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Veidekke — AGM Information 2015
Apr 13, 2015
3781_iss_2015-04-13_0b1d4e8d-7ebc-486f-80d7-844579cc6f22.pdf
AGM Information
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Notice of Annual General Meeting of Veidekke ASA
To the shareholders of Veidekke ASA
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Thon Hotel Bristol, Kristian IV's gate 7, NO-0164 Oslo on Tuesday 5 May 2015, at 5 PM. Registration begins at 4.30 PM.
Items on the agenda:
- 1. Opening of the Annual General Meeting The Board has appointed Chairman of the Board Martin Mæland to declare the Annual General Meeting open.
- 2. Election of a person to chair the meeting and two people to sign the minutes
- 3. Approval of the notice of the meeting and agenda
- 4. Information about the enterprise
- 5. Information about the work of the Board, the Remuneration Committee, the Property Committee, and the auditor
- 6. Questions
- 7. Approval of the 2014 annual accounts and annual report for Veidekke ASA and the Group
The Board's proposal for the annual accounts and annual report is part of the 2014 financial report, which is available to the shareholders on the company's website: www.veidekke.com.
8. Review of the Board's declaration on the principles for determining salaries and other remuneration for senior executives, cf. section 6-16 a of the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act.
The Board's declaration on the principles for determining salaries and other remuneration for senior executives in the company. The declaration is enclosed with the notice and is discussed in note 31 of the financial report. A consultative vote shall be conducted on the declaration.
9. Allocation of the 2014 profit for Veidekke ASA, including payment of dividends and group contributions
The profit for the year is NOK 217,448,000.
The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolution:
"The profit, plus NOK 250,519,297 from other equity, in total NOK 467,967,297, shall be allocated to dividends.
In addition to the allocation of the profit for the year and distribution from other equity, the company is paying NOK 92,000,000 in contributions to the Group's subsidiaries."
The Board further proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolution:
"The dividend for the 2014 financial year is set at NOK 3.50 per share for the shareholders registered as owners at 5 May 2015. The dividends will be paid to the shareholders on 19 May 2015. Dividends will not be paid to the company for the company's own shares."
To date the company does not own any own shares.
10. Adoption of the auditor's fees
It is proposed that the auditor's fee be set at NOK 798,000.
11. Election of members to the Nomination Committee and remuneration In 2014 the Nomination Committee was elected for one year and had the following members:
Harald Norvik (Chairman), Jan Tore Berg-Knutsen, Erik Must and Olaug Svarva.
It follows from Article 7 of the Articles of Association and section 1 of the Nomination Committee Instructions that the Nomination Committee must make a recommendation to the Annual General Meeting regarding the election of members to next year's Nomination Committee and its chair.
The members of the Nomination Committee have agreed to re-election.
The candidates' experience and backgrounds are described on Veidekke's website (www.veidekke.com).
The Nomination Committee has reviewed the need for changes to the composition of the Nomination Committee and has in this context been in contact with various shareholders, the Board, and the management. The composition of the Nomination Committee must ensure that the interests of the community of shareholders are protected. The talks indicate that the composition of the Nomination Committee is accordingly appropriate. It is therefore the view of the Nomination Committee that there is no need to change the composition of the Nomination Committee.
Pursuant to Article 7 of the Articles of Association, the term of office is one year – i.e. until the following year's general meeting (the 2015 Annual General Meeting).
The Nomination Committee's recommendation is enclosed with the notice.
With reference to the statement above, the Nomination Committee proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolutions:
- 1. "Harald Norvik is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year."
- 2. "Jan Tore Berg-Knutsen is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year."
- 3. "Erik Must is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year."
- 4. "Olaug Svarva is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year."
- 5. "Harald Norvik is re-elected as chairman of the Nomination Committee."
The Board recommends that the fee for the members of the Nomination Committee be increased and proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolution:
"The fee for the Nomination Committee is set at NOK 36,000 (35,000) for the chair of the Nomination Committee and NOK 20,500 (20,000) for the other members of the Nomination Committee. Travel expenses shall also be covered for members who reside outside Oslo.
The remuneration and compensation will apply to the period 7 May 2014 to 5 May 2015."
