AGM Information • Mar 18, 2022
AGM Information
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If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of the proposals referred to in this document or as to the action you should take, you should seek your own advice from a stockbroker, solicitor, accountant or other professional adviser.
If you have sold or otherwise transferred all of your shares, please pass this document together with the accompanying documents to the purchaser or transferee, or to the person who arranged the sale or transfer so they can pass these documents to the person who now holds the shares.
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at 11.00 a.m. on 19 May 2022 at The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS is set out on pages 4, 5 and 6 of this Circular.
Whether or not you propose to attend the Annual General Meeting, please complete and submit a Form of Proxy in accordance with the instructions printed on the enclosed form. The Form of Proxy must be received no later than 11.00 a.m. on 17 May 2022. Completion of the Form of Proxy will not preclude you from attending and voting at the Annual General Meeting should you choose to do so.
Alternatively, you may register your appointment of a proxy electronically by logging on to the Registrar's website (www.eproxyappointment.com/login) or, if you hold your shares via CREST, by using the CREST electronic proxy appointment service. Further details are set out in the Explanatory Notes on pages 7, 8 and 9 of this Circular and in the Form of Proxy.
Nigel Stein (Chairman) Duncan Tait (Group Chief Executive) Gijsbert de Zoeten (Chief Financial Officer) Jerry Buhlmann (Senior Independent Director) Nayantara Bali (Non-Executive Director) Alexandra Jensen (Non-Executive Director) Jane Kingston (Non-Executive Director) Sarah Kuijlaars (Non-Executive Director) John Langston (Non-Executive Director)
17 March 2022
I am pleased to be writing to you with details of this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) which we are holding at The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS on 19 May 2022 at 11.00 a.m.
The formal notice of the AGM is set out on pages 4, 5 and 6 of this document. I thought it might be helpful for me to write a few words on the resolutions to be proposed at the AGM.
These resolutions deal with: the Annual Report and Accounts of the Company for the financial year ended 31 December 2021, together with the reports of the Directors (resolution 1); the Directors' Report on Remuneration (resolution 2); the declaration of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 (resolution 3); the election or re-election of Directors (resolutions 4 to 12); and the re-appointment and remuneration of the Company's auditors (resolutions 13 and 14).
Each of these resolutions will be proposed as an ordinary resolution.
Shareholders are being asked to approve a final dividend of 16.1 pence per ordinary share of 10 pence each for the year ended 31 December 2021. If you approve the recommended final dividend, this will be paid on 21 June 2022 to all ordinary shareholders who are on the register of members on 13 May 2022.
These resolutions deal with: the Directors' authority to allot shares (resolution 15); authority to disapply pre-emption rights (resolution 16 and resolution 17); and authority for the Company to make market purchases of its own shares (resolution 18).
Resolution 15 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution and resolutions 16, 17 and 18 will be proposed as special resolutions.
The Companies Act 2006 requires that all general meetings must be held on 21 days' notice unless shareholders agree to a shorter notice period. At our 2021 AGM, a resolution was passed enabling us to preserve our ability to call general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days' notice. A similar resolution is being proposed this year.
Resolution 19 will be proposed as a special resolution.
Explanatory notes on all the business to be considered at this year's AGM appear from page 10 of this document.
The Board considers that each resolution to be proposed at the AGM is in the best interests of the shareholders as a whole and unanimously recommends shareholders to vote in favour of all resolutions, as the Directors intend to do in respect of their own shareholdings, representing approximately 0.07% of the issued share capital of the Company.
If you would like to vote on the resolutions but cannot come to the AGM, please fill in the enclosed Form of Proxy and return it to our Registrars, Computershare, as soon as possible. They must receive it by 11.00 a.m. on 17 May 2022. If you prefer, you can submit your proxy electronically either by logging on to the Registrar's website (www.eproxyappointment.com) or, if you are a CREST member, through the CREST system by completing and transmitting a CREST proxy instruction as described in the Explanatory Notes on page 8 of this Circular and in the Form of Proxy.
We will continue to monitor the developments surrounding Covid-19 and will consider all appropriate guidelines issued by the UK Government ahead of the AGM. Shareholders are asked to adhere to Government rules with regards to travel and gatherings. Please check the Company's website www.inchcape.com for the latest information prior to the AGM.
