
securities are exchanged with MetLife in any debt exchanges, the
participating banks will
27
receive any remaining shares of RGA class B common stock
then held by MetLife. The participating banks may then sell the
RGA class B common stock that they receive from MetLife in
the market or to a third party, including pursuant to a
registered public offering. In connection with this potential
sale, MetLife currently expects that the participating banks
will enter into a registration rights agreement with RGA, on
terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to RGA, which
agreement will provide the participating banks with rights to
request that RGA file a registration statement to register the
sale of RGA class B common stock to the public.
MetLife may determine to conduct one or more subsequent
split-offs (instead of or in addition to any debt exchanges)
pursuant to which MetLife may offer to acquire MetLife common
stock in exchange for shares of RGA class B common stock
held by MetLife after the split-off. The shares of RGA
class B common stock distributed by MetLife pursuant to the
exchange offer, any debt exchanges and any subsequent split-offs
will constitute 100% of the RGA class B common stock that
MetLife will hold after the recapitalization but before the
exchange offer.
In addition, MetLife will retain an approximate 5% interest in
RGA through the retention of the recently acquired stock.
MetLife has agreed, subject to an exception, that during the
period commencing on June 1, 2008 and ending on the
60th day following the earlier of the distribution of all
of MetLifes shares of RGA class B common stock and the
first anniversary of the closing of the split-off (such period
is referred to as the
lock-up
period) it will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of
the recently acquired stock. MetLife has further agreed that,
following the expiration of the
lock-up
period, it will sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of the
recently acquired stock within 60 months from the
completion of the recapitalization. Any disposition by MetLife
of its remaining shares of RGA class A common stock could
result in a substantial amount of RGA equity securities entering
the market, which may adversely affect the price of all RGA
equity securities, including the RGA class B common stock.
RGAs
stock price may fluctuate significantly following the split-off
or any additional divestiture transactions, and tendering
MetLife stockholders could lose all or part of their investment
as a result.
The price of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B
common stock may fluctuate significantly following the
recapitalization, split-off or any additional divestiture
transactions as a result of many factors in addition to those
discussed in the preceding risk factors. These factors, some or
all of which are beyond RGAs control, include:
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the size of the discount in the exchange offer;
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in RGAs operating
results;
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changes in expectations as to RGAs future financial
performance or changes in financial estimates of securities
analysts;
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success of RGAs operating and growth strategies;
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investor anticipation of strategic and technological threats,
whether or not warranted by actual events;
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operating and stock price performance of other comparable
companies; and
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realization of any of the risks described in these risk factors
or those set forth in the RGA Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
|
In addition, the stock market has historically experienced
volatility that often has been unrelated or disproportionate to
the operating performance of particular companies. These broad
market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the
trading price of RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock, regardless of RGAs actual
operating performance.
28
RGA
class A common stock and RGA class B common stock may
remain as separate classes for an indefinite period of
time.
RGA currently expects that, following the completion of the
divestiture, the RGA board of directors will consider a proposal
to convert the RGA class B common stock into RGA
class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (which is
referred to as the conversion), and to submit such a
proposal to the RGA shareholders.
However, there is no binding commitment by the RGA board of
directors to, and there can be no assurance that the RGA board
of directors will, consider the issue or resolve to submit such
a proposal to the RGA shareholders. If submitted, there can be
no assurance that the RGA shareholders would approve such a
conversion. Accordingly, the two classes of RGA common stock may
remain outstanding as separate classes for an indefinite period
of time.
Since each class of RGA common stock, voting separately, would
need to approve the conversion, it is possible that the proposal
would fail because of opposition from holders of either class of
RGA common stock. Depending on the facts and circumstances at
the time a conversion is considered, including, among other
things, trading volumes and prices of the separate classes, it
is possible that holders of either class may view the benefits
and detriments of a conversion differently.
RGA
may not pay dividends on its common stock.
RGA shareholders may not receive future dividends. Historically,
RGA has paid quarterly dividends ranging from $0.027 per share
in 1993 to $0.09 per share in 2008 to date. All future payments
of dividends, however, are at the discretion of the RGA board of
directors and will depend on RGAs earnings, capital
requirements, insurance regulatory conditions, operating
conditions, and such other factors as the board of directors of
RGA may deem relevant. The amount of dividends that RGA can pay
will depend in part on the operations of its reinsurance
subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, RGA may be
contractually prohibited from paying dividends on RGA common
stock due to restrictions in certain debt and trust preferred
securities.
RGAs
anti-takeover provisions may delay or prevent a change in
control of RGA, which could adversely affect the price of each
class of RGA common stock.
Certain provisions in the RGA articles of incorporation and
bylaws, as well as Missouri law, may delay or prevent a change
of control of RGA, which could adversely affect the prices of
RGA class B common stock
and/or RGA
class A common stock. The RGA restated articles of
incorporation and bylaws will contain some provisions that may
make the acquisition of control of RGA without the approval of
the RGA board of directors more difficult, including provisions
relating to the nomination, election and removal of directors,
the structure of the board of directors and limitations on
actions by RGA shareholders. In addition, Missouri law also
imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business
combinations between RGA and holders of 20% or more of its
outstanding RGA common stock.
Furthermore, the RGA articles of incorporation will limit the
voting right in any vote to elect or remove directors, of any
holder of more than 15% of the outstanding RGA class B
common stock to 15% of the outstanding RGA class B common
stock; provided, that, if such holder also has in excess of 15%
of the RGA class A common stock, such holder of RGA
class B common stock may exercise voting power of the RGA
class B common stock in excess of 15% to the extent that
such holder has an equivalent percentage of shares of RGA
class A common stock. Furthermore, the RGA articles of
incorporation are intended to limit stock ownership of RGA stock
(other than any RGA common stock acquired through the
divestiture or other exempted transactions) to less than 5% of
the value of the aggregate outstanding shares of RGA stock
during the restriction period. RGA also adopted in connection
with the recapitalization and divestiture, a Section 382
shareholder rights plan designed to deter shareholders from
becoming a 5-percent shareholder (as defined by
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and the related
Treasury regulations) without the approval of the RGA board of
directors and the RGA board of directors intends to amend and
restate the current rights plan in recognition of the effects of
the recapitalization on RGAs capital structure. See
Proposal Five: Ratification of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Anti-takeover Effect for more information about the RGA
Section 382 shareholder rights plan.
29
See Description of RGA Capital Stock for a summary
of these provisions, which may have unintended anti-takeover
effects. These provisions of the RGA articles of incorporation
and bylaws and Missouri law may delay or prevent a change in
control of RGA, which could adversely affect the price of RGA
class B common stock.
The
recapitalization and divestiture could trigger change-of-control
provisions in RGAs contracts, which could adversely affect
RGA.
As a result of the completion of the divestiture, more than 80%
of the voting control of RGA will be transferred from MetLife to
its security holders. Under the terms of some of RGAs
agreements and other contracts, this transfer may be considered
a change of control of RGA. The failure to obtain consents under
any material contract may adversely affect RGAs financial
performance or results of operations.
Applicable
insurance laws may make it difficult to effect a change of
control of RGA.
Before a person can acquire control of a U.S. insurance
company, prior written approval must be obtained from the
insurance commission of the state where the domestic insurer is
domiciled. Missouri insurance laws and regulations provide that
no person may acquire control of RGA, and thus indirect control
of RGAs Missouri reinsurance subsidiaries, including RGA
Reinsurance Company (which is referred to as RGA
Reinsurance), unless:
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such person has provided certain required information to the
Missouri Department of Insurance, and
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such acquisition is approved by the Missouri Director of
Insurance after a public hearing.
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Under Missouri insurance laws and regulations, any person
acquiring 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a
corporation, such as RGA common stock, is presumed to have
acquired control of that corporation and its subsidiaries.
Canadian federal insurance laws and regulations provide that no
person may directly or indirectly acquire control of
or a significant interest in RGAs Canadian
insurance subsidiary, RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada,
unless:
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such person has provided information, material and evidence to
the Canadian Superintendent of Financial Institutions as
required by him, and
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such acquisition is approved by the Canadian Minister of Finance.
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For this purpose, significant interest means the
direct or indirect beneficial ownership by a person, or group of
persons acting in concert, of shares representing 10% or more of
a given class and control of an insurance company
exists when:
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a person, or group of persons acting in concert, beneficially
owns or controls an entity that beneficially owns securities,
such as RGA common stock, representing more than 50% of the
votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors and such
votes are sufficient to elect a majority of the directors of the
insurance company, or
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a person has any direct or indirect influence that would result
in control in fact of an insurance company.
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Prior to granting approval of an application to directly or
indirectly acquire control of a domestic or foreign insurer, an
insurance regulator may consider such factors as the financial
strength of the applicant, the integrity of the applicants
board of directors and executive officers, the applicants
plans for the future operations of the domestic insurer and any
anti-competitive results that may arise from the consummation of
the acquisition of control.
30
After
the recapitalization and divestiture, RGA will no longer benefit
from MetLifes stature and industry
recognition.
After the recapitalization and divestiture, RGA will cease to be
a majority-owned subsidiary of MetLife. MetLife has
substantially greater stature and financial resources than RGA.
By becoming independent from MetLife, RGA would lose any
positive perceptions from which it may benefit as a result of
being associated with a company of MetLifes stature and
industry recognition.
*****
RGA shareholders should also consider the risks associated with
RGAs business that appear in Item 1A of RGAs Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007,
as such risks may be updated or supplemented in RGAs
subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which have
been incorporated by reference into this document.
31
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document and the documents incorporated by reference into
this document contain both historical and forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are not based on
historical facts, but rather reflect RGAs current
expectations, estimates and projections concerning future
results and events. Forward-looking statements generally can be
identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to
historical or current facts and include, without limitation,
words such as believe, expect,
anticipate, may, could,
intend, intent, belief,
estimate, plan, foresee,
likely, will or other similar words or
phrases. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult
to predict and that may cause RGAs actual results,
performance or achievements to vary materially from what is
expressed in or indicated by such forward-looking statements.
RGA cannot make any assurance that projected results or events
will be achieved.
The risk factors set forth above in the section entitled
Risk Factors, and the matters discussed in
RGAs SEC filings, including the Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations sections of RGAs Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and RGAs
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters
ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, which reports
are incorporated by reference in this document, could affect
future results, causing these results to differ materially from
those expressed in RGAs forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements included and incorporated by
reference in this document are only made as of the date of this
document or the respective documents incorporated by reference
herein, as applicable, and RGA has no obligation to publicly
update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent
events or circumstances.
See the sections entitled Risk Factors and
Where You Can Find More Information.
Numerous important factors could cause RGAs actual results
and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by forward-looking statements including, without limitation:
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adverse changes in mortality, morbidity, lapsation or claims
experience;
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changes in RGAs financial strength and credit ratings or
those of MetLife or its subsidiaries, and the effect of such
changes on RGAs future results of operations and financial
condition;
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inadequate risk analysis and underwriting;
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general economic conditions or a prolonged economic downturn
affecting the demand for insurance and reinsurance in RGAs
current and planned markets;
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the availability and cost of collateral necessary for regulatory
reserves and capital;
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market or economic conditions that adversely affect RGAs
ability to make timely sales of investment securities;
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risks inherent in RGAs risk management and investment
strategy, including changes in investment portfolio yields due
to interest rate or credit quality changes;
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fluctuations in U.S. or foreign currency exchange rates,
interest rates, or securities and real estate markets;
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adverse litigation or arbitration results;
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the adequacy of reserves, resources and accurate information
relating to settlements, awards and terminated and discontinued
lines of business;
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the stability of and actions by governments and economies in the
markets in which RGA operates;
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competitive factors and competitors responses to
RGAs initiatives;
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the success of RGAs clients;
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32
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successful execution of RGAs entry into new markets;
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successful development and introduction of new products and
distribution opportunities;
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RGAs ability to successfully integrate and operate
reinsurance businesses that RGA acquires;
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regulatory action that may be taken by state Departments of
Insurance with respect to RGA, MetLife, or any of their
subsidiaries;
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RGAs dependence on third parties, including those
insurance companies and reinsurers to which RGA cedes some
reinsurance, third-party investment managers and others;
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the threat of natural disasters, catastrophes, terrorist
attacks, epidemics or pandemics anywhere in the world where RGA
or its clients do business;
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changes in laws, regulations, and accounting standards
applicable to RGA, its subsidiaries, or its business;
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the effect of RGAs status as an insurance holding company
and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay principal of
and interest on its debt obligations; and
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other risks and uncertainties described in this document,
including under the caption Risk Factors and in
RGAs other filings with the SEC.
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33
THE
TRANSACTIONS
General
The RGA board of directors is using this document to solicit
proxies from the holders of RGA common stock for use at the RGA
special meeting, at which holders of RGA common stock will be
asked to vote upon approval and adoption of the recapitalization
and distribution agreement, among other matters.
Overview
MetLife and RGA entered into a recapitalization and distribution
agreement, pursuant to which MetLife agreed to dispose of most
of its equity interest in RGA to MetLifes security
holders. The transaction consists of the following:
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a recapitalization of RGA common stock into two classes of
common stock RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock; and
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an exchange offer pursuant to which MetLife offers to acquire
MetLife common stock from MetLife stockholders in exchange for
RGA class B common stock.
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In addition, to the extent that MetLife holds any RGA
class B common stock following the split-off, MetLife will
dispose of such RGA class B common stock in:
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one or more debt exchanges, pursuant to which MetLife will
acquire MetLife debt securities in exchange for RGA class B
common stock; and/or
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one or more subsequent split-offs pursuant to which MetLife will
acquire MetLife common stock in exchange for RGA class B
common stock.
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Following completion of the divestiture, MetLife and its
subsidiaries will hold no RGA class B common stock and
3,000,000 shares of RGA class A common stock.
Recapitalization
MetLife and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 52% of
the outstanding RGA common stock. In connection with the
recapitalization, all RGA common stock will initially be
reclassified as RGA class A common stock. Pursuant to the
recapitalization, approximately 47% of the outstanding RGA
class A common stock, which is then held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries, will be exchanged with RGA for an equal number of
shares of RGA class B common stock. The remaining
approximately 5% of the outstanding shares of RGA stock held by
MetLife and its subsidiaries (which is referred to as the
recently acquired stock), as well as all of the outstanding
shares of RGA stock held by persons other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries, will remain outstanding as RGA class A common
stock. The shares of RGA class A common stock acquired by
RGA from MetLife and its subsidiaries in the recapitalization in
exchange for the RGA class B common stock will be retired.
For the divestiture to be tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders, current U.S. federal income tax law generally
requires, among other things, that MetLife distribute to its
security holders stock of RGA having the right to elect at least
80% of the members of the RGA board of directors. Accordingly,
RGA will engage in the recapitalization such that, after the
recapitalization, RGAs outstanding equity capital
structure will consist of RGA class A common stock and RGA
class B common stock. Immediately after the
reclassification of each outstanding share of RGA common stock
as one share of RGA class A common stock, RGA will exchange
each share of RGA class A common stock that is held by
MetLife and its subsidiaries after such reclassification (other
than the recently acquired stock) for one share of RGA
class B common stock.
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
will be identical in all respects (including with respect to
dividends and voting on matters other than director-related
matters), and will vote together as a
34
single class, except with respect to certain limited matters
required by Missouri law described below, and except that:
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
directors of RGA;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the
directors of RGA;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B common stock
will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of the outstanding
RGA class B common stock with respect to directors if they
do not also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA
class A common stock (see Description of RGA Capital
Stock Common Stock).
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For example, assuming the RGA board of directors were to consist
of five directors, four would be designated for election by the
RGA class B holders and one would be designated for
election by the RGA class A holders. Following the
recapitalization, MetLife and its subsidiaries will hold all of
the outstanding shares of RGA class B common stock and thus
can distribute to its security holders RGA stock having the
right to elect at least 80% of the members of the RGA board of
directors.
Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled to
receive the same per share consideration in any reorganization
or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation or combination
of RGA with any other company (except for such differences as
may be permitted with respect to their existing rights to elect
directors).
In general, the rights of the holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be substantially
the same in all other respects. More specifically, the voting
rights of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B
common stock will be the same in all matters submitted to the
RGA shareholders except (1) the election of RGAs
directors (as described above), (2) a reduction in the
voting power with respect to directors by holders of more than
15% of the RGA class B common stock if such holders do not
also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA class A
common stock, (3) separate voting by class on any proposal
to convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock, and (4) certain other limited matters
required by Missouri law. Missouri law requires a separate class
voting right if an amendment to the RGA articles of
incorporation would alter the aggregate number of authorized
shares or par value of either such class or alter the powers,
preferences or special rights of either such class so as to
affect these rights adversely. These class voting rights provide
each class with an additional measure of protection in the case
of a limited number of actions that could have an adverse effect
on the holders of shares of such class. For example, if the RGA
board of directors were to propose an amendment to the RGA
articles of incorporation that would adversely affect the rights
or privileges of the RGA class A common stock or the RGA
class B common stock, the holders of shares of that class
would be entitled to a separate class vote on such proposal, in
addition to any vote that may be required under the RGA articles
of incorporation.
Exchange
Offer
In the exchange offer, MetLife will offer to acquire outstanding
shares of MetLife common stock from MetLife stockholders in
exchange for all the shares of RGA class B common stock
that MetLife and its subsidiaries will hold immediately after
the recapitalization.
The number of shares of MetLife common stock that will be
accepted if the exchange offer is completed will depend on the
final exchange ratio and the number of shares of MetLife common
stock tendered. MetLife is offering to exchange
29,243,539 shares of RGA class B common stock in the
exchange offer. Accordingly, the largest possible number of
shares of MetLife common stock that will be accepted in the
exchange offer equals 29,243,539 divided by the final exchange
ratio. If the exchange offer is oversubscribed, the tendered
shares will be subject to proration when the exchange offer
expires.
35
MetLife will not be required to complete the exchange offer
unless certain conditions are met, including, among others, that
at least 26,319,186 shares of RGA class B common stock
would be exchanged in the exchange offer for shares of MetLife
common stock that are validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. See
The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Recapitalization Conditions to
Completing the Recapitalization Minimum Tender
Condition. This number of shares of RGA class B
common stock will represent 90% of the outstanding shares of RGA
class B common stock immediately following the
recapitalization.
For each share of MetLife common stock that MetLife stockholders
tender in the exchange offer and do not withdraw, they will
receive a number of shares of RGA class B common stock at a
discount of not greater than 18% nor less than 8% to the
per-share value of RGA class B common stock, calculated as
set forth below, subject to a limit on the number of shares of
RGA class B common stock per share of MetLife common stock
which may be received by tendering MetLife stockholders. The
actual discount and limit will be disclosed in a current report
on
Form 8-K
filed by RGA at least five business days prior to the date of
the RGA special meeting. If, for any reason, the actual discount
and limit are not disclosed at least five business days before
the date of the RGA special meeting, RGA intends to postpone the
meeting so that such information can be timely disclosed. Stated
another way, subject to the limit described below, for each
$1.00 of MetLife common stock accepted in the exchange offer,
tendering MetLife stockholders will receive not greater than
approximately $1.22 nor less than approximately $1.09 of RGA
class B common stock based on the final calculated
per-share values equal to:
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with respect to the MetLife common stock, the average of the
daily VWAP (as defined below) of MetLife common stock on the
NYSE for the last three trading days of the originally
contemplated exchange offer period; and
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with respect to the RGA class B common stock, the average
of the daily VWAP of RGA common stock on the NYSE for the last
three trading days of the originally contemplated exchange offer
period.
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The last three trading days of the originally contemplated
exchange offer period will be disclosed by RGA in a current
report on
Form 8-K
filed by RGA at least five business days prior to the date of
the RGA special meeting. Although the last three trading days of
the originally contemplated exchange offer period could change
if the originally contemplated exchange offer period is
extended, those dates will not change for purposes of
calculating the per-share values if that extension occurs solely
as a result of the automatic extension of the exchange offer
triggered by the limit, as described in the second paragraph
below. As used in this document, VWAP means the
volume-weighted average price per share of the stock
on the NYSE during the period specified, as reported by
Bloomberg L.P., and daily VWAP means VWAP for the
period beginning at 9:30 a.m., New York City time (or such
other time as is the official open of trading on the New York
Stock Exchange) and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York City time
(or such other time as is the official close of trading on the
NYSE), as reported by Bloomberg L.P., except that, on the last
trading day of the originally contemplated exchange offer
period, the data based on which the VWAP is determined will only
take into account any adjustments made to reported trades
included by 4:10 p.m., New York City time, on that day.
The exchange offer period will be automatically extended if a
market disruption event occurs with respect to MetLife common
stock or the RGA common stock on any of the three days during
which the value of each share of MetLife common stock and RGA
common stock was originally expected to be determined.
In addition, if the limit on the number of shares that can be
received for each share of MetLife common stock tendered
described below is in effect at the expiration of the originally
contemplated exchange offer period, then the exchange ratio will
be fixed at the limit and the exchange offer will be
automatically extended until 12:00 midnight, New York City time,
at the end of the second following trading day.
The number of shares of RGA class B common stock that
tendering MetLife stockholders can receive in the exchange offer
is subject to a limit on the number of shares of RGA
class B common stock which may be received by tendering
MetLife stockholders for each share of MetLife common stock
tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. If the limit is
in effect, for each $1.00 of MetLife common stock validly
tendered and not properly withdrawn, and accepted by MetLife,
tendering MetLife stockholders will receive less than the range
of approximately $1.09 to $1.22 of RGA class B common stock
specified above, and they could receive much less. The limit
will be a ratio calculated based on (a) a discount of not
greater than 23% nor less than 13% for the RGA class B
common stock and (b) the average of the daily VWAPs of
MetLife common stock and RGA common stock on the NYSE for the
last three trading days prior to the commencement of the
exchange offer. MetLife is setting this limit to ensure that an
unusual or unexpected drop in the trading price of RGA common
stock, relative to the trading price of MetLife common stock,
would not result in an unduly high number of shares
36
of RGA class B common stock being exchanged per share of
MetLife common stock accepted in the exchange offer. The
exchange offer does not provide for a minimum exchange ratio.
The following formula will be used to calculate the number of
shares of RGA class B common stock tendering MetLife
stockholders will receive for shares of MetLife common stock
accepted in the exchange offer:
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Number of shares of
RGA class B common
stock
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=
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Number of shares of
MetLife common
stock tendered and
accepted, multiplied
by the lesser of
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1.2607* and
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100% of the calculated per-share value
of MetLife common stock
87*% of the calculated per-share value
of RGA common stock
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* |
This number is for illustrative
purposes only and assumes a discount of 13% and a limit based on
an 18% discount for the RGA class B common stock. As described
above, the number may vary depending upon the specific discount
and limit used in the exchange offer.
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The calculated per-share value for the MetLife
common stock and for the RGA common stock will be the average of
the daily VWAP for MetLife common stock and RGA common stock,
respectively, on the last three trading days of the exchange
offer period. The last three trading days of the originally
contemplated exchange offer period will be disclosed by RGA in a
current report on Form 8-K filed by RGA at least five
business days prior to the date of the RGA special meeting. If,
for any reason, the actual discount and limit are not disclosed
at least five business days before the date of the RGA
special meeting, RGA intends to postpone the meeting so that
such information can be timely disclosed. Although the last
three trading days of the originally contemplated exchange offer
period could change if the originally contemplated exchange
offer period is extended, those dates will not change for
purposes of calculating the per-share values if that extension
occurs solely as a result of the automatic extension of the
exchange offer triggered by the limit.
To help illustrate the way this calculation works, below are two
examples:
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Example 1: This example assumes a discount of
13% and a limit calculated based on an 18% discount for the RGA
class B common stock. Assuming that the average of the daily
VWAP on the last three trading days of the originally
contemplated exchange offer period is $50.8847 per share of
MetLife common stock and $49.2217 per share of RGA common stock,
tendering MetLife stockholders would receive 1.1883 shares
($50.8847 divided by 87% of $49.2217) of RGA class B common
stock for each share of MetLife common stock accepted in the
exchange offer. In this example, the limit of 1.2607 shares
of RGA class B common stock for each share of MetLife
common stock would not apply.
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Example 2: This example assumes a discount of
13% and a limit calculated based on an 18% discount for the RGA
class B common stock. Assuming that the average of the daily
VWAP on the last three trading days of the originally
contemplated exchange offer period is $55.9732 per share of
MetLife common stock and $44.2996 per share of RGA common stock,
the limit would apply and tendering MetLife stockholders would
only receive 1.2607 shares of RGA class B common stock
for each share of MetLife common stock accepted in the exchange
offer because the limit is less than 1.4523 shares
($55.9732 divided by 87% of $44.2996) of RGA class B common
stock for each share of MetLife common stock accepted in the
exchange offer. Because the limit would apply, the exchange
offer period would be automatically extended until 12:00
midnight, New York City time, at the end of the second following
trading day, and the exchange ratio would be fixed.
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For purposes of illustration, the tables below indicate the
number of shares of RGA class B common stock that tendering
MetLife stockholders would receive per share of MetLife common
stock, calculated on the basis described above and taking into
account the limit range described above, assuming a range of
averages of the daily VWAP of MetLife common stock and RGA
common stock on the last three trading days of the exchange
offer. The first table below assumes a discount of 8% and a
limit calculated based on a 13% discount for the RGA class B
common stock. The second table below assumes a discount of 13%
and a limit calculated based on an 18% discount for the RGA
class B common stock. The third table below assumes a discount
of 18% and a limit calculated based on a 23% discount for the
RGA class B common stock. The first line of each table below
shows the indicative calculated per-share values of MetLife
common stock and RGA common stock and the indicative exchange
ratio that would have been in effect following the official
close of trading on the NYSE on August 1, 2008, based on
the daily VWAPs of MetLife common stock and RGA common stock on
July 30, July 31 and August 1. Each table
also shows the effects of a 10% increase or decrease in either
or both the calculated per-share values of MetLife common stock
and RGA common stock based on changes relative to the values on
August 1, 2008.
37
Assumes 8% discount and limit based on 13% discount
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Calculated
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Shares of RGA Class
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per-Share Value of
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Calculated
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B Common Stock per
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MetLife
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RGA Class A
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MetLife Common
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per-Share Value of
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MetLife Share
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Common Stock
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Common Stock
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Stock
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RGA Common Stock
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Tendered
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As of August 1, 2008
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$
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50.8847
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$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.1237
|
|
(1) Down 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
0.9194
|
|
(2) Down 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.0113
|
|
(3) Down 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.1237
|
|
(4) Unchanged
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.0215
|
|
(5) Unchanged
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
*
|
(6) Up 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.1237
|
|
(7) Up 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
*
|
(8) Up 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
*
|
|
|
|
* |
|
In this scenario, the limit is assumed to be 1.1883 for purposes
of illustration and is in effect. Absent the limit, the exchange
ratio would have been 1.2485, 1.2360 and 1.3734 shares of
RGA class B common stock per MetLife share tendered and
accepted in scenarios (5), (7) and (8), respectively. In this
scenario, MetLife would announce that the limit on the number of
shares that can be received for each share of MetLife common
stock tendered is in effect at the expiration of the exchange
offer period by 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date, the exchange ratio would be fixed at the limit
and the exchange offer would be extended until
12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the
second following trading day. |
Assumes 13% discount and limit based on 18% discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calculated
|
|
|
|
Shares of RGA Class
|
|
|
|
|
per-Share Value of
|
|
Calculated
|
|
B Common Stock per
|
MetLife
|
|
RGA Class A
|
|
MetLife Common
|
|
per-Share Value of
|
|
MetLife Share
|
Common Stock
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
RGA Common Stock
|
|
Tendered
|
|
As of August 1, 2008
|
|
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
|
(1) Down 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
0.9722
|
|
(2) Down 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.0694
|
|
(3) Down 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
|
(4) Unchanged
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.0802
|
|
(5) Unchanged
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
*
|
(6) Up 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.1883
|
|
(7) Up 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
*
|
(8) Up 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
*
|
|
|
|
* |
|
In this scenario, the limit is assumed to be 1.2607 for purposes
of illustration and is in effect. Absent the limit, the exchange
ratio would have been 1.3203, 1.3071 and 1.4523 shares of
RGA class B common stock per MetLife share tendered and
accepted in scenarios (5), (7) and (8), respectively. In this
scenario, MetLife would announce that the limit on the number of
shares that can be received for each share of MetLife common
stock tendered is in effect at the expiration of the exchange
offer period by 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date, the exchange ratio would be fixed at the limit
and the exchange offer would be extended until
12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the
second following trading day. |
38
Assumes 18% discount and limit based on 23% discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calculated
|
|
|
|
Shares of RGA Class
|
|
|
|
|
per-Share Value of
|
|
Calculated
|
|
B Common Stock per
|
MetLife
|
|
RGA Class A
|
|
MetLife Common
|
|
per-Share Value of
|
|
MetLife Share
|
Common Stock
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
RGA Common Stock
|
|
Tendered
|
|
As of August 1, 2008
|
|
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
|
(1) Down 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.0315
|
|
(2) Down 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.1346
|
|
(3) Down 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
45.7963
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
|
(4) Unchanged
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.1461
|
|
(5) Unchanged
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
50.8847
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.3426
|
*
|
(6) Up 10%
|
|
Up 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
54.1439
|
|
|
|
1.2607
|
|
(7) Up 10%
|
|
Unchanged
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
49.2217
|
|
|
|
1.3426
|
*
|
(8) Up 10%
|
|
Down 10%
|
|
$
|
55.9732
|
|
|
$
|
44.2996
|
|
|
|
1.3426
|
*
|
|
|
|
* |
|
In this scenario, the limit is assumed to be 1.3426 for purposes
of illustration and is in effect. Absent the limit, the exchange
ratio would have been 1,4008, 1.3868 and 1.5409 shares of
RGA class B common stock per MetLife share tendered and
accepted in scenarios (5), (7) and (8), respectively. In this
scenario, MetLife would announce that the limit on the number of
shares that can be received for each share of MetLife common
stock tendered is in effect at the expiration of the exchange
offer period by 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date, the exchange ratio would be fixed at the limit
and the exchange offer would be extended until
12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the
second following trading day. |
If the trading price of MetLife common stock were to increase
during the last three days of the exchange offer period, the
calculated per-share value of MetLife common stock would likely
be lower than the closing price of MetLife common stock on the
expiration date of the exchange offer. As a result, tendering
MetLife stockholders may receive fewer shares of RGA
class B common stock for each $1.00 of MetLife common stock
than they would have if that per-share value were calculated on
the basis of the closing price of MetLife common stock on the
expiration date. Similarly, if the trading price of RGA common
stock were to decrease during the last three days of the
exchange offer period, the calculated per-share value of RGA
class B common stock would likely be higher than the
closing price of RGA common stock on the expiration date of the
exchange offer. This could also result in tendering MetLife
stockholders receiving fewer shares of RGA class B common
stock for each $1.00 of MetLife common stock than they would
have if that per-share value were calculated on the basis of the
closing price of RGA common stock on the expiration date.
Debt
Exchanges/Subsequent Split-Offs
To the extent that MetLife holds any RGA class B common
stock after the split-off, MetLife will dispose of such RGA
class B common stock in one or more public or private debt
exchanges
and/or one
or more subsequent split-offs, thus completing the divestiture
on or prior to the first anniversary of the
split-off.
MetLife currently expects that, to the extent it holds any RGA
class B common stock after the split-off, it will divest
such shares in a private debt exchange pursuant to an
arrangement with one or more investment banks. MetLife currently
expects that these investment banks will purchase an amount of
MetLife debt securities (either in the market, through one or
more tender offers commenced prior to or after the closing of
the exchange offer and/or in private transactions) so that, when
such MetLife debt securities are exchanged with MetLife in any
debt exchanges, these investment banks will receive any
remaining shares of RGA class B common stock then held by
MetLife, thereby completing the divestiture. The investment
banks may sell the RGA class B common stock that they
receive in any debt exchanges in the market or to a third party,
including pursuant to a registered public offering. In
connection with this potential sale, MetLife currently expects
that the investment banks will enter into a registration rights
agreement with RGA, on terms and conditions reasonably
satisfactory to RGA, which agreement will provide the investment
banks with rights to request that RGA file a registration
statement to register the sale of RGA class B common stock
to the public.
39
The shares of RGA class B common stock distributed by
MetLife pursuant to the exchange offer, any debt exchanges and
any subsequent split-offs will constitute 100% of the RGA
class B common stock that MetLife and its subsidiaries will
receive in connection with the recapitalization.
Background
of the Divestiture
On January 6, 2000, MetLife acquired from General American
Mutual Holding Company all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of GenAmerica Financial Corporation, which at
that time beneficially owned approximately 48% of the
outstanding RGA common stock. This acquisition, together with
MetLifes direct investment in RGA in 1999 made MetLife the
majority shareholder of RGA. MetLife made additional direct
investments in RGA in 2002 and 2003, and, as of the date of this
document, beneficially owns approximately 52% of the outstanding
RGA common stock. In addition, three of RGAs eight
directors, including the chairman of the RGA board of directors,
are currently officers of MetLife.
On November 5, 2003, MetLife disclosed in its report on
Schedule 13D that it continuously evaluates its businesses
and prospects, alternative investment opportunities and other
factors in determining whether it will acquire additional shares
of RGA common stock or dispose of its shares of RGA common
stock, and that such acquisition or disposition could occur at
any time, depending on a variety of factors. MetLife disclosed
that, as part of its ongoing evaluation of its investment in RGA
common stock and investment alternatives, MetLife may consider a
variety of strategic and other alternatives relating to RGA and,
subject to applicable law, may formulate a plan with respect to
such matters, and, from time to time, may hold discussions with
or make formal proposals to management or the RGA board of
directors, or other third parties regarding such matters.
On January 31, 2005, MetLife advised RGA management of, and
announced publicly, an agreement to acquire Citigroup
Inc.s (which is referred to as Citigroup)
Travelers Life & Annuity business and substantially
all of Citigroups international insurance businesses
(which are referred to as Travelers). On
February 1, 2005, MetLife management disclosed in an
investor conference call that, while no decision had been made,
MetLife would consider selling some or all of its stake in RGA
to provide some of the capital required to finance the
acquisition. After discussion of this possible sale and its
impact on RGAs credit rating and other aspects of RGA, the
RGA board of directors formed a committee composed of Messrs.
William J. Bartlett, J. Cliff Eason, Stuart I. Greenbaum
and Alan C. Henderson, for the purpose of addressing issues that
could arise in the event that MetLife proceeded with a
disposition of its stake in RGA. Later that day, the committee
met and, after discussion, decided to interview a financial
advisor and RGAs outside counsel, Bryan Cave LLP (which is
referred to as Bryan Cave), to serve as advisors to
the committee.
On February 9, 2005, the RGA special committee met with
representatives of RGAs financial advisor at that time and
Bryan Cave to review, among other things, its relationships with
MetLife and ability to serve as independent advisors.
On February 11, 2005, MetLife amended its report on
Schedule 13D to disclose that, to finance its acquisition
of Travelers, it would consider select asset sales, including
its holdings of RGA common stock.
On several occasions during February and March 2005, the RGA
special committee reviewed with its financial advisor and
outside counsel the status of the pending transaction between
MetLife and Citigroup, and its potential effect on RGA.
On April 22, 2005, MetLife publicly announced that it was
no longer considering selling some or all of its RGA shares for
the purpose of financing the Travelers acquisition, and, on
April 25, 2005, MetLife disclosed that it continuously
evaluates RGAs businesses and prospects, alternative
investment opportunities and other factors in determining
whether additional shares of RGA common stock will be acquired
by MetLife or whether MetLife will dispose of shares of RGA
common stock. Additionally, MetLife indicated that, at any time,
depending on a variety of factors, MetLife may acquire
additional shares of RGA common stock or may dispose of some or
all of the shares of RGAs common stock beneficially owned
by MetLife, in either case in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise.
On October 9, 2006, the chief financial officer of MetLife
contacted management of RGA to indicate that MetLife planned to
present a possible transaction involving its stake in RGA at the
upcoming meeting of the
40
RGA board of directors. MetLife representatives and its
financial advisor met with RGA management to discuss the
possible transaction, which involved a recapitalization of RGA
common stock and a tax-free split-off of the RGA common stock
held by MetLife to MetLife stockholders.
On October 17, 2006, MetLife, together with its financial
advisor, Merrill Lynch & Co. (which is referred to as
Merrill Lynch), presented the
recapitalization/split-off transaction to the RGA board of
directors at the boards regularly scheduled meeting.
MetLife and Merrill Lynch explained that, in the transaction,
MetLife would exchange its existing shares of RGA common stock
for an equivalent number of newly authorized and issued shares
of RGA class B common stock, and would subsequently
exchange those shares with its security holders in a split-off
transaction, thus widely distributing the shares of RGA
class B common stock (the holders of the class B
common stock would have the right to elect at least 80% of the
RGA board of directors). Merrill Lynch also reviewed certain
items, including:
|
|
|
|
|
the stock price performance of precedent transactions involving
a similar recapitalization that was immediately followed by a
pro rata distribution of recapitalized shares to all
stockholders of the majority shareholder;
|
|
|
|
liquidity analyses and past trading disparities of precedent
dual-class structures;
|
|
|
|
a comparison of the proposed structure with a prior
voting/non-voting dual class structure of RGA with respect to
voting characteristic, public float and business
purpose; and
|
|
|
|
a possible timetable for the transaction.
|
Members of the RGA board of directors discussed the potential
transaction, with particular focus on the treatment of and
effect on RGAs public shareholders other than MetLife.
To facilitate a full and fair evaluation of any transactions to
be discussed with MetLife, at that meeting, the RGA board of
directors appointed a special committee, consisting of
Messrs. Bartlett, Eason, Greenbaum and Henderson, to review
and consider the potential transaction, and to negotiate with
MetLife with respect to the potential transaction and possible
alternatives. The RGA board of directors viewed each member of
the RGA special committee as independent from MetLife and its
management, and able to evaluate independently the potential
transaction, free from the influence of MetLife or its
management. The RGA special committee was charged with, among
other things, reviewing, considering and negotiating the terms,
conditions and merits of a potential recapitalization/ split-off
transaction and any related transactions, and determining
whether such transactions would be advisable, fair to and in the
best interests of RGAs shareholders (other than MetLife),
and whether or not to approve
and/or
recommend the transactions to RGAs shareholders.
On October 18, 2006, the RGA special committee held a
meeting to discuss the potential recapitalization/split-off
transaction and to interview a possible financial advisor and
possible outside counsel with respect to the possibility of
their serving as advisors to the RGA special committee, and to
consider their independence with respect to MetLife and, in the
case of the financial advisor, its ability to render a fairness
opinion with respect to the proposed transaction. At this
meeting, representatives of the possible financial advisor
discussed the possible advantages and disadvantages of the
proposed transaction, including the possible implications of the
transaction on RGAs corporate governance, shareholder
value and business strategy. At this meeting, members of RGA
management provided input with respect to the potential
transaction and its potential effect on RGA. Members of the RGA
special committee asked a number of questions of the possible
financial advisor regarding its views as to possible trading
disparities between the two classes of stock, the extent to
which the dual class structure would have to be maintained, the
potential impact on minority shareholders, and the ability of
RGA to receive some other economic benefits from the transaction
given the tax benefits to MetLife in undertaking the
transaction. After discussion, the RGA special committee took no
action but requested the financial and legal advisors to provide
formal proposals or engagement letters for consideration.
On October 25, 2006, the RGA special committee met with
representatives of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
(which is referred to as Morgan Stanley) with
respect to serving as the RGA special committees financial
advisor, and considered its independence with respect to
MetLife. Morgan Stanley reviewed its expertise in serving
special committees and advising as to separation transactions
and insurance
41
clients, as well as with respect to equity offerings.
Additionally, it reviewed its past contacts and relationship
with MetLife and its belief as to its independence. Further,
Morgan Stanley reviewed with the RGA special committee aspects
of the recapitalization/split-off transaction, including:
|
|
|
|
|
how it compared with precedent split-off transactions and dual
class recapitalization precedents;
|
|
|
|
the potential economic benefits of the transaction to MetLife;
|
|
|
|
the potential benefits of the transaction to RGA and preliminary
issues for consideration, including rating agency
considerations, historic dual class trading performance, public
market valuation considerations, including with respect to
RGAs share price and liquidity analysis; and
|
|
|
|
a possible alternative transaction structure that would involve
the combination of a relatively small business of MetLife with
RGA and the split-off of the combined entity, which would result
in a single class of stock, rather than a dual class structure.
|
Following the discussion, the RGA special committee discussed
the various possible transaction structures for accomplishing a
split-off and the potential benefits and relative drawbacks of
each structure to RGA and its public shareholders. At this
meeting, members of RGA management provided their input with
respect to the potential transactions and the potential effects
of such transactions on RGA. After discussion, the RGA special
committee discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages
of the transaction, including:
|
|
|
|
|
that the transaction would eliminate the stock overhang on RGA
common stock and would increase the liquidity of the RGA stock;
|
|
|
|
that the transaction could lead RGA to be more widely followed
by the equity research community because of a broader
shareholder base;
|
|
|
|
that the transaction might allow RGA to pursue its future
business initiatives free from the constraint of having a
controlling corporate shareholder;
|
|
|
|
that the dual class structure resulting from the transaction
could pose trading risks for public shareholders, and that RGA
might not be able to convert the dual class structure into a
single class following the transaction as a result of tax
requirements; and
|
|
|
|
that the RGA public shareholders may not be receiving sufficient
benefit for agreeing to reduce their voting power over the
selection of the RGA board of directors.
|
On the basis of these considerations taken as a whole, the RGA
special committee concluded it was not yet prepared to proceed
with the recapitalization/split-off transaction, but remained
ready to consider other alternative transactions structures if
presented. The RGA special committee also determined that it
would request MetLife to pay any costs of the RGA special
committee in connection with considering alternative transaction
structures.
On October 25, 2006, the position of the RGA special
committee was communicated to MetLife through MetLifes
financial advisor, Merrill Lynch.
On October 27, 2006, outside counsel to MetLife, Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz (which is referred to as
Wachtell Lipton), contacted Bryan Cave to suggest
that the two companies and their advisors meet to discuss the
RGA special committees concerns.
On October 30, 2006, the RGA special committee met to
consider the retention of financial and legal advisors and,
after discussion, decided to engage Morgan Stanley to serve as
its financial advisor and Bryan Cave as its outside counsel. In
addition, the RGA special committee requested that Morgan
Stanley contact MetLifes financial advisor to discuss the
RGA special committees concerns with respect to the
recapitalization/split-off transaction. Subsequently, the RGA
special committee entered into formal engagement letters with
Morgan Stanley and Bryan Cave.
On December 7, 2006, representatives of MetLife, including
its financial and legal advisors, and representatives of the RGA
special committee, including its financial and legal advisors
and RGAs
42
management, met to discuss the recapitalization/split-off
transaction and possible alternative structures presented by
Morgan Stanley, with a view to responding to the concerns of the
RGA special committee. The representatives determined to
investigate further various business, legal and tax
considerations regarding the alternative transaction structure,
as well as corporate governance and capital market
considerations, with a view to determining whether other
information might address the concerns of the RGA special
committee. Following the meeting, RGAs representatives
reported to the members of the RGA special committee regarding
matters discussed at the meeting.
During December 2006 through February 2007, the parties reviewed
various business, legal and tax considerations regarding the
possible transaction structures. During such period, RGA
consulted with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP (which is referred to as Skadden) regarding
certain tax considerations relating to the alternative
transaction structures. In February 2007, Skadden was engaged as
special tax counsel to the special committee, and MetLife
engaged Goldman, Sachs & Co. as an additional
financial advisor in connection with the transactions.
On February 20, 2007, the RGA special committee met to
review the status of discussions regarding the proposed
transactions. Representatives of RGA management discussed the
parties review of the alternative transaction structure,
and analyses of information provided by MetLife. The RGA special
committee also discussed the possibility the IRS would issue a
ruling that addressed certain of the committees concerns
with the dual class structure, including the possibility of
converting to a single class structure at some point following
the transaction.
On April 17, 2007, MetLife contacted RGA management
representatives regarding the status of RGAs analysis of
the possible alternative structure. The RGA management
representatives explained that it would discuss with the RGA
special committee its willingness to move forward with the
recapitalization/split-off transaction or the possible
alternative structure.
On April 19, 2007, the RGA special committee met with its
legal and financial advisors to review the current status of the
discussions with MetLife. Among other things, representatives of
Morgan Stanley reviewed with the RGA special committee:
|
|
|
|
|
potential revisions to the recapitalization/split-off
transaction, including developments relating to the possibility
of converting the dual class structure into a single class
structure following the transaction, the inclusion of a charter
provision providing for equal consideration for both classes in
a merger or recapitalization of RGA stock, and corporate
governance protections for holders of RGA class A common
stock following the transaction;
|
|
|
|
other transaction considerations, including the absence of
precedent recapitalization/split-off transactions, Morgan
Stanleys potential ability to deliver a fairness opinion,
the possibility of seeking additional economic value in the
transaction given the tax benefit of the transaction to MetLife,
potential effects on the public RGA shareholders from any
discount offered by MetLife in the split-off, and historic stock
price disparities in dual class trading;
|
|
|
|
a review and analysis of precedent recapitalization
transactions; and
|
|
|
|
a preliminary timetable, including receipt of a favorable IRS
private letter ruling with respect to the transaction and the
expected levels of participation in the split-off by
MetLifes stockholders.
|
At this meeting, members of RGA management provided input with
respect to the potential transaction and its potential effect on
RGA as well as the difficulties in identifying and valuing a
MetLife business to be included in the possible alternative
transaction. After further deliberation, the RGA special
committee determined that its advisors and representatives
should pursue discussion with MetLife and its advisors regarding
the recapitalization/split-off transaction instead of the
possible alternative transaction structure, and should update
the RGA special committee periodically regarding such
discussions, provided that the representatives should seek the
best possible terms for RGA and RGAs public shareholders,
with any material terms and conditions remaining subject to
approval by the RGA special committee.
43
During late April through mid-May, 2007, representatives of
MetLife and its financial and legal advisors and representatives
of the RGA special committee, including its financial advisor,
outside counsel and RGAs management, discussed the terms
of a possible recapitalization/split-off transaction, possible
future discussions with the IRS to confirm each parties
understanding of the tax implications of such transaction, and
corporate and securities law considerations regarding any such
transaction.
On May 22, 2007, MetLife presented to the RGA special
committee a term sheet setting forth potential terms for a
recapitalization/split-off transaction and a possible timetable
for completion of such transaction. The term sheet contemplated
a recapitalization of RGA common stock into two classes of
stock, a split-off following such recapitalization in which
MetLife would offer to exchange its RGA common stock for MetLife
common stock, and a possible spin-off to MetLifes
stockholders of any shares not exchanged in the split-off. The
term sheet also contemplated that RGA would indemnify MetLife
for tax and other liabilities resulting from actions by RGA that
would result in the split-off being taxable to MetLife.
From May 2007 through June 1, 2008, the RGA special
committee met with its legal and financial advisors from time to
time to review and discuss the terms and conditions of the
recapitalization/ split-off transaction. At the direction of the
RGA special committee, representatives of its advisors and RGA
management negotiated the structure, terms and timing of the
proposed transaction with MetLife and its financial and legal
advisors. At selected points during the process, a
representative of Bryan Cave reviewed with the members of the
RGA special committee their fiduciary duties and related
considerations with respect to service on a special committee
and responded to questions raised by members of the committee.
Among the issues discussed at various points included the
following:
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the RGA special committees opposition to a possible
spin-off of RGA common stock to MetLife stockholders because of
the potential significant increase in shareholder servicing
costs that would result from having such a large shareholder
base;
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MetLifes discussion of a possible subsequent debt exchange
as a means for MetLife to, among other things, adjust its
debt-equity ratio after the split-off;
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the RGA special committees inability to obtain additional
economic value from MetLife in the recapitalization/split-off
transaction on behalf of RGA shareholders due to MetLifes
unwillingness to provide such additional economic value,
including as a result of IRS and related tax limitations;
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possible limits on the use of net operating losses and other tax
attributes of RGA and its subsidiaries that could result from an
ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue
Code;
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the possible adoption of an amendment to the RGA articles of
incorporation to restrict transfers of RGA stock, as well as a
shareholder rights plan, each designed to protect RGA from
experiencing an ownership change under Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code by deterring shareholders of RGA from
acquiring 5% or more (by value) of the total outstanding RGA
stock;
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the nature and stringency of capital and operating restrictions
proposed by MetLife for tax and other purposes;
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the scope of indemnification for tax matters;
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the ability of MetLife to delay commencement of the split-off in
certain circumstances, including in the event of certain changes
in market conditions or otherwise in its discretion;
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the treatment of unsolicited acquisition proposals for RGA after
the execution of any agreement providing for the
recapitalization/split-off transaction;
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the ability of MetLife to terminate the agreement due to receipt
of a superior proposal under certain circumstances;
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the payment by MetLife of certain of RGAs expenses related
to the transactions; and
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the unwillingness of MetLife to allow RGA to participate in the
pricing of the exchange offer.
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44
In addition, during this period, the RGA special committee
reviewed the independence of its advisors and did not find any
basis to reevaluate any prior determinations as to their
independence.
On August 7, 2007, RGA management, representatives of
MetLife management and their respective financial and legal
advisors met at the offices of Wachtell Lipton to discuss the
terms, conditions and status of the recapitalization/split-off
transaction.
In late August 2007, a third party approached MetLife indicating
that it had an interest in acquiring MetLifes stake in RGA
and possibly acquiring all of the outstanding stock of RGA in a
negotiated transaction. The third party indicated a range of
prices to acquire the stake, which was at a substantial premium
to the then market price of RGA common stock, but indicated that
any price was only preliminary and would be subject to a due
diligence review of RGA.
Following the approach, MetLife contacted representatives of RGA
management and representatives of the RGA special committee to
confirm whether the RGA special committee remained interested in
pursuing the recapitalization/split-off transaction. MetLife
indicated that it continued to evaluate other alternatives with
respect to its stake in RGA, including possibly pursuing a sale
to the third party. The RGA representatives indicated that they
believed the RGA special committee remained interested in the
recapitalization/split-off transaction and that it, together
with its advisors, was continuing to review the latest version
of the term sheet and planned to respond.
On September 11, 2007, MetLife and RGA submitted to the IRS
a request for a private letter ruling.
In November 2007, the RGA board of directors adopted resolutions
expanding its delegation to the RGA special committee of
authority to include the adoption of a Section 382
shareholder rights plan, subject to certain conditions.
In November 2007, the chief financial officer of MetLife
contacted Mr. Woodring to advise that the same third party
had indicated possible interest in acquiring the outstanding
stock of RGA, including shares held by RGAs public
shareholders, at a price that represented a substantial premium
to the then current trading price of RGA common stock. In
December 2007, the RGA special committee met with its financial
and legal advisors and RGAs management and, after
discussions with management of MetLife and representatives of
MetLifes financial and legal advisors, authorized
RGAs advisors and management to explore the possible
indication of interest. In addition, MetLife agreed to reimburse
RGA for its out-of-pocket expenses (subject to a cap) incurred
in connection with consideration of the
recapitalization/split-off transaction.
In January 2008, the third party and its proposed source of
partial financing entered into confidentiality and standstill
agreements with RGA, and RGA shared certain due diligence
information with them. Representatives of Morgan Stanley, an
additional financial advisor and management of RGA met with
representatives of the third party, its proposed source of
partial financing and MetLife and its financial advisors, to
discuss the information.
Following that meeting, the third party indicated that it was
not prepared to move forward with a potential acquisition
transaction until after it conducted extensive due diligence,
and that the proposed price would depend on its view of the
results of such due diligence.
After discussion with its advisors, the RGA special committee
directed RGA management to provide certain additional limited
financial due diligence to the third party and asked it to
submit a written proposal. Additionally, in January 2008, the
RGA special committee interviewed and ultimately engaged Morgan
Stanley, as well as the additional financial advisor, for
assistance in evaluating discussions with
and/or
proposals from third parties.
On February 21, 2008, RGA received a letter from the third
party setting forth a preliminary non-binding indication of
interest for a potential acquisition transaction involving the
acquisition of 100% of the outstanding RGA common stock. The
letter included a preliminary price that represented a
substantial premium to the then current market price of RGA
common stock. The preliminary non-binding indication of interest
was subject to a number of caveats and exceptions including
significant financing contingencies and a request for
competitively sensitive proprietary information.
45
On March 10, 2008, the RGA special committee sent a letter
to the third party stating its position that the proposal had
several shortcomings, including significant financing
contingencies and the third partys request for sharing
competitively sensitive proprietary information. Neither the RGA
special committee nor its advisors received any subsequent
response from the third party or its advisors. However, MetLife
reported that on March 12, 2008, the third party again
approached MetLife to state that it would still like to move
forward with a potential acquisition of either all of the
outstanding RGA common stock or alternatively of only
MetLifes stake in RGA.
During the period from early February 2008 through the end of
May 2008, representatives of MetLife and representatives of the
RGA special committee, including their respective financial and
legal advisors, exchanged drafts and negotiated the terms of the
relevant transaction documents for the
recapitalization/split-off transaction, with the advisors and
management providing updates to and meetings with the chairman
of the special committee
and/or the
special committee.
On March 14, 2008, MetLife and RGA received the requested
private letter ruling from the IRS regarding the tax
free-treatment of the recapitalization/split-off transaction and
certain other tax issues relating to the divestiture.
On May 22, 2008, the RGA special committee met with its
financial and legal advisors and RGAs management to review
and discuss the current drafts of the transaction documents and
the proposed Section 382 shareholder rights plan.
On May 30, 2008, the MetLife board of directors convened a
meeting at which MetLife management reported to the MetLife
board of directors the result of their consideration of the
proposed transactions and their recommendations. The MetLife
board of directors reviewed the potential strategic and other
benefits of the proposed transactions. The MetLife board of
directors approved the execution of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement.
On June 1, 2008, the RGA special committee reconvened and
continued its review of the transaction documents and
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. Morgan Stanley
reviewed its financial analyses related to the recapitalization
and the divestiture and rendered its oral opinion, subsequently
confirming in writing, to the RGA special committee to the
effect that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and
subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set
forth in its opinion, the recapitalization and the divestiture,
taken as a whole, were fair, from a financial point of view, to
the holders of RGA common stock other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries (excluding RGA and its subsidiaries). MetLife did
not provide any information to Morgan Stanley in connection with
Morgan Stanleys opinion or in connection with the
financial analysis conducted by Morgan Stanley in connection
with such opinion. After a careful evaluation of the
recapitalization/split-off transaction and its anticipated
effects on RGA and RGAs shareholders (other than MetLife
and its subsidiaries), the RGA special committee unanimously
approved and adopted the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan, subject to execution and delivery of definitive
agreements relating to the recapitalization/split-off
transaction, and recommended that the RGA board of directors
approve the proposed transactions, the transaction documents and
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The RGA special
committee also unanimously resolved to submit the proposed
transactions to RGA shareholders for approval.
Subsequently that day, the RGA board of directors convened a
meeting at which the RGA special committee, together with its
legal and financial advisors, reported to the RGA board of
directors the results of their consideration of the
recapitalization/divestiture transaction and their
recommendations. The RGA special committee advised that the
proposed transactions were advisable to, fair to and in the best
interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders (other than MetLife
and its subsidiaries) and recommended to the RGA board of
directors that it should approve or ratify the proposed
transactions, the transaction documents and the Section 382
shareholder rights plan and that the RGA board of directors
should submit such proposals to RGAs shareholders. Based
upon the recommendation of the special committee, the RGA board
of directors, with Steven A. Kandarian, Georgette A. Piligian
and Joseph A. Reali (each of whom is an officer of MetLife)
abstaining, determined that the proposed transactions were
advisable, fair to and in the best interests of RGA and
RGAs shareholders (other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries) and it approved or ratified the proposed
46
transactions, the transaction documents and the Section 382
shareholder rights plan. The RGA board of directors also
resolved to submit the proposed transactions to RGAs
shareholders for their approval.
On June 1, 2008, MetLife and RGA entered into the
recapitalization and distribution agreement and, on June 2,
2008, issued a joint public announcement regarding the
recapitalization, split-off and related transactions.
RGA
Equity Capitalization Following the Divestiture and Before any
Conversion
Following the completion of the recapitalization and
divestiture, RGA will have an equity capitalization that
consists of approximately 53% RGA class A common stock and
approximately 47% RGA class B common stock. RGAs
reclassification of each outstanding share of RGA common stock
as one share of RGA class A common stock and the subsequent
exchange of the RGA class A common stock held by MetLife
and its subsidiaries (other than the recently acquired stock)
for one share of RGA class B common stock is governed by
the recapitalization and distribution agreement. See The
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
NYSE
Listing
RGAs common stock is currently listed on the NYSE under
the symbol RGA. RGA class A common stock and
RGA class B common stock have been approved for listing on
the NYSE, both subject to official notice of issuance. Following
the recapitalization and the split-off, RGA class A common
stock will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA.A, and RGA class B common stock will be
listed on the NYSE under the symbol RGA.B.
RGA
Director Resignations
MetLife has agreed to cause the members of the RGA board of
directors who are also officers of MetLife to resign from the
RGA board of directors effective upon completion of the
split-off. These individuals are: Mr. Steven A. Kandarian,
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of
MetLife; Ms. Georgette A. Piligian, Senior Vice President
of MetLife and Chief Information Officer, Institutional
Business, of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; and Joseph A.
Reali, Senior Vice President and Tax Director of MetLife. In
accordance with the RGA bylaws, these vacancies may be filled by
a vote of the majority of the RGA directors remaining in office
and/or the
authorized number of directors on the RGA board of directors
will be reduced. As of the date of this document, the RGA board
of directors has not identified the individuals who will fill
these vacancies or what changes, if any, it will make to the
size of the RGA board of directors.
Regulatory
Approval
Certain acquisitions of RGA common stock under the exchange
offer may require a pre-merger notification filing under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act. If MetLife stockholders decide to participate in the
exchange offer and consequently acquire enough shares of RGA
class B common stock to exceed the $63.1 million
threshold provided for in the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act and associated regulations, and if an exemption under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act or regulations does not apply, RGA and tendering MetLife
stockholders would be required to make filings under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act and tendering MetLife stockholders would be required to pay
the applicable filing fee. A filing requirement could delay the
exchange of shares with tendering MetLife stockholders until the
waiting periods in the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act have expired or been terminated.
In connection with the exchange offer, and following the
recapitalization, General American will distribute to GenAmerica
Financial, LLC the shares of RGA class B common stock that
it holds. GenAmerica Financial, LLC will then, in turn,
distribute all of those shares to its parent, Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company will in
turn distribute all of those shares to its parent, MetLife, Inc.
Both General American and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
are insurance companies that are subject to various statutory
and regulatory restrictions that limit their ability to dividend
these shares without first obtaining approval from the
applicable state regulatory authorities. The Missouri Department
of Insurance will need to approve the dividend distribution by
General American, and the New York State
47
Insurance Department will need to approve the dividend
distribution by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before
MetLife can complete the exchange offer. In addition, the
Missouri Department of Insurance will need to waive certain
change of control requirements in connection with the fact that,
as a result of the dividend distribution described above,
GenAmerica Financial, LLC and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company will each cease to be an intermediate parent holding
company of Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated and RGA
Reinsurance Company, both Missouri reinsurance subsidiaries of
RGA. These approvals are conditions to complete the exchange
offer. On July 21, 2008, the New York State Insurance
Department approved the dividend distribution by Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company. On July 22, 2008, the Missouri
Department of Insurance approved the dividend distribution and
waived the applicable change of control requirements, with the
approval of such dividend distribution expiring if it does not
occur on or prior to December 31, 2008. Under the Missouri
insurance laws, the acquisition of 10% or more of RGAs
outstanding common stock is prohibited without prior approval by
the Director of the Missouri Department of Insurance.
Consequently, if a tendering MetLife stockholder were to own 10%
or more of RGAs outstanding common stock, such stockholder
would be required to make filings with, and obtain approval of,
the Missouri Department of Insurance as required by Missouri
insurance laws. See The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Recapitalization Conditions to
Completing the Recapitalization.
Apart from the registration of shares of RGA class B common
stock offered in the exchange offer under federal and state
securities laws and MetLifes filing of a Schedule TO
with the SEC, and the other approvals described above, MetLife
and RGA do not believe that any other material U.S. federal
or state regulatory filings or approvals will be necessary to
consummate the exchange offer and any subsequent split-offs or
any debt exchanges.
48
THE RGA
SPECIAL MEETING
General
This document is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the RGA board of directors for use at the special
meeting of RGAs shareholders to be held at 9:00 a.m.,
local time, on Friday, September 5, 2008, at RGAs
headquarters, 1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield,
Missouri 63017, and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. At the RGA special meeting, shareholders will be asked:
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To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the
recapitalization and distribution agreement between RGA and
MetLife and the transactions contemplated by such agreement,
including the recapitalization and the related amendment and
restatement of RGAs articles of incorporation;
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To consider and vote upon the following governance proposals
which are conditioned upon completion of the recapitalization,
as follows:
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RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitation. This provision is designed to ensure
that no person, entity or group can seek to obtain control of
the RGA board of directors solely by acquiring a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA class B common stock and to
protect RGAs public shareholders by ensuring that anyone
seeking to take over RGA must acquire control of the outstanding
shares of each class of common stock. The proposed provision
would restrict the voting power with respect to directors of a
holder of more than 15% of the outstanding RGA class B
common stock to 15% of the outstanding RGA class B common
stock; provided that, if such holder also has in excess
of 15% of the outstanding RGA class A common stock, the
holder of RGA class B common stock may exercise the voting
power of the RGA class B common stock in excess of 15% to
the extent that such holder has an equivalent percentage of
outstanding RGA class A common stock;
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Acquisition Restrictions. The amendment of
RGAs articles of incorporation to adopt
Article Fourteen, which sets forth the acquisition
restrictions described below under Proposal Three:
Acquisition Restrictions Descriptions of the
Acquisition Restrictions; and
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Potential Conversion of Class B Common Stock Following
the Divestiture. Subject to the sole discretion
of the RGA board of directors, the terms of RGAs
class B common stock will provide that such shares convert
into RGA class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, if
the RGA board of directors determines to submit such proposal to
RGAs then-existing shareholders and such shareholders
approve such proposal. There is no binding commitment by the RGA
board of directors to, and there can be no assurance that the
RGA board of directors will, consider proposing a conversion or
resolve to submit such a proposal to RGAs shareholders. If
submitted, there can be no assurance that RGAs
shareholders would approve such a conversion;
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To consider and vote upon a proposal that the RGA shareholders
ratify the decision of the RGA special committee to adopt and
implement an amended and restated
Section 382 shareholder rights plan in connection with
the recapitalization and divestiture, subject to and conditioned
upon completion of the recapitalization;
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To adjourn the RGA special meeting if necessary or appropriate
to permit further solicitation of proxies if there are not
sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve
the special meeting proposals; and
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To transact such other business as may properly be brought
before the RGA special meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the RGA special meeting.
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RGA does not expect a vote to be taken on any other matters at
the RGA special meeting. If any other matters are properly
presented at the RGA special meeting for consideration, however,
the holders of the proxies, if properly authorized, will have
discretion to vote on these matters in accordance with their
best judgment. The mailing of this document and accompanying
form of proxy is expected to commence on or about August 5,
2008.
49
When this document refers to the RGA special meeting, it is also
referring to any adjournments or postponements of the RGA
special meeting.
Voting
and Revocation of Proxies
All shares of RGA common stock will be voted in accordance with
the instructions contained in the proxies, but if the proxies
which are signed and returned do not specify a vote for any
proposal, the proxies will be voted FOR the approval
of each of the proposals described in this proxy statement. Any
proxy may be revoked by an RGA shareholder at any time before it
is exercised by providing written notice of revocation to
RGAs corporate secretary (at 1370 Timberlake Manor
Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017), by executing a proxy
bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the RGA special
meeting.
Expenses
of Solicitation
This document is being furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the RGA board of directors. All costs
of soliciting proxies, including reimbursement of fees of
certain brokers, fiduciaries and nominees in obtaining voting
instructions from beneficial owners, will be borne by RGA,
subject to MetLifes expense reimbursement obligations
described elsewhere in this document. In addition, RGA has
retained MacKenzie Partners to assist in the solicitation of
proxies and will pay such firm a fee estimated not to exceed
$15,000, plus reimbursement of expenses. Banks, brokerage
houses, fiduciaries, and custodians holding in their names
shares of RGAs common stock beneficially owned by others
will be furnished copies of solicitation materials to forward to
the beneficial owners. RGA may reimburse persons representing
beneficial owners of RGAs common stock for their costs of
forwarding solicitation materials to the beneficial owners. In
addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, solicitation
may be made personally, by telephone, and by fax, and RGA may
pay persons holding shares for others their expenses for sending
proxy materials to their principals. In addition to solicitation
by the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by RGAs
directors, officers, and employees in person or by telephone,
e-mail, or
other means of communication. No additional compensation will be
paid to RGAs directors, officers, or employees for their
services in connection with this solicitation.
Record
Date
The RGA special committee has fixed the close of business on
July 28, 2008 as the record date for determining the RGA
shareholders who have the right to vote at the RGA special
meeting. At the RGA special meeting, each outstanding share of
RGA common stock is entitled to one vote. At the close of
business on the record date, there were 62,321,883 shares
of RGAs common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at
the RGA special meeting.
Required
Vote
Each outstanding share of existing RGA common stock is entitled
to one vote on each matter which may properly come before the
RGA special meeting.
Recapitalization Proposal. Pursuant to the
recapitalization and distribution agreement, the vote required
for approval of the recapitalization proposal is
(1) approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock, including shares held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries, and (2) approval by the holders of a majority
of the shares of RGA common stock present in person or by proxy
at the RGA special meeting and entitled to vote on such
proposal, other than the shares held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries.
Governance Proposals. Each of the governance
proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock.
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Proposal. The proposal to ratify the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of RGA common stock present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote on the proposal.
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Adjournment Proposal. The proposal to permit
adjournment of the RGA special meeting will require the
affirmative vote of the RGA shareholders holding at least a
majority of the RGA common stock represented at the RGA special
meeting, whether or not a quorum is present.
The approval of the divestiture requires the approval of each of
the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal, with
each proposal conditioned upon approval of the others.
Accordingly, RGA shareholders who vote against one proposal will
be effectively voting against the divestiture and the other
proposals.
MetLife Voting Agreement. MetLife, which owns
approximately 52% of RGAs outstanding common stock, has
agreed to vote its and its subsidiaries shares of RGA
common stock in favor of each of the RGA special meeting
proposals unless RGA withdraws or modifies its recommendation
that RGAs shareholders vote in favor of the transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement.
Accordingly, approval of the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal are assured.
For specific information about MetLifes agreement to vote
its and its subsidiaries shares of RGA common stock
pending the completion of the divestiture, see The
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement
Voting.
Quorum
The required quorum for the transaction of business at the
special meeting is a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of RGA common stock on the record date. Abstentions and
broker non-votes each will be included in determining the number
of shares present at the RGA special meeting for the purpose of
determining the presence of a quorum. Each proposal (other than
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan and
adjournment proposals) requires the approval of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock. In
addition, MetLife and RGA have agreed that the approval of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement will also require
the approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of RGA
common stock, other than MetLife and its subsidiaries, that are
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the RGA
special meeting. The Section 382 shareholder rights
plan proposal and the adjournment proposal require the approval
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote
on the proposal.
Abstention
and Broker Non-Votes
Abstentions will be deemed to be votes against each
of the special meeting proposals. Under the rules applicable to
broker-dealers, brokers, banks and other nominee record holders
holding shares in street name have the authority to
vote on routine proposals when they have not received
instructions from beneficial owners. However, brokers, banks and
other nominee record holders are precluded from exercising their
voting discretion with respect to the approval of non-routine
matters such as the approval of the proposals set forth in this
document. As a result, absent specific instructions from the
beneficial owner, brokers, banks and other nominee record
holders are not empowered to vote those street name
shares.
Since the vote required for approval of the recapitalization
proposal and the governance proposals is based on a percentage
of the shares outstanding, broker non-votes will have the same
effect as a vote against these proposals. However,
broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote
for the Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal
or the adjournment proposal because the vote required for
approval of these proposals is based on the number of shares
actually voted, whether in person or by proxy.
The approval of the divestiture requires the approval of each of
the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal, with
each proposal conditioned upon approval of the others.
Accordingly, RGA shareholders who vote or are deemed to vote
against one proposal will be effectively voting against the
divestiture and the other proposals. All beneficial owners of
RGA common stock are urged to return the enclosed proxy card
marked to indicate their votes or to contact their brokers to
determine how to vote.
51
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors and the RGA Special
Committee
Recapitalization Proposal. The RGA special
committee, and the RGA board of directors (other than the
MetLife designees, who abstained) upon the unanimous
recommendation of the RGA special committee, have determined
that the divestiture and the related transactions are advisable
and favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the best
interests of RGA and its shareholders other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries. The RGA special committee and the RGA board of
directors (other than the MetLife designees, who abstained)
recommend that RGA shareholders vote FOR the
approval of the recapitalization proposal.
Governance Proposals. The RGA special
committee, and the RGA board of directors (other than the
MetLife designees, who abstained) upon the unanimous
recommendation of the RGA special committee, have determined
that each of the governance proposals is advisable and favorable
to and, therefore, fair to and in the best interests of RGA and
RGAs shareholders other than MetLife and its subsidiaries.
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors
(other than the MetLife designees, who abstained) recommend that
RGA shareholders vote FOR the approval of the
governance proposals.
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
Proposal. The RGA special committee has
unanimously determined that the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan is advisable and
favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the best interest of
RGA and its shareholders other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries. The RGA special committee and the RGA board of
directors (other than the MetLife designees, who abstained)
recommend that RGA shareholders vote FOR the
approval of the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
proposal.
Adjournment Proposal. The RGA special
committee and the RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife
designees, who abstained) recommend that RGA shareholders vote
FOR the approval of the adjournment proposal.
Certain
Ownership
As of June 30, 2008, MetLife and its subsidiaries
beneficially owned 32,243,539 shares of RGA common stock,
representing approximately 52% of the shares outstanding as of
such date. Subject to certain conditions, MetLife has agreed to
cause all shares of RGA common stock held by MetLife or any of
its other subsidiaries to be voted in favor of each of the
proposals described in this document.
In addition, as of June 30, 2008, RGAs executive
officers and directors beneficially owned 1,056,765 shares
of RGA common stock, representing approximately 1.7% of the
shares outstanding as of such date, excluding beneficial
ownership of such shares which may be deemed to be attributed to
such executive officers and directors through their ownership
interest in MetLife.
Market
Prices of RGA Common Stock
RGA common stock has been quoted on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA since 1993. On May 30, 2008, the last full
trading day prior to the public announcement of the proposed
divestiture, the reported last sale price per share of RGA
common stock on the NYSE was $51.42. On August 1, 2008, the
most recent practicable date prior to the date of this document,
the reported last sale price of RGA common stock on the NYSE was
$49.31 per share.
Adjournments
If the RGA special meeting is adjourned to a different place,
date, or time, RGA need not give notice of the new place, date,
or time if the new place, date, or time is announced at the
meeting before adjournment, unless the adjournment is for more
than 90 days. If a new record date is or must be set for
the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting will be
given to persons who are RGA shareholders of record entitled to
vote at the RGA special meeting as of the new record date.
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Surrender
of Certificates
No physical substitution of stock certificates will be required
as a result of the recapitalization, and the existing
certificates will continue to represent the shares of RGA
class A common stock after the recapitalization.
The matters to be considered at the RGA special meeting are
of great importance to RGA shareholders. Accordingly, RGA
shareholders are urged to read and carefully consider the
information presented in this document and the attachments
hereto, and to complete, date, sign and promptly return the
enclosed proxy in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
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PROPOSAL ONE:
APPROVAL OF THE RECAPITALIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION
AGREEMENT
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors are
proposing that the RGA shareholders approve the recapitalization
and distribution agreement, dated as of June 1, 2008, by
and between MetLife and RGA, and the transactions contemplated
by the recapitalization and distribution agreement, including
the recapitalization and the amendment and restatement of the
RGA articles of incorporation (which proposal is referred to as
the recapitalization proposal). In the
recapitalization, each issued and outstanding share of RGA
common stock will be reclassified as one share of RGA
class A common stock. Immediately after this
reclassification, MetLife and its subsidiaries will exchange
with RGA each share of RGA class A common stock that they
hold (other than the recently acquired stock) for one share of
RGA class B common stock. The RGA articles of incorporation
would be amended and restated to, among other things, create the
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
and define their relative rights, powers, preferences,
restrictions and conditions. The recapitalization is proposed in
conjunction with, and is conditioned upon, an offer by MetLife
to MetLife stockholders to exchange shares of RGA class B
common stock for shares of MetLife common stock.
RGAs
Reasons for the Recapitalization
The RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife designees,
who abstained), upon the unanimous recommendation of the RGA
special committee, has determined that the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, the recapitalization and each of the
special meeting proposals are advisable and favorable to and,
therefore, fair to and in the best interests of RGA and RGA
shareholders other than MetLife and its subsidiaries. In
arriving at this determination, the RGA board of directors and
the RGA special committee considered a number of factors, which
are listed below. A copy of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement is attached as Appendix A. See
The Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
Expected Benefits of the Divestiture to RGA and its
Shareholders. The RGA special committee and the
RGA board of directors considered the following expected
benefits of the divestiture. The recapitalization will allow the
public holders of RGA class A common stock to elect one
director (based on the current size of the RGA board), compared
to their current inability to influence significantly the
election of any members of the RGA board of directors due to
MetLifes majority voting control. Apart from the increased
influence over the election of one director, the
recapitalization itself will not result in any material benefits
to RGA shareholders. However, the recapitalization is necessary
so that the divestiture is tax-free to MetLife and its
stockholders under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue
Code. Accordingly, the RGA special committee and the RGA board
of directors reviewed the proposed divestiture in its entirety,
and considered the benefits from the divestiture, including the
following:
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the divestiture is expected to eliminate the overhang on the
market for RGA common stock that results from having a large
corporate shareholder, thereby increasing the liquidity and
public float of RGA common stock and, consequently, following
the divestiture, RGA expects its common stock to trade more
efficiently than it does today. Moreover, RGA expects that,
following the divestiture, its common stock will be more widely
followed by the equity research community than is the case
presently. Accordingly, RGA expects these factors to provide it
with greater flexibility to use its equity as currency for
acquiring complementary operations and to raise cash for its
business operations on a more efficient basis and to enhance the
attractiveness of RGAs equity-based compensation plans,
thereby increasing RGAs ability to attract and retain
quality employees;
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as MetLife and RGAs businesses evolve over time, and their
business strategies diverge, the divestiture will allow RGA to
pursue its future business initiatives free from the constraints
of having a controlling corporate shareholder whose policies may
conflict with the best interests of RGAs businesses.
Absent the divestiture, it is possible that under certain
circumstances, such constraints could restrict RGAs
ability to make investments or pursue strategies that RGA
management believes are in the best long-term interests of RGA;
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the divestiture is expected to eliminate customer conflicts. At
present, a number of key customers of RGA are direct competitors
of MetLife. Some key customers of RGA have expressed concern,
and are
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expected to continue to express concern, about the indirect
benefit that MetLife derives from the business they conduct with
RGA. RGA expects that the divestiture will eliminate these
customer conflicts, and that this will benefit RGAs
business going forward; and
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the divestiture may permit RGA shareholders to share in any
premium associated with a change in control of RGA, if such an
event should occur. The requirements relating to the
qualification of the divestiture for tax-free treatment,
however, may restrict RGAs ability to issue stock or
engage in certain business combinations. See Risk
Factors Risks Relating to the Recapitalization and
Divestiture The tax-free distribution by MetLife
could result in potentially significant limitations on the
ability of RGA to execute certain aspects of its business plan
and could potentially result in significant tax-related
liabilities to RGA.
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Economic and Financial Factors. The RGA
special committee and the RGA board of directors considered
certain economic and financial factors associated with the
divestiture, such as the effect of the recapitalization and the
exchange offer, any debt exchanges and any subsequent split-offs
on the expected trading price of both classes of RGA common
stock following the recapitalization and the impact on
RGAs financial position following the exchange offer and
other transactions. In this regard, they considered certain
economic and financial considerations, including the following:
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that the divestiture is structured so as to result in no income
tax liability to RGAs existing shareholders (including
MetLife and its other subsidiaries);
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in the case of the RGA special committee, the financial analyses
of Morgan Stanley related to the recapitalization and the
divestiture and its opinion to the RGA special committee to the
effect that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and
subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set
forth in its opinion, the recapitalization and the divestiture,
taken as a whole, were fair, from a financial point of view, to
the holders of RGA common stock other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries (excluding RGA and its subsidiaries), as described
under Opinion of the RGA Special
Committees Financial Advisor Summary of
Opinion of Morgan Stanley;
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in the case of the RGA special committee, the potential effect
of two classes of RGA common stock and the potential volatility
of the market for and liquidity of the RGA class A common
stock;
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the expectation that the RGA board of directors could consider
submitting to the RGA shareholders at the next regularly
scheduled annual shareholders meeting of RGA or at a
special shareholders meeting of RGA, a proposal to convert
the RGA class B common stock into RGA class A common
stock, as discussed under Proposal Four: Class B
Potential Conversion Following Divestiture; and
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the existence of certain protections against an ownership
change under the Internal Revenue Code, so as to protect
against an ownership change that would limit, under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the use by RGA
and its subsidiaries of their NOLs and other tax attributes,
although RGA cannot assure its shareholders that such
protections will be sufficient, as described under Risk
Factors Risks Relating to the Governance Proposals
and the Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan The
proposed acquisition restrictions and RGAs
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGA and its subsidiaries NOLs
and other tax attributes, may not be effective or may have
unintended negative effects.
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Governance Matters. The RGA special committee
and the RGA board of directors considered that, as a result of
the recapitalization and the exchange offer, RGA might be more
vulnerable to third parties seeking to acquire control of RGA
and/or the
RGA board of directors. In that regard they considered certain
governance matters, including the following:
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RGAs agreement not to engage in any transactions, such as
certain issuances of stock and business combinations with third
parties, that would be likely to, or that do invalidate, the
tax-free status of the divestiture, as well as the reduced
likelihood of such a transaction because of the potential
liability to RGA associated with invalidating such status, such
as certain issuances of RGA stock, as described under Risk
Factors Risks Relating to the Recapitalization and
Divestiture The tax-free
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distribution by MetLife could result in potentially significant
limitations on the ability of RGA to execute certain aspects of
its business plan and could potentially result in significant
tax-related liabilities to RGA and The
divestiture may be taxable to MetLife if there is an acquisition
of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA
and may result in indemnification obligations from RGA to
MetLife;
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RGAs obligation to indemnify MetLife in the event that RGA
takes any actions, subject to certain exceptions, which result
in all or any part of the divestiture failing to qualify as a
tax-free distribution, as described under Risk
Factors Risks Relating to the Recapitalization and
Divestiture The tax-free distribution by MetLife
could result in potentially significant limitations on the
ability of RGA to execute certain aspects of its business plan
and could potentially result in significant tax-related
liabilities to RGA and The divestiture
may be taxable to MetLife if there is an acquisition of 50% or
more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA and may
result in indemnification obligations from RGA to MetLife;
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the risk that the dual class structure could lead to a person or
group gaining control of the RGA board of directors by acquiring
a majority of the RGA class B common stock, even though
such person or group would require at least two annual elections
to gain control, and the benefits of having the protections
described under Proposal Two: RGA Class B
Significant Holder Voting Limitation;
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the ability of the holders of RGA class B common stock to
elect at least 80% of the RGA board of directors will not
provide such holders with materially different rights than
MetLife currently possesses because MetLife presently has the
practical ability to elect the entire RGA board of directors;
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prior to the receipt of approval, if any, of the
recapitalization and other proposals at the RGA special meeting,
RGAs ability to consider alternative
proposals, and MetLifes agreement to consider such
proposals only under specified circumstances, and MetLifes
ability to terminate the recapitalization and distribution
agreement in order to accept a superior proposal from a specific
third party, as described under The Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement Termination;
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MetLifes agreement not to participate in certain other
takeover or change of control activities affecting RGA prior to
completion of the exchange offer or termination of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement;
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the potential for certain protections against an ownership
change under the Internal Revenue Code, which are designed
to protect against a limitation on RGAs and its
subsidiaries ability to utilize their NOLs and other tax
attributes, as set forth in the proposed acquisition
restrictions and Section 382 shareholder rights plan,
to discourage a potential acquirer of RGA;
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that, subsequent to the completion of the exchange offer,
MetLife has agreed to vote the recently acquired stock and any
additional shares of either class of RGA common stock then held
by MetLife and its subsidiaries (1) in any election of
directors, in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders
of the same respective class of RGA common stock, and
(2) in all other matters, in proportion to the votes cast
by the other holders of both classes of RGA common
stock; and
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in the case of the RGA special committee, that, although the
vote of MetLife would be sufficient to approve the
recapitalization proposal and each of the governance and other
special meeting proposals, the recapitalization proposal will
not be implemented unless the recapitalization and distribution
agreement is approved by a majority of shareholders other than
MetLife and its subsidiaries, as described under
Required Vote, and the other proposals
are conditioned upon approval of such recapitalization proposal.
