Form: DEF 14A

Definitive proxy statements

April 23, 2018

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

 

 

Filed by the Registrant:   ☒                     Filed by a Party other than the Registrant:   ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

  Preliminary Proxy Statement
  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
  Definitive Proxy Statement
  Definitive Additional Materials
  Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

  No fee required.
  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
  (1)  

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

     

  (2)  

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

     

  (3)  

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

     

  (4)  

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

     

  (5)  

Total fee paid:

 

     

  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
  (1)  

Amount Previously Paid:

 

     

  (2)  

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

     

  (3)  

Filing Party:

 

     

  (4)  

Date Filed:

 

 

 

 


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.

Chesney House, 96 Pitts Bay Road,

Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda

NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

OF ATHENE HOLDING LTD.

 

 

Hamilton, Bermuda

April 23, 2018

Dear Shareholder:

Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of the holders of Class A and Class B common shares (the “Shareholders”) of Athene Holding Ltd. (“AHL” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company,” “our,” “us,” or “we”) is to be held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08, Bermuda on June 6, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. local time for the following purposes:

 

  1. to elect the directors of Athene Holding Ltd. named in the accompanying proxy statement;

 

  2. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene Life Re Ltd. (“ALRe”) named in the accompanying proxy statement;

 

  3. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd. named in the accompanying proxy statement;

 

  4. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene IP Holding Ltd. named in the accompanying proxy statement;

 

  5. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene IP Development Ltd. named in the accompanying proxy statement;

 

  6. to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), an independent registered accounting firm, as the Company’s independent auditor to serve until the close of the Company’s next annual general meeting in 2019;

 

  7. to refer the determination of the remuneration of PwC to the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company;

 

  8. to vote on a non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers (“Say on Pay”); and

 

  9. to approve the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws of the Company.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR each of Items 1 through 9. The Company will also present the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 at the annual general meeting pursuant to the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended, and Bye-law 78 of the Company’s Tenth Amended and Restated Bye-laws (the “Bye-laws”).

Only Shareholders of record, as shown by the Register of Shareholders and the records of Computershare and the Company at the close of business on April 16, 2018 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice and only those Shareholders as of the Record Date able to affirmatively make certain representations contained in the accompanying proxy card are entitled to vote at the annual general meeting. CERTAIN HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY’S CLASS A COMMON SHARES MAY NOT BE ENTITLED TO VOTE OR MAY HAVE THEIR VOTING RIGHTS LIMITED OR OTHERWISE ADJUSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYE-LAWS AND AS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYE-LAWS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RETAINS THE


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AUTHORITY, IN ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, TO DETERMINE WHETHER A HOLDER’S SHARES CARRY NO VOTING RIGHTS, REDUCED VOTING RIGHTS OR ADJUSTED VOTING RIGHTS. PLEASE SEE “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION” IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE VOTING RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO HOLDERS OF CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON SHARES, TO THE EXTENT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE.

The proxy statement and accompanying materials are first being made available to Shareholders on or about April 26, 2018.

Under Bermuda law, if an item set out in this Notice is no longer applicable at the time of the meeting, the Chairman of the meeting may decide not to put such resolution to a vote at the meeting.

YOU MAY COMPLETE YOUR PROXY BY INTERNET OR MAIL AS SET FORTH ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. PROXIES SUBMITTED BY THE INTERNET MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12:00 P.M., ATLANTIC DAYLIGHT TIME, ON JUNE 4, 2018. YOU MAY ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON. IF YOU LATER DESIRE TO REVOKE YOUR PROXY FOR ANY REASON, YOU MAY DO SO IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT. YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED PURSUANT TO THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN YOUR COMPLETED PROXY. IF YOU RETURN A SIGNED PROXY CARD AND NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” ITEMS 6 THROUGH 9.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual General Meeting to be Held on June 6, 2018: the proxy statement for Shareholders is also available at www.investorvote.com/ATH.

 

By order of the board of directors,

/s/ Natasha Scotland Courcy

Natasha Scotland Courcy
Corporate Secretary


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

   PAGE  
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PROXY PROCEDURES      1  

IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION

     3  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

     8  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     13  

MANAGEMENT

     22  

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

     29  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS      51  

PROPOSAL 1:

     65  

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

     65  

PROPOSAL 2:

     65  

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE LIFE RE LTD. AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE LIFE RE LTD.

     65  

PROPOSAL 3:

     65  

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE BERMUDA EMPLOYEE COMPANY LTD. AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE BERMUDA EMPLOYEE COMPANY LTD.

     65  

PROPOSAL 4:

     66  

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE IP HOLDING LTD. AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE IP HOLDING LTD.

     66  

PROPOSAL 5:

     67  

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE IP DEVELOPMENT LTD. AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE IP DEVELOPMENT LTD.

     67  

PROPOSAL 6:

     67  

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

     67  

PROPOSAL 7:

     67  

REMUNERATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

     67  

PROPOSAL 8:

     68  

SAY ON PAY VOTE

     68  

PROPOSAL 9:

     68  

APPROVAL OF ELEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY

     68  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MATTERS

     71  


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ATHENE HOLDING LTD.

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF HOLDERS OF CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON SHARES

TO BE HELD ON JUNE 6, 2018

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

AND PROXY PROCEDURES

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the board of directors of Athene Holding Ltd. (“AHL” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company,” “our,” “us,” or “we”) to be voted at the annual general meeting (“Annual General Meeting”) of holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B common shares (the “Shareholders” and the “Shares,” respectively) to be held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08, Bermuda on June 6, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Atlantic Daylight Time, and any adjournments thereof. This proxy statement and the accompanying materials are first being made available to Shareholders on or about April 26, 2018.

The Purpose of the Annual General Meeting

At the Annual General Meeting, the Shareholders will vote in person or by proxy on the following matters as set forth in the notice of the meeting:

 

  1. to elect the directors of Athene Holding Ltd. named in this proxy statement;

 

  2. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene Life Re Ltd. (“ALRe”) named in this proxy statement;

 

  3. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd. named in this proxy statement;

 

  4. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene IP Holding Ltd. named in this proxy statement;

 

  5. to authorize the election of the directors of Athene IP Development Ltd. named in this proxy statement;

 

  6. to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), an independent registered accounting firm, as the Company’s independent auditor to serve until the close of the Company’s next annual general meeting in 2019;

 

  7. to refer the determination of the remuneration of PwC to the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company;

 

  8. to vote on a non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers (“Say on Pay”); and

 

  9. to approve the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws of the Company.

Presentation of Financial Statements

In accordance with the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended, and Bye-law 78 of the Company’s Tenth Amended and Restated Bye-laws (the “Bye-laws”), the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States will be presented at the Annual General Meeting and will be made available not later than five (5) business days prior to the Annual General Meeting. The board of directors of the Company have approved these financial statements. There is no requirement under Bermuda law that these financial statements be approved by Shareholders, and no such approval will be sought at the Annual General Meeting.

 

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Shareholders Entitled to Vote at the Annual General Meeting

Shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 16, 2018 (the “Record Date”) that are eligible to vote will be entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting. As of April 16, 2018, there were 164,709,405 outstanding Class A common shares and 25,483,250 outstanding Class B common shares. Each Class A common share or Class B common share entitles the holder of record thereof to vote at the Annual General Meeting, subject to certain adjustments and limitations, including those set forth in the Company’s Bye-laws and as described herein under “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION—Adjustments to Voting Rights of Class A Common Shares” and “—Voting Rights of Class B Common SharesCERTAIN HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY’S CLASS A COMMON SHARES MAY NOT BE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYE-LAWS AND AS DESCRIBED HEREIN. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BYE-LAWS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RETAINS THE AUTHORITY, IN ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, TO DETERMINE WHETHER A HOLDER’S SHARES CARRY NO VOTING RIGHTS, REDUCED VOTING RIGHTS OR ADJUSTED VOTING RIGHTS. See “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION—Adjustments to Voting Rights of Class A Common Shares.”

 

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IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION

Voting Procedures; Quorum

You can ensure that your Shares are properly voted at the meeting by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card to Proxy Services, c/o Computershare Investor Services, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000. Shareholders may also complete their proxy via the internet in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card. Proxies submitted by the internet must be received by 12:00 p.m., Atlantic Daylight Time, on June 4, 2018.

A Shareholder has the right to appoint another person (who need not be a Shareholder) to represent the Shareholder at the Annual General Meeting by completing an alternative form of proxy which can be obtained from the Corporate Secretary or by notifying the Inspectors of Election. See “—Inspectors of Election” below. Every Shareholder entitled to vote has the right to do so either in person or by one or more persons authorized by a written proxy executed by such Shareholder and filed with the Corporate Secretary. Any proxy duly executed will continue in full force and effect unless revoked by the person executing it in writing or by the filing of a subsequent proxy. See “—Revocation of Proxies” below.

A Shareholder of record can vote their Shares at the Annual General Meeting by attending the meeting and completing a ballot or by proxy in one of two ways: (1) by dating, signing and completing the proxy card and returning it in accordance with the instructions provided on the proxy card; or (2) electronically via the internet as described in the proxy card. Proxy cards must be either returned by mail or electronically by 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Time on June 4, 2018.

Each of Items 1 through 7 to be voted upon at the Annual General Meeting requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total voting power attributable to all shares of the Company represented at the Annual General Meeting, in each case provided there is a quorum (consisting of Shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to cast a majority of the total votes attributable to all shares of the Company issued and outstanding). Shares owned by Shareholders electing to abstain from voting with respect to any proposal and “broker non-votes” will be counted towards the presence of a quorum but will not be considered votes cast with respect to matters to be voted upon at the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, abstentions and “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the outcome of the matters to be voted upon at the Annual General Meeting. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a nominee, such as a broker, holding Shares in “street name” for a beneficial owner, does not vote on a particular proposal because that nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to a proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. A Shareholder of Shares held in “street name” that would like to instruct their broker how to vote their Shares should follow the directions provided by their broker.

Item 8 to be voted upon at the Annual General Meeting is an advisory vote, and the result will not be binding. However, our compensation committee will consider the outcome of the vote in Item 8 when evaluating the effectiveness of our compensation principles and in connection with its compensation decisions. Shares owned by Shareholders electing to abstain from voting with respect to Item 8 and “broker non-votes” will be counted towards the presence of a quorum but will not be considered votes cast. Therefore, abstentions and “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the outcome of Item 8.

Pursuant to Bye-law 82 of the Bye-laws, provided there is a quorum, approval of Item 9 requires (a) the majority of the total voting power attributable to all shares of the Company represented at the Annual General Meeting voting FOR Item 9, and (b) the majority of the total outstanding Class B common shares voting FOR Item 9, voting as a separate class from the Class A common shares. With respect to requirement (b) above, abstentions and “broker non-votes” by a holder of Class B common shares shall have the same effect as if such holder voted AGAINST Item 9. If either of the conditions specified in (a) or (b) in the preceding sentence is not satisfied, the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws shall not be deemed approved.

 

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If you hold your Shares through a broker, bank or other financial institution, in order for your vote to be counted on any matter, you must provide specific voting instructions to your broker, bank or financial institution by following your broker, bank or financial institution’s instructions for completing and returning the proxy card to your broker, bank or financial institution or following your broker, bank or financial institution’s instructions to vote your Shares via the Internet. Voting deadlines vary by institution. Please check with your broker, bank or other financial institution for the voting cut-off date for the Annual General Meeting.

Revocation of Proxies

Any Shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it prior to its exercise by: (1) giving notice of such revocation in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at Athene Holding Ltd., Chesney House, 96 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda; (2) by attending and voting in person at the Annual General Meeting; or (3) by executing a subsequent proxy, provided that any such action is taken in sufficient time to permit the necessary examination and tabulation of the subsequent proxy or revocation before the votes are taken. Sending in a signed proxy will not affect your right to attend the meeting and vote. If a Shareholder attends the meeting and votes in person, any previously submitted proxy will be considered revoked. If a Shareholder holds their Shares in “street name” by a broker and has directed its broker to vote its Shares, such Shareholder should instruct its broker to change its vote or obtain a proxy to vote its Shares if such Shareholder wishes to cast its vote in person at the Annual General Meeting.

Adjustments to Voting Rights of Class A Common Shares

The Bye-laws generally provide that Shareholders are entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all annual general and special meetings of Shareholders with respect to matters on which Class A common shares are eligible to vote. The Class A common shares collectively represent 55% of the total voting power of all of the Shares, subject to certain voting restrictions and adjustments described below. This allocation of 55% of the total voting power to the Class A common shares applies regardless of the number of Class A common shares that may be issued and outstanding.

In general, the Bye-laws provide that the board of directors may determine that certain shares shall carry no voting rights or shall have reduced voting rights to the extent that it reasonably determines that it is necessary to do so to avoid any adverse tax consequences to the Company or, upon the request of certain Shareholders, to avoid adverse regulatory consequences to such Shareholder. In addition, the board of directors has the authority under the Bye-laws to request information from any Shareholder for the purpose of determining whether a Shareholder’s voting rights are to be adjusted pursuant to the Bye-laws. IF A SHAREHOLDER FAILS TO RESPOND TO ANY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OR SUBMITS INCOMPLETE OR INACCURATE INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY THE COMPANY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, IN ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, MAY REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE SHAREHOLDER’S VOTING RIGHTS.

The Bye-laws also include several specific restrictions and adjustments to the voting power of the Class A common shares. If a holder is subject to the restrictions described below, their Class A common shares may be deemed to be non-voting or the voting power attributable to such Class A common shares may be reduced or otherwise adjusted. Such restrictions depend on the identity and characteristics of the holder of the shares as of the Record Date; for example, Class A common shares that are deemed non-voting for the 2018 Annual General Meeting may be entitled to vote at a later meeting of Shareholders as a result of a subsequent transfer to a different holder. The specific Class A common share voting restrictions are as follows:

 

  •  

Class A common shares shall be deemed non-voting if the Shareholder (or any person related to the Shareholder within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) or to whom the ownership of such Shareholder’s shares is attributed under Section 958 of the Code, each, a “Tax-Attributed Affiliate”) (1) owns, directly indirectly or constructively, Class B common shares,

 

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(2) owns, directly, indirectly or constructively, an equity interest in Apollo Global Management, LLC (“AGM” and together with its affiliates, “Apollo”) or AP Alternative Investments, L.P. (“AAA”) or (3) is a member of the Apollo Group (defined below) at which time any member of the Apollo Group holds Class B common shares.

 

  •   The voting power of those Class A common shares that are entitled to vote shall be adjusted so that no Shareholder or Tax-Attributed Affiliate (other than a member of the Apollo Group, defined below) holds more than 9.9% of the total voting power of common shares. “Apollo Group” means, (A) AGM, (B) AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P., (C) any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle whose general partner or managing member is owned, directly or indirectly, by AGM or by one or more of AGM’s subsidiaries, (D) BRH Holdings GP, Ltd. and its shareholders, and (E) any affiliate of a person described in clauses (A), (B), (C) or (D) above; provided, none of the Company or its subsidiaries, nor any person employed by the Company, its subsidiaries or Athene Asset Management, LLC (“AAM”), shall be deemed to be a member of the Apollo Group. For avoidance of doubt, any person managed by AGM or one or more of AGM’s subsidiaries pursuant to a managed account agreement (or similar arrangement) without AGM or by one or more of AGM’s subsidiaries controlling such person as a general partner or managing member shall not be part of the Apollo Group.

 

  •   The aggregate votes conferred by the shares held by employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, employees of AAM and employees of the Apollo Group may constitute collectively no more than 3% of the total voting power of the Company.

The amount of any reduction in voting power that occurs by operation of the adjustments described above will generally be allocated proportionately among all other Class A common shares entitled to vote. If such reallocation in turn triggers one of the adjustments described above, the adjustments will be reapplied serially until additional adjustments are not necessary.

THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD CONTAINS REQUIRED REPRESENTATIONS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR CLASS A COMMON SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO THE ADJUSTMENTS DESCRIBED ABOVE. A FAILURE TO COMPLETE THESE REQUIRED REPRESENTATIONS MAY RENDER YOUR SHARES INELIGIBLE FOR VOTING.

Restrictions on Holding Class A Common Shares

The Bye-laws also contain certain restrictions on holders of Class A common shares. Bye-law 5.1 provides that no Shareholder (including certain affiliates and related persons) may:

 

  •   acquire any interests in AAA or AGM;

 

  •   knowingly permit itself to be (directly or indirectly) insured or reinsured by any subsidiary of the Company or any ceding company specified in Schedules 1 and 2 to this proxy statement, if such Shareholder is a “United States shareholder” of the Company within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code;

 

  •   knowingly permit itself (or to its actual knowledge, any direct or indirect beneficial owner of itself) to own (directly, indirectly or constructively under Section 958 of the Code) stock of the Company possessing more than 50% of the total voting power or total value of the Company; or

 

  •   make any investment or enter into a transaction that, to the actual knowledge of such Shareholder at the time such person becomes bound to make the investment or enter into the transaction, would cause such person to own (directly, indirectly or constructively within the meaning of Section 958 of the Code) stock of the Company possessing more than 50% of the total voting power or total value of the Company.

 

 

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Voting Rights of Class B Common Shares

The Class B common shares represent, in aggregate, 45% of the total voting power of the Shares, subject to certain adjustments that are described below and in our Bye-laws. Generally, only members of the Apollo Group may own Class B common shares. If AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P. holds a majority of the Class B common shares, the cumulative vote of the Class B common shares would be cast based on the vote of the majority of the Class B common shares. In this instance, because the Class B common shares vote as a single block and generally can only be held by members of the Apollo Group, Apollo would control the voting power of the Class B common shares. As of March 5, 2018, AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P. ceased to hold a majority of the Class B common shares.