Yours faithfully,
Nigel Stein Chairman
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Inchcape plc (Company) will be held at The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS on 19 May 2022 at 11.00 a.m.
You will be asked to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the resolutions below. Resolutions 16 to 19 (inclusive) will be proposed as special resolutions.
All other resolutions will be proposed as ordinary resolutions.
and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 15, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.
and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 15, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.
such power to apply until the end of next year's AGM (or, if earlier, until the close of business on 19 August 2023) but during this period the Company may enter into a contract to purchase ordinary shares which would or might be completed or executed wholly or partly after the power ends and the Company may purchase ordinary shares pursuant to any such contract as if the power had not ended.
By order of the Board
Tamsin Waterhouse Group Company Secretary Date: 17 March 2022
The notes on the following pages give an explanation of the proposed resolutions.
Resolutions 1 to 15 are proposed as ordinary resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more than half of the votes cast must be in favour of the resolution. Resolutions 16 to 19 are proposed as special resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, at least three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour of the resolution.
English company law requires the Directors to lay the Annual Report and Accounts of the Company for the financial year ended 31 December 2021, together with the reports of the Directors, before a general meeting of the Company.
The Annual Report and Accounts includes an annual report detailing the remuneration of the Directors and a statement by the chair of the Remuneration Committee (together, the "Directors' Report on Remuneration"). Resolution 2 is an ordinary resolution to approve the Directors' Report on Remuneration. It is an advisory resolution and does not affect the future remuneration paid to any Director.
A final dividend can only be paid by the Company after it has been approved by shareholders.
The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 16.1 pence per ordinary share payable on 21 June 2022 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 13 May 2022. The dividend payable to each shareholder will be rounded down to the nearest whole penny.
In accordance with the provisions of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (Code), all Directors of the Company must retire at every AGM and, in addition, the Company's articles of association provide that any Director appointed since the previous AGM shall stand for election by the members at the next AGM. Biographical details of Directors standing for election or re-election are set out on pages 70 to 71 of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts.
Nayantara joined the Board as Non-Executive Director in May 2021. Nayantara is a Director of ANV Consulting Pte. Ltd, a boutique management consultancy based in Singapore. During her 28-year career at Procter & Gamble (P&G), Nayantara held various senior level management positions including Vice-President of the Asia-Pacific Beauty Care, Global Skin Care and Gillette Asia business units. Nayantara served on the Boards of P&G Gillette India from 2011 to 2013 and P&G Health & Hygiene India from 2003 to 2005. Nayantara was a member of P&G's Global Business Leadership Council and The Global Diversity & Inclusion Council. Nayantara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stella Maris College, University of Madras, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management – (IIM) Ahmedabad. Nayantara is also an independent director of Torrent Pharma, a leading pharmaceuticals company in India, and a Non-Executive Director of Starhub, a major Singapore telecoms company.
Jerry Buhlmann joined the Board in March 2017. Jerry was the CEO of Dentsu Aegis until 2018 and has over 30 years' experience in the media and advertising industries. Jerry brings experience in digital/ technology which is an increasingly important aspect of the automotive sector. As a former CEO, he also brings operational skills and knowledge to the Board's discussions. Jerry became the Senior Independent Director in May 2019 and as such will be available to shareholders should they wish to discuss any matters relating to the Group. Jerry also serves as a sounding board for the Chairman and as an intermediary to other members of the Board.
Gijsbert de Zoeten joined Inchcape as Chief Financial Officer in August 2019. Prior to joining Inchcape, Gijsbert was CFO at LeasePlan Corporation NV, the international fleet management and mobility services company. He was integral to the significant transformation of that business following its sale by VW Group, which included a strong focus on operational excellence. Previously Gijsbert held a range of senior financial and operational roles at Unilever over a 27-year career, including CFO of Unilever Europe for six years. Gijsbert's extensive operational and financial experience is invaluable for the Group as we progress the M&A agenda.
Alex joined the Board in January 2020 and was CEO Mobility and Convenience, Europe and Southern Africa at bp plc until February 2022. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge, including digital experience gained in her executive roles, as well as a broad understanding of the global automotive industry. This experience supports the Board's decision-making as we advance the omni-channel customer service, sales and marketing platform. Alex is the Chair of the CSR Committee and is the Designated Non-Executive Director responsible for workforce engagement under provision 5 of the Code.