12. Adoption of the Board's fees
The Nomination Committee proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolution:
"The fee for the Chairman of the Board shall be increased to NOK 462,500 (452,000), for the Deputy Chairman of the Board to NOK 282,000 (276,000), and for the members of the Board to NOK 234,000 (229,000). The fee for the Chairman of the Audit Committee shall be increased to NOK 75,000 (73,000), for the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee to NOK 59,000 (57,000), and for other committee members to NOK 48,000 (47,000).
In addition, travel expenses shall be covered for board members who reside outside Oslo. The remuneration and compensation will be calculated as previously, based on a 12-month term of office.
The remuneration and compensation will apply to the period 7 May 2014 to 5 May 2015."
13. Election to the Board
The Board of Directors of Veidekke ASA has nine members; six of whom are elected by the shareholders, and three of whom are elected by and from among the employees.
The shareholder-elected board members are elected each year. All of the shareholder-elected board members have been asked and are willing to stand for re-election.
In its work, the Nomination Committee has focused on Veidekke's need for expertise, capacity, versatility and continuity on the Board and has had contact with various shareholders, Board members and the President and CEO in this work. The Nomination Committee has been informed of the Board's evaluation of its own performance and finds that the Board functions well. The Nomination Committee has on the company's website invited the shareholders to submit Board candidate proposals.
On the basis of this and the view that continuity in the Board is important, the Nomination Committee proposes that all the board members be re-elected. Their experience and backgrounds are described on Veidekke's website (www.veidekke.com).
On this basis, the Nomination Committee proposes that
- Martin Mæland (born 1949) is re-elected for one year
- Gro Bakstad (born 1966) is re-elected for one year
- Annika Billström (born 1956) is re-elected for one year
- Hans von Uthmann (born 1958) is re-elected for one year
- Per Otto Dyb (born 1955) is re-elected for one year
- Ann Christin Gjerdseth (born 1966) is re-elected for one year
The Nomination Committee's recommendation to the Board is enclosed with the notice.
On this foundation, the Board recommends that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolutions:
- 1. "Martin Mæland is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
- 2. "Gro Bakstad is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
- 3. "Annika Billström is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
- 4. "Hans von Uthmann is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
- 5. "Per Otto Dyb is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
- 6. "Ann Christin Gjerdseth is re-elected as a board member for a period of one year"
The situation for the employee representatives on the Board is as follows:
For the representatives of the administrative staff:
Arve Fludal (born 1970) Up for election in 2017
For the representatives of the technical employees:
- Odd André Olsen (born 1961) Up for election in 2016
- Inge Ramsdal (born 1962) Up for election in 2016
Recommendation regarding election of the Chair of the Board
Section 6-1, subsection 2, of the Norwegian Public Limited Companies Act states that when a company does not have a corporate assembly, the board itself must elect its chair. Based on discussions with the largest shareholders, the Nomination Committee nevertheless finds it appropriate to advise the Board on the choice of chair and proposes that Martin Mæland be elected as Chairman of the Board.
14. Proposal for authorisation to the Board to perform capital increases
The Board aims to provide shareholders with good stock returns over time. The Board's ability to conduct capital increases without having to present them to the Annual General Meeting may in some cases be appropriate in connection with business combinations, in connection with employee share programmes and the event of investments in property. Pursuant to section 10-14 of the Norwegian Public Limited Companies Act, the Board therefore requests authorisation from the Annual General Meeting, which is an extension of the authorisation adopted on 7 May 2014.
The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolutions:
"1.) The Board is granted authorisation to increase the share capital by up to NOK 6.5 million in new share capital, divided into 13 million new shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.50 per share. The Board may agree to the share capital being settled through other forms of contribution than money. The Board shall set the issue price and may depart from the shareholder's preferential rights to new share issues pursuant to section 10-14 of the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act. The authorisation shall be valid until the next ordinary Annual General Meeting, and no later than 31 May 2016. The authorisation may be used for the following purposes:
1.1.) A share issue may be used when deemed necessary by the Board in connection with business combinations (in full or in part) against payment in shares.
1.2.) A share issue may be used when deemed necessary by the Board in connection with capital increases to benefit employees of Veidekke ASA, its fully or partly owned subsidiaries, and employees of collaborating companies or others.
1.3.) A share issue may be used when deemed necessary by the Board for investment in real property against payment in shares."