Because AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P. no longer holds a majority of the Class B common shares, the Bye-laws provide that the voting power of the Class B common shares shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among all holders of Class B common shares, provided that if certain conditions are met (described in detail in Bye-Law 4.2(b)(iii) and defined therein as a “Class B Adjustment Condition”) then the voting power of Class B common shares shall be adjusted as follows:

 

  (1) First, the voting power of the Class B common shares directly held by the Shareholder(s) (i) with the highest Relative Class B Ownership Percentage (as defined in the Bye-laws) as of such time and (ii) whose Class B common shares have voting power as of such time (the “Adjustment Shareholder(s)”) that are attributable to the Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person (as defined in the Bye-laws) shall be reduced (but not below zero (0)) until the Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met or such Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person is no longer a Class B 9.9% U.S. Person (taking into account any reallocation of voting power pursuant to clause (2) below), whichever requires the smallest reduction in voting power.

 

  (2) Second, the aggregate voting power reduced in clause (1) above shall be reallocated pro rata among the Class B common shares directly held by all other Shareholders.

 

  (3) Third, the adjustments described in clause (1) above and the reallocation described in clause (2) above shall be reapplied serially to the next Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person until the Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met.

 

  (4) Any excess voting power that cannot be reallocated pursuant to clauses (1), (2) and (3) above shall be transferred pursuant to the Bye-laws, and thereafter clause (3) above shall not apply.

Pursuant to the Bye-laws, the pro rata reallocation of voting power of the Class B common shares provided for above shall not be permitted to the extent such reallocation would cause (i) a U.S. Person to become a Class B 9.9% U.S. Person (determined after such reallocation) or (ii) the Voting Ratio (as defined below) with respect to any Class B Common Share to be greater than fifteen (15). Any voting power that cannot be reallocated on a pro rata basis among all of the Class B common shares directly held by all other Shareholders due to the reallocation discussed above shall nonetheless be reallocated to such shares to the maximum extent possible without violating the limitations described herein. “Voting Ratio” means, with respect to any share in the Company, a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the percentage of the total voting power represented by such share and (ii) the denominator of which is a fraction (expressed as a percentage) (a) the numerator of which is the value of that share and (b) the denominator of which is the total value of all outstanding shares in the Company.

If after providing for the reduction of voting power as set forth herein, clause (1) of the Class B Adjustment Condition continues to be met, the total voting power of the Class B common shares shall be reduced (and the total voting power of the Class A common shares correspondingly increased) until such Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met, unless all Affected Class B Shareholders (as defined in the Bye-laws) agree otherwise.

 

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Inspectors of Election

Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000, United States of America, has been appointed as Inspectors of Election for the Annual General Meeting. Representatives of Computershare will be available during the Annual General Meeting to facilitate the voting of ballots and determine the results of the vote.

Availability of Proxy Materials

Proxy materials for the Annual General Meeting, including the Notice of 2018 Annual General Meeting and this proxy statement are available online for viewing and downloading at: www.investorvote.com/ATH.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 2018 regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A common shares and our Class B common shares by (1) each person or group who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding Class A common shares or our Class B common shares (including any securities convertible or exchangeable within 60 days into Class A common shares or Class B common shares, as applicable), (2) each of our named executive officers (“NEOs”), (3) each of our directors and (4) all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership for the purposes of the following table is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if such person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting thereof, or to dispose or direct the disposition thereof or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days. Our Class B common shares are convertible into Class A common shares at any time at the option of the holder, with prior notice to the Company, on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, for the purposes of this table each holder of Class B common shares is deemed to be the beneficial owner of an equal number of Class A common shares (in addition to any other Class A common shares beneficially owned by such holder), which is reflected in the table entitled “Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership” under the columns “Number of Shares” and “Percent” for the Class A common shares. In addition, the voting power of our shareholders may be restricted or adjusted as described in “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION” above. Additionally, in some cases, certain Class A common shares may be deemed non-voting. See “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION—Adjustments to Voting Rights of Class A Common Shares.” See “—Voting Power” for an illustration of the voting power of certain shareholders who beneficially own more than 5% of our Class A common shares and Class B common shares. Such illustration includes shareholders who may own non-voting Class A common shares who, to our knowledge, beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding Class A common shares and Class B common shares.

 

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To our knowledge, each person named in the table below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the Class A common shares, Class B common shares and Class M common shares convertible into Class A common shares within 60 days shown as beneficially owned by such person, except as otherwise set forth in the notes to the table and pursuant to applicable community property laws. Unless otherwise indicated in the table or footnotes below, the address for each officer and director listed in the table is c/o Athene Holding Ltd., Chesney House, First Floor, 96 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda.

 

     Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership  
     Class A Common Shares
Beneficially Owned(1)
    Class B
Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
 
     Number of
Shares
     Percent(2)     Number of
Shares
     Percent  

Apollo Holders(3)(4)

     19,781,377        10.4     19,781,377        77.6

The Vanguard Group(5)

     9,296,432        5.6     —          —    

Executive Officers and Directors

          

James R. Belardi(6)

     5,226,249        3.1     —          —    

William J. Wheeler(7)

     1,591,951        *       —          —    

Grant Kvalheim(8)

     2,223,845        1.3     —          —    

Martin P. Klein(9)

     163,536        *       —          —    

Frank Gillis(10)

     1,416,179        *       —          —    

Marc Rowan(11)

     1,681,075        1.0     1,681,075        6.6

Marc Beilinson(12)

     59,106        *       —          —    

Gernot Lohr(13)

     1,672,719        1.0     —          —    

Matthew R. Michelini(14)

     128,267        *       —          —    

Robert Borden(15)

     51,003        *       —          —    

Hope Taitz(16)

     64,245        *       —          —    

Lawrence J. Ruisi(17)

     51,645        *       —          —    

Dr. Manfred Puffer(18)

     1,219        *       —          —    

H. Carl McCall(19)

     7,367        *       —          —    

Brian Leach(20)

     7,357        *       —          —    

Arthur Wrubel(21)

     7,367        *       —          —    

Fehmi Zeko(22)

     —          —       —          —    

All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons)(23)

     14,409,305        8.4     1,681,075        6.6

 

* Represents less than 1%.
(1) Class M common shares are subject to time- or performance-based vesting and once vested are convertible into Class A common shares. The number of Class M common shares included in the table represents the number of Class M common shares that vest as of May 30, 2018, the date that is 60 days after March 31, 2018. We assume for purposes of the table that Class M common shares convert into Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis.
(2) The percentage of beneficial ownership of our Class A common shares is based on 164,722,131 Class A common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018.
(3) Consists of shares held of record by the following members of the Apollo Group (the “Apollo Holders”): 605,555 Class B common shares held of record by AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P., 80,096 Class B common shares held of record by Apollo Palmetto Advisors, L.P., 17,350,643 Class B common shares held of record by Apollo Principal Holdings III, L.P., 43,327 Class B common shares held of record by AAA Associates, L.P., 1,569,625 Class B common shares held of record by AAA Holdings, L.P., one Class B common share held of record by Athene Asset Management, LLC and 132,130 Class B common shares that have been granted to employees of Athene Asset Management, LLC and are held of record by Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. as custodian. The percentage of beneficial ownership of the Class A common shares above assumes the conversion of all 25,483,250 Class B common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 into Class A common shares.

AAA Investments, L.P. is the general partner of AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P. AAA Associates, L.P. is the general partner of AAA Investments, L.P. AAA MIP Limited is the general partner of AAA Associates, L.P. Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P. provides investment services to AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P., AAA Investments, L.P., AAA Associates, L.P. and AAA MIP Limited. Apollo International Management, L.P. is the managing general partner of Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P. Apollo International Management GP, LLC is the general partner of Apollo International Management, L.P. AAA Holdings GP, Ltd. is the general partner of AAA Holdings, L.P.

 

 

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Apollo Palmetto Management, LLC is the general partner of Apollo Palmetto Advisors, L.P. Apollo Principal Holdings IV, L.P. is the sole member of Apollo Palmetto Management, LLC. Apollo Principal Holdings IV GP, Ltd. is the general partner of Apollo Principal Holdings IV, L.P.

The sole member of Athene Asset Management LLC is AAM Holdings, L.P. The general partner of AAM Holdings, L.P. is AAM GP Ltd. The sole shareholder of AAM GP Ltd. is Apollo Life Asset Ltd. Apollo Capital Management, L.P. is the sole shareholder of Apollo Life Asset Ltd. The general partner of Apollo Capital Management, L.P is Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC. Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. is the sole member and manager of Apollo International Management GP, LLC and Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC, and the sole shareholder of AAA Holdings GP, Ltd. Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC is the general partner of Apollo Management Holdings, L.P.

Apollo Principal Holdings III GP, Ltd. is the general partner of Apollo Principal Holdings III L.P.

Leon Black, Joshua Harris and Marc Rowan are executive officers and the managers or directors of Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC, Apollo Principal Holdings III GP, Ltd. and Apollo Principal Holdings IV GP, Ltd. and as such may be deemed to have voting and dispositive control of the shares of Athene common shares that are held by the Apollo Holders.

 

(4) The address of each of Apollo Principal Holdings III, L.P., Apollo Principal Holdings III GP, Ltd., Apollo Principal Holdings IV, L.P., Apollo Principal Holdings IV GP, Ltd., AAM GP Ltd., and Apollo Life Asset Ltd.is c/o Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Center, 27 Hospital Road, Georgetown, KY1-9008, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The address of AAA Investments, L.P., Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P., and Apollo Palmetto Management, LLC is One Manhattanville Road, Suite 201, Purchase, New York 10577. The address of AAA Associates, L.P., AAA MIP Limited, AAA Holdings, L.P. and AAA Holdings GP Limited is Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, GY1 3QL, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands. The address of Athene Asset Management LLC and AAM Holdings, L.P. is 2121 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 5300, El Segundo, CA 90245. The address of each of Apollo Palmetto Advisors, L.P., AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P., Apollo International Management, L.P., Apollo International Management GP, LLC, Apollo Capital Management, L.P., Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC, Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. and Apollo Management Holdings, GP, LLC, and Messrs. Black, Harris and Rowan is 9 West 57th Street, 43rd Floor, New York, New York 10019.
(5) The number of shares listed for The Vanguard Group is based on the Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group on February 9, 2018.
(6) Consists of (1) 929,479 Class A common shares held of record by the James and Leslie Belardi Family Trust, (2) 1,750 Class A common shares held of record by the Belardi Family Irrevocable Trust, (3) options to acquire 107,855 Class A common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 and (4) 4,187,166 Class M common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 which are convertible into Class A common shares. Excludes 69,986 restricted Class A common shares, 97,077 Class A restricted stock units and options to acquire 153,346 Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018. Mr. Belardi disclaims beneficial ownership of all common shares of Athene held by the Belardi Family Irrevocable Trust and the members of the Apollo Group.
(7) Consists of (1) 369,147 Class A common shares, (2) options to acquire 56,137 Class A common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 and (3) 1,166,667 Class M common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 which are convertible into Class A common shares. Excludes 23,414 restricted Class A common shares, 53,093 Class A restricted stock units, options to acquire 87,720 Class A common shares and 1,333,333 Class M common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(8) Consists of (1) 432,194 Class A common shares held of record by Grant Kvalheim April 2014 GRAT, (2) 37,150 Class A common shares held of record by Grant Kvalheim 2009 Children’s GST Exempt Trust-DK, (3) 37,150 Class A common shares held of record by Grant Kvalheim 2009 Children’s GST Exempt Trust-LK, (4) 37,150 Class A common shares held of record by Grant Kvalheim 2009 Children’s GST Exempt Trust-MK, (5) 1,540,746 Class A common shares held of record by Grant Kvalheim individually, (6) options to acquire 31,811 Class A common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 and (7) 107,644 Class M common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 which are convertible into Class A common shares. Excludes 13,268 restricted Class A common shares, 30,087 Class A restricted stock units, options to acquire 49,709 Class A common shares and 234,667 Class M common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(9) Consists of (1) 68,092 Class A common shares, (2) options to acquire 30,278 Class A common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 and (3) 65,166 Class M common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 which are convertible into Class A common shares. Excludes 15,609 restricted Class A common shares, 31,100 Class A restricted stock units, options to acquire 54,908 Class A common shares and 138,667 Class M common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(10) Consists of (1) 284,572 Class A common shares held of record by Mr. Gillis individually, (2) 20,000 Class A common shares held of record by an individual retirement account in the name of Mr. Gillis, (3) options to acquire 22,454 Class A common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 and (4) 1,089,153 Class M common shares vested as of May 30, 2018 (of which 400,000 are held of record by the Gillis Family Trust u/a/d/ 12/30/14) which are convertible into Class A common shares. Excludes 25,000 Class M common shares held by a foundation managed by Mr. Gillis’ wife, 9,366 restricted Class A common shares, 21,238 Class A restricted stock units, options to acquire 35,089 Class A common shares and 107,667 Class M common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018. 273,588 Class A common shares owned by Mr. Gillis have been pledged as security to a financial institution.
(11) Consists of Class B common shares held by entities directly or indirectly controlled by Mr. Rowan. Mr. Rowan disclaims beneficial ownership of all interests in AAA, which is a limited partner of AAA Investments, L.P., Class B common shares owned by the Apollo Holders or any entities that he directly or indirectly controls, or that may be beneficially owned by any entities directly or indirectly controlled by Mr. Rowan, the Apollo Holders or any other members of the Apollo Group, AAA or any entities directly or indirectly controlled by Mr. Rowan. Mr. Rowan does not have the power to vote or dispose of any Athene common shares that may from time to time be held by AAA and therefore is not deemed to beneficially own such shares.
(12) Excludes 14,532 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.

 

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(13) Mr. Lohr disclaims beneficial ownership of all common shares of Athene held of record or beneficially owned by the Apollo Holders or any other member of the Apollo Group. In addition to his ownership of our Class A common shares, Mr. Lohr also owns interests in AAA, which is a limited partner of AAA Investments, L.P. Mr. Lohr does not have the power to vote or dispose of any Athene common shares that may be held from time to time by AAA and therefore is not deemed to beneficially own such shares. 1,103,589 Class A common shares owned by Mr. Lohr have been pledged as security to a financial institution.
(14) Mr. Michelini disclaims beneficial ownership of all common shares of Athene held of record or beneficially owned by the Apollo Holders or any other member of the Apollo Group. Mr. Michelini owns interests in AAA, which is a limited partner of AAA Investments, L.P. Mr. Michelini does not have the power to vote or dispose of any Athene common shares that may be held from time to time by AAA and therefore is not deemed to beneficially own such shares.
(15) Consists of (1) 37,147 Class A common shares held of record by PENSCO Trust Co. Custodian FBO Robert L. Borden IRA and (2) 13,856 Class A common shares held of record by Mr. Borden individually. Excludes 14,455 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(16) Excludes 15,157 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(17) Excludes 14,624 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(18) Excludes 14,509 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(19) Excludes 13,378 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(20) Excludes 13,358 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(21) Excludes 13,378 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(22) Excludes 2,142 restricted Class A common shares which are unvested as of May 30, 2018.
(23) Totals include restricted common shares and options which have vested or will vest as of May 30, 2018.

Voting Power

The following table sets forth the voting power as of March 31, 2018 of each person or group who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% in voting power of our outstanding Class A common shares and Class B common shares (including any securities convertible or exchangeable within 60 days into Class A common shares or Class B common shares, as applicable).

The aggregate and respective voting power of our Class A common shares and Class B common shares is determined in accordance with our Bye-laws. The Class A common shares collectively represent 55% of the total voting power of our common shares and the Class B common shares represent, in aggregate, 45% of the total voting power of our common shares, each subject to certain adjustments, as described in “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION” above.

The voting rights exercisable by Class A shareholders other than Apollo are limited so that certain persons or groups (other than the Apollo Group) (“Control Groups”) are deemed not to hold more than 9.9% of the total voting power conferred by our shares. The percentage reduction of votes that occurs by operation of the foregoing limitation will generally be reallocated proportionately among other Class A common shareholders who are not members of these groups so long as such reallocation does not cause a Control Group to hold more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our shares. In addition, certain Class A common shares may be deemed non-voting when owned by a shareholder if such shareholder (or certain of its affiliates) (1) owns, directly, indirectly or constructively, Class B common shares, (2) owns, directly, indirectly or constructively, an equity interest in AGM or AAA or (3) is a member of the Apollo Group at which time any member of the Apollo Group holds Class B common shares, subject to certain exceptions. As such, certain of our Class A common shareholders hold voting shares, but such shares are non-voting when being held by such holder due to these restrictions. If such holder sold any such shares to another holder that would not be subject to these restrictions, such Class A common shares would be voting shares.

 

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Pursuant to our bye-laws, the total voting power of Class A common shares held by members of our management and employees of the Apollo Group that are shareholders is limited to 3% of the total voting power of our common shares.

 

     Number of Class A
Common Shares
Owned
     Number of Class B
Common Shares
Owned
     Number of Shares
Owned
     Percent of Total
Outstanding Class
A Common Shares
and Class B
Common Shares
Owned
    Total Voting Power
of Class A Common
Shares and Class B
Common Shares
Taken Together(1)
 

Apollo Holders

     —          19,781,377        19,781,377        10.4     34.9

 

(1) The Class B common shares represent, in aggregate, 45% of the total voting power of our common shares, subject to certain adjustments. Because AAA Guarantor—Athene, L.P. no longer holds a majority of the Class B common shares, the Bye-laws provide that the voting power of the Class B common shares shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among all holders of Class B common shares, subject to certain adjustments. See “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION—Voting Rights of Class B Common Shares” above. The voting power percentage set forth in the table does not take into account the impact of any such adjustments.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors currently consists of 13 members. Five of our directors are employees of or consultants to Apollo or its affiliates (including Mr. Belardi, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, who is also Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of AAM). We believe that it is appropriate, given the nature of our business, that the offices of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman have been vested in the same person.