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Negative Factors. The RGA special committee
and the RGA board of directors considered and balanced against
the potential benefits of the recapitalization and related
transactions a number of actual or potential disadvantages,
including the following:
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after the recapitalization, RGAs current public
shareholders will hold shares of RGA class A common stock,
which have voting rights that are inferior to those of the RGA
class B common stock with
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respect to the election of directors. As a result, RGAs
current public shareholders will have diminished voting power in
the election of directors since RGAs current public
shareholders will only have the right to elect directors
comprising 20% or less of the RGA board of directors. The market
value of RGA class A common stock could be adversely
affected by the inferior voting rights of this class;
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the divestiture makes it more likely that RGA could experience
an ownership change that would limit the ability of
RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize their NOLs and other tax
attributes. Although RGA has adopted its
Section 382 shareholder rights plan (described under
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan) and
proposed acquisition restrictions, as described in
Proposal Three: Acquisition Restrictions which
are designed to protect RGA from experiencing an ownership
change, RGA cannot assure RGA shareholders that those provisions
will be sufficient. In particular, the acquisition restrictions
may not be enforceable under certain circumstances and do not
apply to acquisitions of shares in the divestiture, due, in
part, to federal securities law limitations. Additionally, under
certain circumstances, the RGA board of directors may determine
to exempt
5-percent
shareholders from the operation of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan. See Risk Factors
Risks Related to the Governance Proposals and the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan The
proposed acquisition restrictions and RGAs
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGAs NOLs and other tax
attributes, may not be effective or may have unintended negative
effects;
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after the completion of the divestiture, RGA may incur increased
shareholder servicing costs; however, MetLife has agreed to
reimburse RGA for a portion of these shareholder printing and
mailing expenses of $12.50 per holder for additional record or
beneficial holders over a specified number, for a period of four
years, as described in The Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement Fees and Expenses;
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RGA has agreed with MetLife that RGA will not engage in
transactions that would be likely to, or that do invalidate, the
tax-free status of the divestiture. This obligation could limit
RGAs ability to engage in certain transactions, such as
redeeming or purchasing its stock, issuing equity securities or
engaging in certain business combinations with third parties,
even if they would otherwise be in the best interests of
RGAs shareholders. See Risk Factors
Risks Relating to the Recapitalization and
Distribution The tax-free distribution by MetLife
could result in potentially significant limitations on the
ability of RGA to execute certain aspects of its business plan
and could potentially result in significant tax-related
liabilities to RGA and The divestiture
may be taxable to MetLife if there is an acquisition of 50% or
more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA and may
result in indemnification obligations from RGA to MetLife;
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RGA has also agreed with MetLife that RGA will not engage in
certain transactions prior to completion of the divestiture, or
to engage in any equity-related capital raising activity for
specified periods, without MetLifes prior consent, which
will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; however, RGA is
permitted to undertake certain capital-raising activities
subject to certain conditions, in each case, as described in
The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Additional Divestiture
Transactions Interim Operating Covenants and
Lock-Up
Period;
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after or during the pendency of the divestiture, it is likely
that some MetLife security holders who receive shares of RGA
class B common stock in the divestiture will sell all or
part of such shares, which could depress the market price of the
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
and consequently could affect the terms of later divestiture
transactions. See Risk Factors Risks Relating
to an Investment in RGA Common Stock Stock sales
following the exchange offer or any additional divestiture
transactions, including sales by MetLife, may affect the stock
price of RGA common stock;
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under certain circumstances, if RGA were to cause the
divestiture to be taxable to MetLife due to any breach of, or
inaccuracy in, any representation, covenant or obligation of RGA
under the recapitalization and distribution agreement or any
representations or warranties that will be made in connection
with the tax opinion, it could be obligated to indemnify MetLife
against significant tax liabilities. See Risk
Factors Risks Relating to the Recapitalization
and Divestiture The tax-free distribution by
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MetLife could result in potentially significant limitations on
the ability of RGA to execute certain aspects of its business
plan and could potentially result in significant tax-related
liabilities to RGA and The divestiture
may be taxable to MetLife if there is an acquisition of 50% or
more of the outstanding common stock of MetLife or RGA and may
result in indemnification obligations from RGA to MetLife;
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in the past, MetLife has provided director and officer liability
insurance for RGA for which it charged an allocable cost.
Following the divestiture, RGA will be a public company
independent of MetLife control and will be required to replace
this insurance, although MetLife has agreed for six years to
continue to provide coverage for claims arising from facts or
events occurring on or prior to the completion of the exchange
offer, as described under The Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement D&O Liability
Insurance;
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by becoming independent from MetLife, RGA would lose any
positive perceptions from which it may benefit as a result of
being associated with a company of MetLifes stature and
industry recognition; however, none of the three principal
rating agencies that meet with RGA on a regular basis (S&P,
Moodys and A.M. Best) has advised RGA of any expected
change in the ratings of the financial performance or condition
of RGAs reinsurance subsidiaries related to the proposed
divestiture. Although Fitch Ratings has placed RGA on
rating watch negative after the announcement of the
proposed divestiture, and has indicated that it expects to
downgrade RGAs ratings by no more than two notches, RGA
does not consider Fitchs ratings as significant, as RGA
has not met with or discussed its business or plans with Fitch
in the past. In particular, RGA has not met with or discussed
the proposed divestiture with Fitch, and has not provided it
with any nonpublic information regarding the transaction or its
business or plans;
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it is possible that the conversion of the RGA class B
common stock into RGA class A common stock, if proposed by
the RGA board of directors, will not be approved (see Risk
Factors Risks Relating to an Investment in RGA
Common Stock RGA class A common stock and
RGA class B common stock may remain as separate classes for
an indefinite period of time);
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MetLife stockholders that participate in the exchange offer will
be exchanging their shares of MetLife common stock for shares of
RGA class B common stock at a discount to the per-share value of
RGA common stock, subject to a limit of a specified number of
shares of RGA class B common stock per share of MetLife
common stock. The existence of a discount, along with the
distribution of shares of RGA class B common stock pursuant
to the exchange offer, may negatively affect the market price of
RGA class A common stock. See The Transactions
Exchange Offer to obtain additional information regarding
the discount;
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negotiation and consideration of the divestiture has required,
and the registration of securities in connection with the
transactions will require, the incurrence of various costs and
expenses by RGA for which MetLife has agreed to reimburse RGA
for certain expenses, whether or not the divestiture is
completed, and completion of the divestiture requires RGA to
register securities under federal securities laws, which entails
time, expense and risk of potential liabilities, as described in
The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Fees and Expenses; and
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the ability of MetLife to delay commencement of the exchange
offer pending satisfaction of the conditions described under
The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Exchange Offer/Split-Off
Commencing the Exchange Offer Conditions to
Commencing the Exchange Offer or due to a decline of 25%
in RGAs stock price from the closing price on May 30,
2008 or up to three times in its discretion, and MetLifes
willingness to conduct the exchange offer and any subsequent
split-offs or debt exchanges only during its customary window
periods, in each case, as described under The
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement Exchange
Offer/Split-Off Commencing the Exchange Offer Delay
Rights and Blackout Rights.
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Procedural Factors. The RGA special committee
and the RGA board of directors also considered certain
procedural protections that were implemented to ensure a fair
and impartial evaluation and negotiation
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of the proposed divestiture and to provide for consideration and
approval of any transactions by RGAs minority
shareholders, including the following:
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the RGA board of directors formed a special committee composed
solely of its outside, independent directors, which was
delegated broad authority to consider and approve the proposed
divestiture and to consider alternative proposals;
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the RGA special committee hired a financial advisor and legal
counsel to assist and advise the RGA special committee;
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the RGA special committee, with the assistance of its financial
advisor and legal counsel and RGA management, evaluated,
negotiated and approved the proposed transactions and made a
unanimous recommendation to the RGA board of directors to ratify
and approve the proposed transactions; and
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to approve the recapitalization proposal, holders of a majority
of the shares of RGAs common stock present in person or by
proxy, and entitled to vote, other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries, must vote in favor of approving the
recapitalization and distribution agreement, and the approval of
the other special meeting proposals is conditioned upon approval
of such recapitalization proposal.
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Other Factors Considered. The RGA special
committee and the RGA board of directors considered other
factors in making their determination that the special meeting
proposals are advisable and favorable to and, therefore, fair to
and in the best interests of RGA and its shareholders other than
MetLife and its subsidiaries, including the following:
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that MetLife had publicly disclosed its view of RGA as non-core
and did not expect to maintain the status quo with RGA
continuing as a majority-owned subsidiary of MetLife;
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the limitations on seeking alternatives to the divestiture
because of MetLifes control of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock;
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the presence of officers of MetLife on the RGA board of
directors, and the formation of a special committee comprised
solely of directors viewed as independent of MetLife and its
management; and
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the terms of the recapitalization and distribution agreement,
the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal, as described
in this document, and the potential that the conditions to the
closing of the divestiture would be satisfied.
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After a detailed consideration of these factors, the RGA special
committee and the RGA board of directors concluded that the
recapitalization and distribution agreement, the
recapitalization and each of the special meeting proposals are
advisable and favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the
best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders other than
MetLife and its subsidiaries. The discussion and factors
described above were among the factors considered by the RGA
special committee and by the RGA board of directors, as
specified, in their assessment of the divestiture. The RGA
special committee and the RGA board of directors did not
quantify or attach any particular weight to the various factors
that they considered in reaching their respective
determinations. Different members may have assigned different
weights to different factors. In reaching their respective
determinations, the RGA special committee and the RGA board of
directors took the various factors into account collectively and
did not perform a
factor-by-factor
analysis.
Opinion
of the RGA Special Committees Financial Advisor
Summary
of Opinion of Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley served as financial advisor to the RGA special
committee in connection with the recapitalization and the
divestiture, which, taken as a whole, are collectively referred
to below as the transaction. On June 1, 2008,
Morgan Stanley rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed
in writing, to the RGA special committee to the effect that as
of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions,
qualifications and limitations set forth in its opinion, the
transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of the RGA common stock (other than MetLife and its
subsidiaries (excluding RGA and its subsidiaries), which are
collectively referred to below as the excluded
parties).
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The full text of Morgan Stanleys written opinion is
attached as Appendix D to this document. RGA encourages its
shareholders to read Morgan Stanleys opinion in its
entirety for a discussion of the assumptions made, procedures
followed, factors considered and limitations upon the review
undertaken by Morgan Stanley in rendering its opinion. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of such opinion. Morgan Stanleys opinion was for the
information of the RGA special committee and did not in any
manner address the prices at which the RGA common stock would
trade subsequent to the announcement of the transaction or as to
the price or prices at which shares of the RGA class A
common stock or the RGA class B common stock may trade
subsequent to the consummation of the transaction. Morgan
Stanleys opinion did not constitute a recommendation to
the RGA special committee or any holders of the RGA common stock
as to how to vote in connection with the transaction.
The RGA special committee informed Morgan Stanley that MetLife
owned approximately 52% of the RGA common stock as of the date
of Morgan Stanleys opinion. The RGA special committee also
informed Morgan Stanley that MetLife will undertake the
divestiture only if it can be effected on a tax-free basis,
which requires that MetLife hold shares of RGA having the right,
voting together as a single class, to elect at least 80% of the
directors of RGA. In addition, RGA informed Morgan Stanley that,
as of the date of Morgan Stanleys opinion, the RGA board
of directors expected that, following the divestiture, the RGA
board of directors will consider submitting to a shareholder
vote at the next regularly scheduled annual shareholders
meeting of RGA, or at a special meeting called for such purpose,
a proposal to convert the RGA class B common stock to RGA
class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. However, RGA
informed Morgan Stanley that there can be no assurance that the
RGA board of directors will consider proposing a conversion or
resolve to submit such a proposal to the RGA shareholders or, if
submitted, that the RGA shareholders will approve such a
conversion.
For purposes of its opinion, Morgan Stanley:
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and
other business and financial information of RGA;
|
|
|
|
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of RGA, including information
relating to certain strategic, financial and operational
benefits and costs anticipated from the transaction, with senior
executives of RGA;
|
|
|
|
discussed with the RGA special committee the strategic,
financial and operational benefits and costs anticipated from
the transaction, the transaction structure and its impact on the
public holders of the RGA common stock and alternatives for
enhancing the stock float of the RGA common stock;
|
|
|
|
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the RGA
common stock;
|
|
|
|
compared the financial performance of RGA and the prices and
trading activity of the RGA common stock with that of certain
other publicly-traded companies comparable to RGA, and their
respective securities;
|
|
|
|
reviewed the financial terms, stock price performance and stock
float characteristics, to the extent publicly available, of
certain precedent transactions that Morgan Stanley deemed
generally comparable to the transaction;
|
|
|
|
reviewed the trading performance of companies with dual-class
stock structures that Morgan Stanley deemed generally comparable
to the dual-class stock structure that RGA will have in place
after consummation of the transaction;
|
|
|
|
participated in discussions and negotiations among
representatives of MetLife and RGA and their respective
financial, legal, and tax advisors;
|
|
|
|
reviewed the private letter ruling issued by the Internal
Revenue Service regarding various tax aspects of the transaction;
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
reviewed drafts of the recapitalization and distribution
agreement, including RGAs proposed amended and restated
articles of incorporation, and certain related
documents; and
|
|
|
|
performed such other analyses and considered such other factors
as Morgan Stanley deemed appropriate.
|
Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon without independent
verification the accuracy and completeness of the information
that was publicly available or supplied or otherwise made
available to it by MetLife and RGA and formed a substantial
basis for its opinion. With respect to the information provided
to Morgan Stanley relating to certain strategic, financial and
operational benefits and costs anticipated from the transaction,
Morgan Stanley assumed that such information was reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of RGA as to such
matters, and Morgan Stanley expressed no opinion with respect to
such information or the assumptions on which it was based.
Morgan Stanley did not make and did not assume responsibility
for making any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets
or liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of RGA, nor was Morgan
Stanley furnished with any such appraisals. Morgan Stanley is
not a legal or tax expert and relied upon, without independent
verification, the assessment of RGAs legal and tax
advisors with respect to legal and tax matters related to the
proposed transaction.
In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley assumed, with
RGAs consent, that RGA would not incur any tax as a result
of the recapitalization, the divestiture or a conversion, and
that the recapitalization and the divestiture would not result
in any limitation on the ability of RGA or any of its
subsidiaries to utilize their net operating losses, including
under Section 382 of the Code. As part of the
recapitalization, Morgan Stanley understood that RGA would adopt
an amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights
plan and amend its articles of incorporation to restrict certain
acquisitions and dispositions of RGA class A common stock
and RGA class B common stock by certain persons, in each
case to protect RGAs ability to utilize its NOLs and other
tax attributes, and Morgan Stanley assumed, with RGAs
consent, that RGA would implement and enforce the amended and
restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan and those
restrictions. Morgan Stanley assumed that the transaction would
be consummated in accordance with the terms of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement without amendments,
waivers or modifications, regulatory or otherwise, that
collectively would have a material adverse effect on RGA or the
holders of the RGA common stock (other than the excluded
parties).
Morgan Stanleys opinion was rendered on the basis of
securities markets, economic, and general business and financial
conditions prevailing as of the date of its opinion, and the
conditions and prospects, financial and otherwise, of RGA as
they were represented to Morgan Stanley as of the date of its
opinion or as they were reflected in the information and
documents reviewed by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley assumed no
responsibility for updating or revising its opinion based on
circumstances or events occurring after the date of its opinion.
In addition, Morgan Stanley assumed that the shares of RGA would
be fully and widely distributed among investors and would be
subject only to normal trading activity. Morgan Stanleys
opinion noted that trading in the RGA common stock for a period
commencing with the public announcement of the transaction, and
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
continuing for a time following completion of the transaction,
might involve a redistribution of such securities among
MetLifes security holders and RGAs shareholders and
other investors and, accordingly, during such periods, such
securities might trade at prices below those at which the RGA
common stock traded prior to the public announcement and those
at which RGA class A common stock and RGA class B
common stock would trade on a fully distributed basis after the
transaction. Morgan Stanleys opinion further noted that
the estimation of market trading prices of newly distributed
securities is subject to uncertainties and contingencies, all of
which are difficult to predict and beyond the control of the
firm making such estimates. In addition, Morgan Stanleys
opinion noted that the market prices of such securities would
fluctuate with changes in market conditions, the conditions and
prospects, financial and otherwise, of RGA, and other factors
which generally influence the prices of securities. Morgan
Stanley assumed that there would not be a material adverse
effect on the business as it relates to RGAs credit rating
as a result of the consummation of the proposed transaction.
Morgan Stanley expressed no opinion with respect to the fairness
of the amount or nature of the compensation to any of
RGAs
61
officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons,
relative to the consideration to be received by the holders of
the RGA common stock in the transaction.
Morgan Stanleys opinion was approved by a committee of
Morgan Stanley investment banking and other professionals in
accordance with its customary practice. In addition, Morgan
Stanleys opinion did not address RGAs underlying
business decision to pursue the transaction, the relative merits
of the transaction as compared to any alternative business
strategies that might exist for RGA, or the effects of any other
transaction in which RGA might have engaged.
Morgan Stanley was not authorized to solicit, and did not
solicit, any indications of interest or proposals for the
acquisition of, or any business combination or extraordinary
transaction involving, either the stock or assets of RGA.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses
used by Morgan Stanley in connection with its opinion to the RGA
special committee. The financial analyses summarized below
include information presented in tabular format. In order to
fully understand the financial analyses used by Morgan Stanley,
the tables must be read together with the text of each summary.
The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the
financial analyses. Rather, the analyses listed in the tables
and described below must be considered as a whole; considering
any portion of such analyses and of the factors considered,
without considering all analyses and factors, could create a
misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying Morgan
Stanleys opinion.
Historical
Trading Analysis
Morgan Stanley reviewed the historical trading of the RGA common
stock and performed several analyses that are summarized below
to compare the stock trading performance of the RGA common stock
relative to MetLife common stock and a composite index comprised
of the following life insurance companies, which are
collectively referred to as the life insurance comparable
companies:
|
|
|
|
|
Genworth Financial, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Lincoln National Corporation,
|
|
|
|
MetLife,
|
|
|
|
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Protective Life Corporation,
|
|
|
|
Principal Financial Group, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Prudential Financial, Inc., and
|
|
|
|
Torchmark Corporation
|
Morgan Stanley reviewed the share price trading history of the
RGA common stock by evaluating the historical trading
performance of the RGA common stock for the
5-year,
3-year and
1-year
periods ending May 30, 2008 relative to the trading
performance of MetLife common stock and to an index comprised of
MetLife and the other life insurance comparable companies. This
analysis showed the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Insurance
|
|
Time period ending May 30, 2008
|
|
RGA common stock
|
|
|
MetLife
|
|
|
Comparable Companies
|
|
|
5 Year
|
|
|
66.5
|
%
|
|
|
114.6
|
%
|
|
|
79.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 Year
|
|
|
11.8
|
%
|
|
|
35.5
|
%
|
|
|
19.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
(17.6
|
)%
|
|
|
(12.3
|
)%
|
|
|
(18.4
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62
Historic
Valuation Multiples
Using publicly available information, Morgan Stanley reviewed
the share price trading history of the RGA common stock by
comparing the average historical next-twelve-month
price-to-earnings ratio of the RGA common stock for the
5-year,
3-year and
1-year
periods ending May 30, 2008 relative to MetLife common
stock and the median multiple for the life insurance comparable
companies. This analysis showed the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next-Twelve-Month Average Price to Earnings Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Multiple
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Life Insurance
|
|
Time period ending May 30, 2008
|
|
RGA common stock
|
|
|
MetLife
|
|
|
Comparable Companies
|
|
|
5 Year
|
|
|
10.6
|
x
|
|
|
10.7
|
x
|
|
|
11.2x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 Year
|
|
|
10.5
|
x
|
|
|
10.9
|
x
|
|
|
11.2x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
9.6
|
x
|
|
|
10.3
|
x
|
|
|
10.4x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using publicly available information, Morgan Stanley also
reviewed the share price trading history of the RGA common stock
by comparing the average price-to-book value multiples of the
RGA common stock for the
5-year,
3-year and
1-year
periods ending May 30, 2008 relative to MetLife common
stock and the median multiples for the life insurance comparable
companies. This analysis showed the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Price to Book Value Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Multiple
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Life Insurance
|
|
Time period ending May 30, 2008
|
|
RGA common stock
|
|
|
MetLife
|
|
|
Comparable Companies
|
|
|
5 Year
|
|
|
1.39
|
x
|
|
|
1.47
|
x
|
|
|
1.49x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 Year
|
|
|
1.37
|
x
|
|
|
1.52
|
x
|
|
|
1.52x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
1.32
|
x
|
|
|
1.46
|
x
|
|
|
1.43x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regression
Analysis
Morgan Stanley performed a regression analysis to evaluate the
relationship between the return on average equity and the price
to adjusted book value for the RGA common stock and the life
insurance comparable companies. In this regression analysis, the
coefficient of determination, or
R2,
which indicates the proportion of the variance of the dependent
variable (the ratio of trading price to average book value) that
is explained by the independent variable (return on average
equity), ranged from approximately 71% to approximately 94%
during the periods reviewed, indicating a statistically
significant relationship.
Based upon the analyses summarized above, Morgan Stanley noted
that the trading multiples for the RGA common stock price have
generally been in line with the life insurance comparable
companies during these trading periods.
Liquidity
Analysis
Morgan Stanley conducted an analysis of the trading liquidity of
the RGA common stock and the following large capitalization and
mid-sized capitalization life insurance companies:
Large capitalization insurance companies
|
|
|
|
|
Ameriprise Financial Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Genworth Financial, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Lincoln National Corporation,
|
|
|
|
MetLife,
|
|
|
|
Principal Financial Group, Inc., and
|
|
|
|
Prudential Financial, Inc.
|
63
Mid-sized capitalization insurance companies
|
|
|
|
|
Conseco, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Protective Life Corporation,
|
|
|
|
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
Torchmark Corporation, and
|
|
|
|
Unum Group
|
This analysis showed the following:
Life
Insurer Trading Liquidity Analysis
as of May 30, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latest-Twelve-Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Float
|
|
|
|
Market
|
|
|
Float
|
|
|
Average Daily Trading Volume
|
|
|
Days to
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Owned by
|
|
|
|
Capitalization
|
|
|
(Percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Acquire 2.5% of
|
|
|
Research
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Top 25
|
|
|
|
(Millions of
|
|
|
Total Shares
|
|
|
(Millions of
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
of Market
|
|
|
Market
|
|
|
Analyst
|
|
|
Institutional
|
|
|
Institutional
|
|
Company
|
|
dollars)
|
|
|
Outstanding)
|
|
|
dollars)
|
|
|
of Float
|
|
|
Capitalization
|
|
|
Capitalization(3)
|
|
|
Recommendations
|
|
|
Shareholders(4)
|
|
|
Shareholders
|
|
|
RGA
|
|
|
3,203
|
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.4
|
%
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
235
|
|
|
|
76%
|
|
RGA Pro Forma(1)(2)
|
|
|
3,203
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
TBD
|
|
|
|
TBD
|
|
|
|
TBD
|
|
|
Large Capitalization Insurance Companies
|
MetLife
|
|
|
42,640
|
|
|
|
56
|
%
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
810
|
|
|
|
53%
|
|
Prudential Financial, Inc.
|
|
|
32,420
|
|
|
|
99
|
%
|
|
|
249
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
761
|
|
|
|
32%
|
|
Lincoln National Corporation
|
|
|
14,303
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
756
|
|
|
|
42%
|
|
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
|
|
|
13,949
|
|
|
|
99
|
%
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
|
33%
|
|
Ameriprise Financial Inc.
|
|
|
10,763
|
|
|
|
84
|
%
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
671
|
|
|
|
48%
|
|
Genworth Financial, Inc.
|
|
|
9,566
|
|
|
|
79
|
%
|
|
|
87
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
491
|
|
|
|
63%
|
|
|
Mid-Sized Capitalization Insurance Companies
|
Unum Group
|
|
|
8,690
|
|
|
|
83
|
%
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
522
|
|
|
|
59%
|
|
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
|
|
|
7,031
|
|
|
|
48
|
%
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
231
|
|
|
|
65%
|
|
Torchmark Corporation
|
|
|
5,694
|
|
|
|
89
|
%
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
415
|
|
|
|
51%
|
|
Protective Life Corporation
|
|
|
2,931
|
|
|
|
86
|
%
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
277
|
|
|
|
55%
|
|
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.
|
|
|
2,703
|
|
|
|
99
|
%
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
|
48%
|
|
Conseco, Inc.
|
|
|
2,155
|
|
|
|
68
|
%
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
64%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overall Median
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85
|
%
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
475
|
|
|
|
52%
|
|
|
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Overall Mean
|
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83
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%
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91
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0.9
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%
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0.7
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%
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19
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14
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|
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486
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|
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51%
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(1) |
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Following split-off from MetLife, assumes trading volume
increases in proportion to float. |
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(2) |
|
At current share price, assumes latest-twelve-month average
daily trading volume as a percentage of the float remains
constant after the recapitalization. |
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(3) |
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Assumes 20% of average daily trading volume is acquired per day. |
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(4) |
|
Source: Thomson Financial. |
Based on this analysis, Morgan Stanley observed that the RGA
common stock generally has had less trading liquidity as
compared to the large capitalization and mid-sized
capitalization life insurance companies
64
that Morgan Stanley reviewed. In particular, as compared to the
other life insurance companies listed above, Morgan Stanley
noted that RGA:
|
|
|
|
|
has one of the smallest trading floats as measured as a
percentage of total shares outstanding;
|
|
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|
has a trading volume that is below the average of the other life
insurance companies reviewed as measured by comparing the
last-twelve-month average daily trading volume as a percentage
of market capitalization;
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|
|
would require a longer time period than most for an investor to
accumulate a 2.5% position in RGA based on the average daily
trading volume of the RGA common stock;
|
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has one of the smallest groups of institutional
shareholders; and
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has among the fewest equity research analysts covering its stock.
|
Precedent
Recapitalization Transaction Analysis
Morgan Stanley reviewed the trading characteristics of seven
companies that recapitalized the common stock into a high-vote,
low-vote capital structure in contemplation of a spin-off by a
significant stockholder. These recapitalization transactions,
and the month and year in which they were completed, were as
follows:
|
|
|
Company
|
|
Month and Year of Recapitalization
|
|
Centex Construction Products, Inc.
|
|
January 2004
|
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
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November 2001
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Florida East Coast Industries, Inc.
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October 2000
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MIPS Technologies, Inc.
|
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June 2000
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Neiman Marcus, Inc.
|
|
October 1999
|
Gartner Group, Inc.
|
|
July 1999
|
Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
|
|
July 1995
|
Based on this analysis, Morgan Stanley observed that the
low-vote stock often had significant trading liquidity as
compared to the high-vote stock following completion of a
recapitalization into a high-vote, low-vote structure, and there
was no conclusive evidence indicating that the low-vote stock
would trade at a discount to the high-vote stock; in particular,
in six out of the seven recapitalization transactions reviewed,
the low-vote stock traded, on average, at a premium to the
high-vote stock during the three-month and one-year periods
following the effective date of the recapitalization, as well as
during the period between the effective date of the
recapitalization and the announcement date of conversion.
Further, Morgan Stanley observed that the average trading volume
of the low vote often increased following the completion of the
spin-off by the significant shareholder.
Low-Vote
Stock Price Performance Analysis
Morgan Stanley also reviewed the low-vote stock price
performances of the companies listed above under Precedent
Recapitalization Transaction Analysis relative to the
S&P 500 Index and to the applicable S&P industry index
for each company.
65
This analysis showed the following:
Low-Vote
Stock Price Performance
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Trading Level One Day Prior to
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Announcement of Recapitalization
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Trading Performance
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versus Trading Level
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Twelve Months
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Five Days After Announcement
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After Effective Date of Recapitalization
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Versus
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Versus Applicable
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Versus
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Versus Applicable
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Subsidiary
|
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S&P 500
|
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S&P Industry Index
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S&P 500
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S&P Industry Index
|
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Centex Construction(1)
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12.5%
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13.1%
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40.2%
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38.0%
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Curtiss-Wright(2)
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1.6%
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(1.1)%
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62.9%
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47.8%
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Florida East Coast Industries(3)
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2.9%
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3.7%
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(21.2)%
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(64.3)%
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MIPS Technologies(4)
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(0.8)%
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(0.5)%
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(36.9)%
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(12.3)%
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Neiman Marcus(5)
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(2.6)%
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(7.9)%
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38.9%
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59.2%
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Gartner Group(6)
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(13.2)%
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(9.8)%
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(43.1)%
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(14.8)%
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Freeport-McMoRan(7)
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(5.5)%
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N/A
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(8.7)%
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10.7%
|
|
Mean Premium/(Discount)
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(0.7)%
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(0.4)%
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4.6%
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9.2%
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Median Premium/(Discount)
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(0.8)%
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(0.8)%
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(8.7)%
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10.7%
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P Mid Cap Construction and
Engineering Index |
|
(2) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P 500 Aerospace and Defense Index |
|
(3) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P 500 Railroads Index |
|
(4) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P Small Cap Semiconductors and
Semiconductor Equipment Index |
|
(5) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P Department Stores Index |
|
(6) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P Mid Cap IT Consulting and Other
Services Index |
|
(7) |
|
Benchmarked against S&P 500 Metal and Mining Index. This
index, as referenced by FactSet, was not established at the time
of the announcement of this recapitalization. |
Based on this analysis, which showed that some companies
outperformed the S&P 500 Index and the applicable S&P
industry index during the periods reviewed while other companies
did not, Morgan Stanley observed that there was no conclusive
evidence to suggest that the recapitalization of the common
stock into a high-vote, low-vote structure would necessarily
negatively affect the trading levels of the companies as
compared to the S&P 500 Index and the applicable S&P
industry index.
Current
Dual Class Trading Summary
Morgan Stanley reviewed the trading characteristics of
forty-five companies with dual classes of stock where both
classes are exchange-traded and total market cap is greater than
$200 million. This analysis showed that, during the twelve
months ended May 30, 2008, the low-vote stock on average
traded within 5% (higher or lower) of the high-vote stock for 24
of the 45 companies reviewed, and within 10% (higher or
lower) for 35 of the 45 companies reviewed. The mean high-vote
trading premium for the 45 companies was 0.7%, and the median
high-vote trading premium was 0.0%.
No company or transaction utilized in the comparable company
analyses or precedent transaction analyses is identical to RGA
or the proposed transaction. In evaluating the comparable
companies and the precedent transactions, Morgan Stanley made
judgments and assumptions with regard to general business,
market and financial conditions and other matters, which are
beyond the control of RGA and MetLife, such as the impact of
competition on the business of RGA, MetLife or the industry
generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse
material change in the financial condition of RGA, MetLife or
the industry or in the financial markets in general, which could
affect the public trading value of the companies and the trading
performance of the precedent transactions to which they are
being compared.
66
Miscellaneous
In connection with the review of the transaction by the RGA
special committee, Morgan Stanley performed a variety of
analyses for purposes of rendering its opinion. The preparation
of a financial opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary
description. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley
considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did
not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor it
considered. Morgan Stanley believes that selecting any portion
of its analyses, without considering all analyses as a whole,
would create an incomplete view of the process underlying its
analyses and opinion. In addition, Morgan Stanley may have given
various analyses and factors more or less weight than other
analyses and factors, and may have deemed various assumptions
more or less probable than other assumptions.
Morgan Stanley conducted the analyses described above solely as
part of its analysis of the fairness of the transaction from a
financial point of view to the holders of the RGA common stock
(other than the excluded parties) and in connection with the
delivery of its opinion to the RGA special committee. These
analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the
prices at which the RGA common stock might actually trade.
The terms of the transaction were determined through
arms-length negotiations between RGA and MetLife and were
approved by each companys board of directors. Morgan
Stanley provided advice to the RGA special committee during
these negotiations. Morgan Stanley did not, however, recommend
any specific terms to the RGA special committee or that any
specific terms constituted the only appropriate terms for the
transaction.
Morgan Stanleys opinion and its presentation to the RGA
special committee was one of many factors taken into
consideration by the RGA special committee in deciding to
recommend the transaction. Consequently, the analyses as
described above should not be viewed as determinative of the
opinion of the RGA special committee with respect to the
transaction.
Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to the RGA special
committee in connection with the transaction and will receive a
fee in the amount of $5.5 million for its services, $4.9 of
which is contingent upon the closing of the transaction. RGA has
also agreed to reimburse Morgan Stanley for certain expenses
incurred by Morgan Stanley, including fees of outside legal
counsel, and to indemnify Morgan Stanley and related parties
against liabilities arising out of Morgan Stanleys
engagement. In the two years prior to the date of its opinion,
Morgan Stanley and its affiliates have provided investment
banking and financing services for RGA and MetLife, and have
received fees of approximately $1.8 million and
$4.5 million, respectively, for the rendering of those
services. In the ordinary course of its trading, brokerage,
investment management and financing activities, Morgan Stanley
and its affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions,
and may trade or otherwise effect transactions, for its own
account or the accounts of customers, in debt or equity
securities or senior loans of MetLife, RGA or any other company
or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the
transaction.
Interests
of Certain Persons in the Divestiture
In considering the unanimous recommendation of the RGA special
committee and the recommendation of the RGA board of directors
(other than the MetLife designees, who abstained), RGA
shareholders should be aware that certain officers and directors
of RGA are also stockholders
and/or
officers of MetLife and may have certain interests in the
recapitalization that are different from, or in addition to, the
interests of the RGA public shareholders, as discussed below. In
addition, three of RGAs eight current directors, including
the current chairman, are also officers of MetLife. The members
of RGAs management and board of directors may also have
interests in the proposals that differ from the interests of
RGAs public shareholders because these proposals may
discourage takeover bids and other transactions that could
result in the removal of the RGA board of directors or incumbent
management. The RGA special committee and RGA board of directors
were aware of these interests and considered them, among other
matters, in approving the special meeting proposals.
67
Ownership
of Existing RGA Common Stock
As of June 30, 2008, RGAs directors and executive
officers beneficially owned an aggregate of
1,056,765 shares of RGA common stock, including shares that
may be acquired within 60 days of such date upon the
exercise of outstanding stock options (or less than one percent
of the then outstanding shares of RGAs common stock), as
described in Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management of RGA.
Ownership
of MetLife Common Stock
As of June 30, 2008, RGAs directors and executive
officers beneficially owned 254,502 shares of MetLife, as
described in Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management of RGA.
Directors
and Executive Officers
The recapitalization and distribution agreement requires that
MetLife cause Messrs. Kandarian and Reali and
Ms. Piligian, its designees on the RGA board of directors,
to resign effective as of closing of the exchange offer. In
addition, Mr. Eason will become the RGA class A
director at that time.
All persons who are presently executive officers of RGA are
expected to continue to serve in such capacities following the
consummation of the recapitalization and exchange offer.
RGAs
Relationship With MetLife
RGA and MetLife have other relationships and engage in certain
transactions, as described in Other Arrangements and
Relationships between MetLife and RGA.
Effects
of the Recapitalization on RGAs Outstanding
Shares
The RGA class A common stock will be identical in all
respects to RGAs current common stock, and will also be
identical in all respects to the RGA class B common stock
(including with respect to voting and dividends and voting on
other than director-related matters), and will vote together as
a single class, except with respect to certain limited matters
required by Missouri law, and except that:
|
|
|
|
|
holders of RGA class A common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
directors of RGA;
|
|
|
|
holders of RGA class B common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the
directors of RGA;
|
|
|
|
there will be a separate vote by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock; and
|
|
|
|
holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B common stock
will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of the outstanding
RGA class B common stock with respect to directors if they
do not also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA
class A common stock (see Description of RGA Capital
Stock Common Stock).
|
If, for example, the RGA board of directors were to consist of
five directors, four would be designated for election by the
holders of the RGA class B common stock and one would be
designated for election by the holders of the RGA class A
common stock.
Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled to
receive the same per share consideration in any reorganization
or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation or combination
of RGA with any other entity (except for such differences as may
be permitted with respect to their existing rights to elect
directors).
68
Federal
Securities Law Consequences Relevant to RGA
Stockholders
All shares of RGA class A common stock or RGA class B
common stock received by stockholders of MetLife following the
recapitalization and exchange offer will be freely transferable,
except that either class of shares of RGA common stock received
by persons who are deemed to be affiliates of RGA may be resold
by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provision
of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, or
otherwise in compliance with (or pursuant to an exemption from)
the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Persons
deemed to be affiliates of RGA are those individuals or entities
that control, are controlled by, or are under common control
with, RGA and generally include the executive officers and
directors of RGA.
Because MetLife is an affiliate of RGA, and may continue to be
an affiliate following the
split-off
due to its continued ownership of the recently acquired stock,
MetLife will not be able to freely sell the recently acquired
stock that its subsidiary will hold after the divestiture.
Accordingly, MetLife has requested, and RGA has agreed to
provide in the recapitalization and distribution agreement, to
ensure an orderly sale of the recently acquired stock,
registration rights with respect to the recently acquired stock.
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
any sale of the recently acquired stock must occur no earlier
than 60 days after the completion of the divestiture and no
later than 60 months after the completion of the exchange
offer.
After the disposition of MetLifes recently acquired stock,
it is not expected that MetLife will be an affiliate of RGA.
No
Appraisal Rights
Holders of RGA common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights
under Section 351.455 of the MGBCL in connection with the
recapitalization.
Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Recapitalization
Subject to the limitations and qualifications described herein,
the following discussion constitutes the opinion of Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to RGA, as to
the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that may
be relevant to RGA holders (as defined below) that hold shares
of RGA common stock which are reclassified as shares of RGA
class A common stock pursuant to the recapitalization. This
discussion is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code, Treasury regulations promulgated under the Internal
Revenue Code, administrative rulings and judicial decisions as
of the date hereof, all of which may change, possibly with
retroactive effect, resulting in U.S. federal income tax
consequences different from those discussed below. This
discussion assumes that the recapitalization and the related
transactions will be consummated in the manner described in this
document and in accordance with the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and that the conditions of the parties to
the consummation of such transactions set forth in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement will be satisfied
and not waived by the parties. MetLife received a private letter
ruling from the IRS regarding the recapitalization, the
divestiture and certain other related transactions and ancillary
issues. RGA subsequently received an identical private letter
ruling from the IRS. Although a private letter ruling from the
IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if MetLife or RGA do not
comply with the undertakings made to the IRS in connection with
obtaining the ruling, or if the representations made by MetLife
or RGA to the IRS in connection with obtaining the ruling are
determined to be inaccurate or untrue in any material respect,
neither MetLife nor RGA will be able to rely on the ruling.
This discussion assumes the shares of RGA common stock are held
as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Internal Revenue Code. This discussion does not address tax
consequences arising under the laws of any foreign, state or
local jurisdiction and does not address U.S. federal tax
consequences other than income taxation. In addition, this
discussion does not address all tax consequences that may be
applicable to an RGA holders particular circumstances or
to an RGA holder that may be subject to special tax rules,
including, without limitation: (i) RGA holders subject to
the alternative minimum tax; (ii) banks, insurance
companies, or other financial institutions;
(iii) tax-exempt organizations; (iv) dealers in
securities or commodities; (v) regulated investment
companies or real estate investment trusts;
(vi) partnerships (or other flow-through entities for
U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners or
members); (vii) traders in
69
securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of
accounting for their securities holdings; (viii) RGA
holders whose functional currency is not the
U.S. dollar; (ix) persons holding shares of RGA common
stock as a position in a hedging transaction,
straddle, conversion transaction,
constructive sale transaction or other risk
reduction transaction; (x) persons who acquired shares of
RGA common stock in connection with employment or other
performance of services; or (xi) U.S. expatriates. If
a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds
shares of RGA common stock, the tax treatment of an RGA holder
that is a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon
the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
Such holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax
consequences of the recapitalization.
This discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax
consequences is for general information only and is not tax
advice. RGA holders are urged to consult their tax advisors with
respect to the application of U.S. federal income tax laws
to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences
arising under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules, or
under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing
jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaty.
For purposes of the discussion below, an RGA holder
is a beneficial owner of shares of RGA common stock, other than
MetLife and its subsidiaries, and other than a partnership (or
any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes).
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to
RGA, is of the opinion (and the private letter ruling provides)
that the reclassification of shares of RGA common stock as
shares of RGA class A common stock and the amendment of the
RGA articles of incorporation will constitute a
recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Consequently, an RGA holder will not recognize gain or
loss upon the recapitalization. An RGA holders adjusted
tax basis in each share of RGA class A common stock
received in the recapitalization will equal such holders
adjusted tax basis in the share of RGA common stock reclassified
in the recapitalization. An RGA holders holding period for
each share of RGA class A common stock received in the
recapitalization will include such holders holding period
for the share of RGA common stock reclassified in the
recapitalization.
Required
Vote
The recapitalization proposal requires (1) approval by a
majority of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock,
including shares held by MetLife and its subsidiaries, and
(2) approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of
RGA common stock present in person or by proxy at the special
meeting and entitled to vote on such proposal, other than the
shares held by MetLife and its subsidiaries. However, the
recapitalization proposal will not be implemented if the
governance proposals and the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
proposal are not approved.
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors
The RGA special committee, and the RGA board of directors
(other than the MetLife designees, who abstained) upon the
unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee, have
approved the recapitalization proposal and have determined that
the recapitalization proposal is advisable and favorable to and,
therefore, fair to and in the best interests of RGA and
RGAs shareholders other than MetLife and its other
subsidiaries. The RGA special committee and the RGA board of
directors (other than the MetLife designees, who abstained)
recommend that RGA shareholders vote FOR the
approval of the recapitalization proposal.
70
PROPOSALS TWO,
THREE AND FOUR: RGA GOVERNANCE PROPOSALS
The governance proposals will not be implemented if the
recapitalization proposal is not approved (and vice versa). The
following descriptions of the proposals are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the text of the proposed amendments to
RGAs amended and restated articles of incorporation which
are attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix B.
RGA shareholders are urged to read carefully the proposed
amended and restated articles of incorporation and the proposed
restated bylaws in their entirety.
The RGA board of directors and the RGA special committee believe
the governance proposals are necessary to effect the
recapitalization, split-off and related transactions.
Additionally, they believe the RGA class B significant
holder voting limitation is necessary to protect RGA
class A shareholders from potentially unfair or
discriminatory takeover tactics and efforts to acquire control
of RGA at a price or on terms that are not in the best interests
of all of RGAs shareholders. Further, they believe the
acquisition restrictions are necessary to protect the ability of
RGA and its subsidiaries to use their NOLs and other tax
attributes.
The RGA special committee and RGA board of directors have also
approved amendments to RGAs bylaws that are described in
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Bylaw Amendments. Under the terms of RGAs
existing restated articles of incorporation, separate approval
by RGA shareholders is not required to effect the bylaw
amendments. However, the bylaws amendments will become effective
only upon the completion of the recapitalization. In addition to
containing the amendments to RGAs bylaws discussed in
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Bylaw Amendments, the bylaw amendments contain changes
necessary to conform RGAs bylaws to RGAs amended and
restated articles of incorporation if the governance proposals
are approved.
Proposal Two:
RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting Limitation
Description
of the RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitation
The following is a brief summary of the RGA class B
significant holder voting limitation, which is contained in
Article Three of RGAs proposed amended and restated
articles of incorporation, which is attached as Appendix B
to this document and is incorporated herein by reference. You
are urged to read the full text of the RGA class B
significant holder voting limitation.
This provision states that so long as any person or entity, or
group of persons or entities acting in concert, beneficially
owns 15% or more of the outstanding shares of RGA class B
common stock, then the voting power of that holder in the
election of directors or other exercise of voting rights with
respect to the election or removal of directors will be
restricted to 15% of the outstanding RGA class B common
stock. However, if such holder also beneficially owns in excess
of 15% of the outstanding RGA class A common stock, then
the holder may exercise the voting power of the RGA class B
common stock in excess of 15% to the extent that such holder has
an equivalent percentage of outstanding RGA class A common
stock. To the extent that voting power of any share of class B
common stock cannot be exercised, such share of class B common
stock will be deemed entitled to vote for purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present. A person will not be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of voting power solely because
the person holds or solicits a revocable proxy that is not then
reportable on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act.
For example, a beneficial owner of 17% of the class B
common stock, and no class A common stock, would be limited
to 15% voting power in the election of the directors electable
by holders of class B common stock. On the other hand, if this
person beneficially owned both 17% of the class B common
stock and 16% of the class A common stock, then the person
would be able to exercise 16% of the voting power in the
election of directors electable by holders of class B common
stock.
The purpose of this provision is to ensure that any person,
entity or group cannot obtain control of the RGA board of
directors solely by acquiring a majority of the outstanding
shares of RGA class B common stock. This provision is
intended to protect RGAs public shareholders by ensuring
that anyone seeking to take over RGA must acquire control of the
outstanding shares of each class of common stock.
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Purpose
and Effects of the RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitation
The proposed recapitalization and exchange offer may make it
easier for a single person or group of related persons to gain
control over RGA. Because MetLife currently holds approximately
52% of the RGA common stock, it is unlikely at the present time
that any person could gain control of RGA without MetLifes
consent.
However, after the recapitalization and split-off, a person or
group of related persons could gain control of RGA by gaining
control of the RGA board of directors through the acquisition of
a majority of the outstanding RGA class B common stock, or
the votes represented by those shares. Since the outstanding RGA
class B common stock will represent approximately 47% of
the total outstanding shares of RGA voting stock, the special
class voting right of the RGA class B common stock would
permit a person or group to gain control of the RGA board of
directors by acquiring only approximately 24% or more of
RGAs total outstanding shares of RGA voting stock.
If at any time RGA issues additional shares of RGA class A
common stock, without issuing at least an equal number of shares
of RGA class B common stock, the equity interest in RGA
represented by the RGA class B common stock will be
diluted. Thus, over time, shares of RGA class B common
stock may represent a smaller percentage of the outstanding RGA
equity. Nevertheless, in order to preserve the tax-free status
of the divestiture, the RGA class B common stock will be
entitled to elect 80% of the RGA board of directors following
the recapitalization. The RGA board of directors was concerned
that, in order to take control of RGA, an unsolicited acquirer
may attempt to purchase all or a majority of the outstanding
shares of RGA class B common stock and pay a control
premium over the market price for such shares without
making any offer to the holders of the RGA class A common
stock who at such time may continue to own a majority of the
outstanding equity in RGA. The RGA class B significant
holder voting limitation is designed to discourage the
acquisition of control of RGA through the purchase of less than
all of the outstanding shares of each class of RGA common stock.
In addition, the substantial control or influence that MetLife
may exert in matters voted on by RGA shareholders will be
eliminated as a result of the recapitalization and divestiture.
For these reasons, the proposed recapitalization and divestiture
could render RGA more susceptible to unsolicited takeover bids
from third parties, including offers below the intrinsic value
of RGA or other offers that would not be in the best interests
of all of RGAs shareholders.
However, the ability of a person to gain control of the RGA
board of directors by acquiring shares of RGA class B
common stock would be hindered by the proposal to include the
Class B significant holder voting limitation in RGAs
amended and restated articles of incorporation.
Required
Vote
The RGA class B significant holder voting limitation
proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the RGA common stock. Each outstanding
share of RGA common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter
which may properly come before the special meeting. MetLife,
which owns approximately 52% of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock, has agreed to vote its shares of RGA common stock
in favor of each of the RGA special meeting proposals unless RGA
withdraws or modifies its recommendation that RGA shareholders
vote in favor of the transactions contemplated by the
recapitalization and distribution agreement.
However, the governance proposals will not be implemented if the
recapitalization proposal and the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan proposal are not approved. Approval of the recapitalization
proposal requires the affirmative vote of (1) holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock and
(2) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock (other than MetLife and its subsidiaries) present
in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the
recapitalization proposal. Approval of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan proposal requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the RGA common stock
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the
proposal.
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Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors
The RGA special committee, and the RGA board of directors
(other than the MetLife designees, who abstained) upon the
unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee, have
approved the RGA class B significant holder voting
limitation proposal and have determined that the RGA
class B significant holder voting limitation proposal is
advisable and favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the
best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders other than
MetLife and its other subsidiaries. The RGA special committee
and the RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife
designees, who abstained) recommend that RGA shareholders vote
FOR the approval of the RGA class B significant
holder voting limitation proposal.
Proposal Three:
Acquisition Restrictions
Description
of the Acquisition Restrictions
The following is a brief summary of the acquisition
restrictions, which are contained in Article Fourteen of
RGAs proposed amended and restated articles of
incorporation, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B to
this document and is incorporated herein by reference. You are
urged to read the full text of the acquisition restriction.
The proposed acquisition restrictions would generally apply
until the date that is 36 months and one day after
completion of the recapitalization (or earlier, if the RGA board
of directors in good faith determines that the acquisition
restrictions are no longer in the best interests of RGA and its
shareholders, which date is referred to as the restriction
release date), but would not apply to any acquisition of
RGA class B common stock pursuant to the divestiture. Any
attempted direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment,
exchange, issuance, grant, redemption, repurchase, conveyance,
pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary,
and whether by operation of law or otherwise, by any person
other than RGA of RGAs common stock or any other
securities that would be treated as RGAs stock
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and the
applicable Treasury regulations (which are described in more
detail under Proposal Five: Ratification of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan and are
referred to in this section as RGA stock) to a
person or group of persons who own, or who would own as a result
of such transfer, 5% or more (by value) of the RGA stock. Thus,
the restrictions also restrict any attempted transfer of RGA
stock that would result in the identification of a new
5-percent shareholder of RGA, as determined under
the Internal Revenue Code and applicable Treasury regulations;
this would include, among other things, an attempted acquisition
of RGA stock by an existing 5-percent shareholder. For these
purposes, numerous rules of attribution, aggregation and
calculation prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code (and
applicable Treasury regulations) will be applied in determining
whether the 5% threshold has been met and whether a group
exists. The acquisition restrictions may also apply in certain
cases to proscribe the creation or transfer of various
options, which are broadly defined, in respect of
the RGA stock to the extent, generally, that exercise of the
option would result in a proscribed level of RGA stock
ownership. As previously stated, the RGA board of directors may
waive the acquisition restrictions, and acquisitions of RGA
stock directly from RGA, whether by way of option exercise or
otherwise, are not subject to the acquisition restrictions.
Generally, the restrictions are imposed only with respect to the
number of shares of RGA stock, or options with respect to RGA
stock, purportedly transferred in excess of the threshold
established in the acquisition restrictions, which is referred
to in this document as the excess stock. In any
event, the restrictions would not prevent a valid transfer if
either the transferor or the purported transferee obtains the
approval of the RGA board of directors. In deciding whether to
approve any proposed transfer, the RGA board of directors would
consider whether the transfer would result in the application of
any limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue
Code by RGA and its subsidiaries of their NOLs and other tax
attributes.
If the proposal is approved, the acquisition restrictions would
remain in effect until the restriction release date, unless
Article Fourteen of RGAs articles of incorporation is
otherwise amended to remove the restrictions in accordance with
the provisions of Missouri law and RGAs articles of
incorporation.
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The acquisition restrictions will not apply to the following:
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any RGA stock held by MetLife or its subsidiaries prior to the
recapitalization;
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any RGA class B common stock acquired by any person in the
divestiture;
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any RGA class B common stock acquired by participating
banks in any private debt exchange (it being understood,
however, that the acquisition restrictions will apply to any
person who acquires RGA stock from such participating bank and
to such participating banks other than in connection with the
divestiture);
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any transaction directly with RGA, including pursuant to the
exercise of outstanding options or warrants;
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any tender or exchange offers for all of the RGA stock meeting
certain fairness criteria; or
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any transaction approved in advance by the RGA board of
directors.
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Any person permitted to acquire or own 5% or more (by value) of
RGA stock pursuant to any of the foregoing bullet points will
not be permitted to acquire any additional RGA stock at any time
until after the restriction release date (except, with respect
to the participating banks, to the extent otherwise described
above), without the approval of the RGA board of directors,
unless and until such person owns less than 5% (by value) of the
RGA stock, at which point such person may acquire RGA stock only
to the extent that, after such acquisition, such person owns
less than 5% (by value) of the RGA stock.
RGA believes the acquisition restrictions are narrowly tailored
to minimize their anti-takeover effects, that they are limited
to the extent believed to be appropriate for protecting the
ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use their NOLs and other
tax attributes and that they are in the best interest of all
shareholders of RGA. For example, they have only a limited
duration, which is determined by the application of the Internal
Revenue Code. Similarly, there are numerous exceptions which
would not have been included if not narrowly tailored to protect
such NOLs and other tax attributes. In addition, the RGA board
of directors does not intend to discourage offers to acquire
substantial blocks of RGA stock that would clearly improve
shareholder value, taking into account, as appropriate, any loss
of the NOLs and other tax attributes. In the case of any such
proposed acquisition that the RGA board determines to be in the
best interest of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all
factors deemed relevant, the RGA board would grant approval for
such acquisition to proceed.
Article Fourteen would provide that all certificates
representing RGA stock bear the following legend:
THE TRANSFER OF SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE
IS (AND OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION MAY BE) SUBJECT TO
RESTRICTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FOURTEEN OF THE
CORPORATIONS AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION. THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH A COPY OF ITS
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION SETTING
FORTH THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE,
PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH
CLASS OF STOCK OR SERIES THEREOF AND THE
QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF SUCH PREFERENCES
AND/OR RIGHTS TO THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE
WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST ADDRESSED TO THE CORPORATION
AT ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.
In accordance with the acquisition restrictions, RGA will not
permit any of RGAs employees or agents, including the
transfer agent, to record any transfer of RGA stock purportedly
transferred in contravention of the acquisition restrictions. As
a result, requested transfers of RGA stock may be delayed or
refused.
The RGA articles of incorporation would provide that any
transfer attempted in contravention of the acquisition
restrictions would be null and void from the start, even if the
transfer has been recorded by the transfer agent and new
certificates issued. The purported transferee of the RGA stock
would not be entitled to any rights of shareholders with respect
to the excess stock, including the right to vote the excess
stock, or to receive dividends or distributions in liquidation
in respect thereof, if any. If RGA determines that a purported
transfer has violated the acquisition restrictions, RGA will
require the purported transferee to surrender the
74
shares of excess stock and any dividends and other distributions
the purported transferee has received on them to an agent
designated by the RGA board of directors. The agent will then
sell the shares of excess stock in one or more arms-length
transactions, executed on the NYSE, if possible, to a buyer or
buyers, which may include RGA, or otherwise privately; provided
that nothing will require the agent to sell the shares of excess
stock within any specific time frame if, in the agents
discretion, the sale would disrupt the market for the RGA stock
or adversely affect the value of the RGA stock. If the purported
transferee has resold the excess stock before receiving
RGAs demand to surrender the excess stock, the purported
transferee generally (unless RGA agrees in writing to permit the
purported transferee to retain a portion of the proceeds up to
the amount of reimbursement and refund the amount it would
otherwise receive pursuant to the next sentence) will be
required to transfer to the agent the proceeds of the sale and
any distributions the purported transferee has received on the
excess stock. From any sale proceeds it receives, the agent will
pay any amounts remaining, after repaying its own expenses and
after reimbursing the purported transferee for the price paid
for the excess stock (or the fair market value of the excess
stock at the time of the attempted transfer to the purported
transferee), to a charity or, in certain circumstances,
charities selected by the RGA board of directors.
The IRS provided in the ruling RGA received that to the extent
the acquisition restrictions are enforceable, any purported
acquisition of RGA stock in contravention of the acquisition
restrictions will be disregarded for purposes of applying
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Purpose
and Effects of the Acquisition Restrictions
The acquisition restrictions impose restrictions on the transfer
of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock
(and any other capital stock that RGA issues in the future) to
designated persons. Without these restrictions, it is possible
that certain transfers of RGA stock could, under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable
Treasury regulations, result in limitations on the ability of
RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize fully the substantial NOLs
and other tax attributes currently available to them for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. The RGA board of
directors believes it is in RGAs best interests to attempt
to prevent the imposition of such limitations by adopting the
proposed acquisition restrictions.
It should be noted that the acquisition restrictions do not
apply to issuances of RGAs common stock by RGA. As a
result, the acquisition restrictions do not prevent the exercise
of either currently outstanding employee stock options or
employee stock options that may be granted in the future under
RGAs flexible stock or other benefit plans. These have
been excluded from the operation of the acquisition restrictions
because the RGA board of directors will be able to consider the
effect on the NOLs and other tax attributes of RGA and its
subsidiaries of future issuances of RGA stock at the time of
issuance, whether as a result of transactions with third
parties, the issuance of RGA stock in a private placement or
public offering, as compensation to RGAs employees,
officers or directors, or otherwise. Consequently, persons or
entities who are able to acquire RGA stock directly from RGA,
including RGAs employees, officers and directors, may do
so without application of the acquisition restrictions,
irrespective of the number of shares of RGA stock they are
acquiring. As a result, those persons or entities dealing
directly with RGA may be seen as receiving an advantage over
persons or entities who are not able to acquire RGA stock
directly from RGA and, therefore, are restricted by the terms of
the acquisition restrictions. It should be noted, however, that
any direct acquisitions of RGA stock from RGA first requires the
approval of the RGA board of directors and in granting such
approval, the RGA board of directors will review the
implications of any such issuance on the NOLs and other tax
attributes of RGA and its subsidiaries.
RGA believes that, absent a court determination:
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there can be no assurance that the acquisition restrictions will
be enforceable against all RGA shareholders; and
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the acquisition restrictions may be subject to challenge on
equitable grounds.
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It is possible that the acquisition restrictions may not be
enforceable against RGAs shareholders who vote against or
abstain from voting on the amendment, as discussed under
Risk Factors Risks Relating to the Governance
Proposals and the Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan The proposed acquisition restrictions
75
and RGAs existing Section 382 shareholder rights
plan, which are intended to help preserve RGA and its
subsidiaries NOLs and other tax attributes, may not be
effective or may have unintended negative effects.
However, RGA believes that the acquisition restrictions are
in the best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders and are
reasonable, and RGA will act vigorously to enforce them against
all current and future holders of RGA stock regardless of how
they vote on the amendment.
RGA believes that each of its shareholders who votes in favor of
the amendment will in effect have consented to the acquisition
restrictions and therefore will be bound by them. In those
circumstances, RGA intends to assert that any such shareholder
would be estopped from challenging the legality, validity or
enforceability of the acquisition restrictions. Consequently,
all RGA shareholders should carefully consider this in
determining whether to vote in favor of the proposal.
If approved, the acquisition restrictions would technically take
effect prior to completion of the exchange offer, but they would
not apply to the immediate transferees of MetLife in the
split-off or in any debt exchanges or subsequent split-offs.
Reasons
for the Acquisition Restrictions
At December 31, 2007, RGA had recognized a gross deferred
tax asset associated with NOLs of it and its subsidiaries. The
amount of NOLs as of such date were approximately
$932.4 million. NOLs may be carried forward to offset
taxable income in future years and eliminate income taxes
otherwise payable on such future taxable income, subject to
certain adjustments. RGA believes its NOLs could provide
significant future tax savings, depending upon the amount of
RGAs taxable income in future taxable years. If RGA does
not have sufficient taxable income in future years to use the
tax benefits before they expire, RGA will lose the benefit of
these NOLs permanently. RGA currently expects to have sufficient
future taxable income against which to fully utilize such NOLs.
The benefit of a companys existing NOLs and other tax
attributes, can be reduced substantially as a result of
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable
Treasury regulations thereunder. Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code limits the use of NOLs and other tax
attributes by a company that has undergone an ownership
change, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal
Revenue Code and related Treasury regulations. Generally, an
ownership change occurs if one or more shareholders,
each of whom owns 5% or more (by value) of a companys
stock, increase their aggregate percentage ownership by more
than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of
stock owned by such shareholders over the preceding three-year
period. For this purpose, all holders who each own less than 5%
of a companys stock (by value) are generally treated
together as one 5-percent shareholder, subject to
certain exceptions. In addition, certain attribution and
constructive ownership rules, which generally attribute
ownership of stock to the ultimate beneficial owner thereof
without regard to ownership by nominees, trusts, corporations,
partnerships or other entities, are applied in determining the
level of stock ownership of a particular shareholder. Options
(including warrants) to acquire capital stock may be treated as
if they had been exercised, on an
option-by-option
basis, if the issuance, transfer or structuring of the option
meets certain tests. All percentage determinations are based on
the fair market value of a companys capital stock,
including any preferred stock that is voting or convertible (or
otherwise participates in corporate growth to any significant
extent). If a company experiences an ownership change, the
amount of taxable income in any taxable year (or portion
thereof) subsequent to the ownership change that can be offset
by NOLs existing prior to such ownership change generally cannot
exceed the product of (x) the aggregate value of the
companys stock and (y) the federal long-term
tax-exempt rate. Certain complex subgroup rules may apply to
such determinations.
The acquisition restrictions are designed to restrict transfers
of RGA stock that could cause an ownership change
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and related
Treasury regulations and, therefore, could limit the ability of
RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize fully their substantial NOLs
and other tax attributes currently available for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. The divestiture will
increase the likelihood that RGA and its subsidiaries will
experience such an ownership change and, therefore, that the
NOLs of RGA and its subsidiaries could be subject to such
limitations.
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Although RGA does not believe that the divestiture, by itself,
is likely to cause an ownership change, RGA cannot assure you
that the acquisition restrictions will be effective, as
discussed in Risk Factors Risks Relating to
the Governance Proposals and the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan The
proposed acquisition restrictions and RGAs existing
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, which are
intended to help preserve RGA and its subsidiaries NOLs
and other tax attributes, may not be effective or have
unintended negative effects. In particular, the
restrictions will not apply to any shares acquired by any person
in the exchange offer or an additional divestiture transaction.
Further, they may not be enforceable against shareholders who
vote against or abstain from voting on the governance proposals
or who do not have notice of the restrictions at the time they
acquire their shares.
Moreover, the application of the rules under Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code are highly complex and there can be no
assurance that the divestiture, together with other
transactions, will not cause RGA and its subsidiaries to
experience an ownership change. Accordingly, the RGA special
committee and the RGA board of directors believe their actions
to safeguard the value of RGAs NOLs and other tax
attributes is in the best interests of RGA and its shareholders.
In addition to the significant potential adverse cash tax impact
of an ownership change discussed above, if RGA and its
subsidiaries experience an ownership change, their ability to
continue to recognize the deferred tax asset associated with
their NOLs could be materially affected. In such case,
RGAs management would likely need to reevaluate the
recoverability of the related deferred tax asset. The outcome of
this reevaluation could involve the write-off of all or a
portion of that asset which would adversely affect RGAs
results of operations and net income in a material manner. Such
write-off could, among other things, increase RGAs cost of
capital or reduce its ability to raise capital.
Therefore, while it is not possible to predict with certainty
all of the consequences of an ownership change under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, RGA believes that
an ownership change would likely result in materially higher
cash taxes payable by it and its subsidiaries in future taxable
years as well as the write-off of all or a portion of a
significant deferred tax asset, which would adversely affect its
results of operations and net income.
Continued
Risk of Ownership Change
Despite the adoption of the acquisition restrictions, there
would still remain a risk that certain changes in relationships
among shareholders or other events will cause an ownership
change of RGA and its subsidiaries under Section 382.
RGA cannot assure you that the acquisition restrictions are
enforceable under all circumstances, particularly against
shareholders who do not vote in favor of this proposal or who do
not have notice of the acquisition restrictions at the time they
subsequently acquire their shares. However, RGA has adopted a
Section 382 shareholder rights plan (see
Description of RGA Capital Stock Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan), which
is intended to deter any non-exempted person from becoming a
5-percent
shareholder and endangering the ability of RGA and its
subsidiaries to use their NOLs and other tax attributes.
Further, as described above, the acquisition restrictions will
not apply to, among others, any shares of RGA class B
common stock acquired by any person in the exchange offer or any
debt exchange or subsequent split-off as part of the
divestiture. Accordingly, RGA cannot assure you that an
ownership change will not occur as a result of the exchange
offer or other transactions.
Board
Power to Waive or Modify Acquisition Restrictions
The RGA special committee and the board of directors believe
that attempting to safeguard the substantial NOLs and other tax
attributes as described above is in the best interests of RGA
and its shareholders. Nonetheless, the acquisition restrictions
will restrict a shareholders ability to acquire additional
RGA stock in excess of the specified limits. Furthermore, a
shareholders ability to dispose of its RGA stock, or any
other RGA stock which the shareholder may acquire, may be
restricted as a result of the acquisition restrictions.
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The acquisition restrictions, however, generally will not apply
to an RGA shareholder that is not a 5-percent shareholder and
disposes of its RGA stock on the NYSE.
The RGA board of directors has the discretion to approve a
transfer of stock that would otherwise violate the acquisition
restrictions in circumstances where it determines such transfer
is in the best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders. In
determining whether or not to permit a transfer which may result
in violation of the acquisition restrictions, the RGA board of
directors may consider both the proposed transfer and potential
future transfers, in light of all factors it deems relevant,
including the likelihood that the transfer would result in an
ownership change that would limit the use by RGA and its
subsidiaries of their NOLs and other tax attributes. For
example, the RGA board of directors may grant a waiver of the
acquisition restrictions in connection with a sale of common
stock that the RGA board of directors believes is not reasonably
likely to result in a material limitation on the use by RGA and
its subsidiaries of their NOLs and other tax attributes.
The RGA special committee and the board of directors are not
aware of any person or entity, or any group of persons or
entities, that owns or intends to own 5% or more (by value) of
RGA stock for Section 382 purposes. Nonetheless, if the RGA
board of directors decides to permit a transfer that would
otherwise violate the acquisition restrictions, that transfer or
later transfers may result in an ownership change that would
limit RGAs and its subsidiaries ability to use their
NOLs. The RGA board of directors intends to consider any
attempted transfer individually and determine at the time
whether it is in the best interests of RGA and its shareholders,
after consideration of any factors that the board deems
relevant, to permit the transfer notwithstanding that an
ownership change may occur.
In addition, the RGA board of directors is authorized to
eliminate the acquisition restrictions, modify the applicable
allowable percentage ownership interest or modify any of the
terms and conditions of the acquisition restrictions provided
that the RGA board of directors determines that such change is
reasonably necessary or advisable to preserve the ability of RGA
and its subsidiaries to utilize their NOLs and other tax
attributes, or that the continuation of the affected terms and
conditions of the acquisition restrictions is no longer
reasonably necessary for such purpose.
As a result, the acquisition restrictions serve to reduce, but
not necessarily eliminate, the risk that Section 382 will
cause the limitations described above to apply to RGA and its
subsidiaries use of their NOLs and other tax attributes.
Anti-Takeover
Effect
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors
recommend that the acquisition restrictions be approved for the
reasons set forth in this document. However, you should be aware
that the acquisition restrictions may have an
anti-takeover effect because they restrict the
ability of a person or entity, or group of persons or entities,
from accumulating in the aggregate 5% or more (by value) of the
RGA stock and the ability of persons, entities or groups now
owning 5% or more (by value) of the RGA stock from acquiring
additional RGA stock. The acquisition restrictions discourage or
prohibit a merger, some tender or exchange offers, proxy
contests or accumulations of substantial blocks of shares for
which some shareholders might receive a premium above market
value. In addition, the acquisition restrictions may delay the
assumption of control by a holder of a large block of capital
stock and the removal of incumbent directors and management,
even if such removal may be beneficial to some or all RGA
shareholders.
The indirect anti-takeover effect of the acquisition
restrictions is not the reason for the acquisition restrictions.
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors
consider the acquisition restrictions to be reasonable and in
the best interests of RGA and its shareholders because, among
other things the acquisition restrictions reduce some of the
risks that RGA and its subsidiaries will be unable to fully
utilize their substantial tax assets described above. In the
opinion of the RGA special committee and the RGA board of
directors, the fundamental importance to RGAs shareholders
of maintaining the availability of such tax assets outweigh the
indirect anti-takeover effect the acquisition restrictions may
have. In addition, RGA does not believe that the acquisition
restrictions will adversely affect the continued listing of
RGAs common stock on the NYSE. In addition, the RGA
special committee and the RGA board of directors do not intend
to discourage offers to acquire substantial blocks of RGA common
stock that would clearly improve shareholder
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value, taking into account, as appropriate, any loss of the NOLs
and other tax attributes. In the case of any such proposed
acquisition that the RGA board of directors determines to be in
the best interest of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all
factors deemed relevant, the board would grant approval for such
acquisition to proceed.
The anti-takeover effects should also be considered in light of
other existing charter, bylaw and statutory provisions
applicable to RGA, which could also have the effect of
preventing a takeover, as described in Proposal
Two RGA Class B Significant Holder Voting
Limitations, Proposal Five: Ratification of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan and
Description of RGA Capital Stock Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the RGA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Possible
Effect on Liquidity
The acquisition restrictions will restrict an RGA
shareholders ability to acquire, directly or indirectly,
additional RGA stock in excess of the specified limitations.
Further, an RGA shareholders ability to dispose of its
shares is restricted as a result of the acquisition
restrictions, and an RGA shareholders ownership of stock
may become subject to the acquisition restrictions upon the
actions taken by related persons. If the acquisition
restrictions are approved, a legend reflecting the acquisition
restrictions will be placed on certificates representing newly
issued or transferred shares of RGA stock. These restrictions
may also result in a decreased valuation of RGA stock due to the
resulting restrictions on transfers to persons directly or
indirectly owning or seeking to acquire a significant block of
RGA stock.
Required
Vote
The acquisition restrictions proposal requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA common
stock. Each outstanding share of RGA common stock is entitled to
one vote on each matter which may properly come before the
special meeting. MetLife, which owns approximately 52% of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock, has agreed to vote its
shares of RGA common stock in favor of each of the RGA special
meeting proposals unless RGA withdraws or modifies its
recommendation that RGA shareholders vote in favor of the
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement.
However, the governance proposals will not be implemented if the
recapitalization proposal and the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan proposal are not approved. Approval of the
recapitalization proposal requires the affirmative vote of
(1) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock and (2) holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock (other than MetLife and
its subsidiaries) present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote on the recapitalization proposal. Approval of the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote
on the proposal.
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors
The RGA special committee, and the RGA board of directors
(other than the Metlife designees, who abstained) upon the
unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee, have
approved the acquisition restrictions proposal and have
determined that the acquisition restrictions proposal is
advisable and favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the
best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders other than
MetLife and its other subsidiaries. The RGA special committee
and the RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife
designees, who abstained) recommend that RGA shareholders vote
FOR approval of the acquisition restrictions
proposal.
Proposal Four:
Class B Potential Conversion Following
Divestiture
Description
of the RGA Class B Potential Conversion
RGA is proposing the dual class structure at MetLifes
request to permit MetLife to proceed with the divestiture on a
tax-free basis. RGA presently expects that, following the
divestiture, the RGA board of directors will consider submitting
to a shareholder vote at the next regularly scheduled annual
shareholders
79
meeting of RGA (anticipated to be held on May 27, 2009), or
at a special meeting called for such purpose, a proposal to
convert the dual class structure into a single class structure.
While there is no binding commitment by the RGA board of
directors to, and there can be no assurance that the RGA board
of directors will, consider the issue or resolve to present the
proposal to RGA shareholders, the proposed provision in
RGAs amended and restated articles of incorporation would
set forth the method for the conversion to take place. Further,
there can be no assurance that, if submitted, RGA shareholders
would approve the conversion.
The terms of the RGA class B common stock will provide that
such shares would convert into RGA class A common stock, on
a one-for-one basis, if:
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the RGA board of directors adopts, in its sole discretion, a
resolution submitting the potential conversion proposal to RGA
shareholders; and
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the holders of a majority of each class of RGA common stock
represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the
meeting approve the potential conversion proposal. See
Risk Factors Risks Relating to an Investment
in RGA Common Stock.
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RGA will not enter into any reorganization, or into any merger,
share exchange, consolidation or combination of RGA with one or
more other entities (whether or not RGA is the surviving
entity), unless each holder of an outstanding share of RGA
class A common stock is entitled to receive the same kind
and amount of consideration receivable upon such transaction by
a holder of an outstanding share of RGA class B common
stock, and each holder of an outstanding share of RGA
class B common stock shall be entitled to receive the same
kind and amount of consideration receivable upon such
transaction by a holder of an outstanding share of RGA
class A common stock, in each case without distinction
between the two classes of common stock. However, the RGA board
of directors may permit the holders of shares of RGA
class A common stock and the holders of shares of RGA
class B common stock to receive different kinds of shares
of stock in such transaction if the RGA board of directors
determines in good faith that the only difference in such shares
is the inclusion of voting rights that maintain the different
voting rights of the holders of RGA class A common stock
and holders of RGA class B common stock with respect to the
election of the applicable percentage of the authorized number
of members of the board of directors as described in The
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement
Recapitalization.
Required
Vote
The potential conversion proposal requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock.
Each outstanding share of RGA common stock is entitled to one
vote on each matter which may properly come before the special
meeting. MetLife, which owns approximately 52% of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock, has agreed to vote its
shares of RGA common stock in favor of each of the RGA special
meeting proposals unless RGA withdraws or modifies its
recommendation that RGA shareholders vote in favor of the
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement.
However, the governance proposals will not be implemented if the
recapitalization proposal and the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan proposal are not approved. Approval of the
recapitalization proposal requires the affirmative vote of
(1) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock and (2) holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock (other than MetLife and
its subsidiaries) present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote on the recapitalization proposal. Approval of the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of RGA
common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote
on the proposal.
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors
The RGA special committee, and the RGA board of directors
(other than the Metlife designees, who abstained) upon the
unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee, have
approved the potential conversion proposal and have determined
that the potential conversion proposal is advisable and
favorable to and, therefore, fair to and in the best interests
of RGA and RGAs shareholders other than MetLife and its
other subsidiaries. The RGA special committee and the RGA board
of directors (other than the MetLife designees, who abstained)
recommend that RGA shareholders vote FOR the
approval of the potential conversion proposal.
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PROPOSAL FIVE:
RATIFICATION OF SECTION 382 SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
PLAN
The RGA board of directors and the RGA special committee believe
that the adoption of the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan is necessary to protect the ability of RGA and its
subsidiaries to use their NOLs and other tax attributes without
limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code
and applicable Treasury regulations thereunder. Consequently,
the RGA special committee adopted a Section 382 rights
agreement dated as of June 2, 2008, between RGA and Mellon
Investor Services LLC, as rights agent (which is referred to as
the rights agent). If the recapitalization is
completed, the RGA board of directors and the RGA special
committee believe that the current rights plan should be amended
and restated in recognition of the effects of the
recapitalization and divestiture on RGAs capital
structure. If the recapitalization is not approved by RGAs
shareholders, and the recapitalization and distribution
agreement terminates in accordance with its terms before the
split-off is completed, then the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan will automatically
terminate in accordance with its terms.
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan, as it would
be amended and restated in connection with the recapitalization,
is not designed to protect RGA shareholders against abusive
takeover tactics. Instead, it is designed to protect shareholder
value by attempting to protect against a limitation on the
ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use their existing NOLs
and other tax attributes as described under Proposal
Three: Acquisition Restrictions Reasons for the
Acquisition Restrictions.
To reduce the likelihood of an ownership change, in light of
MetLifes proposed divestiture of most of its RGA common
stock, the RGA board of directors adopted a
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The
Section 382 shareholder rights plan is designed to
protect shareholder value by attempting to protect against a
limitation on the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use
their existing NOLs and other tax attributes. The proposed
acquisition restrictions in the proposed RGA amended and
restated articles of incorporation are also intended to restrict
certain acquisitions of RGA stock to help preserve the ability
of RGA and its subsidiaries to utilize fully their NOLs and
other tax attributes by avoiding the limitations imposed by
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and related
Treasury regulations. The acquisition restrictions and the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan are generally
designed to restrict or deter direct and indirect acquisitions
of RGA stock if such acquisition would result in an RGA
shareholder becoming a 5-percent shareholder or increase the
percentage ownership of RGA stock that is treated as owned by an
existing 5-percent shareholder.
RGA believes the restrictions under the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan are narrowly
tailored to minimize their anti-takeover effects, that they are
limited to the extent believed to be appropriate for protecting
the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to use their NOLs and
other tax attributes and that they are in the best interest of
all shareholders of RGA. For example, they have only a limited
duration, which is determined by the application of the Internal
Revenue Code. Further, there are numerous exceptions available
under the Section 382 shareholder rights plan which
would not have been included in a traditional shareholder rights
plan that was not narrowly tailored to protect RGAs and
its subsidiaries NOLs and other tax attributes. In
addition, the RGA board of directors does not intend to
discourage offers to acquire substantial blocks of RGA stock
that would clearly improve shareholder value taking into
account, as appropriate, any loss of the NOLs and other tax
attributes. In the case of any such proposed acquisition that
the RGA board of directors determines to be in the best interest
of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all factors deemed
relevant, the board would grant approval for such acquisition to
proceed.
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal is an
opportunity for RGA shareholders to ratify the RGA special
committees decision to adopt the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The RGA special
committee has unanimously approved the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan and is unanimously
recommending that the RGA shareholders demonstrate their
approval by ratifying the plan at the special meeting. The RGA
special committee and the RGA board of directors (other than the
MetLife designees, who abstained) believe that the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan is in the best
interests of RGA and its shareholders.
Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
The following is a description of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan as it would be amended and restated to
reflect the recapitalization effective as of the completion of
the recapitalization. For a description of
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the plan as currently in effect, see Description of
Capital Stock Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan. This description of the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan proposal is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the text of the form of amended and restated Section 382
shareholder rights plan, which is attached to this document as
Appendix C. RGA shareholders are urged to read carefully
the amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights
plan in its entirety.
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan is intended to act
as a deterrent to any person being or becoming a 5-percent
shareholder (as defined in Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code and the related Treasury regulations)
without the approval of the RGA board of directors (such person
is referred to as an acquiring person). The meaning
of the term acquiring person does not include:
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RGA, any subsidiary of RGA, any employee benefit plan or
compensation arrangement of RGA or any subsidiary of RGA, or any
entity holding securities of RGA to the extent organized,
appointed or established by RGA or any subsidiary of RGA for or
pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan or
compensation arrangement;
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any grandfathered person (as defined below);
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any exempted person (as defined below); or
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any person who or which inadvertently may become a 5-percent
shareholder or otherwise becomes such a 5-percent shareholder,
so long as such person promptly enters into, and delivers to
RGA, an irrevocable commitment promptly to divest, and
thereafter promptly divests (without exercising or retaining any
power, including voting, with respect to such securities),
sufficient securities of RGA so that such person ceases to be a
5-percent shareholder of RGA.
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Shareholders who owned 5% or more (by value) of RGA common stock
outstanding on June 2, 2008, the time of adoption of the
current Section 382 shareholder rights plan, will not
trigger the amended and restated Section 382 shareholder
rights plan so long as they do not acquire any additional shares
of RGA stock (except for any such shares that are acquired in a
transaction that also results in such person being an exempted
person). These shareholders, which include MetLife and its other
subsidiaries, are referred to as grandfathered
persons.
For purposes of the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan, RGA stock means: (i) common stock,
(ii) preferred stock (other than preferred stock described
in Section 1504(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code),
(iii) warrants, rights, or options (including options
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation
§ 1.382-2T(h)(4)(v)) to purchase stock (other than
preferred stock described in Section 1504(a)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code), and (iv) any other interest that
would be treated as stock of RGA pursuant to
Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(f)(18).
Following the recapitalization of RGA common stock, pursuant to
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, MetLife
security holders who receive common stock directly from MetLife
in any part of the divestiture which causes them to hold 5% or
more (by value) of RGA stock, will not trigger the rights plan.
However, the rights plan does not exempt any future acquisitions
of RGA stock by such persons. In addition, RGA may, in its sole
discretion, exempt any person or group from being deemed an
acquiring person for purposes of the rights plan at any time
prior to the time the rights are no longer redeemable. The
persons described in this paragraph are exempted
persons.
Moreover, under certain circumstances, the RGA board of
directors may determine it is in the best interest of RGA and
its shareholders to exempt
5-percent
shareholders from the operation of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan, in light of the provisions of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement. In particular, the
agreement becomes terminable by either party in the event any
non-exempted person becomes a
5-percent
shareholder prior to completion of the split-off, as the
exercisability of the rights, in certain instances, may
jeopardize the tax-free nature of the divesture. Additionally,
after the split-off, RGA may, in certain circumstances, incur
significant indemnification obligations under the
recapitalization and distribution agreement in the event that
the Section 382 shareholder rights plan is triggered
following the split-off in a manner that would result in the
divestiture failing to qualify as tax-free. Accordingly, the RGA
board of directors may determine that the consequences of
enforcing the Section 382 shareholder rights plan and
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enhancing its deterrent effect by not exempting a 5-percent
shareholder in order to provide protection to RGAs and its
subsidiaries NOLs and other tax attributes, are more
adverse to RGA and its shareholders.
The Rights. Upon adoption of the amended and
restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan and completion
of the recapitalization, RGA will issue one preferred share
purchase right (which is referred to as a right) for
each outstanding share of RGA class B common stock issued
pursuant to the recapitalization. The rights associated with the
RGA class A common stock will be adjusted to clarify that
they will have become rights to acquire, under specified
circumstances, shares of RGA class A common stock. After
the current Section 382 shareholder rights plan is amended
and restated, with respect to holders of RGA class A common
stock, each right will entitle the registered holder to purchase
from RGA one one-hundredth of a share of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(which is referred to as the
series A-1
junior participating preferred stock), of RGA at a price
of $200 per one one-hundredth of a share of
series A-1
junior participating preferred stock (which is referred to as
the series A purchase price), subject to
adjustment. With respect to holders of RGA class B common
stock, each right will entitle the registered holder to purchase
from RGA one one-hundredth of a share of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(which is referred to as the
series B-1
junior participating preferred stock), of RGA at a price
of $200 per one one-hundredth of a share of
series B-1
junior participating preferred stock (which is referred to as
the series B purchase price), subject to
adjustment.
No right is exercisable until the earliest to occur of
(1) the close of business on the tenth business day
following the date of the earlier of either public announcement
that a person has become, or RGA first has notice or otherwise
determines that a person has become, an acquiring person without
the prior express written consent of RGA; or (2) the close
of business on the tenth business day following the commencement
of a tender offer or exchange offer, without the prior written
consent of RGA, by a person which, upon consummation, would
result in such person becoming an acquiring person (the earlier
of the dates in clause (1) or (2) above being referred
to in this document as the distribution date).
Until the distribution date, the rights will be transferred with
and only with the applicable class of RGA common stock. Until
the distribution date, new RGA common stock certificates issued
upon transfer or new issuances of RGA common stock will contain
a notation incorporating the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan by reference. As soon as practicable following the
distribution date, separate certificates evidencing the rights
(right certificates) will be mailed to holders of
record of the RGA common stock as of the close of business on
the distribution date and such separate certificates alone will
then evidence the rights.
Expiration. The rights will expire, if not
previously exercised, on the earlier to occur of (1) the
final expiration date (as defined below) or (2) the time at
which the rights are redeemed or exchanged pursuant to the
amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan.
The final expiration date is the earlier of (a) the date
that is 36 months and one day following the completion of
the recapitalization, or (b) such other date as the RGA
board of directors may determine in good faith in accordance
with the amended and restated Section 382 shareholder
rights plan.