15. Proposal for authorisation to the Board to purchase the company's own shares The Board aims to provide the shareholders with good returns on their investment over time. The Board has in previous years been authorised to acquire own shares, including with a view to cancellation. Repurchase of own shares with subsequent cancellation will be a means of optimising the company's capital structure. In connection with business combinations, acquisition of own shares for subsequent use as a means of payment may constitute an appropriate instrument. Further, Veidekke's employee share programme is important for the development of the company, and sale of own shares may be an element in this.
The Board therefore requests authorisation to purchase the company's own shares.
The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolution:
1.) "Pursuant to section 9-4 of the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act, the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board to acquire the company's own shares at a total nominal value of up to NOK 6.5 million, corresponding to under 10% of Veidekke's share capital. The Board is free to choose the method to be used for the acquisition and sale. For one share with a nominal value of NOK 0.50, the company must pay a minimum of NOK 10.00, and a maximum of NOK 200.00. This authorisation shall be valid until the next ordinary Annual General Meeting, and no later than 31 May 2016. The authorisation may be used for the following purposes:
1.1.) Acquisition of the company's own shares for the purpose of subsequent cancellation.
1.2.) Acquisition of the company's own shares for the purpose of use as a means of payment in connection with business combinations.
1.3.) Acquisition of the company's own shares for the purpose of sale of the shares through Veidekke's employee share programme."
Notice to the shareholders
The company has 133,704,942 shares. Each share carries one vote. The company cannot exercise voting rights for shares that belong to the company itself.
Information about the Annual General Meeting and associated case documents has been published on the company's website: www.veidekke.com. It is stated there that shareholders have the right to consideration of items at the Annual General Meeting that they have reported in writing to the Board far enough in advance to be included in the notice of the meeting. Shareholders may receive the case documents by post free of charge by contacting Veidekke ASA, Postboks 505 Skøyen, NO-0214 Oslo.
Shareholders are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting, either in person or through a representative of their own choice. If the shareholder decides to send a representative, the representative must present a written and dated proxy. The proxy form is enclosed with the notice.
Shareholders participate in the Annual General Meeting either by attending in person or by sending a representative. Votes are conducted by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting voting on the proposals that have been presented. An open ballot is normally used. If a shareholder requests a written ballot, one will be held. The chair of the meeting is responsible for counting the votes.
The results from Q1 2015 will be announced at the Annual General Meeting.
Light refreshments will be served after the Annual General Meeting in adjacent premises.
Shareholders who plan to attend the Annual General Meeting in person or through a representative must notify the company's share registrar:
Nordea Bank Norge ASA, Issuer Services, Postboks 1166 Sentrum, NO-0107 Oslo Fax: +47 22 48 63 49
at the latest by 4 PM on Thursday, 30 April 2015.
Shareholders may also register via Veidekke's website (cannot be used to issue proxies), where they can also access the notice and associated case documents: www.veidekke.com.
Oslo, 13 April 2015
Martin Mæland Chairman of the Board (sign.)
Appendix to item 8
The Board's declaration on the principles for determining salaries and other remuneration for senior executives in the company
In accordance with section 6-16a of the Norwegian Public Limited Companies Act, the Board has written the following declaration on the principles for determining salaries and other remuneration for senior executives.
Senior executives means the President and CEO and the other members of the corporate management.
The company's policy for senior executive salaries in 2015
Salaries for the Group's corporate management are determined on the basis of information obtained from wage statistics and comparisons with other enterprises in the industry and other relevant enterprises. The company's strategy is to offer salaries that are competitive, but not above those of other similar companies. A bonus programme has been established under which the maximum payment is set at 30% of the annual salary. This is based on margin targets and target achievement in relation to agreed action plans. The bonus consists of two parts: the maximum bonus for achievement of financial results is 20% of the annual salary, while the maximum bonus linked to fulfilment of the targets in individual action plans is 10%. The bonus for achievement of financial results is based on defined margin targets, with half of the business leaders' bonus linked to the consolidated profit and the other half linked to the business unit's profit. The bonus for the heads of staff functions related to financial performance is based on the consolidated results. Veidekke's managers also participate in the company's employee share programme, where they are given the opportunity to purchase shares at a discount. Veidekke has no share option schemes.