Under our Bye-laws, our board of directors will consist of not less than two and not more than 17 directors. Our board size is currently set at 13 members. If there is a vacancy on our board of directors due to the death, disability, disqualification, removal or resignation of a director, or there is an increase in the number of our directors or a failure to elect a director at a shareholder meeting, the board of directors may appoint any person as a member of the board of directors on an interim basis until the next annual general meeting provided that such person has been approved by a majority of the nominating and corporate governance committee. At the next annual general meeting, the newly appointed director will be put to a shareholder vote. Persons appointed by the board of directors to fill vacancies must be approved by a majority of the board of directors.

Director Independence

Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Beilinson, Borden, Leach, McCall, Ruisi, Wrubel and Zeko do not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors meet the independence requirements of the NYSE listing rules. Consequently, a majority of our directors are independent directors. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director and non-Apollo director has with our Company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our common shares by such director and any transactions involving them described under “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” herein.

On February 24, 2018, our board of directors determined that Ms. Taitz did not meet the independence requirements of the NYSE listing rules. As a result, our board of directors elected to replace Ms. Taitz on the nominating and corporate governance committee and the audit committee with Mr. Beilinson and Mr. Borden, respectively. Also on February 24, 2018, Mr. Arthur Wrubel, an independent director on our board of directors, was appointed by the board of directors to be the chairperson of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Ms. Taitz resigned from her position as Lead Independent Director of the board of directors and the board of directors appointed Mr. Beilinson as the Lead Independent Director, each effective as of February 24, 2018. Ms. Taitz remained in her position as a member of the conflicts committee and was subsequently appointed as a member of the risk committee. Mr. Zeko, an independent director on our board of directors, was appointed to the board of directors on March 2, 2018.

The NYSE rules require that our audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees be comprised exclusively of independent directors within one year of the effectiveness of the registration statement for our initial public offering. During 2017, (1) Mr. Rowan was a member of our compensation committee; and (2) Mr. Michelini was a member of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Rowan resigned from the compensation committee and Mr. Michelini resigned from the nominating and corporate governance committee, each effective as of December 6, 2017. Neither Mr. Rowan nor Mr. Michelini met or meets the independence requirements of the NYSE rules. Ms. Taitz was a member of our audit committee

 

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and our nominating and corporate governance committee during 2017. Ms. Taitz resigned from these committees, effective February 24, 2018. Mr. Beilinson and Mr. Borden were appointed as a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the audit committee, respectively, on February 24, 2018. Following the foregoing resignations and appointments, all members of the respective committees were, and continue to be, independent directors.

Board Meetings and Committees; Attendance at Annual General Meeting

The board of directors held five meetings in 2017. During 2017, the audit committee met ten times, the compensation committee met four times, the nominating and corporate governance committee met four times, the risk committee met four times, the executive committee did not meet and the conflicts committee met eight times. Each director attended at least 75% of his or her board and committee meetings other than Mr. Michelini.

Four directors of the Company attended the 2017 annual general meeting. As a public company, the Company encourages directors to use best efforts to attend all annual general meetings.

Classified Board of Directors

Our Bye-laws provide for our board of directors to be divided into three classes with members of each class serving staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual general meeting of Shareholders, with directors in other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Our current directors are divided among the three classes as follows:

 

  •   our Class I directors are Messrs. Belardi, Michelini, Leach, Lohr and Rowan and their terms will expire at our annual general meeting to be held in 2019;

 

  •   our Class II directors are Messrs. Wrubel, Ruisi and Zeko and Ms. Taitz and, subject to the paragraph below regarding Mr. Zeko, their terms will expire at our Annual General Meeting to be held in 2020; and

 

  •   our Class III directors are Messrs. Borden, McCall and Beilinson and Dr. Puffer and their terms will expire at our annual general meeting to be held in 2018.

Mr. Zeko has been appointed to the board of directors subject to being nominated and elected by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. If elected at the Annual General Meeting, Mr. Zeko will be a Class II director whose term will expire at our annual general meeting to be held in 2020.

Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors.

The classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control of our Company.

Lead Independent Director

Ms. Taitz served as Lead Independent Director during 2017 through February 24, 2018 when Mr. Beilinson was appointed as Lead Independent Director. In this role, the Lead Independent Director, among other things, presides at executive sessions of the independent directors, serves as liaison between the chairman and the independent directors, reviews board meeting schedules and agendas, reviews information sent to the board and is authorized to call meetings of the independent directors.

 

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Committees of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors has the authority to appoint committees to perform certain management and administration functions. Our board of directors has six standing committees: audit, compensation, nominating and corporate governance, conflicts, executive and risk. The table below shows the membership for each of the board of directors’ standing committees.

 

Audit Committee

 

Compensation

Committee

 

Conflicts Committee

Lawrence J. Ruisi (Chair)*

  Marc Beilinson (Chair)*   Marc Beilinson*

Brian Leach*

  H. Carl McCall*   Robert Borden*

Robert Borden*

  Arthur Wrubel*   Hope Taitz

Executive Committee

 

Nominating and Corporate

Governance Committee

 

Risk Committee

James R. Belardi

  Arthur Wrubel (Chair)*   Manfred Puffer (Chair)

Marc Rowan

  Marc Beilinson*   Robert Borden*

Matthew Michelini

  H. Carl McCall*   Matthew Michelini
    Lawrence J. Ruisi*
    Brian Leach*
   

Hope Taitz

 

* Independent director for purposes of the NYSE corporate governance listing requirements.

Audit Committee

The audit committee’s duties include, but are not limited to, assisting the board of directors with its oversight and monitoring responsibilities regarding:

 

  •   the integrity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and financial and accounting processes;

 

  •   compliance with the audit, internal accounting and internal controls requirements by AHL and its subsidiaries;

 

  •   the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance;

 

  •   related party transactions other than transactions between AHL and its subsidiaries and Apollo and its affiliates (other than AHL and its subsidiaries) and other related party transactions ancillary thereto that are required to be reviewed by the conflicts committee or by the disinterested directors on our board of directors as described under “—Conflicts Committee” below, or are expressly exempt from such review under our internal policies;

 

  •   the performance of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting (including monitoring and reporting by subsidiaries) and the function of the Company’s internal audit department;

 

  •   the Company’s legal and regulatory compliance and ethical standards;

 

  •   procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints regarding accounting, internal controls over financial reporting or auditing matters and to receive confidential and anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; and

 

  •   the review of the Company’s financial disclosure and public filings.

Our audit committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Leach, Ruisi and Borden. Mr. Ruisi is the chair of the audit committee. Ms. Taitz served on the audit committee during 2017 and resigned from the committee

 

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effective February 24, 2018. The board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Ruisi, Leach and Borden meet the independence requirements of the NYSE rules and the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The board of directors has determined that each member of our audit committee meets the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. The chair of our audit committee, Mr. Ruisi, is an independent director and an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our board of directors has approved a written charter under which the audit committee will operate. A copy of the charter of our audit committee is available on our principal corporate website at www.athene.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures of the Audit Committee

The audit committee has adopted procedures for pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent auditor. The audit committee will, on an annual basis, review and pre-approve the audit, review, attestation and permitted non-audit services to be provided during the next audit cycle by the Company’s independent auditor. To the extent practicable, the audit committee will also review and approve a budget for such services. Services proposed to be provided by the independent auditor that have not been pre-approved during the annual review and the fees for such proposed services must be approved by the audit committee. All requests or applications for the independent auditor to provide services to the Company over certain thresholds shall be submitted to the audit committee or the Chairman thereof. The audit committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent auditor is compatible with maintaining the independent auditor’s independence during 2017. The audit committee concluded in 2017 that the provision of these services was compatible with the maintenance of the independent auditor’s independence in the performance of its auditing functions during 2017. All services were approved by the audit committee or were pre-approved under the audit committee’s pre-approval policy.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference.

The audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company with management and the independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2017. The audit committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

The audit committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3526 regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence. The audit committee has discussed with the independent auditors the independent auditors’ independence. The independent auditors and the Company’s internal auditors had full access to the audit committee, including meetings without management present as needed.

 

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Based on the audit committee’s review and discussions referred to above, the audit committee recommended to the board of directors that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Lawrence J. Ruisi, Chairman

Brian Leach

Robert Borden

Compensation Committee

The purposes of the compensation committee are generally to:

 

  •   review and approve annually corporate goals and objectives, including financial and other performance targets, relevant to Chief Executive Officer and executive officer compensation;

 

  •   review and approve annually corporate goals and objectives, including financial and other performance targets, relevant to compensation paid to the other executive officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries;

 

  •   review, approve and, when necessary, make recommendations to the board of directors regarding the Company’s compensation plans, including with respect to incentive compensation plans and share-based plans, policies and programs;

 

  •   review and administer the Company’s share incentive plans and any other share-based plan and any incentive-based plan of the Company and its subsidiaries, including approving grants and/or awards of restricted stock, stock options and other forms of equity-based compensation under any such plans to executive officers;

 

  •   review and approve, for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Company, when and if appropriate, employment agreements, severance agreements, consulting agreements and change in control or termination agreements;

 

  •   prepare the compensation committee report to be included in an annual report or proxy statement, as required by applicable SEC and NYSE rules;

 

  •   review periodically the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs to assess whether such policies encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking or earnings manipulation;

 

  •   review the results of any advisory stockholder votes on executive compensation and consider whether to recommend adjustments to the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such vote; and

 

  •   monitor compliance with stock ownership guidelines for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Company.

Our compensation committee is comprised of Messrs. Beilinson, McCall, and Wrubel. Mr. Beilinson is the chair of the compensation committee. Mr. Rowan resigned from the compensation committee effective as of December 6, 2017. The board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Beilinson, McCall and Wrubel meet the independence requirements of the NYSE rules and therefore all members of the compensation committee are independent directors. Our board of directors has approved a written charter under which the compensation committee will operate. A copy of the charter of our compensation committee is available on our principal corporate website at www.athene.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.

 

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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed “COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS” with executive management. Based on its review, the compensation committee recommended to the board of directors that “COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS” be included in this proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Marc A. Beilinson, Chairman

Arthur Wrubel

H. Carl McCall

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The purposes of the nominating and corporate governance committee are to:

 

  •   identify, evaluate and recommend individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors or the boards of directors of material operating subsidiaries of the Company (each, a “Subsidiary Board”), consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors or Subsidiary Boards, as applicable;

 

  •   select, or recommend that our board of directors or any Subsidiary Board select, the director nominees to stand for election at each annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company or any subsidiary or to fill vacancies on our board of directors or any Subsidiary Board, as applicable;

 

  •   develop and recommend to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries; and

 

  •   oversee the annual performance evaluation of our board of directors and the Subsidiary Boards and each of their respective committees and management.

The nominating and corporate governance committee recommends directors eligible to serve on all committees of our board of directors and committees of the Subsidiary Boards, as applicable. The nominating and corporate governance committee also reviews and evaluates, in accordance with our Bye-laws, all shareholder director nominees. All shareholder director nominations must be made in accordance with the requirements of our Bye-laws, which specify the appropriate period of notice (as described below in “MORE INFORMATION—Shareholders’ Proposals and Director Nominees for the 2019 Annual General Meeting”) and enumerate certain required disclosures the shareholder must include with his or her notice of intent to the Company when making a director nomination.

In recommending directors and evaluating shareholder director nominees, the nominating and corporate governance committee as a general matter seeks to compose the Company’s boards to be of effective size and composition with a diversity of backgrounds, skills and experiences. The nominating and corporate governance committee, considers several additional factors, including the potential directors’:

 

  •   fitness and propriety for the position, including a high level of professional ethics, integrity, leadership values and the ability to exercise sound judgment;

 

  •   useful qualifications, industry experience, technical expertise; education and other skills and expertise, as well as the interplay of those factors with the qualifications and experience of incumbent directors;

 

  •   a willingness and ability to devote the time necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of board membership;

 

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  •   a desire to oversee that the operations and financial reporting are effected in an accurate and transparent manner and in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and

 

  •   a dedication to the representation of the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Our nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of Messrs. McCall, Wrubel and Beilinson. Mr. Wrubel is the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Michelini served on the nominating and corporate governance committee during 2017 and resigned from the committee effective as of December 6, 2017. Ms. Taitz served on the committee during 2017 and resigned from the committee effective as of February 24, 2018. The board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. McCall, Wrubel and Beilinson meet the independence requirements of the NYSE rules and therefore all members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are independent directors. A copy of the charter of our nominating and corporate governance committee is available on our principal corporate website at www.athene.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.

Conflicts Committee

Because the Apollo Group has a significant voting interest in AHL, and because AHL and its subsidiaries have entered into, and will continue in the future to enter into, transactions with Apollo and its affiliates, our Bye-laws require us to maintain a conflicts committee designated by our board of directors, currently consisting of three directors of the Company that are not officers or employees of any member of the Apollo Group. The conflicts committee meets at least quarterly and consists of Messrs. Beilinson and Borden and Ms. Taitz. The conflicts committee reviews and approves material transactions by and between AHL and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and members of the Apollo Group, on the other hand, including any modification or waiver of the IMAs (as defined herein) with AAM, subject to certain exceptions. The conflicts committee is also responsible for the review and approval of related party transactions that are incidental or ancillary to the foregoing transactions. For a description of the functions of the conflicts committee and such exceptions, see “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS—Related Party Transaction Policy

Executive Committee

The executive committee is responsible for facilitating the approval of certain actions that do not require consideration by the full board of directors or that are specifically delegated by the board of directors to the executive committee. The executive committee possesses and may exercise all powers of the board of directors in the management and direction of the Company’s business consistent with our Bye-laws, applicable law (including any applicable rule of any stock exchange or quotation system on which our common shares are then listed) and our operating guidelines, except that the executive committee shall not perform such functions that are expressly delegated to other committees of the board of directors. The executive committee does not have the power to:

 

  •   declare dividends on or distributions of or in respect of shares of the Company;

 

  •   issue shares or authorize or approve the issuance or sale, or contract for sale, of shares or determine the designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations of a series or class of shares unless specifically delegated by action of the board of directors to the executive committee or a subcommittee of the executive committee;

 

  •   recommend to Shareholders any action that requires Shareholder approval;

 

  •   recommend to Shareholders a dissolution or winding up of the Company or a revocation of a dissolution or winding up of the Company;

 

  •   amend or repeal any provision of the memorandum of association or Bye-laws;

 

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  •   agree to the settlement of any litigation, dispute, investigation or other similar matter with respect to the Company that is not within the scope of authority previously delegated to the executive committee by the board of directors;

 

  •   approve the sale or lease of real or personal property assets with a fair value greater than a threshold amount specifically delegated to the executive committee by the board of directors;

 

  •   authorize mergers (other than a merger of any wholly-owned subsidiary with the Company), acquisitions, joint ventures, consolidations or dispositions of assets or any business of the Company or any investment in any business or Company by the Company with a fair value in excess of a threshold amount specifically delegated to the committee by the board of directors; or approve the sale, lease, exchange or encumbrance of any material asset of the Company that, in each case, is not within the scope of authority previously delegated to the executive committee by action of the board of directors; or

 

  •   amend, alter or repeal, or take any action inconsistent with any resolution or action of the board of directors.

Our executive committee is comprised of Messrs. Belardi, Michelini and Rowan.

Risk Committee

The risk committee’s duties are to oversee the development and implementation of systems and processes designed to identify, manage and mitigate reasonably foreseeable material risks to the Company; assist our board of directors and our board committees in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities for the risk management function of the Company; approve the stress test assumption and limits utilized in our stress test scenario analyses and engage in such activities as it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the foregoing. In assessing risk, the risk committee assesses the risk of the Company and its subsidiaries as a whole. The risk committee’s role is one of oversight. Management of the Company is responsible for developing and implementing the systems and processes designed to identify, manage and mitigate risk. Members of the risk committee are selected for their experience in managing risks in financial and/or insurance enterprises. Our risk committee meets quarterly and is comprised of Messrs. Borden, Leach, Michelini and Ruisi, Ms. Taitz and Dr. Puffer. Dr. Puffer is the chair of the risk committee.

Management Committees

An integral component of our corporate governance structure is our management committees. Management committees report to our senior officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Risk Officer and to committees of our board of directors. Management committees are comprised of members of senior management and are designed to oversee business initiatives and to manage business risk and processes, with each committee focused on a discrete area of our business. The following is a description of certain of our management committees:

 

  •   Management Executive Committee: oversees all of our strategic initiatives and our overall financial condition.

 

  •   Management Risk Committee: oversees overall corporate risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, equity risk, business risk, operational risk and other risks we confront. The committee reports to the board risk committee.

 

  •   Operational Risk Committee: a subcommittee of the Management Risk Committee which oversees operational risk, including information security, disaster recovery, trading activities and operational management of our annuity portfolio.

 

  •   Management Investment Committee: focuses on strategic decisions involving our investment portfolio, such as approving investment limits, new asset classes and our allocation strategy, reviewing large asset transactions as well as monitoring our credit risk and the management of our assets and liabilities. The committee reports to the board risk committee.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Messrs. Rowan, Wrubel, McCall and Beilinson each served on our compensation committee. Mr. Rowan resigned from the compensation committee effective as of December 6, 2017.

None of our executive officers currently serves, or has served during the last completed fiscal year, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has an executive officer serving as a member of our compensation committee or as a director on our board of directors.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted corporate governance guidelines and a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. These documents are available at www.athene.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.

Communications with the Board of Directors and Audit Committee

Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with members of the board of directors (either individually or as a body) by addressing correspondence to that individual or body to Athene Holding Ltd., Chesney House, First Floor, 96 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda.