Junior Participating Preferred Stock. The
rights of
series A-1
junior participating preferred stock and
series B-1
junior participating preferred stock (which are referred to
collectively as the junior participating preferred
stock) are identical, except that holders of
series A-1
junior participating preferred stock would vote with holders of
RGA class A common stock in the election or removal of RGA
class A directors, and holders of
series B-1
junior participating preferred stock would vote with holders of
RGA class B common stock in the election or removal of RGA
class B directors. Shares of junior participating preferred
stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights will not be
redeemable and will be junior to any other series of preferred
stock RGA may issue (unless otherwise provided in the terms of
such stock). Each share of junior participating preferred stock
will have a preferential dividend in an amount equal to the
greater of $1.00 and 100 times any dividend declared on each
share of the applicable class of RGA common stock. In the event
of liquidation, the holders of the junior participating
preferred stock will receive a preferred liquidation payment per
share of series junior participating preferred stock equal to
the greater of $100 and 100 times the payment made per share of
the applicable class of RGA common stock. Each share of junior
participating preferred stock will have 100 votes, voting
together with the applicable class of RGA common stock. In the
event of any merger,
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consolidation, combination or other transaction in which shares
of RGA common stock are converted or exchanged, each share of
junior participating preferred stock will be entitled to receive
100 times the amount and type of consideration received per
share of the applicable class of RGA common stock. The rights of
the junior participating preferred stock as to dividends,
liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and
consolidations, are protected by customary anti-dilution
provisions. Because of the nature of the junior participating
preferred stocks dividend, liquidation and voting rights,
the value of the one one-hundredth interest in a share of junior
participating preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each
right should approximate the value of one share of the
applicable class of RGA common stock.
Effects of Triggering Events. If any person or
group becomes an acquiring person without the prior written
consent of the RGA board of directors (and such person or group
is not an exempted person or a grandfathered person), each
right, except those held by such persons, would entitle its
holder to acquire such number of shares of the applicable class
of RGA common stock as will equal the result obtained by
multiplying the then current applicable purchase price by the
number of one one-hundredths of a share of the applicable class
of junior participating preferred stock for which a right is
then exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of the then
current per-share market price of the applicable class of RGA
common stock.
If any person or group becomes an acquiring person without prior
written consent of the RGA board of directors, but beneficially
owns less than 50% of the outstanding RGA common stock, each
right, except those held by such persons, may be exchanged by
the RGA board of directors for one share of the applicable class
of RGA common stock.
Redemption. At any time prior to the earlier
of the
10th
business day after the time an acquiring person becomes such or
the date that is 36 months and one day following the
completion of the recapitalization, the RGA board of directors
may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of
$0.001 per right (which is referred to as the redemption
price). Immediately upon any redemption of the rights, the
right to exercise the rights will terminate and the only right
of the holders of rights will be to receive the redemption price.
Adjustments. The applicable purchase price
payable, and the number of shares of the applicable class of
junior participating preferred stock or other securities or
property issuable, upon exercise of the rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (1) in the
event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or
reclassification of, the junior participating preferred stock,
(2) upon the grant to holders of the applicable class of
junior participating preferred stock of certain rights or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase preferred stock at a
price, or securities convertible into the applicable class of
junior participating preferred stock with a conversion price,
less than the then-current market price of the applicable class
of junior participating preferred stock or (3) upon the
distribution to holders of the applicable class of junior
participating preferred stock of evidences of indebtedness or
assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends or dividends
payable in junior participating preferred stock) or of
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to
above).
The number of outstanding rights and the number of one
one-hundredths of a share of the applicable class of junior
participating preferred stock issuable upon exercise of each
right are also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock
split of the applicable class of RGA common stock or a stock
dividend on the applicable class of RGA common stock payable in
shares of RGA common stock or subdivisions, consolidations or
combinations of the applicable class of RGA common stock (other
than the recapitalization) occurring, in any such case, prior to
the distribution date.
The terms of the rights may be amended by RGA without the
consent of the holders of the rights, including, without
limitation, in connection with the recapitalization, except that
from and after such time as any person becomes an acquiring
person, no such amendment may adversely affect the interests of
the holders of the rights.
Until a right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will
have no rights as a shareholder of RGA, including, without
limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
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Reasons
for the Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors
recommend that RGA shareholders ratify the amended and restated
Section 382 shareholder rights plan for the same
reasons described above with respect to the proposed acquisition
restrictions described under Proposal Three:
Acquisition Restrictions Reasons for the Acquisition
Restrictions. As such restrictions may not be enforceable
in all circumstances (as described in Proposal Three:
Acquisition Restrictions Purpose and Effects of
Acquisition Restrictions) the RGA special committee and
the RGA board of directors believe it is in the best interest of
RGA and its shareholders to adopt the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan.
Anti-Takeover
Effect
The RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors
recommend that RGA shareholders ratify the amended and restated
Section 382 shareholder rights plan for the reasons
set forth in this document. However, you should be aware that
the amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights
plan may have an anti-takeover effect because it
will restrict the ability of a person or entity, or group of
persons or entities, from accumulating in the aggregate 5% or
more (by value) of the RGA stock and the ability of persons,
entities or groups now owning 5% or more (by value) of the RGA
stock from acquiring additional RGA stock. Like the acquisition
restrictions being proposed to be added to RGAs articles
of incorporation, both the current Section 382 shareholder
rights plan and the amended and restated Section 382
shareholder rights plan could discourage or prohibit a merger,
tender offer, proxy contest or accumulations of substantial
blocks of shares for which some shareholders might receive a
premium above market value. In addition, the amended and
restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan may delay the
assumption of control by a holder of a large block of RGA stock
and the removal of incumbent directors and management, even if
such removal may be beneficial to some or all RGA shareholders.
The indirect anti-takeover effect of the current
Section 382 shareholder rights plan and the amended and
restated Section 382 shareholder rights plans is not the
reason the RGA special committee implemented the current Section
382 shareholder rights plan or intends to implement the
amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan.
The RGA special committee and RGA board of directors consider
the plans to be reasonable and in the best interests of RGA and
its shareholders because they reduce certain of the risks that
RGA and its subsidiaries will be unable to utilize fully the
substantial tax assets described above. In the opinion of the
RGA special committee and the RGA board of directors, the
fundamental importance to RGA shareholders of maintaining the
availability of RGAs and its subsidiaries tax
benefits outweigh the indirect anti-takeover effect the amended
and restated Section 382 shareholder rights plan may have.
In addition, RGA does not believe that the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan will adversely
affect the continued listing of RGA common stock on the NYSE. In
addition, the RGA board of directors does not intend to
discourage offers to acquire substantial blocks of RGA common
stock that would clearly improve shareholder value, taking into
account, as appropriate, any loss of the NOLs and other tax
attributes. In the case of any such proposed acquisition that
the RGA board of directors determines to be in the best interest
of RGA and its shareholders, in light of all factors deemed
relevant, the RGA board of directors would grant approval for
such acquisition to proceed.
The anti-takeover effects should also be considered in light of
other charter, bylaw and statutory provisions applicable to RGA,
which could also have the effect of preventing a takeover, as
described in Proposal Two: RGA Class B Significant
Holder Voting Limitation, Proposal Three:
Acquisition Restrictions and Description of RGA
Capital Stock Anti-Takeover Provisions in the RGA
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Possible
Effect on Liquidity
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan will restrict an
RGA shareholders ability to acquire, directly or
indirectly, additional RGA stock in excess of the specified
limitations. Further, a shareholders ownership of RGA
stock may become subject to the effects of the Section
382 shareholder rights plan upon the actions taken by
related persons. A legend reflecting the existence of the
current Section 382 shareholder rights plan, as it may be
amended (including as it may be amended and restated in
connection with the recapitalization as
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the amended and restated Section 382 shareholder rights
plan) is and will be placed on certificates representing newly
issued or transferred shares of RGA stock. These restrictions
may also result in a decreased valuation of RGA stock due to the
resulting restrictions on transfers to persons directly or
indirectly owning or seeking to acquire a significant block of
RGA stock.
Required
Vote
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
RGA common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote on the proposal. Each outstanding share of existing RGA
common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter which may
properly come before the special meeting. MetLife, which owns
approximately 52% of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock,
has agreed to vote its shares of RGA common stock in favor of
each of the RGA special meeting proposals unless RGA withdraws
or modifies its recommendation that RGA shareholders vote in
favor of the transactions contemplated by the recapitalization
and distribution agreement.
However, the Section 382 shareholder rights plan
proposal will not be implemented if the recapitalization
proposal and the governance proposals are not approved. Approval
of the recapitalization proposal requires the affirmative vote
of (1) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
RGA common stock and (2) holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of RGA common stock (other than MetLife and
its subsidiaries) present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote on the recapitalization proposal. Approval of the
governance proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares of RGA common stock.
Recommendation
of the RGA Board of Directors
The RGA special committee, and the RGA board of directors
(other than the MetLife designees, who abstained) upon the
unanimous recommendation of the RGA special committee, have
approved the Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal
and have determined that the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan is advisable and favorable to and, therefore, fair to and
in the best interests of RGA and RGAs shareholders other
than MetLife and its other subsidiaries. The RGA special
committee and the RGA board of directors (other than the MetLife
designees, who abstained) recommend that RGA shareholders vote
FOR the ratification of the Section 382
shareholder rights plan.
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THE
RECAPITALIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
MetLife and RGA entered into a recapitalization and distribution
agreement as of June 1, 2008, which provides for the
transactions described in this document. The recapitalization
and distribution agreement governs the rights and obligations of
MetLife and RGA relating to the recapitalization and the
divestiture. The following is a summary of the material terms of
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, a copy of which
is attached as Appendix A and incorporated herein. This
summary does not contain, and is qualified by, all of the terms
of the recapitalization and distribution agreement. All RGA
shareholders are urged to read carefully the recapitalization
and distribution agreement in its entirety.
Recapitalization
Generally
MetLife, through its subsidiary General American, currently
holds approximately 52% of the outstanding RGA common stock. In
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, MetLife and RGA
agreed that each outstanding share of RGA common stock will be
reclassified as one share of RGA class A common stock.
Immediately after such reclassification, MetLife and its
subsidiaries will exchange shares representing approximately 47%
of the outstanding RGA class A common stock that they hold
with RGA for an equal number of shares of RGA class B
common stock, which will represent all of the outstanding shares
of RGA class B common stock. The remaining approximately 5%
of the outstanding RGA common stock held by MetLife and its
subsidiaries, along with all of the outstanding RGA class A
common stock not held by MetLife and its subsidiaries, will
remain outstanding as RGA class A common stock.
Pursuant to the recapitalization and distribution agreement, RGA
will amend and restate its articles of incorporation to, among
other things, effect the recapitalization. The proposed RGA
amended and restated articles of incorporation are attached as
Appendix B. The RGA class A common stock will be
identical in all respects to RGAs current common stock,
and will be substantially identical in all respects to the RGA
class B common stock (including with respect to dividends
and voting on matters other than director-related matters),
except that, in each case:
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
members of the RGA board of directors;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the
members of the RGA board of directors;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B common stock
will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of the outstanding
RGA class B common stock with respect to directors if they do
not also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA class A
common stock (see Proposal Two: RGA Class B
Significant Holder Voting Limitation).
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If, for example, the RGA board of directors were to consist of
five directors, four would be designated for election by the
holders of the RGA class B common stock and one would be
designated for election by the holders of the RGA class A
common stock.
Upon the recapitalization, holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be entitled to
receive the same per share consideration in any reorganization
or in any merger, share exchange, consolidation or combination
of RGA with any other company (except for such differences as
may be permitted with respect to their existing rights to elect
directors).
In general, the rights of the holders of RGA class A common
stock and RGA class B common stock will be substantially
the same in all other respects, except for certain limited
matters required by Missouri law. Missouri law requires a
separate class voting right if an amendment to the RGA articles
of incorporation would alter the aggregate number of authorized
shares or par value of either such class or alter the powers,
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preferences or special rights of either such class so as to
affect these rights adversely. These class voting rights provide
each class with an additional measure of protection in the case
of a limited number of actions that could have an adverse effect
on the holders of shares of such class. For example, if the RGA
board of directors were to propose an amendment to the RGA
articles of incorporation that would adversely affect the rights
and privileges of RGA class A common stock or RGA
class B common stock, the holders of the class being
adversely affected would be entitled to a separate class vote on
such proposal, in addition to any vote that may be required
under the RGA articles of incorporation.
In connection with the recapitalization, RGA is submitting to
the RGA shareholders a set of additional amendments to the RGA
articles of incorporation for approval. The amendments will be
filed and become effective immediately prior to the split-off.
The recapitalization (and therefore the split-off) is
conditioned on receipt of RGA shareholder approval of these
amendments and ratification of the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan adopted by the RGA
special committee. For a description of these proposals, see
Summary The RGA Special Meeting
Proposals.
IRS
Letter Ruling Matters
MetLife received a private letter ruling from the IRS regarding
the divesture, which contemplates that MetLife will retain and
not exchange the recently acquired stock in the divestiture. It
is a condition to MetLifes obligation to complete the
split-off that, if the recapitalization and split-off will not
be completed by November 11, 2008, it and/or RGA will
receive a supplemental IRS private letter ruling providing that
MetLife either may exchange the recently acquired stock for RGA
class B common stock and distribute such shares in the
divestiture or retain the recently acquired stock as RGA
class A common stock. It is a condition to RGAs
obligation to complete the recapitalization that, if the
recapitalization and split-off will not be completed by
November 11, 2008, it and/or MetLife will receive a
supplemental IRS private letter ruling providing that MetLife
can continue to retain the recently acquired stock as RGA
class A common stock. If MetLife receives a supplemental
IRS private letter ruling providing that it may exchange the
recently acquired stock for RGA class B common stock and
distribute such stock in the divestiture (but not that it may
retain the recently acquired stock), RGA can decide whether or
not to waive the condition set forth in the immediately
preceding sentence.
Conditions
to Completing the Recapitalization
The obligation of RGA and MetLife to effect the recapitalization
is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of
conditions, including those described below. Each of the
conditions are for the sole benefit of the relevant party and do
not give rise to or create any duty on the part of either party
to waive or not waive any such condition.
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
the obligation of RGA and MetLife to consummate the
recapitalization is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by
both MetLife and RGA of the following conditions at the time of
completion:
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RGA Shareholder Approval. RGA shareholders
approve the recapitalization proposal, the governance proposals
and the Section 382 shareholder rights plan proposal.
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Successful Exchange Offer. Except for the
occurrence of the recapitalization itself, all of the conditions
to the exchange offer, as set forth in the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, will have been satisfied or waived, and
MetLife irrevocably agrees with RGA that it will accept the
shares of MetLife common stock tendered and not withdrawn in the
exchange offer effective immediately following the completion of
the recapitalization.
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Minimum Tender Condition. The minimum tender
condition established by MetLife is satisfied prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer, which is required to be a
number of shares of MetLife common stock that, when tendered,
would result in at least 26,319,186 shares, or 90%, of the
RGA class B common stock held by MetLife being distributed
in the split-off.
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Illegality or Injunctions. There is in effect
no temporary, preliminary or permanent law, restraining order,
injunction, judgment or ruling enacted, promulgated, issued or
entered by any governmental authority (whether permanent,
temporary or preliminary) preventing or prohibiting the
recapitalization or the exchange offer.
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Governmental Action. There is not instituted
or pending any material action by any governmental authority
seeking to restrain or prohibit the recapitalization or the
exchange offer.
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IRS Ruling. The IRS ruling (which is referred
to as the IRS ruling) and any supplemental IRS
ruling will remain effective and there is no change in,
revocation of, or amendment to the IRS ruling or applicable law
that could reasonably be expected to cause MetLife or its
subsidiaries to incur any Section 355 taxes (other than any
de minimis Section 355 taxes) or other
Section 355 tax-related liability as a result of the
recapitalization, the exchange offer, any debt exchanges and any
subsequent split-offs or the conversion, and there will be no
other change in, revocation of, or amendment to the IRS ruling
or applicable law that could reasonably be expected to adversely
affect MetLife. There is no change in, revocation of, or
amendment to such rulings or the applicable law that could
reasonably be expected to impose a limitation on the ability of
RGA or any of its subsidiaries to utilize its, or their, NOLs
(other than any de minimis NOLs) as a result of the
recapitalization, the exchange offer or any debt exchanges and
any subsequent split-offs, and there is no other change in,
revocation of, or amendment to such rulings or the applicable
law that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect RGA or
any of its subsidiaries.
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Form S-4. The
Form S-4
relating to both the recapitalization and the exchange offer, of
which this document forms a part, is declared effective by the
SEC, and such
Form S-4
does not become subject to a stop order or proceeding seeking a
stop order.
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NYSE Listing. Both the shares of RGA
class A common stock to be issued in the recapitalization
and RGA class B common stock to be distributed in the
exchange offer are authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject
to official notice of issuance, and the relevant RGA
registration statements on
Form 8-A
will have been filed with the SEC and become effective.
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Insurance Regulatory Approvals. Certain
insurance regulatory approvals required for the recapitalization
and divestiture are obtained. See The
Transactions Regulatory Approval.
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Acquiring Person Under Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan. No person or group has qualified or has
otherwise become an acquiring person under the Section 382
shareholder rights plan.
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Accuracy of Representations and
Warranties. Each partys representations and
warranties (except for certain representations and warranties
deemed unrelated to the recapitalization) are true and correct
in all material respects, in each case when made and as of the
date on which the recapitalization will occur (except to the
extent that such representations and warranties expressly
related to a specified date, in which case as of such specified
date), and RGAs representation and warranty as to capital
stock set forth in the recapitalization and distribution
agreement will be true and correct (except for any de minimis
inaccuracy) (and an officers certificate to such
effect has been furnished to the other party).
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Covenants. Each party has performed in all
material respects the obligations, agreements and covenants
required to be performed by it prior to the recapitalization
(and an officers certificate to such effect has been
furnished to the other party).
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Comfort Letter. Deloitte & Touche
LLP has furnished to each party certain comfort
letters containing statements and information of the type
customarily included in the accountants initial and
bring-down comfort letters to underwriters with
respect to the financial statements and certain financial
information of the parties contained and incorporated by
reference in the
Form S-4
of which this document forms a part.
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Legal Opinion. Each party has received certain
legal opinions from internal and external counsel to the other
party.
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The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
the obligation of RGA to consummate the recapitalization is
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following
additional condition:
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Supplemental IRS Ruling. If the exchange offer
would not expire on or prior to November 10, 2008 (with
completion no more than one business day thereafter), MetLife
and/or RGA
shall have received a supplemental IRS ruling substantially to
the effect that each share of recently acquired stock shall be
reclassified into one share of RGA class A common stock and
that such shares of RGA class A common stock shall not be
included in the split-off, debt exchange
and/or
subsequent split-offs.
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Resignation of MetLife Designees to RGA Board of
Directors. RGA has received the resignation of
Steven A. Kandarian, Georgette A. Piligian and Joseph A. Reali,
effective as of the close of the exchange offer.
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The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
the obligation of MetLife to consummate the recapitalization is
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following
additional condition:
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Supplemental IRS Ruling. If the
recapitalization and distribution agreement is amended to
include the recently acquired stock in the divestiture, then
MetLife and/or RGA shall have received a supplemental IRS ruling
substantially to the effect that the recently acquired stock
shall be exchanged for RGA class B common stock and such
stock shall be part of the RGA class B common stock
divested in the split-off, the debt exchange
and/or
subsequent split-offs.
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Exchange
Offer/Split-Off
Commencing
the Exchange Offer
Generally. In the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, MetLife agreed to include in the
exchange offer all of the RGA class B common stock that
MetLife and its subsidiaries will receive in the
recapitalization. MetLife and RGA agreed that MetLife could
commence the exchange offer at such time as MetLife determined
so long as:
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the conditions described below under
Conditions to Commencing the Exchange
Offer were satisfied or waived;
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subject to the delay rights and blackout rights described below
under Delay Rights and Blackout Rights,
the exchange offer would commence no later than the first
customary trading window established by MetLife following
announcement of its earnings for each fiscal quarter (each of
which is referred to as a window period) for which
there is at least 25 business days between (1) the date on
which the
Form S-4
of which this document forms a part is declared effective by the
SEC and the IRS ruling has not been adversely modified and
(2) the last day of such window period;
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the exchange offer will be open for at least five business days
following the RGA special meeting; and
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MetLife may elect to delay the commencement of the exchange
offer if it believes the insurance regulatory approvals
described in The Transactions Regulatory
Approval will not be obtained prior to completion of the
exchange offer.
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Conditions to Commencing the Exchange
Offer. The recapitalization and distribution
agreement provides that MetLife will not commence the exchange
offer unless each of the following conditions is satisfied or
waived:
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IRS Ruling. There is no change in, revocation
of, or amendment to the IRS ruling, any supplemental IRS ruling
or applicable law that could reasonably be expected to cause
MetLife or its subsidiaries to incur any Section 355 taxes
(other than any de minimis Section 355 taxes) or
other Section 355 tax-related liability as a result of the
recapitalization, any debt exchanges and any subsequent
split-offs or the conversion, and there is no other change in,
revocation of, or amendment to such rulings or applicable law
that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect MetLife.
There is no change in, revocation of, or amendment to the IRS
ruling, any supplemental IRS ruling or the applicable law that
could reasonably be expected to impose a limitation on the
ability of RGA or any of its subsidiaries to
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utilize its, or their, NOLs (other than any de minimis
NOLs) as a result of the recapitalization, exchange offer,
any debt exchanges and any subsequent split-offs, and there is
no other change in, revocation of, or amendment to such rulings
or the applicable law that could reasonably be expected to
adversely affect RGA or any of its subsidiaries.
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Form S-4. The
Form S-4
of which this document forms a part will have been declared
effective, or the SEC staff has advised that it has no further
comments on the
Form S-4
such that such
Form S-4
will become effective upon request to the SEC, and such
Form S-4
has not become subject to a stop order or proceeding seeking a
stop order.
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No Illegality or Injunctions. There is no
temporary, preliminary or permanent restraints in effect
preventing or prohibiting the exchange offer or the
recapitalization.
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Governmental Action. There is no instituted or
pending material action by any governmental authority seeking to
restrain or prohibit the exchange offer or the recapitalization.
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Acquiring Person Under Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan. No person or group has qualified or has
otherwise become an acquiring person under the Section 382
shareholder rights plan.
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Representations and Warranties. Each
partys representations and warranties in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement are true and correct
in all material respects, in each case when made and as of the
closing date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties expressly related to a specified date, in which case
as of such specified date); and certain of RGAs
representations and warranties in the recapitalization and
distribution agreement regarding its capital stock is true and
correct (except for any de minimis inaccuracy) (and an
officers certificate to such effect has been furnished to
the other party).
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Covenants. Each party has performed in all
material respects its obligations, agreements or covenants
required to be performed by it on or prior to the commencement
date of the exchange offer under the recapitalization and
distribution agreement (and an officers certificate to
such effect has been furnished to the other party).
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The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
MetLife also will not commence the exchange offer unless the
following condition is satisfied (or waived by RGA):
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Supplemental IRS Ruling. If the exchange offer
would not expire on or prior to November 10, 2008, (with
completion no more than one business day thereafter) MetLife
and/or RGA
shall have received a supplemental IRS ruling substantially to
effect that each share of recently acquired stock shall be
reclassified into one share of RGA class A common stock and
that such shares of RGA class A common stock shall not be
included in the split-off, debt exchange
and/or
subsequent split-offs.
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Delay Rights and Blackout
Rights. MetLifes obligation to commence the
exchange offer is further subject to certain delay rights and
blackout rights. Specifically:
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Pricing Delay Right. MetLife has a right to
delay commencement of the exchange offer if the VWAP of RGA
common stock for the 10-trading-day period ending on the second
trading day prior to the proposed commencement date of the
exchange offer is less than $38.565, or 75% of the closing price
of RGA common stock on the NYSE on May 30, 2008, which was
$51.42. MetLife may continue this delay until the second
business day following the first testing date (as described in
the next sentence) on which the VWAP of RGA common stock for the
10-trading-day period ending on such testing date is 75% or more
than the closing price of RGA common stock on the NYSE on the
date prior to announcement of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement. Testing date means each of
the two business days immediately prior to the commencement of a
window period and each business day within a window period that
is at least 23 business days prior to the end of such window
period.
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Discretionary Delay Right. In addition to a
pricing delay right, the recapitalization and distribution
agreement provides MetLife with a right to delay commencement of
the exchange offer to the extent permitted by law with respect
to not more than three window periods. If MetLife exercises a
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discretionary delay right, MetLife must commence the exchange
offer (subject to any pricing delay right, remaining
discretionary delay rights and blackout rights) on any business
day that is 21 or more business days prior to the end of the
first window period for which at least 21 business days remain,
and, subject to compliance with applicable laws, shall complete
the exchange offer during such window period.
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Blackout Right. Each of MetLife and RGA also
has a right to delay commencement or completion of the exchange
offer if such delaying party shall determine that commencing or
completing the exchange offer during one of their respective
window periods will (1) have a material detrimental effect
on the completion of another transaction then being negotiated
or a plan then being considered by the board of such delaying
party or (2) involve disclosure obligations that are not in
the best interests of such delaying partys stockholders.
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Conditions
for Completing the Exchange Offer
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
MetLife will not be required to accept for payment or, subject
to any applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, pay for any
tendered shares of MetLife common stock unless the following
conditions are satisfied:
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Minimum Tender Condition. The minimum tender
condition established by MetLife is satisfied prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer, which is required to be a
number of shares of MetLife common stock that, when tendered,
would result in at least 26,319,186 shares, or 90%, of the RGA
class B common stock held by MetLife being distributed in
the split-off;
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HSR Waiting Period. Any waiting period (and
any extension thereof) applicable to the exchange offer or the
recapitalization under the HSR Act has terminated or expired
prior to the expiration of the exchange offer;
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Illegality or Injunctions. There are no
temporary, preliminary or permanent restraints in effect
preventing or prohibiting the recapitalization, the exchange
offer or any additional divestiture transaction;
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Governmental Action. There is no instituted or
pending material action by any governmental authority seeking to
restrain or prohibit the recapitalization, the exchange offer or
any additional divestiture transaction;
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IRS Ruling and Tax Opinion. The IRS ruling
condition to commencing the exchange offer shall continue to be
satisfied, and counsel to MetLife shall have issued the tax
opinion (with respect to certain requirements for tax-free
treatment under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code on
which the IRS will not and did not rule), in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to MetLife (which opinion RGA shall have
had the opportunity to review, but not approve);
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Recapitalization. The recapitalization shall
have occurred;
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Form S-4. The
Form S-4
relating to the exchange offer shall have been declared
effective by the SEC, and such
Form S-4
shall not have become subject to a stop order or proceeding
seeking a stop order;
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NYSE Listing. The shares of RGA class B
common stock to be distributed in the exchange offer shall have
been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance;
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Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of RGA set forth in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects, when made and as of the
closing date as though made at the closing date (except to the
extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate
to a specified date, in which case as of such specified date)
(and an officers certificate to such effect has been
furnished to MetLife);
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Covenants. RGA shall have performed in all
material respects its obligations, agreements and covenants
under the recapitalization and distribution agreement (and an
officers certificate to such effect has been furnished to
MetLife);
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Insurance Regulatory Approvals. Certain
insurance regulatory approvals required for the recapitalization
and divestiture have been obtained, as described in The
Transactions Regulatory Approval.
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Additional
Divestiture Transactions
Generally
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
if, following the split-off, MetLife continues to hold any
shares of RGA class B common stock, MetLife will distribute
such shares of RGA class B common stock to its security
holders through: (1) one or more public or private debt
exchanges
and/or
(2) one or more subsequent split-offs (these additional
transactions are referred to as the additional divestiture
transactions). To the extent that, following the
split-off, MetLife continues to hold shares of RGA class B
common stock, MetLife has agreed to use its reasonable best
efforts to commence the additional divestiture transactions
immediately following the split-off and, in any event, MetLife
has agreed to complete such transactions no later than the first
anniversary of the split-off. MetLife further has agreed not to
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of RGA
class B common stock to the MetLife stockholders (including
as a stock dividend) or to any third party, except pursuant to
the exchange offer and the additional divestiture transactions.
Debt
Exchanges
If MetLife decides to engage in one or more public or private
debt exchanges in order to distribute some or all of the
remaining shares of RGA class B common stock, MetLife will
exchange such shares for certain outstanding debt securities
issued by MetLife with an initial term of at least
10 years. Any debt exchanges may be effected as either:
(1) a private exchange with one or more participating banks
and/or other
person(s), or (2) a public exchange that is or is required
to be registered under the Securities Act.
Furthermore, MetLife will (1) consummate any debt exchanges
in accordance with the IRS ruling, any supplemental IRS ruling,
the IRS ruling request, any supplemental IRS ruling request, the
tax opinion and with applicable securities laws,
(2) consult in advance with RGA regarding the terms,
structure and legal documents relating to any such debt
exchanges, in order for RGA to be reasonably satisfied that such
terms, structure and legal documentation are consistent with the
IRS ruling, any supplemental IRS ruling, the IRS ruling request,
any supplemental IRS ruling requests, the tax opinion and
applicable securities laws, and (3) obtain RGAs prior
consent to any documentation relating to any such debt exchanges
to which RGA is a party or pursuant to which RGA has any
potential liability or obligation (other than any de
minimis liability or obligation). RGA has agreed that it
will not unreasonably withhold or delay such consent. The
recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that the
conditions to commencing a public debt exchange and the
conditions to completing a public debt exchange will be the same
as the conditions that apply to the commencement or completion
of the exchange offer with certain modifications to render them
applicable in the context of a debt exchange.
In addition, if a public debt exchange is undertaken, the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, including
indemnification and contribution, set forth in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement will extend to the
public debt exchange as if the public debt exchange were the
exchange offer, as appropriate in the particular context. Any
breach of a representation or warranty or obligation, agreement
or covenant of a party will generally not result in a failure of
any condition to completing a public debt exchange unless such
breach is curable under applicable law and the breaching party
fails to cure such breach; provided that each party agrees to
cooperate in good faith in connection with any such efforts to
cure such breach.
To the extent that a private debt exchange is undertaken, RGA
has agreed that it will enter into a customary registration
rights agreement with the participating banks on terms and
conditions reasonably satisfactory to RGA.
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Subsequent
Split-Offs
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
MetLife may, in addition to or instead of any debt exchanges,
conduct one or more subsequent split-offs with respect to some
or all of the shares of RGA class B common stock remaining
following the split-off.
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that
MetLife will (1) consummate any subsequent split-offs in
accordance with the IRS ruling, any supplemental IRS ruling, the
IRS ruling request, any supplemental IRS ruling request, the tax
opinion and with applicable securities laws, (2) consult in
advance with RGA regarding the terms, structure and legal
documents relating to any such subsequent split-offs, in order
for RGA to be reasonably satisfied that such terms, structure
and legal documentation are consistent with the IRS ruling, any
supplemental IRS ruling, the IRS ruling request, any
supplemental IRS ruling requests, the tax opinion and applicable
securities laws, and (3) obtain RGAs prior consent to
any documentation relating to any such subsequent split-offs to
which RGA is a party or pursuant to which RGA has any potential
liability or obligation (other than any de minimis
liability or obligation). RGA has agreed that it will not
unreasonably withhold or delay such consent. The
recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that the
conditions to commencing a subsequent split-off and the
conditions to completing a subsequent split-off will be the same
as the conditions that apply to the commencement or completion
of the exchange offer.
In addition, if a subsequent split-off is undertaken, the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, including
indemnification and contribution, set forth in the
recapitalization and distribution agreement will extend to any
subsequent split-off as if a subsequent split-off were the
exchange offer, as appropriate in the particular context. Any
breach of a representation or warranty or obligation, agreement
or covenant of a party will generally not result in a failure of
any condition to completing a subsequent split-off unless such
breach is curable under applicable law and the breaching party
fails to cure such breach; provided that each party agrees to
cooperate in good faith in connection with any such efforts to
cure such breach.
Interim
Operating Covenants
The recapitalization and distribution agreement provides that,
through the earlier of the termination of the recapitalization
and distribution agreement, or the end date (which
is the earlier of (1) the first date following the
recapitalization on which MetLife no longer holds any shares of
RGA class B common stock that it received in the
recapitalization or (2) the first anniversary of the
split-off), RGA has generally agreed that, except with the prior
written consent of MetLife, it will not, and will cause its
subsidiaries not to:
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except in connection with certain shareholder rights plans,
amend or propose to amend its articles of incorporation or
by-laws or equivalent organizational documents (other than as
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement)
in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of RGA
shareholders in any material respect or that would reasonably be
expected to delay or impair the transaction or the parties
ability to comply with their obligations under the
recapitalization and distribution agreement;
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adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation or
dissolution (except with respect to subsidiaries of RGA that are
not significant subsidiaries);
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change the principal business of RGA and its subsidiaries from
the life reinsurance business to a different line of business;
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enter into any line of business that is not reasonably related
or complementary to the life reinsurance business;
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prior to the 90th day after completion of the exchange offer,
acquire, or enter into an agreement to acquire, any businesses,
assets, product lines, business units, business operations,
stock or other properties, including by way of merger or
consolidation, where the total consideration paid, or to be
paid, by RGA in such acquisition is in excess of
$500 million; or
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authorize any of, or commit to do or enter into any binding
contract with respect to any of the foregoing actions.
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From the date of the recapitalization and distribution agreement
through the earlier of the end date or the termination of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement, without
MetLifes written consent (which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed if the action would not
reasonably be expected to delay or impair the transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement
or the parties ability to comply with their obligations
under the recapitalization and distribution agreement), RGA will
not, and will cause its subsidiaries not to, do any of the
following during the period in which the exchange offer is open,
nor prior to the commencement of the exchange offer to the
extent that such action (including the completion of an
announced transaction) would require the filing of a current
report on
Form 8-K
to report previously undisclosed information during the period
in which the exchange offer is open (provided that these
restrictions will not apply to the completion of a transaction
disclosed prior to the date of commencement of the exchange
offer so long as such completion occurs by completion of the
exchange offer):
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except in connection with the Section 382 shareholder
rights plan or certain other permitted shareholder rights plans,
issue, sell or grant any shares of its capital stock, any other
voting securities, or any other securities or rights convertible
into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or evidencing the right
to subscribe for any shares of its capital stock, or any rights,
warrants or options to purchase any shares of its capital stock,
or any securities or rights convertible into, exchangeable or
exercisable for, or evidencing the right to subscribe for, any
shares of its capital stock; provided that RGA may, subject to
certain of RGAs indemnification obligations,
(1) issue or grant any options, rights, shares, units or
other awards and issue shares of RGA common stock upon exercise,
conversion or settlement of any options, rights, shares, units
or other awards issued in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice pursuant to employee, director or
consultant stock or benefit plans; (2) issue shares
pursuant to or amend solely in order to modify an existing
warrant agreement, to adjust the exchange ratio of the warrants
so that such warrants are convertible into RGA class A
common stock following the recapitalization; (3) issue
shares pursuant to or amend, in order to make modifications that
are consistent with those made to the warrant agreement
described in the preceding item (2) to an existing unit
agreement, and (4) enter into, or cause its subsidiaries to
enter into, one or more transactions to finance regulatory or
operational requirements, including regulatory reserve
collateral requirements, under Regulation XXX;
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except in connection with the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan or certain shareholder rights plans, (1) redeem,
purchase or otherwise acquire any of its outstanding shares of
capital stock, or any other securities thereof or any rights,
warrants or options to acquire any such shares or securities,
except in connection with the exercise of any options, rights,
shares, units or other awards pursuant to employee, director or
consultant stock or benefit plans, (2) declare, set aside
for payment or pay any dividend on, or make any other
distribution (whether in cash, stock or other form) in respect
of, any shares of its capital stock (other than ordinary course
quarterly cash dividends (including any increases in such
quarterly dividends) or dividends by any RGA subsidiary),
(3) adjust, split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any
shares of its capital stock, or (4) enter into any
contract, understanding or arrangement with respect to the sale,
voting, registration or repurchase of RGA common stock or the
capital stock of any subsidiary of RGA, other than employee,
director or consultant stock or benefit plans or agreements or
as an inducement to employment;
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acquire or enter into an agreement to acquire any businesses,
assets, product lines, business units, business operations,
stock or other properties, including by way of merger or
consolidation, other than acquisitions that are not material to
RGA and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
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enter into or discontinue any line of business material to RGA
and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or
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authorize any of, or commit to do or enter into any binding
contract with respect to any of the foregoing actions.
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Non-Solicitation. Each of MetLife and RGA
agreed that, on or prior to the earlier of the recapitalization
or the termination of the recapitalization and distribution
agreement, subject to an exception, it will not, and will not
authorize or permit or direct their subsidiaries or
representatives to do any of the following, whether directly or
indirectly:
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solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the
making of any proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely
to lead to an alternative proposal (as defined below); and
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other than informing persons of the provisions on
non-solicitation in the recapitalization and distribution
agreement, participate in any discussions or negotiations
regarding any alternative proposal, or furnish any information
concerning MetLife, RGA and their respective subsidiaries to any
person in connection with any alternative proposal.
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Notwithstanding the non-solicitation provision described above,
at any time prior to the approval of the recapitalization by the
RGA shareholders, in response to an unsolicited bona fide
written alternative proposal (in the case of RGA), or an
unsolicited bona fide written offer for all of the equity
securities or consolidated assets of RGA pursuant to which the
shareholders of RGA (other than MetLife and its other
subsidiaries) would receive the same consideration on a per
share basis as MetLife on the same terms and conditions as
MetLife and its other subsidiaries would receive their
consideration (in the case of MetLife and its other
subsidiaries), in each case, made after the date of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement, and after the
MetLife board of directors (in the case of MetLife) or the RGA
special committee (in the case of RGA) determines in good faith,
after consultation with outside counsel, that the failure to
take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law to such companys respective
shareholders or stockholders, as the case may be, RGA or MetLife
may:
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furnish information regarding MetLife, RGA and their respective
subsidiaries to the person making such alternative proposal (and
its representatives), subject to the confidentiality provisions
of the agreement; and
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participate in discussions or negotiations with the person
making such alternative proposal (and its representatives)
regarding such alternative proposal.
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An alternative proposal means any inquiry, proposal
or offer from any person (other than MetLife, RGA, and their
respective subsidiaries) relating to any (1) acquisition of
assets of RGA and its subsidiaries equal to 25% or more of
RGAs consolidated assets or to which 25% or more of
RGAs revenues or earnings on a consolidated basis are
attributable, (2) acquisition of 25% or more of the
outstanding RGA common stock (excluding any acquisition by
underwriters or initial purchasers in connection with certain
issuances of RGA common equity-based securities),
(3) tender offer or exchange offer that, if completed,
would result in any person beneficially owning 25% or more of
the outstanding RGA common stock or (4) merger,
consolidation, share exchange, business combination,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar
transaction involving RGA; in each case, other than the
recapitalization and divestiture.
Consideration as used above and in the third
paragraph below includes any amount paid by the person making
the alternative proposal to MetLife in a transaction that is
conditioned upon such alternative transaction to the extent that
such amount exceeds the fair market value received by such
person from MetLife in such transaction.
RGA Withdrawal of Recommendation. RGA agreed
that neither the RGA special committee nor the RGA board of
directors will (1) withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse
to MetLife, the recommendation that RGA shareholders vote to
approve and adopt the recapitalization and distribution
agreement and the recapitalization, or (2) publicly
recommend to the RGA shareholders an alternative proposal. Any
action described in parts (1) or (2) of the preceding
sentence is referred to as an RGA adverse recommendation
change.
The RGA board of directors, and the RGA special committee, may,
however, make an RGA adverse recommendation change, upon a
good-faith determination by the RGA board of directors (after
receiving the advice of their respective outside legal counsel)
that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with
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the fiduciary duties of the RGA board of directors or the RGA
special committee, as the case may be, under applicable law and,
in such event, may explain its rationale for such RGA adverse
recommendation change in communications with the RGA
shareholders and in filings with or other submissions to
governmental authorities. If the RGA board of directors or the
RGA special committee makes an RGA adverse recommendation
change, MetLife is relieved of its non-solicitation obligations
under the recapitalization and distribution agreement from and
after the time of the RGA adverse recommendation change.
At a meeting of the RGA shareholders called on not less than
60 days notice and held prior to the RGA shareholders
meeting described below, MetLife may submit to the RGA
shareholders for approval any bona fide written
alternative proposal for all of the equity securities or
consolidated assets of RGA pursuant to which all RGA
shareholders would be entitled to receive the same consideration
on a per share basis and on the same terms and conditions. If
MetLife submits such a proposal, the RGA board of directors and
the RGA special committee will call a special meeting of RGA
shareholders to consider any such alternative proposal, on a
date prior to the RGA special meeting to consider the
recapitalization. If MetLife submits any such alternative
proposal, then (1) MetLife will cooperate and promptly
provide, or to the extent MetLife or its representatives do not
possess or have access, request from the prospective acquirer,
such information as the RGA special committee may reasonably
request regarding the alternative proposal and such acquirer;
and (2) RGA, at its sole option and upon written notice to
MetLife, may elect that all of (and not less than all of)
MetLife, RGA and their respective subsidiaries and
representatives will be relieved of their respective
non-solicitation obligations and from their respective
obligations in relation to an RGA adverse recommendation change.
RGA Shareholders Meeting. RGA has agreed
to call a meeting of RGA shareholders on a date selected by it
in its discretion, that is at least 5 business days prior
to the expiration of MetLifes exchange offer and to take
all lawful action to solicit the approval of the RGA
shareholders in favor of the approval and adoption of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement and the
recapitalization. In the event of an RGA adverse recommendation
change, RGA has agreed to nevertheless submit the
recapitalization and the recapitalization and distribution
agreement to the RGA shareholders for approval and adoption
unless the recapitalization and distribution agreement has been
terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the RGA
shareholders meeting.
Standstill
Until the completion of the split-off, and except as otherwise
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement,
MetLife agreed that it will not, and will not authorize any of
its subsidiaries to, without the prior approval of the RGA board
of directors, or of the RGA special committee, directly or
indirectly:
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effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise)
to effect, or cause or participate in or in any way knowingly
assist any other person to effect or seek, offer or propose
(whether publicly or otherwise) to initiate, effect or
participate in or support, (a) any acquisition of any
securities (or beneficial ownership thereof) or material assets
of RGA or any of its subsidiaries, (b) any tender or
exchange offer or merger or other business combination involving
RGA or any of its affiliates, (c) any recapitalization,
restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or other extraordinary
transaction with respect to RGA or any of its subsidiaries; and
(d) make, or in any way participate in, any
solicitation of proxies (as such terms
are defined or used in Regulation 14A under the Exchange
Act) with respect to the voting of any shares of RGA common
stock, RGA class A common stock or RGA class B common stock;
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form, join or in any way participate in any group
(other than with respect to MetLifes affiliates) with
respect to any of the shares of RGA common stock;
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otherwise act, either alone or in concert with others, to seek
control of RGA, including by submitting any written consent or
proposal in furtherance of the foregoing or calling a special
meeting of RGA shareholders;
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publicly disclose any intention, proposal, plan or arrangement
with respect to any of the foregoing; or
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take any action, or request any amendment or waiver, that would
reasonably be expected to require RGA to make a public
announcement with respect to the matters set forth in the first
and third bullet points above.
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Efforts
Each of MetLife and RGA generally agreed to use its reasonable
best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to
do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as
practicable the transactions contemplated by the
recapitalization and distribution agreement and to cooperate
with the other in connection with the foregoing.
In furtherance of the foregoing, each of MetLife and RGA agreed
to take all such action as may be reasonably necessary or
appropriate under the securities or blue sky laws of the United
States (and any comparable laws under any foreign jurisdiction
as the parties may mutually agree) in connection with the
recapitalization, the exchange offer or any additional
divestiture transactions (provided that RGA will not be required
to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify
as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any
jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject
itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any
jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject or to
qualify in any
non-U.S. jurisdictions
without its prior consent), and RGA will prepare and file, and
will use all reasonable efforts to have approved prior to the
recapitalization, an application for the listing on the NYSE of
RGA class A common stock and RGA class B common stock,
subject to official notice of issuance, and will prepare and
file a
Form 8-A
to register the RGA class A common stock and the RGA
class B common stock under the Exchange Act. MetLife will
be responsible for, and will promptly reimburse RGA for, or upon
request pay for, any filing fees required under any blue
sky laws of a U.S. or foreign jurisdiction in
connection with the exchange offer or any additional divestiture
transactions.
Tax
Matters
Each of MetLife and RGA has generally agreed to use reasonable
best efforts to obtain any supplemental private letter ruling
from the IRS relating to the divestitures that the parties agree
is necessary or advisable to obtain and have already submitted a
request for a supplemental private letter ruling with respect to
certain specified tax issues. Each of MetLife and RGA agreed to
effect the exchange offer and the recapitalization and the other
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement in a manner that is consistent with the
IRS ruling (including supplements), any IRS ruling request and
the tax opinion, and each party agreed to comply with, and to
cause its subsidiaries to comply with, the IRS ruling (including
supplements), any IRS ruling requests and the tax opinion and
otherwise not take, or fail to take, and prevent any of its
subsidiaries from taking, or failing to take, any action, which
action or failure to act would be likely to or does invalidate
any of the conclusions contained in the IRS ruling (including
supplements), or the tax opinion, whether or not such action or
failure to act would be otherwise permitted by the
recapitalization and distribution agreement. Each of MetLife and
RGA also agreed to not take or fail to take, and prevent any of
its subsidiaries from taking or failing to take any action,
which action or failure to act is inconsistent with any
representation, statement or covenant in the IRS ruling
(including supplements), any IRS ruling request, its respective
tax certificate, or otherwise in connection with the IRS ruling
(including supplements), any IRS ruling request or the tax
opinion. Each of MetLife and RGA agreed to use reasonable best
efforts to obtain a written tax opinion (from MetLifes
counsel) regarding certain U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the recapitalization, the exchange offer, any
debt exchanges and any subsequent split-offs.
Lock-Up
Period
RGA agreed that, until the earlier of termination of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement or the 60th day
following the earlier of the distribution of all of
MetLifes shares of RGA class B common stock or the
first anniversary of the closing of the recapitalization, it
will generally not engage in capital raising activities;
however, capital raising activities do not include issuing
securities to effect a business combination transaction,
pursuant to employee, director or consultant stock or benefit
plans or to agreements with employees, directors or consultants
or as an inducement to employment.
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Other exceptions from the general prohibition on RGA capital
raising activities include:
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issuing any common equity securities, equity-linked securities
(including convertible securities) or equity-forward sale
agreements, relating to the capital stock of RGA (any such
equity securities or agreements are referred to as RGA
Common Equity-Based Securities) in connection with certain
specified potential transactions, following the 90th day
after the split-off;
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adopting or taking action pursuant to the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan or, after the
earlier to occur of (1) termination of the recapitalization
and distribution agreement or (2) the 90th day
following the split-off, any other shareholder rights plan; or
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issuing RGA Common Equity-Based Securities if and to the extent
that RGA reasonably determines in good faith that such issuance,
at such time, is necessary to prevent a downgrade from any
nationally recognized rating agency (or restore a rating) so
long as, prior to such determination (1) RGA will have
discussed with such rating agency prior to commencement of the
exchange offer the time frame and potential necessity for such
an issuance, (2) RGA will have used commercially reasonable
efforts to persuade such rating agency to maintain or restore
its ratings without the need for such an issuance, and
(3) RGA will have used commercially reasonable efforts to
raise capital through the issuance of securities, other than the
RGA Common Equity-Based Securities, if RGA reasonably believes
that the issuance of such securities could maintain or restore
its ratings, unless the board of directors of RGA believes in
good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors, that
it would be in the best interests of RGA to issue Common
Equity-Based Securities instead of such securities.
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MetLife agreed that, during this same
lock-up
period, subject to an exception for negotiations, discussions or
transactions solely with the third party that approached MetLife
in late August 2007, as referenced in The
Transaction Background of the Divestiture, it
will not (and will not authorize, permit or direct its
subsidiaries to) sell, exchange, pledge or otherwise transfer or
dispose of the recently acquired stock, including in any
transaction that involves the offer or sale of common equity
securities, equity-linked securities (including convertible
securities) or equity forward sale agreements, relating to the
capital stock of RGA.
Following the expiration of the
lock-up
period, MetLife agreed (and will cause its applicable
subsidiaries) to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of the
recently acquired stock (either in the market, to a third party
in a sale that would not violate RGAs amended and restated
articles of incorporation, or to RGA), which sale will occur
within 60 months of the completion of the recapitalization.
Registration
Rights
At the closing of the split-off, the existing registration
rights agreement between MetLife and RGA will terminate.
However, under the terms of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, MetLife may make one written request to
RGA that RGA register, after the expiration of the
lock-up
period and prior to the first anniversary of the completion of
the divestiture, the offer and sale of all or any part of the
recently acquired stock. MetLife and RGA agree that if, during
the 36 months following the earlier of the distribution of
all of MetLifes shares of RGA class B common stock or
the first anniversary of the recapitalization, RGA conducts a
registered offering of any RGA class A common stock
(subject to certain exceptions), MetLife will have certain
piggyback registration rights to participate and sell all or a
portion of its recently acquired stock in such offering.
Voting
Pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization and distribution
agreement, MetLife agreed to, and cause its applicable
subsidiaries to, be present in person or by proxy at each and
every RGA shareholders meeting at which the RGA special meeting
proposals are submitted to the shareholders and to vote in favor
of the RGA special meeting proposals or otherwise to facilitate
the recapitalization, exchange offer and other transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement,
and against any proposal that, by its terms, would prevent RGA
from complying with its obligations under the recapitalization
and distribution agreement or any other proposal that would
reasonably be expected to prevent, impede or delay the
consummation of the
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recapitalization, the exchange offer, any debt exchanges or any
subsequent split-offs. MetLifes voting obligations
terminate in the event of an RGA adverse recommendation change.
Representations
and Warranties
The recapitalization and distribution agreement contains
representations of each of RGA, on the one hand, and MetLife, on
the other hand, made solely for the benefit of the other. The
assertions embodied in those representations and warranties are
qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules
that the parties have exchanged in connection with signing the
recapitalization and distribution agreement. The disclosure
schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies and
creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set
forth in the recapitalization and distribution agreement.
Furthermore, many of the representations and warranties may not
be accurate or complete as of any particular date because they
are subject to a contractual standard of materiality or material
adverse effect different from that generally applicable to
public disclosures to stockholders. The representations and
warranties were used for the purpose of allocating risk between
the parties to the recapitalization and distribution agreement
rather than establishing matters of fact. For the foregoing
reasons, you should not rely on the representations and
warranties contained in the recapitalization and distribution
agreement as statements of factual information. The
representations and warranties in the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and the description of them in this
document should be read in conjunction with the other
information contained in the reports, statements and filings
that the parties publicly file with the SEC. This description of
the representations and warranties is included to provide
stockholders with information regarding the terms of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement.
Each of RGA and MetLife make certain representations and
warranties to the other in the recapitalization and distribution
agreement, including representations relating to among other
things:
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organizational existence, good standing and requisite corporate
power;
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corporate authorization to enter into the recapitalization and
distribution agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby;
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approval by the partys board of directors of the
recapitalization and distribution agreement;
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no conflicts with or violations of governance documents,
material agreements or laws as a result of the execution and
delivery of the recapitalization and distribution agreement or
the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby;
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governmental approvals required in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the recapitalization and
distribution agreement;
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no litigation pending that would reasonably be expected to have
a material adverse effect;
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completeness and accuracy of certain information filed with the
SEC by each party, including with respect to each partys
respective capitalization and financial statements and related
information and the absence of any material changes;
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only the named brokers and other advisors are entitled to
receive fees from the applicable party;
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title to property;
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neither party is an investment company;
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internal system over financial reporting and disclosure controls
and procedures;
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disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
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no material adverse effect since the date of such partys
latest audited financial statements;
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insurance regulatory status of the insurance subsidiaries of
each party;
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the independence and regulatory status of each partys
independent registered public accounting firm;
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filing of material tax filings;
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accuracy of information in IRS ruling requests; and
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neither party has knowledge or reason to believe that it will
not be able to deliver the tax certificate contemplated by the
recapitalization and distribution agreement.
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The term material adverse effect, when used means
any change, effect, event, occurrence or development that,
individually or in the aggregate, is resulting, has resulted, or
would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, equity reserves,
surplus or results of operations of RGA or MetLife,
respectively, and their respective subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, or on the ability of such party to perform its
obligations under the recapitalization and distribution
agreement or to consummate the recapitalization and the exchange
offer by the termination date of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement.
Indemnification
Pursuant to the recapitalization and distribution agreement,
each party has agreed to indemnify the other party for losses
resulting from:
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breaches of representations, warranties or covenants of such
first party in the recapitalization and distribution agreement
or in any certificate delivered by such first party to the other
party pursuant to the recapitalization and distribution
agreement; and
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statements or omissions in any of the documents filed with the
SEC in connection with the transactions and any other documents
filed by such first party with the SEC in connection with the
transactions and any other documents filed by the first party
with the SEC that is incorporated into such documents, based on
any information furnished by or on behalf of such first party
for inclusion in such documents.
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Except in certain specified circumstances, RGA has agreed to
indemnify MetLife for any taxes and tax-related losses
(including losses resulting from certain claims by MetLife
stockholders that exchange shares of MetLife common stock for
shares of RGA class B common stock pursuant to the exchange
offer) that MetLife incurs as a result of the divestiture
failing to qualify as tax-free under Section 355 of the
Internal Revenue Code (such taxes and tax-related losses,
RGA Section 355 Taxes), if the taxes and
tax-related losses result solely from any breach of, or
inaccuracy in, any representation, covenant or obligation of RGA
under the recapitalization and distribution agreement or the RGA
tax certificate to be delivered in connection with the tax
opinion. MetLife is responsible for, and will indemnify RGA for,
any taxes or tax-related losses that result from the divestiture
failing to qualify as tax-free under Section 355 of the
Internal Revenue Code other than the RGA Section 355 Taxes.
Fees and
Expenses
All legal and other costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the recapitalization and distribution agreement will be
paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses. However,
RGA will bear the fees and expenses of printing and mailing
associated with the recapitalization; MetLife will bear the fees
and expenses of printing and mailing the
Form S-4
associated with the exchange offer, any public debt exchanges
and any subsequent split-offs; RGA and MetLife will equally bear
all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the
recapitalization, the exchange offer, any public debt exchanges
and any subsequent split-offs; and each party will pay its own
fees and expenses associated with the HSR Act. These allocations
are subject to MetLifes reimbursement obligations
described below.
Regardless of whether or not any of the transactions
contemplated by the recapitalization and distribution agreement
are completed, MetLife has agreed to promptly reimburse RGA for
its out-of-pocket and reasonably documented expenses incurred in
connection with or arising out of the transactions contemplated
by the recapitalization and distribution agreement; provided
that, in the event that the divestiture is completed,
MetLifes reimbursement obligation shall be subject to any
limit set forth in the IRS ruling, as it may be amended by any
supplemental IRS ruling.
101
In addition, for a period of four years after the split-off,
MetLife will reimburse RGA for each mailing of materials in
connection with any meeting of RGA shareholders an amount equal
to the product of $12.50, multiplied by the number of RGA
shareholders in excess of 80,000 (with such figure adjusted
upwards for additional RGA shareholders as a result of issuances
by RGA for each mailing of materials in connection with any
meeting of shareholders).
All registration expenses incident to RGAs performance of
or compliance with MetLifes piggyback rights, including,
but not limited to registration filing fees, professional fees
and other expenses of RGAs compliance with federal and
state securities laws, will be paid by RGA.
D&O
Liability Insurance
For a period of six years following the completion of the
exchange offer, MetLife will provide coverage under a policy of
officers and directors liability insurance for the
benefit of RGA and its subsidiaries, affiliates, each of their
respective directors, officers, employees and agents, and each
of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the
foregoing, and all other individual insureds of RGA and its
subsidiaries, who are covered by the current liability insurance
policy provided by MetLife covering the officers and directors
of RGA and its subsidiaries, with respect to claims against such
covered persons arising from acts or events occurring on or
prior to the completion of the exchange offer (including from
acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of
the recapitalization and distribution agreement and the
completion of the recapitalization, the split-off and any
subsequent split-off). The insurance is required to contain
terms and conditions (including as to type of coverage, amount
of coverage, and the amount of deductibility borne by RGA and
any covered person) no less advantageous to the covered persons
as the directors and officers liability insurance
coverage provided by MetLife to the officers and directors of
MetLife, as such terms may be in effect from time to time.
Termination
The recapitalization and distribution agreement may be
terminated prior to the completion of the recapitalization and
the split-off:
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by mutual written consent of MetLife and RGA;
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by either party if the recapitalization and the split-off are
not completed on or prior to December 31, 2009 (other than
as a result of a breach by the terminating party or, after
obtaining SEC clearance and required insurance regulatory
approvals, there are not four complete window periods prior to
the termination date, in which case the termination date will be
extended until after the fourth window period); provided that
this date may be automatically extended under certain
circumstances to ensure that there are at least four trading
windows during which the exchange offer can take place;
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by either party if there is a final and non-appealable
injunction or restraint prohibiting the recapitalization or the
exchange offer;
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by either party if RGA shareholders do not approve the RGA
special meeting proposals;
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by either party if the exchange offer expires or is terminated
in accordance with the terms of the agreement without MetLife
having accepted for purchase any shares of MetLife common stock,
other than due to a breach of the agreement by the terminating
party;
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by either party, if any person or group qualifies as or
otherwise becomes an acquiring person under the Section 382
shareholder rights plan;
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by either party, if the other party has breached its
representations or covenants in such a manner that it would
result in the failure of certain conditions to occur and which
breach is not cured within 30 days of notice;
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102
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by MetLife, if its board of directors authorizes it to enter
into a binding written agreement with a specific third party
providing for a transaction that constitutes a proposal for 90%
or more of the RGA common stock owned by MetLife and its other
subsidiaries that the MetLife board of directors determines in
good faith, after consultation with its advisors, that such
alternative proposal is more favorable to MetLife than the
divestiture; provided that MetLife shall have provided RGA with
at least three business days prior written notice of such
termination and a complete copy of such agreement; and
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immediately after the expiration of the exchange offer if
MetLife has not provided to RGA certain certificates as set
forth in the agreement unless such failure has been waived by
RGA.
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103
OTHER
ARRANGEMENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN METLIFE
AND RGA
MetLife
as Majority Stockholder of RGA
On January 6, 2000, MetLife acquired 100% of GenAmerica
Corporation, RGAs predecessor parent, including its
beneficial ownership of RGA shares, which was approximately 48%
at December 31, 1999. This acquisition, together with
direct investments in RGA in 1999, 2002 and 2003, made MetLife
RGAs majority shareholder with beneficial ownership of
approximately 52% of all outstanding shares as of April 30,
2008.
Following completion of the divestiture, a subsidiary of MetLife
will continue to hold the recently acquired stock, which will
represent approximately 9.1% of the outstanding RGA class A
common stock, approximately 5% of all outstanding RGA common
stock and approximately 4.8% of the RGA voting power (on matters
other than the election of directors). MetLife agreed that,
until the earlier of the termination of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement or the 60th day following the
earlier of the distribution of all of MetLifes shares of
RGA class B common stock or the first anniversary of the
closing of the recapitalization, it will not sell, exchange,
pledge or otherwise transfer or dispose of the recently acquired
stock. Following the expiration of this
lock-up
period, MetLife agreed to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of
the recently acquired stock (either in the market, to a third
party in a sale that would not violate RGAs amended and
restated articles of incorporation, or to RGA) within
60 months of the completion of the recapitalization.
MetLife
Officers as Directors of RGA
Currently, three of RGAs eight directors are officers of
MetLife, including the chairman of RGA. These directors will
resign as of the completion of the recapitalization and the
split-off.
Other
Arrangements Between MetLife and RGA
Reinsurance Business. RGA has direct policies
and reinsurance agreements with MetLife and some of its
affiliates. Under these agreements, RGA had net premiums of
approximately $250.9 million in 2007, $227.8 million
in 2006 and $226.7 million in 2005. The net premiums
reflect the net business assumed from and ceded to such
affiliates of MetLife. RGAs pre-tax income (loss),
excluding interest income allocated to support the business, was
approximately $16.0 million in 2007, $10.9 million in
2006 and ($11.3) million in 2005. RGAs reinsurance
treaties with MetLife are generally terminable by either party
on 90 days written notice, but only with respect to future
new business; existing business generally is not terminable
unless the underlying policies terminate or are recaptured.
Under these treaties, MetLife is permitted to reassume all or a
portion of the risk formerly ceded to RGA after an
agreed-upon
period of time or, in some cases, due to changes in RGA
financial condition or ratings. Recapture of business previously
ceded does not affect premiums ceded prior to the recapture of
such business, but would reduce premiums in subsequent periods.
There can be no assurance that MetLife will not terminate new
business in open treaties, or recapture treaties meeting
eligibility requirements, following the completion of any of the
transactions.
Following MetLifes acquisition of GenAmerica Corporation
(at the time, the parent of General American Life Insurance
Company) on January 6, 2000, MetLife entered into an
agreement with an RGA ceding company client to provide
additional security to the client and certain other protections
if RGA ceased to be a majority-owned subsidiary of MetLife. In
accordance with this agreement and in connection with the
split-off, MetLife and the RGA client plan to enter into an
arrangement whereby MetLife would assume risks and related
premiums from the RGA client that are currently ceded directly
to RGA. This arrangement would include a retrocession treaty
whereby MetLife will retrocede those risks to RGA. RGA expects
no material financial impact as a result of this arrangement.
The premiums from the ceding company client represented
approximately five to six percent of RGAs consolidated
gross premiums in 2007, 2006 and 2005. The arrangement would
become effective on the first day of the calendar quarter
following the later of completion of the split-off or receipt of
applicable regulatory approval. RGA would provide MetLife with
various administrative services relating to MetLifes
participation in this arrangement.
104
Registration Rights Agreement. On
November 24, 2003, RGA, MetLife, Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company, General American and Equity Intermediary
Company, which is now dissolved, entered into a registration
rights agreement, which RGA and MetLife have agreed will
terminate in connection with the completion of the exchange
offer. Under the terms of the agreement, MetLife and its
affiliates were entitled, subject to certain limitations and
conditions, to piggyback and demand registration
rights, and RGA was required to bear certain expenses associated
with the registration of any shares held by MetLife or its
affiliates. The underwriters of any such offering have the right
to limit the number of shares to be included in such
registration and, to the extent that it does not exercise its
piggyback rights in connection with a future public
offering of RGAs common stock, or of securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such common
stock, MetLife has agreed to enter into customary
lock-up
agreements for a period from the two days prior to and
180 days following the effective date of such registration,
upon the reasonable request of the managing underwriters of such
offering and subject to certain exceptions.
In March 2005, RGA registered the shares held by MetLife on a
Form S-3
registration statement, which was renewed in a
Form S-3
filing in February 2006. RGA paid a registration fee to the SEC
of approximately $173,200 in connection with the original
registration and incurred certain other legal and accounting
expenses to register the shares. Although the MetLife shares are
now registered, various other provisions of the agreement remain
operable until the completion of the exchange offer. The
recapitalization and divestiture require a separate registration
of the shares of RGA common stock held by MetLife, and these
transactions are being registered on a
Form S-4
of which this document forms a part.
RGA has granted additional registration rights to MetLife under
the recapitalization and distribution agreement. Under the
registration rights provisions of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, MetLife may make one written request to
RGA that RGA register, after the expiration of the
lock-up
period and prior to the first anniversary of the completion of
the divestiture, the offer and sale of all or any part of the
recently acquired stock. MetLife and RGA agree that if, during
the 36 months following the earlier of the distribution of
all of MetLifes shares of RGA class B common stock or
the first anniversary of the recapitalization, RGA conducts a
registered offering of any RGA class A common stock
(subject to certain exceptions), MetLife will have certain
piggyback registration rights to participate and sell all or a
portion of the recently acquired stock in such offering.
RGA has agreed to cooperate in these registrations and related
offerings, including the exchange offer. RGA and MetLife have
agreed to restrictions on the ability of each party to sell
securities following registrations conducted by RGA or at the
request of MetLife, unless permitted by the managing
underwriters in those offerings. In connection with the exchange
offer, all registration expenses will be paid by RGA, except
that MetLife or a permitted transferee, as applicable, will pay
all underwriting discounts, any fees payable to the dealer
managers, if any, in connection with the exchange offer and
commissions applicable to the sale of its shares of RGA
class A common stock and the fees and expenses of
MetLifes separate advisors and legal counsel. The
recapitalization and distribution agreement includes the same
customary mutual indemnification and contribution provisions as
can be found in the 2003 registration rights agreement.
Administrative Services. General American and
MetLife have historically provided RGA and its subsidiary, RGA
Reinsurance Company, with certain limited administrative
services, such as corporate risk management and corporate travel
services. The cost of these services was approximately
$2.8 million in 2007, $2.4 million in 2006 and
$1.7 million in 2005.
Product License Agreement. RGA Reinsurance has
a product license and service agreement with MetLife, which is
terminable by either party on 30 days notice. Under this
agreement, RGA has licensed the use of its electronic
underwriting product to MetLife and provides Internet hosting
services, installation and modification services for the
product. Revenue under this agreement from MetLife was
approximately $0.6 million in 2007, $0.7 million in
2006 and $1.6 million in 2005.
Director and Officer Insurance. MetLife
maintains a policy of insurance under which the directors and
officers of RGA are insured, subject to the limits of the
policy, against certain losses, as defined in the policy,
arising from claims made against such directors and officers by
reason of any wrongful acts, as defined in the policy, in their
respective capacities as directors or officers. MetLife charges
RGA an allocable cost for such
105
insurance included as part of the administrative services
described above. Pursuant to the recapitalization and
distribution agreement, MetLife has agreed to provide a policy
of directors and officers liability insurance for
the benefit of those individuals who are covered by the
directors and officers liability insurance policy
provided by MetLife as of the date of the recapitalization and
distribution agreement. Such policy shall be in effect for a
period of six years following the completion of the split-off.
Consultant Analyses. RGA has engaged
consultants to conduct certain analyses during 2008, which RGA
has agreed to share with MetLife. MetLife has agreed to pay for,
or reimburse RGA for, the cost of such analyses, which are not
expected to exceed $4.5 million.
RGA
Policy for Approval of Related Person Transactions
In July 2007, the RGA board of directors adopted a policy as
part of its corporate governance guidelines that requires
advance approval by the RGA board of directors before any of the
following persons knowingly enters into any transaction with RGA
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates through which such
person receives any direct or indirect financial, economic or
other similar benefit or interest.
The individuals covered by the policy include:
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any director;
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any nominee for director;
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any executive officer;
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any holder of more than five percent of RGAs voting
securities;
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any immediate family member of such a person, as that term is
defined in the policy; and
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any charitable entity or organization affiliated with such
person or any immediate family member of such person.
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Transactions covered by the policy include any contract,
arrangement, understanding, relationship, transaction,
contribution or donation of goods or services, but exclude
transactions with any of the following:
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MetLife, if the transaction is entered into in the ordinary
course of RGAs business and the terms are comparable to
those that are or would be negotiated with an unrelated client
or vendor; or
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any charitable entity or organization affiliated with a
director, nominee for director, executive officer, or any
immediate family member of such a person if the amount involved
is $2,500 or less.
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Each of the transactions that commenced in or after July 2007
was ratified or pre-approved in accordance with the foregoing
policy, other than reinsurance agreements that fall with the
exception described above regarding transactions with MetLife.
106
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF
RGA
The tables below sets forth, as of June 30, 2008, except as
otherwise noted, certain information concerning the beneficial
ownership of shares of RGA common stock and, except for 5%
holders, of MetLife common stock, by:
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each director of RGA;
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each executive officer of RGA;
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the current directors and executive officers of RGA as a group;
and
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persons who are known to be holders of 5% or more of shares of
RGA common stock.
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Each person has sole voting and investment power over the shares
reported except as noted. For purposes of this table,
beneficial ownership is determined in accordance
with
Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act, pursuant to which a person or group of
persons is deemed to have beneficial ownership of
any shares of common stock that such person has the right to
acquire within 60 days. For computing the percentage of the
class of securities held by each person or group of persons
named above, any shares which such person or persons has the
right to acquire within 60 days (as well as the shares of
common stock underlying fully vested stock options) are deemed
to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage
ownership of such person or group but are not deemed to be
outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person or group. No director, nominee or
named executive officer owns more than one percent of RGAs
outstanding common stock.
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Beneficial Ownership of Equity Securities
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Number of
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Name
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Title of Equity Security
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Equity Shares(1)
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Percent of Class
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David B. Atkinson
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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148,597(2)
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*
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William J. Bartlett
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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5,500
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*
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J. Cliff Eason
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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18,750(3)
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*
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Stuart I. Greenbaum
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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24,633(4)
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*
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Alan C. Henderson
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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12,996(5)
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*
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Steven A. Kandarian
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MetLife common stock
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46,112(6)
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*
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RGA common stock
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Jack B. Lay
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MetLife common stock
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200(7)
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*
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RGA common stock
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80,231(8)
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*
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Georgette A. Piligian
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MetLife common stock
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69,167(9), 20(10)
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*
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RGA common stock
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Joseph A. Reali
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MetLife common stock
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138,933(11), 170(12)
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*
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RGA common stock
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Paul A. Schuster
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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91,211(13)
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*
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Graham Watson
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MetLife common stock
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RGA common stock
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156,718(14)
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*
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A. Greig Woodring
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MetLife common stock
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90
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*
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RGA common stock
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444,824(15)
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*
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All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)
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MetLife common stock
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254,502(16)
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*
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RGA common stock
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1,056,765(17)
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1.7
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%
|
107
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* |
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Number of shares represents less than one percent of the number
of shares of common stock outstanding at June 30, 2008. |
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(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, each named person has sole voting
and investment power over the shares listed as beneficially
owned. None of the shares held by directors, nominees or named
executive officers are pledged as security. |
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(2) |
|
Includes for Mr. Atkinson 113,077 shares of common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days and 28,972 shares for which he shares voting
and investment power with his spouse. Also includes 6,548
restricted shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture
in accordance with the terms of the specific grant, as to which
Mr. Atkinson has no investment power. |
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(3) |
|
Includes for Mr. Eason 8,250 shares of common stock
subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days. |
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(4) |
|
Includes for Mr. Greenbaum 13,433 shares of common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days. |
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(5) |
|
Includes for Mr. Henderson 6,000 shares of common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days. |
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(6) |
|
Includes for Mr. Kandarian 38,334 shares of MetLife common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days and 7,778 deferred share units payable in shares of
MetLife common stock under MetLifes Deferred Compensation
Plan for Officers. |
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(7) |
|
Includes for Mr. Lay 200 shares of MetLife common stock
subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days. |
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(8) |
|
Includes for Mr. Lay 44,233 shares of common stock subject
to stock options that are exercisable within 60 days and
16,816 shares for which Mr. Lay shares voting and
investment power with his spouse. Also includes 6,548 restricted
shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture in
accordance with the terms of the specific grant, as to which
Mr. Lay has no investment power. |
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(9) |
|
Includes for Ms. Piligian 47,967 shares of MetLife common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days and 21,200 deferred share units payable in shares
of MetLife common stock under MetLifes Deferred
Compensation Plan for Officers. |
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(10) |
|
Represents for Ms. Piligian shares held through the MetLife
Policyholder Trust, which has sole voting power over such
shares, other than with respect to 20 shares jointly held
with Ms. Piligians spouse, with whom she shares
investment power. |
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(11) |
|
Includes for Mr. Reali 109,125 shares of MetLife common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days, and 21,840 deferred share units payable in shares
of MetLife common stock under MetLifes Deferred
Compensation Plan for Officers. |
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(12) |
|
Represents for Mr. Reali shares held through the MetLife
Policyholder Trust, which has sole voting power over such
shares, other than with respect to 10 shares jointly held
with Mr. Realis spouse with whom Mr. Reali
shares investment power. |
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(13) |
|
Includes for Mr. Schuster 63,162 shares of common stock
subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days, and 22,238 shares for which Mr. Schuster
shares voting and investment power with his spouse. |
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(14) |
|
Includes for Mr. Watson 94,415 shares of common stock
subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days and 6,187 shares owned by Intercedent Limited,
a Canadian corporation of which Mr. Watson has a majority
ownership interest. |
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(15) |
|
Includes for Mr. Woodring 344,195 shares of common
stock subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days. |
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(16) |
|
Includes a total of 195,426 shares of MetLife common stock
subject to stock options that are exercisable within
60 days and 50,818 deferred share units payable in shares
of MetLife common stock under MetLifes Deferred
Compensation Plan for Officers. |
108
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(17) |
|
Includes a total of 741,038 shares of common stock subject
to stock options that are exercisable within 60 days; and
13,096 shares of restricted common stock that are subject
to forfeiture in accordance with the terms of the specific
grant, as to which the holder has no investment power. |
RGA
Beneficial Stock Ownership
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Amount and Nature of
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|
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Beneficial Ownership(1)
|
|
|
Percent of Class
|
|
|
MetLife, Inc.
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|
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32,243,539
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(2)
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|
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52
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%
|
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York
10166-0188
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|
Wellington Management Company, LLP
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|
|
4,870,951
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(3)
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|
|
7.9
|
%
|
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, each named person has sole voting
and investment power over the shares listed as beneficially
owned. None of the shares held by directors, nominees or named
executive officers are pledged as security. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount in the table reflects the total beneficial ownership
of MetLife, Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
GenAmerica Financial, LLC, and General American and contained in
a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 2, 2008.
Each of the filing companies shares voting and dispositive power
with each other. |
|
(3) |
|
As reported on a Schedule 13G/A filed February 14,
2008, Wellington Management Company, LLP (WMC) is an
investment adviser. Shares are owned of record by clients of
WMC, none of which is known to have beneficial ownership of more
than five percent of our outstanding shares. WMC has shared
voting power of 3,584,626 shares and shared dispositive
power of 4,842,151 shares. |
Change in
Control Transactions
Except for the transactions, there are no existing arrangements
known to RGA between any persons, the operation of which could
result in a change of control of RGA.
109
DESCRIPTION
OF RGA CAPITAL STOCK
The following description is only a summary of the material
provisions of the RGA articles of incorporation and bylaws that
will be in effect following the recapitalization and exchange
offer. A copy of the form of RGA articles of incorporation is
attached to this document as Appendix B, respectively, and
the description below is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such Appendix. The documents are also on file with the SEC,
as described under the heading Where You Can Find More
Information. Since the terms of the RGA articles of
incorporation and bylaws and Missouri law are more detailed than
the general information provided below, you should only rely on
the actual provisions of those documents and Missouri law.
General
RGAs authorized capital stock will consist of
150 million shares of capital stock, of which:
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140 million shares will be designated as common stock, par
value $0.01 per share; and
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|
10 million shares will be designated as preferred stock,
par value $0.01 per share.
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As of June 30, 2008, RGA had 62,315,551 shares of
common stock issued and outstanding and 9,368,836 shares
issuable upon exercise or settlement of outstanding options or
other awards and warrants. As of July 28, 2008 (the record
date for the RGA special meeting), RGA had
62,321,883 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Existing
Common Stock
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of
preferred stock which later may be issued and outstanding,
holders of RGA common stock are entitled to receive dividends as
and when declared by RGA out of legally available funds, and, if
RGA liquidates, dissolves, or winds up, to share ratably in all
remaining assets after RGA pays its liabilities. RGA is
prohibited from paying dividends under RGAs primary
syndicated credit agreement unless, at the time of declaration
and payment, certain defaults would not exist under such
agreement. Each holder of RGA common stock is entitled to one
vote for each share held of record on all matters presented to a
vote of shareholders, including the election of directors.
Holders of RGA common stock have no cumulative voting rights or
preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any stock or
other securities and there are no conversion rights or
redemption or sinking fund provisions for the RGA common stock.
RGA may issue additional shares of authorized RGA common stock
without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules of the
NYSE. At RGAs annual meeting of shareholders on
May 23, 2007, RGAs shareholders, including MetLife,
adopted a proposal authorizing the RGA board of directors to
approve, during the three years following the date of the
shareholder meeting, any sales to MetLife or its affiliates of
RGAs equity securities, including RGAs common stock
or other securities convertible into or exercisable for RGA
common stock, in which the number of shares will not exceed the
number of shares that would enable MetLife to maintain its then
current ownership percentage of RGA common stock. Any such sale
would be on substantially the same terms as a sale to
unaffiliated third parties. The shareholder approval was
obtained to comply with applicable NYSE rules regarding
issuances of common equity to a substantial shareholder such as
MetLife.
Mellon Investor Services LLC, 200 N. Broadway,
Suite 1722, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 is the registrar
and transfer agent for the RGA common stock. RGA common stock is
listed on the NYSE under the symbol RGA. RGA
class A common stock and RGA class B common stock have
been approved for listing on the NYSE, both subject to official
notice of issuance. Following the recapitalization and the
split-off, RGA class A common stock will be listed on the
NYSE under the symbol RGA.A, and RGA class B
common stock will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol
RGA.B.
Common
Stock
Following the recapitalization, the shares of RGA common stock
will be divided into two classes: RGA class A common stock
and RGA class B common stock. Approximately 53% of the
equity value of RGA will
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be represented by shares of RGA class A common stock and
approximately 47% of the equity value of RGA will be represented
by shares of RGA class B common stock.
Voting Rights. Holders of RGA class A
common stock and RGA class B common stock will generally
have identical rights, except with respect to certain limited
matters required by Missouri law and except that:
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holders of RGA class A common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
members of the RGA board of directors;
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holders of RGA class B common stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect at least 80% of the
members of the RGA board of directors;
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there will be a separate vote by class on any proposal to
convert RGA class B common stock into RGA class A
common stock; and
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holders of more than 15% of the RGA class B common stock
will be restricted to 15% of the voting power of the outstanding
RGA class B common stock with respect to directors if they
do not also hold an equal or greater proportion of RGA
class A common stock. However, if such holder also
beneficially owns in excess of 15% of the outstanding RGA
class A common stock, then the holder may exercise the
voting power of the RGA class B common stock in excess of
15% to the extent that such holder has an equivalent percentage
of outstanding RGA class A common stock. To the extent that
voting power of any share of class B common stock cannot be
exercised, such share of class B common stock will be deemed
entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present. A person will not be deemed to be the beneficial owner
solely because the person holds or solicits a revocable proxy
that is not then reportable on Schedule 13D under the
Exchange Act.
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The rights of the holders of RGA class A common stock and
RGA class B common stock will be substantially the same in
all other respects, except for certain limited matters required
by Missouri law. Specifically, Missouri law requires a separate
class voting right if an amendment to the RGA articles of
incorporation would alter the aggregate number of authorized
shares or par value of either such class or alter the powers,
preferences or special rights of either such class so as to
affect these rights adversely. These class voting rights provide
each class with an additional measure of protection in the case
of a limited number of actions that could have an adverse effect
on the holders of shares of such class. For example, if the RGA
board of directors were to propose an amendment to the RGA
articles of incorporation that would adversely affect the rights
and privileges of RGA class A common stock or RGA
class B common stock, the holders of shares of that class
would be entitled to a separate class vote on such proposal, in
addition to any vote that may be required under the RGA articles
of incorporation.
The RGA amended and restated articles of incorporation will
provide that the articles may be amended in accordance with
Missouri law, which provides that a corporation may amend its
articles of incorporation upon a resolution of the board of
directors, proposing the amendment and its submission to the
shareholders for their approval by the holders of a majority of
the shares of common stock entitled to vote. However, the
approval of 85% of the combined voting power of the outstanding
shares of RGA common stock will be required to amend certain
provisions of the RGA articles of incorporation and bylaws as
described in the section entitled Amendment of
Articles.
Dividends. Holders of RGA class A common
stock and holders of RGA class B common stock will share
equally in any dividend declared by the RGA board of directors,
subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred
stock.
Conversion. The terms of RGA class B
common stock will provide that such shares convert into RGA
class A common stock, on a share-for-share basis, if and
when:
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the RGA board of directors determines, in its sole discretion,
to propose conversion to RGA shareholders;
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the RGA board of directors adopts, in its sole discretion, a
resolution submitting the proposal to convert the shares to RGA
shareholders; and
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the holders of a majority of each class of common stock
represented in person or by proxy at the meeting approve the
proposal to convert the shares.
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RGA presently expects that, following the divestiture, the RGA
board of directors will consider submitting to a shareholder
vote at the next regularly scheduled annual shareholders
meeting of RGA (anticipated to be held on May 27, 2009), or
at a special meeting called for such purpose, a proposal to
convert the RGA class B common stock to RGA class A
common stock on a share-for-share basis, subject to the receipt
of shareholder approval. However, there is no binding commitment
by the RGA board of directors to, and there can be no assurance
that the RGA board of directors will, consider the issue or
resolve to present the proposal to the RGA shareholders. If
submitted, there can be no assurance that the RGA shareholders
would approve such a conversion. If such a conversion proposal
is approved by the RGA board of directors and submitted to the
RGA shareholders, a vote by a majority of each of the RGA
class A common stock and the RGA class B common stock
represented in person or by proxy at the shareholder meeting,
voting separately, will be required for the proposal to be
approved.
Other Rights. Upon the recapitalization,
holders of RGA class A common stock and RGA class B
common stock will be entitled to receive the same per share
consideration in any reorganization or in any merger, share
exchange, consolidation or combination of RGA with any other
company (except for such differences as may be permitted with
respect to their existing rights to elect directors). In the
event of a liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up
of RGA, all holders of RGA common stock, regardless of class,
will be entitled to share ratably in any assets available for
distributions to holders of shares of RGA common stock.
Acquisition Restrictions. This provision will
generally restrict the accumulation of 5% or more (by value) of
RGA stock for a period of 36 months and one day following
the completion of the recapitalization, or such shorter period
as may be determined by the RGA board of directors (which is
referred to as the restriction period).
The acquisition restrictions impose restrictions on the
acquisition of RGA common stock (and any other equity securities
that RGA issues in the future) by designated persons. Without
these restrictions, it is possible that certain changes in
ownership of RGAs stock could result in the imposition of
limitations on the ability of RGA and its subsidiaries to fully
utilize the NOLs and other tax attributes currently available
for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes to RGA and
its subsidiaries. The RGA board of directors believes it is in
RGAs best interests to attempt to prevent the imposition
of such limitations by adopting the proposed acquisition
restrictions.
During the restriction period, no RGA shareholder may be or
become a
5-percent
shareholder of RGA as defined in the Internal Revenue Code
(applying certain attribution and constructive ownership rules).
However, this restriction will not apply to:
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any RGA stock held by MetLife or its subsidiaries prior to the
recapitalization;
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any RGA stock acquired in connection with the divestiture;
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any RGA stock acquired by the participating banks in a private
debt exchange (it being understood, however, that the limitation
will apply to any person who acquires RGA stock from such
participating banks and to such participating banks other than
in connection with a private debt exchange);
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any transaction directly with RGA, including pursuant to the
exercise of outstanding options or warrants;
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tender or exchange offers for all of the RGA common stock
meeting certain fairness criteria; or
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any transaction approved in advance by the RGA board of
directors.