Implemented management compensation policy for 2014 and effects for the company and the shareholders of agreements both entered into and revised
The salary adjustments in 2014 have been made in accordance with the declaration that was submitted to the Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2014. There have been no significant changes in the salary conditions for the Group's corporate management. For 2014 the company had a bonus scheme for the President and CEO and the corporate management with a maximum achievable bonus of 30% of their annual salary. The bonus is calculated on the basis of the company's and the individual business unit's results in terms of margin, as well as achievement of individual goals. Of the maximum bonus achievement of 30%, 20% was bonus linked to Group and business unit performance and 10% was bonus based on targets defined in individual action plans.
President and CEO
Veidekke has established a bonus scheme for the President and CEO with a maximum achievable bonus of 30% of his annual salary. 20% of the bonus is calculated based on the Group's results measured by profit margin, and 10% of the bonus is based on individual goals.
There is a 12 month mutual period of notice for the President and CEO. On termination of employment he is guaranteed a further 12 months' salary. If his contract is terminated by the company before he reaches the age of 60, he is also covered by an extended guarantee of 50% of his salary per year until he turns 60. A deduction will be made from this guaranteed salary for any salary or other remuneration he may receive from any new employers.
The President and CEO has a right to resign from his position on reaching the age of 64. The annual early retirement pension shall, from the date of retirement and until he reaches 67 years of age, account for 60% of the salary on retirement from the position of President and CEO. Any payments from the National Insurance, the early retirement scheme (AFP), collective insurance schemes and paid-up policies will be deducted from the guaranteed pension. A retirement pension will be paid for life from the age of 67. This life-long pension constitutes 60% of his salary above 12G. For salary up to 12G, a pension is earned in accordance with the ordinary pension scheme for employees in Norway. The annual early retirement and the retirement pension for salaries exceeding 12G are adjusted each year according to the annual increase in the consumer price index from the date of retirement. If Veidekke's annual pay settlement is lower than the annual increase in the consumer price index, this rate can be used as the basis for adjustment instead.
The President and CEO participates in Veidekke's employee share programme and purchased a total of 2,650 shares through the programme in 2014. This share programme is discussed in more detail in note 5. The Group does not have a share option scheme. Veidekke has granted a loan to the President and CEO for the purchase of Veidekke shares amounting to NOK 1.35 million at 31 December 2014. The loan is currently interest-free, is being repaid on an ongoing basis, and is secured by collateral in the shares. The interest-rate advantage has been reported to the tax authorities.
Corporate management
With one exception, members of the corporate management have employment contracts stipulating a mutual notice period of six months. Upon termination, they are guaranteed salary for a further 12 months. Salaries and other remuneration received from potential new employers will be deducted from the guaranteed salary.
Dag Andresen, Terje Larsen and Jørgen Wiese Porsmyr have the right to take early retirement from the age of 64. During the period from resignation to the age of 67, an annual pension will be paid equivalent to 60% of the pensionable salary on retirement from the position of executive vice president. A retirement pension will be paid for life from the age of 67 and will be the equivalent of 60% of the pensionable salary on retirement. The annual early retirement and retirement pension are adjusted each year according to the annual increase in the consumer price index from the date of retirement. If Veidekke's annual pay settlement is lower than the annual increase in the consumer price index, this rate can be used as the basis for adjustment instead. Any payments from the National Insurance, the early retirement scheme (AFP), collective insurance schemes and paid-up policies will be deducted from the guaranteed pension.
Per-Ingemar Persson has an individual agreement and will accordingly receive resignation compensation for 18 months in addition to the six-month notice period. He also has a pension agreement which enters into effect at the age of 60. From age 60 to 65, he will receive a pension equivalent to 70% of his salary. After the age of 65, his pension will come from a definedcontribution plan, to which Veidekke has paid 35% of his salary in annual premiums.
Hege Schøyen Dillner is entitled to retire at the age of 67 and will receive a pension in accordance with the ordinary pension scheme for employees in Norway. See note 21 for more information about Veidekke's pension arrangements.
The corporate management participates in Veidekke's employee share programme and purchased a total of 17,850 shares through the programme in 2014. This share programme is discussed in more detail in note 5. Veidekke has no share option schemes.
Veidekke has granted loans to members of the corporate management for the purchase of Veidekke shares amounting to NOK 4.2 million at 31 December 2014. Some of the loans are interest-free, and they are secured by collateral in the shares.