Shareholders and other interested parties may specifically direct their communications to any of the independent directors, including the Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Director, by addressing correspondence to that individual or body to Athene Holding Ltd., Chesney House, First Floor, 96 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires our directors, officers and holders of more than 10% of our common shares to file reports with the SEC regarding their ownership and changes in ownership of our securities. Based upon our examination of the copies of Forms 3, 4, and 5, and amendments thereto furnished to us and the written representations of our directors, officers and 10% stockholders, we believe that, during fiscal 2017, our directors, officers and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that a Form 4 was not filed on a timely basis to report an equity award granted to Mr. Belardi on March 21, 2017.

Risk Management Oversight

The Company has implemented an enterprise-wide approach to risk management and has specifically established a risk committee of the board of directors charged with the oversight of the development and implementation of systems and processes designed to identify, manage and mitigate reasonably foreseeable material risks and with the duty to assist the board of directors and other board committees with fulfilling their oversight responsibilities for the Company’s risk management function.

The audit committee assists the risk committee in its responsibility for oversight of risk management. In particular, the audit committee focuses on major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such risks, and discusses with our independent auditor the policies governing the process by which senior management and the various units of the Company assess and manage our financial risk exposure and operational/strategic risk.

The compensation committee also assists the risk committee in overseeing risk management by reviewing the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs to ensure that such plans, policies and programs do not encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Below is a list of the names and ages of our directors and executive officers and a description of the business experience of each of them.

 

Name

  

Age

  

Position

James R. Belardi

   61    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

William J. Wheeler

   56    President

Grant Kvalheim

   61    Executive Vice President—Athene, Chief Executive Officer and President—Athene USA

Martin P. Klein

   58    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Frank L. Gillis

   66    Executive Vice President—Athene, Chief Executive Officer—ALRe

John Rhodes

   46    Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Marc Beilinson

   59    Director*

Robert Borden

   55    Director*

Brian Leach

   59    Director*

Gernot Lohr

   49    Director

H. Carl McCall

   82    Director*

Matthew R. Michelini

   36    Director

Dr. Manfred Puffer

   54    Director

Marc Rowan

   55    Director

Lawrence J. Ruisi

   69    Director*

Hope Schefler Taitz

   53    Director

Arthur Wrubel

   52    Director*

Fehmi Zeko†

   59    Director*

 

* Independent director for purposes of the NYSE corporate governance listing requirements.
† Mr. Zeko has been appointed subject to being nominated and elected by shareholders at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.

Executive Officers

James R. Belardi has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer since May 2009. In addition, Mr. Belardi is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of AAM, our investment manager. He is a member of our executive committee. Mr. Belardi is responsible for our overall strategic direction and management in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of our investment portfolio in his capacity as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to founding our Company and AAM, Mr. Belardi was President of SunAmerica Life Insurance Company and was also Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of AIG Retirement Services, Inc., where he had responsibility for an invested-asset portfolio of $250 billion. Mr. Belardi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. He currently serves on the board of directors of AAM, Paulist Productions, where he chairs the investment committee, Aris Mortgage Holding Company LLC (“Aris Holdco”), which is the parent company of AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC (“AmeriHome”), and Southern California Aquatics. Mr. Belardi was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his demonstrated track record in and deep knowledge of the financial services business, including having founded both our Company and AAM, and his extensive experience in the insurance industry.

William J. Wheeler has served as our President since September 2015. Together with Mr. Belardi, Mr. Wheeler is responsible for our overall strategic direction. In particular, Mr. Wheeler oversees all of our business units, which includes our retail and reinsurance operations, and also our corporate development and risk activities. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Wheeler was President of the Americas group for MetLife Inc.

 

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Metlife”) where he oversaw the insurance and retirement business in the United States and Latin America. During his seventeen-year tenure at MetLife, Mr. Wheeler assumed various executive positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Mr. Wheeler served as Treasurer for MetLife, playing a key role in preparing MetLife to become a public company. Prior to joining MetLife, Mr. Wheeler was an investment banker at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Mr. Wheeler has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wabash College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the board of Evercore Partners Inc. and Athora Holding Ltd (“Athora”).

Grant Kvalheim has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Athene USA since June 2015 and served as our President from January 2011 until September 2015, served as the Chief Financial Officer from January 2011 until April 2013 and served as a director from January 2012 until February 2014. Mr. Kvalheim is responsible for the oversight of our U.S. operating companies with a focus on our retail annuity channel, including growth initiatives and new product development. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Kvalheim was a senior executive of Barclays Capital (“Barclays”) from early 2001 to the end of 2007, becoming Co-President in September 2005. During his time at Barclays he converted a European cash investment grade business into a leading global cash and derivatives business across both securitized and non-securitized credit products, and significantly expanded Barclays’ investment banking platform. Prior to joining Barclays, Mr. Kvalheim held senior executive positions in the investment banks of Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Kvalheim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Chicago. He served on the board of directors of the Permal Silk Road Fund from June 2008 to November 2012. He currently serves on the board of directors of Mottahedeh & Co., Sol Health and United Way of Central Iowa.

Martin P. Klein has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since November 2015. Mr. Klein also serves as a director of several of our insurance subsidiaries. Mr. Klein is responsible for overseeing our financial management, including our enterprise finance, tax, actuarial and internal audit functions. He also helps to develop and execute strategic operating decisions across our Company. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Klein was employed by Genworth Financial, Inc. (“Genworth”) from May 2011 through October 2015, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and, from May through December 2012, also served as Genworth’s Acting President & Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Genworth in 2011, Mr. Klein served as a Managing Director and Senior Relationship Manager of Barclays, after its acquisition of the U.S. operations of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. (“Lehman Brothers”). Mr. Klein joined Lehman Brothers in 1998, where he served as a Managing Director and the head of the Insurance Solutions Group and the Pension Solutions Group. Prior to Lehman Brothers, Mr. Klein had been with Zurich Insurance Group from 1994 to 1998 and was a Managing Director of Zurich Investment Management. Prior to Zurich, Mr. Klein served in finance and actuarial roles in other insurance organizations. Mr. Klein currently serves on the boards of Aris Holdco and Athora. Mr. Klein is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Chartered Financial Analyst. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and business administration from Hope College and a Master of Science in statistical and actuarial sciences from University of Iowa.

Frank L. Gillis is a founder of our Company and served on our board of directors from May 2009 to February 2014. Mr. Gillis has served as Chief Executive Officer of ALRe since June 2009 and serves as a director of ALRe. Mr. Gillis is responsible for our growth through our reinsurance channel and is responsible for the oversight of ALRe. Prior to founding our Company, Mr. Gillis was a Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. (“Bear Stearns”) and was the head of the Bear Stearns Insurance Solutions Group. In this position, he led Bear Stearns’ entry into the funding agreement-backed note business and created the turn-key Premium Asset Trust Series. Prior to Bear Stearns, Mr. Gillis spent over three years at GenRe Financial Products providing ALM hedging solutions to U.S. life insurance companies. Mr. Gillis serves on the boards of Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers and the Association of Bermuda International Companies. Mr. Gillis has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Richmond.

John Rhodes has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer since August 2016. Mr. Rhodes is responsible for overseeing our enterprise risk management functions, as well as providing key

 

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support in connection with strategic operating decisions across our Company. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Rhodes was the Chief Risk Officer of Allstate from November 2015 to June 2016. Prior to joining Allstate, Mr. Rhodes was the Chief Risk Officer of Lincoln Financial Group from July 2012 to October 2015. Prior to that he served as the Head of Equity Risk Management at Lincoln Financial Group from 2009 to 2012. Prior to joining Lincoln Financial Group, Mr. Rhodes was the Head of Hedging Operations and Performance Management at ING US Financial Services from 2006 to 2009. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Rhodes served in a variety of roles at JPMorgan Chase and GE Capital focusing primarily on market risk and valuation. Mr. Rhodes also served in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer. Mr. Rhodes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from New York University, Leonard Stern School of Business.

Directors

We believe our board of directors should be composed of a diverse group of individuals with sophistication and experience in many substantive areas that impact our business. We believe experience, qualifications and skills in the following areas are most important: insurance industry; accounting, finance and capital structure; strategic planning and leadership of complex organizations; legal/regulatory and government affairs; personnel management; and board practices of other major corporations. We believe that all of our current board members possess the professional and personal qualifications necessary for service on our board, and have highlighted particularly noteworthy attributes for each board member in the individual biographies below, or above in the case of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Marc Beilinson has served as a director of our Company since 2013, and is the lead independent director, the chair of our compensation committee and a member of our conflicts committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Since August 2011, Mr. Beilinson has been the Managing Director of Beilinson Advisory Group, a financial restructuring and hospitality advisory group that specializes in assisting distressed companies. Most recently, Mr. Beilinson served as Chief Restructuring Officer of Newbury Common Associates LLC (and certain affiliates). Mr. Beilinson previously served as Chief Restructuring Officer of Fisker Automotive and as Chief Restructuring Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Hospitality Properties Trust, Inc. and Innkeepers USA Trust. Mr. Beilinson oversaw the Chapter 11 reorganization of Innkeepers USA, Fisker Automotive and Newbury Common Associates in his interim management roles as the Chief Restructuring Officer of those companies. Mr. Beilinson currently serves on the boards of directors and audit committees of MFG Assurance Company Limited and Westinghouse Electric. Mr. Beilinson has previously served on the boards of directors and audit committees of a number of public and privately held companies, including Caesars Acquisition Company, Wyndham International, Inc., Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (“ARI”), Innkeepers USA Trust and JER/Jameson Properties LLC. Mr. Beilinson has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Juris Doctor from the University of California Davis Law School. Mr. Beilinson was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of having over thirty years of service to the boards of both public and private companies, and his extensive knowledge of legal and compliance issues, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Robert Borden has served as a director of our Company and our Company’s subsidiary, ALRe, since 2010, and is a member of our risk, audit and conflicts committees. Mr. Borden is Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Delegate Advisors, LLC. From April 2006 to January 2012, Mr. Borden served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission (“SCRSIC”), which is responsible for investing and managing all assets of the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Prior to his role at SCRSIC, Mr. Borden served as the Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System, where he was responsible for investment management, benefits administration, finance and operations. Mr. Borden has also served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Fund Evaluation Committee for the Louisiana Deferred Compensation Commission and as a member of the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Committee. Prior to that, Mr. Borden served as Treasurer and Senior Manager for Financial Services at the Texas Workers’ Compensation

 

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Insurance Fund after serving as VP of Treasury and Interest Rate Risk Manager at Franklin Federal Bancorp. Mr. Borden serves on the board of directors of Delegate Advisors, LLC, Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. and Apollo Tactical Income Fund Inc. Mr. Borden has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and received a Master of Science degree in finance from Louisiana State University. Mr. Borden holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst professional designations. Mr. Borden was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in leadership positions, and in particular, his experiences as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at several companies.

Brian Leach has served as a director of our Company since August 2016, and is a member of our risk and audit committees. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Leach served as Head of Franchise Risk & Strategy at Citigroup with responsibility for managing all of Citibank’s global risk, audit, compliance and strategy. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Leach served as the Chief Risk Officer of Citibank. In 2005, Mr. Leach, together with several former colleagues from Morgan Stanley, formed Old Lane and from 2005 to 2008, Mr. Leach served as Old Lane’s co-Chief Operating Officer and Chief Risk Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Leach worked his entire post-graduate career at Morgan Stanley encompassing running a successful proprietary trading business and culminating as the Risk Manager of the Institutional Securities Business reporting directly to its President. During his time with Morgan Stanley, Mr. Leach was seconded to Long-Term Capital Management (“LTCM”) for approximately one year. During that time, he was one of six managers selected by a consortium of 14 global financial institutions to manage the liquidation of LTCM. Mr. Leach serves on the Advisor Investment Committee of Mountain Capital. Mr. Leach has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Mr. Leach has been awarded Risk Manager of the Year on two separate occasions: the first by Risk Magazine for his work in restructuring the hedge fund LTCM and the second by the Global Association of Risk Professionals for his work in restructuring Citigroup after the global financial crisis. Mr. Leach was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in risk management.

Gernot Lohr has served as a director of our Company and our subsidiary, ALRe, since 2009. Mr. Lohr has served as a director of AAM, our investment manager, since 2009. Mr. Lohr is a Senior Partner at Apollo, which he joined in May 2007. Prior to joining Apollo, Mr. Lohr was a founding partner at Infinity Point LLC, Apollo’s joint venture partner for the financial services industry since 2005. Before that time, Mr. Lohr spent eight years in financial services investment banking at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in New York and also worked at McKinsey & Company and B. Metzler Corporate Finance in Frankfurt. Currently, Mr. Lohr serves on the board of directors of Amissima Assicurazioni (formerly Carige Assicurazioni), Athora, Bremer Kreditbank Aktiengesellschaft and Catalina Holdings. Mr. Lohr has a joint Master’s Degree in economics and engineering from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, and received a Master of Business Administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Mr. Lohr was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in the financial services sector.

H. Carl McCall has served as a director of our Company since August 2016, and is a member of our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. Since October 2011, Mr. McCall has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York. From 2002 to 2015, Mr. McCall served as a board member or trustee of several organizations, including Ariel Investment, Tyco International, New Plan Realty Corporation and the New York Stock Exchange. Since 2004, Mr. McCall has served as a principal of Covenant Capital, LLC. From 1993 to 2002, Mr. McCall served as the Comptroller of the State of New York. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. McCall served as the President of the New York City Board of Education. From 1986 to 1991, Mr. McCall served as Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. From 1985 to 1993, Mr. McCall served as a Vice President of Citicorp, Inc. From 1975 to 1980, Mr. McCall served as a state senator of New York. From 1973 to 1975, Mr. McCall served as executive director of the Florence and John Schuman Foundation. Mr. McCall received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Dartmouth College and a Masters of Arts from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Mr. McCall was

 

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selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive leadership experience in various sectors, and his experience serving on the boards of a number public and private companies.

Matthew R. Michelini has served as a director of our Company and certain of our subsidiaries since 2010, and is a member of our executive and risk committees. Mr. Michelini serves as a director of AAM, our investment manager. Mr. Michelini is a Partner at Apollo. He joined Apollo in July 2006. Mr. Michelini serves on the board of directors of Aleris Corporation and Warrior Met Coal and previously served on the boards of Metals USA Holdings (formerly NYSE listed under “MUSA”) and Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation (formerly NYSE listed under “NOR”). At Apollo, Mr. Michelini has executed deals across the world including in North America, Europe, and Asia. Prior to joining Apollo, Mr. Michelini was a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Lazard Frères & Co., from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Michelini is actively involved in various charities dedicated to helping underprivileged children in New York City. Mr. Michelini graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a Certificate in Finance and received his Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. Mr. Michelini was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Dr. Manfred Puffer has served as a director of our Company since 2012, and is the chair of our risk committee. Dr. Puffer has served as a Senior Advisor to Apollo since October 2008. From 2006 to 2008, Dr. Puffer was a senior managing director in the Financial Institutions Group of Bear Stearns International, Head of Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe and a Member of the European Executive Committee. From 2002 to 2005, Dr. Puffer was a member of the managing board of WestLB AG and Head of the Investment Bank, Fixed Income, Equities and Structured Finance. Currently, Dr. Puffer is a member of the supervisory board of Infineon Technologies AG. Dr. Puffer holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Vienna. Dr. Puffer was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Marc Rowan has served as a director of our Company since 2009, and is a member of our executive committee. Mr. Rowan has served as a director of AAM, our investment manager, since 2009. Mr. Rowan is a co-founder and Senior Managing Director of Apollo, a leading alternative asset manager focused on contrarian and value oriented investments across private equity, credit-oriented capital markets and real estate. Mr. Rowan currently serves on the boards of directors of, among others, Apollo, Aris Holdco and Athora. He has previously served on the boards of directors of, among others, the general partner of AAA, AMC Entertainment, Inc., Beats Music, CableCom Gmbh., Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Countrywide PLC, Culligan Water Technologies, Inc., Furniture Brands International, Mobile Satellite Ventures, National Cinemedia, Inc., National Financial Partners, Inc., New World Communications, Inc., New York REIT, Inc., Norwegian Cruise Lines, Quality Distribution, Inc., Samsonite Corporation, SkyTerra Communications, Inc., Unity Media SCA, Vail Resorts, Inc., Wyndham International, Inc. and RCS Capital Corporation. Mr. Rowan is a founding member and Chairman of Youth Renewal Fund, Chairman of the Board of Overseers of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees and a member of the board of Jerusalem U and several technology-oriented venture companies. Mr. Rowan graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration in finance. Mr. Rowan was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his service on the boards of numerous public and private companies and his demonstrated track record of success and extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Lawrence J. Ruisi has served as a director of our Company since 2013, and is the chair of our audit committee and is a member of our risk committee. As an operating executive, Mr. Ruisi held various senior level positions in the entertainment business, including President & Chief Executive Officer of Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation, a movie theatre operator with 400 locations worldwide, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Columbia Pictures Entertainment. As a non-executive, Mr. Ruisi served on numerous boards including Hughes Communications Inc., UST Inc., InnKeepers USA Trust, Wyndham International, Inc. and Adaptec, Inc. During his tenure on these boards, Mr. Ruisi was Chairman of various audit

 

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committees, named designated financial expert and served on both compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees. Mr. Ruisi was Chairman of the Independent Committee of the board of InnKeepers, which oversaw its restructuring, and was Chairman of Special Committees at both Wyndham and Adaptec. Mr. Ruisi began his career at Price Waterhouse & Co., where he was a Senior Manager. He is a Certified Public Accountant and received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in finance from St. John’s University. Mr. Ruisi is currently an adjunct professor of accounting at St. John’s University. Mr. Ruisi was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive leadership experience in various sectors, his expertise in accounting and financial reporting matters and his experience serving on the boards of numerous public and private companies.