Jane Kingston was appointed in July 2018 and became the Remuneration Committee chair in July 2019. Jane has considerable experience consulting with shareholders in her role as a Non-Executive Director, including the successful consultation for the Remuneration Policy which was approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM. Jane has had a long-standing HR career with several international organisations, including Compass Group PLC. Jane is also a Non-Executive Director of Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc, where she serves as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Jane's considerable remuneration experience as both an executive and non-executive is beneficial to the Company as remuneration continues to be an increasingly complex area.
Sarah joined the Board as Non-Executive Director in January 2022. Sarah is Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of De Beers plc and was previously a Non-Executive Director at Aggreko plc, a FTSE 250 power provider. Sarah was also previously CFO of Arcadis NV, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Prior to this, Sarah was Deputy CFO at Rolls Royce Holdings plc, and held a number of senior financial leadership roles during a 25-year career at Royal Dutch Shell plc. Sarah has a Mathematics degree from Oxford University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
John Langston has been a member of the Board since 2013 and is Chair of the Audit Committee. John is a chartered accountant and has held a variety of roles during his career including General Manager, European Car Braking Systems Europe at Lucas Industries Plc, Managing Director, Bundy Europe, and Chief Executive for Bundy Automotive, part of the TI Group. Following the merger of TI and Smiths Group in 2000, John became Group Managing Director of various divisions and finally Group Finance Director. During his career he has been involved in financial analysis, operational performance, sales and strategy. John also has a strong governance background and was the Chair of the Audit Committee of Rexam plc until its sale in 2016. John's length of tenure gives him a deep understanding of the business and experience of the unique challenges and opportunities presented over the last few years. John's knowledge also allows him to understand the internal and external functions' contribution to the control environment and he regularly meets with senior management without the Executive Directors present to obtain an independent view of the control and risk framework.
Nigel Stein has been a member of the Board since 2015 and became the Chairman in May 2018. Nigel was previously CEO of GKN plc and brings a wealth of automotive and international experience to the Board's deliberations. As Chairman, Nigel's role is to lead the Board as it shapes the strategy of the Group in a fast-changing automotive market. Through the Nomination Committee he also ensures that the Board has robust succession plans in place which both embrace diversity in all its forms and ensure that the Board has the correct skills and experience to promote the long-term sustainability of the Company. Nigel's role as Chairman is key to supporting the Executive Directors and also crucial for overseeing corporate culture and how this influences, and drives, the long-term strategy.
Duncan Tait is the Group Chief Executive, having joined the Company in June 2020, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Group as well as leading the Group Executive Team. Duncan was most recently on the Board of Directors at Tokyo listed company Fujitsu Ltd, the global technology services company, with responsibility for EMEIA & Americas, a business with \$10bn turnover and 35,000 people. He has significant international experience and consistently proven success in several globally recognised companies. Duncan currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Agilisys Ltd. He previously held executive and senior management positions at Unisys, Hewlett Packard and Compaq in a technology services-focused career of over 30 years.
Following formal evaluations, the Board is satisfied that each Director continues to contribute effectively to the Board and contributes to its long-term sustainability. The Board is also satisfied that each Director gives sufficient time to his or her duties as a Director of the Company. Full details on the role of the Board and its Committees can be found in the Corporate Governance Report on pages 60 to 108 of the Annual Report and Accounts.
In accordance with English law, the Company is required to appoint an auditor at each general meeting at which accounts are laid before shareholders.
The Directors are recommending retaining Deloitte LLP as the Company's auditor and seek authority for the Audit Committee of the Board to determine the remuneration of the Auditor.
At last year's AGM, shareholders passed a resolution giving the Directors authority to allot ordinary shares in the Company. That power will expire at the conclusion of this year's AGM.
Resolution 15 gives the Directors the authority to allot ordinary shares or grant rights to subscribe for or convert any securities into ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal amount equal to £12,722,075 (representing 127,220,753 ordinary shares). This amount represents approximately onethird of the issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 1 March 2022, the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice. The Company does not hold any ordinary shares in treasury.
The authority sought under Resolution 15 will expire at the earlier of close of business on 19 August 2023 or the conclusion of the AGM of the Company held in 2023. The Directors have no immediate plans to make use of this authority, however consider it appropriate to maintain the flexibility this authority provides.