Appendix to item 11
Election of members to the Nomination Committee
Pursuant to Article 7 of the Articles of Association, the Nomination Committee must present a proposal to the Annual General Meeting regarding its election of members to next year's Nomination Committee and elect the chair of the Nomination Committee.
The Nomination Committee is elected for one year and has four members.
The 2014 Nomination Committee consisted of:
Harald Norvik, Chairman Jan Tore Berg-Knutsen Erik Must, and Olaug Svarva
All the members of the Nomination Committee have agreed to re-election.
The candidates' experience and backgrounds are described on Veidekke's website (www.veidekke.com).
All of the candidates have stated that they are able to assume the position of member of the Nomination Committee for 2015. None of the candidates sit on the Board of the company, and most of the candidates have no significant business or other relations with the Board or the company's management.
The Nomination Committee has reviewed the need for changes to the composition of the Nomination Committee and has in this context been in contact with various shareholders, the Board, and the management. The composition of the Nomination Committee must ensure that the interests of the community of shareholders are protected. The talks indicate that the composition of the Nomination Committee is accordingly appropriate. It is therefore the view of the Nomination Committee that there is no need to change the composition of the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee proposes that the Annual General Meeting pass the following resolutions:
-
- Harald Norvik is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year.
-
- Jan Tore Berg-Knutsen is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year.
-
- Erik Must is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year.
-
- Olaug Svarva is re-elected as a member of the Nomination Committee for one year.
-
- Harald Norvik is re-elected as chairman of the Nomination Committee.
Pursuant to Article 7 of the Articles of Association, the term of office is one year – i.e. until the following year's general meeting (the 2015 Annual General Meeting).
Oslo, 5 May 2015
___________________ Harald Norvik
Appendix to item 13
The Nomination Committee's recommendation to the Board of Veidekke ASA
The Board of Directors of Veidekke ASA has nine members; six of whom are elected by the shareholders, and three of whom are elected by and from among the employees. The Board has had the following shareholder-elected members since the 2014 Annual General Meeting:
- Martin Mæland (Chairman)
- Gro Bakstad
- Annika Billström
- Per Otto Dyb
- Ann Christin Gjerdseth
- Hans von Uthmann
All of the board members are elected each year. All of the board members have been asked and are willing to stand for re-election.
In its work, the Nomination Committee has focused on Veidekke's need for expertise, capacity, versatility and continuity on the Board and has had contact with various shareholders, Board members and the President and CEO in this work. The Nomination Committee has been informed of the Board's evaluation of its own performance and finds that the Board functions well. The Nomination Committee has on the company's website invited the shareholders to submit Board candidate proposals. On the basis of this and the view that continuity in the Board is important, the Nomination Committee proposes that all the board members be re-elected. Their experience and backgrounds are described on Veidekke's website (www.veidekke.com).
This means that the current Board composition is:
| | Martin Mæland (born 1949) | Re-elected for one year |
|---|---|---|
| | Gro Bakstad (born 1966) | Re-elected for one year |
| | Annika Billström (born 1956) | Re-elected for one year |
| | Hans von Uthmann (born 1958) | Re-elected for one year |
| | Per Otto Dyb (born 1955) | Re-elected for one year |
| | Ann Christin Gjerdseth (born 1966) | Re-elected for one year |
The situation for the employee representatives on the Board is as follows:
For the representatives of the administrative staff:
Arve Fludal (born 1970) Up for election in 2017
For the representatives of the technical employees:
| | Odd Andre Olsen (born 1961) | Up for election in 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| | Inge Ramsdal (born 1962) | Up for election in 2016 |
Recommendation regarding election of the Chair of the Board
Section 6-1, subsection 2, of the Norwegian Public Limited Companies Act states that when a company does not have a corporate assembly, the board itself must elect its chair. Based on discussions with the largest shareholders, the Nomination Committee nevertheless finds it appropriate to advise the Board on the choice of chair, and proposes that Martin Mæland be elected as Chairman of the Board.
Oslo, 5 May 2015 On behalf of the Nomination Committee
Harald Norvik Chairman of the Nomination Committee (sign.)
Jan Tore Berg Knutsen Erik Must Olaug Svarva (sign.) (sign.) (sign.)