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Any person permitted to acquire or own RGA stock representing 5%
or more (by value) of RGA stock pursuant to any of the preceding
bullet points will not be permitted to acquire any additional
RGA stock at any time during the restriction period without the
approval of the RGA board of directors, unless and until such
person owns less than 5% (by value) of RGA stock, at which point
such person may acquire RGA stock only to the extent that, after
such acquisition, such person owns less than 5% (by value) of
RGA stock. This provision would take effect upon completion of
the recapitalization and split-off.
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General. The outstanding shares of RGA
class A common stock and RGA class B common stock will
be, upon payment, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Preferred
Stock
The RGA amended and restated articles of incorporation will
provide the RGA board of directors with authority to issue up to
10,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in
one or more series, with such voting powers, full or limited, or
no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as may be
stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the
issuance of such stock adopted from time to time by the RGA
board of directors. The RGA board of directors is expressly
authorized to fix or determine:
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the specific designation of the shares of the series;
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the consideration for which the shares of the series are to be
issued;
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the rate and times at which, and the conditions under which,
dividends will be payable on shares of that series, and the
status of those dividends as cumulative or non-cumulative and,
if cumulative, the date or dates from which dividends will be
cumulative;
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the price or prices, times, terms and conditions, if any, upon
which the shares of the series may be redeemed;
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the rights, if any, which the holders of shares of the series
have in the event of RGAs dissolution or upon distribution
of RGAs assets;
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from time to time, whether to include the additional shares of
preferred stock which RGA is authorized to issue in the series;
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whether or not the shares of the series are convertible into or
exchangeable for other securities of RGA, including shares of
RGA common stock or shares of any other series of RGA preferred
stock, the price or prices or the rate or rates at which
conversion or exchange may be made, and the terms and conditions
upon which the conversion or exchange right may be exercised;
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if a sinking fund will be provided for the purchase or
redemption of shares of the series and, if so, to fix the terms
and the amount or amounts of the sinking fund; and
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any other preferences and rights, privileges and restrictions
applicable to the series as may be permitted by law.
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All shares of the same series of preferred stock will be
identical and of equal rank except as to the times from which
cumulative dividends, if any, on those shares will be
cumulative. The shares of different series may differ, including
as to rank, as may be provided in RGAs articles of
incorporation, or as may be fixed by the RGA board of directors
as described above. RGA may from time to time amend RGAs
articles of incorporation to increase or decrease the number of
authorized shares of preferred stock.
Dividend Rights. One or more series of
preferred stock may be preferred as to payment of dividends over
RGAs common stock or any other stock ranking junior to the
preferred stock as to dividends. In that case, before any
dividends or distributions on RGAs common stock or stock
of junior rank, other than dividends or distributions payable in
common stock, are declared and set apart for payment or paid,
the holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be
entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the
RGA board of directors. RGA will pay those dividends either in
cash, shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at
the rate and on the date or dates provided in the applicable
preferred stock terms. With respect to each series of preferred
stock entitled to cumulative dividends, the dividends on each
share of that series will be cumulative from the date of issue
of the share unless some other date is provided in the
applicable preferred stock terms relating to the series.
Accruals of dividends will not bear interest. RGA is prohibited
from paying dividends under RGAs primary syndicated credit
agreement unless, at the time of declaration and payment,
certain defaults would not exist under such agreement.
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Rights upon Liquidation. The preferred stock
may be preferred over common stock, or any other stock ranking
junior to the preferred stock with respect to distribution of
assets, as to RGAs assets so that the holders of each
series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid, upon
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
and before any distribution is made to the holders of common
stock or stock of junior rank, the amount set forth in the
applicable preferred stock terms. However, in this case the
holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or
further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up RGAs net assets are insufficient to permit the payment
in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all
outstanding preferred stock are entitled, RGAs entire
remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of
each series of preferred stock in an amount proportional to the
full amounts to which the holders of each series are entitled.
Redemption. All shares of any series of
preferred stock will be redeemable, if at all, to the extent set
forth in the applicable preferred stock terms relating to the
series.
Conversion or Exchange. Shares of any series
of preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for
shares of common stock or preferred stock or other securities,
if at all, to the extent set forth in the applicable preferred
stock terms.
Preemptive Rights. No holder of shares of any
series of preferred stock will have any preemptive or
preferential rights to subscribe to or purchase shares of any
class or series of stock, now or hereafter authorized, or any
securities convertible into, or warrants or other evidences of
optional rights to purchase or subscribe to, shares of any
series, now or hereafter authorized.
Voting Rights. Except as indicated in the
applicable preferred stock terms, the holders of voting
preferred stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of
preferred stock held by them on all matters properly presented
to shareholders. Except as indicated in the applicable preferred
stock terms, the holders of common stock and the holders of all
series of preferred stock will vote together as one class. In
addition, currently under Missouri law, even if shares of a
particular class or series of stock are not otherwise entitled
to a vote on any matters submitted to the shareholders,
amendments to the articles of incorporation which adversely
affect those shares require a vote of the class or series of
which such shares are a part, including amendments which would:
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increase or decrease the aggregate number or par value of
authorized shares of the class or series;
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create a new class of shares having rights and preferences prior
or superior to the shares of the class or series;
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increase the rights and preferences, or the number of authorized
shares, of any class or series having rights and preferences
prior to or superior to the rights of the class or
series; or
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alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
shares of such class or series so as to affect such shares
adversely.
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Most of RGAs operations are conducted through RGAs
subsidiaries, and thus RGAs ability to pay dividends on
any series of preferred stock is dependent on its
subsidiaries financial condition, results of operations,
cash requirements and other related factors. RGAs
subsidiaries are also subject to restrictions on dividends and
other distributions contained under applicable insurance laws
and related regulations.
Depending upon the rights of holders of the preferred stock, an
issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of
common stock by delaying or preventing a change of control of
RGA, making removal of the management of RGA difficult, or
restricting the payment of dividends and other distributions to
the holders of common stock. Subject to RGAs
Section 382 shareholder rights plan, RGA presently has
no intention to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Certain
Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock
RGA may issue additional shares of common stock or preferred
stock without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules
of the NYSE, for a variety of corporate purposes, including
raising additional
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capital, corporate acquisitions, and employee benefit plans. The
existence of unissued and unreserved common and preferred stock
may enable RGA to issue shares to persons who are friendly to
current management, which could discourage an attempt to obtain
control of RGA through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or
otherwise, and protect the continuity of management and possibly
deprive RGA shareholders of opportunities to sell their shares
at prices higher than the prevailing market prices. RGA could
also use additional shares to dilute the stock ownership of
persons seeking to obtain control of RGA pursuant to the
operation of the rights plan or otherwise. See also
Description of RGA Capital Stock Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the RGA Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
below.
Description
of Bylaw Amendments
The RGA board of directors has approved amendments to RGAs
bylaws primarily to address the special voting rights of the
holders of RGA class B common stock with respect to
directors. If RGAs shareholders vote to approve the RGA
special meeting proposals, the amendments to RGAs bylaws
will be implemented as well as provisions necessary to conform
RGAs bylaws to the governance proposals. RGA refers you to
the full text of the proposed amendments to RGAs bylaws,
which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this document is a part.
The amendments to RGAs bylaws do not require separate
shareholder approval subject to approval of the recapitalization
proposal. A description of the amendments to RGAs bylaws
is included in this document for informational purposes only.
Description
of Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
The RGA special committee adopted a Section 382 Rights
Agreement dated as of June 2, 2008, (the rights
agreement), between RGA and Mellon Investor Services LLC,
as rights agent (the rights agent), in an effort to
protect shareholder value by attempting to protect against a
possible limitation on RGAs and its subsidiaries
ability to use their NOLs and other tax attributes to reduce
potential future income tax liabilities and the likelihood of
other potential adverse consequences. RGA has recognized and may
continue to recognize substantial NOLs for U.S. federal income
tax purposes and, under the Internal Revenue Code, RGA may
carry forward these NOLs in certain circumstances to
offset any current and future taxable income and thus reduce
RGAs and its subsidiaries federal income tax
liabilities, subject to certain requirements and restrictions.
To the extent that the NOLs do not otherwise become limited, RGA
believes that it will be able to carry forward a substantial
amount of NOLs and, therefore, these NOLs are a substantial
asset to RGA. However, if RGA and its subsidiaries experience an
ownership change, as defined in Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code and related Treasury regulations, its
ability to use the NOLs could be substantially limited, and the
timing of the usage of the NOLs could be substantially delayed,
which consequently could significantly impair the value of that
asset.
If the recapitalization is completed, the RGA board of directors
and the RGA special committee believe that the current rights
plan should be amended and restated in recognition of the
effects of the recapitalization and divestiture on RGAs
capital structure. If the recapitalization is not approved by
RGAs shareholders, and the recapitalization and
distribution agreement terminates in accordance with its terms
before the exchange offer is completed, then the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan will automatically
terminate in accordance with its terms.
The Section 382 shareholder rights plan is intended to
act as a deterrent to any person being or becoming a
5-percent
shareholder (as defined in Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code and the related Treasury
regulations) without the approval of the RGA board of
directors (an acquiring person). The meaning of the
term acquiring person does not include:
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RGA, any subsidiary of RGA, any employee benefit plan or
compensation arrangement of RGA or any subsidiary of RGA, or any
entity holding securities of RGA to the extent organized,
appointed or established by RGA or any subsidiary of RGA for or
pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan or
compensation arrangement;
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any grandfathered person (as defined below);
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any exempted person (as defined below); or
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any person who or which inadvertently may become a 5-percent
shareholder or otherwise becomes such a 5-percent shareholder,
so long as such person promptly enters into, and delivers to
RGA, an irrevocable commitment promptly to divest, and
thereafter promptly divests (without exercising or retaining any
power, including voting, with respect to such securities),
sufficient securities of RGA so that such person ceases to be a
5-percent shareholder of RGA.
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Shareholders who owned 5% or more (by value) of RGA stock
outstanding on June 2, 2008, the time of adoption of the
current Section 382 shareholders rights plan will not
trigger the rights plan so long as they do not acquire any
additional shares of RGA stock (except for any such shares
acquired in a transaction that also results in such person being
an exempted person). These shareholders, which include MetLife
and its other subsidiaries, are referred to as
grandfathered persons.
For purposes of the Section 382 shareholder rights
plan, the RGA stock means: (i) common stock,
(ii) preferred stock (other than preferred stock described
in Section 1504(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code),
(iii) warrants, rights, or options (including options
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation
§ 1.382-2T(h)(4)(v))
to purchase stock (other than preferred stock described in
Section 1504(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code), and
(iv) any other interest that would be treated as
stock of RGA pursuant to Treasury Regulation
§ 1.382-2T(f)(18).
Following the recapitalization of RGA common stock, pursuant to
the recapitalization and distribution agreement, MetLife
security holders who receive common stock directly from MetLife
as part of the divestiture, which causes them to hold 5% or more
(by value) of RGA stock, also will not trigger the rights plan.
However, the rights plan does not exempt any future acquisitions
of RGA stock by such persons. In addition, RGA may, in its sole
discretion, exempt any person or group from being deemed an
acquiring person for purposes of the rights plan at any time
prior to the time the rights are no longer redeemable. The
persons described in this paragraph are exempted
persons.
The Rights. The RGA board of directors
declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a
right) for each outstanding share of RGA
class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The
dividend distribution is payable on the record date to the
shareholders of record as of the close of business on that date
(the record time). Each right entitles the
registered holder to purchase from RGA one one-hundredth of a
share of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(the junior participating preferred stock), of RGA
at a price of $200 per one one-hundredth of a share of junior
participating preferred stock (the purchase price),
subject to adjustment.
No right is exercisable until the earlier to occur of
(i) the close of business on the tenth business day
following the date of the earlier of either public announcement
that a person has become, or RGA first has notice or otherwise
determines that a person has become, an acquiring person without
the prior express written consent of RGA; or (ii) the close
of business on the tenth business day following the commencement
of a tender offer or exchange offer, without the prior written
consent of RGA, by a person which, upon consummation, would
result in such person becoming an acquiring person (the earlier
of the dates in clause (i) or (ii) above being
referred to in this document as the distribution
date).
Until the distribution date, the rights will be transferred with
and only with the applicable class of RGAs common stock.
Until the distribution date, new common stock certificates
issued upon transfer or new issuances of common stock will
contain a notation incorporating the rights agreement by
reference. As soon as practicable following the distribution
date, separate certificates evidencing the rights (right
certificates) will be mailed to holders of record of the
common stock as of the close of business on the distribution
date and such separate certificates alone will then evidence the
rights.
Expiration. The rights will expire, if not
previously exercised, on the earlier to occur of (i) the
final expiration date (as defined below) or (ii) the time
at which the rights are redeemed or exchanged pursuant to the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The final expiration
date is the earlier of (a) the date that is
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36 months and one day following the effectiveness of the
recapitalization, and (b) such other date as the RGA board
of directors may determine in good faith in accordance with the
Section 382 shareholder rights plan. The rights will also
expire in the event the recapitalization and distribution
agreement terminates in accordance with its terms prior to the
consummation of the split-off.
Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Shares
of junior participating preferred stock purchasable upon
exercise of the rights will not be redeemable and will be junior
to any other series of preferred stock RGA may issue (unless
otherwise provided in the terms of such stock). Each share of
junior participating preferred stock will have a preferential
dividend in an amount equal to the greater of $1.00 and 100
times any dividend declared on each share of common stock. In
the event of liquidation, the holders of the junior
participating preferred stock will receive a preferred
liquidation payment per share of junior participating preferred
stock equal to the greater of $100 and 100 times the payment
made per share of RGA common stock. Each share of junior
participating preferred stock will have 100 votes, voting
together with the common stock. In the event of any merger,
consolidation, combination or other transaction in which shares
of common stock are converted or exchanged, each share of junior
participating preferred stock will be entitled to receive 100
times the amount and type of consideration received per share of
RGA common stock. The rights of the junior participating
preferred stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting, and in
the event of mergers and consolidations, are protected by
customary anti-dilution provisions. Because of the nature of the
junior participating preferred stocks dividend,
liquidation and voting rights, the value of the one
one-hundredth interest in a share of junior participating
preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of each right should
approximate the value of one share of RGA common stock.
Effects of Triggering Events. If any person or
group becomes an acquiring person without the prior written
consent of the RGA board of directors (and such person or group
is not an exempted person or a grandfathered person), each
right, except those held by such persons, would entitle its
holder to acquire such number of shares RGA common stock as will
equal the result obtained by multiplying the then current
purchase price by the number of one one-hundredths of a share of
junior participating preferred stock for which a right is then
exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of the then current
per-share market price of the RGA common stock.
If any person or group becomes an acquiring person without prior
written consent of the RGA board of directors, but beneficially
owns less than 50% of the outstanding RGA common stock, each
right, except those held by such persons, may be exchanged by
the RGA board of directors for one share of RGA common stock.
Redemption. During the restriction period, the
RGA board of directors may redeem the rights in whole, but not
in part, at a price of $0.001 per right (which is referred to as
the redemption price). Immediately upon any
redemption of the rights, the right to exercise the rights will
terminate and the only right of the holders of rights will be to
receive the redemption price.
Adjustments. The purchase price payable, and
the number of shares of junior participating preferred stock or
other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the
rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent
dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a
subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the junior
participating preferred stock, (ii) upon the grant to
holders of the junior participating preferred stock of certain
rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase preferred stock
at a price, or securities convertible into junior participating
preferred stock with a conversion price, less than the
then-current market price of the junior participating preferred
stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the
junior participating preferred stock of evidences of
indebtedness or assets (excluding regular periodic cash
dividends or dividends payable in junior participating preferred
stock) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those
referred to above).
The number of outstanding rights and the number of one
one-hundredths of a share of junior participating preferred
stock issuable upon exercise of each right are also subject to
adjustment in the event of a stock split of RGA common stock or
a stock dividend on RGA common stock payable in shares of RGA
common stock or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of
RGA common stock (other than the recapitalization) occurring, in
any such case, prior to the distribution date.
117
The terms of the rights may be amended by RGA without the
consent of the holders of the rights, including, without
limitation, in connection with the proposed recapitalization,
except that from and after such time as any person becomes an
acquiring person, no such amendment may adversely affect the
interests of the holders of the rights.
Until a right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will
have no rights as a shareholder of RGA, including, without
limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
A copy of the rights agreement has been filed with the SEC as an
Exhibit to a Registration Statement on
Form 8-A.
A copy of the rights agreement is available free of charge from
RGA. This summary description of the rights does not purport to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
rights agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Limitation
on Liability of Directors; Indemnification
The RGA articles of incorporation limit the liability of its
directors to RGA and its shareholders to the fullest extent
permitted by Missouri law. The RGA amended and restated articles
of incorporation will provide that RGA will indemnify each
person (other than a party plaintiff suing on his own behalf or
in the right of RGA) who at any time is serving or has served as
a director or officer of RGA against any claim, liability or
expense incurred as a result of this service, or as a result of
any other service on behalf of RGA, or service at the request of
RGA as a director, officer, employee, member or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, trade or
industry association or other enterprise (whether incorporated
or unincorporated, for-profit or not-for-profit), to the maximum
extent permitted by law. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, RGA will indemnify any such person who was or is a
party (other than a party plaintiff suing on his own behalf or
in the right of RGA), or is threatened to be made a party, to
any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(including, but not limited to, an action by or in the right of
RGA) by reason of such service against expenses (including,
without limitation, attorneys fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding.
The inclusion of this provision in the RGA amended and restated
articles of incorporation may have the effect of reducing the
likelihood of derivative litigation against RGAs directors
and may discourage or deter RGA or its shareholders from
bringing a lawsuit against RGAs directors for breach of
their duty of care, even though such an action, if successful,
might otherwise have benefited RGA and its shareholders.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the RGA Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws
Some of the provisions in the RGA articles of incorporation and
bylaws and Section 351.459 of the MGBCL could have the
following effects, among others:
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delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of RGA;
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delaying, deferring or preventing the removal of RGAs
existing management or directors;
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deterring potential acquirors from making an offer to RGA
shareholders; and
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limiting RGAs shareholders opportunity to realize
premiums over prevailing market prices of the RGA common stock
in connection with offers by potential acquirors.
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The following is a summary of those provisions in the RGA
articles of incorporation and bylaws that could have the effects
described above.
Classified Board of Directors. The RGA
articles of incorporation and bylaws will provide that the RGA
board of directors will be divided into three classes of
directors serving staggered three-year terms. Each class, to the
extent possible, will be equal in number. The size of the RGA
board of directors will not be less than three and the RGA board
of directors can amend the number of directors by majority vote.
Each class holds office until the third annual
shareholders meeting for election of directors following
the most recent election
118
of such class. Following the recapitalization, the holders of
RGA class A common stock would not vote in the election of
the RGA directors for two or three annual meetings.
Directors, and Not Shareholders, Fix the Size of the Board of
Directors of RGA. The RGA articles of
incorporation and bylaws will provide that the number of
directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant
to a resolution adopted by a majority of the RGA board of
directors, but in no event will it consist of less than three
directors. In accordance with RGAs bylaws, the RGA board
of directors has fixed the number of directors at ten.
Currently, there are two vacancies on its board.
Directors are Removed for Cause Only. Missouri
law provides that, unless a corporations articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, the holders of a majority of
the corporations voting stock may remove any director from
office. RGAs articles of incorporation provide that
shareholders may remove a director only for cause
and with the approval of the holders of 85% of RGAs voting
stock. The RGA board of directors may remove a director, with or
without cause, only in the event the director fails to meet the
qualifications stated in the bylaws for election as a director
or in the event the director is in breach of any agreement
between such director and RGA relating to such directors
service as RGAs director or employee.
Board Vacancies to Be Filled by Remaining Directors and Not
Shareholders. Any vacancy created by any reason
prior to the expiration of the class in which the vacancy occurs
will by filled by a majority of the remaining directors, even if
less than a quorum. A director elected to fill a vacancy will be
elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor. Any
directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number
of directors may be filled by the board of directors and will be
added to such class of directors so that all classes of
directors will be as nearly equal in number as possible.
Voting Power Restrictions. Following the
recapitalization and the exchange offer, the RGA amended and
restated articles of incorporation will provide that the voting
power of a holder of more than 15% of the outstanding RGA
class B common stock with respect to directors will be
restricted to 15% of the outstanding RGA class B common
stock. However, if such holder also has in excess of 15% of the
outstanding shares of RGA class A common stock, the holder
of RGA class B common stock may exercise the voting power
of the RGA class B common stock in excess of 15% to the
extent that such holder has an equivalent percentage of
outstanding RGA class A common stock.
Ownership Limitations. Following the
recapitalization and the split-off, the RGA amended and restated
articles of incorporation will provide that shareholders are
subject to stock ownership limitations, which would generally
limit shareholders from owning 5% or more (by value) of the
aggregate outstanding shares of RGA stock for a period of
36 months and one day from the completion of the
recapitalization (it being understood that such limitation,
among other things, (i) would not apply to MetLife or its
subsidiaries, (ii) would not apply to any participating
banks that may participate in any debt exchanges and
(iii) would not prohibit a person from acquiring or owning
5% or more (by value) of the aggregate outstanding shares of RGA
stock as a result of the divestiture). Any person permitted to
acquire or own 5% or more (by value) of the RGA stock pursuant
to the three exceptions described in the immediately preceding
sentence will not be permitted to acquire any additional RGA
stock at any time during the 36 month and one day
restriction period, unless and until such person owns less than
5% (by value) of the aggregate outstanding shares of RGA stock,
at which point such person may acquire RGA stock only to the
extent that, after such acquisition, such person owns less than
5% (by value) of the aggregate outstanding shares of RGA stock.
Shareholders May Only Act by Written Consent Upon Unanimous
Written Consent. As required by Missouri law, the
RGA amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws
will provide for stockholder action by unanimous written consent
only.
No Special Meetings Called by
Shareholders. The RGA amended and restated
articles of incorporation will provide that special meetings may
only be called by the chairman of the RGA board of directors,
the president, or a majority of the RGA board of directors. Only
such business will be conducted, and only such proposals acted
upon, as are specified in the notice of the special meeting.
Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals. The
RGA bylaws will contain provisions requiring that advance notice
be delivered to RGA of any business to be brought by a
shareholder before an annual meeting
119
and providing for procedures to be followed by shareholders in
nominating persons for election to the RGA board of directors.
Generally, such advance notice provisions require that a
shareholder must give written notice to RGA not less than 60 nor
more than 90 calendar days before the meeting.
Supermajority Vote Required to Amend Specified
Provisions. The RGA amended and restated articles
of incorporation will provide that amendment of the following
provisions requires an affirmative vote of at least 85% of the
outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class:
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provisions regarding certain shareholder rights;
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provisions relating to directors;
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provisions related to shareholders meetings;
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provisions specifying the procedure for amendment of bylaws;
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provisions relating to indemnification and related
matters; and
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provisions relating to the amendment of the articles of
incorporation.
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Missouri
Statutory Provisions
Business Combination Statute. Missouri law
contains a business combination statute which
restricts certain business combinations between RGA
and an interested shareholder, or affiliates of the
interested shareholder, for a period of five years after the
date of the transaction in which the person becomes an
interested shareholder, unless either such transaction or the
interested shareholders acquisition of stock is approved
by the RGA board of directors on or before the date the
interested shareholder obtains such status.
The statute also prohibits business combinations after the
five-year period following the transaction in which the person
becomes an interested shareholder unless the business
combination or purchase of stock prior to becoming an interested
shareholder is approved by the RGA board of directors prior to
the date the interested shareholder obtains such status.
The statute also provides that, after the expiration of such
five-year period, business combinations are prohibited unless:
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the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting stock, other
than the stock owned by the interested shareholder, or any
affiliate or associate of such interested shareholder, approve
the business combination; or
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the business combination satisfies certain detailed fairness and
procedural requirements.
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A business combination for this purpose includes a
merger or consolidation, some sales, leases, exchanges, pledges
and similar dispositions of corporate assets or stock and any
reclassifications or recapitalizations that generally increase
the proportionate voting power of the interested shareholder. An
interested shareholder for this purpose generally
means any person who, together with its affiliates and
associates, owns or controls 20% or more of the outstanding
shares of the corporations voting stock.
A Missouri corporation may opt out of coverage by the business
combination statute by including a provision to that effect in
its governing corporate documents. RGA has not done so. However,
the RGA board of directors adopted a resolution approving the
acquisition of beneficial ownership by MetLife as an
interested shareholder, thereby rendering the
statute inapplicable to MetLife.
The business combination statute may make it more difficult for
a 20% beneficial owner to effect other transactions with RGA and
may encourage persons that seek to acquire RGA to negotiate with
the RGA board of directors prior to acquiring a 20% interest. It
is possible that such a provision could make it more difficult
to accomplish a transaction which shareholders may otherwise
deem to be in their best interest.
Control Share Acquisition Statute. Missouri
also has a control share acquisition statute that
would limit the rights of a shareholder to vote some or all of
the shares that it holds, in case of a shareholder whose
acquisition of shares results in that shareholder having voting
power, when added to the shares previously held
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by such shareholder, to exercise or direct the exercise of more
than a specified percentage of RGAs outstanding stock
(beginning at 20%). The statute exempts some types of
acquisitions and provides a procedure for an acquiring
shareholder to obtain shareholder approval to permit such
shareholder to vote these shares. However, as permitted by the
statute, RGA previously amended its bylaws to provide that the
control share acquisition statute will not apply to control
share acquisitions of RGAs capital stock.
Takeover Bid Disclosure
Statute. Missouris takeover bid
disclosure statute requires that, under some
circumstances, before making a tender offer that would result in
the offeror acquiring control of RGA, the offeror must file
certain disclosure materials with the Commissioner of the
Missouri Securities Division.
Insurance Holding Companies Act. RGA is
regulated in Missouri as an insurance holding company. Under the
Missouri Insurance Holding Companies Act and related
regulations, the acquisition of control of a domestic insurer
must receive prior approval by the Missouri Department of
Insurance. Missouri law provides that a transaction will be
approved if the Department of Insurance finds that the
transaction would, among other things, not violate the law or be
contrary to the interests of the insureds of any participating
domestic insurance corporations. The Department of Insurance may
approve any proposed change of control subject to conditions.
In connection with the exchange offer, and following the
recapitalization, General American will distribute to GenAmerica
Financial, LLC all of the shares of RGA class B common
stock that it holds. GenAmerica Financial, LLC will then, in
turn, distribute all of those shares to its parent, Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company will
in turn distribute all of those shares to its parent, MetLife,
Inc. Both General American and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company are insurance companies that are subject to various
statutory and regulatory restrictions that limit their ability
to dividend these shares without first obtaining approval from
the applicable state regulatory authorities. The Missouri
Department of Insurance will need to approve the dividend
distribution by General American, and the New York State
Insurance Department will need to approve the dividend
distribution by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before
MetLife can complete the exchange offer. In addition, the
Missouri Department of Insurance will need to waive certain
change of control requirements in connection with the fact that,
as a result of the dividend distribution described above,
GenAmerica Financial, LLC and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company will each cease to be an intermediate parent holding
company of Reinsurance Company of Missouri, Incorporated and RGA
Reinsurance Company, both Missouri reinsurance subsidiaries of
RGA. These approvals are conditions to complete the exchange
offer. On July 21, 2008, the New York State Insurance
Department approved the dividend distribution by Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company. On July 22, 2008, the Missouri
Department of Insurance approved the dividend distribution and
waived the applicable change of control requirements, with the
approval of such dividend distribution expiring if it does not
occur on or prior to December 31, 2008. Under the Missouri
insurance laws, the acquisition of 10% or more of RGAs
outstanding common stock is prohibited without prior approval by
the Director of the Missouri Department of Insurance.
Consequently, if a tendering MetLife stockholder were to own 10%
or more of RGAs outstanding common stock, such stockholder
would be required to make filings with, and obtain approval of,
the Missouri Department of Insurance as required by Missouri
insurance laws. See The Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement Recapitalization Conditions to
Completing the Recapitalization.
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LEGAL
MATTERS
The validity of the shares of RGA class A common stock and
RGA class B common stock offered hereby are being passed
upon by William L. Hutton, Esq., Senior Vice President and
Associate General Counsel of RGA. Mr. Hutton is paid a
salary and bonus by RGA, participates in certain of RGAs
employee benefit plans, owns shares of RGA common stock and
holds options to acquire shares of RGA common stock. Certain
legal matters are being passed upon for RGA by Bryan Cave LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules, incorporated by reference in this
Form S-4
from Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and
subsidiaries Annual Report on
Form 10-K,
and the effectiveness of Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated and subsidiaries internal control over
financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2007,
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in
their reports (which (1) express an unqualified opinion on
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules and include an explanatory paragraph regarding changes
in accounting for income taxes and defined pension benefit and
other postretirement plans as required by accounting guidance
which was adopted on January 1, 2007 and December 31,
2006, respectively, and (2) express an unqualified opinion
on Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and
subsidiaries effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting) which are incorporated herein by reference.
Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports
of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing.
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS
The RGA board of directors knows of no other matters which are
likely to be brought before the meeting. If any other matters
should be properly brought before the meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote, or
otherwise act, in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
In order for shareholder proposals which are submitted pursuant
to
Rule 14a-8
of the Exchange Act to be considered by RGA for inclusion in the
proxy material for the annual meeting of shareholders
(anticipated to be held on May 27, 2009), they must be
received by the Secretary of RGA by December 10, 2008. For
proposals that shareholders intend to present at the annual
meeting outside the processes of
Rule 14a-8
of the Exchange Act, unless the shareholder notifies the
Secretary of RGA of such intent by December 10, 2008, any
proxy that management solicits for such annual meeting will
confer on the holder of the proxy discretionary authority to
vote on the proposal so long as such proposal is properly
presented at the meeting.
Upon receipt of any such proposal, RGA will determine whether or
not to include such proposal in the proxy statement and proxy in
accordance with regulations governing the solicitation of
proxies.
In order for a shareholder to nominate a candidate for director,
under RGAs current restated articles of incorporation,
timely notice of the nomination must be given to RGA in advance
of the meeting. Ordinarily, such notice must be given not less
than 60 nor more than 90 days before the meeting (but if
RGA gives less than 70 days notice of the meeting, or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting, then the
shareholder must give such notice within 10 days after
notice of the meeting is mailed or other public disclosure of
the meeting is made, whichever occurs first). The shareholder
filing the notice of nomination must describe various matters as
specified in RGAs amended and restated articles of
incorporation, including such information as name, address,
occupation, and number of shares held.
In order for a shareholder to bring other business before a
shareholder meeting, timely notice must be given to RGA within
the time limits described above. Such notice must include a
description of the proposed business, the reasons for such
business, and other matters specified in RGAs amended and
restated articles of incorporation. The board or the presiding
officer at the annual meeting may reject any such proposals that
are not made in accordance with these procedures or that are not
a proper subject for shareholder action in accordance with
applicable law. The foregoing time limits also apply in
determining whether notice is timely for purposes of rules
adopted by the SEC relating to the exercise of discretionary
voting authority. These
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requirements are separate from and in addition to the
requirements a shareholder must meet to have a proposal included
in RGAs proxy statement.
In each case, the notice must be given to RGAs Secretary,
whose address is 1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield,
Missouri
63017-6039.
Any shareholder desiring a copy of RGAs Restated Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws will be furnished a copy without
charge upon written request to RGAs Secretary.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
RGA files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. You may read and copy this information at the SECs
Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the
SEC at the above address, at prescribed rates.
The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information that RGA files electronically
with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.
Shares of common stock of RGA are listed on the NYSE. You may
also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information
about RGA at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
RGA has filed a registration statement on
Form S-4
under the Securities Act, of which this document forms a part,
to register with the SEC the shares of RGA class A common
stock to be issued in the recapitalization. This document
constitutes the proxy statement and prospectus of RGA. This
document does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement, the exhibits to the registration
statement, selected portions of which are omitted in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further
information pertaining to the RGA common stock, reference is
made to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements
contained in this document or in any document incorporated
herein by reference as to the contents of any contract or other
document referred to within this document or other documents
that are incorporated herein by reference are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each
statement contained in this document is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the underlying documents.
The RGA filings referred to below are also available on
RGAs Internet website, www.rgare.com, under
Investor Relations SEC filings.
Information contained in RGAs Internet website does not
constitute a part of this prospectus. You can also obtain these
documents from RGA, without charge (other than exhibits, unless
the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), by
requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following
address:
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
(636) 736-7000
A list of shareholders will be available for inspection by
shareholders of record during business hours at RGAs
corporate headquarters at 1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway,
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, for ten days prior to the date of
the special meeting and will also be available at the special
meeting, and continuing to the date of the special meeting and
will be available for review at the special meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
The SEC allows certain information to be incorporated by
reference into this document, which means that RGA can
disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. The information
incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this document,
except for any information superseded by information contained
directly in this document. This document incorporates by
reference the documents set forth below that RGA has previously
filed with the SEC. These documents contain important
information about RGA, its businesses and its financial
conditions:
The following documents filed by RGA (File
No. 1-11848)
under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act after the date of the initial filing of this proxy
statement/prospectus and before the RGA
123
special meeting, except for the documents, or portions thereof,
that are furnished rather than filed, are
incorporated by reference into this document.
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RGAs Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 (including the
information incorporated by reference therein from RGAs
definitive proxy statement filed April 9, 2008);
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RGAs Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q
for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2008 and
June 30, 2008;
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RGAs Current Reports on
Form 8-K
dated January 23, 2008, April 17, 2008, June 2,
2008, June 5, 2008 and July 21, 2008 (relating to
Item 5.02) (other than the portions of those documents not
deemed to be filed);
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The description of RGAs existing common stock contained in
RGAs Registration Statement on
Form 8-A
dated April 6, 1993, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on
Form 8-A/A
dated April 27, 1993, as updated by RGAs Current
Report on
Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on September 10, 2004; and
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The description of RGAs preferred stock purchase rights
contained in RGAs Registration Statement on
Form 8-A
dated June 2, 2008.
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All documents filed by RGA pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this
document to the date of the RGA special meeting will also be
deemed to be incorporated into this document by reference, which
excludes any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or
Item 7.01 of any current report on
Form 8-K.
Documents incorporated by reference are available without
charge upon request to RGAs proxy solicitor, MacKenzie
Partners at 105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016,
(800) 322-2885.
In order to ensure timely delivery, any request should be
submitted no later than August 28, 2008. If you request any
incorporated documents, MacKenzie Partners will mail them to you
within one business day after receiving your request.
RGA has not authorized anyone to give any information or make
any representation about the RGA special meeting that is
different from, or in addition to, that contained in this
document or in any of the materials that RGA has incorporated by
reference into this document. Therefore, if anyone does give you
information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are
in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or
solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities
offered by this document are unlawful, or if you are a person to
whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then
the offer presented in this document does not extend to you. The
information contained in this document speaks only as of the
date of this document unless the information specifically
indicates that another date applies.
Additional
Information Regarding the Exchange Offer and Where to Find
It
In connection with MetLifes proposed divestiture of its
stake in RGA, RGA will file with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) a registration statement on
Form S-4,
which will include a preliminary prospectus relating to the
exchange offer. At the appropriate time, MetLife will file with
the SEC a statement on Schedule TO. Investors and
holders of RGA and MetLife securities are strongly encouraged to
read the registration statement and any other relevant documents
filed with the SEC, including the preliminary and final
prospectuses relating to the exchange offer and related exchange
offer materials and the tender offer statement on
Schedule TO (when available), as well as any amendments and
supplements to those documents, because they will contain
important information about RGA, MetLife, and the proposed
transactions. The final prospectus relating to the exchange
offer, related exchange offer materials and the tender offer
statement on Schedule TO will be mailed to stockholders of
MetLife. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain
free copies of the registration statement and the final
prospectus relating to the exchange offer and related exchange
offer materials and the tender offer statement on
Schedule TO (when available) as well as other filed
documents containing information about MetLife and RGA, without
charge, at the SECs web site (www.sec.gov). Free
copies of RGAs filings also may be obtained by directing a
request to RGA, Investor Relations, by phone to
(636) 736-7243,
in writing to Mr. John Hayden, Vice President-Investor
Relations, Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, 1370
Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017, or by
email to investrelations@rgare.com. Free
124
copies of MetLifes filings may be obtained by directing a
request to MetLife, Investor Relations, by phone to
(212) 578-2211,
in writing to MetLife, Inc., 1 MetLife Plaza, Long Island City,
NY 11101, or by email to metir@metlife.com. Neither RGA,
MetLife nor any of their respective directors or executive
officers or any dealer manager, if any, that may be appointed
with respect to the exchange offer makes any recommendation as
to whether you should participate in the exchange offer.
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be
any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
Such an offer may be made solely by a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. Accordingly, the offer for the outstanding
shares of MetLife common stock pursuant to the exchange offer
described in this communication has not commenced. At the time
that the contemplated exchange offer is commenced, MetLife will
file a statement on Schedule TO with the SEC. The
distribution of this communication may, in some countries, be
restricted by law or regulation. Accordingly, persons who come
into possession of this document should inform themselves of and
observe these restrictions.
Participants
in the Solicitation
RGA, MetLife and their respective directors and executive
officers may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in
the solicitation of proxies from RGAs shareholders with
respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding the
directors and executive officers of RGA is included in its
definitive proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders filed with the SEC on April 9, 2008.
Information regarding the directors and officers of MetLife is
included in the definitive proxy statement for MetLifes
2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on
March 18, 2008. More detailed information regarding the
identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect
interests, by securities holdings or otherwise, is set forth in
this proxy statement/prospectus, as may be further amended from
time to time, the prospectus relating to the split-off (when
available) and other materials to be filed with the SEC in
connection with the proposed transactions.
HOUSEHOLDING
OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and
intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements
for proxy statements with respect to two or more shareholders
sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy
statement/prospectus addressed to those shareholders. This
process, which is commonly referred to as
householding, potentially provides extra convenience
for shareholders and cost savings for companies. Some brokers
household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy
statement/prospectus to multiple shareholders sharing an address
unless contrary instructions have been received from the
affected shareholders. Once you have received notice from your
broker that they will be householding materials to your address,
householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or
until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer
wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive
a separate proxy statement/prospectus, or if your household
currently receives multiple copies and would like to participate
in householding in the future, please notify your broker.
125
Appendix A
RECAPITALIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
by and between
METLIFE, INC.
and
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Dated as of June 1, 2008
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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ARTICLE I
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DEFINITIONS
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A-2
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Section 1.1
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General
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A-2
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Section 1.2
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References; Interpretation
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A-10
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ARTICLE II
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THE RECAPITALIZATION
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A-10
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Section 2.1
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The Recapitalization
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A-10
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Section 2.2
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Closing Date
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A-10
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Section 2.3
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Exchange of Certificates
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A-10
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ARTICLE III
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THE SPLIT-OFF
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A-11
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Section 3.1
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The Split-Off
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A-11
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Section 3.2
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Delay Right
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A-14
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ARTICLE IV
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ADDITIONAL DIVESTITURE TRANSACTIONS
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A-14
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Section 4.1
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Generally
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A-14
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Section 4.2
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Debt Exchanges
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A-15
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Section 4.3
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Registration Rights with Participating Banks
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A-16
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Section 4.4
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Additional Split-Offs
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A-16
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ARTICLE V
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF RGA
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A-18
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Section 5.1
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Organization; Good Standing
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A-18
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Section 5.2
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Authorization
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A-18
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Section 5.3
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Non-Contravention
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A-19
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Section 5.4
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Governmental Approvals
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A-19
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Section 5.5
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Capital Stock
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A-20
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Section 5.6
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Litigation
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A-21
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Section 5.7
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Accuracy of Information
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A-21
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Section 5.8
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Brokers and Other Advisors
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A-21
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Section 5.9
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Property Title
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A-21
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Section 5.10
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Investment Company
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A-22
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Section 5.11
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Internal Control
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A-22
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Section 5.12
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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A-22
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Section 5.13
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Exhibits
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A-22
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Section 5.14
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No Material Change
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A-22
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Section 5.15
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RGA Insurance Subsidiaries
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A-22
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Section 5.16
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Independent Auditors
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A-23
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Section 5.17
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Tax
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A-23
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Section 5.18
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Approvals
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A-23
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A-i
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Page
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ARTICLE VI
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF METLIFE
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A-24
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Section 6.1
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Organization; Good Standing
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A-24
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Section 6.2
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Authorization
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A-24
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Section 6.3
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Non-Contravention
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A-25
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Section 6.4
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Governmental Approvals
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A-25
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Section 6.5
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Title
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A-25
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Section 6.6
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Litigation
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A-25
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Section 6.7
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Accuracy of Information
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A-25
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Section 6.8
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Brokers and Other Advisors
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A-26
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Section 6.9
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Property Title
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A-26
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Section 6.10
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Investment Company
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A-26
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Section 6.11
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Capitalization
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A-26
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Section 6.12
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Internal Control
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A-27
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Section 6.13
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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A-27
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Section 6.14
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Exhibits
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A-27
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Section 6.15
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No Material Change
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A-27
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Section 6.16
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MetLife Insurance Subsidiaries
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A-27
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Section 6.17
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Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries
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A-28
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Section 6.18
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Independent Auditors
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A-28
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Section 6.19
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Investor Representations
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A-28
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Section 6.20
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Tax
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A-28
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Section 6.21
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Approvals
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A-29
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ARTICLE VII
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ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
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A-29
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Section 7.1
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Interim Operations
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A-29
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Section 7.2
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Non-Solicitation
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A-31
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Section 7.3
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RGA Shareholders Meeting
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A-32
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Section 7.4
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Standstill
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A-33
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Section 7.5
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Efforts; Cooperation
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A-33
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Section 7.6
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Further Assurances
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A-34
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Section 7.7
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Access
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A-34
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Section 7.8
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Confidentiality
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A-34
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Section 7.9
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Public Announcements
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A-35
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Section 7.10
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Litigation Cooperation
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A-35
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Section 7.11
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Resignation of MetLife Designees to RGA Board
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A-35
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Section 7.12
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Voting of RGA Common Stock by MetLife
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A-35
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Section 7.13
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Tax Matters
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A-36
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Section 7.14
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Lock-Up
Period
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A-37
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Section 7.15
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MetLife Registration Rights
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A-38
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Section 7.16
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Payments in Respect of Excess Shareholders
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A-41
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Section 7.17
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Directors and Officers Insurance
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A-41
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Section 7.18
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Amendments Regarding Recently Acquired Stock
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A-42
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Section 7.19
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Notice Regarding Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
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A-42
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Section 7.20
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General American Name
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A-42
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A-ii
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Page
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ARTICLE VIII
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SURVIVAL AND INDEMNIFICATION
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A-42
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Section 8.1
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Survival
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A-42
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Section 8.2
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Indemnification by RGA
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A-42
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Section 8.3
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Indemnification by MetLife
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A-43
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Section 8.4
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Notice; Procedure for Third-Party Claims
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A-44
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Section 8.5
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Tax Contests
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A-44
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Section 8.6
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Contribution
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A-45
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Section 8.7
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Remedies Exclusive
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A-45
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Section 8.8
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Limitations on Indemnifiable Losses
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A-46
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Section 8.9
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Subrogation and Insurance
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A-46
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Section 8.10
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Excluded Representations
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A-46
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ARTICLE IX
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TERMINATION
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A-46
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Section 9.1
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Termination
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A-46
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Section 9.2
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Effect of Termination
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A-47
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ARTICLE X
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MISCELLANEOUS
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A-48
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Section 10.1
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Entire Agreement
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A-48
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Section 10.2
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Counterparts
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A-48
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Section 10.3
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Expenses
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A-48
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Section 10.4
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Notices
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A-49
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Section 10.5
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Waivers
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A-49
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Section 10.6
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Amendments
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A-49
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Section 10.7
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Assignment
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A-50
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Section 10.8
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Successors and Assigns
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A-50
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Section 10.9
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No Third-Party Beneficiaries
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A-50
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Section 10.10
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Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules
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A-50
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Section 10.11
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GOVERNING LAW
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A-50
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Section 10.12
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Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
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A-50
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Section 10.13
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Specific Performance
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A-51
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Section 10.14
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Severability
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A-51
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ANNEXES
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Annex A Conditions to the Commencement of the
Offer
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Annex B Conditions to Completing the
Recapitalization
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Annex C Conditions to Completing the Split-Off
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|
EXHIBITS
|
Exhibit A Form of Amended and Restated RGA
Articles of Incorporation
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Exhibit B Form of Amended and Restated RGA
Bylaws
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Exhibit C Form of
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
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A-iii
RECAPITALIZATION
AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This RECAPITALIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this
Agreement), dated as of June 1, 2008, is
by and between MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(MetLife), and Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated, a Missouri corporation (RGA).
WHEREAS, as of the close of business on the date of this
Agreement, the authorized capital stock of RGA consists of
150,000,000 shares, of which 140,000,000 shares are
common stock, par value $0.01 per share (RGA Common
Stock), and 10,000,000 shares are preferred
stock, par value $0.01 per share;
WHEREAS, as of close of business on the date of this Agreement,
there are outstanding 62,298,327 shares of RGA Common
Stock, of which an aggregate of 32,243,539 shares of RGA
Common Stock are held by MetLife and its Subsidiaries (as
defined herein);
WHEREAS, the parties desire to engage in a series of
transactions involving (a) a recapitalization of RGA Common
Stock (the Recapitalization), (b) a
split-off by MetLife of the Exchange Shares (as defined herein)
in exchange for common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
MetLife (MetLife Common Stock) (the
Split-Off), and (c) if applicable, the
Additional Divestiture Transactions (as defined herein), in each
case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in the Recapitalization, (a) the current articles
of incorporation of RGA will be amended and restated in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Amended
and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation), to, among
other things, reclassify each outstanding share of RGA Common
Stock as one share of RGA Class A Common Stock (as defined
herein); and (b) immediately thereafter, General American
Life Insurance Company, a Subsidiary of MetLife
(General American) will exchange each
outstanding share of RGA Class A Common Stock that it holds
(other than the shares of RGA Class A Common Stock received
in respect of the Recently Acquired Stock (as defined herein))
for one share of RGA Class B Common Stock (as defined
herein), so that, after the Recapitalization and immediately
prior to Spin-Off 1 (as defined herein), General American will
own 3,000,000 shares of RGA Class A Common Stock and
29,243,539 shares of RGA Class B Common Stock (such
shares of RGA Class B Common Stock, the Exchange
Shares);
WHEREAS, following Spin-Off 1 and Spin-Off 2 (as defined
herein), MetLife will hold all of the Exchange Shares
immediately prior to the Split-Off;
WHEREAS, in the Split-Off, MetLife shall make an offer (the
Offer) on the Commencement Date (as defined
herein) to acquire MetLife Common Stock in exchange for all of
the Exchange Shares;
WHEREAS, if any Exchange Shares are not distributed in the
Split-Off (the Excess Shares), then MetLife
shall distribute the Excess Shares to its securityholders
through one or more transactions (the Additional
Divestiture Transactions) consisting only of:
(a) possibly one or more public or private exchanges of
Debt Securities for Excess Shares (the Debt
Exchanges)
and/or
(b) possibly one or more additional split-off transactions
(the Additional Split-Offs), such that, after
completion of the Additional Divestiture Transactions, MetLife
shall no longer hold any of the Excess Shares (the
Divestiture);
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of RGA, upon the recommendation
of the RGA Special Committee (as defined herein), has determined
that it is in the best interests of RGA and the RGA Shareholders
(as defined herein) for RGA to engage in the Transactions (as
defined herein) and, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, has resolved to recommend that the RGA Shareholders
approve the Transactions (including the Recapitalization) and
adopt this Agreement and the Amended and Restated RGA Articles
of Incorporation;
WHEREAS, MetLife has received the IRS Ruling (as defined herein)
(i) to the effect that the Divestiture will be, to the
extent set forth therein, a tax-free distribution within the
meaning of Section 355 of the Code (as defined herein) and
(ii) regarding certain matters under Section 382 of
the Code and the Treasury Regulations (as defined herein)
promulgated thereunder; and
WHEREAS, each of MetLife and RGA has determined that it is
necessary and desirable to set forth the principal corporate
transactions required to effect the Transactions, and to set
forth other agreements that will govern certain other matters
following completion of the different stages of the Transactions.
A-1
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements,
provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 General. As
used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
2003 Registration Rights Agreement shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 7.15(l).
Acceptance Time shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(f); provided that solely for
purposes of Section 4.2, Section 4.4 (and the
respective Annexes as interpreted in accordance therewith),
Section 5.7(f), Section 5.7(g), Section 6.7(f)
and Section 6.7(g), Acceptance Time shall mean the
time of acceptance for payment and exchange of the applicable
Excess Shares with respect to any Public Debt Exchange or an
Additional Split-Off, as applicable.
Action shall mean any action, suit,
arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before
any court, any governmental or other regulatory or
administrative agency, body or commission or any arbitration
tribunal.
Additional Divestiture Date shall mean the
first anniversary of the Acceptance Time of the Split-Off.
Additional Divestiture Transactions shall
have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Additional Split-Off Documents shall mean the
Form S-4
for an Additional Split-Off, including a prospectus to be used
for the Additional Split-Off and such other documents as the
parties mutually agree are necessary or appropriate to effect
such Additional Split-Off.
Additional Split-Offs shall have the meaning
set forth in the recitals.
Affiliate shall mean, when used with respect
to a specified Person, another Person that controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with the Person
specified; provided, however, that RGA and its
Subsidiaries shall not be considered to be
Affiliates of MetLife, and MetLife and its
Subsidiaries (other than RGA and its Subsidiaries) shall not be
considered to be Affiliates of RGA. As used herein,
control means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of such person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract
or otherwise.
Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in
the preamble.
Alternative Meeting shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.2(c).
Alternative Proposal shall mean any inquiry,
proposal or offer from any Person (other than RGA, MetLife or
their respective Subsidiaries) relating to any
(a) acquisition of assets of RGA and its Subsidiaries equal
to 25% or more of RGAs consolidated assets or to which 25%
or more of RGAs revenues or earnings on a consolidated
basis are attributable, (b) acquisition of 25% or more of
the outstanding RGA Common Stock (other than any acquisition by
underwriters or initial purchasers in connection with the
issuance of RGA Common Equity-Based Securities permitted under
Section 7.14), (c) tender offer or exchange offer that
if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning
25% or more of the outstanding RGA Common Stock or
(d) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business
combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or
similar transaction involving RGA; in each case, other than the
Transactions.
Amended and Restated RGA Articles of
Incorporation shall have the meaning set forth in the
recitals.
Amended and Restated RGA Bylaws shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
Authorization shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 5.9.
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 6.17.
Business Day shall have the meaning given to
such term under
Rule 13e-4(a)(3)
under the Exchange Act.
A-2
Closing Date shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.2.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
Commencement Date shall mean the date on
which the Offer shall be commenced within the meaning set forth
in
Rule 13e-4(a)(4)
under the Exchange Act; provided that solely for purposes
of Section 4.2, Section 4.4 and Section 7.1(b) (and
the respective Annexes as interpreted in accordance therewith),
Commencement Date shall mean the date on which the
tender offer with respect to an Additional Split-Off is
commenced within the meaning set forth in
Rule 13e-4(a)(4)
under the Exchange Act and the date on which the tender offer
with respect to a Public Debt Exchange is first published, sent
or given to MetLife securityholders, as applicable.
Comparison Date shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.2(a).
Contract shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.3(a).
Conversion shall mean a conversion of the RGA
Class B Common Stock into RGA Class A Common Stock
pursuant to the Amended and Restated RGA Articles of
Incorporation and applicable state law, or any other transaction
(including a recapitalization, merger or otherwise) resulting in
the unification of the RGA Class A Common Stock and the RGA
Class B Common Stock into a single class of common stock of
RGA or the conversion of the RGA Class B Common Stock into
RGA Class A Common Stock.
Covered Persons shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.17.
D&O Insurance shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.17.
Debt Exchanges shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals.
Debt Securities shall mean outstanding debt
instruments or securities issued by MetLife with an initial term
of at least 10 years, including the 6.125% senior
notes due December 2011, issued on November 27, 2001, the
5.375% senior notes due December 2012, issued on
December 10, 2002, and the 5.00% senior notes due
November 2013, issued on November 24, 2003.
Deloitte & Touche shall mean
Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Demand End Date shall mean the later of the
Additional Divestiture Date and the first anniversary of the
completion of the Debt Exchange; provided,
however, that, if the Debt Exchange has not been
completed on or before the Additional Divestiture Date, the
Demand End Date shall mean the first anniversary of the
Additional Divestiture Date; and provided,
further, that, if RGA shall exercise the RGA Registration
Blackout Right on one or more occasions, then the Demand End
Date shall be extended by a number of additional days equal to
the sum of all days during the applicable Registration Blackout
Periods.
Demand Notice shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.15(a).
Demand Registration shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.15(a).
Deposited Shares shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.3.
Determination Date shall mean the earlier of
(a) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with
its terms or (b) the 90th day following the Acceptance
Time of the Split-Off.
Discretionary Delay shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.2(c).
Divestiture shall have the meaning set forth
in the recitals.
End Date shall mean the earlier of
(a) the first date following the Recapitalization on which
MetLife no longer holds any of the Exchange Shares or
(b) the Additional Divestiture Date.
Excess Shareholders shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.16.
Excess Shares shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals.
Exchange Act shall mean the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Ratio shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(a)(iii).
Exchange Shares shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals.
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Excluded Representations shall mean the
MetLife Excluded Representations together with the RGA Excluded
Representations.
Expiration Time shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(e).
Form 8-A
shall mean a RGA registration statement on Form
8-A,
including all amendments thereto, pursuant to which the RGA
Class A Common Stock or the RGA Class B Common Stock,
as applicable, shall be registered under the Exchange Act.
Form S-4
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b);
provided that for purposes of Articles V and VI,
Form
S-4
shall mean the applicable registration statement on
Form S-4
at the time that it becomes effective, as amended, updated,
modified, supplemented or superseded, including any information
deemed included therein pursuant to Rule 424 or
Rule 430C under the Securities Act.
Frustrating Transactions shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7.12(a).
GAAP shall mean U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles as in effect as of the date hereof.
General American shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals.
Governmental Authority shall mean any
federal, state, local, foreign or international court,
government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency,
official or other regulatory, administrative or governmental
authority.
HSR Act shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.4.
Indemnified Party shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 8.4(a).
Indemnifying Party shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 8.4(a).
Investment Advisor Subsidiary shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 6.17.
Investment Company Act shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 5.10.
IRS shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
IRS Ruling shall mean the private letter
ruling issued by the IRS, dated March 14, 2008, pursuant to
the IRS Ruling Request.
IRS Ruling Request shall mean the request for
rulings submitted by MetLife and RGA to the IRS, dated
September 11, 2007, including the exhibits attached
thereto, and all other submissions, documents, materials or
other information, submitted to the IRS in connection with such
request for rulings.
Launch Delay shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.2(a).
Law shall mean any federal, state, local or
foreign law (including common law), statute, ordinance, rule,
regulation, judgment, code, order, injunction, decree,
arbitration award, agency requirement, license or permit of any
Governmental Authority.
Liens shall mean mortgages, pledges,
hypothecations, liens, charges, claims, security interests,
indentures, deeds of trust, charges, adverse claims, options,
equitable interests, restrictions, easements, title defects,
title retention agreements, voting trust agreements, or other
encumbrance of any kind, including any restriction on the right
to use, transfer, vote, receive income, sell or otherwise
dispose of stock, other than any Lien created pursuant to this
Agreement.
Lock-up Period shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.14(a).
Losses shall mean all losses, costs, charges,
expenses (including interest and penalties due and payable with
respect thereto and reasonable attorneys and other
professional fees and expenses in connection with any Action
whether involving a third-party claim or any claim solely
between the parties hereto), obligations, liabilities,
settlement payments, awards, judgments, fines, penalties,
damages, demands, claims, assessments or deficiencies, in any
such case, arising out of, attributable to or resulting from the
Transactions.
Market Disruption Event shall mean the
occurrence or existence of any of the following events or sets
of circumstances:
(a) trading in securities generally on the NYSE, the
American Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market or any other
national securities, futures or options exchange or in the
over-the-counter market, or
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trading in any of MetLife Common Stock, RGA Common Stock or any
Recapitalized Shares (or any options or futures contracts
related to such securities) on any exchange or in the
over-the-counter market, is suspended or the settlement of such
trading generally is materially disrupted or minimum prices are
established on any such exchange or such market by the SEC, by
such exchange or market, or by any other regulatory body or
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction;
(b) a material disruption or banking moratorium occurs or
has been declared in commercial banking or securities settlement
or clearance services in the United States;
(c) there is such a material adverse change in general
U.S. domestic or international economic, political or
financial conditions, including as a result of terrorist
activities, or the effect of international conditions on the
financial markets in the United States (in each case, as
compared to conditions on the date hereof), so as to make it
materially impracticable to proceed with the Offer (in the case
of the Offer) or the acquisition of Debt Securities by the
Participating Banks or the offer and sale of the RGA
Class B Common Stock in connection with any Debt Exchange
(in the case of a Private Debt Exchange); or
(d) an event occurs and is continuing as a result of which
the offering documents contemplated by this Agreement would
contain 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 the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading and either
(i) the public disclosure of that event at such time would
have a material adverse effect on MetLifes business or
RGAs business or (ii) the disclosure relates to a
previously undisclosed proposed or pending material business
transaction, the public disclosure of which would impede
MetLifes or RGAs ability to consummate such
transaction.
MetLife shall have the meaning set forth in
the preamble.
MetLife Approvals shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 6.16.
MetLife Blackout Right shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.1(a)(ii).
MetLife Common Stock shall have the meaning
set forth in the recitals.
MetLife Disclosure Documents means each of
the documents filed by MetLife with the SEC in connection with
the applicable Transactions, including pursuant to Rule 165
or Rule 425 of the Securities Act, and any other documents
filed by MetLife with the SEC and incorporated into the
Form S-4,
the S-4
Prospectuses, the Split-Off Documents and, if applicable, the
Public Debt Exchange Documents
and/or the
Additional Split-Off Documents.
MetLife Disclosure Schedule shall have the
meaning set forth in the first paragraph of Article VI.
MetLife Excluded Representations shall have
the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of Article VI.
MetLife Filings shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 6.21.
MetLife Holding Subsidiary shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 6.5.
MetLife Indemnified Documents means each
Form S-4,
S-4
Prospectus, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Split-Off Document,
Split-Off Prospectus, Additional Split-Off Document, Public Debt
Exchange Document, MetLife Disclosure Document, and any
amendment or supplement thereto, including any document filed or
required to be filed by RGA in connection with the Transactions
pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities Act.
MetLife Indemnified Parties shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
MetLife Insurance Subsidiary means each
Significant Subsidiary of MetLife that is required to be
organized or licensed as an insurance company in its
jurisdiction of incorporation.
MetLife Material Adverse Effect shall mean
any change, effect, event, occurrence or development that,
individually or in the aggregate, is resulting, has resulted, or
would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, equity reserves,
surplus or results of operations of MetLife and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of MetLife to
perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate
the Recapitalization and the Split-Off by the Termination Date.
MetLife Required Consents shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
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MetLife Stockholders shall mean holders of
MetLife Common Stock.
MetLife Superior Proposal shall mean a
bona fide written Alternative Proposal by the Person
described on Section 1.1(b) of the MetLife Disclosure
Schedule for 90% or more of the RGA Common Stock held by MetLife
and its Subsidiaries (including such an Alternative Proposal
that is part of an Alternative Proposal for 50% or more of the
outstanding RGA Common Stock) on terms that the Board of
Directors of MetLife determines in good faith, after
consultation with MetLifes financial and outside legal
advisors, is more favorable to MetLife than the Transactions.
MetLife Tax Certificates shall mean the
certificates of an officer of MetLife, dated as of the Closing
Date, provided to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in
connection with the Tax Opinion, substantially in the form
attached to the MetLife Disclosure Schedule.
MGBCL shall mean the General and Business
Corporation Law of the State of Missouri.
Minimum Condition shall mean a number of
shares of MetLife Common Stock that results in the distribution
of no less than 90% of the Exchange Shares in the Split-Off,
unless RGA shall consent to a lower Minimum Condition.
NYSE shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
Offer shall have the meaning set forth in the
recitals; provided that solely for purposes of
Section 4.2, Section 4.4 and Section 7.1(b) (and
the respective Annexes as interpreted in accordance therewith),
Offer shall mean the offer with respect to a Public
Debt Exchange or an Additional Split-Off, as applicable.
Participating Banks shall mean such
investment banks that engage in any Debt Exchange with MetLife.
Person shall mean any natural person,
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business
trust, joint venture, association, company, other entity or
government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Piggyback Registration shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.15(d).
Private Debt Exchange shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 4.2(a).
Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b); provided that,
for purposes of Articles V and VI, Proxy
Statement/Prospectus shall mean the proxy
statement/prospectus contained in the applicable
Form S-4
at the time it is declared effective, as amended, updated,
modified, supplemented or superseded, including any information
deemed included therein pursuant to Rule 424 or
Rule 430C under the Securities Act.
Public Debt Exchange shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 4.2(a).
Public Debt Exchange Documents shall mean the
Form S-4
for a Public Debt Exchange, including a prospectus to be used
for the Public Debt Exchange and such other documents as the
parties mutually agree are necessary or appropriate to effect
such Public Debt Exchange.
Recapitalization shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals.
Recapitalized Shares shall mean the RGA
Class A Common Stock and the RGA Class B Common Stock.
Recently Acquired Stock shall mean the
3,000,000 shares of RGA Common Stock that were acquired by
MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of
2003, and, after the Recapitalization, the 3,000,000 shares
of RGA Class A Common Stock into which such shares shall
have been reclassified.
Registrable Securities shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.15(a).
Registration Blackout Period shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7.15(c).
Registration Expenses shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 7.15(k).
Remaining RGA Stock shall mean, as of any
time, any Exchange Shares continued to be held by MetLife or any
of its Subsidiaries as of such time.
Representatives shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.2(a).
Required Consents shall mean both the RGA
Required Consents and the MetLife Required Consents.
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Restraint shall mean any Law, temporary
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, judgment
or ruling enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by any
Governmental Authority.
RGA shall have the meaning set forth in the
preamble.
RGA Adverse Recommendation Change shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).
RGA Approvals shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 5.15.
RGA Blackout Right shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(a)(ii).
RGA Board Recommendation shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b).
RGA Class A Common Stock shall mean the
Class A common stock of RGA, including any related
preferred stock purchase rights, having the relative powers,
preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and
restrictions attaching to such class of common stock as
specified in the Amended and Restated RGA Articles of
Incorporation, as it may be amended from time to time (it being
understood that if RGA Class A Common Stock, as a class,
shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another
security (including as a result of the Conversion, merger,
consolidation or otherwise), each reference to RGA Class A
Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other
security into which the RGA Class A Common Stock was
reclassified, exchanged or converted.
RGA Class B Common Stock shall mean the
Class B common stock of RGA, including any related
preferred stock purchase rights, having the relative powers,
preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and
restrictions attaching to such class of common stock as
specified in the Amended and Restated RGA Articles of
Incorporation, as it may be amended from time to time (it being
understood that if RGA Class B Common Stock, as a class,
shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another
security (including as a result of the Conversion, merger,
consolidation or otherwise), each reference to RGA Class B
Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other
security into which the RGA Class B Common Stock was
reclassified, exchanged or converted).
RGA Common Equity-Based Securities shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 7.14(a).
RGA Common Stock shall have the meaning set
forth in the recitals and shall mean, after the
Recapitalization, the Recapitalized Shares.
RGA Disclosure Documents means each of the
documents filed by RGA with the SEC in connection with the
applicable Transactions, including pursuant to Rule 165 or
Rule 425 of the Securities Act, and any other documents
filed by RGA with the SEC and incorporated into the Form
S-4, the
S-4
Prospectuses, the Split-Off Documents and, if applicable, the
Public Debt Exchange Documents
and/or the
Additional Split-Off Documents.
RGA Disclosure Schedule shall have the
meaning set forth in the first paragraph of Article V.
RGA Excluded Representations shall have the
meaning set forth in the first paragraph of Article V.
RGA Filings shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 5.18.
RGA Indemnified Documents means each
Form S-4,
S-4
Prospectus, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Split-Off Document,
Split-Off Prospectus, Additional Split-Off Document, Public Debt
Exchange Document, RGA Disclosure Document, and any amendment or
supplement thereto, including any document filed or required to
be filed by MetLife in connection with the Transactions pursuant
to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities Act.
RGA Indemnified Parties shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 8.3.
RGA Insurance Subsidiary shall mean each
Significant Subsidiary of RGA that is required to be organized
or licensed as an insurance company in its jurisdiction of
incorporation.
RGA Material Adverse Effect shall mean any
change, effect, event, occurrence or development that,
individually or in the aggregate, is resulting, has resulted, or
would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, equity reserves,
surplus or results of operations of RGA and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or on the ability of RGA to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the
Recapitalization and the Split-Off by the Termination Date.
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RGA Registration Blackout Right shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 7.15(c).
RGA Reimbursable Expenses shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 10.3 (b).
RGA Required Consents shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 5.4.
RGA Section 355 Taxes shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 8.2(d).
RGA Shareholder Approval shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 5.2(c).
RGA Shareholders shall mean the holders of
RGA Common Stock.
RGA Shareholders Meeting shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
RGA Special Committee shall mean the special
committee of the Board of Directors of RGA established to
consider and approve this Agreement and the Transactions and
related matters, or any successor committee established by the
RGA Board of Directors and designated for such purpose.
RGA Tax Certificate shall mean the
certificate of an officer of RGA dated as of the Closing Date,
provided to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in
connection with the Tax Opinion, substantially in the form
attached to the RGA Disclosure Schedule.
S-4 Prospectuses shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(b); provided that for purposes
of Articles V and VI,
S-4
Prospectus shall mean the Split-Off Prospectus, together
with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, in each case as defined in
this Article I.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 5.12.
Schedule TO shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(c).
SEC shall mean the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Section 355-Related
Proceeding shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8.5(a).
Section 355 Taxes shall mean
(i) Taxes imposed on MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries as
a result of the failure of (a) Spin-Off 1,
(b) Spin-Off 2 or (c) the Split-Off and any Additional
Divestiture Transaction, taken together, to qualify for Tax-Free
Status (together with reasonable costs and expenses related
thereto) and (ii) Losses resulting from any claim,
allegation, lawsuit, action or proceeding brought by MetLife
Stockholders that exchange shares of MetLife Common Stock for
shares of RGA Class B Common Stock pursuant to the
Split-Off or any Additional Split-Off that arises out of the
Split-Off and any Additional Divestiture Transaction failing to
qualify for Tax-Free Status.
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan
shall mean a shareholder rights plan of RGA substantially in the
form attached as Exhibit C, as it may be amended or
replaced to reflect the Recapitalized Shares.
Securities Act shall mean the
U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
Shelf Registration Statement means a
registration statement of RGA on
Form S-3
or any other appropriate form under the Securities Act including
any prospectus included therein, amendments and supplements to
such registration statement, including post-effective
amendments, all exhibits, and all materials incorporated by
reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such
registration statement, for an offering to be made on a delayed
or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under
the Securities Act (or similar provisions then in effect) that
(a) covers all or any part of Registrable Securities
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, and (b) sets
forth a plan of distribution as determined by MetLife in
accordance with Section 7.15(b).
Significant Subsidiary shall mean a
Subsidiary of a Person that is a significant
subsidiary (as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act) of such Person.
Spin-Off 1 shall have the meaning set forth
in the IRS Ruling Request.
Spin-Off 2 shall have the meaning set forth
in the IRS Ruling Request.
Split-Off shall have the meaning set forth in
the recitals.
Split-Off Conditions shall mean the
conditions set forth in Annex C.
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Split-Off Documents shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.1(c).
Split-Off Prospectus shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.1(b); provided that, for
purposes of Articles V and VI, Split-Off
Prospectus shall mean the split-off prospectus included in
the applicable
Form S-4
at the time it is declared effective, as amended, updated,
modified, supplemented or superseded, including any information
deemed included therein pursuant to Rule 424 or
Rule 430C under the Securities Act.
Subsidiary shall mean any corporation,
limited liability company, partnership or other entity of which
another entity (i) owns, directly or indirectly, ownership
interests sufficient to elect a majority of the Board of
Directors (or persons performing similar functions) or
(ii) is a general partner or an entity performing similar
functions; provided, however, that, unless the
context otherwise requires, RGA and its Subsidiaries shall not
be considered to be Subsidiaries of MetLife or any
of its Subsidiaries.
Supplemental IRS Ruling shall mean any
private letter ruling issued by the IRS pursuant to any
Supplemental IRS Ruling Request.
Supplemental IRS Ruling One shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7.13(d).
Supplemental IRS Ruling Request shall mean
any supplemental request for rulings, submitted to the IRS
following the issuance of the IRS Ruling, relating to the
Transactions.
Supplemental IRS Ruling Two shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7.13(d).
Tax or Taxes shall mean
taxes of any kind, levies or other like assessments, customs,
duties, imposts, charges or fees, including income, gross
receipts, ad valorem, value added, excise, real or personal
property, asset, sales, use, license, payroll, transaction,
capital, net worth and franchise taxes, withholding, employment,
social security, workers compensation, utility, severance,
production, unemployment compensation, occupation, premium,
windfall profits, transfer and gains taxes or other governmental
taxes imposed or payable to the United States, or any state,
county, local or foreign government or subdivision or agency
thereof, and in each instance such term shall include any
interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts
attributable to any such tax.
Tax-Free Status shall mean the qualification
of each of (a) Spin-Off 1, (b) Spin-Off 2, and
(c) the Split-Off and any Additional Divestiture
Transaction, taken together, as (x) a transaction in which
MetLife, MetLifes Subsidiaries, MetLife Stockholders and
MetLifes securityholders recognize no income or gain under
Section 355 of the Code (and similar provisions of state or
local law), (y) a transaction in which the stock
distributed thereby is qualified property for
purposes of Sections 355(d) and 355(e) (and similar
provisions of state or local law), and (z) a transaction to
which Sections 355(f) and 355(g) of the Code (and similar
provisions of state or local law) do not apply.
Tax Opinion shall mean the written opinion of
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, dated as of the
Closing Date, regarding certain U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the Split-Off, any Additional Divestiture
Transaction and the other Transactions, the form of which such
written opinion shall be delivered by MetLife to RGA no later
than ten (10) days following the date of this Agreement.
Termination Date shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 9.1(b)(i).
Testing Date shall mean (a) each of the
two Business Days immediately prior to the commencement of a
Window Period, and (b) each Business Day within a Window
Period that is at least 23 Business Days prior to the end of
such Window Period.
Third-Party Claim shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 8.4(b).
Threshold Amount shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7.16.
Transactions shall mean the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including the Recapitalization,
the Split-Off and, if applicable, any Additional Divestiture
Transaction.
Treasury Regulations means the income tax
regulations, including temporary and proposed regulations,
promulgated under the Code by the United States Treasury, as
such regulations may be amended from time to time (including
corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
VWAP of a security shall mean the volume
weighted average price of such security on the NYSE.
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Window Period shall mean the customary
trading windows established by MetLife following the
announcement of its earnings for each fiscal quarter;
provided that each Window Period shall be open for at
least 25 Business Days, and, subject to the MetLife Blackout
Right and the RGA Blackout Right, there shall be at least one
Window Period for each fiscal quarter of MetLife. The Window
Periods expected by MetLife as of the date hereof for the 2008
and 2009 calendar years are set forth in Section 1.1(c) of
the MetLife Disclosure Schedule.
Section 1.2 References;
Interpretation.
(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an
Article, a Section, Annex, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference
shall be to an Article or a Section of, or an Annex, Exhibit or
RGA Disclosure Schedule or MetLife Disclosure Schedule to, this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes
only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words
include, includes or
including are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words without
limitation. The words hereof,
herein and hereunder and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this
Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the
defined meanings when used in any document made or delivered
pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. The
definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the
singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the
masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such
terms. Any statute defined or referred to in this Agreement or
in any agreement or instrument that is referred to in this
Agreement means such statute as from time to time amended,
updated, modified, supplemented or superseded, including by
succession of comparable successor statutes and references to
all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein.
References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and
assigns.
(b) The parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and, in the event an
ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this
Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties,
and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or
disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any
provision of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
THE RECAPITALIZATION
Section 2.1 The
Recapitalization. Provided that this
Agreement shall not have been terminated in accordance with
Article IX, upon the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Annex B, RGA and MetLife
will effect the Recapitalization as follows: (a) RGA will
file the Amended and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation with
the Office of the Secretary of State, State of Missouri;
(b) each share of RGA Common Stock will be reclassified as
one share of RGA Class A Common Stock pursuant to the
Amended and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation;
(c) immediately thereafter, each share of RGA Class A
Common Stock held by MetLife and its Subsidiaries (other than
the shares of RGA Class A Common Stock received by MetLife
and its Subsidiaries in respect of the Recently Acquired Stock)
will be exchanged for one share of RGA Class B Common
Stock; and (d) the Board of Directors of RGA will adopt
amended and restated bylaws of RGA, in substantially the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B (the Amended
and Restated RGA Bylaws).
Section 2.2 Closing
Date. The Recapitalization shall occur on the
same day as, and immediately prior to, the Acceptance Time, and
the parties agree that they shall cause the Amended and Restated
RGA Articles of Incorporation to become effective under the
MGBCL as of such time. The date on which the Recapitalization
shall occur shall be the Closing Date.
Section 2.3 Exchange
of Certificates. On or prior to the Closing
Date, MetLife shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited,
with RGA the certificate or certificates representing the shares
of RGA Common Stock, other than shares of Recently Acquired
Stock, beneficially owned by MetLife as of the Closing Date (the
Deposited Shares). On the Closing Date, RGA
shall cancel such deposited certificate or certificates and
issue to MetLife a new certificate or certificates representing
the aggregate number of shares of RGA Class B Common Stock
beneficially owned by MetLife as of the Closing Date, which
shall be equal to the number of Deposited Shares.
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ARTICLE III
THE SPLIT-OFF
Section 3.1 The
Split-Off.
(a) The parties agree that the Split-Off shall be conducted
as follows:
(i) MetLife shall commence (within the meaning of Rule
13e-4(a)(4)
under the Exchange Act) the Offer, at such time as MetLife shall
determine; provided that:
(A) the Offer shall be commenced only after the conditions
set forth in Annex A shall have been satisfied or
waived;
(B) once the conditions set forth in Annex A
shall have been satisfied or waived, and subject to the MetLife
Blackout Right and the RGA Blackout Right under
Section 3.1(a)(ii) and the Launch Delay Right under
Section 3.2(a) and the Discretionary Delay Rights under
Section 3.2(c), the Offer shall be commenced no later than
the first Window Period for which there shall be at least 25
Business Days between (1) the first date on which both the
conditions in clause I.(a) and clause I.(b) of
Annex A shall have been satisfied or waived and
(2) the last date of such Window Period (it being
understood that MetLife shall have discretion to commence the
Offer at any time during such Window Period so long as the Offer
shall be completed during such Window Period); and
(C) the Offer shall be open for at least 5 Business Days
following the RGA Shareholders Meeting (it being understood
that, to the extent that there is sufficient time within the
Window Period during which the Offer is commenced to leave the
Offer open for more than 5 Business Days following the RGA
Shareholders Meeting, the parties will use commercially
reasonable efforts to do so, for up to a total of
10 Business Days following the RGA Shareholders Meeting);
provided that MetLife and RGA shall cooperate to schedule
the Offer and the RGA Shareholders Meeting to comply with
Section 7.3 and this Section 3.1(a)(i)(C).
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, MetLife shall not be
obligated to commence the Offer until such time as MetLife is
reasonably satisfied that the Required Consents can be obtained
prior to the completion of such Offer; provided that
MetLife shall comply with
Rule 14e-8
under the Exchange Act.
(ii) If MetLife shall determine that commencing or
completing the Offer during any Window Period will (A) have
a material detrimental effect, as reasonably determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors of MetLife, on the completion of
a transaction then being negotiated or a plan then being
considered by the Board of Directors of MetLife, in each case
unrelated to the Transactions, that would, if completed, be
material to MetLife and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole at the
time the right to delay the Offer is exercised (whether or not a
final decision has been made to undertake such transaction or
plan), or (B) involve initial or continuing disclosure
obligations that are not in the best interests of the MetLife
Stockholders, as reasonably determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors of MetLife, then upon advance written notice
by MetLife to RGA, MetLife may from time to time exercise a
right to delay the commencement of the Offer (the
MetLife Blackout Right) until the earliest
reasonably practicable date after MetLifes reasons for
delaying the commencement of the Offer are no longer applicable.
Further, if RGA shall determine that commencing or completing
the Offer during any Window Period will (1) have a material
detrimental effect, as reasonably determined in good faith by
the RGA Special Committee or the Board of Directors of RGA, on
the completion of a transaction then being negotiated or a plan
then being considered by the RGA Special Committee or the Board
of Directors of RGA, in each case, unrelated to the
Transactions, that would, if completed, be material to RGA and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole at the time the right to delay
the Offer is exercised (whether or not a final decision has been
made to undertake such transaction or plan), or (2) involve
initial or continuing disclosure obligations that are not in the
best interests of the RGA Shareholders, as reasonably determined
in good faith by the RGA Special Committee or the Board of
Directors of RGA, then upon the advance written notice by RGA to
MetLife from time to time to delay the commencement of the
Offer,
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MetLife shall not commence the Offer (the RGA Blackout
Right) until the earliest reasonably practicable date
in a Window Period (unless the parties agree otherwise) after
RGAs reasons for delaying the commencement of the Offer
are no longer applicable.
(iii) In the Offer, MetLife shall offer all of the Exchange
Shares to the MetLife Stockholders in exchange for MetLife
Common Stock, at an exchange ratio determined by MetLife (the
Exchange Ratio); provided that MetLife
shall determine an Exchange Ratio that it believes in good
faith, after consultation with its financial advisors, is
reasonably likely to result in the Minimum Condition being
satisfied in the then-current Window Period. Without the prior
written consent of RGA, MetLife shall not impose conditions to
the completion of the Split-Off in addition to the Split-Off
Conditions and shall not waive the Minimum Condition;
provided that MetLife expressly reserves the right to
amend the Exchange Ratio from time to time and to decrease the
Minimum Condition so long as the number results in the
distribution of no less than 90% of the Exchange Shares in the
Split-Off, unless RGA shall consent to a lower Minimum
Condition; provided, further, that MetLife
believes in good faith, after consultation with its financial
advisors, that such amended Exchange Ratio is reasonably likely
to result in the Minimum Condition, as it may be decreased
pursuant to this Section 3.1(a)(iii), being satisfied.
(b) As promptly as practicable after the date of this
Agreement, MetLife and RGA shall jointly prepare, and RGA shall
file with the SEC, one or more registration statements on
Form S-4
(the
Form S-4)
to register under the Securities Act the offer and sale of the
RGA Class A Common Stock and the RGA Class B Common
Stock to be issued in the Recapitalization and the Exchange
Shares to be offered in the Split-Off. The
Form S-4
will include (i) a proxy statement/prospectus (the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus) to be used for
the RGA Shareholders Meeting to obtain the RGA Shareholder
Approval; and (ii) a prospectus to be used as a prospectus
sent to the MetLife Stockholders for the Split-Off (the
Split-Off Prospectus and together with the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the
S-4
Prospectuses); provided that RGA and MetLife
may mutually agree to file the
S-4
Prospectuses as part of one registration statement or as parts
of separate registration statements on
Form S-4.
Following the filing of the
Form S-4,
RGA shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the
Form S-4
to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable, subject to any delay caused by any customary
securities blackout period of RGA. Following the effectiveness
of the
Form S-4,
RGA shall use its reasonable best efforts, after consultation
with MetLife and its advisors, to cause the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to the holders of RGA Common
Stock entitled to vote at the RGA Shareholders Meeting for the
purpose of obtaining the RGA Shareholder Approval.
(c) On the Commencement Date, MetLife shall file with the
SEC a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (the
Schedule TO) with respect to the Offer,
which Schedule TO shall include the Split-Off Prospectus, a
form of transmittal letter, a form of notice of guaranteed
delivery and other customary materials (together with any
supplements and amendments thereto, the Split-Off
Documents) and shall cause the Split-Off Documents to
be disseminated to the MetLife Stockholders. At all times, the
parties shall conduct and complete the Transactions in
accordance with the applicable securities Laws.
(d) The parties agree as follows:
(i) The parties shall take all steps necessary for the Form
S-4, the
S-4
Prospectuses, the Split-Off Documents and any filing under
Rule 425 or 165 under the Securities Act relating to the
Transactions to be timely filed with the SEC, to comply in all
material respects with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act,
as applicable, and not to contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, except that no covenant, agreement,
representation or warranty is made by any party with respect to
statements or omissions based on information supplied by, or on
behalf of, the other party for inclusion or incorporation by
reference therein. Each party agrees promptly to correct any
information provided by it for use in the
Form S-4,
the S-4
Prospectuses or the Split-Off Documents if and to the extent
that any such information shall have become false or misleading
in any material respect, and each party agrees to take all steps
necessary to cause the
Form S-4,
the S-4
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Prospectuses and the Split-Off Documents as so corrected to be
timely filed with the SEC and disseminated to the MetLife
Stockholders or RGA Shareholders, as the case may be, to the
extent required by applicable Law. Each party shall furnish
promptly to the other party all information concerning such
party that is required or reasonably requested by the other
party in connection with the obligations contained in this
Section 3.1, relating to the
Form S-4,
the S-4
Prospectuses and the Split-Off Documents.
(ii) Each party and its counsel shall be given a reasonable
opportunity to review and comment on the
Form S-4,
the S-4
Prospectuses, the Split-Off Documents and, to the extent
practicable, any filing under Rule 425 or 165 under the
Securities Act relating to the Transactions, in each case and
each time, sufficiently in advance of any such document being
filed with the SEC, and each party shall give reasonable and
good-faith consideration to any comments made by the other party
and its counsel. Each party shall provide the other party and
its counsel with (A) any comments or other communications,
whether written or oral, that such party or its counsel may
receive from time to time from the SEC or its staff with respect
to the
Form S-4,
the S-4
Prospectuses or the Split-Off Documents promptly after receipt
of those comments or other communications and (B) a
reasonable opportunity to participate in the response of such
party to those comments and to provide comments on that response
(to which reasonable and good-faith consideration shall be
given), including by participating with such party or its
counsel in any discussions or meetings with the SEC.