Hope Schefler Taitz has served as a director of our Company and our subsidiary, ALRe, since 2011, and is a member of our risk and conflicts committees. Ms. Taitz is also a director of Athene USA, AADE, AAIA, ALICNY and AANY, and also serves on the audit committee for AANY. Ms. Taitz is currently the CEO of ELY Capital. Acting as an investor and advisor with expertise in media, technology and the consumer, she helps innovative enterprises grow through financial leadership and connections to established corporations. Ms. Taitz, a strong advocate of women on boards, currently serves on the board of Midcap Finco Holdings Limited, Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. and Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. She has previously served on the boards of Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc., Diamond International Resorts, Inc., as well as Lumenis Ltd. From 1995 to 2003, Ms. Taitz was Managing Partner of Catalyst Partners, L.P., a money management firm. From 1990 to 1992, Ms. Taitz was a Vice President at The Argosy Group (now part of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE: CM)) specializing in financial restructuring before becoming a Managing Director at Crystal Asset Management, from 1992 to 1995. From 1986 to 1990, Ms. Taitz was at Drexel Burnham Lambert, first as a mergers and acquisitions analyst and then as an associate in the leveraged buyout group. On the not for profit side, Ms. Taitz focuses on education and is an advocate for STEM. She is a founding executive member of YRF Darca, an emeritus board member of Pencils of Promise, a member of the undergraduate executive board of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Center for Social Innovation. Ms. Taitz is a former board member of Girls Who Code and is now a board member of the New York City Foundation for Computer Science. Ms. Taitz graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. Ms. Taitz was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of her extensive experience in the financial services sector as well as her experience serving on the governance committees of other public companies.

Arthur Wrubel has served as a director of our Company since August 2016, and is the chair of our nominating and corporate governance and a member of our compensation committee. In 2001, Mr. Wrubel formed Wesley Capital Management, a long/short investment fund focused on real estate securities. Since its inception, Wesley Capital has been among the largest investment funds in the real estate securities sector. In 1993, Mr. Wrubel joined Dickstein & Co., a bankruptcy and event-driven investment fund as a partner. His focus was on real estate and asset backed securities. At Dickstein, Mr. Wrubel was involved in many high profile real estate corporate restructurings including Olympia & York, Cadillac Fairview, Rockefeller Center Properties, Bramalea, and Trizec. Mr. Wrubel began his career in 1987 at JMB Realty Corporation, where he was an associate in the acquisitions group. Mr. Wrubel currently serves as a member of the Wharton Undergraduate Board at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wrubel received a Bachelor of Science in economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wrubel was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive experience in the financial services sector.

Fehmi Zeko was appointed as a director of our Company in March 2018. From 2015 to March 2018, Mr. Zeko served as Vice Chairman, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Investment Banking Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In this role he helped organize and execute the strategic plan to reposition the entire Technology, Media and Telecom franchise for large cap coverage globally. Prior to Bank of America, Mr. Zeko was Senior Managing Director, Group Head North America and Global Chairman, Telecom, Media, Entertainment and Technology (“TMET”) at Macquarie Capital, where he led the firm’s Global TMET Investment Banking and Principal Investing Practice. Prior to joining Macquarie Capital, Mr. Zeko was Vice

 

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Chairman and Co-Founder of the Foros Group, where he led the firm’s Media and Communication Advisory Practice. Prior to that, Mr. Zeko held senior investment banking positions at Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business. Mr. Zeko was selected to serve on our board of directors as a result of his extensive financial and global experience.

 

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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Introduction

Our NEOs, comprised of our principal executive and financial officers and the three highest paid executive officers other than our principal executive and financial officers, are James R. Belardi, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer; Martin P. Klein, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; William J. Wheeler, President; Grant Kvalheim, Executive Vice President, Athene and Chief Executive Officer and President, Athene USA; and Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis, Executive Vice President, Athene and Chief Executive Officer, ALRe.

Compensation Framework

Goals, Principles and Process

Our compensation committee believes that our executive compensation program should reward actions and behaviors that support policyholder protection, drive long-term and profitable revenue growth, and create sustainable shareholder value. The compensation committee has sought to foster these objectives through a compensation system that focuses on increasing our executives’ personal interest in our growth and success through performance-based annual incentive awards and ownership of our Class A common shares. We believe that these awards create a balanced focus on our short-term and long-term strategic and financial goals. Our executive compensation program is designed to:

 

  •   attract, retain and motivate high-performing talent;

 

  •   reward outstanding performance;

 

  •   align executive compensation elements with both short-term and long-term company performance; and

 

  •   align the interests of our executives with those of our stakeholders.

Our compensation committee has the responsibility for overseeing and approving the compensation of all of our executive officers. Our compensation committee also receives input from the compensation committee’s independent compensation consultant and recommendations from Mr. Belardi regarding the compensation arrangements for executive officers other than himself. None of our NEOs participated in the determination of their own compensation.

In 2017, our compensation committee conducted a review of the Company’s executive compensation program, with the assistance of the compensation committee’s independent compensation consultant, Willis Towers Watson. Willis Towers Watson provided input on the Company’s overall incentive design and a benchmarking analysis with respect to our executive officer compensation program. When setting 2017 NEO compensation, our compensation committee considered survey data from the 2016 Willis Towers Watson CDB Financial Services Executive Compensation Database, as well as compensation data from a group of peer companies (the “Peer Group”) to evaluate compensation arrangements against those of the Company. The companies in the Peer Group were selected based on one or more of the following characteristics: the companies are similar in size to the Company; the companies are industry competitors; or the companies are considered a source of talent. Even though some of the Peer Group companies have larger revenues and market capitalization than the Company, the compensation committee determined that each company was an appropriate peer based on such company being an industry competitor or a source of talent. The Peer Group consisted of nine publicly-traded insurance companies with a median 2016 year-end revenue of $12.4 billion and median market capitalization (as of April 5, 2017) of $16.0 billion, as compared with the Company’s 2016 year-end revenue of $4.1 billion and market capitalization (as of April 5, 2017) of $10.4 billion. The Peer Group used to evaluate 2017 compensation decisions consisted of the following companies:

 

Aflac Incorporated

Lincoln National Corporation

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

Reinsurance Group of America

Sun Life Financial Inc.

  

Torchmark Corporation

Unum Group

Voya Financial, Inc.

 

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While our compensation committee considers relevant market pay practices when setting executive compensation, it does not believe it appropriate to establish compensation levels based only on market practices. Our compensation committee believes that compensation decisions are complex and require a deliberate review of Company performance and peer compensation levels. The factors that influence the amount of compensation awarded include market competition for a particular position, an individual’s experience and past performance inside or outside the Company, compensation history, role and responsibilities within the Company, tenure with the Company and associated institutional knowledge, long-term potential with the Company, contributions derived from creative and innovative thinking and leadership, industry expertise, past and future performance objectives and the value of the position within the Company.

In addition to executive compensation consulting services and director consulting services, for which the Company paid $204,253 in the aggregate for 2017, Willis Towers Watson provided other services during 2017 for which the Company paid $2,089,807 in the aggregate for 2017. These other services consisted of (i) risk and financial services, (ii) benefits services and (iii) investment, risk and reinsurance services.

The decision to engage Willis Towers Watson for the other services was made by management. Although the compensation committee did not approve such other services, the compensation committee assessed the independence of Willis Towers Watson pursuant to the SEC rules and the NYSE listing standards and concluded that Willis Towers Watson’s work did not raise any conflict of interest.

2017 Compensation Elements

Base Salary

Base salaries for our NEOs are determined annually, based on a number of factors, including the size, scope and impact of their role, the market value associated with their role, leadership skills and values, length of service, and individual performance and contributions.

Annual Incentive Awards

As further discussed below in “ —2017 Compensation Decisions,” we grant annual cash incentive awards to our NEOs based on the achievement of financial, operational and personal objectives. In general, these objectives are communicated to our NEOs at the beginning of the year, and the compensation committee determines the amount of the awards after the completion of the performance period.

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Awards

In general, the Company’s equity and long-term incentive compensation program is designed to recognize the scope of an individual’s responsibilities, reward demonstrated performance and leadership, further align the interests of award recipients with those of the Company’s shareholders and retain award recipients through the vesting period. Important factors in determining the amount of grants awarded to each NEO include the size of past grant amounts, individual performance and expected future contributions to the Company.

Prior to 2016, the Company granted restricted Class M common shares to its executive officers and certain other employees in association with and following each of the four rounds of equity capital raise transactions undertaken since its inception. Class M shares are non-voting incentive compensation shares, convertible into Class A common shares upon vesting and the payment of the conversion price. Grants of such shares were comprised of two tranches, one involving time-based vesting criteria and the other involving performance-based vesting criteria. We discontinued our practice of granting restricted Class M common shares prior to becoming a public company in December 2016.

Starting in 2016, we began issuing annual long-term incentive awards to our executive officers, consisting of time-based stock options, time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) and performance-based RSUs. Long-term

 

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incentive awards to executive officers are structured as 50% performance-based RSUs (based on target), 25% time-based RSUs and 25% time-based stock options, each by grant date value. The structure and annual amount of the awards are determined by the compensation committee with input from Willis Towers Watson. We use grants of stock options to focus our executives on delivering long-term value to shareholders because options have value only to the extent that the price of our stock on the date of exercise exceeds the stock price on the grant date, as well as to retain executives, since the stock options vest ratably over a three-year period provided the recipient remains employed through the applicable vesting date. We believe that time-based RSUs further align the interests of our executives with shareholders’ interests and also serve to retain executives, as these RSUs also vest ratably over a three-year period provided the recipient remains employed through the applicable vesting date.

The performance-based RSUs included in our long-term incentive award program have a three year performance period (e.g. 2017-2019 for the performance-based RSUs issued during 2017) and vest and are payable following the three year performance period only if we achieve specified goals based on two equally weighted performance metrics: average annual return on equity and operating income for the three-year period. The target levels of these goals were designed to be reasonably achievable with strong management performance. These performance-based RSUs also serve to retain executives as they generally require the recipient to be continuously employed during the performance period.

Other Compensation Practices

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our NEOs, as follows:

Belardi Agreement

As Mr. Belardi also serves as AAM’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, he has separate employment agreements with both the Company and with AAM. Under these agreements, Mr. Belardi is entitled to receive a base salary and is eligible to receive an incentive award each fiscal year during the term of employment. For 2017, AAM and the compensation committee of AHL consulted with each other to determine Mr. Belardi’s total base salary, incentive award targets and actual incentive awards. Pursuant to an understanding between AHL and AAM, AHL has agreed that AHL is responsible for paying half of his base salary and incentive award, and AAM agreed to be responsible for paying the remaining amount. Either party, at its sole discretion, may pay its portion of the incentive award in the form of cash or equity. The target incentive award is 100% of Mr. Belardi’s base salary, but the actual incentive award is determined by our compensation committee and AAM’s compensation committee, based on non-alternative investment performance relative to the Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index, aggregate alternative investment net performance relative to the Company’s underwriting target, and other corporate performance targets established by the compensation committee. We report our portion of Mr. Belardi’s total annual salary and incentive award in our 2017 Summary Compensation Table.

Mr. Belardi’s employment agreement with us has a three-year initial term that expired on November 3, 2016 which automatically extends for subsequent one year terms unless one party gives notice of non-renewal prior to expiration of the then current term. Pursuant to his employment agreement, severance is payable to Mr. Belardi in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without cause, by the Company by reason of non-renewal, by Mr. Belardi for good reason, or due to Mr. Belardi’s death or disability. Mr. Belardi is entitled to receive severance payments in an amount equal to the sum of his then-annual base salary and a pro rata incentive award for the year of termination based, in part, on the incentive award and annual salary paid to him in the year preceding his termination. In the event of involuntary termination other than due to death or disability, Mr. Belardi is entitled to receive an additional severance payment equal to his then-annual base salary multiplied by a bonus percentage, calculated based on the bonus paid to him in the year preceding his termination and

 

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divided by his annual base salary in the year preceding his termination. In the event of involuntary termination other than due to non-renewal by the Company, any outstanding and unvested time-based restricted shares that were scheduled to vest during the one-year period following the termination date will immediately vest, and a portion of each tranche of outstanding and unvested Class M performance-based restricted shares shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest pursuant to their terms for a period of 18 months following the termination date. As a condition to his receipt of the severance payments and benefits described above, Mr. Belardi must timely execute (and not revoke) a general release of claims against the Company and its affiliates. Mr. Belardi’s employment agreement with the Company also contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and nondisclosure covenants, a covenant not to compete with, or solicit customers of, the Company or AAM for 12 months following termination, and a covenant not to solicit employees of the Company or AAM for 24 months following termination.

Wheeler Agreement

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Wheeler is entitled to receive a minimum base salary of $1,250,000 and is eligible to receive an annual incentive award each fiscal year he is employed. The annual incentive award opportunity and payouts are determined by the compensation committee in its sole discretion, with payouts determined based on performance objectives (which may include corporate, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established by the compensation committee. His employment is at will and may be terminated by him or by the Company at any time by giving two months’ notice.

In addition to termination by Mr. Wheeler or the Company at any time by giving two months’ notice, the Company has the right, in its discretion, to terminate the agreement with a payment in lieu of notice. The Company may also terminate the agreement without notice or payment in lieu of notice if Mr. Wheeler is guilty of any gross default or misconduct, or any repeated misconduct after due warning, in connection with the Company or in the event of any serious or repeated breach or non-observance with any of the provisions in the agreement. The employment agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and nondisclosure covenants and covenants not to solicit customers or employees of the Company or any affiliate of the Company for 12 months following termination.

Klein Agreement

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Klein is entitled to receive a minimum base salary of $550,000 and is eligible to receive an annual incentive award each fiscal year he is employed. The annual incentive award opportunity and payouts are determined by the compensation committee in its sole discretion, with payouts determined based on performance objectives (which may include corporate, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established by the compensation committee. His employment is at will and may be terminated by him or by the Company at any time by giving two months’ notice.

In addition to termination by Mr. Klein or the Company at any time by giving two months’ notice, the Company has the right, in its discretion, to terminate the agreement with a payment in lieu of notice. The Company may also terminate the agreement without notice or payment in lieu of notice if Mr. Klein is guilty of any gross default or misconduct, or any repeated misconduct after due warning, in connection with the Company or in the event of any serious or repeated breach or non-observance with any of the provisions in the agreement. The employment agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality and nondisclosure covenants and covenants not to solicit customers or employees of the Company or any affiliate of the Company for 12 months following termination.

Kvalheim Agreement

Pursuant to his employment agreement, for 2017, Mr. Kvalheim is entitled to receive a minimum base salary of $750,000 and is eligible to receive an incentive award each fiscal year he is employed. The annual

 

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incentive award opportunity and payouts are determined by the compensation committee in its sole discretion, with payouts determined based on performance objectives (which may include corporate, financial, strategic, individual or other objectives) established by the compensation committee. If the Company terminates Mr. Kvalheim’s employment without cause, the agreement provided that the Company would pay him a pro rata portion of his target annual incentive award in effect for the year in which the termination occurs. The agreement terminated in accordance with its terms effective as of March 3, 2018, a date that was approximately 15 months from the date of the Company’s IPO.

Section 162(m) of the Code

Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits to $1 million the amount that a publicly held corporation is allowed each year to deduct for the compensation paid to the corporation’s NEOs. Because we recently became publicly traded, we have historically not considered the limits under Section 162(m) of the Code in structuring our compensation program. As a public company, we will monitor the deductibility of compensation; however, the committee retains discretion to develop a program that it deems appropriate to attract, motivate and retain executive talent.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We require management at the Senior Vice President level and above, including our NEOs, to own significant amounts of our Class A common shares. The value of Class A common shares that must be held will be set at a multiple of the individual’s base salary. Covered executives will have five years from the adoption of this policy or, if later, the appointment to a covered position to satisfy our share ownership requirement.

 

Position

   Multiple  

Chief Executive Officer/President

     6X  

Executive Vice President

     3X  

Senior Vice President

     2X  

Purchased and restricted Class A common shares, shares acquired upon the vesting of Class A restricted stock units, vested Class M common shares and vested stock options will count toward this requirement. Covered executives must retain at least 75% of all equity holdings in the Company until they meet their respective stock ownership requirements. As of March 31, 2018, each of our NEOs either met the applicable guideline or were projected to meet the guideline within the five-year period.

Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies

Covered executives, including all of our executive officers, are not permitted to engage in any transactions that are designed to offset a decrease in the market value of our Class A common shares. Covered executives are not permitted to pledge their equity holdings in AHL without the permission of the Company. In addition, covered executives may not pledge their equity holdings in AHL as collateral if they are counting those holdings towards their respective stock ownership requirements.

Review of Compensation Policies and Practices Related to Risk Management

Effective risk management is central to our success, and compensation is carefully designed to be consistent with our risk management framework and controls. If the Company’s performance is obtained in a manner inconsistent with this framework or these controls, then the compensation committee has the discretion, with input from the risk committee, if necessary, to decrease or not award any bonuses to our NEOs and other executive officers. In addition, the performance objectives for our Chief Risk Officer and the other employees in our risk management function are based on the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures. We have determined that the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

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Consideration of Say On Pay Vote

As part of its ongoing review of the Company’s executive compensation program, the compensation committee considered the approval by approximately 99% of the votes cast for the Company’s “say on pay” vote at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. After considering the 2017 “say on pay” results, the committee determined that the Company’s executive compensation objectives and compensation elements continued to be appropriate and did not make any specific changes to the Company’s executive compensation program in response to the 2017 “say on pay” vote.

2017 Compensation Decisions

Base Salary

Other than our CEO, our other NEOs’ base salaries in 2017 remained unchanged from 2016 levels. Mr. Belardi’s base salary increased from $900,000 in 2016 to $925,000 in 2017.