RESOLUTIONS 16 AND 17: DISAPPLICATION OF STATUTORY PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS
Resolutions 16 and 17 will give the Directors authority to allot ordinary shares in the capital of the Company pursuant to the authority granted under Resolution 15 for cash without complying with the pre-emption rights in the Companies Act 2006 in certain circumstances.
This disapplication authority is in line with institutional shareholder guidance, and in particular with the Pre-Emption Group's Statement of Principles (Pre-Emption Principles), which allow the authority for an issue of shares for cash otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer to include: (i) an authority over five per cent of a Company's issued share capital for use on an unrestricted basis; and (ii) an additional authority over a further five per cent of a Company's issued share capital for use in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment announced contemporaneously with the issue, or that has taken place in the six-month period preceding the announcement of the issue.
Resolution 16 will permit the Directors to allot:
Resolution 17 will permit the Directors to allot additional equity securities up to a maximum nominal value of £1,908,311, representing approximately a further five per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 1 March 2022 (the latest practicable date prior to publication of this document), otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders for the purposes of financing or refinancing a transaction as contemplated by the Pre-Emption Principles described above. The Directors believe that it is appropriate to seek this additional five per cent authority in Resolution 17 to give the Company the flexibility that this resolution affords.
The Directors confirm that, in accordance with the Pre-Emption Principles, they do not intend to issue shares for cash representing more than 7.5 per cent of the Company's issued ordinary share capital in any rolling three-year period to those who are not existing shareholders (save in accordance with Resolution 17) without prior consultation with shareholders.
As noted in relation to Resolution 15, the Directors have no current intention of issuing ordinary shares.
The authority contained in Resolutions 16 and 17 will expire upon the expiry of the authority to allot shares conferred in Resolution 15 (that is at the end of the next AGM of the Company or, if earlier, on 19 August 2023).
Authority is sought for the Company to purchase up to 10 per cent of its issued ordinary shares (excluding any treasury shares), renewing the authority granted by the shareholders at previous AGMs. The minimum price, exclusive of expenses, which may be paid for an ordinary share is its nominal value. The maximum price, exclusive of expenses, which may be paid for an ordinary share is the highest of (i) an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average market value for an ordinary share for the five business days immediately preceding the date of the purchase, and (ii) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the trading venues where the purchase is carried out.
In considering whether to use this authority, the Directors will take into account factors including the financial resources of the Company, the Company's share price and future funding opportunities. The authority will only be exercised if the Directors believe that to do so would result in an increase in earnings per share and would be in the interests of shareholders generally.
Ordinary shares purchased by the Company pursuant to this authority may be held in treasury or may be cancelled. The Directors' current intention is to cancel any shares it may purchase pursuant to this authority, however, they will consider holding any ordinary shares the Company may purchase as treasury shares depending on the Company's capital requirements and prevailing market conditions.
The total number of options to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company outstanding as at the close of business on 1 March 2022 was 7,515,378, representing approximately 2.0 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at that date and, if the authority to make market purchases now being sought were to be fully used, would represent approximately 2.19 per cent of the Company's issued ordinary share capital.
The authority will expire at the earlier of close of business on 19 August 2023 or the conclusion of the AGM of the Company held in 2023.
The Company purchased 11,612,132 shares in the period from the last AGM to 15 February 2022 under the £100m share buyback announced on 29 July 2021. A further £100m buyback was announced on 24 February 2022 to be completed over the next twelve months.
The Companies Act 2006 requires that all general meetings be held on 21 days' notice unless shareholders agree to a shorter notice period. This Resolution seeks to renew the authority granted by shareholders at the Company's 2020 AGM which preserved the Company's ability to call general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days' notice. This authority will be effective until the Company's next AGM, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed. The Company confirms that it intends to give as much notice as is practicable when calling a general meeting. The 14 clear days' notice period will not be used as a matter of routine, but only in circumstances where it would clearly be to the advantage of shareholders as a whole, the business of the meeting is time-sensitive or flexibility is merited by the nature of the business of the meeting.
The Royal Automobile Club has a dress code and we kindly request, if you intend to attend the meeting, that you observe this. A summary of the dress code is set out below:
The following documents are available for inspection at 22a St James's Square, London, SW1Y 5LP, the registered office of the Company, on Monday to Friday (except for public holidays) during normal working hours and at the AGM at The Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS from 15 minutes before the AGM until it ends:
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