(e) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Split-Off Documents, the Offer shall remain open until at least
midnight, New York City time, at the end of the
20th Business Day after the Commencement Date (the
Expiration Time), unless MetLife shall have
extended the period of time for which the Offer is open pursuant
to, and in accordance with, the proviso to this sentence or as
may be required by applicable Law, in which event the term
Expiration Time shall mean the latest time and date
as the Offer, as so extended, may expire; provided,
however, that MetLife may, without the consent of RGA and
so long as the Offer shall be accepted and completed during a
Window Period unless the parties agree otherwise,
(i) extend the Offer for one or more periods of not more
than 10 Business Days per extension if, at the scheduled
Expiration Time, any of the Split-Off Conditions shall not have
been satisfied or waived (or, in the case of clause (d) and
clause (i) to Annex C, such conditions are not
ready and able to be satisfied at or prior to the Expiration
Time), (ii) extend the Offer for any period required by any
rule, regulation, interpretation or position of the SEC or its
staff applicable to the Offer, (iii) to the extent required
by Law, extend the Offer by up to three Business Days if the
limit determined by MetLife on the number of RGA Class B
Common Stock that can be received for each share of MetLife
Common Stock in the Offer is reached, or (iv) extend the
Offer if a Market Disruption Event occurs during any day on
which the price of MetLife Common Stock or RGA Common Stock
shall be used to determine the exchange ratio for the Offer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, MetLife may extend the Offer
without the consent of RGA for up to an aggregate of
10 Business Days for any reason, subject to applicable
securities Laws, only so long as the Offer shall be accepted and
completed during the Window Period in which the Offer is
commenced, and the parties agree that the Expiration Time shall
be scheduled in a manner so that the Transactions comply with
applicable Laws. In the event that applicable securities Laws
require extension of the Offer such that the Offer cannot be
accepted and completed during the Window Period in which the
Offer is commenced, and RGA or MetLife shall reasonably
determine that keeping the Offer open until the next Window
Period would create an undue disclosure burden on either RGA or
MetLife, then, at the request of RGA or MetLife, MetLife shall
terminate the Offer and re-commence the Offer as soon as
practicable in compliance with Law and subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Section 3.1(a)(i).
(f) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, including the satisfaction or waiver of the Split-Off
Conditions, MetLife shall, as soon as practicable after the
Expiration Time and during a Window Period (but in no event more
than one Business Day following the Expiration Time), accept for
payment and exchange Exchange Shares in an amount based on the
Exchange Ratio for all shares of MetLife Common Stock that have
been validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer
(the time of acceptance for payment and exchange, the
Acceptance Time).
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(g) MetLife shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from
the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to the Split-Off
and any Additional Divestiture Transaction any such amounts as
are required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the
making of such payment under the Code, or under any provision of
state, local or foreign Tax Law.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
no fractional shares of RGA Class B Common Stock will be
exchanged in the Split-Off. Any tendering MetLife Stockholder
who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share of
RGA Class B Common Stock in the Split-Off shall instead
receive a cash payment from MetLife or its agent representing
such holders proportionate interest in the net proceeds
from the sale on the NYSE for the account of the tendering
MetLife Stockholders of the aggregate fractional shares of RGA
Class B Common Stock that the tendering MetLife
Stockholders otherwise would have received. Any such sale shall
be made as promptly as practicable after the Acceptance Time in
compliance with applicable Law by an agent designated by
MetLife. In no event will interest be paid on the cash to be
received in lieu of any fraction of a share of RGA Class B
Common Stock.
Section 3.2 Delay
Right.
(a) Following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions
set forth in Annex A, MetLife has a right to delay
commencement of the Offer (a Launch Delay) if
the VWAP of RGA Common Stock for the 10-trading-day period
ending on the second trading day prior to the proposed
Commencement Date is less than 75% of the closing price of RGA
Common Stock on the NYSE on the date prior to the announcement
of the entry into this Agreement (the Comparison
Date).
(b) MetLife may continue any Launch Delay until the second
Business Day following the first Testing Date on which the VWAP
of RGA Common Stock for the
10-trading-day
period ending on such Testing Date is 75% or more than the
closing price of RGA Common Stock on the NYSE on the Comparison
Date (it being understood that, once the Launch Delay shall
expire, MetLife shall commence the Offer (subject to the RGA
Blackout Right, the MetLife Blackout Right and the Discretionary
Delay) on any Business Day that is 21 or more Business Days
prior to the end of the first Window Period for which at least
21 Business Days remain), and, subject to compliance with
applicable Laws, shall complete the Offer during such Window
Period.
(c) In addition to MetLifes right to delay
commencement of the Offer pursuant to a Launch Delay, MetLife
shall have the right to delay to the extent permitted by Law,
with respect to not more than three Window Periods, commencement
of the Offer for any reason beyond the date on which it would
otherwise be required to commence an Offer pursuant to
Section 3.1(a)(i) (each such delay with respect to a Window
Period, a Discretionary Delay). If MetLife
shall exercise a Discretionary Delay, MetLife shall commence the
Offer (subject to the RGA Blackout Right, the MetLife Blackout
Right, a Launch Delay and any remaining Discretionary Delay) on
any Business Day that is 21 or more Business Days prior to the
end of the first Window Period for which at least
21 Business Days remain), and, subject to compliance with
applicable Laws, shall complete the Offer during such Window
Period.
ARTICLE IV
ADDITIONAL DIVESTITURE TRANSACTIONS
Section 4.1 Generally.
(a) If there are any Excess Shares following the completion
of the Split-Off, MetLife shall engage in one or more Additional
Divestiture Transactions, which MetLife shall complete no later
than the Additional Divestiture Date (notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement), such that, after completion of the
Additional Divestiture Transactions, MetLife shall no longer
hold any of the Excess Shares. MetLife agrees that it shall use
reasonable best efforts to commence the Additional Divestiture
Transactions immediately following the Split-Off to the extent
practicable and, in the case of a Debt Exchange, subject to any
time that any Participating Banks may need to acquire Debt
Securities and hold such Debt Securities before any Private Debt
Exchange; provided that the foregoing shall not require
MetLife to effect any Additional Divestiture Transaction on a
day during which there is a Market Disruption Event.
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(b) The parties agree that the sum of (i) the shares
of RGA Class B Common Stock distributed by MetLife to
MetLife Stockholders pursuant to the Split-Off, and
(ii) the shares of RGA Class B Common Stock
distributed by MetLife pursuant to the Additional Divestiture
Transactions, shall equal the total number of Exchange Shares
(it being understood that in no event shall MetLife sell,
transfer, assign, pledge (unless the pledge does not require the
transfer of Exchange Shares, including upon default of the
underlying pledged obligation, and does not involve the transfer
of voting power over the pledged shares) or otherwise dispose of
any Exchange Shares to the MetLife Stockholders (including as a
stock dividend) or to any third party, except pursuant to the
Split-Off and the Additional Divestiture Transactions).
Section 4.2 Debt
Exchanges.
(a) If MetLife decides to engage in any Debt Exchange,
MetLife shall acquire Debt Securities in exchange for some or
all of any Excess Shares prior to the Additional Divestiture
Date. Any Debt Exchange may be effected as either: (1) a
private exchange (a Private Debt Exchange)
with one or more Participating Banks, pursuant to which such
Participating Banks shall exchange Debt Securities with MetLife
for Excess Shares in a transaction that is not required to be
registered under the Securities Act; or (2) a public
exchange (a Public Debt Exchange) that is
registered under the Securities Act, pursuant to which the
offerees of such Public Debt Exchange shall exchange Debt
Securities with MetLife for Excess Shares.
(b) MetLife shall (i) consummate any Debt Exchange
(whether a Private Debt Exchange or a Public Debt Exchange) in
accordance with the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling, the
IRS Ruling Request, any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request, the Tax
Opinion and with applicable securities Laws, (ii) consult
in advance with RGA regarding the terms, structure and legal
documents relating to any such Debt Exchange, in order for RGA
to be reasonably satisfied that such terms, structure and legal
documentation are consistent with the IRS Ruling, any
Supplemental IRS Ruling, the IRS Ruling Request, any
Supplemental IRS Ruling Request, the Tax Opinion and applicable
securities Laws, and (iii) obtain RGAs prior consent
to any documentation relating to any such Debt Exchange to which
RGA is a party or pursuant to which RGA has any potential
liability or obligation (other than any de minimis
liability or obligation), which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. Prior to the completion of any
Private Debt Exchange, MetLife shall deliver to RGA (at
MetLifes expense) a reasoned opinion of outside counsel,
as to which the outside counsel and opinion shall be reasonably
satisfactory to RGA, that the Private Debt Exchange is exempt
from registration under the Securities Act. If a Public Debt
Exchange is undertaken, the provisions of Sections 3.1(b),
3.1(c), 3.1(d), 3.1(e), 3.1(f), 3.1(g) and 3.1(h) shall extend
to the Public Debt Exchange as if the Public Debt Exchange were
the Split-Off, with such appropriate modifications in the
particular context.
(c) The only conditions to commencing a Public Debt
Exchange shall be the conditions set forth in
Annex A; provided that (i) each
reference to the
Form S-4
in Annex A shall refer to the
Form S-4
for the Public Debt Exchange; (ii) each reference to the
Split-Off shall refer to the Public Debt Exchange;
(iii) each condition relating to the Recapitalization
(other than those in clause I.(a) of
Annex A) shall be omitted, and the first
paragraph of Sections I., II. and III. of
Annex A shall refer to Article IV of this
Agreement instead of Article III of this Agreement;
(iv) each reference to the representations and warranties
of any party or the obligations, agreements or covenants of such
party shall be references to the representations and warranties,
or the obligations, agreements or covenants, as the case may be,
insofar as they relate to the Public Debt Exchange; and
(v) any breach of a representation or warranty or
obligation, agreement or covenant of a party shall not result in
a failure of any condition to commencing a Public Debt Exchange
unless such breach is curable under applicable Law (including by
delaying commencement and amending or supplementing the
Form S-4,
Public Debt Exchange Documents,
and/or any
related MetLife Disclosure Documents or RGA Disclosure
Documents) and the breaching party fails to cure such breach (it
being understood that, if such breach relates to disclosure
required under applicable securities Laws, such breach shall be
cured in a manner that is reasonably satisfactory to the
non-breaching party); provided that each party agrees to
cooperate in good faith in connection with any such efforts to
cure such breach; and provided, further, that
commencement of such Public Debt Exchange, notwithstanding such
breach, shall not act as a waiver or otherwise affect the
non-breaching partys rights or remedies under this
Agreement.
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(d) The only conditions to completing a Public Debt
Exchange shall be the conditions set forth in
Annex C (with the Minimum Condition for the Public
Debt Exchange determined by MetLife) and the conditions set
forth in clause I.(d), I.(e), I.(f), I.(g) and I.(i),
Section II and Section III. of Annex B;
provided that (i) each reference to the
Form S-4
in Annex B and Annex C shall refer to
the
Form S-4
for the Public Debt Exchange; (ii) each reference to the
Split-Off in Annex B and Annex C shall
refer to the Public Debt Exchange; (iii) each condition in
Annex B and Annex C relating to the
Recapitalization shall be omitted; (iv) each reference in
Annex B and Annex C to the
representations and warranties of any party or the obligations,
agreements or covenants of such party shall be references to the
representations and warranties, or the obligations, agreements
or covenants, as the case may be, insofar as they relate to the
Public Debt Exchange; (v) the legal opinions referred to in
Annex B and Annex C shall be
appropriately modified for the Public Debt Exchange;
(vi) it shall be an additional condition to RGAs
obligation to complete the Public Debt Exchange that MetLife
shall have furnished to RGA a certificate dated and effective as
of the Acceptance Time signed on its behalf by its Chief
Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that
the representations and warranties of MetLife set forth in this
Agreement, insofar as they relate to the Public Debt Exchange,
including the MetLife Excluded Representations, shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of the date of this
Agreement and at the Acceptance Time as though made as of the
Acceptance Time (except to the extent that such representations
and warranties expressly relate to a specified date, in which
case as of such specified date) and that MetLife shall have
performed in all material respects its obligations, agreements
or covenants required to be performed by it under this
Agreement; (vii) any breach of a representation or warranty
or obligation, agreement or covenant of a party shall not result
in a failure of any condition to completing a Public Debt
Exchange unless such breach is curable under applicable Law
(including by delaying completion, amending the Offer, and
amending or supplementing the
Form S-4,
any Public Debt Exchange Documents,
and/or any
MetLife Disclosure Documents or RGA Disclosure Documents, and
resoliciting offerees) and the breaching party fails to cure
such breach (it being understood that, if such breach relates to
disclosure required under applicable securities Laws, such
breach shall be cured in a manner that is reasonably
satisfactory to the non-breaching party); provided that
each party agrees to cooperate in good faith in connection with
any such efforts to cure such breach; and provided,
further, that completion of a Public Debt Exchange,
notwithstanding such breach, shall not act as a waiver or
otherwise affect the non-breaching partys rights or
remedies under this Agreement.
Section 4.3 Registration
Rights Agreement with Participating Banks. If
MetLife decides to engage in a Private Debt Exchange with one or
more Participating Banks, RGA agrees that it will enter into a
registration rights agreement with the Participating Banks at
the time of such Private Debt Exchange on terms and conditions
reasonably satisfactory to RGA.
Section 4.4 Additional
Split-Offs.
(a) MetLife may, in addition to or in lieu of any Debt
Exchange, conduct one or more Additional Split-Offs with respect
to some or all of the Excess Shares; provided that any
such Additional Split-Off is completed prior to the Additional
Divestiture Date.
(b) MetLife shall (i) consummate any Additional
Split-Offs in accordance with the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental
IRS Ruling, the IRS Ruling Request, any Supplemental IRS Ruling
Request, the Tax Opinion and with applicable securities Laws,
(ii) consult in advance with RGA regarding the terms,
structure and legal documents relating to the Additional
Split-Offs, in order for RGA to be reasonably satisfied that
such terms, structure and legal documentation are consistent
with the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling, the IRS Ruling
Request, any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request, the Tax Opinion
and applicable securities Laws, and (iii) obtain RGAs
prior consent to any documentation relating to any such
Additional Split-Offs to which RGA is a party or pursuant to
which RGA has any potential liability or obligation (other than
any de minimis liability or obligation), which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If an Additional
Split-Off is undertaken, the provisions of Sections 3.1(b),
3.1(c), 3.1(d), 3.1(e), 3.1(f), 3.1(g) and 3.1(h) shall extend
to any Additional Split-Off as if the Additional Split-Off were
the Split-Off, with such appropriate modifications in the
particular context.
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(c) The only conditions to commencing an Additional
Split-Off shall be the conditions set forth in
Annex A; provided that (i) each
reference to the
Form S-4
in Annex A shall refer to the
Form S-4
for the Additional Split-Off; (ii) each reference to the
Split-Off shall refer to the Additional Split-Off;
(iii) each condition relating to the Recapitalization shall
be omitted, and the first paragraph of Section I., II.
and III. of Annex A shall refer to Article IV
of this Agreement instead of Article III of this Agreement;
(iv) each reference to the representations and warranties
of any party or the obligations, agreements or covenants of such
party shall be references to the representations and warranties,
or the obligations, agreements or covenants, as the case may be,
insofar as they relate to the Additional Split-Off; and
(v) any breach of a representation or warranty or
obligation, agreement or covenant of a party shall not result in
a failure of any condition to commencing an Additional Split-Off
unless such breach is curable under applicable Law (including by
delaying commencement of the Offer and amending or supplementing
the
Form S-4,
any Additional Split-Off Documents,
and/or any
related MetLife Disclosure Documents or RGA Disclosure
Documents) and the breaching party fails to cure such breach (it
being understood that, if such breach relates to disclosure
required under applicable securities Laws, such breach shall be
cured in a manner that is reasonably satisfactory to the
non-breaching party); provided that each party agrees to
cooperate in good faith in connection with any such efforts to
cure such breach; and provided, further, that
commencement of such Additional Split-Off, notwithstanding such
breach, shall not act as a waiver or otherwise affect the
non-breaching partys rights or remedies under this
Agreement.
(d) The only conditions to completing an Additional
Split-Off shall be the conditions set forth in
Annex C (with the Minimum Condition for the
Additional Split-Off determined by MetLife) and the conditions
set forth in clause I.(d), I.(e), I.(f), I.(g) and I.(i),
and Section II and Section III of Annex B;
provided that (i) each reference to the
Form S-4
in Annex B and Annex C shall refer to
the
Form S-4
for the Additional Split-Off; (ii) each reference in
Annex B and Annex C to the Split-Off
shall refer to the Additional Split-Off; (iii) each
condition in Annex B and Annex C
relating to the Recapitalization shall be omitted;
(iv) each reference in Annex B and
Annex C to the representations and warranties of any
party or the obligations, agreements or covenants of such party
shall be references to the representations and warranties, or
the obligations, agreements or covenants, as the case may be,
insofar as they relate to the Additional Split-Off; (v) the
legal opinions referred to in Annex B and
Annex C shall be appropriately modified for the
Additional Split-Off; (vi) it shall be an additional
condition to RGAs obligation to complete the Additional
Split-Off that MetLife shall have furnished to RGA a certificate
dated and effective as of the Acceptance Time signed on its
behalf by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer
to the effect that the representations and warranties of MetLife
set forth in this Agreement, including the MetLife Excluded
Representations, insofar as they relate to the Additional
Split-Off, shall be true and correct in all material respects as
of the date of this Agreement and at the Acceptance Time as
though made as of the Acceptance Time (except to the extent that
such representations and warranties expressly relate to a
specified date, in which case as of such specified date); and
that MetLife shall have performed in all material respects its
obligations, agreements or covenants required to be performed by
it under this Agreement; (vii) any breach of a
representation or warranty or obligation, agreement or covenant
of a party shall not result in a failure of any condition to
completing an Additional Split-Off unless such breach is curable
under applicable Law (including by delaying completion of the
Offer and amending or supplementing the
Form S-4,
any Additional Split-Off Documents,
and/or any
MetLife Disclosure Documents or RGA Disclosure Documents and
resoliciting offerees) and the breaching party fails to cure
such breach (it being understood that, if such breach relates to
disclosure required under applicable securities Laws, such
breach shall be cured in a manner that is reasonably
satisfactory to the non-breaching party); provided that each
party agrees to cooperate in good faith in connection with any
such efforts to cure such breach; and provided, further, that
completion of an Additional Split-Off, notwithstanding such
breach, shall not act as a waiver or otherwise affect the
non-breaching partys rights or remedies under this
Agreement.
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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF RGA
Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by RGA
to MetLife (the RGA Disclosure Schedule)
simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, RGA hereby
represents and warrants to MetLife, on the date of this
Agreement and on each of the Closing Date and the date of the
Acceptance Time of any Public Debt Exchange and any Additional
Split-Off, as follows (provided that the representations
set forth in Sections 5.3(b), 5.5(b), 5.5(c), 5.6, 5.7 and
5.9 through 5.18 (the RGA Excluded
Representations) are being made solely for purposes of
the Transactions related to the Split-Off and any Additional
Divestiture Transaction and not for purposes of the Transactions
related to the Recapitalization):
Section 5.1 Organization;
Good Standing. Each of RGA and its
Significant Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the Laws of the state of its
incorporation, formation or organization, as the case may be,
and has all requisite corporate or company power and corporate
or company authority necessary to own, lease and operate all of
its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted, except for such failures to be duly
organized, validly existing or in good standing or to have
corporate power or corporate authority that, individually or in
the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a RGA
Material Adverse Effect. Each of RGA and its Significant
Subsidiaries is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is
in good standing (or equivalent status) in each jurisdiction in
which the nature of the business conducted by it or the
character or location of the properties and assets owned or
leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary,
except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good
standing (or equivalent status) would not reasonably be expected
to, individually or in the aggregate, have a RGA Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 5.2 Authorization.
(a) RGA has all necessary corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to obtaining the
RGA Shareholder Approval, to perform its obligations hereunder
and to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and
performance by RGA of this Agreement, and the consummation by it
of the Transactions, have been duly authorized and approved by
all necessary corporate action on the part of RGA (including by
its Board of Directors), and except for the RGA Shareholder
Approval, no other corporate action or proceedings on the part
of RGA is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance by RGA of this Agreement and the consummation by it
of the Transactions. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by RGA and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the other parties hereto,
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of RGA,
enforceable against RGA in accordance with its terms, except
(i) as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, fraudulent
transfer or similar laws now or hereinafter in effect relating
to or affecting creditors rights generally and by general
principles of equity, and (ii) except with respect to the
rights of indemnification and contribution hereunder, where
enforcement hereof may be limited by federal or state securities
Laws or the policies underlying such Laws.
(b) The Board of Directors of RGA, at a meeting duly called
and held, has (i) approved this Agreement and the
Transactions, and deemed this Agreement and the Transactions
advisable, fair to and in the best interests of RGA Shareholders
(other than MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries);
(ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions with
respect to the acquisition of Class B Common Stock by
MetLife in all respects for purposes of Section 351.459 of
the MGBCL; and (iii) resolved to recommend that RGA
Shareholders vote to approve and adopt this Agreement and the
Transactions, including the Recapitalization and the Amended and
Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation (the RGA Board
Recommendation).
(c) The affirmative votes (in person or by proxy) of both
(i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
RGA Common Stock, and (ii) the holders of a majority of the
shares of RGA Common Stock not held by MetLife or any of its
Subsidiaries, present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote
at the RGA Shareholders Meeting, or any adjournment or
postponement of the RGA Shareholders Meeting, in favor of the
approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Recapitalization
and Amended
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and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation are the only votes or
approvals of the holders of any class or series of capital stock
of RGA or any of its Subsidiaries which are necessary to adopt
this Agreement and approve the Transactions (together with
approval by holders of RGA Common Stock of RGAs
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan, the RGA
Shareholder Approval).
(d) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, and assuming
receipt of the RGA Shareholder Approval, the Board of Directors
of RGA has taken all action necessary to exempt under, or make
not subject to, the provisions of any State of Missouri takeover
law or other State of Missouri law that purports to limit or
restrict transactions with interested or affiliated shareholders
(including Section 351.459 of the MGBCL) or any provision
of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of RGA that would
require any corporate approval other than that otherwise
required by the MGBCL, the execution of this Agreement and the
Transactions, in each case as to MetLife.
Section 5.3 Non-Contravention.
(a) Except as disclosed in Section 5.3 of the RGA
Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by RGA nor the consummation by RGA of the
Transactions, nor compliance by RGA with any of the provisions
of this Agreement, will (i) conflict with or result in any
violation or breach of or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time, or both) under any articles of incorporation,
certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational
documents of RGA or any of its Significant Subsidiaries,
(ii) violate any Law, judgment, writ or injunction of any
Governmental Authority applicable to RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries, or (iii) conflict with or result in any
violation or breach of, or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time, or both) under or give rise to a right of, or
result in, termination, modification, cancellation, recapture or
acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of a benefit, or
result in the creation of any Lien in or upon or with respect
to, any of the properties or other assets of RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries, under any of the terms, conditions or provisions
of any loan or credit agreement, debenture, note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, contract or other agreement
(each, a Contract) to which RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, except in the case of clauses (ii)
and (iii), for such violations, defaults or conflicts as would
not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate,
have a RGA Material Adverse Effect. Other than as would not
reasonably be expected to result in a RGA Material Adverse
Effect, none of the Transactions will (x) constitute a
change of control of RGA or any of its Subsidiaries
or otherwise result in the increase or acceleration of any
benefits, including to employees of RGA, under any Contract to
which RGA or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which RGA
or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or (y) result in any
adjustment of the number of shares subject to, or the terms of,
including exercise price, any outstanding employee stock options
of RGA; provided, however, the Transactions may
result in an adjustment to type or class of shares subject to
any such options of RGA.
(b) Except as would not be required to be disclosed in the
RGA Disclosure Documents (and, to the extent any such disclosure
is required in the RGA Disclosure Documents, except as shall be
disclosed therein, including any disclosure incorporated by
reference into such documents), and except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have
a RGA Material Adverse Effect, neither RGA nor any of its
Significant Subsidiaries (i) is in violation of its
respective articles of incorporation, certificate of
incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational documents,
(ii) is in default in the performance of any Contract to
which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of
its properties is subject or (iii) is in violation of any
Law applicable to RGA, any of its Subsidiaries or their assets
or properties.
Section 5.4 Governmental
Approvals. Except for filings required under,
and compliance with other applicable requirements of,
(a) the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (b) state
securities or blue sky laws, (c) the rules and
regulations of the NYSE, (d) the filing of the Amended and
Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of
State of the State of Missouri, (e) the insurance filings
set forth in Section 5.4 of the RGA Disclosure Schedule
(the RGA Required Consents) and
(f) filings (if any) required under, and compliance with
other applicable requirements of, the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act),
no material consents or approvals of, or material filings,
declarations or registrations with, any Governmental Authority
are necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement
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by RGA or the consummation by RGA of the Transactions. As of the
date of this Agreement, RGA has no knowledge or reason to
believe that it will not be able to obtain the RGA Required
Consents.
Section 5.5 Capital
Stock.
(a) All outstanding shares of the capital stock of RGA have
been, and immediately after the Recapitalization, the Acceptance
Time and any Additional Divestiture Transaction, all of the
Recapitalized Shares shall be, duly authorized and validly
issued and are and will be fully paid, nonassessable and free of
preemptive rights, and are and will have been issued in
compliance in all material respects with applicable Law, and in
each case shall conform in all material respects to the
description thereof set forth in each of the
S-4
Prospectuses, the Split-Off Documents and, if applicable, the
Public Debt Exchange Documents and the Additional Split-Off
Documents. RGA does not have outstanding any common or preferred
stock other than the RGA Common Stock. Immediately after the
Recapitalization and prior to the completion of the Divestiture,
there shall be (i) no shares of RGA Class B Common
Stock outstanding other than the Exchange Shares, (ii) no
outstanding preemptive or other rights, warrants or options to
acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for,
any shares of RGA Class B Common Stock, and (iii) no
other equity interests in RGA or any of its Subsidiaries having
the right to participate with the holders of the RGA
Class B Common Stock in electing at least 80% of the
directors of RGA.
(b) RGA will have at its latest balance sheet date in the
RGA Disclosure Documents, an authorized and outstanding
capitalization as shall be disclosed in all material respects in
the RGA Disclosure Documents and, except with respect to
warrants to purchase RGA Common Stock issued by RGA as part of
the Trust Preferred Income Equity Redeemable Securities of
RGA and RGA Capital Trust I or otherwise as expressly set
forth in the RGA Disclosure Documents or the RGA Tax
Certificate, or otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.1
or 7.2, since the date set forth in the applicable
S-4
Prospectuses, (a) there will be no outstanding preemptive
or other rights, warrants or options to acquire, or instruments
convertible into or exchangeable for, any shares of capital
stock or other equity interest in RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any contract, commitment, agreement,
understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the
issuance of any capital stock of RGA or any such Subsidiary, any
such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights,
warrants or options (except as may be contemplated by the terms
of the 6.75% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2065 of RGA) and
(b) there will have been no material change in the
authorized or outstanding capitalization of RGA, except with
respect to, in the case of each of clause (a) and
(b) above, (i) changes occurring in the ordinary
course of business, (ii) changes in outstanding RGA Common
Stock and options, rights, shares, units or other awards to
acquire RGA Common Stock resulting from transactions relating to
RGAs employee, director or consultant benefit, dividend
reinvestment or stock purchase plans (as the same may be amended
at the RGA annual meeting of the shareholders), and
(iii) changes associated with the Recapitalization.
(c) Each of the outstanding shares of capital stock, voting
securities or other equity interests of each Significant
Subsidiary of RGA is, and immediately after the
Recapitalization, the Acceptance Time and any Additional
Divestiture Transaction, all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock, voting securities or other equity interests of
each Significant Subsidiary of RGA will be, duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of any
preemptive rights, and are and will have been issued in
compliance in all material respects with applicable Law; and all
such securities are and will be owned by RGA or another wholly
owned Subsidiary of RGA and are owned free and clear of all
Liens. Except as set forth in Section 5.5(c) of the RGA
Disclosure Schedule, there are no (i) outstanding options
or other rights of any kind which obligate RGA or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries to issue or deliver any shares of
capital stock, voting securities or other equity interests of
any such Significant Subsidiary or any securities or obligations
convertible into or exchangeable into or exercisable for any
shares of capital stock, voting securities or other equity
interest of a Significant Subsidiary of RGA,
(ii) outstanding obligations of RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable into
or exercisable for any shares of capital stock, voting
securities or other equity interests of a Significant Subsidiary
of RGA; or (iii) other options, calls, warrants or other
rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character
relating to the issued
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or unissued capital stock of any Significant Subsidiary of RGA
to which RGA or any of its Subsidiaries is a party.
Section 5.6 Litigation. There
are no Actions pending, or to the knowledge of RGA, threatened,
to which RGA or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be a party or
to which the business or property of RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries is or may be subject, and there is no statute,
rule, regulation or order that has been enacted, adopted or
issued by any Governmental Authority or that has been proposed
by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over RGA or
its Subsidiaries, (a) that seeks to, and neither RGA nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any judgments, decrees or
orders that, enjoin, prohibit, rescind or restrain any of the
Transactions or otherwise prevent RGA from complying in all
material respects with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement or (b) except as shall be disclosed in the RGA
Disclosure Documents, that would, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a RGA Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 5.7 Accuracy
of Information. (a) As of the date that
such document is filed with the SEC (as amended, updated,
modified, supplemented or superseded), (b) in the case of
the
Form S-4,
as of the date that the
Form S-4
is declared effective by the SEC, (c) as of the date on
which such document (or portion thereof) is mailed to the RGA
Shareholders
and/or
MetLife Stockholders or otherwise first published, (d) in
the case of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, together with any
information filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of
the Securities Act with respect to the applicable Transaction,
during the pendency of the Recapitalization and at the RGA
Shareholders Meeting, (e) in the case of the Split-Off
Documents, together with any information filed pursuant to
Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities Act with
respect to the applicable Split-Off, during the pendency of the
Split-Off and the Acceptance Time, (f) in the case of the
Public Debt Exchange Documents, together with any information
filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities
Act with respect to the applicable Public Debt Exchange, during
the pendency of the Public Debt Exchange and the Acceptance Time
for such Public Debt Exchange, and (g) in the case of the
Additional Split-Off Documents, together with any information
filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities
Act with respect to the applicable Additional Split-Off, during
the pendency of the Additional Split-Offs and the Acceptance
Times for such Additional Split-Offs: (i) each of the RGA
Disclosure Documents will conform in all material respects to
the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as
applicable; and (ii) none of the information supplied by
RGA for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any RGA
Disclosure Documents shall contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading; provided that RGA makes no
representation or warranty as to information contained in or
omitted from any RGA Disclosure Documents based on information
provided by MetLife for inclusion or incorporation by reference
therein.
Section 5.8 Brokers
and Other Advisors. Except for Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, the fees and expenses of
which will be paid by RGA except to the extent set forth in
Section 10.3, no broker, investment banker, financial
advisor or other Person is entitled to any brokers,
finders, financial advisors or other similar fee or
commission, or the reimbursement of expenses, in connection with
any of the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on
behalf of RGA or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 5.9 Property
Title. Except as would not be required to be
disclosed in the RGA Disclosure Documents (and, to the extent
any such disclosure is required in such documents, except as
shall be disclosed in such documents, including any disclosure
incorporated by reference into such documents), and except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a RGA Material Adverse Effect: (a) each of
RGA and its Subsidiaries has (i) good and, in the case of
real property, valid title to all of the properties and assets
owned by it, free and clear of all Liens, (ii) peaceful and
undisturbed possession under all leases to which it is party as
lessee, (iii) all material licenses, certificates, permits,
authorizations, approvals, franchises and other rights from, and
has made all declarations and filings with, all federal, state
and local governmental authorities (including from the insurance
regulatory agencies of the various jurisdictions where it
conducts business) and all courts and other governmental
tribunals (each, an Authorization) necessary
to engage in the business currently conducted by it,
(iv) fulfilled and performed all obligations necessary to
maintain each Authorization and (v) no knowledge of any
threatened action, suit or proceeding or investigation that
would reasonably be expected to result in the revocation,
termination or suspension of any Authorization held by RGA or
its Subsidiaries; (b) all such Authorizations are valid and
in
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full force and effect and RGA and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance in all material respects with the terms and
conditions of all such Authorizations and with the rules and
regulations of the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction
with respect thereto; (c) no insurance regulatory agency or
body has issued any order or decree impairing, restricting or
prohibiting the payment of dividends by any Subsidiary of RGA to
the MetLife of such Subsidiary; and (d) all leases to which
RGA or any of its Subsidiaries is a party are valid and binding
and no default by RGA or any of its Subsidiaries has occurred
and is continuing thereunder, and, to RGAs knowledge, no
material defaults by the landlord are existing under any such
lease.
Section 5.10 Investment
Company. Neither RGA nor any of its
Significant Subsidiaries is, or after consummation of the
Divestiture will be, an investment company as
defined, and subject to regulation, under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
SEC thereunder (collectively, the Investment Company
Act), or analogous foreign laws and regulations.
Section 5.11 Internal
Control. Except as shall be disclosed in the
RGA Disclosure Documents, (a) RGA maintains a system of
internal control over financial reporting (as such term is
defined in
Rule 13a-15(f)
of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the
Exchange Act and has been designed by RGAs principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, or under
their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
GAAP; and (b) RGAs internal control over financial
reporting is effective, and RGA is not aware of any material
weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting.
Section 5.12 Disclosure
Controls and Procedures. Except as shall be
disclosed in the RGA Disclosure Documents, (a) RGA has
established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as
such terms are defined in
Rule 13a-15(e)
of the Exchange Act) in accordance with the rules and
regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and the Exchange Act;
(b) such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to
provide reasonable assurance that material information relating
to RGA and its subsidiaries is made known to RGAs Chief
Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer by others
within those entities; and (c) such disclosure controls and
procedures are effective to provide such reasonable assurance.
Section 5.13 Exhibits. There
are no contracts, agreements or other documents to which RGA or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party that are required to be
described in the RGA Disclosure Documents or filed as exhibits
thereto by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case
may be, which have not been described in the RGA Disclosure
Documents or filed as exhibits thereto.
Section 5.14 No
Material Change. Except as would not be
required to be disclosed in the RGA Disclosure Documents (and,
to the extent any such disclosure is required in such documents,
except as shall be disclosed in such documents, including any
disclosure incorporated by reference into such documents), and
except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a RGA Material Adverse Effect,
since the date of the latest audited financial statements
included or incorporated by reference in the RGA Disclosure
Documents: (a) neither RGA nor any of its Subsidiaries has
sustained any material loss or interference with its business
from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not
covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or
governmental action, order or decree; (b) there has not
been any material adverse change in the capital stock,
short-term debt or long-term debt of RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries or any material adverse change, or any development
involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting
the general affairs, management, consolidated financial
position, shareholders equity, results of operations or
business or prospects of RGA and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole; (c) neither RGA nor any of its Subsidiaries has
incurred any liabilities or obligations outside the ordinary
course of business, direct or contingent, which are material to
RGA and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, nor entered into any
material transaction not in the ordinary course of business; and
(d) there have not been dividends or distributions of any
kind declared, paid or made by RGA on any class of its capital
stock, except for regularly scheduled dividends, or, in each
case, to the extent permitted by Section 7.1.
Section 5.15 RGA
Insurance Subsidiaries. Except as would not
be required to be disclosed in the RGA Disclosure Documents
(and, to the extent any such disclosure is required in such
documents, except as shall be disclosed in such documents,
including any disclosure incorporated by reference into such
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documents), and except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a RGA Material Adverse
Effect: (a) each RGA Insurance Subsidiary is licensed as an
insurance company in its respective jurisdiction of
incorporation and is duly licensed or authorized as an insurer
in each other jurisdiction where it is required to be so
licensed or authorized to conduct its business; (b) each
RGA Insurance Subsidiary has all other approvals, orders,
consents, authorizations, licenses, certificates, permits,
registrations and qualifications (collectively, the RGA
Approvals) of and from all insurance regulatory
authorities to conduct its business; (c) there is no
pending or, to the knowledge of RGA, threatened action, suit,
proceeding or investigation that could reasonably be expected to
lead to any revocation, termination or suspension of any such
RGA Approval; (d) to the knowledge of RGA, no insurance
regulatory agency or body has issued any order or decree
impairing, restricting or prohibiting the payment of dividends
by any RGA Insurance Subsidiary to the MetLife of such RGA
Insurance Subsidiary; and (e) each RGA Insurance Subsidiary
is in compliance with and conducts its businesses in conformity
with all applicable insurance laws and regulations of its
respective jurisdiction of incorporation and the insurance laws
and regulations of other jurisdictions which are applicable
to it.
Section 5.16 Independent
Auditors. Deloitte & Touche, who
shall certify the audited financial statements of RGA included
or incorporated by reference in the RGA Disclosure Documents and
shall have audited RGAs internal control over financial
reporting and managements assessment thereof, is an
independent registered public accounting firm as required by the
Securities Act. The consolidated historical statements of RGA
included or incorporated by reference in the RGA Disclosure
Documents, together with the related schedules and notes, will
fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial condition and results of operations of RGA and its
Subsidiaries at the respective dates and for the respective
periods indicated, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied
throughout such periods, except as stated therein. Other
financial and statistical information and data of RGA to be
included or incorporated by reference in the RGA Disclosure
Documents, historical and pro forma, are, in all material
respects, accurately presented and prepared on a basis
consistent with such financial statements, except as may
otherwise be indicated therein, and the books and records of RGA
and its Subsidiaries.
Section 5.17 Tax.
(a) All material Tax returns required to be filed by RGA or
any of its Subsidiaries, in all jurisdictions, have been so
filed. All material Taxes due or claimed to be due from RGA or
any of its Subsidiaries or that are due and payable have been
paid, other than those Taxes being contested in good faith and
for which adequate reserves have been provided or those
currently payable without penalty or interest. RGA does not know
of any material proposed additional Tax assessments against it
or any of its Subsidiaries, other than those additional Tax
assessments that will be contested in good faith and for which
adequate reserves have been provided.
(b) (i) RGA has examined the IRS Ruling Request and
any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request (to the extent applicable),
and the facts, statements and representations made therein,
solely to the extent relating to RGA and its Affiliates, are
true, correct and complete in all material respects and
(ii) RGA has no knowledge of any facts that would render
such facts, statements and representations no longer true,
correct and complete in all material respects; provided,
however, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Agreement, no representation or warranty is being made
by RGA as to whether MetLife and its Subsidiaries will satisfy
the control requirements set forth in
Sections 355(a)(1)(A) and 355(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Code in
connection with the Transactions.
(c) As of the date of this Agreement, RGA has no knowledge
or reason to believe that it will not be able to deliver the RGA
Tax Certificate.
Section 5.18 Approvals. RGA
and each Significant Subsidiary of RGA has all necessary RGA
Approvals of and from, and has made all filings, registrations
and declarations (collectively, the RGA
Filings) with, all insurance regulatory authorities
and Governmental Authorities, all self-regulatory organizations
and all courts and other tribunals, which are necessary to own,
lease, license and use its properties and assets and to conduct
its business in the manner as shall be described in the RGA
Disclosure Documents, except where the failure to have such RGA
Approvals or to make such RGA Filings would not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a RGA Material Adverse Effect;
to the knowledge of RGA, RGA and
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each Significant Subsidiary of RGA is in compliance with all
applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, bylaws and similar
requirements, including in connection with registrations or
memberships in self-regulatory organizations, and all such RGA
Approvals and RGA Filings are in full force and effect and
neither RGA nor any Significant Subsidiary of RGA has received
any notice of any event, inquiry, investigation or proceeding
that would reasonably be expected to result in the suspension,
revocation or limitation of any such RGA Approval or otherwise
impose any limitation on the conduct of the business of RGA or
any Significant Subsidiary of RGA, except as shall be described
in the RGA Disclosure Documents, or except for any such
non-compliance, suspension, revocation or limitation which would
not have, individually or in the aggregate, a RGA Material
Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF METLIFE
Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by
MetLife to RGA (the MetLife Disclosure
Schedule) simultaneously with the execution of this
Agreement, MetLife hereby represents and warrants to RGA, on the
date of this Agreement and on each of the Closing Date and the
date of the Acceptance Time of any Public Debt Exchange and any
Additional Split-Off, as follows (provided that the
representations set forth in Sections 6.3(b), 6.6, 6.7, 6.9
through 6.18, 6.20 and 6.21 (the MetLife Excluded
Representations) are being made solely for purposes of
the Transactions related to the Split-Off and any Additional
Divestiture Transaction and not for purposes of the Transactions
related to the Recapitalization):
Section 6.1 Organization;
Good Standing. Each of MetLife and its
Significant Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the Laws of the state of its
incorporation, formation or organization, as the case may be,
and has all requisite corporate or company power and corporate
or company authority necessary to own, lease and operate all of
its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted, except for such failures to be duly
organized, validly existing or in good standing or to have
corporate power or corporate authority that, individually or in
the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a
MetLife Material Adverse Effect. Each of MetLife and its
Significant Subsidiaries is duly licensed or qualified to do
business and is in good standing (or equivalent status) in each
jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it
or the character or location of the properties and assets owned
or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary,
except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good
standing (or equivalent status) would not reasonably be expected
to, individually or in the aggregate, have a MetLife Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 6.2 Authorization.
(a) MetLife has all necessary corporate power and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The
execution, delivery and performance by MetLife of this
Agreement, and the consummation by it of the Transactions, have
been duly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate
action on the part of MetLife (including by its Board of
Directors), and no other corporate action or proceedings on the
part of MetLife is necessary to authorize the execution,
delivery and performance by MetLife of this Agreement and the
consummation by it of the Transactions. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by MetLife and, assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
other parties hereto, constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of MetLife, enforceable against MetLife in accordance
with its terms, except (i) as such enforcement may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership,
moratorium, fraudulent transfer or similar laws now or
hereinafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors
rights generally and by general principles of equity, and
(ii) except with respect to the rights of indemnification
and contribution hereunder, where enforcement hereof may be
limited by federal or state securities Laws or the policies
underlying such Laws.
(b) The Board of Directors of MetLife, at a meeting duly
called and held, has unanimously approved this Agreement and the
Transactions.
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Section 6.3 Non-Contravention.
(a) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
MetLife nor the consummation by MetLife of the Transactions, nor
compliance by MetLife with any of the provisions of this
Agreement, will (i) conflict with or result in any
violation or breach of or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time, or both) under any articles of incorporation,
certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational
documents of MetLife or any of its Significant Subsidiaries,
(ii) violate any Law, judgment, writ or injunction of any
Governmental Authority applicable to MetLife or any of its
Subsidiaries or (iii) conflict with or result in any
violation or breach of, or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time, or both) under or give rise to a right of, or
result in, termination, modification, cancellation, recapture or
acceleration of any obligation or to the loss of a benefit, or
result in the creation of any Lien in or upon or with respect
to, any of the properties or other assets of MetLife or any of
its Subsidiaries, under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of any Contract to which MetLife or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, except in the case of clauses (ii)
and (iii), for such violations, defaults or conflicts as would
not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate,
have a MetLife Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as would not be required to be disclosed in the
MetLife Disclosure Documents (and, to the extent any such
disclosure is required in the MetLife Disclosure Documents,
except as shall be disclosed therein, including any disclosure
incorporated by reference into such documents), and except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a MetLife Material Adverse Effect, neither
MetLife nor any of its Significant Subsidiaries: (i) is in
violation of its respective articles of incorporation,
certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational
documents, (ii) is in default in the performance of any
Contract to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to
which any of its properties is subject or (iii) is in
violation of any Law applicable to MetLife, any of its
Subsidiaries or their assets or properties.
Section 6.4 Governmental
Approvals. Except for filings required under,
and compliance with other applicable requirements of,
(a) the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (b) state
securities or blue sky laws, (c) the rules and
regulations of the NYSE, (d) the insurance filings set
forth in Section 6.4 of the MetLife Disclosure Schedule
(the MetLife Required Consents) and
(e) filings (if any) required under, and compliance with
other applicable requirements of, the HSR Act, no material
consents or approvals of, or material filings, declarations or
registrations with, any Governmental Authority are necessary for
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by MetLife or the
consummation by MetLife of the Transactions. As of the date of
this Agreement, MetLife has no knowledge or reason to believe
that it will not be able to obtain the MetLife Required Consents.
Section 6.5 Title. As
of the date of this Agreement, General American Life Insurance
Company, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of MetLife, has good
and valid title to the Deposited Shares, and immediately prior
to the Recapitalization, MetLife shall have good and valid title
to the Exchange Shares, free and clear of any Liens. As of the
date of this Agreement, all of such Deposited Shares are held by
General American Life Insurance Company (MetLife
Holding Subsidiary).
Section 6.6 Litigation. There
are no Actions pending, or to the knowledge of MetLife,
threatened to which MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries is or may
be a party or to which the business or property of MetLife or
any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject, and there is no
statute, rule, regulation or order that has been enacted,
adopted or issued by any Governmental Authority or that has been
proposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over
MetLife or its Subsidiaries, (a) that seeks to, and neither
MetLife nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any judgments,
decrees or orders that, enjoin, prohibit, rescind or restrain
any of the Transactions or otherwise prevent MetLife from
complying in all material respects with the terms and provisions
of this Agreement or (b) except as shall be disclosed in
the MetLife Disclosure Documents, that would, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a MetLife
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.7 Accuracy
of Information. (a) As of the date that
such document is filed with the SEC (as amended, updated,
modified, supplemented or superseded), (b) in the case of
the
Form S-4,
as of the date that the
Form S-4
is declared effective by the SEC, (c) as of the date on
which such document (or portion thereof) is mailed to the RGA
Shareholders
and/or
MetLife Stockholders or otherwise first published, (d) in
the case of
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the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, together with any information
filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the
Securities Act with respect to the applicable Transaction,
during the pendency of the Recapitalization and at the RGA
Shareholders Meeting, (e) in the case of the Split-Off
Documents, together with any information filed pursuant to
Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities Act with
respect to the applicable Split-Off, during the pendency of the
Split-Off and the Acceptance Time, (f) in the case of the
Public Debt Exchange Documents, together with any information
filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities
Act with respect to the applicable Public Debt Exchange, during
the pendency of the Public Debt Exchange and the Acceptance Time
for such Public Debt Exchange, and (g) in the case of the
Additional Split-Off Documents, together with any information
filed pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the Securities
Act with respect to the applicable Additional Split-Off, during
the pendency of the Additional Split-Offs and the Acceptance
Times for such Additional Split-Offs: (i) each of the
MetLife Disclosure Documents, will conform in all material
respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, as applicable; and (ii) none of the
information supplied by MetLife for inclusion or incorporation
by reference in any MetLife Disclosure Documents shall contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
provided that MetLife makes no representation or warranty
as to information contained in or omitted from any MetLife
Disclosure Documents based on information provided by RGA for
inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
Section 6.8 Brokers
and Other Advisors. Except for Goldman,
Sachs & Co. and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
the fees and expenses of which will be paid by MetLife, no
broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person is
entitled to any brokers, finders, financial
advisors or other similar fee or commission, or the
reimbursement of expenses, in connection with any of the
Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 6.9 Property
Title. Except as would not be required to be
disclosed in the MetLife Disclosure Documents (and, to the
extent any such disclosure is required in such documents, except
as shall be disclosed in such documents, including any
disclosure incorporated by reference into such documents), and
except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a MetLife Material Adverse
Effect: (a) each of MetLife and its Subsidiaries has
(i) good and, in the case of real property, valid title to
all of the properties and assets owned by it, free and clear of
all Liens, (ii) peaceful and undisturbed possession under
all leases to which it is party as lessee, (iii) all
Authorizations necessary to engage in the business currently
conducted by it, (iv) fulfilled and performed all
obligations necessary to maintain each Authorization and
(v) no knowledge of any threatened action, suit or
proceeding or investigation that would reasonably be expected to
result in the revocation, termination or suspension of any
Authorization held by MetLife or its Subsidiaries; (b) all
such Authorizations are valid and in full force and effect and
MetLife and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material
respects with the terms and conditions of all such
Authorizations and with the rules and regulations of the
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction with respect thereto;
(c) no insurance regulatory agency or body has issued any
order or decree impairing, restricting or prohibiting the
payment of dividends by any Subsidiary of MetLife to the MetLife
of such Subsidiary; and (d) all leases to which MetLife or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party are valid and binding and no
default by MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries has occurred and
is continuing thereunder, and, to MetLifes knowledge, no
material defaults by the landlord are existing under any such
lease.
Section 6.10 Investment
Company. Neither MetLife nor any of its
Significant Subsidiaries is, or after consummation of the
Divestiture will be, an investment company as
defined, and subject to regulation, under the Investment Company
Act, or analogous foreign laws and regulations.
Section 6.11 Capitalization. The
authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of MetLife
conforms in all material respects to the description thereof set
forth in each of the MetLife Disclosure Documents and has been
validly authorized and issued, is fully paid and nonassessable
and was not issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive
or similar rights. The description of the authorized and
outstanding capitalization of MetLife contained in the balance
sheet of MetLife set forth in the
S-4
Prospectuses is accurate in all material respects as of the date
of such balance sheet.
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Section 6.12 Internal
Control. Except as shall be disclosed in the
MetLife Disclosure Documents, (a) MetLife maintains a
system of internal control over financial reporting (as such
term is defined in
Rule 13a-15(f)
of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the
Exchange Act and has been designed by MetLifes principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, or under
their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
GAAP; and (b) MetLifes internal control over
financial reporting is effective and MetLife is not aware of any
material weaknesses in its internal control over financial
reporting.
Section 6.13 Disclosure
Controls and Procedures. Except as shall be
disclosed in the MetLife Disclosure Documents, (a) MetLife
has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures
(as such terms are defined in
Rule 13a-15(e)
of the Exchange Act) in accordance with the rules and
regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Exchange Act;
(b) such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to
provide reasonable assurance that material information relating
to MetLife and its subsidiaries is made known to MetLifes
Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer by
others within those entities; and (c) such disclosure
controls and procedures are effective to provide such reasonable
assurance.
Section 6.14 Exhibits. There
are no contracts, agreements or other documents to which MetLife
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party that are required to be
described in the MetLife Disclosure Documents or filed as
exhibits thereto by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as
the case may be, which have not been described in the MetLife
Disclosure Documents or filed as exhibits thereto.
Section 6.15 No
Material Change. Except as would not be
required to be disclosed in the MetLife Disclosure Documents
(and, to the extent any such disclosure is required in such
documents, except as shall be disclosed in such documents,
including any disclosure incorporated by reference into such
documents), and except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a MetLife Material
Adverse Effect, since the date of the latest audited financial
statements included or incorporated by reference in the MetLife
Disclosure Documents: (a) neither MetLife nor any of its
Subsidiaries has sustained any material loss or interference
with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity,
whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute
or court or governmental action, order or decree; (b) there
has not been any material adverse change in the capital stock,
short-term debt or long-term debt of MetLife or any of its
Subsidiaries or any material adverse change, or any development
involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting
the general affairs, management, consolidated financial
position, shareholders equity, results of operations or
business or prospects of MetLife and its Subsidiaries, taken as
a whole; (c) neither MetLife nor any of its Subsidiaries
has incurred any liabilities or obligations outside the ordinary
course of business, direct or contingent, which are material to
MetLife and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, nor entered into
any material transaction not in the ordinary course of business;
and (d) there have not been dividends or distributions of
any kind declared, paid or made by MetLife on any class of its
capital stock, except for regularly scheduled dividends.
Section 6.16 MetLife
Insurance Subsidiaries. Except as would not
be required to be disclosed in the MetLife Disclosure Documents
(and, to the extent any such disclosure is required in such
documents, except as shall be disclosed in such documents,
including any disclosure incorporated by reference into such
documents), and except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a MetLife Material
Adverse Effect: (a) each MetLife Insurance Subsidiary is
licensed as an insurance company in its respective jurisdiction
of incorporation and is duly licensed or authorized as an
insurer in each other jurisdiction where it is required to be so
licensed or authorized to conduct its business; (b) each
MetLife Insurance Subsidiary has all other approvals, orders,
consents, authorizations, licenses, certificates, permits,
registrations and qualifications (collectively, the
MetLife Approvals) of and from all insurance
regulatory authorities to conduct its business; (c) there
is no pending or, to the knowledge of MetLife, threatened
action, suit, proceeding or investigation that could reasonably
be expected to lead to any revocation, termination or suspension
of any such MetLife Approval; (d) to the knowledge of
MetLife, no insurance regulatory agency or body has issued any
order or decree impairing, restricting or prohibiting the
payment of dividends by any MetLife Insurance Subsidiary to the
MetLife of such MetLife Insurance Subsidiary; and (e) each
MetLife Insurance Subsidiary is in compliance with and conducts
its businesses in conformity with all applicable
A-27
insurance laws and regulations of its respective jurisdiction of
incorporation and the insurance laws and regulations of other
jurisdictions which are applicable to it.
Section 6.17 Broker-Dealer
Subsidiaries. Except as would not be required
to be disclosed in the MetLife Disclosure Documents (and, to the
extent any such disclosure is required in such documents, except
as shall be disclosed in such documents, including any
disclosure incorporated by reference into such documents), and
except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a MetLife Material Adverse
Effect: (a) each Significant Subsidiary of MetLife which is
engaged in the business of acting as a broker-dealer or an
investment advisor (respectively, a Broker-Dealer
Subsidiary and an Investment Advisor
Subsidiary) is duly licensed or registered as a
broker-dealer or investment advisor, as the case may be, in each
jurisdiction where it is required to be so licensed or
registered to conduct its business; (b) each Broker-Dealer
Subsidiary and each Investment Advisor Subsidiary has all other
necessary MetLife Approvals of and from all applicable
regulatory authorities, including any self-regulatory
organization, to conduct its businesses; (c) none of the
Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries or Investment Advisor Subsidiaries
has received any notification from any applicable regulatory
authority to the effect that any additional MetLife Approvals
from such regulatory authority are needed to be obtained by such
subsidiary in any case where it could be reasonably expected
that (i) any of the Broker-Dealer Subsidiaries or
Investment Advisor Subsidiaries would in fact be required either
to obtain any such additional MetLife Approvals or cease or
otherwise limit engaging in certain business and (ii) the
failure to have such MetLife Approvals or limiting such business
would have a MetLife Material Adverse Effect; and (d) each
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary and each Investment Advisor Subsidiary
is in compliance with the requirements of the broker-dealer and
investment advisor laws and regulations of each jurisdiction
which are applicable to such subsidiary, and has filed all
notices, reports, documents or other information required to be
filed thereunder.
Section 6.18 Independent
Auditors. Deloitte & Touche, who
shall certify the audited financial statements of MetLife
included or incorporated by reference in the MetLife Disclosure
Documents and shall have audited MetLifes internal control
over financial reporting and managements assessment
thereof, is an independent registered public accounting firm as
required by the Securities Act. The consolidated historical
statements of MetLife included or incorporated by reference in
the MetLife Disclosure Documents, together with the related
schedules and notes, will fairly present, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial condition and results of
operations of MetLife and its Subsidiaries (which shall include
for these purposes, RGA and its Subsidiaries) at the respective
dates and for the respective periods indicated, in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied throughout such periods, except
as stated therein. Other financial and statistical information
and data of MetLife to be included or incorporated by reference
in the MetLife Disclosure Documents, historical and pro forma,
are, in all material respects, accurately presented and prepared
on a basis consistent with such financial statements, except as
may otherwise be indicated therein, and the books and records of
MetLife and its Subsidiaries (which shall include for these
purposes, RGA and its Subsidiaries).
Section 6.19 Investor
Representations. Taking into account its
personnel and resources, MetLife and MetLife Holding Subsidiary
are knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in making, and
are qualified to make, decisions with respect to investments in
shares presenting an investment decision like that involved in
the Recapitalization, including investments in securities issued
by RGA. MetLife and MetLife Holding Subsidiary are
qualified institutional buyers, as defined in
Rule 144A under the Securities Act. MetLife also
acknowledges that, to the extent required by Law, the
certificates for the Exchange Shares and the Recently Acquired
Shares may contain legends regarding resale restrictions under
the Securities Act.
Section 6.20 Tax.
(a) All material Tax returns required to be filed by
MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries, in all jurisdictions, have
been so filed. All material Taxes due or claimed to be due from
MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries or that are due and payable
have been paid, other than those Taxes being contested in good
faith and for which adequate reserves have been provided or
those currently payable without penalty or interest. MetLife
does not know of any material proposed additional Tax
assessments against it or any of its Subsidiaries, other than
those additional Tax assessments that will be contested in good
faith and for which adequate reserves have been provided.
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(b) (i) MetLife has examined the IRS Ruling Request
and any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request (to the extent
applicable), and the facts, statements and representations made
therein, solely to the extent relating to MetLife and its
Affiliates, are true, correct and complete in all material
respects and (ii) MetLife has no knowledge of any facts
that would render such facts, statements and representations no
longer true, correct and complete in all material respects.
(c) As of the date of this Agreement, MetLife has no
knowledge or reason to believe that it will not be able to
deliver the MetLife Tax Certificates, and has been advised by
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz that it expects to be
able to issue the Tax Opinion.
Section 6.21 Approvals. MetLife
and each Significant Subsidiary of MetLife has all necessary
MetLife Approvals of and from, and has made all filings,
registrations and declarations (collectively, the
MetLife Filings) with, all insurance
regulatory authorities and Governmental Authorities, all
self-regulatory organizations and all courts and other
tribunals, which are necessary to own, lease, license and use
its properties and assets and to conduct its business in the
manner as shall be described in the MetLife Disclosure
Documents, except where the failure to have such MetLife
Approvals or to make such MetLife Filings would not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a MetLife Material Adverse
Effect; to the knowledge of MetLife, MetLife and each
Significant Subsidiary of MetLife is in compliance with all
applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, bylaws and similar
requirements, including in connection with registrations or
memberships in self-regulatory organizations, and all such
MetLife Approvals and MetLife Filings are in full force and
effect and neither MetLife nor any Significant Subsidiary of
MetLife has received any notice of any event, inquiry,
investigation or proceeding that would reasonably be expected to
result in the suspension, revocation or limitation of any such
MetLife Approval or otherwise impose any limitation on the
conduct of the business of MetLife or any Significant Subsidiary
of MetLife, except as shall be described in the MetLife
Disclosure Documents, or except for any such non-compliance,
suspension, revocation or limitation which would not have,
individually or in the aggregate, a MetLife Material Adverse
Effect.
ARTICLE VII
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
Section 7.1 Interim
Operations.
(a) From the date of this Agreement through the earlier of
the End Date or the termination of this Agreement in accordance
with its terms (provided that the restriction set forth in
clause (v) of this Section 7.1(a) shall terminate on
the Determination Date), except as otherwise contemplated by
this Agreement, required by Law or disclosed in Section 7.1
of the RGA Disclosure Schedule, without MetLifes written
consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed if the action would not reasonably be expected to delay
or impair the Transactions or the parties ability to
comply with their obligations under this Agreement), RGA shall
not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:
(i) (A) except in connection with any shareholder
rights plan (other than a Section 382 Shareholder
Rights Plan) so long as the consideration or adoption of any
such other shareholder rights plan would not require the filing
of a Current Report on
Form 8-K
or disclosure on the
Form S-4
prior to the Determination Date to report consideration or
adoption of such shareholder rights plan or (B) except in
connection with a Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan,
amend or propose to amend its articles of incorporation or
by-laws or equivalent organizational documents (other than the
Amended and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation and the
Amended and Restated RGA Bylaws, in each case in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement) in a manner that would adversely
affect the rights of RGA Shareholders in any material respect or
that would reasonably be expected to delay or impair the
Transactions or the parties ability to comply with their
obligations under this Agreement;
(ii) adopt a plan or agreement of complete or partial
liquidation or dissolution, except that this clause (ii) of
Section 7.1(a) shall not apply with regard to Subsidiaries
of RGA that are not Significant Subsidiaries;
(iii) change the principal business of RGA and its
Subsidiaries from the life reinsurance business to a different
line of business;
A-29
(iv) enter into any line of business that is not reasonably
related or complementary to the life reinsurance business;
(v) acquire, or enter into an agreement to acquire, any
businesses, assets, product lines, business units, business
operations, stock or other properties, including by way of
merger or consolidation, where the total consideration paid, or
to be paid, by RGA in such acquisition is in excess of
$500 million; or
(vi) authorize any of, or commit to do or enter into any
binding Contract with respect to any of, the foregoing actions
in clauses (i) through (v) of this Section 7.1(a).
(b) From the date of this Agreement through the earlier of
the End Date or the termination of this Agreement in accordance
with its terms, except as otherwise contemplated by this
Agreement, required by Law or disclosed in Section 7.1 of
the RGA Disclosure Schedule, without MetLifes written
consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed if the action would not reasonably be expected to delay
or impair the Transactions or the parties ability to
comply with their obligations under this Agreement), RGA shall
not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, do any of the
following during the period in which the Offer is open, nor
prior to the commencement of the Offer to the extent that such
action (including the completion of an announced transaction)
would require the filing of a Current Report on
Form 8-K
to report previously undisclosed information during the period
in which the Offer is open (provided that these
restrictions shall not apply to the completion of a transaction
disclosed prior to the Commencement Date so long as such
completion occurs after the Acceptance Time):
(i) except in connection with a
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan, or, to the extent
permitted by clause (i) of Section 7.1(a), any other
shareholder rights plan, issue, sell or grant any shares of its
capital stock, any other voting securities, or any other
securities or rights convertible into, exchangeable or
exercisable for, or evidencing the right to subscribe for any
shares of its capital stock, or any rights, warrants or options
to purchase any shares of its capital stock, or any securities
or rights convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or
evidencing the right to subscribe for, any shares of its capital
stock; provided that RGA may (subject to RGAs
indemnification obligations under Section 8.2(d)):
(A) issue or grant any options, rights, shares units or
other awards, and issue shares of RGA Common Stock upon
exercise, conversion or settlement of any options, rights,
shares, units or other awards in the ordinary course of business
or consistent with past practice pursuant to employee, director
or consultant stock or benefit plans or to agreements with
employees, directors or consultants or as an inducement to
employment; (B) issue shares pursuant to, or amend solely
in order to modify the warrants so that the warrants are
convertible into RGA Class A Common Stock following the
Recapitalization, the Warrant Agreement between RGA and The Bank
of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor warrant agent
to The Bank of New York, dated as of December 18, 2001;
(C) issue shares pursuant to, or amend in order to make
such modifications as are consistent with those made to the
warrant agreement described in preceding clause (B), the Unit
Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2001, among RGA, RGA
Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust (the
Trust), acting as agent for the holders of
the units from time to time, and The Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A., as successor unit agent to The Bank of
New York, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as
successor property trustee for the Trust to The Bank of New York
and The Bank of New York (Delaware), as the Delaware trustee;
and (D) enter into, or cause its subsidiaries to enter
into, one or more transactions to finance regulatory or
operational requirements, including regulatory reserve
collateral requirements, under Regulation XXX;
(ii) except in connection with a
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan or to the extent
permitted by clause (i) of Section 7.1(a), any other
shareholder rights plan, (A) redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire any of its outstanding shares of capital stock, or any
other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to
acquire any such shares or securities, except in connection with
the exercise of any options, rights, shares, units or other
awards pursuant to employee, director or consultant stock or
benefit plans or to agreements with employees, directors or
consultants or as an inducement to employment, (B) declare,
set aside for payment or pay any dividend on, or make any other
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distribution (whether in cash, stock or other form) in respect
of, any shares of its capital stock (other than ordinary course
quarterly cash dividends to RGAs shareholders (including
any increases in such quarterly dividends) or dividends by any
Subsidiary of RGA to RGA or any other Subsidiary of RGA),
(C) adjust, split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any
shares of its capital stock, or (D) enter into any
Contract, understanding or arrangement with respect to the sale,
voting, registration or repurchase of RGA Common Stock or the
capital stock of any Subsidiary of RGA, other than employee,
director or consultant stock or benefit plans or agreements or
as an inducement to employment;
(iii) acquire or enter into an agreement to acquire any
businesses, assets, product lines, business units, business
operations, stock or other properties, including by way of
merger or consolidation, other than acquisitions that are not
material to RGA and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(iv) enter into or discontinue any line of business
material to RGA and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or
(v) authorize any of, or commit to do or enter into any
binding Contract with respect to any of, the foregoing actions
in clauses (i) through (iv) of this
Section 7.1(b).
Section 7.2 Non-Solicitation.
(a) Except as set forth on Section 7.2 of the MetLife
Disclosure Schedule, on or prior to the earlier of the Closing
Date or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its
terms, neither MetLife nor RGA shall, nor shall MetLife or RGA
authorize, permit or direct any of their respective
Subsidiaries, any of its or their respective directors, officers
or employees or any investment banker, financial advisor,
attorney, accountant or other advisor, agent or representative
(collectively, Representatives) to, directly
or indirectly through another Person, except as otherwise
provided below, (i) solicit, initiate, or knowingly
encourage any inquiries or the making of any proposal that
constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to an Alternative
Proposal or (ii) other than informing persons of the
provisions contained in this Section 7.2, participate in
any discussions or negotiations regarding any Alternative
Proposal, or furnish any information concerning MetLife, RGA and
their respective Subsidiaries to any Person in connection with
any Alternative Proposal. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 7.2 to the contrary, at any time prior to the
receipt of the RGA Shareholder Approval, in response to an
unsolicited bona fide written Alternative Proposal (in
the case of RGA) or an unsolicited bona fide written
offer for all of the equity securities or consolidated assets of
RGA pursuant to which the shareholders of RGA (other than
MetLife and its Subsidiaries) would receive the same
consideration on a per share basis and on the same terms and
conditions as MetLife and its Subsidiaries would receive their
consideration (in the case of MetLife and its Subsidiaries), in
each case, made after the date of this Agreement, MetLife or RGA
may, after the Board of Directors of MetLife (in the case of
MetLife and its Subsidiaries) or the RGA Special Committee (in
the case of RGA) determines in good faith, after consultation
with outside counsel, that the failure to take such action would
be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law
to such companys respective shareholders or stockholders,
as the case may be, (A) furnish information regarding
MetLife, RGA and their respective Subsidiaries to the Person
making such proposal (and its Representatives); and
(B) participate in discussions or negotiations with the
Person making such proposal (and its Representatives) regarding
such proposal (it being understood that, for purposes of this
sentence, consideration shall include any amount paid by the
Person making any Alternative Proposal to MetLife or its
Subsidiaries in a transaction that is conditioned upon such
Alternative Transaction to the extent that such amount exceeds
the fair market value received by such Person from MetLife and
its Subsidiaries in such transaction).
(b) Except as expressly permitted by this
Section 7.2(b), neither the RGA Special Committee nor the
Board of Directors of RGA shall (i) withdraw or modify, in
a manner adverse to MetLife, the RGA Board Recommendation or
(ii) publicly recommend to the RGA Shareholders an
Alternative Proposal (any action described in clauses (i)
or (ii) being referred to as a RGA Adverse
Recommendation Change) (it being understood and agreed
that any stop, look and listen communication by the
Board of Directors of RGA to the RGA Shareholders pursuant to
Rule 14d-9(f)
of the Exchange Act or any similar communication to the RGA
Shareholders shall not constitute a RGA Adverse Recommendation
Change).
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors of RGA or
the RGA Special Committee may make a RGA Adverse Recommendation
Change, upon a good-faith determination by the Board of
Directors of RGA or the RGA Special Committee (after receiving
the advice of their respective outside counsel) that the failure
to take such action would be inconsistent with the fiduciary
duties of the Board of Directors of RGA or of the RGA Special
Committee, as the case may be, under applicable Law and, in such
event, may explain its rationale for such RGA Adverse
Recommendation Change in communications with the RGA
Shareholders and in filings with or other submissions to
Governmental Authorities. If the Board of Directors of RGA or
the RGA Special Committee makes a RGA Adverse Recommendation
Change, MetLife shall be relieved of its obligations under
Section 7.2(a) from and after the time of the RGA Adverse
Recommendation Change.
(c) At a meeting of the RGA Shareholders called with not
less than 60 days notice (the Alternative
Meeting), in accordance with the articles of
incorporation and bylaws of RGA and held prior to the RGA
Shareholders Meeting, MetLife may submit to the RGA Shareholders
for approval any bona fide written Alternative Proposal
for all of the equity securities or consolidated assets of RGA
pursuant to which all RGA shareholders would be entitled to
receive the same consideration on a per share basis and on the
same terms and conditions (it being understood that, for
purposes of this sentence, consideration shall include any
amount paid by the Person making any Alternative Proposal to
MetLife or its Subsidiaries in a transaction that is conditioned
upon such Alternative Transaction to the extent that such amount
exceeds the fair market value received by such Person from
MetLife and its Subsidiaries in such transaction)). If MetLife
shall submit any bona fide written Alternative Proposal
which MetLife represents in writing it is prepared to accept
pursuant to the foregoing sentence, the Board of Directors of
RGA or the RGA Special Committee shall call a special meeting of
RGA Shareholders to consider any such Alternative Proposal on a
date reasonably requested by MetLife in accordance with the
articles of incorporation and bylaws of RGA, which date shall
fall before the RGA Shareholders Meeting; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors of RGA or the RGA
Special Committee shall have a right to set an alternative date
for the Alternative Meeting that is reasonably after the date
requested by MetLife if the Board of Directors of RGA or the RGA
Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation
with outside counsel, that the failure to change to such
alternative date (taking into account the date of the RGA
Shareholders Meeting) would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties under applicable Law; and provided,
further, that, in all events, the Alternative Meeting
shall be called and held prior to the RGA Shareholders Meeting.
If MetLife shall submit any such Alternative Proposal pursuant
to this Section 7.2(c): (i) MetLife shall cooperate
and promptly provide or, to the extent MetLife or its
Representatives do not possess or have access, request from the
prospective acquirer, such information as the RGA Special
Committee may reasonably request regarding the Alternative
Proposal and such acquirer; and (ii) RGA, at its sole
option and upon written notice to MetLife, may elect that all of
(and not less than all of) MetLife, RGA and their respective
Subsidiaries and Representatives shall be relieved of their
respective obligations under Section 7.2(a) and
Section 7.2(b) from and after the time of RGAs
notice. Neither the Board of Directors of RGA nor the RGA
Special Committee shall have any duty or obligation to take
action to facilitate or permit an Alternative Proposal,
including under the Missouri Business Combination Statute
(Mo.Rev.Stat. § 351.459) or otherwise under Missouri
law or to provide access to any information regarding RGA to the
Person making any Alternative Proposal, except to call a special
meeting of RGA Shareholders as provided herein.
Section 7.3 RGA
Shareholders Meeting. RGA shall, in
accordance with applicable Law and its articles of incorporation
and bylaws, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a
meeting of the RGA Shareholders (the RGA Shareholders
Meeting), on a date selected by RGA, in its
discretion, that is at least 5 Business Days prior to the
expiration of the Offer (provided that RGA and MetLife
shall cooperate to schedule the RGA Shareholders Meeting and the
Offer to comply with Section 3.1(a)(i)(C) and this
Section 7.3), for the purpose of obtaining the RGA
Shareholder Approval, and, subject to Section 7.2(b), shall
take all lawful action to solicit the RGA Shareholder Approval.
Except as expressly permitted by Section 7.2(b), the RGA
Special Committee and the Board of Directors of RGA shall make
the RGA Board Recommendation for purposes of the RGA
Shareholders Meeting (including in the
S-4
Prospectuses), and shall not make any RGA Adverse Recommendation
Change. In the event of any RGA Adverse Recommendation Change,
RGA shall
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nevertheless submit this Agreement, the Recapitalization, the
Amended and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation and the other
Transactions to the RGA Shareholders for approval and adoption
at the RGA Shareholders Meeting unless this Agreement shall have
been terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the RGA
Shareholders Meeting.
Section 7.4 Standstill. Except
as otherwise contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, during
the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and
continuing to the earlier of the Acceptance Time or the
termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms,
MetLife agrees that neither it nor its Subsidiaries shall, and
that it shall not authorize, permit or direct any of its
Subsidiaries to, without the prior approval of the RGA Special
Committee, directly or indirectly, (a) effect or seek,
offer or propose (whether publicly or otherwise) to effect, or
cause or participate in or in any way knowingly assist any other
person to effect or seek, offer or propose (whether publicly or
otherwise) to initiate, effect or participate in or support,
(i) any acquisition of any securities (or beneficial
ownership thereof) or material assets of RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries, (ii) any tender or exchange offer or merger
or other business combination involving RGA or any of its
Affiliates, (iii) any recapitalization, restructuring,
liquidation, dissolution or other extraordinary transaction with
respect to RGA or any of its Subsidiaries; and (iv) make,
or in any way participate in, any solicitation of
proxies (as such terms are defined or used in
Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) with respect to the
voting of any shares of RGA Common Stock, (b) form, join or
in any way participate in any group (other than with
respect to MetLifes Affiliates) with respect to any of the
shares of RGA Common Stock, (c) otherwise act, either alone
or in concert with others, to seek control of RGA, including by
submitting any written consent or proposal in furtherance of the
foregoing or calling a special meeting of RGA Shareholders,
(d) publicly disclose any intention, proposal, plan or
arrangement with respect to any of the foregoing, or
(e) take any action, or request any amendment or waiver
hereof, that would reasonably be expected to require RGA to make
a public announcement with respect to the matters set forth in
(a) or (c) above.
Section 7.5 Efforts;
Cooperation.
(a) Each of the parties agrees to use its reasonable best
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the
Transactions and to cooperate with the other in connection with
the foregoing, including using its reasonable best efforts
(i) to make promptly any filings that may be required under
applicable Law or by any Governmental Authority, and to supply
promptly any additional information or documentary material that
may be requested by a Governmental Authority, if any,
(ii) to obtain all other consents, approvals and
authorizations that are required to be obtained under any
federal, state, local or foreign Law or regulation (including
any approval from relevant insurance regulatory authorities in
Missouri and New York), (iii) to lift or rescind any
injunction or restraining order or other order adversely
affecting the ability of the parties to this Agreement to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(iv) to effect as promptly as practicable all necessary
registrations, filings and responses to requests for additional
information or documentary material from a Governmental
Authority, if any, and (v) to fulfill all conditions to
this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the
parties shall take all such action as may be reasonably
necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue
sky laws of the United States (and any comparable laws
under any
non-U.S. jurisdiction
as the parties may mutually agree) in connection with the
Transactions (provided that RGA shall not be required to file
any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a
foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any
jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject
itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any
jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject or to
qualify in any
non-U.S. jurisdictions
without its prior consent), and RGA shall prepare and file, and
shall use all reasonable efforts to have approved prior to the
Recapitalization, an application for the listing on the NYSE of
the Recapitalized Shares, subject to official notice of
issuance, and shall prepare and file a
Form 8-A
to register the RGA Class A Common Stock and the RGA
Class B Common Stock under the Exchange Act. MetLife shall
be responsible for, and shall promptly reimburse RGA for, or
upon request pay for, any filing fees required under any
blue sky laws of a U.S. or foreign jurisdiction
in connection with the Split-Off, any Public Debt Exchange, any
Private Debt Exchange or any Additional Split-Offs.
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(b) Further, and without limiting the generality of the
rest of this Section 7.5, each of the parties shall
promptly (i) furnish to the other such necessary
information and reasonable assistance as the other party may
request in connection with the foregoing (including providing
financial information to the relevant insurance regulatory
authorities in Missouri and New York), (ii) inform the
other of any communication from any Governmental Authority
regarding any of the Transactions or related filings or
approvals, and (iii) provide counsel for the other party
with copies of all filings made by such party, and all
correspondence between such party (and its advisors) with any
Governmental Authority and any other information supplied by
such party and such partys Subsidiaries to a Governmental
Authority or received from such a Governmental Authority in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
provided, however, that materials may be redacted
(x) to remove references concerning any valuation,
(y) as necessary to comply with contractual arrangements
and (z) as may be necessary to address any reasonable
concerns relating to classified, privileged or confidential
information. Each party shall, subject to applicable Law, permit
counsel for the other party to review in advance, and consider
in good faith the views of the other party in connection with,
any proposed written communication to any Governmental Authority
in connection with seeking approval, or review, of the
Transactions. MetLife and RGA agree not to participate, or to
permit their Subsidiaries or Representatives to participate, in
any substantive meeting or discussion, either in person or by
telephone, with any Governmental Authority in connection with
the Transactions unless it consults with the other party in
advance and, to the extent not prohibited by such Governmental
Authority, gives the other party the opportunity to attend and
participate.
(c) In the event that any Action is instituted (or
threatened to be instituted) by a Governmental Authority or
private party challenging any of the Transactions, each of the
parties shall cooperate with each other and use its respective
commercially reasonable efforts to contest and resist any such
Action and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any
decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits,
prevents or restricts consummation of the Transactions.
(d) RGA shall, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to
cause its officers, employees and advisors to, provide to
MetLife all cooperation and reasonable assistance requested by
MetLife in connection with the road show and marketing efforts
of the Split-Off, including by making officers and employees of
RGA reasonably available, participating in customary meetings,
presentations, road shows and sessions with rating agencies and
assisting MetLife with the preparation of materials for such
meetings, presentations, road shows and sessions (unless RGA
demonstrates to MetLifes reasonable satisfaction that such
participation will materially interfere with the management of
RGAs business). MetLife shall, promptly upon request by
RGA, reimburse RGA for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred by RGA and its officers, employees and advisors in
connection with the cooperation set forth in this
Section 7.5(d).
Section 7.6 Further
Assurances. Each of the parties agrees that,
from time to time, whether before, at or after the Acceptance
Time or the End Date, each of them will execute and deliver such
further instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such
other action as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and
intents of this Agreement.
Section 7.7 Access. Except
for in circumstances in which indemnification or contribution is
sought pursuant to Section 7.15(l) or Article VIII,
until the earlier of the End Date or the termination of this
Agreement in accordance with its terms, each party shall afford
to the other party and its Representatives, upon reasonable
notice, reasonable access, subject to appropriate restrictions
to comply with contractual arrangements or as may be necessary
to address any reasonable concerns relating to classified,
privileged or confidential information and consistent with
applicable Law and in accordance with the procedures established
by such party, to the books, records, properties and personnel
of such party and its Subsidiaries during normal business hours
insofar as such access is reasonably required by such party and
relates to such other partys performance of its
obligations under this Agreement or such other partys
financial, tax or other reporting obligations.
Section 7.8 Confidentiality. Each
of the parties shall keep, and shall cause its Representatives
to keep, confidential all information concerning the other party
in its possession, its custody or under its control
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(except to the extent that (a) such information is then in
the public domain through no fault of such party, (b) such
information has been lawfully acquired from other sources by
such party or (c) this Agreement or any other agreement
entered into pursuant hereto or thereto permits the use or
disclosure of such information) and each party shall not, and
shall cause its Representatives not to (without the prior
written consent of the other party), otherwise release or
disclose such information to any other Person, except such
partys Representatives, unless compelled to disclose such
information by judicial or administrative process or unless such
disclosure is required by law and such party has used all
commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other
affected party or parties prior to such disclosure, and in such
case shall exercise all commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain reliable assurance that such information will be accorded
confidential treatment.
Section 7.9 Public
Announcements. The initial press release with
respect to the execution of this Agreement shall be a joint
press release to be reasonably agreed upon by MetLife and RGA.
No public release, announcement or other public disclosure
(including pursuant to Rule 165 or Rule 425 of the
Securities Act, to the extent practicable) concerning the
Transactions shall be issued by either party without the prior
written consent of the other party (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), except as such release or
announcement may be required by law or the rules or regulations
of any U.S. securities exchange, in which case the party
required to make the release or announcement shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to allow the other party
reasonable time to comment on each release or announcement in
advance of such issuance and shall consider and address in good
faith the views and comments made by such other party regarding
any such release, announcement or other public disclosure.
Section 7.10 Litigation
Cooperation. Each of the parties shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other
party, upon written request and at the expense of the other
party, its officers, directors, employees and agents as
witnesses to the extent such Persons may reasonably be required
in connection with any Action arising out of the Transactions;
provided that such Action does not involve a claim by
either party against the other party.
Section 7.11 Resignation
of MetLife Designees to RGA Board. MetLife
shall cause Steven A. Kandarian, Georgette A, Piligian and
Joseph A. Reali to resign as directors of RGA, effective as of
the Acceptance Time.
Section 7.12 Voting
of RGA Common Stock by MetLife.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Acceptance Time or the termination of this Agreement in
accordance with its terms, MetLife agrees that it and its
applicable Subsidiaries shall be present, in person or by proxy,
at each and every shareholders meeting of RGA (other than any
Alternative Meeting), and otherwise to cause all shares of RGA
Common Stock held by MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries to be
counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum at any
such meeting (other than any Alternative Meeting), including the
RGA Shareholders Meeting, and to vote or consent, or cause to be
voted or consented, all shares of RGA Common Stock owned
directly or indirectly by MetLife or its Subsidiaries
(i) in favor of the Recapitalization and the Amended and
Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation on terms and subject to
conditions set forth in this Agreement and in favor of any other
proposal set forth in Section 7.12 of the RGA Disclosure
Schedule or otherwise to implement the Transactions, which is
presented at the RGA Shareholders Meeting or any such other
meeting and (ii) against any proposal that, by its terms,
would prevent RGA or MetLife from complying with its obligations
under this Agreement or any other proposal, action or
transaction involving or affecting RGA or any of its
Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to prevent,
impede or delay the consummation of the Transactions
(collectively, Frustrating Transactions);
provided that (A) RGA shall send written notice to
MetLife of any proposal that RGA considers to be a Frustrating
Transaction at least 10 Business Days prior to the vote on any
such Frustrating Transaction; and (B) MetLifes
obligations under this Section 7.12(a) shall terminate upon
a RGA Adverse Recommendation Change.
(b) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of
the Acceptance Time or the termination of this Agreement in
accordance with its terms, MetLife shall, and shall cause its
applicable Subsidiaries to, upon the request of RGA, grant an
irrevocable proxy, which shall be deemed coupled with an
interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable proxy to
RGA or its designees, to vote any Exchange Shares and Recently
Acquired Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions set
forth in Section 7.12(a);
A-35
provided that MetLifes obligations under this
Section 7.12(b) shall terminate upon a RGA Adverse
Recommendation Change.