Annual Incentive Awards

Our NEOs’ annual incentive awards in 2017 were based on a combination of four overall corporate financial and operational goals, which comprised 50% of the award for Mr. Belardi and 75% of the award for our other NEOs, and individualized performance goals, which comprised 50% of the award for Mr. Belardi and 25% of the award for our other NEOs. We believe the targets were designed to be reasonably achievable with strong management performance and the coordinated, cross-functional focus and effort of the executive officers, and did not reflect unrealistic targets that may encourage excessive risk-taking. The targets for the corporate financial and operational measures were determined in relation to the Company’s internal business plan for the year. The overall payout opportunity for incentive awards for our NEOs, other than Mr. Belardi, ranged from 0% to 200% of each participant’s target award opportunity, with a payout range of 0% to 170% for the corporate performance component of the incentive award. The overall payout opportunity for Mr. Belardi’s incentive award ranged from 0% to 140% of his target award opportunity, with a payout range of 0% to 170% for the corporate performance component of the incentive award and a payout range of 0% to 110% for the personal performance component of the award. For 2017, the compensation committee established target incentive award opportunities of approximately 100%, 126%, 173%, 182% and 127% of base salary for Mr. Belardi, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Kvalheim, Mr. Klein and Mr. Gillis, respectively. The corporate performance measurements, their respective weightings, 2017 performance and achievement with respect to these measurements, and payout level were as follows:

 

Objectives

   Weight    

Measurement

   Target      2017
Performance/
Achievement
     Payout  
Level
 

Overall profitability

     40   Operating income, net of tax(1)    $ 810M      $1,107M      200

Expense management

     20   Expense targets      —        Exceeded      113

Organic growth

     20   Organic deposits(2)    $ 10.0B      $11.5B      149

New business profitability

     20   Underwritten IRR      —        Not
exceeded
     63

 

(1) Operating income, net of tax, subject to a threshold of operating ROE excluding accumulated other comprehensive income.
(2) Organic deposits include retail IMO, retail financial institution, funding agreements, pension risk transfer and flow reinsurance.

Based on the Company’s 2017 performance with respect to these four objectives, the payout level was 145% of the corporate target opportunity. Total amounts of awards were also based on the assessment of individual performance factors, as discussed below.

 

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Mr. Belardi

In addition to the four objectives above, which collectively comprised 50% of his award, Mr. Belardi’s annual incentive plan award in 2017 was based on two additional performance objectives. The first objective, weighted at 25%, compared the Company’s non-alternative investment performance to the Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index over a three-year period. The second objective, also weighted at 25%, compared the Company’s alternative investment net performance relative to a 50-50 blended index of the S&P 500 and the BofA Merrill Lynch US High Yield Index over a three-year period, subject to maintaining a minimum return on alternative investment performance since the inception of the Company.

For the objective based on the Company’s non-alternative investment performance, the committee compared the Company’s results of 5.05% for the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 (as calculated by AAM, based on information provided by the Company, and reviewed by the compensation committee) to 2.04% for the Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index for the same period and determined to pay out 100% of the award for this objective. For the objective based on the Company’s alternative investment performance, the committee compared the Company’s results of 8.10% for the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 (as calculated by AAM, based on information provided by the Company, and reviewed by the compensation committee) to the 50-50 blended index described above and determined to pay out 88% of the award for this objective.

Other NEOs

For purposes of determining the payout with respect to the portion of the bonus tied to individual performance for the other NEOs, our compensation committee assessed individual performance against the 2017 personal performance objective established for each NEO at the beginning of 2017.    These personal objectives were designed to generally align with the Company’s strategic and operating initiatives (both short-term and long-term) and included goals relating to execution on key strategic initiatives, leadership and team-related objectives and other objectives tied to the executives’ areas of responsibilities. The compensation committee reviews and approves the individual performance objectives (including the objectives’ relative weightings) for each of the other NEOs. In early 2018, the compensation committee evaluated the NEOs’ individual performance, with input from Mr. Belardi. Based on this evaluation, the compensation committee certified the achievement by each of the other NEOs of his individual performance objectives and assigned each NEO an individual performance payout percentage (ranging from 0% to 200%), which is weighted 25% in the annual incentive payout formula. The payout amounts are reported under “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table.

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Awards

The compensation committee determined the value of 2017 annual long-term incentive awards for the NEOs based on competitive market data, input from the committee’s compensation consultant, Willis Towers Watson, and our overall philosophy of aligning pay with performance. The total target value of these long-term incentive awards for each NEO was allocated among the awards as follows: approximately 25% of the target value in stock options, 25% of the target value in time-based RSUs, and 50% of the target value in performance-based RSUs. The target value of the 2017 long-term incentive awards granted to our NEOs are shown in the following table (the target values reported below may differ from the value reported in the compensation tables that follow because the value of equity awards based on the grant date fair value determined in accordance with applicable accounting rules and, in the case of performance-based RSUs, the probable achievement of the underlying performance goal at the time of grant):

 

Named Executive Officer

   Time-Based
Stock Options
     Time-Based
RSUs
     Performance-
Based RSUs
     Total     

 

 

James R. Belardi

   $ 625,000      $ 625,000      $ 1,250,000      $ 2,500,000     

William J. Wheeler

   $ 375,000      $ 375,000      $ 750,000      $ 1,500,000     

Grant Kvalheim

   $ 212,500      $ 212,500      $ 425,000      $ 850,000     

Martin P. Klein

   $ 250,000      $ 250,000      $ 500,000      $ 1,000,000     

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

   $ 150,000      $ 150,000      $ 300,000      $ 600,000     

 

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The compensation committee decreased the total target value of Mr. Belardi’s long-term incentive awards from $3,000,000 in 2016 to $2,500,000 in 2017 to better align his award with award levels of Peer Group companies. The compensation committee increased the total target value of Mr. Klein’s long-term incentive awards from $750,000 in 2016 to $1,000,000 in 2017 to better align his award with award levels of Peer Group companies and in recognition of Mr. Klein’s leadership role in the Company’s initial public offering.

2017 Summary Compensation

The following table contains 2017 and, to the extent required by applicable SEC disclosure rules, 2016 and 2015 compensation information for our NEOs.

2017 Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary     Stock Awards(1)     Option
Awards(2)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
    All Other
Compensation(3)
    Total

James R. Belardi (4)

    2017     $ 925,000     $ 2,522,695 (5)    $ 625,002     $ — (5)    $ 712     $ 4,073,408  

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer

    2016     $ 900,000     $ 2,216,047     $ 5,355,807     $ —     $ —       $ 8,471,854 (6) 
    2015     $ 875,000     $ 612,500     $ —       $ —     $ 13,250     $ 1,500,750  

William J. Wheeler

    2017     $ 1,250,000     $ 851,250     $ 375,003     $ 2,106,563     $ 65,473     $ 4,648,289  

President

    2016     $ 1,250,000     $ 750,023     $ 375,003     $ 1,575,000     $ 102,240     $ 4,052,266  
    2015     $ 326,708     $ 135,445     $ 12,741,667     $ 466,439     $ 479,873     $ 14,150,132  

Grant Kvalheim

    2017     $ 750,000     $ 482,377     $ 212,505     $ 1,738,750     $ 140,090     $ 3,323,721  

Executive Vice President—Athene, and Chief Executive Officer and President—Athene USA

   

2016

2015

 

 

  $

$

750,000

650,000

 

 

  $

$

425,054

363,125

 

 

  $

$

5,916,839

—  

 

 

  $

$

1,420,250

839,375

 

 

  $

$

135,472

129,930

 

 

  $

$

8,647,615

1,982,430

(7) 

 

             

Martin P. Klein

    2017     $ 550,000     $ 567,528     $ 250,008     $ 1,337,500     $ 109,670     $ 2,814,706  

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

    2016     $ 550,000     $ 375,012     $ 187,504     $ 1,000,000     $ 111,286     $ 2,223,802  
    2015     $ 80,208     $ —       $ 1,325,133     $ —       $ 97,548     $ 1,502,889  

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

    2017     $ 550,000     $ 340,490     $ 150,003     $ 916,781     $ 193,048   $ 2,150,322  

Executive Vice President—Athene and Chief Executive Officer—ALRe

    2016     $ 550,000     $ 300,050     $ 3,316,661     $ 704,462     $ 190,000     $ 5,061,173 (7) 

 

(1) This column includes the grant date fair value of the performance-based and time-based RSUs granted to our NEOs in 2017. For the time-based RSUs, grant date fair value is calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs by the closing share price on the date of grant. For the performance-based RSUs, we have reported the grant date fair value assuming the probable outcome of satisfying the performance conditions. Assuming the probable outcome of performance conditions will be achieved, the grant date fair value of the 2017 performance-based RSUs would be as follows: $793,650; $476,203; $269,843; $317,479; and $190,481, for Messrs. Belardi, Wheeler, Kvalheim, Klein and Gillis, respectively. Assuming the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved, the grant date fair value of the 2017 performance-based RSUs would be as follows: $1,875,058; $1,125,066; $637,524; $750,069; and $450,026, for Messrs. Belardi, Wheeler, Kvalheim, Klein and Gillis, respectively.
(2) This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted in 2017. With respect to the stock options, the Company measures the fair value of each stock option grant at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. For information on the valuation assumptions with respect to these awards, refer to note 12 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the SEC.
(3) For 2017, these amounts include the Company’s 401(k) matching payment of $13,250 for Messrs. Wheeler and Klein, $13,458 for Mr. Kvalheim and $10,000 for Mr. Gillis; housing allowances of $33,000 for Mr. Kvalheim and $44,394 (which includes a tax gross-up of $21,543) for Mr. Klein for their residences in Iowa and $180,000 for Mr. Gillis for his residence in Bermuda; taxable amounts of $51,852, $93,285 and $51,676 (which amounts include tax gross-ups of $29,851, $44,730, and $25,077) for Messrs. Wheeler, Kvalheim and Klein, respectively, for travel expenses from their principal residences to the Company’s office in Iowa; amounts of $712, $372, $345, $350 and $298 for Messrs. Belardi, Wheeler, Kvalheim, Klein and Gillis, respectively, related to a gift in connection with the Company’s initial public offering; and $2,750 in fees for tax preparation services paid by the Company for Mr. Gillis. Each of these amounts were valued on the basis of amounts paid directly to the NEO.
(4) Pursuant to an understanding between the Company and AAM, the Company and AAM have each agreed to pay 50% of Mr. Belardi’s annual salary and incentive plan award. The amounts reported for each period reflect only those amounts for which the Company is responsible.

 

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(5) In accordance with the terms of Mr. Belardi’s annual incentive award, Mr. Belardi received his annual incentive award of $1,104,000 for 2017 performance in the form of restricted Class A common shares. The restricted Class A common shares, which are included in the Stock Awards column, were awarded in 2017 as Mr. Belardi’s annual incentive opportunity but were granted in the form of restricted shares in 2018 following the conclusion of and determination of achievement for the 2017 performance period and vest ratably over a two-year period.
(6) Amount includes an IPO-related award—the incremental grant date fair value of the 2016 modification to the performance-based Class M-1, M-2 and M-3 share agreements to vest all performance-based Class M-1, M-2 and M-3 shares before the IPO and to amend the conversion option for these classes.
(7) Amount includes the following IPO-related awards: (1) the incremental grant date fair value of the 2016 modification to the performance-based Class M-1, M-2 and M-3 shares, and (2) a one-time grant of Class M-4 Prime common shares.

2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information about awards granted to the NEOs in 2017: (1) the grant date; (2) the threshold, target and maximum estimated future payouts under annual incentive plan awards; (3) the number of stock options and RSUs granted to the NEOs under the Company’s 2016 Share Incentive Plan; (4) the exercise price of the stock options; and (5) the grant date fair value of the share and option awards, computed in accordance with applicable SEC rules.

2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

 

Name of Executive

  Grant
Date
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Annual Incentive Plan Awards(1)
    Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: (2)
(#)
    All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares or
Units(3)
(#)
    All Other
Option
Awards: Number
of Securities
Underlying
Options(4)
(#)
    Exercise
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
    Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Share and
Option
Awards(5)
    Threshold     Target     Maximum     Threshold     Target     Maximum          

James R. Belardi

    3/21/17                               12,196       24,391       36,587                             $ 793,650  
    3/21/17                                                       12,196                     $ 625,045  
    3/21/17                                                               66,278     $ 51.25     $ 625,002  
      3/7/17                               —   (6)      22,977 (6)      —   (6)                            $ 1,104,000 (6) 

William J. Wheeler

    3/21/17                               7,318       14,635       21,953                             $ 476,203  
    3/21/17                                                       7,318                     $ 375,048  
    3/21/17                                                               39,767     $ 51.25     $ 375,003  
      3/7/17       —       $ 1,575,000     $ 3,150,000                                                          

Grant Kvalheim

    3/21/17                               4,147       8,293       12,440                             $ 269,843  
    3/21/17                                                       4,147                     $ 212,534  
    3/21/17                                                               22,535     $ 51.25     $ 212,505  
      3/7/17       —       $ 1,300,000     $ 2,600,000                                                          

Martin P. Klein

    3/21/17                               4,879       9,757       14,636                             $ 317,479  
    3/21/17                                                       4,879                     $ 250,049  
    3/21/17                                                               26,512     $ 51.25     $ 250,008  
      3/7/17       —       $ 1,000,000     $ 2,000,000                                                          

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

    3/21/17                               2,927       5,854       8,781                             $ 190,481  
    3/21/17                                                       2,927                     $ 150,009  
    3/21/17                                                               15,907     $ 51.25     $ 150,003  
      3/7/17       —       $ 698,500     $ 1,397,000                                                          

 

(1) The 2017 annual incentive awards for our NEOs other than Mr. Belardi were based on a combination of four overall corporate financial and operational goals, which comprised 75% of the award, as well as individualized performance goals, which comprised the other 25% of the award. The corporate performance component of the awards has a payout range between 0% and 170% of the corporate performance component. The overall payout range of the awards, including both the corporate performance component and the personal performance component of the award, is between 0% and 200% of the target amount.

 

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(2) All equity incentive plan awards with a grant date of 3/21/17 represent performance-based RSUs. The performance-based RSUs cliff-vest after the 2017-2019 performance period provided the recipient is continuously employed during the period and are payable only if the Company achieves specified goals based on two equally weighted performance metrics: average annual return on equity and operating income for the three-year period.
(3) The time-based RSUs vest ratably over three years provided the recipient remains employed through the applicable vesting date.
(4) The stock options vest ratably over a three-year period provided the recipient remains employed through the applicable vesting date.
(5) For valuation methodology, see notes 1 and 2 to the 2017 Summary Compensation Table.
(6) The award to Mr. Belardi with a grant date of 3/7/17 represents a 2017 annual incentive award that is dollar-denominated but by its terms is payable in restricted Class A common shares, which vest ratably over a two-year period provided that Mr. Belardi remains employed through the applicable vesting date. Mr. Belardi’s annual incentive award was issued with a target value of $925,000 and was based on a combination of four overall corporate financial and operational goals, which comprised 50% of the award, as well as individualized performance goals, which comprised the other 50% of the award. The corporate performance component of the award has a payout range between 0% and 170% of the corporate performance component. The overall payout range of the award, including both the corporate performance component and the personal performance component of the award, is between 0% and 140% of the target amount. 22,977 restricted Class A common shares were issued to Mr. Belardi on 2/27/18 following the compensation committee’s determination of the payout amount of the annual incentive award, which represents the amount of the annual incentive award payout, $1,104,000, divided by the closing price of the Class A common shares on the date of issuance.

 

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2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table provides information on the holdings of the Company’s equity awards by the NEOs (as of December 31, 2017). This table includes vested Class M common shares, which are similar to vested, unexercised options; unvested Class A common shares; and unvested Class M time-based and performance-based common shares with vesting conditions that were not satisfied as of December 31, 2017. Each equity grant is shown separately for each NEO. The vesting schedule for each outstanding award is shown following this table.