(c) From and after the Acceptance Time, MetLife shall, and
shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to, grant an irrevocable
proxy, which shall be deemed coupled with an interest sufficient
in law to support an irrevocable proxy to RGA or its designees
to vote any shares of Recently Acquired Stock and any Remaining
RGA Stock held by MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries over which
MetLife or any of its Subsidiaries has voting control
(i) in any election of the members of the RGA Board of
Directors, in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders
of RGA Class A Common Stock (in the case of the Recently
Acquired Stock) and in proportion to the votes cast by the other
holders of RGA Class B Common Stock (in the case of the
Remaining RGA Stock); and (ii) in all other matters, in
proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of RGA
Class A Common Stock and RGA Class B Common Stock,
taken together as a whole; provided that (A) in the
case of the Recently Acquired Stock, such proxy shall
automatically be revoked as to a particular share upon any sale
or transfer of such share from MetLife or any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates to a Person other than MetLife or any
of its Subsidiaries; (B) in the case of the Remaining RGA
Stock, such proxy shall automatically be revoked as to a
particular share upon any sale or transfer of such share
pursuant to any Additional Divestiture Transaction; and
(C) nothing in this Section 7.12(c) shall limit or
prohibit any such sale or transfer, free and clear of any Lien
or any other encumbrance.
(d) MetLife agrees to, and shall cause its applicable
Subsidiaries to, perform such further acts and execute such
further instruments as may be reasonably necessary to vest in
RGA the power to carry out and give effect to the provisions of
this Section 7.12.
Section 7.13 Tax
Matters.
(a) Each of the parties shall use reasonable best efforts
to obtain any Supplemental IRS Ruling relating to the
Transactions that the parties agree is necessary or advisable to
obtain (whether prior to, during, or following the Transactions)
as promptly as practicable after such an agreement is reached;
provided, however, that no party shall refuse the
request of the other party to so obtain a Supplemental IRS
Ruling unless such first party reasonably believes that
attempting to obtain or obtaining such Supplemental IRS Ruling
could adversely affect such first party or the Transactions. In
connection with the foregoing, each of the parties shall
(i) promptly furnish to the other such necessary
information and reasonable assistance as the other party may
request in connection with the foregoing, (ii) promptly
inform the other of any communication from the IRS regarding the
IRS Ruling or any Supplemental IRS Ruling, (iii) jointly
make any filings with, or submissions of information to, the IRS
regarding the IRS Ruling or any Supplemental IRS Ruling,
(iv) promptly provide counsel for the other party with
copies of all joint filings and information submissions made
with the IRS by such party and all correspondence and
information received by such party from the IRS in connection
with the IRS Ruling or any Supplemental IRS Ruling or the
Transactions, and (v) cooperate in their effort to obtain
any Supplemental IRS Ruling. Each party shall, subject to
applicable Law, permit counsel for the other party to review in
advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other party
in connection with, any proposed communication to the IRS in
connection with the IRS Ruling or any Supplemental IRS Ruling
and the Transactions. The parties agree not to participate, or
to permit their counsel or Subsidiaries to participate, in any
substantive meeting or discussion, either in person or by
telephone, with the IRS in connection with the IRS Ruling, any
Supplemental IRS Ruling or the Transactions unless such party
consults with the other party in advance and gives the other
party and its counsel the opportunity to attend and participate.
(b) Each of the parties shall use reasonable best efforts
to obtain the Tax Opinion. In connection with the foregoing,
each of the parties shall (i) furnish its respective Tax
Certificate to Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz on a
timely basis and (ii) otherwise cooperate in connection
with obtaining the Tax Opinion; provided, that the
parties shall be obligated to furnish their respective Tax
Certificates on the Closing Date and on the closing date of any
Additional Divestiture Transaction, if any.
(c) From and after the date of this Agreement, each of the
parties agrees that it shall (i) effect the
Recapitalization, the Split-Off, any Additional Divestiture
Transaction and the other Transactions in a manner that is
consistent with the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling, the
IRS Ruling Request,
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any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request and the Tax Opinion,
(ii) comply with, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to
comply with, the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling and the
Tax Opinion, and not take, or fail to take, and prevent any of
its Subsidiaries from taking, or failing to take, any action,
which action or failure to act would be likely to, or does
invalidate, directly or indirectly, any of the conclusions
contained in the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling or the
Tax Opinion whether or not such action or failure to act is
otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement and
(iii) not take or fail to take, and prevent any of its
Subsidiaries from taking, or failing to take, any action, which
action or failure to act is inconsistent with any
representation, statement or covenant made in the IRS Ruling
Request, any Supplemental IRS Ruling Request, its respective Tax
Certificate, or otherwise in connection with the IRS Ruling, any
Supplemental IRS Ruling or the Tax Opinion.
(d) MetLife and RGA hereby agree, in accordance with
Section 7.13(a) hereof, to seek to obtain one or more
Supplemental IRS Rulings substantially to the effect that the
IRS Ruling shall remain in full force and effect without any
adverse consequence to MetLife or RGA notwithstanding
(i) the consummation of the Recapitalization and the
Split-Off on or after November 13, 2008
(Supplemental IRS Ruling One) and
(ii) MetLifes reimbursement and payment of all RGA
Reimbursable Expenses, subject to any limit that RGA determines
is reasonably necessary to obtain such Supplemental IRS Ruling
(Supplemental IRS Ruling Two). MetLife and
RGA also agree that MetLife may seek to obtain any Supplemental
IRS Ruling relating to Section 355(e) of the Code. MetLife
and RGA shall comply in all material respects with the rules and
provisions set forth in Section 7.13(a) in connection with
obtaining the foregoing Supplemental IRS Rulings.
Section 7.14 Lock-Up
Period.
(a) RGA agrees that, during the period commencing on the
date of this Agreement and ending on the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms or
the 60th day following the End Date (such period, the
Lock-Up Period), without the prior written
consent of MetLife, RGA shall not engage in any capital raising
activity (which shall not include securities issued to effect a
business combination transaction, pursuant to employee, director
or consultant stock or benefit plans or to agreements with
employees, directors or consultants or as an inducement to
employment) that involves (x) any direct or indirect offer,
pledge, announcement of an intention to sell, sale, contract of
sale, sale of any option or a contract to purchase, purchase of
any option or contract to sell, grant of any option, right or
warrant to purchase or other transfer or disposition of any
common equity securities, equity-linked securities (including
convertible securities) or equity-forward sale agreements,
relating to the capital stock of RGA (any such equity securities
or agreements, RGA Common Equity-Based
Securities), or (y) any swap or other agreement
that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of any RGA Common Equity-Based
Securities, whether any such transaction described in
clause (x) or (y) above is to be settled by delivery
of any of such RGA Common Equity-Based Securities, in cash or
otherwise; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit
RGA from, subject to RGAs indemnification obligations
under Section 8.2(d): (A) issuing RGA Common
Equity-Based Securities in connection with the transactions set
forth on Section 7.14 of the RGA Disclosure Schedule
following the 90th day after the Acceptance Time;
(B) adopting or taking action pursuant to the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan or, after the
Determination Date, any other shareholder rights plan; or
(C) issuing RGA Common Equity-Based Securities if and to
the extent that RGA reasonably determines in good faith that
such issuance, at such time, is necessary to prevent a downgrade
from any nationally recognized rating agency (or restore a
rating) so long as, prior to such determination:
(i) RGA shall have discussed with such rating agency prior
to commencement of the Offer the time frame and potential
necessity for such an issuance;
(ii) RGA shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to
persuade such rating agency to maintain or restore its ratings
without the need for such an issuance; and
(iii) RGA shall have used commercially reasonable efforts
to raise capital through the issuance of securities, other than
the RGA Common Equity-Based Securities, if RGA reasonably
believes that the issuance of such securities could maintain or
restore its ratings, unless the Board of Directors of
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RGA believes in good faith, after consultation with its
financial advisors, that it would be in the best interests of
RGA to issue Common Equity-Based Securities instead of such
securities.
(b) Except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement, and except as set forth on Section 7.14 of the
MetLife Disclosure Schedule, MetLife agrees that, during the
Lock-Up
Period, without the prior written consent of RGA, MetLife shall
not, and shall not authorize, permit or direct its Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, pledge, announce the
intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise
transfer or dispose of any Recently Acquired Stock or securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for such
Recently Acquired Stock, including in any transaction that
involves any common equity securities, equity-linked securities
(including convertible securities) or equity forward sale
agreements, relating to the Recently Acquired Stock, or
(ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers,
in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of
ownership of any of the Recently Acquired Stock, whether any
such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above
is to be settled by delivery of any Recently Acquired Stock, in
cash or otherwise. Following the expiration of the
Lock-Up
Period, except as provided for in Section 7.15, MetLife
shall, and shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to, sell,
exchange or otherwise dispose of the Recently Acquired Stock
(either in the market, to a third party in a sale that would not
violate the Amended and Restated RGA Articles of Incorporation,
or to RGA), which sale shall occur within 60 months of the
Closing Date.
Section 7.15 MetLife
Registration Rights.
(a) Request for Shelf Registration. At
the Acceptance Time, the 2003 Registration Rights Agreement
shall terminate and shall be void and of no force and effect
(notwithstanding the terms that are incorporated herein).
MetLife may make one written request to RGA (a Demand
Notice) that RGA register, after the expiration of the
Lock-up
Period, the offer and sale prior to the Demand End Date, of all
or any part of the Recently Acquired Stock held by MetLife or
any of its Subsidiaries (the Registrable
Securities) under the Securities Act (a
Demand Registration). Upon receipt of the
Demand Notice, RGA shall: (i) prepare and file with the SEC
on or prior to the date that is 30 days after the date of
the Demand Notice a Shelf Registration Statement, (ii) use
its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration
Statement to become effective and (iii) use its reasonable
best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement
continuously effective until the earlier of (A) the date
that is three years following the effective date of such Shelf
Registration Statement, (B) the date when all Registrable
Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been
sold and (C) the date on which the Registrable Securities
covered by the Shelf Registration Statement are eligible to be
sold or transferred under Rule 144 under the Securities Act
without being subject to any holding period or volume
limitations thereunder (provided that MetLife has
received an opinion of counsel to RGA who is reasonably
acceptable to MetLife covering the matters referred to in this
clause (C) and such opinion is reasonably satisfactory to
MetLife), and MetLife and its Affiliates (other than officers
and directors of MetLife and those of its Affiliates) do not
beneficially own in excess of 10% of the RGA Common Stock.
(b) Selection of Plan of Distribution;
Underwriters. The offering of such Registrable
Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement shall be
in the form of either (i) an underwritten offering or
(ii) through the use of brokers or in privately negotiated
transactions, in either case as selected by MetLife within no
more than five Business Days following the date of the Demand
Notice. In the event that MetLife elects that the offering be an
underwritten offering, MetLife shall also select one or more
nationally recognized firms of investment bankers that is or are
reasonably acceptable to RGA, to act as the lead managing
underwriter or underwriters in connection with such offering and
shall select any additional investment bankers or managers to be
used in connection with such offering. RGA and MetLife shall
enter into a customary underwriting agreement with such
underwriter(s) (and MetLife may at its option require that the
representations, warranties and covenants of RGA to or for the
benefit of the underwriter(s) also be made for the benefit of
MetLife).
(c) Permitted Delay in Filing and Suspensions of
Sales. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if RGA
determines in good faith that such registration, or further
sales under an effective Shelf Registration
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Statement, will (i) have a material detrimental effect, as
reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
RGA, on a plan currently being considered by the Board of
Directors of RGA that would, if completed, be material to RGA
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole at the time the right to
delay or withhold efforts or suspend sales is exercised (whether
or not a final decision has been made to undertake such
transaction or plan), or (ii) involve initial or continuing
disclosure obligations that are not in the best interests of
RGAs shareholders, as reasonably determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors of RGA, then upon advance written
notice by RGA to MetLife, RGA may from time to time exercise its
right (the RGA Registration Blackout Right)
to (A) delay the filing of the Shelf Registration Statement
and may withhold efforts to cause the Shelf Registration
Statement to become effective until the earliest reasonably
practicable date after RGAs reasons for delaying or
withholding efforts or suspending sales are no longer
applicable, or (B) request MetLife to, and MetLife shall,
suspend any further sales under the Shelf Registration Statement
(or under a registration statement of RGA that includes
Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 7.15(d)), until
the earliest reasonably practicable date after RGAs
reasons for delaying or withholding efforts or suspending sales
are no longer applicable (the duration of any period of delay or
suspension, the Registration Blackout
Period). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that
may be contained in this Agreement, if RGA exercises the RGA
Registration Blackout Right, RGA shall use its reasonable best
efforts to have the Shelf Registration Statement or such other
registration statement filed or declared effective, or amended
(or otherwise bringing the Shelf Registration Statement or such
other registration statement current with appropriate Exchange
Act filings), as the case may be, at the earliest reasonably
practicable date after the end of the Registration Blackout
Period.
(d) Right to Piggyback. If, during the
36 months immediately following the End Date, RGA proposes
to register (including on behalf of a selling shareholder) any
shares of RGA Class A Common Stock under the Securities Act
(except for the registration of shares of RGA Class A
Common Stock to be offered pursuant to an employee, director or
consultant stock or benefit plan on
Form S-8
or pursuant to a registration made on
Form S-4,
or any successor forms or any form that does not include
substantially the same information, other than information
relating to selling shareholders or their plan of distribution
that would be required to be included in a registration
statement covering the sale of Registrable Securities), and the
registration form to be used may be used for the registration of
the Recently Acquired Stock (a Piggyback
Registration), it will so notify MetLife in writing no
later than the earlier to occur of (i) the 10th day
following RGAs receipt of notice of exercise of other
demand registration rights or (ii) 30 days prior to
the anticipated date of filing of such registration statement.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.15(e), RGA will
include in the Piggyback Registration all Registrable Securities
with respect to which RGA has received a written request for
inclusion from MetLife within 10 Business Days after
MetLifes receipt of RGAs notice. MetLife may
withdraw all or any part of the Registrable Securities from a
Piggyback Registration at any time before five Business Days
prior to the effective date of the Piggyback Registration. RGA,
MetLife and any person who hereafter become entitled to register
its securities in a registration initiated by RGA shall sell
their securities on the same terms and conditions.
(e) Priority on Piggyback
Registrations. If the managing underwriter
advises RGA in writing (a copy of which shall be provided to
MetLife) that a limitation on the total number of securities to
be included in the Piggyback Registration is advisable in order
to avoid a likely material and adverse effect on the success of
the offering, RGA will so advise MetLife and will include the
securities in the registration in the following order of
priority: (i) first, all securities RGA or the holder for
whom RGA is effecting the registration, as applicable, proposes
to sell; and (ii) second, any other securities requested to
be included in the registration (including the Registrable
Securities), allocated among the holders of such securities in
proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the number of
securities which each holder requested to be included in the
Piggyback Registration.
(f) Underwriters for Piggyback
Registration. If any Piggyback Registration is an
underwritten offering, RGA and MetLife shall enter into a
customary underwriting agreement with the underwriter(s)
administering the offering. MetLife may not participate in any
Piggyback Registration without (i) agreeing to sell
securities on the basis provided in the underwriting
arrangements approved by RGA
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and (ii) promptly completing, executing and delivering all
questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting
agreements and other documents required by the underwriting
arrangements.
(g) Restrictions on Public Sales. RGA
agrees that it shall not make any public sale or other
distribution of its common stock, or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for its common stock,
including a sale under Regulation D under the Securities
Act or under any other exemption of the Securities Act (except
pursuant to registrations on
Forms S-8
or S-4 or
any successor form), during the two days prior to and the
180 days after the effective date of any underwritten
offering pursuant to any Piggyback Registration unless the
managing underwriter(s) agrees otherwise.
(h) MetLife Information. In the event of
any Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration, RGA may
request from time to time that MetLife furnish to RGA
information regarding MetLife and its Affiliates and associates
and the distribution of the securities subject to the
registration, and MetLife shall promptly furnish all such
information reasonably requested by RGA.
(i) Notice by MetLife. Whenever MetLife
has requested that any Registrable Securities be registered
pursuant to this Agreement, MetLife shall notify RGA, at any
time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be
delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any
event which to MetLifes knowledge relates to matters
concerning MetLife or its Affiliates or associates, as a result
of which the prospectus included in the Piggyback Registration
contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state any material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
(j) Market Standoff
Agreement. MetLife, if reasonably requested in
writing by the managing underwriter(s) of an underwritten public
offering by RGA of RGAs common stock, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for its common
stock, agrees not to, and to cause its Subsidiaries not to,
sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the
purchase of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any Registrable Securities (other than (i) any
transaction on behalf of any separate or managed account or any
transaction by MetLife or any Subsidiary of MetLife acting as
broker-dealer, investment advisor, trustee or other fiduciary in
the ordinary course of its business, (ii) to a Subsidiary
or Affiliate of MetLife, or (iii) registrable securities
included in such public offering) without the prior written
consent of such managing underwriter(s) during a period of up to
two days prior to and 180 days following the effective date
of such underwritten offering of RGAs securities, but only
to the extent that Registrable Securities have not been
requested to be included in such underwritten registration
following RGAs compliance with this Section 7.15.
Such agreement shall be in writing in form reasonably
satisfactory to such managing underwriter(s) and may be included
in the underwriting agreement. RGA may impose stop-transfer
instructions with respect to the securities subject to the
foregoing restriction until the end of the required stand-off
period and shall lift such stop-transfer restrictions
immediately upon the end of such period.
(k) Registration Expenses. All
Registration Expenses incident to RGAs performance of or
compliance with this Section 7.15 shall be paid by RGA. The
term Registration Expenses shall include
(i) all registration filing fees, professional fees and
other expenses of RGAs compliance with federal and state
securities laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel for the underwriter(s) in connection with state
securities law qualifications and registrations);
(ii) printing expenses; (iii) messenger, telephone and
delivery expenses; (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel
for RGA; (v) fees and disbursements of all independent
certified public accountants (including the expenses relating to
any audit or cold comfort letters required by or
incident to the performance of the obligations contemplated by
this Section 7.15); (vi) fees and expenses of the
underwriter(s) (excluding discounts and commissions) customarily
borne by the issuer in transactions of that kind;
(vii) fees and expenses of any special experts retained by
RGA at the reasonable request of the managing underwriter(s) in
connection with the registration and as shall be customary in
transactions of that kind; and (viii) applicable stock
exchange and FINRA registration and filing fees; provided
that Registration Expenses shall not include the following
expenses, all of which shall be borne by MetLife or, with
respect to fees and disbursements of counsel to the
underwriters, the underwriters, (A) MetLifes internal
expenses (including all salaries and expenses of its officers
and employees performing legal or accounting duties),
(B) any fees or
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disbursements of any counsel for MetLife, or, except as provided
in clause (i) of the beginning of this sentence, any
counsel for the underwriters, (C) any fees and expenses in
connection with a road show or marketing efforts in connection
with a Piggyback Registration under which neither RGA nor any
third party is selling shares or in connection with a Demand
Registration, and (D) the underwriting discounts or
commissions or transfer taxes applicable to the Registrable
Securities, all of which shall be paid by MetLife, or, if
applicable, reimbursed by MetLife to RGA.
(l) Other Obligations. The terms and
conditions of Sections 5.1 (as qualified by this
Section 7.15), Article VII and Section 9.12 of
the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 24,
2003, by and among RGA, MetLife and certain Subsidiaries of
MetLife (the 2003 Registration Rights
Agreement) are incorporated herein by reference as if
restated in full and shall apply with respect to any Demand
Registration or Piggyback Registration effected pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement (it being understood that
Article VII of such Registration Rights Agreement shall
apply instead of the provisions of Section 8.2 through
Section 8.5 of this Agreement with respect to any Demand
Registration or Piggyback Registration effected pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement).
(m) Non-Transferable. The registration
rights set forth in this Section 7.15 may not be
transferred or assigned by MetLife except to any Subsidiary of
MetLife holding Registrable Securities.
(n) Removal of Restrictive Legend. RGA
agrees that, upon the written request of MetLife, any Securities
Act restrictive legend pertaining to certificates representing
shares of Recently Acquired Stock may be removed after MetLife
completes the Divestiture and does not otherwise constitute an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act),
and satisfaction of the provisions of Rule 144(b)(1) of the
Securities Act (including paragraphs (c)(1) and (d) of
Rule 144), subject to any customary requirements of
RGAs transfer agent.
Section 7.16 Payments
in Respect of Excess Shareholders. From the
Acceptance Time until the fourth anniversary thereof, MetLife
shall pay to RGA (as reimbursement for RGAs expenses) an
amount equal to the product of (a) $12.50, multiplied by
(b) the Excess Shareholders as of the record date for
each mailing of materials in connection with any meeting of RGA
Shareholders. Such amount will be payable as of the date of the
applicable meeting, or any postponement or adjournment thereof,
whether or not on, prior to or after said fourth anniversary.
For purposes of the foregoing, Excess
Shareholders as of any year shall mean (x) the
number of shareholders of RGA common stock (including beneficial
or record holders) to whom RGA is required under the proxy rules
of the U.S. federal securities laws to mail or cause to be
mailed the annual meeting materials for such year minus
(y) the Threshold Amount; provided that in no
event shall the Excess Shareholders be less than zero. The
Threshold Amount shall mean (a) 80,000,
plus (b) if RGA issues RGA common stock (including
any issuance of RGA common stock pursuant to a merger or
acquisition but excluding any issuance pursuant to the
Recapitalization) after the date of this Agreement, the number
of persons who acquire beneficial or record ownership of RGA
common stock in connection with such offering, which number the
parties shall mutually agree on for purposes of determining the
Threshold Amount. If the parties are unable to agree on such
number after cooperating in good-faith for at least 45 days
(including by requesting any underwriter of the offering to
provide information that may be useful in determining such
number), then the parties agree that such number shall be
resolved in accordance with Section 10.12.
Section 7.17 Directors
and Officers Insurance. For a period of
six years following the Acceptance Time, MetLife shall provide
coverage under a policy of officers and directors
liability insurance for the benefit of the RGA Indemnified
Parties, and all other individual insureds of RGA and its
Subsidiaries, who are covered by the current liability insurance
policy provided by MetLife on the date hereof covering the
current and former officers and directors of RGA and its
Subsidiaries (the Covered Persons), with
respect to claims against such Covered Persons arising from
facts or events occurring on or prior to the Acceptance Time
(including for acts or omissions occurring in connection with
the approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby) (D&O
Insurance), which insurance shall contain terms and
conditions (including as to type of coverage, amount of
coverage, and the amount of deductibility borne by RGA and any
Covered Person) no less advantageous to the Covered Persons as
the directors and officers liability insurance
coverage provided by MetLife to the officers and directors of
MetLife (as such policy may be in effect from time to time);
provided that MetLife shall promptly notify RGA in the
event the
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terms and conditions become materially less favorable than those
contained in the current policy. Nothing in this Agreement shall
require MetLife to provide D&O Insurance to the Covered
Persons on terms or conditions that are more advantageous to the
Covered Persons than the terms and conditions provided to the
officers and directors of MetLife, as such terms and conditions
may be in effect from time to time. Each of the parties agrees
to reasonably cooperate with each other with respect to
complying with this Section 7.17 and to use its reasonable
best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to
do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or
advisable with respect to any claims by any Covered Persons that
are or may be covered by the D&O Insurance, including
MetLife instructing its insurance broker upon request by RGA to
provide information to RGA concerning the remaining limits of
liability under the D&O Insurance.
Section 7.18 Amendments
Regarding Recently Acquired Stock. In the
event that (a) the consummation of the Recapitalization and
the Split-Off has not occurred on or prior to November 11,
2008, (b) RGA has agreed to irrevocably waive the condition
in clause III.(f) of Annex B and (c) the
Supplemental IRS Ruling One has been obtained but provides that
the Recently Acquired Stock shall be exchanged for RGA
Class B Common Stock and such shares of RGA Class B
Common Stock shall be part of the Exchange Shares, then the
parties agree to amend this Agreement, the Annexes, the
Schedules and Exhibits as appropriate on or prior to such date
so that in the Recapitalization, each share of Recently Acquired
Stock shall be exchanged for one share of RGA Class B
Common Stock instead of one share of RGA Class A Common
Stock and such shares of RGA Class B Common Stock shall be
part of the Exchange Shares.
Section 7.19 Notice
Regarding Section 382 Shareholder Rights
Plan. In the event that any director or
executive officer of RGA has actual knowledge that a Person or
group qualifies as or otherwise becomes an Acquiring Person, as
defined under the Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan,
on or prior to the End Date, RGA shall promptly notify MetLife
of such fact or event. The parties acknowledge and agree no
party is making any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement with respect to (a) the occurrence of a
Distribution Date (as defined in the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan), (b) the
separation or exercise of the Rights (as defined in the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan), (c) the
issuance of any shares of capital stock of RGA pursuant to the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan, (d) any
action or inaction by RGA or its Board of Directors pursuant to
the Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan or
(d) any other operation of the Section 382 Shareholder
Rights Plan, in each cases (a), (b), (c) and (d), solely to
the extent that any of the foregoing occurs prior to the
Acceptance Time.
Section 7.20 General
American Name. RGA will endeavor to change
the name of its Subsidiary, General American Argentina Seguros
de Vida, S.A., prior to the Acceptance Time so that it no longer
includes the name General American after the
Acceptance Time; provided that, in removing such name,
RGA has no obligation to incur time, effort or expense believed,
in its judgment, to be unjustified.
ARTICLE VIII
SURVIVAL AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.1 Survival. Except
as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants,
representations, warranties and agreements of the parties
contained in this Agreement, or in any certificate, document or
other instrument delivered in connection with this Agreement,
shall survive the consummation of the Transactions.
Section 8.2 Indemnification
by RGA. RGA shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless MetLife and its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, each of their
respective directors, officers, employees and agents, and each
of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the
foregoing (collectively, the MetLife Indemnified
Parties) from and against:
(a) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any breach or inaccuracy of
any representation or warranty of RGA contained in this
Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this
Agreement;
(b) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any breach of any covenant or
agreement to be performed by RGA contained in this Agreement or
in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement;
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(c) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any statements or omissions in
any RGA Indemnified Document, based on information furnished by
or on behalf of RGA, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates, or any
of their Representatives for inclusion in such RGA Indemnified
Document, or relating to RGA, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates
for inclusion in such RGA Indemnified Document; and
(d) any Section 355 Taxes (other than de minimis
Section 355 Taxes) which result solely from any breach
of, or inaccuracy in, any representation, covenant or obligation
of RGA under this Agreement or in the RGA Tax Certificate (any
such Section 355 Taxes, RGA Section 355
Taxes); provided that RGA Section 355
Taxes shall not include, and RGA shall not be so liable or
responsible for, (i) any Section 355 Taxes resulting
solely from a Conversion that occurs after the earlier of the
completion of the Divestiture and 24 months following the
Closing Date; provided, further, that,
notwithstanding the foregoing, RGA Section 355 Taxes shall
include, and RGA shall be liable and responsible for, any
Section 355 Taxes resulting from a Conversion (including a
Conversion taken alone or in combination with any other breach
of, or inaccuracy in, any representation, covenant or obligation
of RGA under this Agreement or in the RGA Tax Certificate) if
and only if prior to such Conversion, (A) the IRS has
revoked the IRS Ruling or otherwise modified it such that, as a
result of such revocation or modification, a Conversion would
reasonably be expected to result in MetLife incurring
Section 355 Taxes (excluding any de minimis
Section 355 Taxes) or (B) there is (I) an
amendment to the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder or (II) an issuance by the IRS of a revenue
ruling, notice or announcement such that, as a result of such
amendment or issuance, a Conversion would reasonably be expected
to result in MetLife incurring Section 355 Taxes (excluding
any de minimis Section 355 Taxes) (it being
understood that, if any of the events described in
subclauses (A) or (B) above occurs, MetLife will use
its reasonable best efforts to defend, uphold and preserve the
validity of the IRS Ruling in its entirety and the qualification
of the Split-Off, the Additional Divestiture Transactions and
the other Transactions, as applicable, under Section 355 of
the Code), (ii) any Section 355 Taxes resulting from
the application of Section 355(e) of the Code other than
such Section 355 Taxes resulting, in whole or in part, from
(A) the issuance or issuances by RGA of RGA Common Stock
(excluding issuances pursuant to shareholder-approved equity
compensation plans as compensation for services
and/or
pursuant to the exercise of compensatory stock options) and
(B) the repurchase or redemption by RGA of RGA Common Stock
that, in the case of (A) and (B) in the aggregate,
during the period beginning two years before the Closing Date
and ending on the second anniversary of the End Date, exceed the
RGA Threshold (as defined and set forth in
Section 8.2(d)(ii) of the RGA Disclosure Schedule), and
(iii) in all other cases, any Section 355 Taxes
resulting from any action or omission expressly provided for by
the IRS Ruling or any Supplemental IRS Ruling. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this
Section 8.2(d) is the sole and exclusive remedy of the
MetLife Indemnified Parties for any Taxes, or Tax related
Losses, under this Agreement.
Section 8.3 Indemnification
by MetLife. MetLife shall indemnify, defend
and hold harmless RGA and its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, each of
their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, and
each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of
the foregoing (collectively, the RGA Indemnified
Parties) from and against:
(a) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any breach or inaccuracy of
any representation or warranty of MetLife contained in this
Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this
Agreement;
(b) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any breach of any covenant or
agreement to be performed by MetLife contained in this Agreement
or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement;
(c) any and all Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any statements or omissions in
any MetLife Indemnified Document, based on information furnished
by or on behalf of MetLife, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates,
or any of their Representatives for inclusion in any such
MetLife Indemnified Document, or relating to MetLife, its
Subsidiaries or its Affiliates for inclusion in the MetLife
Indemnified Document;
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(d) any and all Section 355 Taxes other than RGA
Section 355 Taxes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Agreement this Section 8.3(d) is the sole and
exclusive remedy of the RGA Indemnified Parties for any Taxes,
or Tax related Losses, under this Agreement.
Section 8.4 Notice;
Procedure for Third-Party Claims.
(a) Any Person entitled to indemnification under this
Agreement (an Indemnified Party) may seek
indemnification for any Loss or potential Loss by giving written
notice to the applicable party or parties from whom
indemnification is sought (the Indemnifying
Party), specifying (i) the representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement that is alleged to have
been inaccurate, to have been breached or to have given rise to
indemnification, (ii) the basis for such allegation and
(iii) if known, the aggregate amount of the Losses for
which a claim is being made under this Article VIII or, to
the extent that such Losses are not known or have not been
incurred at the time such claim is made, an estimate, prepared
in good faith, of the aggregate potential amount of such Losses.
Written notice to such Indemnifying Party of the existence of a
claim shall be given by the Indemnified Party as soon as
practicable after the Indemnified Party first receives notice of
the potential claim; provided that any failure to provide
such prompt notice of the existence of a claim to the applicable
Indemnifying Party shall not affect the Indemnified Partys
right to seek indemnification pursuant to this Article VIII
except and only to the extent that such failure results in a
lack of actual notice to the Indemnifying Party and such
Indemnifying Party has been materially prejudiced as a result of
such delay.
(b) In the case of any claim asserted by a Person that is
not a party to this Agreement against an Indemnified Party (a
Third-Party Claim), the Indemnified Party
shall permit the Indemnifying Party (at the expense of such
Indemnifying Party) to assume the defense of such Third-Party
Claim and any litigation or proceeding resulting therefrom;
provided that (i) counsel for the Indemnifying Party
who shall conduct the defense of such claim or litigation shall
be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and
(ii) the Indemnified Party may participate in such defense
at such Indemnified Partys expense. Except with the prior
written consent of the Indemnified Party, no Indemnifying Party,
in the defense of any Third-Party Claim, shall consent to entry
of any judgment or enter into any settlement. In the event that
the Indemnified Party shall in good faith determine that the
conduct of the defense of any Third-Party Claim subject to
indemnification hereunder or any proposed settlement of any such
claim by the Indemnifying Party might be expected to impair the
ability of MetLife, RGA or their respective Affiliates to
conduct their businesses or impair their respective reputations
or business, or that the Indemnified Party may have available to
it one or more defenses or counterclaims that are inconsistent
with one or more of those that may be available to the
Indemnifying Party in respect of such claim or any litigation
relating thereto, the Indemnified Party shall have the right at
all times to take over and assume control over the defense,
settlement, negotiations or litigation relating to any such
claim at the sole cost of the Indemnifying Party;
provided that, if the Indemnified Party does so take over
and assume control, the Indemnified Party shall not settle such
claim or litigation without the written consent of the
Indemnifying Party, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld. In the event that the Indemnifying Party does not
accept the defense of any matter as above provided, the
Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend against any
such claim or demand, and shall be entitled to settle or agree
to pay in full such claim or demand. In any event, MetLife and
RGA shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Third-Party
Claim subject to this Article VIII, and the records of each
shall be made reasonably available to the other with respect to
such defense, subject to reasonable restrictions for classified,
privileged or confidential information and consistent with
applicable Law and in accordance with the procedures established
by such party.
(c) The provisions of this Section 8.4 shall not apply
to Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 8.5.
Section 8.5 Tax
Contests.
(a) MetLife and RGA shall promptly notify one another in
writing within ten Business Days of receiving any written notice
from a taxing authority (including the IRS) with respect to any
pending or threatened audit or inquiry or any administrative or
judicial appeal or other proceeding regarding Section 355
Taxes (a
Section 355-Related
Proceeding). Such notice shall include a true, correct
and complete copy of any written communication, and an accurate
and complete written summary of any oral communication, received
from the taxing authority. The failure of a party to timely
provide such notification in accordance with the immediately
preceding sentence shall not relieve the other party of its
obligations under Sections 8.2(d) or 8.3(d), as the
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case may be, or to pay Section 355 Taxes, except to the
extent that such failure materially prejudices the ability of
such other party to contest such liability for Section 355
Taxes or increases the amount of the other partys
obligations under Sections 8.2(d) or 8.3(d), as the case
may be, for Section 355 Taxes.
(b) MetLife shall, in its sole discretion, control and
direct the conduct of any
Section 355-Related
Proceeding; provided, however, that, in the event
that any
Section 355-Related
Proceeding could potentially result in RGA Section 355
Taxes, (i) MetLife shall consult with RGA reasonably in
advance of taking any significant action in connection with any
such proceeding, (ii) MetLife shall consult with RGA and
offer RGA a reasonable opportunity to comment before submitting
any written materials prepared or furnished in connection with
such proceeding, (iii) RGA shall be entitled to receive on
a timely basis copies of any written materials relating to such
proceeding sent to or received from the relevant taxing
authority, have its representatives attend all discussions,
meetings and teleconferences and otherwise participate in the
Section 355-Related
Proceeding on a reasonable basis, (iv) MetLife shall defend
such proceeding diligently and in good faith as if it were the
only party in interest in connection with such proceeding,
(v) MetLife shall not settle, compromise or abandon any
such proceeding that could potentially result in RGA
Section 355 Taxes without obtaining the prior written
consent of RGA, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided,
further, that MetLife shall not settle, compromise or
abandon any such proceeding with a taxing authority in exchange
for, or in connection with, a settlement on an issue or issues
unrelated to Section 355 Taxes that would reasonably be
expected to result in RGA Section 355 Taxes and
(vi) if RGA acknowledges in writing its agreement that it
will be liable and indemnify MetLife for such RGA
Section 355 Taxes and provides evidence (reasonably
satisfactory to MetLife) demonstrating its ability to pay such
RGA Section 355 Taxes, MetLife shall afford RGA the
opportunity to control the contest of such
Section 355-Related
Proceeding, at its own expense, in such manner as RGA shall
reasonably direct, and RGA shall provide MetLife the opportunity
to review and comment upon any materials produced by RGA
pursuant to such contest prior to their submission and shall
permit MetLife to participate in any meetings or proceedings in
connection therewith.
Section 8.6 Contribution. If
the indemnification provided for in this Article VIII shall
for any reason be unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless
any MetLife Indemnified Party, any RGA Indemnified Party or any
Indemnified Party under Section 8.2, 8.3 or 8.4 in respect
of any Losses, or any Action in respect thereof, referred to
therein, other than to the extent that such indemnification is
unavailable or insufficient due to a failure to provide prompt
notice in accordance with Section 8.4(a), then each
Indemnifying Party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such
Indemnified Party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses or Action in
respect thereof, in such proportion as shall be appropriate to
reflect the relative fault of RGA, on the one hand, and MetLife,
on the other hand, with respect to the misrepresentation or
breach or statements or omissions or alleged misrepresentation
or alleged breach or alleged statements or alleged omissions
that resulted in such Losses, or Action in respect thereof, as
well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the
misrepresentation or breach or statement or omission relates to
information supplied by RGA or MetLife, the intent of the
parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
RGA and MetLife agree that it would not be just and equitable if
the amount of contributions pursuant to this Section 8.6
were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other
method of allocation, which does not take into account the
equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or
payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Losses
referred to above in this Section 8.6 shall be deemed to
include, for purposes of this Section 8.6 any legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in
connection with investigating or defending any such Action or
claim. 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. The foregoing shall not
apply to indemnification with respect to Taxes which shall be
governed solely by Section 8.2(d) and Section 8.3(d).
Section 8.7 Remedies
Not Exclusive.
(a) Except for the indemnification obligations set forth in
Section 8.2(d) and Section 8.3(d), the remedies
provided in this Article VIII shall be cumulative and shall
not preclude assertion by any Indemnified Party of
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any and all other rights or the seeking of any and all other
remedies against the Indemnifying Party; provided that no
Person may recover more than once for a Loss it has incurred.
(b) Without limiting the rights under Section 10.13
and Section 8.5, the parties agree that the indemnification
obligations set forth in Section 8.2(d) and
Section 8.3(d) shall be the sole and exclusive remedies of
the parties for any Taxes or Tax-related Losses under this
Agreement.
Section 8.8 Limitations
on Indemnifiable Losses. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement or at law or in
equity, no Indemnified Party will, in any event, be entitled to
indemnification or contribution from an Indemnifying Party for
Losses or Taxes arising out of, attributable to or resulting
from, any incidental, indirect, consequential, special,
exemplary or punitive damages (including damages for loss of
business profits, loss of data, loss of use or business
interruption) however caused, under any theory of liability,
including in contract or in tort, arising in any way under this
Agreement (other than in the case of fraud, bad faith or willful
misconduct or in the case of any such Losses payable to third
parties, including any Governmental Authority or shareholder).
Section 8.9 Subrogation
and Insurance.
(a) In the event of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any
indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such
Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the
place of such indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in
respect of which such indemnitee may have any right or claim
relating to such Third-Party Claim. Such indemnitee shall
cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner,
and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in
prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.
(b) Each Indemnified Party shall use reasonable best
efforts to recover all losses, costs, damages and expenses from
the insurers of such Indemnified Party under applicable
insurance policies so as to reduce the amount of Losses
hereunder; provided that actual recovery of any insurance
shall not be a condition to the applicable Indemnifying
Partys obligation to make indemnification payments to such
Indemnified Party in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, Losses shall be
calculated after giving effect to any amounts recovered under
insurance policies with respect to such Losses, net of any costs
to recover such amounts. If the Indemnified Party or any of its
Affiliates receives any amounts under applicable insurance
policies for such Losses after an indemnification payment by the
Indemnifying Party has been made for such Losses, then the
Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying
Party for such indemnification payment in an amount equal to the
amount so received or realized by the Indemnified Party or its
Affiliates with respect to any such indemnification payment.
Section 8.10 Excluded
Representations. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, neither MetLife nor RGA (nor any
respective MetLife Indemnified Parties or RGA Indemnified
Parties) shall have any Action, claim or right against the other
in respect of any Losses to the extent arising out of,
attributable to or resulting from any breach or inaccuracy of an
Excluded Representation, except to the extent that such Losses
arise from any Third-Party Claim by a Person (other than the
parties to this Agreement) in connection with the offer or sale
of any RGA Class A Common Stock or RGA Class B Common
Stock in the Recapitalization, the Split-Off or any Additional
Divestiture Transaction, including to the extent resulting from
the actual or alleged inadequate disclosure in the RGA
Disclosure Documents or the MetLife Disclosure Documents.
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
Section 9.1 Termination. This
Agreement may be terminated and the Split-Off may be abandoned
at any time prior to the Acceptance Time:
(a) by mutual written consent of MetLife and RGA;
(b) by either MetLife or RGA:
(i) if the Recapitalization and the Split-Off shall not
have been consummated on or prior to December 31, 2009 (the
Termination Date); provided,
however, that (A) the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 9.1(b)(i) shall not be
available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation
under this Agreement has been a significant cause of, or
resulted in, the Recapitalization
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or Split-Off not being consummated on or prior to the
Termination Date; (B) if, following receipt of the Required
Consents and the advice by the SEC that it has no further
comments on the
Form S-4
(such that the
Form S-4
would become effective upon request to the SEC), there shall not
be at least four complete Window Periods until the Termination
Date, then the Termination Date shall be extended automatically
until the end of the fourth complete Window Period following
receipt of the Required Consents and the advice by the SEC that
it has no further comments on the
Form S-4
(such that the
Form S-4
would become effective upon request to the SEC); and (C) if
all of the conditions set forth in Annex A shall
have been satisfied or waived (or with respect to
clauses II.(c) or III.(c) of Annex A, are ready
and able to be satisfied), and MetLife or RGA shall have
exercised the MetLife Blackout Right or the RGA Blackout Right,
respectively, in such a manner as to prevent the Offer from
being commenced and completed within any Window Period after
such satisfaction or waiver, then the Termination Date shall
automatically be extended so that it includes one additional
complete Window Period after the previously scheduled
Termination Date;
(ii) if a Restraint prohibiting the Recapitalization or the
Split-Off shall have become final and nonappealable;
(iii) if the RGA Shareholder Approval shall not have been
obtained upon the completion of the RGA Shareholders Meeting
(including any adjournment thereof);
(iv) if the Offer shall have expired or been terminated in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement without MetLife
having accepted for purchase any shares of MetLife Common Stock
pursuant to the Offer, other than due to a breach of this
Agreement by the terminating party; or
(v) if any Person or group qualifies as or otherwise
becomes an Acquiring Person, as defined under the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan.
(c) by MetLife, if RGA has breached or failed to perform
any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
obligations set forth in this Agreement, which breach or failure
to perform (i) would result in the failure of the
conditions set forth in clauses II.(a) or II.(b) of
Annex B or would result in any events set forth in
clause (g) or (h) of Annex C to occur and
(ii) is not cured, or cannot be cured, by RGA within 30
calendar days following receipt of written notice of such breach
or failure to perform from MetLife (or if the Termination Date
is less than 30 calendar days from notice by MetLife, is not
cured, or cannot be cured, by RGA by the Termination Date);
(d) by RGA, if MetLife has breached or failed to perform
any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
obligations set forth in this Agreement, which breach or failure
to perform (i) would result in the failure of the
conditions set forth in clauses III.(a) or III.(b) of
Annex B or would result in any of the MetLife
Excluded Representations from being true and correct in all
material respects and (ii) is not cured, or cannot be
cured, by MetLife within 30 calendar days following receipt of
written notice of such breach or failure to perform from RGA (or
if the Termination Date is less than 30 calendar days from
notice by RGA, is not cured, or cannot be cured, by MetLife by
the Termination Date);
(e) by MetLife, immediately prior to MetLifes
execution of a binding written agreement providing for a
transaction that constitutes a MetLife Superior Proposal;
provided that MetLife shall have provided RGA with at
least three Business Days prior written notice of such
termination and a complete copy of such agreement; or
(f) immediately after the expiration of the Offer, unless
waived by RGA, if MetLife shall not have, prior to the
Acceptance Time, furnished RGA with a certificate dated and
effective as of the Acceptance Time signed on its behalf by its
Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect
that the MetLife Excluded Representations shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of this
Agreement and at the Acceptance Time as though made as of the
Acceptance Time (except to the extent that such representations
and warranties expressly relate to a specified date, in which
case as of such specified date).
Section 9.2 Effect
of Termination. In the event of the
termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9.1,
written notice of such termination shall be given to the other
party or parties, specifying the provision of this Agreement
pursuant to which such termination is made, and this Agreement
shall forthwith become null and void (other than any and all
obligations of MetLife to pay or reimburse RGA pursuant to the
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last sentence of Section 7.5(a) or pursuant to
Section 7.5(d) (relating to the period prior to the date of
termination of this Agreement), Section 7.8,
Section 7.10, Section 7.15(k) and Articles VIII,
IX and X, all of which shall survive termination of this
Agreement in accordance with its terms), and there shall be no
liability or other obligation on the part of MetLife or RGA or
their respective Subsidiaries, or its or their respective
Affiliates, stockholders or shareholders, controlling persons or
Representatives, except nothing shall relieve MetLife or RGA
from (a) their respective liabilities or other obligations
set forth in Section 7.8, Section 7.10,
Section 7.15(k) and Articles VIII, IX and X,
(b) liability for any willful and material breach by such
party of its covenants under this Agreement to be performed
prior to the Acceptance Time or (c) MetLifes
obligation to pay or reimburse RGA pursuant to the last sentence
of Section 7.5(a) or pursuant to Section 7.5(d).
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement, including the
Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules hereto, shall constitute the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and shall supersede all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement (it being
understood that the RGA Tax Certificate is also being delivered
for the benefit of MetLife for purposes of Section 8.2(d)).
Section 10.2 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile
transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different
parties in separate counterparts, each of which when executed
and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax
or electronic transmission shall be considered original executed
counterparts for purposes of this Section 10.2; provided
that receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed.
Section 10.3 Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this
Agreement and subject to any reimbursement obligation in
Section 10.3(b), whether the Transactions are consummated
or not, all legal and other costs and expenses to the extent
incurred in connection with, arising out of, or relating to this
Agreement, including the Recapitalization and the Divestiture,
shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses;
provided that:
(i) the fees and expenses of printing and mailing
associated with the Recapitalization shall be borne by RGA;
(ii) the fees and expenses of printing and mailing
associated with the Offer, the Split-Off and any Additional
Divestiture Transaction shall be borne by MetLife;
(iii) the filing and other fees paid to the SEC in
connection with the
Form S-4
shall be borne equally by the parties; and
(iv) each party shall pay its own fees and expenses
associated with the HSR Act.
(b) Regardless of whether or not any of the Transactions
are completed, MetLife shall promptly reimburse and pay to RGA
all out-of-pocket and reasonably documented fees and expenses of
RGA, the RGA Board of Directors and the RGA Special Committee,
to the extent incurred in connection with, arising out of, or
relating to the Transactions, including the fees and expenses
incurred in negotiating and preparing this Agreement and the
other documents relating to the Transactions, including fees and
expenses of legal and financial advisors to RGA and the RGA
Board of Directors and the RGA Special Committee (the
RGA Reimbursable Expenses), from time to time
upon request; provided, that, if and only if the
Transactions are completed, the amount of RGA Reimbursable
Expenses shall equal the maximum amounts permitted to be
reimbursed under the IRS Ruling (as modified or amended by any
Supplemental IRS Ruling, including Supplemental IRS Ruling Two).
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Section 10.4 Notices. All
notices, requests and other communications to any party
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if
delivered personally, facsimiled (which is confirmed) or sent by
overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
at the following addresses:
To MetLife:
MetLife, Inc.
1 MetLife Plaza
27-01 Queens
Plaza North
Long Island City, New York 11101
Attention: James L. Lipscomb, Esq. and Richard S.
Collins, Esq.
Facsimile:
(212) 252-7288
and
(212) 251-1538
with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Adam O. Emmerich, Esq.
Facsimile:
(212) 403-2000
To RGA:
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Attention: James E. Sherman, Esq.
Facsimile:
(636) 736-7886
with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Bryan Cave LLP
One Metropolitan Square
211 North Broadway
Suite 3600
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Attention: R. Randall Wang, Esq.
Facsimile:
(314) 552-8149
and
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
4 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Matthew A. Rosen, Esq. and Dean S.
Shulman, Esq.
Facsimile:
(212) 735-2000
or such other address or facsimile number as such party may
hereafter specify by like notice to the other parties hereto.
All such notices, requests and other communications shall be
deemed received on the date of receipt by the recipient if
received prior to 5 P.M., local time, in the place of
receipt and such day is a Business Day in the place of receipt.
Otherwise, any such notice, request or communication shall be
deemed not to have been received until the next succeeding
Business Day in the place of receipt.
Section 10.5 Waivers. No
failure or delay by MetLife or RGA in exercising any right
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of rights, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of such rights preclude any other or
further exercise of such rights or the exercise of any other
right hereunder. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to
any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in
an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party.
Section 10.6 Amendments. This
Agreement may be amended or supplemented in any and all
respects, whether before or after receipt of the RGA Shareholder
Approval, by written agreement of the parties;
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provided, however, that following the receipt of
the RGA Shareholder Approval, there shall be no amendment or
change to the provisions of this Agreement which by Law would
require further approval by the RGA Shareholders without such
approval. No amendment to or modification of any provision of
this Agreement shall be binding upon any party unless in writing
and signed by all parties.
Section 10.7 Assignment. Neither
this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by any of the
parties without the prior written consent of the other party.
Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be
binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by,
the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns. Any purported assignment not permitted under this
Section 10.7 shall be null and void.
Section 10.8 Successors
and Assigns. The terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.
Section 10.9 No
Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is
for the sole benefit of the parties and their successors and
permitted assigns, and nothing herein express or implied shall
give or shall be construed to confer any legal or equitable
rights or remedies to any person other than the parties to this
Agreement and such successors and permitted assigns;
provided that the parties to this Agreement expressly
intend Article VIII relating to Indemnified Parties, and
Section 7.15(l) (as to Article VII of the 2003
Registration Rights Agreement) and Section 7.17 to confer a
benefit upon and be enforceable by Indemnified Parties, those
persons indemnified pursuant to Article VII of the 2003
Registration Rights Agreement, and Covered Persons, as
applicable, as third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
Section 10.10 Annexes,
Exhibits and Schedules . The Annexes,
Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed with and as an
integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the
same had been set forth verbatim herein.
Section 10.11 GOVERNING
LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE APPLICABLE TO
CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE,
REGARDLESS OF THE LAWS THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE GOVERN UNDER
APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS; PROVIDED THAT
THE FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF THE RGA SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF RGA, AND THE VALIDITY OF ANY CORPORATE ACTION ON
THE PART OF RGA, INCLUDING THE ADOPTION AND APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED RGA ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED RGA BYLAWS AND THE RECAPITALIZATION, AND
OTHER MATTERS GOVERNED BY THE MGBCL SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.
Section 10.12 Consent
to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating
to this Agreement shall be heard and determined in the Chancery
Court of the State of Delaware or, in the event that such court
does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such action or
proceeding, any federal court sitting in the State of Delaware,
and the parties to this Agreement irrevocably submit to the
exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and, in the case of
appeals, appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such
action or proceeding and irrevocably waive the defense of an
inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or
proceeding. The consents to jurisdiction set forth in this
paragraph shall not constitute general consents to service of
process in the State of Delaware and shall have no effect for
any purpose except as provided in this paragraph and shall not
be deemed to confer rights on any Person other than the parties
hereto. Each of the parties to this Agreement consents to
service being made through the notice procedures set forth in
Section 10.4 and agrees that service of any process,
summons, notice or document by registered mail (return receipt
requested and first-class postage prepaid) to the respective
addresses of the parties set forth in Section 10.4 shall be
effective service of process for any suit or proceeding in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that a final
judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive
and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the
judgment or in any other manner provided by applicable Law.
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(b) EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 10.13 Specific
Performance.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.13(b),
the parties agree that irreparable and unquantifiable damage
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific
terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, the parties agree
that, if for any reason MetLife or RGA shall have failed to
perform its obligations under this Agreement, the breaching
party shall not object to the granting of specific performance
of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or other equitable
relief on the basis that there exists an adequate remedy at law,
and the party seeking to enforce this Agreement against such
nonperforming party under this Agreement shall be entitled to
specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief,
and the parties further agree to waive any requirement for the
securing or posting of any bond in connection with the obtaining
of any such injunctive or other equitable relief, this being in
addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law
or in equity. If, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a
court shall require that the non-breaching party prove that such
non-breaching party is entitled to specific performance,
injunctive or other equitable relief for a breach or
non-performance of this Agreement by the other party, the
parties agree that a partys entitlement to such specific
performance, injunctive or other equitable relief shall be
governed by the preponderance of the evidence standard (and not
the clear and convincing evidence or any other higher standard)
for the burden of persuasion with respect to a partys
entitlement to such relief.
(b) Section 10.13(a) shall not apply with respect to
the Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan, with MetLife
agreeing that neither specific performance nor any other
equitable remedies shall be available to MetLife with respect to
the occurrence of a Distribution Date, the separation or
exercise of the Rights, the issuance of any shares of capital
stock of RGA pursuant such plan, any action or inaction by RGA
or its Board of Directors pursuant to such plan, or any other
operation of such plan (in each case, as such terms are defined
in such plan); provided that nothing in this
Section 10.13(b) shall limit, reduce or otherwise modify
MetLifes right to seek indemnification for any breach of
RGAs representations and warranties under
Section 5.5(a) as a result of the foregoing, including any
indemnification under Section 8.2(d).
Section 10.14 Severability. In
the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby; provided,
however, that the consummation of the Recapitalization is
conditioned upon and is not severable from the Split-Off, and
the consummation of the Split-Off is conditioned upon and is not
severable from the Recapitalization. The parties shall endeavor
in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic
effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
METLIFE, INC.
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By:
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/s/ William
J. Wheeler
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Name: William J. Wheeler
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Title:
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Executive Vice President and
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Chief Financial Officer
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Name: Jack B. Lay
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Title:
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Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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[Signature Page to Distribution Agreement]
A-52
ANNEX A
CONDITIONS
TO COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFER
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I.
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Conditions
Waivable Only by Both Parties
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Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Agreement, MetLife
shall not commence the Offer pursuant to Article III of the
Agreement unless each of the following conditions shall be
satisfied (or waived by both MetLife and RGA):
(a) IRS Ruling. There shall be no change
in, revocation of, or amendment to the IRS Ruling, any
Supplemental IRS Ruling or applicable Law that could reasonably
be expected to cause MetLife or its Subsidiaries to incur any
Section 355 Taxes (other than any de minimis
Section 355 Taxes) or other Section 355 Tax-related
liability as a result of the Recapitalization, the Split-Off,
any Additional Divestiture Transaction or the Conversion, and
there shall be no other change in, revocation of, or amendment
to the IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling or applicable Law
that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect MetLife.
There shall be no change in, revocation of, or amendment to the
IRS Ruling, any Supplemental IRS Ruling or the applicable Law
that could reasonably be expected to impose a limitation on the
ability of RGA or any of its Subsidiaries to utilize its, or
their, net operating losses (other than any de minimis
net operating loss) as a result of the Recapitalization, the
Split-Off or any Additional Divestiture Transaction, and there
shall be no other change in, revocation of, or amendment to such
ruling or the applicable law that could reasonably be expected
to adversely affect RGA or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Form S-4. The
Form S-4
relating to the Split-Off shall have been declared effective, or
the SEC staff shall have advised that it has no further comments
on the
Form S-4
relating to the Split-Off such that such
Form S-4
shall become effective upon request to the SEC, and such
Form S-4
shall not have become subject to a stop order or proceeding
seeking a stop order;
(c) No Illegality or Injunctions. There
shall not be any temporary, preliminary or permanent Restraints
in effect preventing or prohibiting the Split-Off or the
Recapitalization; and
(d) Governmental Action. There shall not
be instituted or pending any material Action by any Governmental
Authority seeking to restrain or prohibit the Split-Off or the
Recapitalization
(e) Acquiring Person under
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan. No
Person or group shall have qualified as or otherwise become an
Acquiring Person, as defined under the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan.
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II.
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Conditions
Waivable by MetLife
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Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Agreement, MetLife
shall not commence the Offer pursuant to Article III of the
Agreement unless each of the following conditions shall be
satisfied (or waived by MetLife):
(a) Representations and
Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of RGA set forth in Section 5.5(a) of the
Agreement shall be true and correct (except for any de
minimis inaccuracy); and (ii) the other representations
and warranties of RGA set forth in the Agreement shall be true
and correct in all material respects, in each of cases
(i) and (ii), as of the date of the Agreement and as of the
Commencement Date as though made on the Commencement Date
(except to the extent that such representations and warranties
expressly relate to a specified date, in which case as of such
specified date);
(b) Covenants. RGA shall have performed
in all material respects its obligations, agreements or
covenants required to be performed by it on or prior to the
Commencement Date under the Agreement;
(c) Officers Certificate. RGA shall
have furnished MetLife with a certificate dated as of the
Commencement Date signed on its behalf by its Chief Executive
Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the
conditions set forth in clauses II.(a) and II.(b) of this
Annex A shall have been satisfied.
A-53
III.
Conditions Waivable by RGA
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Agreement, MetLife
shall not commence the Offer pursuant to Article III of the
Agreement unless each of the following conditions shall be
satisfied (or waived by RGA):
(a) Representations and
Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of MetLife set forth in the Agreement shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of the date of the
Agreement and as of the Commencement Date as though made on the
Commencement Date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties expressly relate to a specified
date, in which case as of such specified date);
(b) Covenants. MetLife shall have
performed in all material respects its obligations, agreements
or covenants required to be performed by it on or prior to the
Commencement Date under the Agreement;
(c) Officers Certificate. MetLife
shall have furnished RGA with a certificate dated as of the
Commencement Date signed on its behalf by its Chief Executive
Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the
conditions set forth in clauses III.(a) and III.(b) of this
Annex A shall have been satisfied; and
(d) Retention of Recently Acquired
Stock. In case the Offer would not expire on or
prior to November 10, 2008 (with the Acceptance Time no
more than one Business Day thereafter), MetLife
and/or RGA
shall have received Supplemental IRS Ruling One substantially to
the effect that each share of Recently Acquired Stock shall be
reclassified into one share of RGA Class A Common Stock in
the Recapitalization and that such shares of RGA Class A
Common Stock shall not be part of the Exchange Shares.
The capitalized terms used in this Annex A shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement to which it is
annexed, except that the term Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the agreement to which this
Annex A is annexed.
A-54
ANNEX B
CONDITIONS
TO COMPLETING THE RECAPITALIZATION
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I.
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Conditions
Waivable Only by Both Parties
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The respective obligations of MetLife and RGA to effect the
Recapitalization under the Agreement are subject to the
satisfaction or, to the extent permitted under applicable Law,
waiver by both MetLife and RGA of the following conditions:
(a) RGA Shareholder Approval. The RGA
Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;
(b) Successful Split-Off. All of the
Split-Off Conditions, other than the condition set forth in
clause (d) of Annex C, shall have been
satisfied or waived, and MetLife shall have irrevocably agreed
with RGA that it will accept the shares of MetLife Common Stock
tendered and not withdrawn in the Offer effective immediately
following the completion of the Recapitalization;
(c) Minimum Condition. The Minimum
Condition shall have been satisfied;
(d) No Illegality or Injunctions. There
shall not be any temporary, preliminary or permanent Restraints
in effect preventing or prohibiting the Recapitalization or the
Split-Off;
(e) Governmental Action. There shall not
be instituted or pending any material Action by any Governmental
Authority seeking to restrain or prohibit the Recapitalization
or the Split-Off;
(f) IRS Ruling. The condition set forth
in clause I.(a) of Annex A shall continue to
have been satisfied;
(g) Form S-4. The
Form S-4
relating to both the Recapitalization and the Split-Off shall
have been declared effective by the SEC, and such
Form S-4
shall not have become subject to a stop order or proceeding
seeking a stop order;
(h) NYSE Listing. Both the shares of RGA
Class A Common Stock to be issued in the Recapitalization
and RGA Class B Common Stock to be distributed in the
Split-Off shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE,
subject to official notice of issuance, and the
Form 8-A(s)
shall have been filed with the SEC and become effective; and
(i) Consents and Approvals. The Required
Consents shall have been obtained.
(j) Acquiring Person under
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan. No
Person or group shall have qualified as or otherwise become an
Acquiring Person, as defined under the
Section 382 Shareholder Rights Plan.
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II.
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Conditions
Waivable by MetLife
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The obligations of MetLife to effect the Recapitalization under
the Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent
permitted under applicable Law, waiver by MetLife of the
following conditions:
(a) Representations and
Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of RGA set forth in Section 5.5(a) of the
Agreement shall be true and correct (except for any de
minimis inaccuracy); and (ii) the other representations
and warranties of RGA set forth in the Agreement (other than the
RGA Excluded Representations) shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each of cases (i) and (ii), as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made
on the Closing Date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties expressly relate to a specified
date, in which case as of such specified date);
(b) Covenants. RGA shall have performed
in all material respects its obligations, agreements and
covenants required to be performed by it prior to the Closing
Date under the Agreement;
(c) Officers Certificate. RGA shall
have furnished MetLife with a certificate dated as of the
Closing Date signed on its behalf by its Chief Executive Officer
or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the conditions set
forth in clauses II.(a) and II.(b) of this
Annex B shall have been satisfied;
(d) Comfort Letter. Deloitte &
Touche shall have furnished to MetLife its letters, addressed to
the Board of Directors of MetLife, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to MetLife, containing
A-55
statements and information of the type customarily included in
accountants initial and bring-down comfort
letters to underwriters with respect to the financial
statements and certain financial information of RGA contained
and incorporated by reference in the Form
S-4;
(e) Legal Opinion. MetLife shall have
received legal opinions from internal and outside counsel to
RGA, substantially in the forms attached to the RGA Disclosure
Schedule; and
(f) Supplemental IRS Ruling. If the
Agreement shall have been amended pursuant to Section 7.18
of the Agreement, then MetLife
and/or RGA
shall have received a Supplemental IRS Ruling substantially to
the effect that the Recently Acquired Stock shall be exchanged
for RGA Class B Common Stock and such shares of RGA Class B
Common Stock shall be part of the Exchange Shares.
III.
Conditions Waivable by RGA
The obligations of RGA to effect the Recapitalization under the
Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent
permitted under applicable Law, waiver by RGA of the following
conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of MetLife set forth in the
Agreement (other than the MetLife Excluded Representations)
shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the
date of the Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made
on the Closing Date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties expressly relate to a specified
date, in which case as of such specified date);
(b) Covenants. MetLife shall have
performed in all material respects its obligations, agreements
and covenants required to be performed by it prior to the
Closing Date under the Agreement;
(c) Officers Certificate. MetLife
shall have furnished RGA with a certificate dated as of the
Closing Date signed on its behalf by its Chief Executive Officer
or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the conditions set
forth in clauses III.(a) and III.(b) of this Annex B
shall have been satisfied;
(d) Comfort Letter. Deloitte &
Touche shall have furnished to RGA its letters, addressed to the
Board of Directors of RGA, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to RGA, containing statements and information of
the type customarily included in accountants initial and
bring-down comfort letters to underwriters with
respect to the financial statements and certain financial
information of MetLife contained and incorporated by reference
in the
Form S-4;
(e) Legal Opinion. RGA shall have
received legal opinions from internal and outside counsel to
MetLife, substantially in the forms attached to the MetLife
Disclosure Schedule;
(f) Retention of Recently Acquired
Stock. In case the Offer would not expire on or
prior to November 10, 2008 (with the Acceptance Time no
more than one Business Day thereafter), MetLife
and/or RGA
shall have received Supplemental IRS Ruling One substantially to
the effect that each share of Recently Acquired Stock shall be
reclassified into one share of RGA Class A Common Stock in
the Recapitalization and that such shares of RGA Class A
Common Stock shall not be part of the Exchange Shares; and
(g) Resignation of MetLife Designees to RGA
Board. RGA shall have received the resignation of
Steven A. Kandarian, Georgette A. Piligian and Joseph A. Reali
as directors of RGA, effective as of the Acceptance Time.
The capitalized terms used in this Annex B shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement to which it is
annexed, except that the term Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the agreement to which this
Annex B is annexed.
A-56
ANNEX C
CONDITIONS
TO COMPLETING THE SPLIT-OFF
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Agreement, MetLife
shall not be required to accept for payment or, subject to any
applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, including
Rule 14e-1(c)
under the Exchange Act, pay for any tendered shares of MetLife
Common Stock, if (i) there shall not be validly tendered
and not properly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Time shares
of MetLife Common Stock at least equal to the Minimum Condition;
(ii) any waiting period (and any extension thereof)
applicable to the Split-Off or the Recapitalization under the
HSR Act shall not have been terminated or expired prior to the
Expiration Time; or (iii) at any time on or after the date
of this Agreement and prior to the Acceptance Time, any of the
following events shall occur and continue to exist:
(a) No Illegality or Injunctions. There
shall be any temporary, preliminary or permanent Restraints in
effect preventing or prohibiting the Recapitalization, the
Split-Off or, if there shall be any Excess Shares, any
Additional Divestiture Transaction;
(b) Governmental Action. There shall be
instituted or pending any material Action by any Governmental
Authority seeking to restrain or prohibit the Recapitalization,
the Split-Off or, if there shall be any Excess Shares, any
Additional Divestiture Transaction;
(c) IRS Ruling and Tax
Opinion. (i) The condition set forth in
clause I.(a) of Annex A shall not continue to
have been satisfied and (ii) counsel to MetLife shall not
have issued the Tax Opinion in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to MetLife (which opinion RGA shall have had the
opportunity to review, but not approve);
(d) Recapitalization. The
Recapitalization shall not have occurred;
(e) Form S-4. The
Form S-4
relating to the Split-Off shall not have been declared effective
by the SEC or such
Form S-4
shall have become subject to a stop order or proceeding seeking
a stop order;
(f) NYSE Listing. The shares of RGA
Class B Common Stock to be distributed in the Split-Off
shall not have been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject
to official notice of issuance;
(g) Representations and
Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of RGA set forth in the Agreement shall not be true
and correct in all material respects, as of the date of the
Agreement and as of the Acceptance Time as though made at the
Acceptance Time (except to the extent that such representations
and warranties expressly relate to a specified date, in which
case as of such specified date);
(h) Covenants. RGA shall have failed to
perform in any material respect any obligation, agreement or
covenant required to be performed by it under the Agreement;
(i) Officers Certificate. RGA shall
not have furnished MetLife with a certificate dated as of the
Acceptance Time signed on its behalf by its Chief Executive
Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the
conditions set forth in items (g) and (h) of this
Annex C shall not have occurred and continue to
exist; or
(j) Consents and Approvals. The Required
Consents shall not have been obtained.
The foregoing conditions are for the benefit of MetLife, may be
asserted by MetLife regardless of the circumstances giving rise
to any such conditions and may be waived by MetLife in whole or
in part at any time and from time to time, in each case, subject
to the terms of the Agreement. The failure by MetLife at any
time to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed
a waiver of any such right, and each such right shall be deemed
an ongoing right that may be asserted at any time and from time
to time.
The capitalized terms used in this Annex C shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement to which it is
annexed, except that the term Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the agreement to which this
Annex C is annexed.
A-57
Appendix B
AMENDED
AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
ARTICLE ONE
NAME
The name of the corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
Corporation) is: Reinsurance Group of America,
Incorporated.
ARTICLE TWO
REGISTERED
OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of the Corporations registered office in this
state is 120 South Central Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63105.
The name of its registered agent at such address is CT
Corporation System.
ARTICLE THREE
CAPITAL STOCK
A. Class and Number of Shares. The
aggregate number, class and par value, if any, of shares which
the Corporation shall have authority to issue is
150,000,000 shares, consisting of 140,000,000 shares
of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Common
Stock), of which 107,700,000 shares shall be
designated Class A Common Stock (Class A Common
Stock) and 32,300,000 shares shall be designated
Class B Common Stock (Class B Common Stock
and collectively with the Class A Common Stock, the
New Common Stock), and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (Preferred
Stock) ($1,500,000.00 aggregate total). Immediately upon
the effectiveness of these Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation (the Effective Time), and without any
further action on the part of the Corporation or its
shareholders, each share of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time (the Old Common Stock) shall be automatically
reclassified and changed into one fully paid and nonassessable
share of Class A Common Stock.
Each certificate formerly representing a share or shares of Old
Common Stock shall automatically represent from and after the
Effective Time, without any further action on the part of the
Corporation or any holder thereof, a number of shares of
Class A Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Old
Common Stock represented by such certificate immediately prior
to the Effective Time; provided however, that if the Bylaws of
the Corporation provide for the issuance of uncertificated
shares, and any shares of Class A Common Stock (or any
stock into which such Class A Common Stock may be converted
or exchanged) are issued in uncertificated form in accordance
with the Bylaws of the Corporation, then, without any further
action on the part of any holder thereof, the Corporation shall
cause to be sent to such holder a statement of such holdings,
which statement shall include any legends that would be set
forth on certificates, if such holders shares were
represented thereby.
For clarification purposes, upon the effectiveness of a
Conversion (as defined below), the aggregate number, class and
par value, if any, of shares which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue will be 150,000,000 shares, consisting
of 140,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share (Common Stock), and 10,000,000 shares of
stock, par value $0.01 per share (Preferred Stock)
($1,500,000.00 aggregate total).
B. Issuance of Preferred Stock, Rights and
Preferences Thereof. The Preferred Stock may
be issued from time to time in one or more series, with such
voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolution or
resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted
from time to time by the Board of Directors. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, in the resolution or
resolutions providing for the issuance of such shares of each
particular series of
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Preferred Stock, subject to the requirements of the laws of the
State of Missouri, the Board of Directors is also expressly
authorized:
(i) To fix the distinctive serial designation of the shares
of the series;
(ii) To fix the consideration for which the shares of the
series are to be issued;
(iii) To fix the rate or amount per annum, if any, at which
the holders of the shares of the series shall be entitled to
receive dividends, the dates on which and the conditions under
which dividends shall be payable, whether dividends shall be
cumulative or noncumulative, and if cumulative, the date or
dates from which dividends shall be cumulative;
(iv) To fix the price or prices at which, the times during
which, and the other terms, if any, upon which the shares of the
series may be redeemed;
(v) To fix the rights, if any, which the holders of shares
of the series have in the event of dissolution or upon
distribution of the assets of the Corporation;
(vi) From time to time to include additional shares of
Preferred Stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue in
the series;
(vii) To determine whether or not the shares of the series
shall be made convertible into or exchangeable for other
securities of the Corporation, including shares of the Common
Stock of the Corporation or shares of any other series of the
Preferred Stock of the Corporation, now or hereafter authorized,
or any new class of Preferred Stock of the Corporation hereafter
authorized, the price or prices or the rate or rates at which
conversion or exchange may be made, and the terms and conditions
upon which the conversion or exchange rate shall be exercised;
(viii) To determine if a sinking fund shall be provided for
the purchase or redemption of shares of the series and, if so,
to fix the terms and the amount or amounts of the sinking
fund; and
(ix) To fix the other preferences and rights, privileges
and restrictions applicable to the series as may be permitted
law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not issue
any shares of Preferred Stock with powers, preferences or rights
that adversely affect, limit or qualify the powers, preferences
and rights of any class of New Common Stock unless such shares
of Preferred Stock adversely affect, limit or qualify, in the
same manner and on the same per share basis, the powers,
preferences and rights of the other class of New Common Stock.
C. Rights of the New Common
Stock. The powers, preferences and rights of
the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock,
and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof,
shall be identical in all respects, except as otherwise required
by law or expressly provided in this Article Three, as
follows:
(i) Cash Dividends. Subject to the
rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred
Stock, and except as otherwise provided for herein, cash
dividends may be declared and paid to the holders of New Common
Stock in cash as may be declared thereon by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation from time to time out of funds or
other assets of the Corporation legally available therefor. If
and when cash dividends on the New Common Stock are declared
payable from time to time by the Board of Directors, the holders
of New Common Stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per
share basis, in all such dividends.
(ii) Dividends or Distributions of New Common
Stock. Subject to the rights of the holders
of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, and except as
otherwise provided for herein, the holders of New Common Stock
shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other
distributions in New Common Stock of the Corporation as may be
declared thereon by the Board of Directors of the Corporation
from time to time out of assets of the Corporation legally
available therefor. In the case of dividends or other
distributions payable in, or reclassifications involving, New
Common Stock, including distributions pursuant to stock splits
or subdivisions of New Common Stock, only shares of Class A
Common Stock shall be paid or distributed with respect to shares
of Class A Common Stock and only shares of Class B
Common Stock shall be paid or distributed with respect to shares
of Class B Common Stock. The number
B-2
of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock so paid or distributed shall be equal in number on a per
share basis.
(iii) Property Dividends. Subject
to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of
Preferred Stock, and except as otherwise provided for herein,
dividends may be declared and paid to the holders of New Common
Stock in stock of any corporation (other than New Common Stock
of the Corporation) or property of the Corporation (a
property dividend) as may be declared thereon by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation from time to time out of
funds or other assets of the Corporation legally available
therefor. If at any time a property dividend is to be paid in
rights to purchase shares of the capital stock of the
Corporation (a rights dividend), then: (I) if
the rights dividend is of rights that entitle the holder thereof
to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock (or shares of
capital stock of the Corporation having voting rights equivalent
to those of the Class A Common Stock (Equivalent
Class A Shares)) or Class B Common Stock (or
shares of capital stock of the Corporation having voting rights
equivalent to those of the Class B Common Stock
(Equivalent Class B Shares)) (whether initially
or upon any adjustment thereunder), then only rights to acquire
Class A Common Stock or Equivalent Class A Shares may
be paid to holders of Class A Common Stock and only rights
to acquire Class B Common Stock or Equivalent Class B
Shares may be paid to holders of Class B Common Stock; and
(II) if the rights dividend is of rights that entitle the
holder thereof to purchase shares of capital stock of the
Corporation other than Class A Common Stock (or Equivalent
Class A Shares) or Class B Common Stock (or Equivalent
Class B Shares) (whether initially or upon any adjustment
thereunder), then the Board of Directors of the Corporation may
pay such dividend of rights to the holders of Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in such manner as the
Board of Directors may determine. Subject to the foregoing, if
and when any property dividend on the New Common Stock is
declared payable from time to time by the Board of Directors,
the holders thereof shall be entitled to share equally, on a per
share basis, in all such dividends and other distributions.
(iv) Stock Subdivisions, Splits and
Combinations. The Corporation shall not
subdivide, split, reclassify or combine stock of either class of
New Common Stock without at the same time making a proportionate
subdivision, split, reclassification or combination of the other
class.
(v) Voting. Voting power shall be
divided between the classes of New Common Stock as follows:
(a) With respect to the election of directors, holders of
Class A Common Stock and Equivalent Class A Shares
together with the holders of any other class or series of stock
which by its terms is entitled to vote with the Class A
Common Stock in the election of directors (the Class A
Common Stock and Equivalent Class A Shares, together with
such other shares, the Voting A Shares), voting
separately as a class, shall be entitled to elect that number of
directors which constitutes 20% of the authorized number of
members of the Board of Directors (or, if such 20% is not a
whole number, then the nearest lower whole number of directors
that is closest to 20% of such membership) (the
Class A Directors); provided that, if there
shall be a Conversion (as defined in Section C.(viii) of
Article Three), then, subject to the rights of the holders
of any then outstanding shares of any other class or series of
stock, and except as otherwise provided for herein, the
Class A Directors shall constitute 100% of the authorized
members of the Board of Directors. Each share of Class A
Common Stock shall have one vote in the election of the
Class A Directors. Holders of Class B Common Stock and
Equivalent Class B Shares, together with the holders of
shares of any other class or series of stock which, by its
terms, is entitled to vote with the Class B Common Stock in
the election of directors (the Class B Common Stock and
Equivalent Class B Shares, together with such other shares,
the Voting B Shares), voting separately as a class,
shall be entitled to elect the remaining directors (the
Class B Directors). Each share of Class B
Common Stock shall have one vote in the election of such
directors. The initial Class A Directors shall be
designated by a majority of the directors of the Corporation as
of the effectiveness of these Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation, and the holders of the Voting A Shares, voting
separately as a class, shall be entitled to vote for the
election of such Class A Directors at the respective annual
meeting(s) of shareholders in which the classes of such
Class A Directors are presented to such holders for
election. The initial Class B Directors shall be designated
by a majority of the directors of the Corporation as of the
effectiveness of these Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation, and the
B-3
holders of the Voting B Shares, voting separately as a class,
shall be entitled to vote for the election of such Class B
Directors at the respective annual meeting(s) of shareholders in
which the classes of such Class B Directors are presented
to such holders for election. For purposes of this
Section C.(v)(a) of Article Three, references to the
authorized number of members of the Board of Directors shall not
include any directors whom the holders of any shares of any
series or class of Preferred Stock have the right to elect
voting separately as one or more series or class(es). All newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the
authorized number of directors shall be allocated between
Class A Directors and Class B Directors such that at
all times the number of Class B Directors shall be 80% of
the authorized number of members of the Board of Directors (or
if such 80% is not a whole number, then the nearest higher whole
number) and the remaining directorships shall be Class A
Directors.
(b) Subject to the last sentence of this
Section C.(v)(b) of Article Three, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in Section C.(v)(a) of
this Article Three, for so long as any person or entity or
group of persons or entities acting in concert beneficially owns
15% (the Threshold Amount) or more of the
outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, then in any
election of directors or other exercise of voting rights with
respect to the election or removal of directors, such person,
entity or group shall only be entitled to vote (or otherwise
exercise voting rights with respect to) a number of shares of
Class B Common Stock that constitutes a percentage of the
total number of shares of Class B Common Stock then
outstanding which is equal to the greater of (i) the
Threshold Amount or (ii) such person, entity or
groups Entitled Voting Percentage (such number of shares,
the Voting Cap), and the Corporation shall disregard
any such votes purported to be cast in excess of the Voting Cap.
For all purposes hereof, a person, entity or groups
Entitled Voting Percentage at any time shall mean
the lesser of (x) the percentage at such time of the then
outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially
owned by such person, entity or group at such time or
(y) the percentage at such time of the then outstanding
Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by such person,
entity or group. For purposes of this Section C.(v)(b) of
Article Three, a beneficial owner of New Common
Stock includes any person or entity or group of persons or
entities who, directly or indirectly, including through any
contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise,
written or oral, formal or informal, control the voting power
(which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting) of
such New Common Stock within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3(a)(1)
under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the Exchange Act). To the extent that the voting
power of any share of Class B Common Stock cannot be
exercised pursuant to this Section C.(v)(b) of
Article Three, such share of Class B Common Stock
shall not be included in the determination of the voting power
of the Corporation for such purposes under these Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or the General and Business
Corporation Law of Missouri, but shall be deemed to be present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of
a quorum. This Section C.(v)(b) of Article Three shall
not apply to (x) any solicitation of any revocable proxy
from any stockholder of the Corporation by or on behalf of the
Corporation or by any officer or director of the Corporation
acting on behalf of the Corporation or (y) any solicitation
of any revocable proxy from any stockholder of the Corporation
by any other stockholder that is conducted pursuant to, and in
accordance with, Regulation 14A promulgated pursuant to the
Exchange Act, and is not then reportable on Schedule 13D
under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report).
(c) Except as otherwise specified herein, the holders of
Class A Common Stock and holders of Class B Common
Stock (I) shall in all matters not otherwise specified in
this Section C.(v) of Article Three vote together, and
not separately, as a single class (including, without
limitation, with respect to increases or decreases in the
authorized number of shares of any class of New Common Stock),
with each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock having one vote, and (II) shall be entitled to
vote as separate classes only when required by law to do so
under mandatory statutory provisions that may not be varied,
modified, superseded or otherwise overridden in these Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
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(d) Except as set forth in this Section C.(v) of this
Article Three, the holders of Class A Common Stock
shall have exclusive voting power (except for any voting powers
of any Preferred Stock) on all matters at any time when no
Class B Common Stock is issued and outstanding, and the
holders of Class B Common Stock shall have exclusive voting
power (except for any voting powers of any Preferred Stock) on
all matters at any time when no Class A Common Stock is
issued and outstanding.
(vi) Merger, Consolidation or
Reorganization. The Corporation shall not
enter into any reorganization, or into any merger, share
exchange, consolidation or combination of the Corporation with
one or more other entities (whether or not the Corporation is
the surviving entity), unless each holder of an outstanding
share of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive
with respect to such share the same kind and amount of
consideration (including shares of stock and other securities
and property (including cash)), if any, receivable upon such
reorganization, merger, share exchange, consolidation or other
combination by a holder of an outstanding share of Class B
Common Stock, and each holder of an outstanding share of
Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive with
respect to such share the same kind and amount of consideration
(including shares of stock and other securities and property
(including cash)), if any, receivable upon such reorganization,
merger, share exchange, consolidation or other combination by a
holder of an outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, in
each case without distinction between classes of New Common
Stock; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may permit
the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and the
holders of shares of Class B Common Stock to receive
different kinds of shares of stock in such reorganization,
merger, share, exchange, consolidation or combination if the
Board of Directors determines in good faith that the only
difference in such shares is the inclusion of voting rights that
maintain the different voting rights of the holders of
Class A Common Stock and holders of Class B Common
Stock with respect to the election of the applicable percentage
of the authorized number of members of the Board of Directors as
described in Section C.(v)(a) of this Article Three.
(vii) Dissolution. In the event of
any dissolution, liquidation or
winding-up
of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or
involuntary, after payment in full of the amounts required to be
paid to the holders of Preferred Stock, the remaining assets and
funds of the Corporation shall be distributed pro rata to the
holders of the Class A Common Stock and the holders of
Class B Common Stock on an equal per share basis, without
distinction between classes. For purposes of this
Section C.(vii) of this Article Three, the voluntary
sale, lease, or exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
disposition, in one transaction or a series of transactions (for
cash, property, shares or other securities or other obligations
of the Corporation or the surviving or new corporation or
entity), of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Corporation or a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with
one or more other constituent corporations or entities (whether
or not the Corporation is the entity surviving such
consolidation or merger) shall not be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation or
winding-up,
whether voluntary or involuntary.
(viii) Conversion Upon the Occurrence of Certain
Events.
(a) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be
converted into one share of Class A Common Stock
(Conversion) if and only if the Corporations
Board of Directors determines to submit to the shareholders of
the Corporation, at a duly called meeting of shareholders, a
proposal to effect such conversion, and such proposal receives
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock entitled to vote and
present in person or by proxy at the meeting, each voting
separately as a class; provided that, at such meeting of
shareholders, every holder of New Common Stock shall be entitled
to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of New Common
Stock standing in his or her name on the transfer books of the
Corporation; and provided further, that such conversion shall be
effective on the effective date set forth in such proposal.
(b) In the event of a Conversion, certificates that
formerly represented outstanding shares of Class B Common
Stock shall thereafter be deemed to represent an equal number of
shares of
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Class A Common Stock, and all authorized shares of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall
consist of only Common Stock.
(c) The Corporation will provide notice of any Conversion
to holders of record of New Common Stock as soon as practicable
following such Conversion; provided, however, that the
Corporation may satisfy such notice requirement by providing
such notice prior to such Conversion. Such notice shall be
provided by mailing notice of such Conversion, first class
postage prepaid, to each holder of record of the New Common
Stock, at such holders address as it appears on the
transfer books of the Corporation; provided, however, that
neither the failure to give such notice nor any defect therein
shall affect the validity of the Conversion. Each notice shall
state, as appropriate, the following:
(I) the effective date of the Conversion;
(II) that all outstanding shares of Class B Common
Stock are converted into Class A Common Stock;
(III) the place or places at which certificates for such
shares of Class B Common Stock are to be surrendered for
certificates for an equivalent number of shares of Class A
Common Stock; and
(IV) that no dividends will be declared on the shares of
Class B Common Stock after such Conversion.
(d) Immediately upon such Conversion, the rights of the
holders of shares of Class B Common Stock as such shall
cease and such holders shall be treated for all purposes as
having become the record owners of the shares of Class A
Common Stock issued upon such Conversion; provided, however,
that such persons shall be entitled to receive when paid any
dividends declared on the Class B Common Stock as of a
record date preceding the time of such Conversion and unpaid as
of the time of such Conversion, subject to
Section C.(viii)(e) of this Article Three.
(e) Upon any Conversion, any dividend in the form of
Class B Common Stock for which the record date or payment
date which may have been declared on the shares of Class B
Common Stock shall be deemed to have been declared, and shall be
payable, with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock
into or for which such shares of Class B Common Stock shall
have been so converted, and any such dividend which shall have
been declared on such shares payable in shares of Class B
Stock shall be deemed to have been declared, and shall be
payable, in shares of Class A Common Stock.
(f) [Reserved]
(g) The Corporation shall not be required to pay any
documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes payable in
respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A
Common Stock on the Conversion, and no such issue or delivery
shall be made unless and until the person requesting such issue
has paid to the Corporation the amount of such tax or has
established, to the satisfaction of the Corporation, that such
tax has been paid.
(h) The Board of Directors shall have the power to
authorize the Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire from
time to time shares of any series or class of stock herein or
hereafter authorized from such persons, firms, associations or
corporations, in such manner and on such terms and for such
consideration as the Board of Directors shall from time to time,
in its discretion, determine, whether or not less consideration
could be paid upon the purchase of the same number of shares of
another series or class, and as otherwise permitted by law.
(i) The Board of Directors shall have the power to
authorize the Corporation to issue and sell all or any part of
any series or class of stock herein or hereafter authorized,
from time to time, and at such time or times, in such amounts
and manner to such persons, firms, associations or corporations,
and for such consideration, whether in cash, property or
otherwise, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in
its discretion, determine, whether or not greater consideration
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could be received upon the issue or sale of the same number of
shares of another series or class, and as otherwise permitted by
law.
D. Interpretation. For purposes of
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, for so
long as shares of the Class B Common Stock are outstanding,
all references in Article Six and Article Nine to
Common Stock shall be interpreted as references to
New Common Stock, and at such time as a deemed restatement of
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation shall have
occurred pursuant to Section E of this Article Three,
as references to Common Stock.
E. Deemed Restatement of Articles of Incorporation
following a Conversion.
(i) Following the effectiveness of any Conversion, each of
Sections C, D and F and this paragraph (i) of this
Section E of this Article Three shall be deemed to be
deleted in its entirety from this Article Three (except for
subclauses C.(viii)(d) and (e) hereof to the extent that
any dividends on the Class B Common Stock shall have been
declared but not paid) automatically and without further action
by the shareholders or the Corporation, with appropriate
renumbering of the remaining sections hereof, and all references
to Class B Common Stock in these Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation shall be references to the New Common
Stock, which thereafter shall be designated and referred to as
the Common Stock of the Corporation and the
provisions of clause C.(v) of this Article Three shall
have no further force or effect. Unless prohibited by the
Missouri General and Business Corporation Law, the Corporation
may restate these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
in their entirety to give effect to this provision, and any such
restatement need not include this clause (i) of
Paragraph E and may renumber
and/or
appropriately relocate paragraph E.(ii) within this
Article Three.
(ii) Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred
Stock, following the effectiveness of any Conversion, the
holders of the Common Stock, voting as a class, shall be
entitled to elect all members of the Board of Directors.
F. Amendment to this
Article Three. Except as otherwise
provided by law, and subject to any rights of the holders of
Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
a majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock and the Class B Common Stock, voting together as a
single class, shall be required to amend, alter, change or
repeal the provisions of this Article Three; provided,
however, that with respect to any proposed amendment which would
amend, alter, change or repeal the powers, preferences or
special rights of the Class A Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock so as to affect them adversely, the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of the class affected by the proposed amendment, voting
separately as a class, shall be obtained in addition to the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting
together as a single class as provided above.
ARTICLE FOUR
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS REGARDING
CERTAIN
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
A. Preemptive Rights. All
preemptive rights of shareholders are hereby denied, so that no
stock or other security of the Corporation shall carry with it
and no holder or owner of any share or shares of stock or other
security or securities of the Corporation shall have any
preferential or preemptive right to acquire additional shares of
stock or any other security of the Corporation.
B. Cumulative Voting. All
cumulative voting rights are hereby denied, so that none of the
Common Stock, the Preferred Stock or any other security of the
Corporation shall carry with it and no holder or owner of any
Common Stock, Preferred Stock or any other security shall have
any right to cumulative voting in the election of directors or
for any other purpose.
B-7
ARTICLE FIVE
INCORPORATOR
The name and
place of residence of the incorporator is:
Donna J. Holsten
6140 Wanda
St. Louis, Missouri 63116
ARTICLE SIX
DIRECTORS
A. Number and Classes of
Directors. The number of directors to
constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation is ten.
Thereafter, the number of directors shall be fixed by, or in the
manner provided in, the Bylaws of the Corporation. The Board of
Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal
in number as possible, with the mode of such classification to
be provided for in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Directors
other than certain Directors elected to the initial Board of
Directors shall be elected to hold office for a term of three
years, with the term of office of one class expiring each year.
As used in these Articles of Incorporation, the term
entire Board of Directors means the total number of
Directors fixed by, or in accordance with, these Articles of
Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation.
B. Removal of Directors. Subject
to the rights, if any, of the holders of any class of capital
stock of the Corporation (other than the Common Stock) then
outstanding, (1) any Director, or the entire Board of
Directors, may be removed from office at any time prior to the
expiration of his term of office only for cause and only by the
affirmative vote of the holders of record of outstanding shares
representing at least 85% of all of the then outstanding shares
of capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote
generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a
single class at a special meeting of shareholders called
expressly for that purpose (such vote being in addition to any
required class or other vote); and (2) any Director may be
removed from office by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
entire Board of Directors at any time prior to the expiration of
his term of office, as provided by law, in the event that the
Director fails to meet any qualifications stated in the Bylaws
for election as a Director or in the event that the Director is
in breach of any agreement between the Director and the
Corporation relating to the Directors service as a
Director or employee of the Corporation.
C. Nominations. Subject to the
rights, if any, of holders of any class of capital stock of the
Corporation (other than the Common Stock) then outstanding,
nominations for the election of Directors may be made by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors
or by any shareholder of record entitled to vote generally in
the election of Directors. Any shareholder who otherwise desires
to nominate one or more persons for election as a Director at
any meeting of shareholders held at any time may do so only if
the shareholder has delivered timely notice of the
shareholders intent to make such nomination or
nominations, either by personal delivery or by United States
mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not
less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the
meeting; provided, however, that if less than 70 days
notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is
given or made to shareholders, such notice by the shareholder to
be timely must be received not later than the close of business
on the 10th day following the day on which the notice of
the date of meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made,
whichever occurs first. A shareholders notice to the
Secretary shall set forth: (1) the name and address of
record of the shareholder who intends to make the nomination;
(2) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of
record of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to
vote at the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy
at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in
the notice; (3) the class and number of shares of the
capital stock that are beneficially owned by the shareholder on
the date of such notice; (4) the name, age, business and
residential address, and principal occupation or employment of
each proposed nominee; (5) the class and number of shares
of capital stock that are beneficially owned by such nominee on
the date of such notice; (6) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and each
nominee and the name of any other person or persons pursuant to
which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the
shareholder; (7) any other information regarding each
proposed nominee that would be required to be included in a
proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the
Securities and Exchange
B-8
Commission; and (8) the written consent of each proposed
nominee to being named as a nominee in the proxy statement and
to serve as a Director of the Corporation if so elected. The
Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish any
other information it may reasonably require to determine the
eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as a Director of
the Corporation. The presiding officer of the meeting may, if
the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should make
that determination, he shall so declare at the meeting and the
defective nomination shall be disregarded.
D. Vacancies. Subject to the
rights, if any, of the holders of any class of capital stock of
the Corporation (other than the Common Stock) then outstanding,
any vacancies in the Board of Directors which occur for any
reason prior to the expiration of the term of office of the
class in which the vacancy occurs, including vacancies which
occur by reason of an increase in the number of Directors, shall
be filled only by the Board of Directors, acting by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors then
in office (although less than a quorum).
ARTICLE SEVEN
DURATION
The duration
of the Corporation is perpetual.
ARTICLE EIGHT
PURPOSES
The Corporation is formed for the following purposes:
1. To purchase, take, receive, subscribe or otherwise
acquire, own, hold, use, employ, sell, mortgage, loan, pledge,
or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise deal in and with the
shares or other interests in, or obligations of, other domestic
and foreign corporations, associations, partnerships or
individuals;
2. To be a general or limited partner in any general or
limited partnership;
3. To take such actions and transact such other business as
are incidental to and connected with the purposes set forth
above; and
4. To do anything permitted of corporations pursuant to the
provisions of The General and Business Corporation Law of
Missouri, as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE NINE
SHAREHOLDERS
MEETINGS
A. Special Meetings. A special
meeting of the shareholders may be called only by the Board of
Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors or by the
Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President. Only such
business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be
acted upon, as are specified in the call of any special meeting
of shareholders.
B. Annual Meetings. At any annual
meeting of shareholders only such business shall be conducted,
and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been
properly brought before the meeting by the Board of Directors or
by a shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. For
a proposal to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice,
either by personal delivery or by United States mail, postage
prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not less than
60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the annual
meeting; provided, however, that if less than 70 days
notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual
meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the
shareholder to be timely must be received not later than the
close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of
(1) the day on which notice of the date of the annual
meeting was mailed or (2) the day on which public
disclosure was made. A shareholders notice to the
Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder
proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (a) a brief
description of the proposal desired to be brought before the
annual meeting and the reasons for conducting this business at
the annual meeting; (b) the
B-9
name and address of record of the shareholder proposing the
business and any other shareholders known by such shareholder to
be supporting the proposal; (c) the class and number of
shares of the capital stock which are beneficially owned by the
shareholder on the date of the shareholder notice and by any
other shareholders known by such shareholder to be supporting
the proposal on the date of the shareholder notice; and
(d) any material interest of the shareholder in the
proposal.
The Board of Directors may reject any shareholder proposal
submitted for consideration at the annual meeting which is not
made in accordance with the terms of this Article Nine or
which is not a proper subject for shareholder action in
accordance with provisions of applicable law. Alternatively, if
the Board of Directors fails to consider the validity of any
shareholder proposal, the presiding officer of the annual
meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the
annual meeting that the shareholder proposal was not made in
accordance with the terms of this Article Nine and, if he
should make that determination, he shall so declare at the
meeting and the business or proposal shall not be acted upon.
This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval
or disapproval at the annual meeting of reports of officers,
directors and committees of the Board of Directors, but, in
connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted
upon at the meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein
provided.
C. Action by Written Consent. Any
action required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders of
the Corporation may, if otherwise allowed by law, be taken
without a meeting of shareholders only if consents in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, are signed by all of the
shareholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter
thereof.
ARTICLE TEN
AMENDMENT OF
BYLAWS
The Bylaws of the Corporation may be amended, altered, changed
or repealed, and a provision or provisions inconsistent with the
provisions of the Bylaws as they exist from time to time may be
adopted, only by the majority of the entire Board of Directors.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
AMENDMENT OF
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or
repeal any provision contained in these Articles of
Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law,
and all rights and powers conferred herein on the shareholders,
directors and officers of the Corporation are subject to this
reserved power; provided, that (in addition to any required
class or other vote) the affirmative vote of the holders of
record of outstanding shares representing at least 85% of all of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation then
entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting
together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter,
change or repeal, or adopt any provision or provisions
inconsistent with, Articles Four, Six, Nine, Ten, Twelve,
or this Article Eleven of these Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE TWELVE
INDEMNIFICATION
AND RELATED MATTERS
A. Actions Involving Directors and
Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify
each person (other than a party plaintiff suing on his own
behalf or in the right of the Corporation) who at any time is
serving or has served as a director or officer of the
Corporation against any claim, liability or expense incurred as
a result of this service, or as a result of any other service on
behalf of the Corporation, or service at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, employee, member or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, trade or
industry association or other enterprise (whether incorporated
or unincorporated, for-profit or not-for-profit), to the maximum
extent permitted by law. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Corporation shall indemnify any such person who
was or is a party (other than a party plaintiff suing on his own
behalf or in the right of the Corporation), or is threatened to
be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (including, but not limited to, an action by or in
the right of the Corporation) by reason of such
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service against expenses (including, without limitation,
attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding.
B. Actions Involving Employees or Agents.
1. The Corporation may, if it deems appropriate and as may
be permitted by this Article, indemnify any person (other than a
party plaintiff suing on his own behalf or in right of the
Corporation) who at any time is serving or has served as an
employee or agent of the Corporation against any claim,
liability or expense incurred as a result of such service or as
a result of any other service on behalf of the Corporation, or
service at the request of the Corporation as a director,
officer, employee, member or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, trade or industry association
or other enterprise (whether incorporated or unincorporated,
for-profit or not-for-profit), to the maximum extent permitted
by law or to such lesser extent as the Corporation, in its
discretion, may deem appropriate. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Corporation may indemnify any
such person who was or is a party (other than a party plaintiff
suing on his own behalf or in the right of the Corporation), or
is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (including, but not limited to,
an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of
such service against expenses (including, without limitation,
attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with the action, suit or proceeding.
2. To the extent that an employee or agent of the
Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in
defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
Section B (1) of this Article, or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against
expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit
or preceding.
C. Determination of Right to Indemnification in
Certain Circumstances. Any indemnification
required under Section A of this Article or authorized by
the Corporation in a specific case pursuant to Section B of
this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the
Corporation unless a determination is made reasonably and
promptly that indemnification of the director, officer, employee
or agent is not proper under the circumstances because he has
not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in or
established pursuant to this Article. Such determination shall
be made (1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of
a quorum consisting of Directors who were not parties to such
action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not
obtainable, or even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested
directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, or (3) by majority vote of the shareholders;
provided that no such determination shall preclude an action
brought in an appropriate court to challenge such determination.
D. Advance Payment of
Expenses. Expenses incurred by a person who
is or was a director or officer of the Corporation in defending
a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by
the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of an
action, suit or proceeding, and expenses incurred by a person
who is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation in
defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be
paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of
such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors, in either case upon receipt
of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer,
employee or agent to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be
determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation as authorized in or pursuant to this Article.
E. Not Exclusive Right. The
indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification may be entitled, whether under the Bylaws of the
Corporation or any statute, agreement, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in an
official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding such office.
F. Indemnification Agreements
Authorized. Without limiting the other
provisions of this Article, the Corporation is authorized from
time to time, without further action by the shareholders of the
Corporation, to enter into agreements with any director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation providing such
rights of indemnification as the Corporation may deem
appropriate, up to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any
agreement entered into by the Corporation with a director may be
authorized by the other directors, and such authorization shall
not be invalid on the basis that similar agreements may have
been or may thereafter be entered into with other directors.
B-11
G. Standard of Conduct. Except as
may otherwise be permitted by law, no person shall be
indemnified pursuant to this Article (including without
limitation pursuant to any agreement entered into pursuant to
Section F of this Article) from or on account of such
persons conduct which is finally adjudged to have been
knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful
misconduct. The Corporation may (but need not) adopt a more
restrictive standard of conduct with respect to the
indemnification of any employee or agent of the Corporation.
H. Insurance. The Corporation may
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or who is or was otherwise serving on behalf or at
the request of the Corporation against any claim, liability or
expense asserted against him and incurred by him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not
the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under the provisions of this Article.
I. Certain Definitions. For the
purposes of this Article:
1. Any director or officer of the Corporation who shall
serve as a director, officer or employee of any other
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise of which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, is
or was the owner of 20% or more of either the outstanding equity
interests or the outstanding voting stock (or comparable
interests), shall be deemed to be so serving at the request of
the Corporation, unless the Board of Directors of the
Corporation shall determine otherwise. In all other instances
where any person shall serve as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or other enterprise of which the Corporation is or was a
shareholder or creditor, or in which it is or was otherwise
interested, if it is not otherwise established that such person
is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent at
the request of the Corporation, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine whether such service is or was at the
request of the Corporation, and it shall not be necessary to
show any actual or prior request for such service.
2. References to a corporation include all constituent
corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well as
the resulting or surviving corporation so that any person who is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a constituent
corporation or is or was serving at the request of a constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise shall stand in the same position under the provisions
of this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as he would if he had served the resulting or
surviving corporation in the same capacity.
3. The term other enterprise shall include,
without limitation, employee benefit plans and voting or taking
action with respect to stock or other assets therein; the term
serving at the request of the corporation shall
include, without limitation, any service as a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or
involves services by, a director, officer, employee or agent
with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants, or
beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall
be deemed to have satisfied any standard of care required by or
pursuant to this Article in connection with such plan; the term
fines shall include, without limitation, any excise
taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit
plan and shall also include any damages (including treble
damages) and any other civil penalties.
J. Survival. Any indemnification
rights provided pursuant to this Article shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or
agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person. Notwithstanding any other
provision in these Articles of Incorporation, any
indemnification rights arising under or granted pursuant to this
Article shall survive amendment or repeal of this Article with
respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to the
effective time of such amendment or repeal and persons to whom
such indemnification rights are given shall be entitled to rely
upon such indemnification rights with respect to such acts or
omissions as a binding contract with the Corporation.
K. Liability of the Directors. It
is the intention of the Corporation to limit the liability of
the directors of the Corporation, in their capacity as such,
whether to the Corporation, its shareholders or otherwise, to
the fullest extent permitted by law. Consequently, should The
General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri
B-12
or any other applicable law be amended or adopted hereafter so
as to permit the elimination or limitation of such liability,
the liability of the directors of the Corporation shall be so
eliminated or limited without the need for amendment of these
Articles or further action on the part of the shareholders of
the Corporation.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
EXCULPATION
The liability of the Corporations directors to the
Corporation or any of its shareholders for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director shall be eliminated to
the fullest extent permitted under the Missouri General and
Business Corporation Law. Any repeal or modification of this
Article Thirteen by the shareholders of the Corporation
shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director
of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or
modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior
to such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
FIVE
PERCENT OWNERSHIP
A. In order to preserve the Tax Benefits to which the
Corporation or any direct or indirect subsidiary thereof is
entitled pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or any successor statute (the Code) and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, the Corporation
Securities shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(i) Certain Definitions. For
purposes of this Article Fourteen, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated (and any references to any
portions of Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T shall
include any successor provisions):
(a) 5% Transaction means any Transfer or
purported Transfer of Corporation Securities described in
Section A.(ii) of this Article Fourteen, which
Transfer is prohibited
and/or void
under the provisions of such Section A.(ii) of this
Article Fourteen.
(b) Additional Split-Off has the meaning set
forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(c) Agent means any agent designated by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to
Section B.(ii) of this Article Fourteen.
(d) Corporation Securities means
(I) shares of New Common Stock, (II) shares of
Preferred Stock (other than preferred stock described in
Section 1504(a)(4) of the Code), (III) warrants,
rights, or options (including options within the meaning of
Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(h)(4)(v)) to purchase
stock (other than preferred stock described in
Section 1504(a)(4) of the Code) of the Corporation, and
(IV) any other interest that would be treated as
stock of the Corporation pursuant to Treasury
Regulation § 1.382-2T(f)(18).
(e) Debt Exchange has the meaning set forth in
the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(f) Excess Securities has the meaning set forth
in subsection B.(i) of this Article Fourteen.
(g) End Date has the meaning set forth in the
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(h) Five-Percent Shareholder means a
Person or group of Persons that is a 5-percent
shareholder of the Corporation pursuant to Treasury
Regulation § 1.382-2T(g).
(i) MetLife means MetLife, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
(j) Percentage Stock Ownership means the
percentage stock ownership interest as determined in accordance
with Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(g), (h),
(j) and (k).
(k) Permitted Transfer means a Transfer of
Corporation Securities (A) after the Restriction Release
Date, (B) pursuant to any (1) merger, consolidation or
similar transaction approved in advance by the Board of
Directors or (2) tender or exchange offer made pursuant to
the applicable
B-13
rules and regulations of the Exchange Act, for any or all
outstanding New Common Stock in which a majority of each class
of the outstanding New Common Stock has been validly tendered
and not withdrawn and in which offer the offeror or an affiliate
thereof has committed to consummate a merger with the
Corporation in which all of the New Common Stock not so acquired
in such offer is (subject to any applicable dissenters
rights) converted into the same type and amount of consideration
paid for New Common Stock accepted in such tender or exchange
offer, (C) pursuant to the exercise of any option or
warrant outstanding on the effective date of these Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation to purchase Corporation
Securities from the Corporation, (D) pursuant to the
Split-Off or any Additional Split-Off or any Public Debt
Exchange, (E) any issuance of Corporation Securities by the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (F) pursuant to
any Private Debt Exchange, the Transfer from MetLife of
Class B Common Stock to its immediate transferees, but not
to the transferees of such immediate transferees.
(l) Person shall mean any individual, firm,
corporation, partnership, trust association, limited liability
company, limited liability partnership, or other entity, or any
group of Persons making a coordinated acquisition of
shares or otherwise treated as an entity within the meaning of
Treasury Regulation § 1.382-3(a)(1), or otherwise and
shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such
entity.
(m) Private Debt Exchange has the meaning set
forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(n) Prohibited Distribution has the meaning set
forth in subsection B.(ii) of this Article Fourteen.
(o) Public Debt Exchange has the meaning set
forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(p) Purported Transferee has the meaning set
forth in subsection B.(i) of this Article Fourteen.
(q) Prohibited Transfer means any 5%
Transaction (other than a Permitted Transfer).
(r) Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement
means the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement, dated as
of June [ ], 2008, by and between the
Corporation and MetLife, as it may be amended from time to time.
(s) Restriction Release Date means the earlier
of (x) [date that is 36 months and one day from the
effective date of Articles Amendment], or (y) such
other date as the Board of Directors may determine in good faith
that this Article Fourteen is no longer in the best
interests of the Corporation and its shareholders.
(t) Section 382 means Section 382 of
the Code, or any comparable successor provision.
(u) Split-Off has the meaning set forth in the
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(v) Tax Benefit means the net operating loss
carryovers, capital loss carryovers, general business credit
carryovers, alternative minimum tax credit carryovers and
foreign tax credit carryovers, as well as any loss or deduction
attributable to a net unrealized built-in loss
within the meaning of Section 382, of the Corporation or
any direct or indirect subsidiary thereof.
(w) Transfer means any direct or indirect sale,
transfer, assignment, exchange, issuance, grant, redemption,
repurchase, conveyance, pledge or other disposition, whether
voluntary or involuntary, and whether by operation of law or
otherwise, by any Person other than the Corporation. A Transfer
also shall include the creation or grant of an option, warrant
or right (including an option within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.382-4(d)(9))
by any Person other than the Corporation, but only if such
option, warrant or right would be deemed exercised pursuant to
Treasury
Regulation Section 1.382-4(d)(2)(i).
(ii) Transfer Restrictions. Any
attempted Transfer of Corporation Securities prior to the
Restriction Release Date, or any attempted Transfer of
Corporation Securities pursuant to an agreement entered into
prior to the Restriction Release Date, that is not a Permitted
Transfer shall be prohibited and void ab
B-14
initio insofar as it purports to transfer ownership or
rights in respect of such Corporation Securities to the
Purported Transferee to the extent that, as a result of such
Transfer (or any series of Transfers of which such Transfer is a
part), either (1) any Person or group of Persons shall
become a Five-Percent Shareholder other than by reason of
Treasury
Regulation Section 1.382-2T(j)(3)(i),
or (2) the Percentage Stock Ownership interest in the
Corporation of any Five-Percent Shareholder shall be
increased.
(iii) The restrictions set forth in Section A.(ii) of
this Article Fourteen shall not apply to an attempted
Transfer that is a 5% Transaction if the transferor or the
transferee obtains the prior written approval of the Board of
Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. In considering
whether to approve any such transfer, the Board of Directors may
take into account both the proposed Transfer and potential
future Transfers. The Board of Directors may exercise the
authority granted by this Section A(iii) of this
Article Fourteen through duly authorized officers or agents
of the Corporation.
(iv) Each certificate representing shares of Corporation
Securities issued prior to the Restriction Release Date shall
contain the legend set forth below, evidencing the restrictions
set forth in this Section A of this Article Fourteen
and Sections B and C of this Article Fourteen:
The transfer of securities represented by this certificate
is (and other securities of the Corporation may be) subject to
restriction pursuant to Article Fourteen of the
Corporations Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation. The Corporation will furnish a copy of its
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation setting forth the
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class of stock or
series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences
and/or
rights to the holder of record of this Certificate without
charge upon written request addressed to the Corporation at its
principal place of business.
With respect to any shares of Corporation Securities that are
not evidenced by a certificate, but are uncertificated
securities, the foregoing legend shall be set forth in the
initial statement of holdings.
B. Treatment of Excess Securities.
(i) No employee or agent of the Corporation shall record
any Prohibited Transfer, and the purported transferee of such a
Prohibited Transfer (the Purported Transferee) shall
not be recognized as a shareholder of the Corporation for any
purpose whatsoever in respect of the Corporation Securities
which are the subject of the Prohibited Transfer (the
Excess Securities). Until the Excess Securities are
acquired by another Person in a Transfer that is not a
Prohibited Transfer, such Purported Transferee shall not be
entitled with respect to such Excess Securities to any rights of
shareholders of the Corporation, including, without limitation,
the right to vote such Excess Securities or to receive dividends
or distributions, whether liquidating or otherwise, in respect
thereof, if any; provided, however, that the Transferor of such
Excess Securities shall not be required to disgorge, and shall
be permitted to retain for its own account, any proceeds of such
Transfer, and shall have no further rights, responsibilities,
obligations or liabilities with respect to such Excess
Securities, if such Transfer was a Prohibited Transfer. Once the
Excess Securities have been acquired in a Transfer that is not a
Prohibited Transfer, the Corporation Securities shall cease to
be Excess Securities. For this purpose, any transfer of Excess
Securities not in accordance with the provisions of this
Section B of this Article Fourteen shall also be a
Prohibited Transfer.
(ii) If the Corporation determines that a Transfer of
Corporation Securities constitutes a Prohibited Transfer then,
upon written demand by the Corporation, the Purported Transferee
shall transfer or cause to be transferred any certificate or
other evidence of ownership of the Excess Securities within the
Purported Transferees possession or control, together with
any dividends or other distributions that were received by the
Purported Transferee from the Corporation with respect to the
Excess Securities (Prohibited Distributions), to the
Agent designated by the Board of Directors. The Agent shall
thereupon sell to a buyer or buyers, which may include the
Corporation, the Excess Securities transferred to it in one or
more arms length transactions (over the New York Stock
Exchange or other national securities exchange, if possible, or
otherwise privately); provided, however, that the Agent shall
effect such sale or sales in an orderly fashion and shall not be
required to effect any such sale within any
B-15
specific timeframe if, in the Agents discretion, such sale
or sales would disrupt the market for the Corporation Securities
or otherwise would adversely affect the value of the Corporation
Securities. If the Purported Transferee has resold the Excess
Securities before receiving the Corporations demand to
surrender Excess Securities to the Agent, the Purported
Transferee shall be deemed to have sold the Excess Securities
for the Agent, and shall be required to transfer to the Agent
any Prohibited Distributions and proceeds of such sale, except
to the extent that the Corporation grants written permission to
the Purported Transferee to retain a portion of such sales
proceeds not exceeding the amount that the Purported Transferee
would have received from the Agent pursuant to
Section B.(iii) of this Article Fourteen if the Agent
rather than the Purported Transferee had resold the Excess
Securities. Disposition of Excess Securities by the Agent
pursuant to this Section B.(ii) of this
Article Fourteen shall be deemed to occur simultaneously
with the Prohibited Transfer to which the Excess Securities
relate.
(iii) The Agent shall apply any proceeds of a sale by it of
Excess Securities and, if the Purported Transferee has
previously resold the Excess Securities, any amounts received by
it from a Purported Transferee, as follows: (x) first, such
amounts shall be paid to the Agent to the extent necessary to
cover its costs and expenses incurred in connection with its
duties hereunder; (y) second, any remaining amounts shall
be paid to the Purported Transferee, up to the amount paid by
the Purported Transferee for the Excess Securities (or the fair
market value of the Excess Securities (1) calculated on the
basis of the closing market price for the Corporation Securities
on the New York Stock Exchange, or such other national
securities exchange on which the Corporation Securities are then
listed or admitted to trading, on the day before the Prohibited
Transfer, (2) if the Corporation Securities are not listed
or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange but
are traded in the over-the-counter market, calculated based upon
the difference between the highest bid and lowest asked prices,
as such prices are reported by NASDAQ or any successor system on
the day before the Prohibited Transfer or, if none, on the last
preceding day for which such quotations exist, or (3) if
the Corporation Securities are neither listed nor admitted to
trading on any stock exchange nor traded in the over-the-counter
market, then as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors, at the time of the Prohibited Transfer to the
Purported Transferee), which amount (or fair market value) shall
be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion; and
(z) third, any remaining amounts, subject to the
limitations imposed by the following proviso, shall be paid to
one or more organizations qualifying under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Code (or any comparable successor
provision) (Section 501(c)(3)) selected by the
Board of Directors; provided, however, that if the Excess
Securities (including any Excess Securities arising from a
previous Prohibited Transfer not sold by the Agent in a prior
sale or sales), represent a 5% or greater Percentage Stock
Ownership in any class of Corporation Securities, then any such
remaining amounts to the extent attributable to the disposition
of the portion of such Excess Securities exceeding a 5%
Percentage Stock Ownership interest in such class shall be paid
to two or more organizations qualifying under
Section 501(c)(3) selected by the Board of Directors. The
recourse of any Purported Transferee in respect of any
Prohibited Transfer shall be limited to the amount payable to
the Purported Transferee pursuant to clause (y) of the
preceding sentence. In no event shall the proceeds of any sale
of Excess Securities pursuant to this Section B of this
Article Fourteen inure to the benefit of the Corporation.
(iv) If the Purported Transferee fails to surrender the
Excess Securities or the proceeds of a sale thereof to the Agent
within 30 days from the date on which the Corporation makes
a written demand pursuant to Section B.(ii) of this
Article Fourteen, then the Corporation shall use its best
efforts to enforce the provisions hereof, including the
institution of legal proceedings to compel such surrender.
(v) The Corporation shall make the written demand described
in Section B.(ii) of this Article Fourteen within
30 days of the date on which the Board of Directors
determines that the attempted Transfer would result in Excess
Securities; provided, however, that if the Corporation makes
such demand at a later date, the provisions of Sections A
and B of this Article Fourteen shall apply nonetheless.
(vi) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Agent shall not act or be treated as acting as an agent for or
on behalf of the Purported Transferee or for or on behalf of the
Corporation and shall have no right to bind any of them, in
contract or otherwise, but shall act only to carry out the
ministerial functions assigned to it in this Section B of
this Article Fourteen.
B-16
C. Board Authority. The Board of
Directors shall have the power to determine all matters
necessary for assessing compliance with Sections A and B of
this Article Fourteen, including, without limitation,
(i) the identification of any
Five-Percent Shareholder, (ii) whether a Transfer is a
5% Transaction, a Prohibited Transfer or a Permitted Transfer,
(iii) the Percentage Stock Ownership in the Corporation of
any Five-Percent Shareholder, (iv) whether an
instrument constitutes Corporation Securities, (v) the
amount (or fair market value) due to a Purported Transferee
pursuant to Section B.(iii) of this Article Fourteen,
and (vi) any other matters which the Board of Directors
determines to be relevant; and the good-faith determination of
the Board of Directors on such matters shall be conclusive and
binding for all the purposes of Sections A and B of this
Article Fourteen. Nothing contained herein shall limit the
authority of the Board of Directors to take such other action,
in its discretion, to the extent permitted by law as it deems
necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation, any direct or
indirect subsidiary thereof and the interests of the holders of
the Corporations securities in preserving the Tax Benefit.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event
of a change in law or Treasury Regulations making one or more of
the following actions necessary or desirable, the Board of
Directors may (i) accelerate the Restriction Release Date,
(ii) modify the specific application of the Transfer
restrictions set forth in Section A.(ii) of this
Article Fourteen, or (iii) modify the definitions of
any terms set forth in this Article Fourteen; provided that
(1) the Board of Directors shall determine in writing that
such acceleration, extension, change or modification is
reasonably necessary or advisable to preserve the Tax Benefit
under the Code and the regulations thereunder or that the
continuation of these restrictions is no longer reasonably
necessary for the preservation of the Tax Benefit; and
(2) no such modification shall limit or restrict the scope
of clauses (D) or (F) of the definition of
Permitted Transfer in Section A(i)(k) of this
Article Fourteen prior to the End Date (as defined in the
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement).
D. Miscellaneous. Any provision in
this Article Fourteen which is judicially determined to be
prohibited, invalid or otherwise unenforceable (whether on its
face or as applied to a particular shareholder, transferee or
Transfer) under the laws of the State of Missouri shall be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, invalidity or
unenforceability without prohibiting, invalidating or rendering
unenforceable the remaining provisions of this
Article Fourteen and of these Amended and Restated Articles
of Incorporation, which shall be thereafter interpreted as if
the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable part were not contained
herein, and, to the maximum extent possible, in a manner
consistent with preserving the Corporations use of the Tax
Benefits without any Section 382 limitation.
B-17
<R>
Appendix C
AMENDED AND RESTATED SECTION 382 RIGHTS AGREEMENT
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
and
MELLON
INVESTOR SERVICES LLC
Rights Agent
Dated as of
[ ],
2008
INDEX
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Page
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1.
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Certain Definitions
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C-2
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2.
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Appointment of Rights Agent
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C-6
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3.
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Issue of Right Certificates
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C-6
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4.
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Form of Right Certificates
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C-7
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5.
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Countersignature and Registration
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C-8
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6.
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Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right
Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right
Certificates
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C-8
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7.
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Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights
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C-9
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8.
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Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates
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C-10
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9.
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Reservation and Availability of Shares of Preferred Stock
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C-10
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10.
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Preferred Stock Record Date
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C-11
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11.
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Adjustment to Purchase Price, Number of Shares or Number of
Rights
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C-12
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12.
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Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares
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C-17
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13.
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[Reserved]
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C-17
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14.
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Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares
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C-17
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15.
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Rights of Action
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C-19
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16.
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Agreement of Right Holders
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C-19
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17.
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Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Shareholder
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C-19
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18.
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Concerning the Rights Agent
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C-20
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19.
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Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent
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C-20
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20.
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Duties of Rights Agent
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C-21
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21.
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Change of Rights Agent
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C-22
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22.
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Issuance of New Right Certificates
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C-23
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23.
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Redemption and Termination
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C-23
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24.
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Exchange
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C-24
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25.
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Notice of Proposed Actions
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C-25
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26.
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Notices
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C-26
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27.
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Supplements and Amendments
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C-26
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28.
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Successors
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C-27
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29.
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Benefits of This Rights Agreement
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C-27
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30.
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Determinations and Actions by the Board, etc.
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C-27
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31.
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Severability
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C-27
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32.
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Governing Law
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C-27
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33.
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Counterparts
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C-27
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34.
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Descriptive Headings
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C-27
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35.
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Prior Agreement
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C-27
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Exhibit A-1
Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation for
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock
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Exhibit A-2
Form of Certificate of Designation for
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock
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Exhibit B-1
Form of Right Certificate for Class A Rights
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Exhibit B-2
Form of Right Certificate for Class B Rights
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C-i
AMENDED
AND RESTATED SECTION 382 RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Section 382 Rights Agreement,
dated as of
[ ],
2008 (the Rights Agreement) is entered into between
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, a Missouri
corporation (the Company), and Mellon Investor
Services LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, as rights
agent (the Rights Agent).
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and MetLife (as defined below) entered into
the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement on June 1,
2008, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company has
submitted at a special meeting of shareholders certain proposals
to recapitalize its common stock for approval of the
shareholders of the Company;
WHEREAS, (a) the Company and certain of its Subsidiaries
have generated net operating losses for United States federal
income tax purposes (NOLs); (b) such NOLs may
potentially provide valuable tax benefits to the Company;
(c) the Company desires to avoid an ownership
change within the meaning of Section 382 (as defined
below), and thereby preserve the ability to utilize such NOLs,
and (d) in furtherance of such objective, the Company
desires to enter into this Rights Agreement;
WHEREAS,
on ,
2008, the Companys shareholders have approved the
recapitalization proposal, and if the other terms and conditions
set forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement are
satisfied or waived, MetLife will complete the Split-Off and the
Additional Divestiture Transactions (as defined below), which
will constitute one or more testing dates for purposes of
Section 382;
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2008, the Company and the Rights Agent
entered into a Section 382 Rights Agreement (the
Original Section 382 Rights Agreement),
pursuant to which the Company appointed the Rights Agent to act
as provided therein, and the Rights Agent agreed so to act;
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2008 the Board of Directors authorized
and declared a dividend distribution of one right (hereinafter
referred to as a Class A Right) for each share
of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the
Company outstanding at the close of business on June 12,
2008 (the Record Date) (other than shares of such
common stock held in the Companys treasury on such date),
and has authorized the issuance of one Class A Right in
respect of each share of common stock issued between the Record
Date (whether originally issued or issued from the
Companys treasury) and the Distribution Date (as such term
is defined in Section 3 hereof), each Class A Right
representing the right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share
of Series A Preferred Stock having the rights, powers and
preferences set forth in the Certificate of Designation attached
hereto as
Exhibit A-1,
upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth;
WHEREAS, upon the filing of the Articles of Incorporation with
the Office of the Secretary of State, State of Missouri, the
Company will effect the Recapitalization and reclassify its
common stock and redesignate each outstanding share of common
stock as Class A Common Stock, and each
distributed Class A Right shall be adjusted as herein
provided, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Original Section 382 Rights Agreement;
WHEREAS, in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company
will designate and issue a new class of common stock as
Class B Common Stock, and General American Life
Insurance Company will exchange its shares of Class A
Common Stock (except for 3,000,000 shares of Recently
Acquired Stock, as defined in the Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement) for shares of Class B Common Stock;
WHEREAS, each share of Class B Common Stock will, on
issuance, be accompanied by one right (hereinafter referred to
as a Class B Right, and collectively with the
Class A Rights, a Right or the
Rights), and the Board of Directors has authorized
the issuance of one Class B Right in respect of each share
of Class B Common Stock issued (whether originally issued
or issued from the Companys treasury) before the
Distribution Date, each Class B Right representing the
right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B
Preferred Stock having the rights, powers and preferences set
forth in the form of Certificate of Designation attached hereto
as
Exhibit A-2,
upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter
set forth;
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WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend and restate the Original
Section 382 Rights Agreement to, among other things,
clarify the effect of the Recapitalization on the Companys
outstanding common stock and to provide for the issuance of the
Class B Rights and the designation and amount, powers,
preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and
restrictions of the Series B Preferred Stock underlying the
Class B Rights as herein provided;
WHEREAS, Section 27 of the Original Section 382 Rights
Agreement provides that the Original Section 382 Rights
Agreement may be supplemented or amended from time to time in
any manner prior to the time that any person or group becomes an
Acquiring Person (as defined therein), provided that an officer
of the Company certifies to the Rights Agent that such desired
supplements or amendments comply with said Section 27;
WHEREAS, a duly authorized officer of the Company has delivered
such written certification to the Rights Agent
on ,
2008; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend and restate the Original
Section 382 Rights Agreement, as follows.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements herein set forth, the Company and the Rights Agent
hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Certain
Definitions. For purposes of this Rights
Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
(a) 5% Shareholder shall mean a Person or group
of Persons that is a 5-percent shareholder of the
Company pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(g).
(b) Acquiring Person shall mean any Person (as
hereinafter defined) who or which, without the Prior Written
Approval of the Company (as hereinafter defined), shall have
become a 5% Shareholder (other than by reason of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.382-2T(j)(3)(i))
or be such a 5% Shareholder after the date hereof, whether or
not such Person continues to be a 5% Shareholder, but shall not
include (i) the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any
employee benefit plan or compensation arrangement of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company, or any entity holding
securities of the Company to the extent organized, appointed or
established by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for
or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan or
compensation arrangement, (ii) any Grandfathered Person,
(iii) any Exempted Person, or (iv) any Person who or
which inadvertently may become a 5% Shareholder or otherwise
becomes such a 5% Shareholder, so long as such Person promptly
enters into, and delivers to the Company, an irrevocable
commitment promptly to divest, and thereafter promptly divests
(without exercising or retaining any power, including voting,
with respect to such securities), sufficient securities of the
Company so that such Person ceases to be a 5% Shareholder of the
Company.
(c) Acceptance Time shall have the meaning set
forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(d) Additional Divestiture Transaction shall
have the meaning set forth in the Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement.
(e) Articles of Incorporation shall mean the
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time
to time, including, without limitation, in connection with the
Recapitalization.
(f) A Person shall be deemed the Beneficial
Owner of, and shall be deemed to beneficially
own, any securities which such Person directly owns, or
would be deemed to constructively own, pursuant to
Section 382 and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder.
(g) Board of Directors shall mean the entire
Board of Directors of the Company as constituted from time to
time, or a duly constituted committee thereof, to the extent
that the related rights, duties, responsibilities or obligations
have been delegated to such a committee, as applicable.
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(h) Business Day shall mean any day other than
a Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in
the States of Missouri and New Jersey are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.
(i) Class A Common Stock shall mean
(i) before the Recapitalization, the common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, and
(ii) after the Recapitalization, the Class A common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company into which such
common stock is reclassified or exchanged in the
Recapitalization, or (iii) any shares into which such
Class A common stock may be reclassified or exchanged.
(j) Class A Right shall have the meaning
set forth in the Recitals to this Rights Agreement.
(k) Class A Right Certificate shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(l) Class B Common Stock shall have the
meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Rights Agreement, or
any shares into which such Class B Common Stock is
reclassified or exchanged, including pursuant to a Conversion,
if any.
(m) Class B Right shall mean shall have
the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Rights Agreement.
(n) Class B Right Certificate shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(o) Close of Business on any given date shall
mean 5:00 P.M., St. Louis, Missouri time, on such
date; provided, however, that if such date is not
a Business Day it shall mean 5:00 P.M., St. Louis,
Missouri time, on the next succeeding Business Day.
(p) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
(q) Common Stock shall mean the Class A
Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock, collectively, or
severally as the context may require, except that, Common
Stock when used with reference to any Person other than
the Company shall mean the capital stock with the greatest
Voting Power of such Person or the equity securities or other
equity interest having power to control or direct the management
of such Person or, if such Person is a Subsidiary (as
hereinafter defined) of another Person, of the Person which
ultimately controls such first-mentioned Person and which has
issued and outstanding such capital stock, equity securities or
equity interests.
(r) Company shall have the meaning set forth in
the Preamble of this Rights Agreement.
(s) Conversion shall have the meaning set forth
in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(t) Corporation Securities shall mean
(i) shares of Common Stock, (ii) shares of preferred
stock (other than preferred stock described in
Section 1504(a)(4) of the Code) of the Company,
(iii) warrants, rights, or options (including options
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation
§ 1.382-2T(h)(4)(v)) to purchase stock (other than
preferred stock described in Section 1504(a)(4) of the
Code) of the Company, and (iv) any other interest that
would be treated as stock of the Company pursuant to
Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(f)(18).
(u) Distribution Date shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(v) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(w) Exchange Ratio shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 24(a) hereof.
(x) Exempted Person shall mean:
(i) any Person who directly acquires Corporation Securities
from MetLife pursuant to the Split-Off or any Additional
Divestiture Transaction and would otherwise qualify as an
Acquiring Person upon consummation of the Split-Off or such
Additional Divestiture Transaction, respectively, unless and
until such time as the Percentage Stock Ownership in the Company
of such Person shall be increased other than pursuant to the
Split-Off or Additional Divestiture Transaction, as
applicable; or
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(ii) any Person who the Company, in its sole discretion,
determines is not a 5% Shareholder at any time prior to the time
at which the Companys right of redemption expires pursuant
to Section 23(a) of this Rights Agreement; provided,
however, that such a Person will cease to be an Exempted
Person if the Company makes a contrary determination;
provided further that, in the case of clause (i),
(A) if any such Person ceases to be a 5% Shareholder
following such acquisition of Corporation Securities from
MetLife pursuant to the Split-Off or any Additional Divestiture
Transaction, then such Person shall cease to be an Exempted
Person (it being understood that, after a Person ceases to be an
Exempted Person, such Person could become an Exempted Person at
a later date by virtue of events specified in the foregoing
clause (i) or (ii) occurring after the date such
Person has ceased to be an Exempted Person), and (B) no
immediate transferee of such an Exempted Person shall be an
Exempted Person unless such transferee shall otherwise be an
Exempted Person by virtue of the foregoing clause (i) or
(ii).
(y) Expiration Date shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 7(a) hereof.
(z) Final Expiration Date shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 7(a) hereof.
(aa) Grandfathered Person shall mean any Person
who would otherwise qualify as an Acquiring Person as of the
date of the Original Section 382 Rights Agreement
(including, for clarification, MetLife and its Subsidiaries),
unless and until such time as the Percentage Stock Ownership in
the Company of such Person shall be increased, other than any
increase pursuant to or as a result of (i) the exercise of
any option or warrant to purchase Corporation Securities from
the Company, (ii) any issuance of Corporation Securities by
the Company, or a stock dividend, stock split or similar
transaction effected by the Company in which all holders of
Common Stock are treated equally, or (iii) the distribution
or transfer of Common Stock from any Subsidiary of MetLife to
Metlife or another Subsidiary of Metlife prior to the
consummation of the Split-Off.
(bb) MetLife shall mean MetLife, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and its Subsidiaries, individually and
collectively.
(cc) NOLs shall have the meaning set forth in
the recitals to this Rights Agreement.
(dd) Number of Class A Adjustment Shares
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(b)(1) hereof.
(ee) Number of Class B Adjustment Shares
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(b)(2) hereof.
(ff) Ownership Statement shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3(a) hereof.
(gg) Original Section 382 Rights Agreement
shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Rights
Agreement.
(hh) Percentage Stock Ownership shall mean the
percentage stock ownership interest as determined in accordance
with Treasury Regulation § 1.382-2T(g), (h),
(j) and (k).
(ii) Person shall mean any individual, firm,
corporation, partnership, trust association, limited liability
company, limited liability partnership, or other entity, or any
group of Persons making a coordinated acquisition of
shares or otherwise treated as an entity within the meaning of
Treasury Regulation § 1.382-3(a)(1) or otherwise and
shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such
entity.
(jj) Preferred Stock shall mean Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock,
collectively, or severally as the context may require.
(kk) Prior Written Approval of the Company
shall mean prior express written consent of the Company to the
actions in question, executed on behalf of the Company by a duly
authorized officer of the Company following express approval by
action of at least a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors then in office.
(ll) Purchase Price shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 4 hereof.
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(mm) Recapitalization shall have the meaning
set forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(nn) Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement shall mean that Recapitalization and
Distribution Agreement between the Company and MetLife dated as
of June 1, 2008.
(oo) Record Date shall have the meaning set
forth in the Recitals of this Rights Agreement.
(pp) Record Time shall mean the Close of
Business on the Record Date.
(qq) Redemption Price shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 23(a) hereof.
(rr) Registrar shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 4(a) hereof.
(ss) Restriction Release Date shall mean the
earlier of (x) the date that is 36 months and one day
following the effectiveness of the Recapitalization or
(y) such other date as the Board of Directors may determine
pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation, as the same may be
amended from time to time, including without limitation in
connection with the Recapitalization
and/or the
Conversion (if any).
(tt) Right shall have the meaning set forth in
the Recitals of this Rights Agreement.
(uu) Right Certificates shall mean Class A
Right Certificates and Class B Right Certificates
collectively, or severally as the context may require.
(vv) Rights Agent shall have the meaning set
forth in the Preamble of this Rights Agreement.
(ww) Section 11(b) Event shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 11(b) hereof.
(xx) Section 382 shall mean
Section 382 of the Code, or any comparable successor
provision.
(yy) Securities Act shall mean the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
(zz) Security shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 11(f) hereof.
(aaa) Series A Preferred Stock shall mean the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company.
(bbb) Series B Preferred Stock shall mean the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company.
(ccc) Split-Off shall have the meaning set
forth in the Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement.
(ddd) Stock Acquisition Date shall mean the
earlier of (i) the first date of public announcement by a
Person that an Acquiring Person has become an Acquiring Person,
or (ii) the date on which the Company first has notice,
direct or indirect, or otherwise determines that a Person has
become an Acquiring Person.
(eee) Subsidiary shall mean, with respect to
any Person, any other Person of which securities or other
ownership interests having ordinary Voting Power, in the absence
of contingencies, to elect a majority of the board of directors
(or other persons performing similar functions) of such other
Person are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such
Person or one or more of such Persons Subsidiaries, except
that Subsidiary when used with reference to the
Company shall mean any Person of which either a majority of the
Voting Power of the voting equity securities or a majority of
the equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company.
(fff) Tax Benefits shall means the net
operating loss carryovers, capital loss carryovers, general
business credit carryovers, alternative minimum tax credit
carryovers and foreign tax credit carryovers, as well as any
loss or deduction attributable to a net unrealized
built-in loss within the meaning of Section 382, of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(ggg) Trading Day shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 11(f)(i) hereof.
(hhh) Voting Power of a Person shall mean the
voting power of all securities of a Person then outstanding
generally entitled to vote for the election of directors on
matters submitted to the
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shareholders of the Person (or where appropriate) for the
election of persons performing similar functions), without
taking into account special voting rights.
Section 2. Appointment
of Rights Agent. The Company hereby appoints
the Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance
with the terms and conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent
hereby accepts such appointment. The Company may from time to
time appoint such co-rights agents as it may deem necessary or
desirable upon ten (10) days prior written notice to
the Rights Agent. The Rights Agent shall have no duty to
supervise, and in no event shall be liable for, the acts or
omissions of any such co-rights agent.
Section 3. Issue
of Right Certificates.
(a) Until the earlier of (i) the Close of Business on
the tenth Business Day after the Stock Acquisition Date or
(ii) the Close of Business on the tenth Business Day (or
such later date as may be determined by action of the Board of
Directors but in no event later than the tenth Business Day
after such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person) after
the date that a tender or exchange offer to acquire Corporation
Securities by any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary
of the Company, any employee benefit plan or compensation
arrangement of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company,
or any entity holding securities of the Company to the extent
organized, appointed or established by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any
such employee benefit plan or compensation arrangement) is first
published or sent or given within the meaning of
Rule 14d-2(a)
of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act,
without the Prior Written Approval of the Company, which tender
or exchange offer to acquire Corporation Securities would result
in any Person becoming an Acquiring Person (including any such
date which is after the date of this Rights Agreement and prior
to the issuance of the Rights) (the earlier of the dates
referred to in clauses (i) or (ii), the Distribution
Date) without giving effect to restrictions set forth in
the Articles of Incorporation, (x) the Rights will be
evidenced (subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of
this Section 3) by the certificates for the Common
Stock registered in the names of the holders of the Common
Stock, or by a current ownership statement issued with respect
to uncertificated shares of Common Stock in lieu of such a
certificate (an Ownership Statement) (which
certificates for Common Stock or Ownership Statements shall be
deemed also to be Right Certificates) and not by separate Right
Certificates, as more fully set forth below, and (y) the
Rights (and the right to receive certificates therefor) will be
transferable only in connection with the transfer of the
underlying shares of Common Stock, as more fully set forth
below. As soon as practicable after the Company has
(A) notified the Rights Agent in writing of the occurrence
of the Distribution Date, (B) provided the Rights Agent
with written instructions, and (C) provided or caused the
Rights Agent to be provided with all other information
(including mailing information) which the Rights Agent may
reasonably request, the Company shall prepare and execute, and
the Rights Agent shall countersign and send, by first-class,
insured, postage prepaid mail, (X) to each record holder of
the Class A Common Stock as of the Close of Business on the
Distribution Date, at the address of such holder shown on the
records of the Company, a right certificate, in substantially
the form of
Exhibit B-1
hereto (the Class A Right Certificate),
evidencing one Class A Right for each share of Class A
Common Stock so held, subject to adjustment as provided herein,
and (Y) to each record holder of the Class B Common
Stock as of the Close of Business on the Distribution Date, at
the address of such holder shown on the records of the Company,
a right certificate, in substantially the form of
Exhibit B-2
hereto (the Class B Right Certificate),
evidencing one Class B Right for each share of Class B
Common Stock so held, subject to adjustment as provided herein.
As of and after the Distribution Date, the Rights will be
evidenced solely by such Right Certificates. Until the Rights
Agent receives written notice of the Distribution Date from the
Company, the Rights Agent may presume conclusively for all
purposes that the Distribution Date has not occurred.
(b) In connection with the adoption of the Original
Section 382 Rights Agreement, the Company sent a copy of a
Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock by first-class,
postage prepaid mail, to each record holder of the Common Stock
as of the Record Time, at the address of such holder shown on
the records of the Company. With respect to certificates or
Ownership Statements for the Common Stock outstanding as of the
Record Date, until the Distribution Date (or the earlier
redemption, expiration or termination of the Rights), the Rights
will be evidenced by such certificates for the Common Stock
registered in the names of the holders of the Common Stock and
the registered holders of the Common Stock shall also be
registered holders of the associated Rights (Class A Rights
in the case of Class A Common Stock and Class B Rights
in the case of Class B Common Stock). Until the
Distribution Date (or the earlier redemption, expiration or
termination of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any of
the certificates for the Common Stock outstanding in respect of
which applicable Rights have been issued
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shall also constitute the transfer of the applicable Rights
associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate.
(c) Certificates or Ownership Statements for the Common
Stock issued after the Record Date but prior to the earlier of
the Distribution Date or the redemption, expiration or
termination of the Rights shall be deemed also to be
certificates for Rights (Class A Rights in the case of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Rights in the case of
Class B Common Stock) and shall have impressed, printed or
written on, or otherwise affixed to them a legend in
substantially the following form:
This [certificate] [statement] also evidences and entitles the
holder hereof to certain Rights as set forth in a
Section 382 Rights Agreement between Reinsurance Group of
America, Incorporated (the Company) and Mellon
Investor Services LLC (or any successor thereto), as Rights
Agent, as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended
(the Rights Agreement), the terms of which are
incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file
at the principal executive offices of the Company. Under certain
circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights
may expire or may be redeemed, exchanged or be evidenced by
separate certificates and no longer be evidenced by this
[certificate] [statement]. The Company will mail to the holder
of this [certificate] [statement] a copy of the Rights Agreement
without charge promptly after receipt of a written request
therefor. Under certain circumstances, Rights issued to or held
by Acquiring Persons (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and
any subsequent holder of such Rights may become null and void.
With respect to such certificates or Ownership Statements
containing the foregoing legend, until the Distribution Date (or
the earlier redemption, expiration or termination of the
Rights), the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented
by such certificates or Ownership Statements shall be evidenced
by such certificates or Ownership Statements alone, and the
surrender for transfer of any of such certificate or the
transfer of any shares of Common Stock represented by such
Ownership Statements, except as otherwise provided herein, shall
also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the
Common Stock represented by such certificates or Ownership
Statements.
In the event that the Company purchases or acquires any Common
Stock after the Record Date but prior to the Distribution Date,
any Rights associated with such Common Stock shall be deemed
canceled and retired so that the Company shall not be entitled
to exercise any Rights associated with shares of Common Stock
which are no longer outstanding.
Section 4. Form
of Right Certificates.
(a) The Class A Right Certificates and the
Class B Right Certificates (and the forms of election to
purchase shares and of assignment to be printed on the reverse
thereof) shall be in substantially the same form as
Exhibit B-1
and
Exhibit B-2
hereto, respectively, and may have such marks of identification
or designation and such legends, summaries or endorsements
printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate (but which
do not affect the rights, duties, responsibilities or
obligations of the Rights Agent as set forth in this Rights
Agreement) and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Rights Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any
applicable law, rule or regulation or with any rule or
regulation of any stock exchange on which the Rights may from
time to time be listed, or to conform to customary usage.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11 and Section 22
hereof, the Right Certificates, whenever issued, shall be dated
as of the Record Date, and on their face shall entitle the
holders thereof to purchase such number of one
one-hundredths
of a share of the applicable series of Preferred Stock as shall
be set forth therein at the price per one one-hundredth of a
share as set forth therein (the Purchase Price), but
the number and identity of such shares and the applicable
Purchase Price shall be and remain subject to adjustment as
provided herein.
(b) Any Right Certificate issued pursuant hereto that
represents Rights beneficially owned by (i) an Acquiring
Person, (ii) a transferee of an Acquiring Person which
becomes a transferee after the Acquiring Person becomes such, or
(iii) a transferee of an Acquiring Person which becomes a
transferee prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person
becoming such and which receives such Rights pursuant to either
(A) a transfer (whether or not for consideration) from the
Acquiring Person to holders of equity interests in such
Acquiring Person or to any Person with whom such Acquiring
Person has any continuing plan, agreement, arrangement or
understanding regarding either the transferred Rights, shares of
Company Common Stock or the Company or (B) a transfer which
a majority of the Board of Directors has determined to be part
of a plan, agreement, arrangement or understanding
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which has as a primary purpose or effect the avoidance of
Section 7(e), and any Right Certificate issued pursuant to
Section 6 hereof, Section 11 hereof or Section 22
hereof upon transfer, exchange, replacement or adjustment of any
other Right Certificate referred to in this sentence, shall
contain (to the extent the Rights Agent has notice thereof and
to the extent feasible) the following legend, or a legend
substantially to the following effect:
The Rights represented by this Right Certificate are or were
beneficially owned by a Person who was or became an Acquiring
Person. Accordingly, this Right Certificate and the Rights
represented hereby are void in the circumstances specified in
Section 7(e) of the Rights Agreement.
The failure to print the foregoing legend on any such Right
Certificate or any defect therein shall not affect in any manner
whatsoever the application or interpretation of the provisions
of Section 7(e) hereof.
Section 5. Countersignature
and Registration.
(a) The Right Certificates shall be executed on behalf of
the Company by its Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or any Executive
Vice President, either manually or by facsimile signature, and
shall have affixed thereto the Companys seal or a
facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the Secretary or
any Assistant Secretary of the Company, either manually or by
facsimile signature. The Right Certificates shall manually be
countersigned by the Rights Agent or the registrar or
co-registrar for the Common Stock (the Registrar)
and shall not be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned.
In case any officer of the Company whose manual or facsimile
signature is affixed to the Right Certificates shall cease to be
such officer of the Company before countersignature by the
Rights Agent or the Registrar and issuance and delivery by the
Company, such Right Certificates, nevertheless, may be
countersigned by the Rights Agent or the Registrar, issued and
delivered with the same force and effect as though the person
who signed such Right Certificates had not ceased to be such
officer of the Company. Any Right Certificate may be signed on
behalf of the Company by any person who, at the actual date of
the execution of such Right Certificate, shall be a proper
officer of the Company to sign such Right Certificate, although
at the date of the execution of this Rights Agreement any such
person was not such an officer.
(b) Following the Distribution Date and receipt by the
Rights Agent of (i) written notice of the Distribution Date
pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof, and (ii) all
information reasonably requested by the Rights Agent pursuant to
Section 3(a) hereof, the Rights Agent will keep or cause to
be kept, at its shareholder services office or such other office
designated for such purposes, books for registration and
transfer of the Right Certificates issued hereunder. Such books
shall show the names and addresses of the respective holders of
the Right Certificates, the number of Rights evidenced on its
face by each of the Right Certificates, the certificate number
of each of the Right Certificates and the date of each of the
Right Certificates.
Section 6. Transfer,
Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right Certificates;
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 4(b), 7(e),
11 and 14 hereof, at any time after the Close of Business on the
Distribution Date, and at or prior to the Close of Business on
the Expiration Date (as such term is defined in
Section 7(a) hereof), any Right Certificate or Right
Certificates may be transferred, split up, combined or exchanged
for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates, entitling
the registered holder to purchase a like number of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock in the case of Class A Right
Certificates, or of Series B Preferred Stock in the case of
Class B Right Certificates (or, in either such case, other
securities, cash or other assets, as the case may be), as the
Right Certificate or Right Certificates surrendered then
entitled such holder to purchase. Any registered holder desiring
to transfer, split up, combine or exchange any Right Certificate
shall make such request in writing delivered to the Rights
Agent, and shall surrender the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates to be transferred, split up, combined or exchanged,
with the forms of assignment and certificate contained therein
duly executed, at the shareholder services office of the Rights
Agent or such office designated for such purpose. The Right
Certificates are transferable only on the registry books of the
Rights Agent. Neither the Rights Agent nor the Company shall be
obligated to take any action whatsoever with respect to the
transfer of any such surrendered Right Certificate until the
registered holder shall have properly completed and signed the
certificate contained in the form of assignment on the reverse
side of such Right Certificate and shall have provided such
additional evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or
former Beneficial Owner) as the Company or the Rights Agent
shall reasonably request and
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(iii) paid a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
transfer, split up, combination or exchange of Right
Certificates. Thereupon, the Rights Agent shall countersign and
deliver to the Person entitled thereto an applicable Right
Certificate or Right Certificates, as the case may be, as so
requested. The Company may require payment from the Rights
holder of a sum sufficient to cover any such tax or governmental
charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer,
split up, combination or exchange of Right Certificates. The
Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any action
under any Section of this Rights Agreement which requires the
payment by a Rights holder of applicable taxes
and/or
governmental charges unless and until the Rights Agent is
satisfied that all such taxes or charges have been paid.
(b) Upon receipt by the Company and the Rights Agent of
evidence reasonably satisfactory to them of the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of a Right Certificate, and, in case
of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security
satisfactory to them, and reimbursement to the Company and the
Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and
upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of the Right
Certificate if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a
new Right Certificate of like tenor to the Rights Agent for
countersignature and delivery to the registered owner in lieu of
the Right Certificate so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated.
Section 7. Exercise
of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights.
(a) The registered holder of any Right Certificate may
exercise the Rights evidenced thereby (except as otherwise
provided herein) in whole or in part at any time after the
Distribution Date upon surrender of the Right Certificate, with
the form of election to purchase and the certificate set forth
on the reverse side thereof properly completed and duly
executed, to the Rights Agent at the shareholder services office
of the Rights Agent or such office designated for such purpose,
together with payment of the Purchase Price for each one
one-hundredth of a share of the applicable series of Preferred
Stock as to which the Rights are exercised, at or prior to the
Close of Business on the Expiration Date. The Expiration
Date, as used in this Rights Agreement, shall be the
earliest of (i) the Final Expiration Date (as defined
below), (ii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed or
this Rights Agreement terminates as provided in Section 23
hereof, or (iii) the time at which the Rights are exchanged
as provided in Section 24 hereof. The Final
Expiration Date, as used in this Rights Agreement, shall
be the Restriction Release Date.
(b) The Purchase Price shall initially be (i) with
respect to each Class A Right, $200 for each one
one-hundredth
of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) with
respect to each Class B Right, $200 for each one
one-hundredth of a share of Series B Preferred Stock, and,
in each case, shall be subject to adjustment from time to time
as provided in Section 11 hereof and shall be payable in
lawful money of the United States of America in accordance with
paragraph (c) below.
(c) Upon receipt of a Right Certificate, with the form of
election to purchase and the certificate properly completed and
duly executed, accompanied by payment of the Purchase Price for
each one one-hundredth of a share of the applicable series of
Preferred Stock to be purchased and an amount equal to any
applicable tax or governmental charge required to be paid by the
holder of the Rights pursuant hereto in accordance with
Section 9 hereof by certified check, bank draft or money
order payable to the order of the Company or the Rights Agent,
the Rights Agent shall, subject to Section 20(k) hereof,
thereupon promptly (i) either (A) requisition from any
transfer agent of the shares of such Preferred Stock (or make
available, if the Rights Agent is the transfer agent)
certificates for the number of shares of the applicable series
of Preferred Stock to be purchased and the Company hereby
irrevocably authorizes any such transfer agent to comply with
all such requests, or (B) if the Company, in its sole
discretion, shall have elected to deposit the shares of such
series of Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of such Rights
hereunder into a depositary, requisition from the depositary
agent depositary receipts representing such number of one
one-hundredths of a share of such series of Preferred Stock as
are to be purchased (in which case certificates for the shares
of such series of Preferred Stock represented by such receipts
shall be deposited by the transfer agent with the depositary
agent) and the Company hereby authorizes and directs such
depositary agent to comply with all such requests,
(ii) promptly after receipt of such certificates or
depositary receipts cause the same to be delivered to or upon
the order of the registered holder of such Right Certificate,
registered in such name or names as may be designated by such
holder, (iii) when appropriate, requisition from the
Company the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of issuance of
fractional shares in accordance with Section 14 hereof,
(iv) after receipt of any such cash, promptly deliver such
cash to or upon the order of the registered holder of such Right
Certificate,
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(v) when appropriate, requisition from the Company the
amount of cash or securities issuable upon exercise of a Right
pursuant to the adjustment provisions of Section 11 or the
exchange provisions of Section 24, and (vi) after
receipt of any such cash or securities, promptly deliver such
cash or securities to or upon the order of the registered holder
of such Right Certificate, of any such cash or securities.
(d) In case the registered holder of any Right Certificate
shall exercise less than all the Rights evidenced thereby, a new
Right Certificate evidencing Rights equivalent to the Rights
remaining unexercised shall be prepared, executed and delivered
by the Rights Agent to the registered holder of such Right
Certificate or to such holders duly authorized assigns,
subject to the provisions of Section 14 hereof.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to
the contrary, upon the first occurrence of a Section 11(b)
Event, any Rights beneficially owned by (i) an Acquiring
Person, (ii) a transferee of an Acquiring Person which
becomes a transferee after the Acquiring Person becomes such, or
(iii) a transferee of an Acquiring Person which becomes a
transferee prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person
becoming such and which receives such Rights pursuant to either
(A) a transfer (whether or not for consideration) from the
Acquiring Person to holders of equity interests in such
Acquiring Person or to any Person with whom such Acquiring
Person has any continuing plan, agreement, arrangement or
understanding regarding the transferred Rights, shares of
Corporation Securities or the Company or (B) a transfer
which a majority of the Board of Directors has determined to be
part of a plan, agreement, arrangement or understanding which
has as a primary purpose or effect the avoidance of this
Section 7(e), and subsequent transferees of such Persons,
shall be null and void without any further action, and no holder
of such Rights shall have any rights whatsoever with respect to
such Rights or any Right Certificate which formerly evidenced
such Rights, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall
have any obligation whatsoever with respect to such Rights or
any Right Certificate, whether under any provision of this
Rights Agreement or otherwise. The Company shall use all
reasonable efforts to notify the Rights Agent when this
Section 7(e) applies and to ensure that the provisions of
this Section 7(e) and Section 4(b) are complied with,
but neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall have any
liability to any holder of Rights or any other Person as a
result of its failure to make any determination under this
Section 7(e) or Section 4(b) with respect to an
Acquiring Person or its transferees hereunder.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to
the contrary, neither the Rights Agent nor the Company shall be
obligated to undertake any action with respect to a registered
holder upon the occurrence of any purported exercise as set
forth in this Section 7 unless the certificate contained in
the appropriate form of election to purchase set forth on the
reverse side of the Right Certificate surrendered for such
exercise shall have been properly completed and duly executed by
the registered holder thereof and the Company or the Rights
Agent shall have been provided with such additional evidence of
the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial
Owner) as the Company or the Rights Agent shall reasonably
request.
Section 8. Cancellation
and Destruction of Right Certificates. All
Right Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise,
transfer, split up, combination or exchange shall, if
surrendered to the Company or to any of its agents, be delivered
to the Rights Agent for cancellation or in canceled form, or, if
surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall be canceled by it, and no
Right Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as
expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Rights
Agreement. The Company shall deliver to the Rights Agent for
cancellation and retirement, and the Rights Agent shall so
cancel and retire, any other Right Certificate purchased or
acquired by the Company otherwise than upon the exercise
thereof. The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled Right
Certificates to the Company, or shall, at the written request of
the Company, destroy such canceled Right Certificates, and in
such case shall deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to
the Company.
Section 9. Reservation
and Availability of Shares of Preferred Stock.
(a) Subject to the Companys rights under
Section 11(c), the Company covenants and agrees that it
will cause to be reserved and kept available out of its
authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock or its
authorized and issued shares of Preferred Stock held in its
treasury, the number of shares of each series of Preferred Stock
that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all
outstanding Rights and, after the occurrence of a
Section 11(b) Event, shall so reserve and keep available a
sufficient number of shares of Preferred Stock, Common Stock
and/or other
securities which may be required to permit the exercise in full
of the Rights pursuant to this Rights Agreement.
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(b) If the Company determines that registration under the
Securities Act is required, then the Company shall use its
reasonable best efforts to (i) file, as soon as practicable
following the first occurrence of an event which would establish
the Distribution Date, a registration statement under the
Securities Act, with respect to the securities purchasable upon
exercise of the Rights on an appropriate form, (ii) cause
such registration statement to become effective as soon as
practicable after such filing, and (iii) cause such
registration statement to remain effective (with a prospectus at
all times meeting the requirements of the Securities Act) until
the Expiration Date. The Company will also take such action as
may be appropriate under the blue sky laws of the
various states. The Company may temporarily suspend, for a
period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days after the
date set forth in clause (i) of the first sentence of this
Section 9(b), the exercisability of the Rights in order to
prepare and file such registration statement and permit it to
become effective. Upon any such suspension, the Company shall
issue a public announcement stating that the exercisability of
the Rights has been temporarily suspended, as well as a public
announcement at such time as the suspension is no longer in
effect, in each case with simultaneous written notice to the
Rights Agent. In addition, if the Company determines that a
registration statement should be filed under the Securities Act
or any securities laws following the Distribution Date, the
Company may temporarily suspend the exercisability of the Rights
in each relevant jurisdiction until such time as a registration
statement has been declared effective and, upon any such
suspension, the Company shall issue a public announcement
stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended, as well as a public announcement at such
time as the suspension is no longer in effect, in each case with
simultaneous written notice to the Rights Agent. Notwithstanding
any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Rights
shall not be exercisable in any jurisdiction if the requisite
qualification in such jurisdiction shall not have been obtained
or be obtainable or the exercise thereof shall not be permitted
under applicable law or a registration statement shall not have
been declared effective.
(c) The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all
such action as may be necessary to ensure that all shares of
Preferred Stock
and/or other
securities delivered upon exercise of Rights shall, at the time
of delivery of the certificates therefor (subject to payment of
the Purchase Price), be duly and validly authorized and issued
and fully paid and nonassessable shares or securities.
(d) The Company further covenants and agrees that it will
pay when due and payable any and all federal and state transfer
taxes and governmental charges which may be payable in respect
of the issuance or delivery of the Right Certificates or of any
shares of Preferred Stock
and/or other
securities upon the exercise of Rights. The Company shall not,
however, be required to pay any such tax or charge which may be
payable in respect of any transfer involved in the transfer or
delivery of Right Certificates or the issuance or delivery of
certificates or depositary receipts for Preferred Stock
and/or other
securities in a name other than that of the registered holder of
the Right Certificate evidencing Rights surrendered for
exercise, nor shall the Company be required to issue or deliver
any certificates or depositary receipts for shares of Preferred
Stock and/or
other securities upon the exercise of any Rights until any such
tax or charge shall have been paid (any such tax or charge being
payable by the holder of such Right Certificate at the time of
surrender) or until it has been established to the
Companys and the Rights Agents satisfaction that no
such tax or charge is due.
Section 10. Preferred
Stock Record Date. Each Person (other than
the Company) in whose name any certificate for shares of
Preferred Stock (or other securities) is issued upon the
exercise of Rights shall for all purposes be deemed to have
become the holder of record of the Preferred Stock (or other
securities) represented thereby on, and such certificate shall
be dated, the date upon which the Right Certificate evidencing
such Rights was duly surrendered and payment of the Purchase
Price (and any applicable taxes or charges) was made;
provided, however, that if the date of such
surrender and payment is a date upon which the Preferred Stock
(or other securities) transfer books of the Company are closed,
such Person shall be deemed to have become the record holder of
such shares on, and such certificate shall be dated, the next
succeeding Business Day on which the Preferred Stock (or other
securities) transfer books of the Company are open. Prior to the
exercise of the Rights evidenced thereby, the holder of a Right
Certificate shall not be entitled to any rights of a shareholder
of the Company with respect to shares for which the Rights shall
be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to
vote, to receive dividends or other distributions or to exercise
any preemptive rights, and shall not be entitled to receive any
notice of any proceedings of the Company, except as provided
herein.
C-11
Section 11. Adjustment
to Purchase Price, Number of Shares or Number of
Rights. The Purchase Price, the number and
identity of shares covered by each Right and the number of
Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time
as provided in this Section 11.
(a) In the event the Company shall at any time after the
date of this Rights Agreement (i) declare a dividend on
either series of Preferred Stock payable in shares of Preferred
Stock, (ii) subdivide either series of the outstanding
Preferred Stock, (iii) combine the outstanding Preferred
Stock of either series into a smaller number of shares or
(iv) issue any shares of its capital stock in a
reclassification of either series of Preferred Stock (including
any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or
merger in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation), except as otherwise provided in this
Section 11, the applicable Purchase Price in effect at the
time of the record date for such dividend or the time of the
effective date of such subdivision, combination or
reclassification, and the number and kind of shares of capital
stock, including Preferred Stock, issuable upon exercise of the
applicable class of Right, shall be proportionately adjusted so
that the holder of such Right exercised after such time, upon
payment of the aggregate consideration such holder would have
had to pay to exercise such Right prior to such time, shall be
entitled to receive the aggregate number and kind of shares of
capital stock, including Preferred Stock, which, if such Right
had been exercised immediately prior to such date and at a time
when the Preferred Stock transfer books of the Company were
open, such holder would have owned upon such exercise and been
entitled to receive by virtue of such dividend, subdivision,
combination or reclassification.
(b) In the event any Person becomes an Acquiring Person
(Section 11(b) Event), then proper provision
shall be made so that (1) each holder of a Class A
Right, subject to Section 7(e) and Section 24 hereof
and except as provided below, shall after the later of the
occurrence of such event and the effective date of an
appropriate registration statement pursuant to Section 9
hereof, have a right to receive, upon exercise thereof at the
then current Purchase Price for a Class A Rights,
multiplied by the then number of one one-hundredths of a share
of Series A Preferred Stock for which a Class A Right
is then exercisable, in accordance with the terms of this Rights
Agreement, in lieu of shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
such number of shares of Class A Common Stock of the
Company as shall equal the result obtained by
(y) multiplying the then current Purchase Price for a
Class A Right by the then number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Series A Preferred Stock for which a Right is then
exercisable and dividing that product by (z) 50% of the
current market price per one share of Class A Common Stock
(determined pursuant to Section 11(f) hereof on the date of
the occurrence of the Section 11(b) Event) (such number of
shares being referred to as the Number of Class A
Adjustment Shares), and (2) each holder of a
Class B Right, subject to Section 7(e) and
Section 24 hereof and except as provided below, shall after
the later of the occurrence of such event and the effective date
of an appropriate registration statement pursuant to
Section 9 hereof, have a right to receive, upon exercise
thereof at the then current Purchase Price for a Class B
Right, multiplied by the then number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Series B Preferred Stock for which a Class B
Right is then exercisable, in accordance with the terms of this
Rights Agreement, in lieu of shares of Series B Preferred
Stock, such number of shares of Class B Common Stock of the
Company as shall equal the result obtained by
(y) multiplying the then current Purchase Price for a
Class B Right by the then number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Series B Preferred Stock for which a Right is then
exercisable and dividing that product by (z) 50% of the
current market price per one share of Class B Common Stock
(determined pursuant to Section 11(f) hereof on the date of
the occurrence of the Section 11(b) Event) (such number of
shares being referred to as the Number of Class B
Adjustment Shares). The Company shall give the Rights
Agent written notice of the identity of any Acquiring Person or
any Affiliates or Associates thereof, or any transferee of any
of the foregoing, and the Rights Agent may rely on such notice
in carrying out its duties under this Agreement, and shall be
deemed not to have any knowledge of the identity of any such
Acquiring Person or any Affiliates or Associates thereof, or any
transferee of any of the foregoing, unless and until it shall
have received such notice.
(c) In the event that there shall not be sufficient
treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares of the
applicable class of Common Stock to permit the exercise in full
of the Rights in accordance with the foregoing
Section 11(b), and such Rights become so exercisable,
notwithstanding any other provision of this Rights Agreement, to
the extent necessary and permitted by applicable law and any
agreements in effect on the date hereof to which the Company is
a party, each Right shall thereafter represent the right to
receive,
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upon exercise thereof at the then current Purchase Price,
multiplied by the then number of one one-hundredths of a share
of Preferred Stock for which a Right is then exercisable, in
accordance with the terms of this Rights Agreement, a number of
shares, or units of shares, of (y) Class A Common
Stock in the case of a Class A Right, or Class B
Common Stock in the case of a Class B Right, and
(z) preferred stock (or other equity securities) of the
Company, including, but not limited to the applicable series of
Preferred Stock, equal in the aggregate to the Number of
Class A Adjustment Shares or the Number of Class B
Adjustment Shares, as applicable, where the Board of Directors
shall have in good faith deemed such shares or units, other than
the shares of Common Stock, to have at least the same value and
voting rights as the applicable class of Common Stock (a
common stock equivalent); provided,
however, if there are unavailable sufficient shares (or
fractions of shares) of the applicable class of Common Stock
and/or
common stock equivalents, then the Company shall take all such
action as may be necessary to authorize additional shares of the
applicable class of Common Stock or common stock equivalents for
issuance upon exercise of the respective Rights, including the
calling of a meeting of the shareholders of Class A Common
Stock in the case of the Class A Rights, and the
shareholders of Class B Common Stock in the case of the
Class B Rights; and provided, further, that
if the Company is unable to cause sufficient shares of the
applicable class of Common Stock
and/or
common stock equivalents to be available for issuance upon
exercise in full of such Rights, then the Company, to the extent
necessary and permitted by applicable law and any agreements or
instruments in effect on the date thereof to which it is a
party, shall make provision to pay an amount in cash equal to
twice the applicable Purchase Price (as adjusted pursuant to
this Section 11), in lieu of issuing shares of such Common
Stock and/or
common stock equivalents. To the extent that the Company
determines that some action needs to be taken pursuant to this
Section 11(c), the Board of Directors by action of at least
a majority of its members then in office may suspend the
exercisability of either class of Rights for a period of up to
sixty (60) days following the date on which the
Section 11(b) Event shall have occurred, in order to decide
the appropriate form of distribution to be made pursuant to this
Section 11(c) and to determine the value thereof. In the
event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue a public
announcement stating that the exercisability of such Rights has
been temporarily suspended (with prompt written notice thereof
to the Rights Agent), as well as a public announcement and
written notification to the Rights Agent at such time as the
suspension is no longer in effect. The Board of Directors may,
but shall not be required to, establish procedures to allocate
the right to receive the applicable class of Common Stock and
common stock equivalents upon exercise of the Rights among
holders of Rights, which such allocation may be, but is not
required to be, pro-rata.
(d) If the Company shall fix a record date for the issuance
of rights or warrants to all holders of either series of
Preferred Stock entitling them (for a period expiring within 90
calendar days after such record date) to subscribe for or
purchase the applicable series of Preferred Stock (or securities
having the same or more favorable rights, privileges and
preferences as the applicable series of Preferred Stock
(equivalent preferred stock)) or securities
convertible into the applicable series of Preferred Stock or
equivalent preferred stock, at a price per share of the
applicable series of Preferred Stock or per share of equivalent
preferred stock or having a conversion or exercise price per
share, as the case may be, less than the current market price
(as determined pursuant to Section 11(f) hereof) per share
of the applicable series of Preferred Stock on such record date,
the applicable Purchase Price to be in effect after such record
date shall be determined by multiplying the applicable Purchase
Price in effect immediately prior to such date by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of such
series of Preferred Stock outstanding on such record date plus
the number of shares of such series of Preferred Stock which the
aggregate offering price of the total number of shares of such
series of Preferred Stock or equivalent preferred stock to be
offered (and/or the aggregate initial conversion price of the
convertible securities so to be offered) would purchase at such
current market price, and the denominator of which shall be the
number of shares of such series of Preferred Stock outstanding
on such record date plus the number of additional shares of such
series of Preferred Stock
and/or
equivalent preferred stock to be offered for subscription or
purchase (or into which the convertible securities so to be
offered are initially convertible). In case such subscription
price may be paid in a consideration, part or all of which shall
be in a form other than cash, the value of such consideration
shall be as determined in good faith by a majority of the Board
of Directors, whose determination shall be described in a
written statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall be
conclusive for all purposes. Shares of Preferred Stock owned by
or held for the account of the Company shall not be deemed
outstanding for the purpose of any
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such computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively
whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such
rights or warrants are not so issued, the applicable Purchase
Price shall be adjusted to be such Purchase Price as would then
be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
(e) If the Company shall fix a record date for the making
of a distribution to all holders of either series of Preferred
Stock (including any such distribution made in connection with a
consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing
or surviving corporation) of evidences of indebtedness, cash
(other than a regular periodic cash dividend out of earnings or
retained earnings of the Company), assets (other than a dividend
payable in Preferred Stock, but including any dividend payable
in stock other than Preferred Stock) or convertible securities,
subscription rights or warrants (excluding those referred to in
Section 11(d) hereof), the applicable Purchase Price to be
in effect after such record date shall be determined by
multiplying the applicable Purchase Price in effect immediately
prior to such record date by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the current market price for one share of the
applicable series of Preferred Stock (as determined pursuant to
Section 11(f) hereof) on such record date less the fair
market value (as determined in good faith by a majority of the
Board of Directors, whose determination shall be described in a
written statement filed with the Rights Agent and conclusive for
all purposes) of the portion of the assets or evidences of
indebtedness so to be distributed or of such convertible
securities, subscription rights or warrants applicable to one
share of Preferred Stock of such series, and the denominator of
which shall be such current market price for one share of such
series of Preferred Stock (as determined pursuant to
Section 11(f) hereof). Such adjustments shall be made
successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the
event that such distribution is not so made, the applicable
Purchase Price shall again be adjusted to be the applicable
Purchase Price which would then be in effect if such record date
had not been fixed.