2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name of Executive

  Grant
Date
    Stock Class or
Option Class(1)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Exercisable)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Unexercisable)
    Option
Conversion
Price
    Option
Expiration
Date(2)
    Number of
Shares of
Stock and
Units that
Have Not
Vested
    Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested(3)
    Number of
Unearned
Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested(7)
    Market
Value of
Unearned
Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested(3)
 

James R. Belardi(4)

    7/15/09       M-1       2,346,155             $ 10.00       —                                    
    10/15/12       M-2       841,011             $ 10.78       —                                    
    4/28/14       M-3       1,000,000             $ 13.46       —                                    
    4/29/15       A                                       10,977     $ 567,623                  
    2/19/16       A                                       4,510     $ 233,212                  
    2/3/16       A                                       13,971 (8)    $ 722,440                  
    3/7/17       A                                       22,977 (9)    $ 1,188,141 (9)                 
    6/6/16      
Options
(2016)
 
 
    42,881       85,764     $ 33.95       6/6/2026                                  
    3/21/17      
Options
(2017)
 
 
            66,278     $ 51.25       3/21/2027                                  
    6/6/16       RSU (5)                                      14,728     $ 761,585                  
    6/6/16       RSU (6)                                                      44,183     $ 2,284,703  
    3/21/17       RSU (5)                                      12,196     $ 630,655                  
      3/21/17       RSU (6)                                                      24,391     $ 1,261,259  

William J. Wheeler

    10/1/15       M-4 Prime       1,166,667       1,333,333     $ 27.83       10/1/2025                                  
    2/19/16       A                                       1,598     $ 82,633                  
    6/6/16      
Options
(2016)
 
 
    21,441       42,882     $ 33.95       6/6/2026                                  
    3/21/17      
Options
(2017)
 
 
            39,767     $ 51.25       3/21/2027                                  
    6/6/16       RSU (5)                                      7,364     $ 380,792                  
    6/6/16       RSU (6)                                                      22,092     $ 1,142,377  
    3/21/17       RSU (5)                                      7,318     $ 378,414                  
      3/21/17       RSU (6)                                                      14,635     $ 756,776  

Grant Kvalheim

    5/23/16       M-4 Prime       91,613       264,000     $ 34.23       5/23/2026                                  
    4/29/15       A                                       19,216     $ 993,658                  
    2/19/16       A                                       4,284     $ 221,526                  
    6/6/16      
Options
(2016)
 
 
    12,150       24,300     $ 33.95       6/6/2026                                  
    3/21/17      
Options
(2017)
 
 
            22,535     $ 51.25       3/21/2027                                  
      6/6/16       RSU (5)                                      4,174     $ 215,838                  

 

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Table of Contents
                Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name of Executive

  Grant
Date
    Stock Class or
Option Class(1)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Exercisable)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(Unexercisable)
    Option
Conversion
Price
    Option
Expiration
Date(2)
    Number of
Shares of
Stock and
Units that
Have Not
Vested
    Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested(3)
    Number of
Unearned
Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested(7)
    Market
Value of
Unearned
Units of
Stock that
Have Not
Vested(3)
 
    6/6/16       RSU (6)                                                      12,519     $ 647,357  
    3/21/17       RSU (5)                                      4,147     $ 214,441                  
      3/21/17       RSU (6)                                                      8,293     $ 428,831  

Martin P. Klein

    11/15/15       M-4 Prime       65,166       138,667     $ 27.83       11/15/2025                                  
    6/6/16      
Options
(2016)
 
 
    10,720       21,442     $ 33.95       6/6/2026                                  
    3/21/17      
Options
(2017)
 
 
            26,512     $ 51.25       3/21/2027                                  
    6/6/16       RSU (5)                                      3,682     $ 190,396                  
    6/6/16       RSU (6)                                                      11,046     $ 571,189  
    3/21/17       RSU (5)                                      4,879     $ 252,293                  
      3/21/17       RSU (6)                                                      9,757     $ 504,534  

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

    7/15/09       M-1       1,042,735             $ 10.00       —                                    
    2/23/15       M-4       5,983       3,299     $ 26.00       —                                    
    6/7/16       M-4 Prime       49,802       120,000     $ 33.95       6/7/2026                                  
    4/28/15       A                                       1,575     $ 81,450                  
    2/19/16       A                                       1,106     $ 57,191                  
    6/6/16      
Options
(2016)
 
 
    8,576       17,153     $ 33.95       6/6/2026                                  
    3/21/17      
Options
(2017)
 
 
            15,907     $ 51.25       3/21/2027                                  
    6/6/16       RSU (5)                                      2,946     $ 152,338                  
    6/6/16       RSU (6)                                                      8,837     $ 456,961  
    3/21/17       RSU (5)                                      2,927     $ 151,355                  
      3/21/17       RSU (6)                                                      5,854     $ 302,710  

 

(1) Please see the table below entitled “Outstanding Equity Awards Vesting Schedule” for a summary of the vesting schedule with respect to each of the outstanding and unvested awards as of December 31, 2017, other than performance-based RSUs which are described in footnote 7 to this table.
(2) This column reports the expiration date for Class M common shares and stock options. Once vested, Class M common shares may remain outstanding until converted into Class A common shares. Class M-4 prime shares that do not vest by the tenth anniversary of the grant date will be forfeited to the Company. Class M time-based common shares vest ratably over a five-year period.
(3) As of December 29, 2017, the fair market value of a Class A common share was $51.71.
(4) All outstanding equity awards for Mr. Belardi have been transferred to a trust, other than for value, for estate planning purposes.
(5) This row shows the number of time-based RSUs, which vest ratably over a three-year period.
(6) This row shows the number of performance-based RSUs, which cliff-vest after a three-year period, assuming performance conditions have been met.
(7) The number of performance-based RSUs that ultimately vest is based on actual performance during the three-year performance period. The number of performance-based RSUs reflected in this column is based on the number of performance-based RSUs that would vest assuming the target level of performance is achieved. Final payouts under the performance-based RSUs will not be known until the respective performance period is completed.
(8) This award to Mr. Belardi with a grant date of 2/3/16 represents a 2016 annual incentive award that is dollar-denominated but by its terms is payable in restricted Class A common shares which vest ratably over a two-year period provided that Mr. Belardi remains employed through the applicable vesting date.
(9) The award to Mr. Belardi with a grant date of 3/7/17, as disclosed in footnote 2 of the 2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table, represents a 2017 annual incentive award that is dollar-denominated but by its terms is payable in restricted Class A common shares which vest ratably over a two-year period provided that Mr. Belardi remains employed through the applicable vesting date. Mr. Belardi’s annual incentive award was issued with a target value of $925,000. The amount reported represents the number of restricted Class A common shares granted in 2018 after the committee’s determination of the achievement of the 2017 performance goals.

 

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Class M Common Shares

In association with and following each of the four rounds of equity capital raise transactions prior to our initial public offering, we granted restricted Class M common shares to our officers and certain other employees to align their incentives with shareholders. Class M common shares are non-voting incentive compensation shares, convertible into Class A common shares upon vesting and the payment of the conversion price. In the tables in “Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors,” we report these equity share awards as options, rather than shares, because they economically represent a call option on Class A common shares with a strike price equal to the conversion price embedded in the Class M common shares. Unlike options, however, once the Class M common shares vest, they can remain outstanding in perpetuity, are not required to be converted into Class A common shares and are entitled to dividends. There are four outstanding classes of Class M common shares, Class M-1, Class M-2, Class M-3 and Class M-4.

Each grant of restricted Class M common shares is comprised of two tranches, one involving time-based vesting criteria and the other involving performance-based vesting criteria. In the time-based vesting tranche, the restricted shares generally vest ratably on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant and automatically in full upon our sale or a change in control. In some instances, the vesting inception date is tied to other events, such as the recipient’s date of hire or the closing of the equity round with which the Class M common shares are associated, which are earlier than the actual grant date for the award.

In the performance-based vesting tranche, the restricted shares generally vest based on the achievement by our pre-initial public offering investors of specified internal rates of return (“IRR”) and on multiples of invested capital (“MOIC”) on their Class A common shares and Class B common shares purchased in the pre-initial public offering rounds of equity-raising. Class M performance-based shares generally vest based on achieving a combination of both the IRR and MOIC hurdles. Specifically, with the exception of the Class M-4 and Class M-4 Prime performance-based shares (as defined below), 25% of Class M performance-based shares vest based on the achievement of both a 15% IRR and a 2.0x MOIC (the “Vesting Floor”), and all Class M performance-based shares vest based on the achievement of both a 20% IRR and a 2.25x MOIC (the “Vesting Ceiling”). The achievement of hurdles between the Vesting Floor and the Vesting Ceiling results in vesting on an interpolated basis. If shareholder returns result in IRR being less than 15% or MOIC being less than 2.0x, then none of the Class M performance-based shares vest. Notwithstanding the above, with respect to the Class M-4 performance-based shares (other than Class M-4 Prime performance-based shares), until the Final Lock-Up End Date (as defined below), which was March 3, 2018, only the IRR hurdle applied.

From and after the initial public offering, Class M performance-based shares also may vest based on the trading price of the Class A common shares achieving the applicable IRR and MOIC hurdles on a “mark-to-market” basis (whether the trading price on defined dates relative to the purchase prices paid by the investors in the equity rounds result in the achievement of the IRR and MOIC hurdles for pre-initial public offering investors). Specifically, at the lock-up release dates corresponding to the (i) 7.5 month anniversary of the date of the initial public offering, one-third of the unvested Class M performance-based shares will be eligible for vesting and tested; (ii) 12 month anniversary of the date of the initial public offering, two-thirds of the unvested Class M performance-based shares will be eligible for vesting and tested; and (iii) 15 month anniversary of the date of the initial public offering (the “Final Lock-Up End Date”), and on a monthly basis thereafter, all of the unvested Class M performance-based shares will be eligible for vesting and tested. Class M-1 and M-2 performance-based shares have ten years from the date of grant to vest; Class M-3 performance-based shares have three years from the Final Lock-Up End Date to vest; and Class M-4 performance-based shares have four years from the Final Lock-Up End Date to vest.

When we recruited Messrs. Wheeler and Klein in the second half of 2015, recognizing the proximity of their hires to our initial public offering, we granted them Class M-4 common shares that are more heavily weighted in the performance-based tranche (now two-thirds of the Class M-4 Prime common shares rather than one-half) and have performance-based vesting conditions based on stock price targets, as opposed to IRR and MOIC hurdles

 

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(the “Class M-4 Prime” common shares). The Class M-4 Prime time-based shares vest ratably in equal installments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. One-half of the Class M-4 Prime performance-based shares vest when Class A common shares have attained a per share volume weighted average closing trading price of $50 or more during any 120-day period, or upon a sale or change in control in which Class A common shares are valued at $50 or more; and the other half vest when Class A common shares have attained a per share volume weighted average closing trading price of $70 or more during any 120-day period, or upon a sale or change in control in which Class A common shares are valued at $70 or more. Any unvested Class M-4 Prime performance-based shares that have not vested within ten years from the date of grant will be forfeited to the Company.

In September 2016, the compensation committee modified the outstanding Class M-1, M-2, and M-3 share agreements to vest all performance-based Class M-1, M-2 and M-3 shares, given that the vesting of the shares in the near future was probable in view of our IPO. The committee also amended the conversion option for these classes, which previously allowed conversion of vested shares only subsequent to an IPO. Under the modified conversion terms, with certain exceptions individuals were able to elect up to three options for all or any portion of their vested Class M shares, including conversion at a specified date prior to an IPO, on the date of an IPO, or ratably each month for six months after an IPO. The modifications affected 27 individuals, including some of our NEOs.

Based on the foregoing vesting criteria for the Class M-4 shares, 59.7% of the original Class M-4 performance-based shares had vested and 14.4% had been forfeited to the Company as of December 31, 2017.

Based on the foregoing vesting criteria for the Class M-4 Prime shares, one-half of the original Class M-4 Prime performance-based shares had vested as of December 31, 2017.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards Vesting Schedule

The following schedule is for the restricted Class A common shares and the Class M time-based common shares. All Class M-1, M-2, and M-3 time-based common shares have fully vested. The Class M-4 performance-based common shares will vest only when the performance hurdles have been satisfied.

 

Name of Executive

  

Class of Security

   Share Award
Grant Date
    

Vesting Schedule for

Time—Based Shares

James R. Belardi

   A      4/29/15      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   A      2/19/16      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   A      2/3/16      Pro rata over 2 years(8)
   A      3/7/17      Pro rata over 2 years(9)
   Time-Based RSUs      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Options      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Time-Based RSUs      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)
   Options      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)

William J. Wheeler

   M-4 Prime      10/1/15      Pro rata over 5 years(3)
   A      2/19/16      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   Time-Based RSUs      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Options      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Time-Based RSUs      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)
   Options      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)

Grant Kvalheim

   M-4 Prime      5/23/16      Pro rata over 5 years(4)
   A      4/29/15      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   A      2/19/16      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   Time-Based RSUs      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Options      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Time-Based RSUs      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)
   Options      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)

Martin P. Klein

   M-4 Prime      11/15/15      Pro rata over 5 years(5)
   Time-Based RSUs      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Options      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Time-Based RSUs      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)
   Options      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

   M-4      2/23/15      Pro rata over 5 years(6)
   M-4 Prime      6/7/16      Pro rata over 5 years(7)
   A      4/28/15      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   A      2/19/16      Pro rata over 3 years(1)
   Time-Based RSUs      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Options      6/6/16      Pro rata over 3 years(2)
   Time-Based RSUs      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)
   Options      3/21/17      Pro rata over 3 years(8)

 

(1) Vesting schedule start date is 1/1/15.
(2) Vesting schedule start date is 1/1/16.
(3) Vesting schedule start date is 10/1/15.
(4) Vesting schedule start date is 2/15/16.
(5) Vesting schedule start date is 11/15/15.
(6) Vesting schedule start date is 4/4/14.
(7) Vesting schedule start date is 5/15/16.
(8) Vesting schedule start date is 1/1/17.
(9) Vesting schedule start date is 1/1/18.

 

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2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table provides information for the NEOs on the number of Class A common shares acquired upon exercise and vesting in 2017 and the value realized at such time.

2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards(5)  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Conversion (#)
    Value Realized on
Conversion ($)
     Number of Class A
Common Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
    Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
 

James R. Belardi

     —         —          22,849 (2)    $ 1,096,524  

William J. Wheeler

     —         —          5,279 (3)    $ 253,339  

Grant Kvalheim

     32,103 (1)    $ 1,598,087        25,584 (2)    $ 1,227,776  

Martin P. Klein

     —         —          1,841 (4)    $ 88,350  

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

     —         —          4,154 (2)    $ 199,350  

 

(1) Class M common shares were converted into Class A common shares on 11/29/17, and the fair market value of a Class A common share on such date was $49.78.
(2) Comprised of (1) RSUs and (2) two tranches of restricted Class A common shares granted as part of annual incentive awards: shares from the 2015 award vested and shares from the 2016 award, all of which vested on 1/1/17 with a market value of $47.99 per share.
(3) Comprised of (1) RSUs and (2) restricted Class A common shares granted as part of the 2016 annual incentive awards, all of which vested on 1/1/17 with a market value of $47.99 per share.
(4) Comprised of RSUs only, which vested on 1/1/17 with a market value of $47.99 per share.
(5) Does not include vesting of Class M common shares, which remain outstanding until they are converted to Class A common shares by the executive and which are included in the Outstanding Equity Awards Vesting Schedule table above. The number of Class M common shares acquired on vesting and the value realized on vesting of Class M common shares for each of the NEOs during 2017 is as follows: 100,000 shares and $3,789,000 for Mr. Belardi; 220,000 shares and $4,842,643 for Mr. Kvalheim; 83,599 shares and $1,521,545 for Mr. Gillis; 1,000,000 shares and $24,218,333 for Mr. Wheeler; and 104,000 shares and $2,421,987 for Mr. Klein.

2017 Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control at Fiscal Year-End

The information below describes and quantifies certain compensation that would have become payable under existing plans and arrangements if the NEO’s employment had terminated on December 31, 2017. These benefits are in addition to benefits available generally to salaried employees, such as distributions under our 401(k) Plan, disability benefits and accrued vacation pay. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any amounts actually paid or distributed may be different. Factors that could affect these amounts include the time during the year of any such event and the executive’s age.

Equity Awards

Class M time-based restricted shares issued under our 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2016 Share Incentive Plans will vest in full upon a sale of the Company or a change-in-control that occurs either prior to a participant’s termination of service or within six months following a participant’s termination of service without cause, by the participant for good reason or due to death or disability. Separate and apart from a sale or change-in-control, following a participant’s termination of service without cause, by the participant for good reason or due to death or disability, the Class M performance-based restricted shares that are outstanding and unvested shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest pursuant to their terms for a period of 18 months. If such performance-based restricted shares fail to vest during this 18-month period, they will be forfeited.

Class A restricted shares issued to our NEOs under our 2014 Share Incentive Plan prior to 2016 will vest in full upon a sale of the Company or a change-in-control that occurs prior to a participant’s termination of service. In the event a participant’s termination of service results from a termination without cause or by the participant

 

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for good reason or as a result of the participant’s retirement, death or disability, the Company may, but has no obligation to, vest in full all then unvested restricted shares or permit such unvested shares to continue to vest. For the purpose of the table below, we assume no such Class A restricted shares issued to our NEOs under our 2014 Share Incentive Plan prior to 2016 will vest in the event a participant’s termination of service results from a termination by the Company without cause or by the participant for good reason or as a result of the participant’s retirement, death or disability.

The equity awards, other than any Class M awards, issued to our NEOs under our 2014 and 2016 Share Incentive Plans starting in 2016, including time-based RSUs, performance-based RSUs, time-based stock options and time-based Class A restricted shares, will vest in full upon a termination of service by the Company without cause or by the participant for good reason which occurs within 18 months following a change in control. In the case of performance-based RSUs, the payout will be based on the target level of the award. In the event a participant’s termination of service results from the participant’s death or disability, each such equity award will vest in full. In addition, upon the retirement of a participant, performance-based RSUs will vest on a pro rata basis in accordance with the time elapsed in the performance period.

Pursuant to Mr. Belardi’s employment agreement, in the event of involuntary termination of service other than due to non-renewal by the Company, all outstanding restricted shares that are held by Mr. Belardi that are subject to time-vesting and scheduled to vest during the one-year period following his termination shall immediately vest, and a portion of each tranche of outstanding and unvested performance-vested restricted shares, depending on when they were granted, shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest pursuant to their terms for a period of 18 months following the termination date. Under the terms of Mr. Belardi’s employment agreement, the value of the accelerated vesting of his restricted shares in accordance with the foregoing would equal $1,162,056 assuming a December 31, 2017 termination of employment.

The following table provides the cumulative intrinsic value (that is, the value based upon our share price as of December 29, 2017 which was $51.71, less the conversion price of the award, if any) of all equity awards that would vest if (i) the NEO terminated employment as a result of voluntary retirement as of December 31, 2017, (ii) the NEO terminated employment as a result of death or disability as of December 31, 2017, (iii) the NEO was terminated without cause or terminated employment for good reason as of December 31, 2017, (iv) the NEO was terminated without cause or terminated employment for good reason within 18 months following a change-in-control of the Company as of December 31, 2017, or (v) there was a sale of the Company or change-in-control as of December 31, 2017 and which, with respect to Class M time-based restricted shares only, also includes if there was a sale of the Company or a change in control within six months after the NEO was terminated without cause, the NEO terminated employment for good reason, or the NEO terminated employment as a result of death or disability as of December 31, 2017 (each, a “Qualifying Termination”).