(f) (i) For the purpose of any computation hereunder,
the current market price of any security (a
Security) for purposes of this
Section 11(f)(i)) on any date shall be deemed to be the
average of the daily closing prices per share of such Security
for the 30 consecutive Trading Days (as hereinafter defined)
immediately prior to but not including such date;
provided, however, that in the event that the
current market price per share of such Security is determined
during a period following the announcement by the issuer of such
Security of (A) a dividend or distribution on such Security
payable in shares of such Security or securities convertible
into shares of such Security or (B) any subdivision,
combination or reclassification of such Security, and prior to
the expiration of 30 Trading Days after but not including the
ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution or the record
date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification,
then, and in each such case, the current market
price shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the
current market price per share equivalent of such Security. The
closing price for each day shall be the last sale price, regular
way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in
either case as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed
or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the
Security is not listed or admitted to trading on the New York
Stock Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed
or admitted to trading on the principal national securities
exchange on which the Security is listed or admitted to trading
or, if the Security is not listed or admitted to trading on any
national securities exchange, the last sale price or, if such
last sale price is not reported, the average of the high bid and
low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by
the NASDAQ Stock Market or such other system then in use, or, if
on any such date the Security is not quoted by any such
organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as
furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the
Security selected by a majority of the Board of Directors. If on
any such date no market maker is making a market in the
Security, the fair value of such Security on such date as
determined in good faith by a majority of the Board of Directors
shall be used, which determination shall be described in a
written statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall be
conclusive for all purposes. The term Trading Day
shall mean a day on which the principal national securities
exchange on which the Security is listed or admitted to trading
is open for the transaction of business, or if the Security is
not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, a Business Day. If the Security is not publicly held
or not so listed or traded, current market price
shall mean the fair value as determined in good faith by a
majority of the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be
described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall
be conclusive for all purposes.
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(ii) For the purpose of any computation hereunder, the
current market price per share (or one
one-hundredth
of a share) of either series of Preferred Stock shall be
determined in the same manner as set forth above for the Common
Stock in clause (i) of this Section 11(f) (other than
the last sentence thereof). If the current market price per
share (or one one-hundredth of a share) of a series of Preferred
Stock cannot be determined in the manner provided above or if
such series of Preferred Stock is not publicly held or listed or
traded in a manner described in clause (i) of this
Section 11(f), the current market price per
share of such series of Preferred Stock shall be conclusively
deemed to be an amount equal to 100 (as such number may be
appropriately adjusted for such events as stock splits, stock
dividends and recapitalizations with respect to the Class A
Common Stock in the case of the Series A Preferred Stock,
and the Class B Common Stock in the case of the
Series B Preferred Stock, occurring after the date of this
Rights Agreement) multiplied by the current market price per
share of the Class A Common Stock in the case of the
Series A Preferred Stock, and the Class B Common Stock
in the case of the Series B Preferred Stock, and the
current market price per one one-hundredth of a
share of such series of Preferred Stock shall be equal to the
current market price per share of the applicable class of Common
Stock (as appropriately adjusted). If neither the applicable
class of Common Stock nor the applicable series of Preferred
Stock is publicly held or so listed or traded, current
market price per share shall mean the fair value per share
as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose
determination shall be described in a statement filed with the
Rights Agent and shall be conclusive for all purposes.
(g) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no
adjustment in the applicable Purchase Price shall be required
unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of
at least 1% in such Purchase Price; provided, however, that any
adjustments which by reason of this Section 11(g) are not
required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into
account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under
this Section 11 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the
nearest one one-thousandth of a share, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 11(g),
any adjustment required by this Section 11 shall be made no
later than the earlier of (i) three years from the date of
the transaction which mandates such adjustment or (ii) the
Expiration Date.
(h) In the event that at any time, as a result of an
adjustment made pursuant to Section 11(a) or
(b) hereof, the holder of any Right shall be entitled to
receive upon exercise of such Right any shares of capital stock
of the Company other than shares of Series A Preferred
Stock in the case of a Class A Right, or shares of
Series B Preferred Stock in the case of a Class B
Right, thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable
upon exercise of any such Right shall be subject to adjustment
from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent
as practicable to the provisions with respect to the shares of
the applicable series of Preferred Stock contained in
Section 11(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (i), (j), (k), (l),
(m), (n) and (o), and the provisions of Sections 7, 9,
10 and 14 hereof with respect to the shares of such series of
Preferred Stock shall apply on like terms to any such other
shares.
(i) All Rights originally issued by the Company subsequent
to any adjustment made to the applicable Purchase Price
hereunder shall evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted
applicable Purchase Price, the number of one one-hundredths of a
share of the applicable series of Preferred Stock or other
capital stock of the Company purchasable from time to time
hereunder upon exercise of the Rights, all subject to further
adjustment of the applicable Purchase Price.
(j) Unless the Company shall have exercised its election as
provided in Section 11(k) hereof, upon each adjustment of
the applicable Purchase Price as a result of the calculations
made in Section 11(d) and (e) hereof, each Right
outstanding immediately prior to the making of such adjustment
shall thereafter evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted
applicable Purchase Price, that number of one one-hundredths of
a share of the applicable series of Preferred Stock (calculated
to the nearest one one-thousandth of a share of such series of
Preferred Stock) obtained by (i) multiplying (A) the
number of one one-hundredths of a share of the applicable series
of Preferred Stock covered by a Right immediately prior to the
adjustment by (B) the applicable Purchase Price in effect
immediately prior to such adjustment of the Purchase Price for
such series and (ii) dividing the product so obtained by
the applicable Purchase Price in effect immediately after such
adjustment of such Purchase Price.
(k) The Company may elect on or after the date of any
adjustment of the applicable Purchase Price to adjust the number
of Rights, in substitution for any adjustment in the number of
shares of the applicable series
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of Preferred Stock purchasable upon the exercise of a Right.
Each of the Rights outstanding after such adjustment of the
number of Rights shall be exercisable for the number of one
one-hundredths of a share of the applicable series of Preferred
Stock for which such Right was exercisable immediately prior to
such adjustment. Each Right held of record prior to such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall become that number of
Rights (calculated to the nearest ten-thousandth) obtained by
dividing the applicable Purchase Price in effect immediately
prior to adjustment of the applicable Purchase Price by the
applicable Purchase Price in effect immediately after such
adjustment. The Company shall make a public announcement of its
election to adjust the number of Rights (with prompt written
notice thereof to the Rights Agent, along with a copy of such
announcement), indicating the record date for the adjustment,
and, if known at the time, the amount of the adjustment to be
made. This record date may be the date on which the applicable
Purchase Price is adjusted or any day thereafter, but, if the
applicable Right Certificates have been issued, shall be at
least 10 days later than the date of the public
announcement. If the applicable Right Certificates have been
issued, upon each adjustment of the number of Rights pursuant to
this Section 11(k), the Company shall, as promptly as
practicable, cause to be distributed to holders of record of the
applicable Right Certificates on such record date the applicable
Right Certificates evidencing, subject to Section 14
hereof, the additional Rights to which such holders shall be
entitled as a result of such adjustment, or, at the option of
the Company, shall cause to be distributed to such holders of
record in substitution and replacement for the applicable Right
Certificates held by such holders prior to the date of
adjustment, and upon surrender thereof, if required by the
Company, new Right Certificates evidencing all the Rights to
which such holders shall be entitled after such adjustment.
Right Certificates so to be distributed shall be issued,
executed and countersigned in the manner provided for herein
(and may bear, at the option of the Company, the adjusted
Purchase Price) and shall be registered in the names of the
holders of record of the applicable Right Certificates on the
record date specified in the public announcement.
(l) Irrespective of any adjustment or change in the
applicable Purchase Price or the number of shares of the
applicable series of Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise
of the Rights, the applicable Right Certificates theretofore and
thereafter issued may continue to express the applicable
Purchase Price and the number of shares which were expressed in
the initial Right Certificates issued hereunder.
(m) Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment
reducing the applicable Purchase Price below the then par value,
if any, of the shares of Common Stock or other securities and
below one one-hundredth of the then par value, if any, of the
applicable series of Preferred Stock, issuable upon exercise of
the Rights, the Company shall take any corporate action which
may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that
the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and
nonassessable shares of such series of Preferred Stock, Common
Stock or other securities at such adjusted Purchase Price. If
upon any exercise of the Rights, a holder is to receive a
combination of Class A Common Stock (in the case of the
Class A Rights) or Class B Common Stock (in the case
of the Class B Rights) and common stock equivalents, a
portion of the consideration paid upon such exercise, equal to
at least the then par value of a share of such Common Stock of
the Company, shall be allocated as the payment for each share of
Common Stock of the Company so received.
(n) In any case in which this Section 11 shall require
that an adjustment in the applicable Purchase Price be made
effective as of a record date for a specified event, the Company
may elect (with prompt written notice of such election to the
Rights Agent) to defer until the occurrence of such event the
issuing to the holder of any Right exercised after such record
date the shares of the applicable series of Preferred Stock and
other capital stock or securities of the Company, if any,
issuable upon such exercise over and above the shares of such
series of Preferred Stock and other capital stock or securities
of the Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise on the basis
of the applicable Purchase Price in effect prior to such
adjustment; provided, however, that the Company
shall deliver to such holder a due bill or other appropriate
instrument evidencing such holders right to receive such
additional shares upon the occurrence of the event requiring
such adjustment.
(o) Anything in this Section 11 to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Company shall be entitled to make such
reductions in the applicable Purchase Price, in addition to
those adjustments expressly required by this Section 11, as
and to the extent that in their good faith judgment a majority
of the Board of Directors shall determine to be advisable in
order that any (i) consolidation or subdivision of either
series of Preferred Stock, (ii) issuance wholly for cash of
either series of Preferred Stock at less than the then current
market price, (iii) issuance wholly for cash of Preferred
Stock or securities which by their terms are convertible into or
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exchangeable for either series of Preferred Stock,
(iv) stock dividends or (v) issuance of rights,
options or warrants referred to hereinabove in this
Section 11, hereafter made by the Company to the holders of
either series of Preferred Stock, shall not be taxable to such
shareholders.
(p) Anything in this Rights Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event that at any time after the date of
this Rights Agreement and prior to the Distribution Date, the
Company shall (i) declare or pay any dividend on either
class of the Common Stock payable in shares of such class of
Common Stock or (ii) effect a subdivision, combination or
consolidation of either class of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in
shares of such class of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser
number of shares of such class of Common Stock, then in any such
case, (A) (i) the number of one one-hundredths of a share
of Series A Preferred Stock purchasable after such event
upon proper exercise of each Class A Right shall be
determined by multiplying the number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Series A Preferred Stock so purchasable
immediately prior to such event by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of shares of Class A Common Stock
outstanding immediately before such event and the denominator of
which is the number of shares of Class A Common Stock
outstanding immediately after such event, and (ii) each
share of Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately after
such event shall have issued with respect to it that number of
Class A Rights which each share of Class A Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to such event had issued
with respect to it, and (B) (i) the number of one
one-hundredths of a share of Series B Preferred Stock
purchasable after such event upon proper exercise of each
Class B Right shall be determined by multiplying the number
of one one-hundredths of a share of Series B Preferred
Stock so purchasable immediately prior to such event by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately before such
event and the denominator of which is the number of shares of
Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately after such
event, and (ii) each share of Class B Common Stock
outstanding immediately after such event shall have issued with
respect to it that number of Class B Rights which each
share of Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately prior
to such event had issued with respect to it. The adjustments
provided for in this Section 11(p) shall be made
successively whenever such a dividend is declared or paid or
such a subdivision, combination or consolidation is effected.
Section 12. Certificate
of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of
Shares. Whenever an adjustment is made or any
event affecting the Rights or their exercisability (including
without limitation an event which causes any Rights to become
null and void) occurs, as provided in Section 11 hereof,
the Company shall (a) promptly prepare a certificate
setting forth such adjustment, and a brief statement of the
facts and computations accounting for such adjustment or
describing such event, (b) promptly file with the Rights
Agent and with each transfer agent for the applicable series of
Preferred Stock and the applicable class of Common Stock a copy
of such certificate and (c) include a brief summary thereof
in a mailing to each holder of the applicable Right Certificates
in accordance with Section 26 hereof, or prior to the
Distribution Date, disclose a brief summary in a filing under
the Exchange Act. The Rights Agent shall be fully protected in
relying on any such certificate and on any adjustment or
statement therein contained and shall have no duty with respect
to, and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of such adjustment
or event unless and until it shall have received such
certificate. The Rights Agent shall not be accountable with
respect to, and shall incur no liability as a result of, the
validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any Rights, Common
Stock, Preferred Stock or of any securities or property which
may at any time be issued or delivered upon the exercise of any
Right or upon any adjustment pursuant to Section 11 hereof,
and it makes no representation with respect thereto.
Section 13. [Reserved].
Section 14. Fractional
Rights and Fractional Shares.
(a) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
Rights or to distribute Right Certificates which evidence
fractional Rights. In lieu of such fractional Rights, the
Company shall pay or cause to be paid to the registered holders
of the Right Certificates with regard to which such fractional
Rights would otherwise be issuable, an amount in cash equal to
the same fraction of the current market value of a whole Right
of the applicable class. For the purposes of this
Section 14(a), the current market value of a whole Right
shall be the closing price of the Rights of the applicable class
for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date on which such
fractional Rights would have been otherwise issuable. The
closing price for any Trading Day shall be the
C-17
last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes
place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked
prices, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to
securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange or, if the applicable Rights are not listed or admitted
to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported in the
principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the principal
national securities exchange on which the Rights are listed or
admitted to trading or, if the Rights are not listed or admitted
to trading on any national securities exchange, the last sale
price or, if such last sale price is not reported, the average
of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter
market, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market or such other
system then in use or, if on any such date the Rights are not
quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid
and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker
making a market in the Rights selected by a majority of the
Board of Directors. If on any such date no such market maker is
making a market in the applicable Rights, the fair value of such
Rights on such date as determined in good faith by a majority of
the Board of Directors shall be used, which determination shall
be described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent and
conclusive for all purposes.
(b) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
shares of either series of Preferred Stock (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of
such series of Preferred Stock) upon exercise of the applicable
Rights or to distribute certificates which evidence fractional
shares of either series of Preferred Stock (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of
such series of Preferred Stock). Fractions of shares of either
series of Preferred Stock in integral multiples of one
one-hundredth of a share of such series of Preferred Stock may,
at the election of the Company, be evidenced by depositary
receipts, pursuant to an appropriate agreement between the
Company and a depositary selected by it, provided that such
agreement shall provide that the holders of such depositary
receipts shall have all the rights, privileges and preferences
to which they are entitled as beneficial owners of the shares of
such series of Preferred Stock represented by such depositary
receipts. In lieu of fractional shares of either series of
Preferred Stock that are not integral multiples of one
one-hundredth of a share of such series of Preferred Stock, the
Company may pay to the registered holders of the applicable
Right Certificates at the time such Right Certificates are
exercised as herein provided an amount in cash equal to the same
fraction of the current market value of one one-hundredths of a
share of such series of Preferred Stock. For purposes of this
Section 14(b), the current market value of one
one-hundredth of a share of either series of Preferred Stock
shall be one one-hundredth of the closing price of a share of
such series of Preferred Stock (as determined pursuant to
Section 11(f)(ii) hereof) for the Trading Day immediately
prior to the date of such exercise; provided however, that
(A) if the closing price of the shares of the Series A
Preferred Stock cannot be so determined, the closing price of
one share of the Series A Preferred Stock for such Trading
Day shall be conclusively deemed to be an amount equal to the
closing price of one share of Class A Common Stock for such
Trading Day multiplied by one hundred (as such number may be
appropriately adjusted by the Board of Directors, in its
judgment, to reflect events such as stock splits, stock
dividends, recapitalizations, or similar transactions relating
to the Class A Common Stock shares occurring after the date
of this Agreement), and (B) if the closing price of the
shares of the Series B Preferred Stock cannot be so
determined, the closing price of one share of the Series B
Preferred Stock for such Trading Day shall be conclusively
deemed to be an amount equal to the closing price of one share
of Class B Common Stock for such Trading Day multiplied by
one hundred (as such number may be appropriately adjusted by the
Board of Directors, in its judgment, to reflect events such as
stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations, or similar
transactions relating to the Class B Common Stock shares
occurring after the date of this Agreement).
(c) Following the occurrence of one of the transactions or
events specified in Section 11 hereof giving rise to the
right to receive common stock equivalents (other than Preferred
Stock) or other securities upon the exercise of a Right, the
Company shall not be required to issue fractions of shares or
units of such common stock equivalents or other securities upon
exercise of such Rights or to distribute certificates which
evidence fractional shares of such common stock equivalents or
other securities. In lieu of fractional shares or units of such
common stock equivalents or other securities, the Company may
pay to the registered holders of Right Certificates at the time
such Rights are exercised as herein provided an amount in cash
equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a
share or unit of such common stock equivalent or other
securities.
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For purposes of this Section 14(c), the current market
value shall be determined in the manner set forth in
Section 11(f) hereof for the Trading Day immediately prior
to the date of such exercise or exchange.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Section 14, the holder of a Right by the acceptance of the
Right expressly waives such holders right to receive any
fractional Rights or any fractional share upon exercise of
Rights.
(e) Whenever a payment for fractional Rights or fractional
shares is to be made by the Rights Agent upon exercise of a
Right, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and deliver
to the Rights Agent, a certificate setting forth in reasonable
detail the facts related to such payments and the prices
and/or
formulas utilized in calculating such payments, and
(ii) provide sufficient monies to the Rights Agent in the
form of fully collected funds to make such payments. The Rights
Agent shall be fully protected in relying upon such a
certificate and shall have no duty with respect to, and shall
not be deemed to have knowledge of any payment for fractional
Rights or fractional shares under any Section of this Agreement
relating to the payment of fractional Rights or fractional
shares unless and until the Rights Agent shall have received
such a certificate and sufficient monies.
Section 15. Rights
of Action. All rights of action in respect of
this Rights Agreement, except for rights of action given to the
Rights Agent under Section 18 or Section 20 hereof,
are vested in the respective registered holders of the Right
Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the
registered holders of Common Stock); and any registered holder
of any Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of
the Common Stock), without the consent of the Rights Agent or of
the holder of any other Right Certificate (or, prior to the
Distribution Date, of the Common Stock), may, in such
holders own behalf and for such holders own benefit,
enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or
proceeding against the Company to enforce, or otherwise act in
respect of, such holders right to exercise the Rights
evidenced by such Right Certificate in the manner provided in
such Right Certificate and in this Rights Agreement.
Section 16. Agreement
of Right Holders. Every holder of a Right by
accepting the same consents and agrees with the Company and the
Rights Agent and with every other holder of a Right that:
(a) prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be
transferable only in connection with the transfer of Common
Stock;
(b) after the Distribution Date, the Right Certificates are
transferable only on the registry books of the Rights Agent if
surrendered at the shareholder services office of the Rights
Agent or such office designated for such purpose, duly endorsed
or accompanied by a proper instrument of transfer and with the
appropriate forms and certificates properly completed and fully
executed;
(c) subject to Section 6 and Section 7(f), the
Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the Person in
whose name the Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution
Date, the associated Common Stock certificate or Ownership
Statement) is registered as the absolute owner thereof and of
the Rights evidenced thereby (notwithstanding any notations of
ownership or writing on the Right Certificate or the associated
Common Stock certificate or Ownership Statement made by anyone
other than the Company or the Rights Agent) for all purposes
whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall
be affected by any notice to the contrary; and
(d) notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to
the contrary, neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall
have any liability to any holder of a Right or other Person as a
result of its inability to perform any of its obligations under
this Rights Agreement by reason of any preliminary or permanent
injunction or other order, judgment, decree or ruling (whether
interlocutory or final) issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction or by a governmental, self-regulatory, regulatory
or administrative agency or commission, or any statute, rule,
regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any
governmental authority, prohibiting or otherwise restraining
performance of such obligation.
Section 17. Right
Certificate Holder Not Deemed a
Shareholder. No holder, as such, of any Right
Certificate shall be entitled to vote, receive dividends or be
deemed for any purpose the holder of Preferred Stock, Common
Stock or any other securities of the Company which may at any
time be issuable on the exercise of the Rights represented
thereby, nor shall anything contained herein or in any Right
Certificate be
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construed to confer upon the holder of any Right Certificate, as
such, any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter
submitted to shareholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or
withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice
of meetings or other actions affecting shareholders (except as
provided in Section 25 hereof), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights
evidenced by such Right Certificate shall have been exercised in
accordance with the provisions hereof.
Section 18. Concerning
the Rights Agent.
(a) The Company agrees to pay to the Rights Agent
reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it
hereunder and, from time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent,
its reasonable expenses, counsel fees and other disbursements
incurred in the preparation, negotiation, delivery,
administration, execution and amendment of this Rights Agreement
and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder. The
Company also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to
hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, damage, judgment,
fine, penalty, claim, demand, settlement, cost or expense
(including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses
of one legal counsel), incurred without gross negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights Agent (as
finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), for
any action taken, suffered or omitted by the Rights Agent in
connection with the acceptance, administration, exercise and
performance of its duties under this Rights Agreement, including
the costs and expenses of defending against and appealing any
claim of liability arising therefrom, directly or indirectly
(except upon such a final determination of gross negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct). The costs and expenses incurred by
the Rights Agent in enforcing this right of indemnification
shall be paid by the Company (subject to reimbursement in
connection with a final determination of the Rights Agents
gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct). The
provisions of this Section 18 and Section 20 shall
survive the termination of this Rights Agreement, the exercise,
redemption or expiration of the Rights and the resignation,
removal or replacement of the Rights Agent.
(b) The Rights Agent shall be authorized and protected and
shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it in connection with its acceptance and
administration of this Rights Agreement and the exercise and
performance of its duties hereunder, in reliance upon any Right
Certificate or certificate for Preferred Stock, Common Stock or
for other securities of the Company, instrument of assignment or
transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter,
notice, direction, consent, certificate, statement, or other
paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to be signed,
executed and, where necessary, verified or acknowledged, by the
proper Person or Persons, or otherwise upon the advice of
counsel as set forth in Section 20 hereof. The Rights Agent
shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any event of which it
was supposed to receive notice thereof hereunder, and the Rights
Agent shall be fully protected and shall incur no liability for
failing to take any action in connection herewith, unless and
until it has received such notice in writing.
Section 19. Merger
or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.
(a) Any Person into which the Rights Agent or any successor
Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated,
or any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent shall be a
party, or any Person succeeding to the shareholder services
business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent,
shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Rights
Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any
further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided
that such Person would be eligible for appointment as a
successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 21
hereof. In case at the time such successor Rights Agent shall
succeed to the agency created by this Rights Agreement, any of
the Right Certificates shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may adopt the
countersignature of the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver
such Right Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that
time any of the Right Certificates shall not have been
countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may countersign such
Right Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights
Agent or in the name of the successor Rights Agent; and in all
such cases such Right Certificates shall have the full force
provided in the Right Certificates and in this Rights Agreement.
(b) In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall
be changed and at such time any of the Right Certificates shall
have been countersigned but not delivered, the Rights Agent may
adopt the countersignature
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under its prior name and deliver Right Certificates so
countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Right
Certificates shall not have been countersigned, the Rights Agent
may countersign such Right Certificates either in its prior name
or in its changed name; and in all such cases such Right
Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right
Certificates and in this Rights Agreement.
Section 20. Duties
of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes
to perform only the duties and obligations expressly imposed by
this Rights Agreement (and no implied duties or obligations)
upon the following terms and conditions, by all of which the
Company and the holders of Right Certificates, by their
acceptance thereof, shall be bound:
(a) The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel (who
may be legal counsel for the Company or an employee of the
Rights Agent), and the advice or opinion of such counsel, in the
absence of bad faith, shall be full and complete authorization
and protection to the Rights Agent and the Rights Agent shall
incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it in the absence of gross negligence,
bad faith or willful misconduct and in accordance with such
advice or opinion.
(b) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this
Rights Agreement the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or
desirable that any fact or matter (including, without
limitation, the identity of any Acquiring Person and the
determination of current market price) be proved or established
by the Company prior to taking, suffering or omitting to take
any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence
in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be
deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a
certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or any Executive
Vice President and by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer
or the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall be
full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights
Agent, and the Rights Agent shall incur no liability for or in
respect of, any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in the
absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct
under the provisions of this Rights Agreement in reliance upon
such certificate.
(c) The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its
own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct (as
finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction).
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the
Rights Agent be liable for special, punitive, indirect,
consequential or incidental loss or damage of any kind
whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even
if the Rights Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such
loss or damage. Any and all liability of the Rights Agent under
this Rights Agreement will be limited to the amount of fees paid
by the Company to the Rights Agent pursuant to this Rights
Agreement.
(d) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason
of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this
Rights Agreement or in the Right Certificates (except its
countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same, but
all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have
been made by the Company only.
(e) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or be under
any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Rights
Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due
execution and delivery hereof by the Rights Agent) or in respect
of the validity or execution of any Right Certificate (except
its countersignature and delivery thereof); nor shall it be
responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or
condition contained in this Rights Agreement or in any Right
Certificate; nor shall it be responsible for any change in the
exercisability of the Rights (including the Rights becoming null
and void hereunder) or for any adjustment required under the
provisions of Section 11 or Section 24 hereof or
responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such
adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that
would require any such adjustment (except with respect to the
exercise of Rights evidenced by Right Certificates after receipt
by the Rights Agent of a certificate furnished pursuant to
Section 12 of this Rights Agreement describing any such
adjustment or change, upon which the Rights Agent may rely); nor
shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any
representation or warranty as to the authorization or
reservation of any shares of either series of Preferred Stock or
other securities to be issued pursuant to this
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Rights Agreement or any Right Certificate or as to whether any
shares of either series of Preferred Stock or other securities
will, when issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
(f) The Company agrees that it will perform, execute,
acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed,
acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts,
instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the
Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing by the Rights
Agent of the provisions of this Rights Agreement.
(g) The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to
accept instructions with respect to the performance of its
duties hereunder from the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, any Executive Vice
President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer
or any Assistant Treasurer of the Company, and to apply to such
officers for advice or instructions in connection with its
duties and such instructions shall be full authorization and
protection to the Rights Agent, and the Rights Agent shall not
be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken
by it in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct in accordance with instructions of any such officer
or for any delay in acting while waiting for those instructions.
The Rights Agent shall be fully authorized and protected in
relying upon the most recent instructions received from any such
officer.
(h) The Rights Agent and any stockholder, member, manager,
director, affiliate, officer, employee, agent or representative
of the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Rights
or other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily
interested in any transaction in which the Company may be
interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or
otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not the
Rights Agent under this Rights Agreement. Nothing herein shall
preclude the Rights Agent or any stockholder, member, manager,
director, affiliate, officer, employee, agent or representative
from acting in any other capacity for the Company or for any
other Person.
(i) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the
rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty
hereunder either itself (through its directors, officers or
employees) or by or through its attorneys or agents, and the
Rights Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act,
omission, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys
or agents or for any loss to the Company or any other Person
resulting from any such act, default, neglect or misconduct,
provided that reasonable care was exercised in the selection and
continued employment thereof (as finally determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction).
(j) No provision of this Rights Agreement shall require the
Rights Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties
hereunder or in the exercise of its rights if it believes that
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such
risk or liability is not assured to it.
(k) If, with respect to any Right Certificate surrendered
to the Rights Agent for exercise or transfer, the certificate
attached to the form of assignment or form of election to
purchase, as the case may be, has either not been completed or
indicates an affirmative response to clause 1,
clause 2 and/or, in the case of the certificate attached to
the form of election to purchase, clause 3 thereof, the
Rights Agent shall not take any further action with respect to
such requested exercise of transfer without first consulting
with the Company.
(l) At any time and from time to time after the
Distribution Date, upon the request of the Company, the Rights
Agent shall deliver to the Company a list, as of the most recent
practicable date (or as of such earlier date as may be specified
by the Company), of the holders of record of the Rights.
Section 21. Change
of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any
successor Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its
duties under this Rights Agreement upon 30 days
notice in writing mailed to the Company and to each transfer
agent of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock known to the
Rights Agent by registered or certified mail, and to the holders
of the Right Certificates by first-class mail. The Company may
remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon
30 days notice in writing, mailed to the Rights Agent
or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, and to each
transfer agent of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock by
registered or certified mail, and to the holders of the Right
Certificates by first-class mail or, prior to the Distribution
Date, through any filing made by the Company pursuant to the
Exchange Act. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or
replaced, or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, the
Company shall appoint a
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successor to the Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make
such appointment within a period of 30 days after such
removal or replacement or after it has been notified in writing
of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or
incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of a Right
Certificate (which holder shall, with such notice, submit such
holders Right Certificate for inspection by the Company),
then the registered holder of any Right Certificate may apply to
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new
Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by
the Company or by such a court, shall be (a) a Person
organized and doing business under the laws of the United States
or of any state, in good standing or (b) an affiliate of a
Person described in clause (a) of this sentence. After
appointment, the successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the
same powers, rights, duties, responsibilities and obligations as
if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further
act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and
transfer to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time
held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any further
assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose.
Not later than the effective date of any such appointment the
Company shall file notice thereof in writing with the
predecessor Rights Agent and each transfer agent of the Common
Stock and Preferred Stock, and mail a notice thereof in writing
to the registered holders of the Right Certificates or, prior to
the Distribution Date, through any filing made by the Company
pursuant to the Exchange Act. Failure to give any notice
provided for this Section 21, however, or any defect
therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the
resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of
the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.
Section 22. Issuance
of New Right Certificates.
(a) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Rights
Agreement or of the Rights to the contrary, the Company may, at
its option, issue new Right Certificates evidencing Rights in
such form as may be approved by a majority of the Board of
Directors then in office to reflect any adjustment or change in
the applicable Purchase Price and the number or kind or class of
shares of stock or other securities or property purchasable
under the Right Certificates made in accordance with the
provisions of this Rights Agreement.
(b) In addition, in connection with the issuance or sale of
Common Stock following the Distribution Date and prior to the
redemption, exchange or expiration of the Rights, the Company
(i) shall with respect to shares of Common Stock so issued
or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock options or under any
employee benefit plan or arrangement, or upon the exercise,
conversion or exchange of securities or other rights or options
to acquire Common Stock in each case existing prior to the
Distribution Date, and (ii) may, in any other case, if
deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board of Directors, issue
Right Certificates representing the appropriate number of Rights
in connection with such issuance or sale; provided,
however, that (A) no such Right Certificates shall
be issued if, and to the extent that, the Company shall be
advised by counsel that such issuance would create a significant
risk of material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the
Person to whom such Right Certificates would be issued, and
(B) no Right Certificate shall be issued if, and to the
extent that, appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have been
made in lieu of the issuance thereof.
Section 23. Redemption
and Termination.
(a) A majority of the Board of Directors then in office
may, at its option, at any time prior to the earlier of
(i) the Close of Business on the tenth Business Day
following the Stock Acquisition Date or (ii) the Close of
Business on the Final Expiration Date, elect to redeem all but
not less than all of the then outstanding Rights at a redemption
price of $0.001 per Right, as appropriately adjusted to reflect
any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring
after the date hereof (such redemption price being hereinafter
referred to as the Redemption Price).
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Rights Agreement to
the contrary, the Rights shall not be exercisable after the
first occurrence of a Section 11(b) Event until such time
as the Companys right of redemption hereunder has expired.
The redemption of the Rights by the Board of Directors may be
made effective at such time, on such basis and with such
conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may
establish.
(b) Immediately upon the action of a majority of the Board
of Directors then in office electing to redeem the Rights,
evidence of which shall be promptly filed with the Rights Agent,
or, when appropriate, immediately upon the time or satisfaction
of such conditions as the Board of Directors may have
established, and without any further action and without any
notice, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the
only right thereafter of the holders of Rights shall be to
receive the Redemption Price. The Company shall promptly
give public
C-23
disclosure of any such redemption (with prompt written notice
thereof to the Rights Agent); provided, however,
that the failure to give, or any defect in, any such disclosure
shall not affect the legality or validity of such redemption.
Within ten days after the action of the Board of Directors
ordering the redemption of the Rights, the Company shall give
notice of such redemption to the Rights Agent and to the holders
of the then outstanding Rights by mailing such notice to all
such holders at their last addresses as they appear upon the
registry books of the Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution
Date, on the registry books of the Transfer Agent for the Common
Stock. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided
shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the
notice. Each such notice of redemption will state the method by
which the payment of the Redemption Price will be made.
Amounts payable shall be rounded down to the nearest one cent.
(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates or
Associates may redeem, acquire or purchase for value any Rights
at any time in any manner other than that specifically set forth
in this Section 23 or in Section 24 hereof and other
than in connection with the purchase of Common Stock prior to
the Distribution Date.
(d) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Rights
Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the
Recapitalization and Distribution Agreement is terminated
pursuant to its terms at any time prior to the Acceptance Time
with respect to the Split-Off, this Rights Agreement shall
automatically terminate and have no further force or effect, and
any outstanding Rights shall expire and the right to exercise
them or to have them redeemed shall immediately terminate.
Section 24. Exchange.
(a) The Board of Directors may, at its option, at any time
after any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, exchange all or
part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (which shall
not include Rights that have become null and void pursuant to
the provisions of Section 7(e) hereof) for Common Stock at
an exchange ratio of one share of Class A Common Stock per
Class A Right, and one share of Class B Common Stock
per Class B Right, in each case, appropriately adjusted to
reflect adjustments in the number of such Rights pursuant to
Section 11 of this Rights Agreement (such exchange ratio
being hereinafter referred to as the applicable Exchange
Ratio). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of
Directors shall not be empowered to effect such exchange at any
time after any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary of
the Company, any employee benefit plan or compensation
arrangement of the Company or any such Subsidiary, or any entity
holding securities of the Company to the extent organized,
appointed or established by the Company or any such Subsidiary
for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit plan
or compensation arrangement, or any Grandfathered Person),
together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person,
becomes the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the Voting Power
of the Company.
(b) Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors
ordering the exchange of any Rights pursuant to paragraph
(a) of this Section 24 and without any further action
and without any notice, the right to exercise such Rights shall
terminate and the only right thereafter of a holder of such
Rights shall be to receive that number of shares of Class A
Common Stock equal to the number of such Class A Rights
held by such holder, and that number of shares of Class B
Common Stock equal to the number of such Class B Rights
held by such holder, multiplied by in each case, the applicable
Exchange Ratio. The Company promptly shall give public notice of
any such exchange (with prompt written notice thereof to the
Rights Agent); provided, however, that the failure
to give, or any defect in, such notice shall not affect the
validity of such exchange. The Company promptly shall mail or
cause to be mailed a notice of any such exchange to all of the
holders of such Rights at their last addresses as they appear
upon the registry books of the Rights Agent. Any notice which is
mailed in the manner herein provided shall be deemed given,
whether or not the holder receives the notice. Each such notice
of exchange will state the method by which the exchange of
Common Stock for applicable Rights will be effected and, in the
event of any partial exchange, the number of Class A Rights
or Class B Rights, as applicable, which will be exchanged.
Any partial exchange shall be effected pro rata based on the
number of Rights (other than Rights which have become void
pursuant to the provisions of Section 7(e) hereof) held by
each holder of applicable Rights.
(c) In any exchange pursuant to this Section 24, the
Company, at its option, may substitute the applicable series of
Preferred Stock (or equivalent preferred stock, as such term is
defined in Section 11(d) hereof) for Common Stock
exchangeable for Rights, at the initial rate of one
one-hundredth of a share of such series of Preferred Stock (or
equivalent preferred stock) for each share of such Common Stock,
as appropriately
C-24
adjusted to reflect adjustments in the voting rights of the
Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms thereof, so that the
fraction of a share of a series of Preferred Stock delivered in
lieu of each share of Common Stock shall have the same voting
rights as one share of such Common Stock.
(d) In the event that there shall not be sufficient shares
of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as
the case may be, or Series A Preferred Stock or
Series B Preferred Stock (or equivalent preferred stock),
as the case may be, issued but not outstanding or authorized but
unissued to permit any exchange of Class A Rights or
Class B Rights, respectively, as contemplated in accordance
with this Section 24, the Company shall take all such
action as may be necessary to authorize additional shares of
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or
Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock
(or equivalent preferred stock) for issuance upon exchange of
the Rights.
(e) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
Common Stock or to distribute certificates which evidence
fractional shares of Common Stock. In lieu of such fractional
shares of Common Stock, the Company shall pay to the registered
holders of the Right Certificates with regard to which such
fractional shares of Common Stock would otherwise be issuable an
amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market
value of a whole share of Common Stock. For the purposes of this
paragraph (e), (i) the current market value of a whole
share of Class A Common Stock shall be the current market
price of a share of Class A Common Stock (as determined
pursuant to the second sentence of Section 11(f)(i) hereof)
for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of exchange
pursuant to this Section 24, and (ii) the current
market value of a whole share of Class B Common Stock shall
be the current market price of a share of Class B Common
Stock (as determined pursuant to the second sentence of
Section 11(f)(i) hereof) for the Trading Day immediately
prior to the date of exchange pursuant to this Section 24.
Section 25. Notice
of Proposed Actions.
(a) In case the Company shall propose at any time after the
Distribution Date (i) to pay any dividend payable in stock
of any class to the holders of either series of Preferred Stock
or to make any other distribution to the holders of either
series of Preferred Stock (other than a regular periodic cash
dividend out of earnings or retained earnings of the Company),
(ii) to offer to the holders of either series of the
Preferred Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or to
purchase any additional shares of such series of Preferred Stock
or shares of stock of any other class or any other securities,
rights or options, (iii) to effect any reclassification of
either series of the Preferred Stock (other than a
reclassification involving only the subdivision of outstanding
shares of such series of Preferred Stock), (iv) to effect
any consolidation or merger into or with, or to effect any sale
or other transfer (or to permit one or more of its Subsidiaries
to effect any sales or other transfer), in one or more
transactions, of 50% or more of the assets or earning power of
the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to, any
other Person, (v) to effect the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, or (vi) to declare or pay any
dividend on the Class A Common Stock payable in
Class A Common Stock or on the Class B Common Stock
payable in Class B Common Stock, or to effect a
subdivision, combination or consolidation of the Class A
Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock,
respectively), then, in each such case, the Company shall give
to each holder of a Right Certificate a notice of such proposed
action (with prompt written notice thereof to the Rights Agent),
which shall specify the record date for the purposes of such
stock dividend, distribution of rights or warrants, or the date
on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, liquidation, dissolution, or winding up is to take
place and the date of participation therein by the holders of
the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock
and/or
Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock,
if any such date is to be fixed. Such notice shall be so given
in the case of any action covered by clauses (i) or
(ii) above at least ten days prior to the record date for
determining holders of the applicable series of Preferred Stock
for purposes of such action, and in the case of any such other
action, at least ten days prior to the date of the taking of
such proposed action or the date of participation therein by the
holders of such series of Preferred Stock, whichever shall be
the earlier. The failure to give notice required by this
Section 25 or any defect therein shall not affect the
legality or validity of the action taken by the Company or the
vote upon any such action.
(b) In case a Section 11(b) Event shall occur, then
the Company shall as soon as practicable thereafter give to each
holder of a Right Certificate, in accordance with
Section 26 hereof, a notice of the occurrence of
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such event (with prompt notice thereof to the Rights Agent),
which shall specify the event and the consequences of the event
to holders of Rights under Section 11(b) hereof.
(c) Failure to give notice required by this Section 25
or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity
of the action taken by the Company or the vote on any such
action.
Section 26. Notices. Notices
or demands authorized by this Rights Agreement to be given or
made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Right
Certificate to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or
made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed
(until another address is filed in writing with the Rights
Agent) as follows:
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Subject to the provisions of Section 21 hereof, any notice
or demand authorized by this Rights Agreement to be given or
made by the Company or by the holder of any Right Certificate to
or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given or made if
sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until
another address is filed in writing with the Company) as follows:
Mellon Investor Services LLC
1 Memorial Drive, Suite 900
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Attention: Relationship Manager
with a copy to:
Mellon Investor Services LLC
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile:
(201) 680-4610
Notices or demands authorized by this Rights Agreement to be
given or made by the Company or the Rights Agent to the holder
of any Right Certificate shall be sufficiently given or made if
sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such
holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry
books of the Company.
Section 27. Supplements
and Amendments. Subject to the last sentence
of this Section 27, the Company may from time to time
supplement or amend this Rights Agreement without the approval
of any holders of Right Certificates in order (a) to cure
any ambiguity, (b) to correct or supplement any provision
contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any
other provisions herein, (c) to shorten or lengthen any
time period hereunder (including without limitation to extend
the Final Expiration Date), (d) to increase or decrease the
Purchase Price, or (e) to change or supplement the
provisions hereunder in any manner which the Company may deem
necessary or desirable including but without limitation in
connection with the Recapitalization
and/or the
Conversion (if any); provided, however, that from
and after such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person,
this Rights Agreement shall not be amended in any manner which
would adversely affect the interests of the holders of Rights;
provided further that this Rights Agreement may not be
supplemented or amended to lengthen pursuant to clause (c)
of this sentence, (A) the time period relating to the when
the Rights may be redeemed at such time as the Rights are not
then redeemable, or (B) any other time period unless such
lengthening is for the purpose of protecting, enhancing or
clarifying the rights of,
and/or the
benefits to, the holders of the Rights; provided further that
the Company shall have the right to make unilaterally any
changes necessary to facilitate the appointment of a successor
Rights Agent, which such changes shall be set forth in a writing
by the Company or by the Company and such successor Rights
Agent. Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate
officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement
or amendment (including, without limitation, in connection with
the Recapitalization) is in compliance with the terms of this
Section 27, the Rights Agent shall execute such supplement
or
C-26
amendment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any
supplement or amendment that adversely affects the Rights
Agents own duties, obligations or immunities under this
Rights Agreement shall require the prior written consent of the
Rights Agent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 28. Successors. All
the covenants and provisions of this Rights Agreement by or for
the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and
inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns
hereunder.
Section 29. Benefits
of This Rights Agreement. Nothing in this
Rights Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other
than the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of
the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the
Common Stock) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim
under this Rights Agreement; but this Rights Agreement shall be
for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights
Agent and the registered holders of the Right Certificates (and,
prior to the Distribution Date, the Class A Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock).
Section 30. Determinations
and Actions by the Board, etc. The Board of
Directors shall have the exclusive power and authority to
administer this Agreement and to exercise all rights and powers
specifically granted to the Board of Directors or to the
Company, or as may be necessary or advisable in the
administration of this Agreement, including, without limitation,
the right and power to (i) interpret the provisions of this
Agreement and (ii) make all determinations deemed necessary
or advisable for the administration of this Agreement. All such
actions, interpretations, calculations and determinations
(including, for purposes of clause (y) below, all omissions
with respect to the foregoing) done or made by the Board of
Directors shall (x) be final, conclusive and binding on the
Company, the Rights Agent, the holders of the Rights and all
other parties, and (y) not subject the Board of Directors
to any liability to the holders of the Rights. The Rights Agent
shall be entitled to assume that the Board of Directors acted in
good faith and shall be fully protected and incur no liability
in reliance thereon.
Section 31. Severability. If
any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Rights
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of
the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Rights
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no
way be affected, impaired or invalidated. It is the intent of
the parties hereto to enforce the remainder of the terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Rights Agreement
to the maximum extent permitted by law; provided, however, that
if such excluded provision shall affect the rights, immunities,
duties or obligations of the Rights Agent, the Rights Agent
shall be entitled to resign upon not less than 5 Business
Days notice.
Section 32. Governing
Law. This Rights Agreement and each Right
Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract
made under the laws of the State of Missouri and for all
purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of such State applicable to contracts to be made and
performed entirely within such State; provided, however, that
all provisions regarding the rights, duties and obligations of
the Rights Agent shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to
contracts made and to be performed entirely within such State.
Section 33. Counterparts. This
Rights Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts
and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed
to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together
constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 34. Descriptive
Headings. Descriptive headings of the several
Sections of this Rights Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction
of any of the provisions hereof.
Section 35. Prior
Agreement. This Agreement amends and restates
in its entirety the Original Section 382 Rights Agreement
and the terms and provisions of the Original Section 382
Rights Agreement are superseded hereby.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended
and Restated Rights Agreement to be duly executed, all as of the
day and year first above written.
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Attest:
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REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA,
INCORPORATED
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By
Name:
Title:
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By
Name:
Title:
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MELLON INVESTOR SERVICES LLC, as
Rights Agent
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By
Name:
Title:
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C-28
Exhibit A-1
FORM OF
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES
AND
RIGHTS OF
SERIES A-1
JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
OF
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Pursuant to Section 351.180 of
The General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri
We, ,
[NAME OF OFFICE],
and ,
[NAME OF OFFICE], of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated,
a corporation organized and existing under The General and
Business Corporation Law of the State of Missouri, in accordance
with the provisions of Section 351.180 thereof, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY:
That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of
Directors by the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, as amended, the said Board of Directors on June 1,
2008, adopted a resolution (the June Resolution)
creating a series of One Million Four Hundred Thousand
(1,400,000) shares of Preferred Stock designated as
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
a copy of which June Resolution was set forth in a certificate
of designations that was executed by the Companys
President, acknowledged and filed with the Office of the
Secretary of State, State of Missouri (the June
Certificate of Designation); and
That no shares of such
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock are issued and
outstanding; and
That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of
Directors by the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, as amended, and Section 351.180.7 of the General
and Business Corporation Law of Missouri, which provides, in
pertinent part, that the Board of Directors may amend the June
Certificate of Designation and the series of preferred stock set
forth thereon, so long as no shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding,
and a duly authorized committee of the said Board of Directors
on ,
2008 adopted the following resolution deleting the June
Certificate of Designation in its entirety and amending the
powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations, or
restrictions thereof, as follows:
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of
Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of
its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended,
the designation and amount and the powers, preferences and
relative, participating, optional and other special rights of
the shares, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
of the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock be, and such terms hereby
are, deleted in their entirety, and a series of Preferred Stock
of the Company is hereby created, and the designation and amount
thereof and the powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of the shares of such series,
and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof are
amended in their entirety as follows:
Section 1. Designation
and Amount.
There shall be a series of the Preferred Stock which shall be
designated as the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, and the number of shares constituting such series shall
be 1,400,000. Such number of shares may be increased or
decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided,
that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock to a number less than that
of the shares then outstanding plus the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of outstanding rights, options or
warrants or upon conversion of outstanding securities issued by
the Company.
Section 2. Dividends
and Distributions.
(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of
any series of preferred stock of the Company ranking prior and
superior to the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock with respect to dividends,
the
C-29
holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, in preference to the
holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share of the Company (for purposes of this Certificate of
Designation only, the Common Stock), Class B
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company (the
Class B Common Stock), and of any other junior stock,
shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the
purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on any regular
quarterly dividend payment date as shall be established by the
Board of Directors (each such date being referred to herein as a
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date), commencing on the
first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance
of a share or fraction of a share of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, in an amount per share
(rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of
(a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision for
adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the aggregate per
share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate
per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or
other distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of
Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the
Common Stock since the immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date or, with respect to the first Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date, since the first issuance of any share or fraction
of a share of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock. In the event the Company
shall at any time after June 1, 2008 (the Rights
Declaration Date) declare or pay any dividend on the
Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a
subdivision or combination or consolidation of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by
payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater
or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such
case the amount to which holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event under clause (b) of the preceding
sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
(B) The Company shall declare a dividend or distribution on
the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph
(A) of this Section immediately after it declares a
dividend or distribution on the Common Stock (other than a
dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided that, in
the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared
on the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be
payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
(C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock from the Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares,
unless the date of issue of such shares is prior to the record
date for the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which
case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue from the
date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the record
date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive a
quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin to
accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest.
Dividends paid on the shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock in an amount less than the
total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable
on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a
share-by-share
basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The Board
of Directors may, in accordance with applicable law, fix a
record date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment
of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record
date shall be not more than such number of days prior to the
date fixed for the payment thereof as may be allowed by
applicable law.
Section 3. Voting
Rights.
The holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have the following
voting rights:
(A) Each share of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder
thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the
holders of the Class A Common Stock. In the event
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the Company shall at any time after the Rights Declaration Date
declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination
or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in
shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of
shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the number of
votes to which holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event under the preceding sentence shall be
adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator
of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
(B) Except as otherwise provided herein or in the
Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and except as otherwise provided by law, the holders
of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of
Common Stock, and the holders of shares of any other capital
stock of the Company having general voting rights, shall vote
together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of
shareholders of the Company.
(C) Except as otherwise set forth herein or in the
Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and except as otherwise provided by law, holders of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have no special
voting rights and their consent shall not be required (except to
the extent they are entitled to vote with holders of Common
Stock as set forth herein) for taking any corporate action.
Section 4. Certain
Restrictions.
(A) Whenever dividends or distributions payable on the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in
Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued
and unpaid dividends and distributions, whether or not declared,
on shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been
paid in full, the Company shall not:
(i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other
distributions on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of stock ranking junior (either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock;
(ii) declare or pay dividends on or make any other
distributions on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
with the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, except dividends paid
ratably on the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and all such parity stock
on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to
the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are
then entitled;
(iii) except as permitted in Section 4(A)(iv) below,
redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares
of any stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, provided that the Company
may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of
any such parity stock in exchange for shares of any stock of the
Company ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the Series
A-1 Junior
Participating Preferred Stock; and
(iv) purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any
shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock
ranking on a parity with the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, except in accordance with
a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as
determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of such
shares upon such terms as the Board of Directors, after
consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and other
relative rights and preferences of the respective series and
classes, shall determine in good faith will result in fair and
equitable treatment among the respective series or classes.
(B) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the
Company to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any
shares of stock of the Company unless the Company could, under
paragraph (A) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise
acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.
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Section 5. Reacquired
Shares.
Any shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise
acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be
retired and canceled promptly after the acquisition thereof. The
Company shall cause all such shares upon their cancellation to
be authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock which may
be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock, subject
to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein.
Section 6. Liquidation,
Dissolution or Winding Up.
(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of
any series of Preferred Stock of the Company ranking prior and
superior to the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock with respect to
liquidation, upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise),
dissolution or winding up of the Company, no distribution shall
be made to the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
to the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the
holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have received $100.00
per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends
and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date
of such payment (the
Series A-1
Liquidation Preference). Following the payment of the full
amount of the
Series A-1
Liquidation Preference, no additional distributions shall be
made to the holders of shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, unless, prior thereto, the
holders of shares of Common Stock shall have received an amount
per share (the Common Adjustment) equal to the
quotient obtained by dividing (i) the
Series A-1
Liquidation Preference by (ii) 100 (as appropriately
adjusted as set forth in subparagraph C below to reflect such
events as stock dividends, and subdivisions, combinations and
consolidations with respect to the Common Stock) (such number in
clause (ii) being referred to as the Adjustment
Number). Following the payment of the full amount of the
Series A-1
Liquidation Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect of
all outstanding shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Common Stock,
respectively, holders of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and holders of shares of
Common Stock shall receive their ratable and proportionate share
of the remaining assets to be distributed in the ratio of the
Adjustment Number to one with respect to such
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Common Stock, on a per
share basis, respectively.
(B) In the event there are not sufficient assets available
to permit payment in full of the
Series A-1
Liquidation Preference and the liquidation preferences of all
other series of preferred stock, if any, which rank on a parity
with the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, then such remaining assets
shall be distributed ratably to the holders of such parity
shares in proportion to their respective liquidation
preferences. In the event there are not sufficient assets
available to permit payment in full of the Common Adjustment,
then such remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the
holders of Common Stock.
(C) In the event the Company shall at any time after the
Rights Declaration Date declare or pay any dividend on Common
Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision
or combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of the
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment
of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or
lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case
the Adjustment Number in effect immediately prior to such event
shall be adjusted by multiplying such Adjustment Number by a
fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
Section 7. Consolidation,
Merger, etc.
In case the Company shall enter into any consolidation, merger,
combination or other transaction in which the shares of Common
Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash
and/or any
other property, then in any such case the shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall at the same time be
similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject
to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to
100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash
and/or any
other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which
or for which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged.
In the event the Company shall at any time after the Rights
Declaration Date declare or pay any
C-32
dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or
effect a subdivision or combination or consolidation of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common
Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common
Stock, then in each such case the amount set forth in the
preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or change of
shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by
multiplying such amount by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to
such event.
Section 8. Redemption.
The shares of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable.
Section 9. Ranking.
The
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all
other series of the Companys Preferred Stock as to the
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, unless the
terms of any such series shall provide otherwise.
Section 10. Fractional
Shares.
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock may be issued in fractions
of a share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such
holders fractional shares, to exercise voting rights,
receive dividends, participate in distributions and to have the
benefit of all other rights of holders of
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed and subscribed this Amended
and Restated Certificate and do affirm the foregoing as true
under the penalties of perjury
this
day of May, 2008.
Name: [NAME OF OFFICER]
Attest
Name: [NAME OF OFFICER]
C-33
Exhibit A-2
FORM OF
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF
SERIES B-1
JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
OF
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Pursuant to Section 351.180 of
The General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri
We, ,
[NAME OF OFFICE],
and ,
[NAME OF OFFICE], of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated,
a corporation organized and existing under The General and
Business Corporation Law of the State of Missouri, in accordance
with the provisions of Section 351.180 thereof, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY:
That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of
Directors by the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, of the Company, a duly authorized committee of the
said Board of Directors
dated ,
2008, adopted the following resolution creating a series of
Three Hundred Thousand (300,000) shares of Preferred Stock
designated as
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share:
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of
Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of
its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended,
a series of Preferred Stock of the Company be and it hereby is
created, and that the designation and amount thereof and the
powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other special rights of the shares of such series, and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof are as
follows:
Section 1. Designation
and Amount.
There shall be a series of the Preferred Stock which shall be
designated as the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, and the number of shares constituting such series shall
be 300,000. Such number of shares may be increased or decreased
by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided, that no
decrease shall reduce the number of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock to a number less than that
of the shares then outstanding plus the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of outstanding rights, options or
warrants or upon conversion of outstanding securities issued by
the Company.
Section 2. Dividends
and Distributions.
(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of
any series of preferred stock of the Company ranking prior and
superior to the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock with respect to dividends,
the holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, in preference to the
holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share of the Company (for purposes of this Certificate of
Designation only, the Common Stock), Class A
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company (the
Class A Common Stock), and of any other junior
stock, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by
the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the
purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on any regular
quarterly dividend payment date as shall be established by the
Board of Directors (each such date being referred to herein as a
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date), commencing on the
first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance
of a share or fraction of a share of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, in an amount per share
(rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of
(a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision for
adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the aggregate per
share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate
per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or
other distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of
Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the
Common Stock since the immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date or, with respect to the first Quarterly
C-34
Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any share or
fraction of a share of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock. In the event the Company
shall at any time
after ,
2008 (the Rights Declaration Date) declare or pay
any dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common
Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or consolidation
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification
or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common
Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common
Stock, then in each such case the amount to which holders of
shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event under clause (b) of the preceding
sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
(B) The Company shall declare a dividend or distribution on
the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph
(A) of this Section immediately after it declares a
dividend or distribution on the Common Stock (other than a
dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided that, in
the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared
on the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be
payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
(C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock from the Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares,
unless the date of issue of such shares is prior to the record
date for the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which
case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue from the
date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the record
date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive a
quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin to
accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest.
Dividends paid on the shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock in an amount less than the
total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable
on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a
share-by-share
basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The Board
of Directors may, in accordance with applicable law, fix a
record date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment
of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record
date shall be not more than such number of days prior to the
date fixed for the payment thereof as may be allowed by
applicable law.
Section 3. Voting
Rights.
The holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have the following
voting rights:
(A) Each share of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder
thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the
holders of the Common Stock. In the event the Company shall at
any time after the Rights Declaration Date declare or pay any
dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock,
or effect a subdivision or combination or consolidation of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common
Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common
Stock, then in each such case the number of votes to which
holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event under the preceding sentence shall be
adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator
of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
(B) Except as otherwise provided herein or in the
Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and except as otherwise provided by law, the holders
of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of
Common Stock, and the holders of shares of any other capital
stock of the Company having general voting rights, shall vote
together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of
shareholders of the Company.
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(C) Except as otherwise set forth herein or in the
Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended, and except as otherwise provided by law, holders of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have no special
voting rights and their consent shall not be required (except to
the extent they are entitled to vote with holders of Common
Stock as set forth herein) for taking any corporate action.
Section 4. Certain
Restrictions.
(A) Whenever dividends or distributions payable on the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in
Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued
and unpaid dividends and distributions, whether or not declared,
on shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been
paid in full, the Company shall not:
(i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other
distributions on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of stock ranking junior (either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock;
(ii) declare or pay dividends on or make any other
distributions on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
with the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, except dividends paid
ratably on the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and all such parity stock
on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to
the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are
then entitled;
(iii) except as permitted in Section 4(A)(iv) below,
redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares
of any stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, provided that the Company
may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of
any such parity stock in exchange for shares of any stock of the
Company ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock; and
(iv) purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any
shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock
ranking on a parity with the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, except in accordance with
a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as
determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of such
shares upon such terms as the Board of Directors, after
consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and other
relative rights and preferences of the respective series and
classes, shall determine in good faith will result in fair and
equitable treatment among the respective series or classes.
(B) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the
Company to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any
shares of stock of the Company unless the Company could, under
paragraph (A) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise
acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.
Section 5. Reacquired
Shares.
Any shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise
acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be
retired and canceled promptly after the acquisition thereof. The
Company shall cause all such shares upon their cancellation to
be authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock which may
be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock, subject
to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein.
Section 6. Liquidation,
Dissolution or Winding Up.
(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of
any series of Preferred Stock of the Company ranking prior and
superior to the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock with respect to
liquidation, upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise),
dissolution or winding up of the Company, no distribution shall
be made to the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up)
to the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the
holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall have received $100.00
per share, plus an
C-36
amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions
thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment
(the
Series B-1
Liquidation Preference). Following the payment of the full
amount of the
Series B-1
Liquidation Preference, no additional distributions shall be
made to the holders of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, unless, prior thereto, the
holders of shares of Common Stock shall have received an amount
per share (the Common Adjustment) equal to the
quotient obtained by dividing (i) the
Series B-1
Liquidation Preference by (ii) 100 (as appropriately
adjusted as set forth in subparagraph C below to reflect such
events as stock dividends, and subdivisions, combinations and
consolidations with respect to the Common Stock) (such number in
clause (ii) being referred to as the Adjustment
Number). Following the payment of the full amount of the
Series B-1
Liquidation Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect of
all outstanding shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Common Stock,
respectively, holders of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and holders of shares of
Common Stock shall receive their ratable and proportionate share
of the remaining assets to be distributed in the ratio of the
Adjustment Number to one with respect to such
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Common Stock, on a per
share basis, respectively.
(B) In the event there are not sufficient assets available
to permit payment in full of the
Series B-1
Liquidation Preference and the liquidation preferences of all
other series of preferred stock, if any, which rank on a parity
with the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, then such remaining assets
shall be distributed ratably to the holders of such parity
shares in proportion to their respective liquidation
preferences. In the event there are not sufficient assets
available to permit payment in full of the Common Adjustment,
then such remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the
holders of Common Stock.
(C) In the event the Company shall at any time after the
Rights Declaration Date declare or pay any dividend on Common
Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision
or combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment
of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or
lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case
the Adjustment Number in effect immediately prior to such event
shall be adjusted by multiplying such Adjustment Number by a
fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
Section 7. Consolidation,
Merger, etc.
In case the Company shall enter into any consolidation, merger,
combination or other transaction in which the shares of Common
Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash
and/or any
other property, then in any such case the shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall at the same time be
similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject
to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to
100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash
and/or any
other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which
or for which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged.
In the event the Company shall at any time after the Rights
Declaration Date declare or pay any dividend on Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or
combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a
dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser
number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect to the
exchange or change of shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by
multiplying such amount by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to
such event.
Section 8. Redemption.
The shares of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable.
C-37
Section 9. Ranking.
The
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all
other series of the Companys Preferred Stock as to the
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, unless the
terms of any such series shall provide otherwise.
Section 10. Fractional
Shares.
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock may be issued in fractions
of a share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such
holders fractional shares, to exercise voting rights,
receive dividends, participate in distributions and to have the
benefit of all other rights of holders of
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed and subscribed this
Certificate and do affirm the foregoing as true under the
penalties of perjury
this
day of , 2008.
Name: [NAME OF OFFICER]
Attest
Name: [NAME OF OFFICER]
C-38
Exhibit B-1
[Form of
Right Certificate]
Certificate
No. R-
Rights
NOT
EXERCISABLE AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE. AT THE
OPTION OF THE COMPANY, THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO
REDEMPTION AT $0.001 PER RIGHT OR EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A
COMMON
STOCK, UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ON THE TERMS SET
FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES, RIGHTS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY AN
ACQUIRING PERSON AND ANY SUBSEQUENT HOLDER OF SUCH
RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID. [THE RIGHTS
REPRESENTED BY THIS RIGHT CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED TO A
PERSON WHO WAS AN ACQUIRING PERSON. THIS RIGHT
CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE VOID
IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES SPECIFIED IN SECTION 7(e) OF THE
RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]*
Right
Certificate
REINSURANCE
GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
This certifies
that ,
or registered assigns, is the registered owner of the number of
Rights set forth above, each of which entitles the owner
thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the
Amended and Restated Section 382 Rights Agreement dated as
of ,
2008 (the Rights Agreement) between Reinsurance
Group of America, Incorporated, a Missouri corporation (the
Company), and Mellon Investor Services LLC, a New
Jersey limited liability company (the Rights Agent),
to purchase from the Company at any time after the Distribution
Date (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) and prior
to 5:00 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri time on the
Expiration Date, as that term is defined in the Rights
Agreement, at the shareholder services office (or such office
designated for such purpose) of the Rights Agent, or its
successor as Rights Agent, one one-hundredth of a fully paid,
nonassessable share of the
Series A-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Preferred Stock), of the Company, at a purchase
price of $ per one one-hundredth
of a share (the Purchase Price) upon presentation
and surrender of this Right Certificate with the Form of
Election to Purchase duly executed. The number of Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate (and the number of shares
which may be purchased upon exercise of each Right) and the
Purchase Price set forth above, are the number and Purchase
Price as
of , ,
based on the shares of Preferred Stock of the Company as
constituted at such date.
The Purchase Price and the number of shares of Preferred Stock
which may be purchased upon the exercise of each of the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate are subject to modification
and adjustment upon the happening of certain events as provided
in the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms,
provisions and conditions of the Rights Agreement, which terms,
provisions and conditions are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and made a part hereof and to which Rights Agreement
reference is hereby made for a full description of the rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities
hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of
the Right Certificates. Copies of the Rights Agreement are on
file at the Company and the above-mentioned office of the Rights
Agent and are also available upon written request to the Company.
This Right Certificate, with or without other Right
Certificates, upon surrender at the shareholder services office
(or such office designated for such purpose) of the Rights
Agent, may be exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right
Certificates of like tenor and date evidencing Rights entitling
the holder to purchase a like
* The portion of the legend in brackets shall be inserted
only if applicable.
C-39
aggregate number of shares of Preferred Stock as the Rights
evidenced by the Right Certificate or Right Certificates
surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this
Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall
be entitled to receive, upon surrender hereof, another Right
Certificate or Right Certificates for the number of whole Rights
not exercised.
Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights
evidenced by this Certificate may be redeemed by the Company at
its option at a redemption price of $0.001 per Right on or prior
to the Stock Acquisition Date (as defined in the Rights
Agreement). In addition, subject to the provisions of the Rights
Agreement, each Right evidenced by this Certificate may be
exchanged by the Company at its option for one share of
Class A Common Stock following the Stock Acquisition Date.
No fractional shares of Preferred Stock will be issued upon the
exercise of any Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of
Preferred Stock, which may, at the election of the Company, be
evidenced by depositary receipts). In lieu of fractions of a
share, a cash payment will be made, as provided in the Rights
Agreement.
No holder of this Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote or
receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of
shares of Preferred Stock or of any other securities of the
Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise
hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or
herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such,
any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company or any right
to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter
submitted to shareholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or
withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice
of meetings or other actions affecting shareholders (except as
provided in the Rights Agreement), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Rights evidenced by
this Right Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in
the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights
Agent.
WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the
Company and its corporate seal.
Dated as
of , .
|
|
|
Attest:
|
|
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA,
INCORPORATED
|
By
Name:
Title:
|
|
By
Name:
Title:
|
Countersigned:
MELLON INVESTOR
SERVICES LLC
Authorized signature
C-40
[Form of
Reverse Side of Right Certificate]
FORM OF
ASSIGNMENT
(To be
executed by the registered holder if such
holder
desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)
FOR VALUE
RECEIVED
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
(Please print name and address of transferee)
this Right Certificate, together with all right, title and
interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
Attorney to transfer the within Right Certificate on the books
of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
C-41
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate
boxes that:
(1) this Right Certificate
[ ] is
[ ] is not being sold,
assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or
was an Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to
the Rights Agreement);
(2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, it [ ] did
[ ] did not acquire the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate from any Person who is, was
or subsequently became an Acquiring Person.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
C-42
FORM OF
ELECTION TO PURCHASE
(To be
executed if holder desires to
exercise the Right Certificate.)
To Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated:
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise Rights
represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the shares of
Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of such Rights and
requests that certificates for such shares be issued in the name
of:
Name:
Address:
Social security or taxpayer identification
number:
If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced
by this Right Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the
balance remaining of such Rights shall be registered in the name
of and delivered to:
Name:
Address:
Social security or taxpayer identification
number:
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
NOTICE
The signature in the foregoing Forms of Assignment and Election
must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
C-43
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate
boxes that:
(1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate
[ ] are
[ ] are not being exercised by
or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person (as
such terms are defined pursuant to the Rights Agreement);
(2) this Right Certificate
[ ] is
[ ] is not being sold,
assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or
was an Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to
the Rights Agreement);
(3) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, it [ ] did
[ ] did not acquire the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate from any Person who is, was
or became an Acquiring Person.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
NOTICE
The signature in the foregoing Forms of Assignment and Election
must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
In the event the certification set forth above in the form of
Assignment or the form of Election to Purchase, as the case may
be, is not completed, the Company and the Rights Agent will deem
the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate to be an Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights
Agreement) and such Assignment or Election to Purchase will not
be honored as described in Section 7(e) of the Rights
Agreement.
C-44
Exhibit B-2
[Form of
Right Certificate]
Certificate
No. R-
Rights
NOT
EXERCISABLE AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE. AT THE
OPTION OF THE COMPANY, THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO
REDEMPTION AT $0.001 PER RIGHT OR EXCHANGE FOR CLASS B
COMMON
STOCK, UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ON THE TERMS SET
FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES, RIGHTS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY AN
ACQUIRING PERSON AND ANY SUBSEQUENT HOLDER OF SUCH
RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID. [THE RIGHTS
REPRESENTED BY THIS RIGHT CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED TO A
PERSON WHO WAS AN ACQUIRING PERSON. THIS RIGHT
CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE VOID
IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES SPECIFIED IN SECTION 7(e) OF THE
RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]*
Right
Certificate
REINSURANCE
GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
This certifies
that ,
or registered assigns, is the registered owner of the number of
Rights set forth above, each of which entitles the owner
thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the
Amended and Restated Section 382 Rights Agreement dated as
of ,
2008 (the Rights Agreement) between Reinsurance
Group of America, Incorporated, a Missouri corporation (the
Company), and Mellon Investor Services LLC, a New
Jersey limited liability company (the Rights Agent),
to purchase from the Company at any time after the Distribution
Date (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) and prior
to 5:00 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri time on the
Expiration Date, as that term is defined in the Rights
Agreement, at the shareholder services office (or such office
designated for such purpose) of the Rights Agent, or its
successor as Rights Agent, one one-hundredth of a fully paid,
nonassessable share of the
Series B-1
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Preferred Stock), of the Company, at a purchase
price of $ per one one-hundredth
of a share (the Purchase Price) upon presentation
and surrender of this Right Certificate with the Form of
Election to Purchase duly executed. The number of Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate (and the number of shares
which may be purchased upon exercise of each Right) and the
Purchase Price set forth above, are the number and Purchase
Price as
of , ,
based on the shares of Preferred Stock of the Company as
constituted at such date.
The Purchase Price and the number of shares of Preferred Stock
which may be purchased upon the exercise of each of the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate are subject to modification
and adjustment upon the happening of certain events as provided
in the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms,
provisions and conditions of the Rights Agreement, which terms,
provisions and conditions are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and made a part hereof and to which Rights Agreement
reference is hereby made for a full description of the rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities
hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of
the Right Certificates. Copies of the Rights Agreement are on
file at the Company and the above-mentioned office of the Rights
Agent and are also available upon written request to the Company.
This Right Certificate, with or without other Right
Certificates, upon surrender at the shareholder services office
(or such office designated for such purpose) of the Rights
Agent, may be exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right
Certificates of like tenor and date evidencing Rights entitling
the holder to purchase a like
* The portion of the legend in brackets shall be inserted
only if applicable.
C-45
aggregate number of shares of Preferred Stock as the Rights
evidenced by the Right Certificate or Right Certificates
surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this
Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall
be entitled to receive, upon surrender hereof, another Right
Certificate or Right Certificates for the number of whole Rights
not exercised.
Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights
evidenced by this Certificate may be redeemed by the Company at
its option at a redemption price of $0.001 per Right on or prior
to the Stock Acquisition Date (as defined in the Rights
Agreement). In addition, subject to the provisions of the Rights
Agreement, each Right evidenced by this Certificate may be
exchanged by the Company at its option for one share of
Class B Common Stock following the Stock Acquisition Date.
No fractional shares of Preferred Stock will be issued upon the
exercise of any Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of
Preferred Stock, which may, at the election of the Company, be
evidenced by depositary receipts). In lieu of fractions of a
share, a cash payment will be made, as provided in the Rights
Agreement.
No holder of this Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote or
receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of
shares of Preferred Stock or of any other securities of the
Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise
hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or
herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such,
any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company or any right
to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter
submitted to shareholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or
withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice
of meetings or other actions affecting shareholders (except as
provided in the Rights Agreement), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Rights evidenced by
this Right Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in
the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights
Agent.
WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the
Company and its corporate seal.
Dated as
of , .
|
|
|
Attest:
|
|
REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA,
INCORPORATED
|
By
Name:
Title:
|
|
By
Name:
Title:
|
Countersigned:
MELLON INVESTOR
SERVICES LLC
Authorized signature
C-46
[Form of
Reverse Side of Right Certificate]
FORM OF
ASSIGNMENT
(To be
executed by the registered holder if such
holder desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)
FOR VALUE
RECEIVED
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
(Please print name and address of transferee)
this Right Certificate, together with all right, title and
interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
Attorney to transfer the within Right Certificate on the books
of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
C-47
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate
boxes that:
(1) this Right Certificate
[ ] is
[ ] is not being sold,
assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or
was an Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to
the Rights Agreement);
(2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, it [ ] did
[ ] did not acquire the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate from any Person who is, was
or subsequently became an Acquiring Person.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
C-48
FORM OF
ELECTION TO PURCHASE
(To be
executed if holder desires to
exercise the Right Certificate.)
To Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated:
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise Rights
represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the shares of
Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of such Rights and
requests that certificates for such shares be issued in the name
of:
Name:
Address:
Social security or taxpayer identification
number:
If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced
by this Right Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the
balance remaining of such Rights shall be registered in the name
of and delivered to:
Name:
Address:
Social security or taxpayer identification
number:
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
NOTICE
The signature in the foregoing Forms of Assignment and Election
must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
C-49
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate
boxes that:
(1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate
[ ] are
[ ] are not being exercised by
or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person (as
such terms are defined pursuant to the Rights Agreement);
(2) this Right Certificate
[ ] is
[ ] is not being sold,
assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or
was an Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined pursuant to
the Rights Agreement);
(3) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, it [ ] did
[ ] did not acquire the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate from any Person who is, was
or became an Acquiring Person.
Dated:
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to
name of holder as specified on the face of
this Right Certificate)
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by a member or a participant in
the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program.
NOTICE
The signature in the foregoing Forms of Assignment and Election
must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
In the event the certification set forth above in the form of
Assignment or the form of Election to Purchase, as the case may
be, is not completed, the Company and the Rights Agent will deem
the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate to be an Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights
Agreement) and such Assignment or Election to Purchase will not
be honored as described in Section 7(e) of the Rights
Agreement.
</R>
C-50
Appendix D
June 1,
2008
Special Committee of the Board of Directors
Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
Members of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors:
We understand that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated
(RGA) and MetLife, Inc. ( MetLife)
propose to enter into a Recapitalization and Distribution
Agreement (the Agreement) substantially in the form
of the draft dated June 1, 2008. Pursuant to the Agreement,
RGA will recapitalize its common stock, par value $0.01 per
share (the RGA Common Stock), into two classes of
common stock: (i) Class A common stock (the
Class A Common Stock), which, voting together
as a single class, is entitled to elect no more than 20% of the
directors of RGA, and (ii) Class B common stock (the
Class B Common Stock), which, voting together
as a single class, is entitled to elect at least 80% of the
directors of RGA. The Agreement further provides that
(i) each issued and outstanding share of RGA Common Stock
will be changed into and reclassified as one share of
Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation of RGA, and (ii) immediately
thereafter, General American Life Insurance Company, a
subsidiary of MetLife, will exchange each share of Class A
Common Stock held by it, other than certain specified shares of
Class A Common Stock (subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in the Agreement), for one share of Class B
Common Stock (such reclassification and exchange are
collectively referred to herein as the
Recapitalization). Pursuant to the Agreement,
MetLife will commence an exchange offer to its stockholders in
which it will offer to acquire MetLifes common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, in exchange for the shares of
Class B Common Stock held by MetLife and its subsidiaries
after the Recapitalization (the Split-Off), and
thereafter distribute any remaining shares of Class B
Common Stock held by MetLife and its subsidiaries to its
securityholders through one or more public or private exchanges
of MetLifes debt securities (each, a Debt
Exchange)
and/or one
or more subsequent split-off transactions (each, a
Subsequent Split-Off, and together with the
Split-Off and any Debt Exchange, the Divestiture),
such that, after completion of the Divestiture, MetLife and its
subsidiaries will no longer hold any shares of Class B
Common Stock. The Recapitalization and the Divestiture, taken as
a whole, are collectively referred herein to as the
Transaction. The terms and conditions of the
Transaction are more fully set forth in the Agreement.
You have informed us that MetLife currently owns approximately
52% of RGA Common Stock. You have also informed us that MetLife
will undertake the Divestiture only if it can be effected on a
tax-free basis, which requires that MetLife hold shares having
the right, voting together as a single class, to elect at least
80% of the directors of RGA. In addition, RGA has informed us
that RGA presently expects that, following the Divestiture, the
Board of Directors of RGA will consider submitting to a
shareholder vote at the next regularly scheduled annual
shareholders meeting of RGA, or at a special meeting
called for such purpose, a proposal to convert the Class B
Common Stock to Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share
basis (the Conversion). However, you have informed
us that there can be no assurance that the Board of Directors of
RGA will consider proposing a Conversion or resolve to submit
such a proposal to the RGA shareholders or, if submitted, that
the RGA shareholders will approve such a Conversion.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the Transaction is
fair from a financial point of view to the holders of RGA Common
Stock (other than MetLife and its subsidiaries (excluding RGA
and its subsidiaries), which are collectively referred to herein
as the Excluded Parties).
D-1
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
|
|
i)
|
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and
other business and financial information of RGA;
|
ii)
|
discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of RGA, including information
relating to certain strategic, financial and operational
benefits and costs anticipated from the Transaction, with senior
executives of RGA;
|
iii)
|
discussed with the Special Committee of the Board of Directors
of RGA the strategic, financial and operational benefits and
costs anticipated from the Transaction, the Transaction
structure and its impact on the public holders of RGA Common
Stock and alternatives for enhancing the stock float of RGA
Common Stock;
|
iv)
|
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for RGA Common
Stock;
|
v)
|
compared the financial performance of RGA and the prices and
trading activity of RGA Common Stock with that of certain other
publicly-traded companies comparable to RGA, and their
respective securities;
|
vi)
|
reviewed the financial terms, stock price performance and stock
float characteristics, to the extent publicly available, of
certain precedent transactions that we deemed generally
comparable to the Transaction;
|
vii)
|
reviewed the trading performance of companies with dual-class
stock structures that we deemed generally comparable to the
dual-class stock structure that RGA will have in place after
consummation of the Transaction;
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viii)
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participated in discussions and negotiations among
representatives of MetLife and RGA and their respective
financial, legal, and tax advisors;
|
ix)
|
reviewed the private letter ruling issued by the Internal
Revenue Service dated March 14, 2008 regarding various tax
aspects of the Transaction;
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x)
|
reviewed drafts of the Agreement, including RGAs proposed
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, and certain
related documents; and
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xi)
|
performed such other analyses and considered such other factors
as we have deemed appropriate.
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We have assumed and relied upon without independent verification
the accuracy and completeness of the information that was
publicly available or supplied or otherwise made available to us
by MetLife and RGA and formed a substantial basis for this
opinion. With respect to the information provided to us relating
to certain strategic, financial and operational benefits and
costs anticipated from the Transaction, we have assumed that
such information has been reasonably prepared on bases
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments
of the management of RGA as to such matters, and we express no
opinion with respect to such information or the assumptions on
which it is based. We have not made and have not assumed
responsibility for making any independent valuation or appraisal
of the assets or liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of RGA,
nor have we been furnished with any such appraisals. We note
that we are not legal or tax experts and have relied upon,
without independent verification, the assessment of RGAs
legal and tax advisors with respect to the legal and tax matters
related to the proposed Transaction.
In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed, with your consent,
that RGA will not incur any tax as a result of the
Recapitalization, the Divestiture or a Conversion, and that the
Recapitalization and the Divestiture will not result in any
limitation on the ability of RGA or any of its subsidiaries to
utilize their net operating losses, including under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As part of the
Recapitalization, we understand that RGA will adopt an amended
and restated shareholder rights plan and amend its charter to
restrict certain acquisitions and dispositions of Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock by certain persons,
in each case to protect RGAs ability to utilize its net
operating losses and other tax attributes, and we have assumed,
with your consent, that RGA will implement and enforce the
amended and restated shareholder rights plan and those
restrictions. We have assumed that the Transaction will be
consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement
without amendments, waivers or modifications, regulatory or
otherwise, that collectively would have a material adverse
effect on RGA or the shareholders of RGA Common Stock (other
than the Excluded Parties).
D-2
Our opinion is rendered on the basis of securities markets,
economic and general business and financial conditions
prevailing as of the date hereof, and the conditions and
prospects, financial and otherwise, of RGA as they are
represented to us as of the date hereof or as they were
reflected in the information and documents reviewed by us. We
assume no responsibility for updating or revising our opinion
based on circumstances or events occurring after the date
hereof. Our opinion assumes that the shares of RGA are fully and
widely distributed among investors and are subject only to
normal trading activity. We note that trading in RGA Common
Stock for a period commencing with the public announcement of
the Transaction, and Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock continuing for a time following completion of the
Transaction, may involve a redistribution of such securities
among MetLifes security holders and RGAs
shareholders and other investors and, accordingly, during such
periods, such securities may trade at prices below those at
which RGA Common Stock traded prior to the public announcement
and those at which Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock would trade on a fully distributed basis after the
Transaction. The estimation of market trading prices of newly
distributed securities is subject to uncertainties and
contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict and beyond
the control of the firm making such estimates. In addition, the
market prices of such securities will fluctuate with changes in
market conditions, the conditions and prospects, financial and
otherwise, of RGA, and other factors which generally influence
the prices of securities. We have assumed that there will not be
a material adverse effect on the business as it relates to
RGAs credit rating as a result of the consummation of the
proposed Transaction. In rendering our opinion, we do not in any
manner address the prices at which RGA Common Stock will trade
subsequent to the announcement of the Transaction or as to the
price or prices at which the shares of Class A Common Stock
or Class B Common Stock may trade subsequent to the
consummation of the Transaction. We express no opinion with
respect to the fairness of the amount or nature of the
compensation to any of RGAs officers, directors or
employees, or any class of such persons, relative to the
consideration to be received by the holders of RGA Common Stock
in the Transaction.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Special Committee of
the Board of Directors of RGA in connection with the Transaction
and will receive a fee for our services, a significant portion
of which is contingent upon the closing of the Transaction. In
the two years prior to the date hereof, we and our affiliates
have provided financing services for RGA and MetLife, and have
received fees for the rendering of these services. In the
ordinary course of our trading, brokerage, investment management
and financing activities, we and our affiliates may at any time
hold long or short positions, and may trade or otherwise effect
transactions, for our own account or the accounts of customers,
in debt or equity securities or senior loans of MetLife, RGA or
any other company or any currency or commodity that may be
involved in the Transaction.
This opinion has been approved by a committee of Morgan Stanley
investment banking and other professionals in accordance with
our customary practice. It is understood that this letter is for
the information of the Special Committee of the Board of
Directors of RGA and may not be used for any other purpose
without our prior written consent, except that a copy of this
opinion may be included in its entirety in any filing that RGA
is required to make with the Securities and Exchange Commission
in connection with the Transaction if such inclusion is required
by applicable federal securities law. This letter does not
constitute a recommendation to the Special Committee of the
Board of Directors of RGA or any holders of RGA Common Stock as
to how to vote in connection with the Transaction. This opinion
does not address (i) RGAs underlying business
decision to pursue the Transaction, (ii) the relative
merits of the Transaction as compared to any alternative
business strategies that might exist for RGA or (iii) the
effects of any other transaction in which RGA might engage.
You have not authorized us to solicit, and we have not
solicited, any indications of interest or proposals for the
acquisition of, or any business combination or extraordinary
transaction involving, either the stock or assets of RGA.
D-3
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion
on the date hereof that the Transaction is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of RGA Common Stock
(other than the Excluded Parties).
Very truly
yours,
MORGAN
STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
Michael B. Ostow
Managing Director
D-4