 

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2017 Potential Equity Benefits upon Change in Control and Termination Table(1)

 

Name

   Retirement(2)      Death or
Disability(3)
     Termination by
the Company
Without Cause
or by the NEO
for Good
Reason(3)
     Termination by the
Company Without
Cause or by the NEO
for Good Reason within
18 months following a
Change in Control(3)
     Change in
Control(4)
 

James R. Belardi

   $ 1,943,555      $ 7,447,511      $ 0      $ 7,447,511      $ 567,623  

William J. Wheeler

   $ 1,013,844      $ 23,420,869      $ 19,900,000      $ 23,420,869      $ 11,940,000  

Grant Kvalheim

   $ 574,515      $ 4,733,666      $ 2,563,739      $ 4,733,666      $ 3,044,636  

Martin P. Klein

   $ 548,971      $ 3,981,018      $ 2,069,061      $ 3,981,018      $ 1,241,760  

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

   $ 405,544      $ 2,649,923      $ 1,217,412      $ 2,649,923      $ 1,080,061  

 

(1) For purposes of this table only, all amounts reported in this table were calculated in accordance with the terms of applicable individual award agreements and do not take into account the potential treatment of certain equity awards under any employment agreement.
(2) For purposes of this table only, the amounts reported in this column assume that the performance-based RSUs vest at 100% of the target level of the award. Performance-based RSUs awarded under the 2014 Share Incentive Plan become vested by extrapolating performance as of the date of retirement through the end of the performance period by using financial information from the most recent calendar quarter preceding the date of retirement. Performance-based RSUs awarded under the 2016 Share Incentive Plan become vested based on actual performance through the end of the performance period. Under both share incentive plans, the amount earned is prorated based on the number of days employed during the performance period.
(3) As noted above, in the event of a Qualifying Termination, Class M performance-based restricted shares that are outstanding and unvested shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest pursuant to their terms for a period of 18 months. For purposes of this table only, the amounts reported in this column assume that 100% of the unvested Class M performance-based restricted shares that are eligible to vest do, in fact, vest over the 18 months following December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, Mr. Belardi did not hold any unvested Class M performance-based restricted shares.
(4) The intrinsic value of Class M time-based restricted shares, which are included in the total amounts reported in this column, may result from a change-in-control that occurs either prior to an NEO’s termination of service or a change-in-control that occurs within six months following a Qualifying Termination. Also included in this column are the values of the accelerated vesting of Class A restricted shares issued to our NEOs under our 2014 Share Incentive Plan prior to 2016.

Severance Benefits

Our NEOs would be eligible for benefits under the Athene USA Corporation Severance Pay Plan, which covers our U.S. full-time employees, if they are involuntarily terminated without cause, and provided they release the Company from any and all claims and, in some instances, agree to non-compete/non-solicit covenants. In general, eligible employees receive two weeks of their annual base salary for each completed year of service. The minimum benefits payable under this plan are four weeks of annual base salary; and the maximum benefits payable under this plan are 26 weeks of annual base salary. In the event that an NEO is notified by us that he or she is required to comply with a post-separation non-compete covenant for a period longer than the number of weeks of annual base salary to which the NEO is entitled based on his or her years of service, then the amount of the NEO’s severance benefit will be increased to an amount equal to annual base salary for the same number of weeks as the duration of the non-compete covenant. However, except for Mr. Belardi, in accordance with his employment agreement, in no event will an NEO receive more than two times his or her annual base salary received during the year immediately preceding the year of termination. In its sole discretion, the Company may determine to pay a pro-rated bonus to the involuntarily terminated executive, as approved by the compensation committee.

 

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Our employees based in Bermuda are eligible for benefits under the Company’s Bermuda Severance Pay Plan, which are substantially similar to the benefits provided by the Athene USA Corporation Severance Pay Plan.

2017 Potential Pay Upon Termination Table

 

Name of Executive

  

Termination Scenario(1)

   Athene Severance Pay  

James R. Belardi

   Voluntary Separation      —    
   Involuntary Separation(2)    $ 2,396,778 (2) 
   Termination For Cause      —    

William J. Wheeler

   Voluntary Separation      —    
   Involuntary Separation    $ 1,250,000 (3) 
   Termination For Cause      —    

Grant Kvalheim

   Voluntary Separation      —    
   Involuntary Separation    $ 2,050,000 (4) 
   Termination For Cause      —    

Martin P. Klein

   Voluntary Separation      —    
   Involuntary Separation    $ 550,000 (3) 
   Termination For Cause      —    

Frank (“Chip”) L. Gillis

   Voluntary Separation      —    
   Involuntary Separation    $ 550,000 (3) 
   Termination For Cause      —    

 

(1) Voluntary separation does not automatically trigger severance payments. For NEOs other than Mr. Belardi, voluntary separation triggers a severance payment only if the Company decides to enforce any non-compete provision, in which case the NEO would be entitled to an amount of severance benefits up to the amount set forth in the table above for the involuntary separation scenario. Involuntary separation provides for severance to coincide with a 12-month non-compete clause. Severance is not payable where an employee is terminated for cause.
(2) The total amount reported here represents the Company’s portion of the severance payable to Mr. Belardi in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without cause, by the Company by reason of non-renewal, by Mr. Belardi for good reason, or due to Mr. Belardi’s death or disability, each of which is defined as an involuntary termination under Mr. Belardi’s employment agreement. In each of these scenarios, Mr. Belardi is entitled to receive severance payments in an amount equal to the sum of his then-annual base salary and a pro rata bonus for the year of termination based, in part, on the bonus and annual salary paid to him in the year preceding his termination. In the event of an involuntary termination other than due to death or disability, Mr. Belardi is entitled to receive an additional severance payment equal to his then-annual base salary multiplied by a bonus percentage, calculated based on the bonus paid to him in the year preceding his termination and divided by his annual base salary in the year preceding his termination. The amount reported here includes such additional severance payment, which would only be payable in the event of an involuntary termination other than due to death or disability. Mr. Belardi is eligible to receive a separate involuntary severance payment from AAM.
(3) Severance does not include any pro-rata bonus payable at the discretion of the Company.
(4) Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event of an involuntary termination, Mr. Kvalheim is entitled to a pro rata portion of his target annual incentive award during the fiscal year in which termination occurs. The amount reported here includes such additional severance payment.

 

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CEO Pay Ratio

Our CEO to median employee pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in accordance with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K and applicable SEC guidance. SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio allow companies to apply various methodologies and apply various assumptions and, as result, the pay ratio reported by us may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported by other companies.

We identified the median employee by examining the total cash compensation for all employees, excluding our CEO, for the nine-month period from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017, who were employed by us as of October 1, 2017. We included all employees, whether employed on a full-time, part-time, or seasonal basis. In the U.S., we classified employees versus consultants based on the methodology we use for payroll purposes, which is itself based on IRS guidance. For non-US employees we classified them based on whether we are the employer of record. Employees on leave of absence were included in the employee headcount. In identifying the median employee, we used total cash compensation, consisting of base salary plus target level bonus or variable sales-related compensation, as the consistently applied compensation measure. We believe the use of total cash compensation as the consistently applied compensation measure is reasonable because cash compensation represents the principal form of compensation that we use as we do not widely distribute annual equity awards to employees.

We did not make any assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total cash compensation, except that for any employee as of October 1, 2017 who was employed by us for only a portion of the period from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 we adjusted their compensation as if he/she was employed for the entire period. We applied a U.S. dollar exchange rate as of October 1, 2017 to any compensation paid in non-U.S. currency.

In accordance with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, after identifying the median employee, we calculated annual total compensation for such employee using the same methodology we use for our NEOs as set forth in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table.

Annual total compensation from the 2017 Summary Compensation Table uses a different measurement of compensation than what we used to determine the median employee. Among other things, it requires us to include in compensation the value of equity awards, including stock awards and option awards.

For 2017,

 

  •   The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of the Company (other than Mr. Belardi) was $83,914.

 

  •   Mr. Belardi’s annual total compensation, as reported in the Total column of the 2017 Summary Compensation Table, was $4,073,408.

 

  •   Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Belardi to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees is estimated to be 48.5 to 1.

Director Compensation

Neither Mr. Belardi nor our Apollo directors, other than Dr. Puffer who is not an employee of Apollo but acts as a consultant to Apollo and its affiliates, receive any additional compensation for serving as directors. Prior to April 1, 2017, each of our other directors received annual compensation of $140,000, of which 50% was paid in cash and 50% was paid in restricted Class A shares that vest ratably over a three-year period. The chairs of board committees eligible to receive compensation received an additional $25,000 in annual compensation, payable 50% in cash and 50% in restricted Class A common shares. Members of the board committees, other than the chairs, eligible to receive compensation, received an additional $10,000 in annual compensation, also payable 50% in cash and 50% in restricted Class A common shares. Directors eligible to receive compensation also received $2,500 for each board meeting attended.

 

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In 2017, we conducted a review of the Company’s director compensation program, with the assistance of Willis Towers Watson. Based on this review, which included a comparison of our program with the programs of our peer companies, we determined to make certain changes to our Company’s director compensation program to further align the program with market data. Effective as of April 1, 2017, each of our other directors received annual compensation of $240,000, of which $105,000 was paid in cash and $135,000 was paid in restricted Class A common shares that vest after a one-year period. No fees are paid specifically for attending board or committee meetings. In light of the workload and broad responsibilities of their positions, the lead director received an additional $35,000 in annual compensation, payable 50% in cash and 50% in restricted Class A common shares that vest after a one-year period; the audit committee chair received an additional $30,000 in annual cash compensation; the compensation committee chair and risk committee chair each received an additional $20,000 in annual cash compensation; and the nominating and corporate governance committee chair received an additional $15,000 in annual cash compensation. Audit committee members (other than the chair) received an additional $15,000 in annual cash compensation, and all other committee members (other than the chair) received an additional $10,000 in annual cash compensation for service on a board committee. A member of a committee who is also the chair of that committee receives only the committee chair fee. In addition, Ms. Taitz and Mr. Ruisi both served as a director on the boards of several of our subsidiaries, for which they each received separate compensation. Mr. Borden also served as a director of ALRe, for which he received separate compensation. Dr. Puffer served on the supervisory board of one of our former German subsidiaries, for which he received separate compensation. Furthermore, Ms. Taitz, Mr. Beilinson and Mr. Ruisi also served on special committees, for which they each received separate compensation. The table below indicates the elements and total value of cash compensation and of equity awards granted to each eligible director for services performed in 2017.

2017 Director Compensation Table

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash(1)
    Share Awards(2)      All Other
Compensation
    Total  

Marc Beilinson

   $ 273,732 (3)    $ 121,289      $ —       $ 395,021  

Robert Borden

   $ 113,732     $ 121,289      $ 2,500 (4)    $ 237,521  

Brian Leach

   $ 219,982 (5)    $ 121,289      $ —       $ 341,271  

H. Carl McCall

   $ 116,232     $ 121,289      $ —       $ 237,521  

Manfred Puffer

   $ 114,357     $ 121,911      $ 30,015 (6)    $ 266,283  

Lawrence J. Ruisi

   $ 183,107 (7)    $ 123,154      $ 6,250 (4)    $ 312,511  

Hope Taitz

   $ 297,482 (3)    $ 137,527      $ 27,500 (4)    $ 462,509  

Arthur Wrubel

   $ 116,232     $ 121,289      $ —       $ 237,521  

Fehmi Zeko(8)

     —         —          —         —    

 

(1) This column reflects the retainer and fees earned in 2017 for service on the board of directors and committees.
(2) This column includes the grant date fair value of the restricted Class A common shares granted to eligible directors in 2017, which has been calculated by multiplying the number of restricted common shares by the closing share price on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of the restricted Class A common shares granted on January 3, 2017, is as follows: $20,037; $20,037; $20,037; $20,037; $20,658; $21,902; $23,145; and $20,037 for Messrs. Beilinson, Borden, Leach, McCall, Puffer, Ruisi, Taitz, and Wrubel, respectively. The grant date fair value of the restricted Class A common shares granted on April 3, 2017, is as follows: $101,253; $101,253; $101,253; $101,253; $101,253; $101,253; $114,383; and $101,253 for Messrs. Beilinson, Borden, Leach, McCall, Puffer, Ruisi, Taitz, and Wrubel, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the number of outstanding unvested equity awards held by each director is as follows: 20,027; 19,891; 17,849; 17,869; 19,979; 20,161; 20,738 and 17,869 for Messrs. Beilinson, Borden, Leach, McCall, Puffer, Ruisi, Taitz, and Wrubel, respectively.
(3) Includes $150,000 received for serving on two special board committees.
(4) Amounts received for serving as a director of a subsidiary/subsidiaries of the Company.
(5) Includes $100,000 received for serving on a special board committee.
(6) Amounts received for serving as a director of a subsidiary/subsidiaries of the Company. Mr. Puffer’s fee of EUR 25,000 was converted from euros to U.S. dollars using the currency conversion rate as of December 31, 2017.
(7) Includes $50,000 received for serving on two special board committees.
(8) Mr. Zeko was appointed to the board of directors in March 2018.

 

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Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

We require all non-employee directors of the Company who are eligible to receive compensation for their service as a director of the Company to own Class A common shares with a value equal to three times the annual cash retainer amount for non-employee directors (excluding any retainer amount paid for service on a board committee or service as lead director). Covered directors will have five years from the initial adoption of the stock ownership guidelines to satisfy our share ownership requirement. Any new covered directors will have five years from joining the board to satisfy our share ownership requirement. As of March 31, 2018, each non-employee director complies with or is projected to be in compliance after the applicable five-year period with the stock ownership requirements.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The following is a description of certain relationships and transactions that have existed or that we have entered into with our directors, executive officers, or shareholders who are known to us to beneficially own more than five percent of our voting Class A common shares and Class B common shares and their immediate family members as well as certain other transactions.

Relationships and Related Party Transactions with Apollo or its Affiliates

We have a strategic relationship with Apollo. Apollo’s indirect subsidiary, AAM, serves as our investment manager. In addition to being our co-founder, Apollo assists us in identifying and capitalizing on acquisition opportunities that have been critical to our ability to significantly grow our business. Members of the Apollo Group are significant owners of our common shares and control 45% of the aggregate voting power of our equity securities, which may be subject to certain adjustments, as described in “IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION” above. James R. Belardi, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, is the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and a director of AAM, and is an employee of AAM. He receives substantial remuneration from acting as Chief Executive Officer of AAM and also owns a 5% profits interest in AAM. Three of our other directors, Messrs. Lohr, Michelini, and Rowan, also serve as directors of AAM. Additionally, employees of Apollo and its affiliates serve on our board of directors. We expect our strategic relationship with Apollo to continue for the foreseeable future.

A description of certain relationships we have with Apollo and its affiliates and transactions that have existed or that we have entered into with Apollo and its affiliates are described below.

The following table summarizes the amounts we have incurred, directly and indirectly, from Apollo and its affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2017 (dollars in millions):

 

     Year ended December
31, 2017
 
     Amounts
Incurred
     % of
Average
Invested
Assets
 

IMAs—U.S. and Bermuda

   $ 260.9        0.34

Investment Advisory Agreement—Germany

     5.1        0.01

Apollo Master Sub-Advisory Agreement(1)

     49.8        0.07

Apollo Fund Investments(2)

     66.6        0.09

AmeriHome

     9.9        0.01

Shared Services Agreement

     7.0        0.01

Commercial Mortgage Loan Servicing Agreement

     0.3        0.00

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

     9.1        0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amounts paid to Apollo

   $ 408.7        0.54
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average invested assets

   $ 76,557     

 

(1) Excludes $0.8 million of sub-advisory fees paid to AAM for the benefit of third party sub-advisors.
(2) Includes total management, carried interest (including unrealized but accrued carried interest fees) and other fees, including those we hold as equity method investments.

Investment Management Relationships

Substantially all of our invested assets are managed by AAM pursuant to our investment management agreements (“IMAs”) with AAM. AAM provides a full array of asset and portfolio management services to us. AAM was founded as a partnership between James R. Belardi and Apollo to provide the Company with a

 

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dedicated investment asset manager capable of creating and executing a bespoke investment strategy that is optimal for the Company’s dynamic investment needs. AAM has built a dedicated team of more than 100 investment and operations professionals, senior members of which have deep sector experience in the asset management industry and have overseen our investment portfolio since our founding. As a subsidiary of Apollo, AAM is fully integrated into the Apollo investment platform and provides the Company with access to Apollo’s investment expertise and fully-built infrastructure without the burden of incurring the development and maintenance costs of building an in-house investment asset manager with the capabilities of Apollo/AAM.

As of December 31, 2017, AAM’s investment professionals directly invested approximately 82% of the U.S. and Bermuda accounts owned by us or in accounts supporting reinsurance ceded to our subsidiaries by third-party issuers (the “North America Accounts”) in a number of asset classes, including investment grade corporate credit and RMBS. For the remainder of the invested assets in the North America Accounts, which is comprised of assets which often require additional sourcing and underwriting capabilities, AAM has chosen to mandate sub-advisors rather than building out in-house capabilities. In this regard, AAM is able to leverage its relationship with Apollo in a sub-advisory capacity, pursuant to which AAM has mandated Apollo to invest in asset classes in which Apollo has investment expertise and sourcing capabilities, such as high yield credit, commercial mortgage loans, CLOs, CMBS and certain ABS. All sub-advised assets are ultimately overseen by AAM to ensure they are appropriate for our business and consistent with our investment strategy. Through our relationship with Apollo, and having extensive knowledge of our corporate structure and business targets, AAM often creates or sources unique investment opportunities, such as our investments in MidCap FinCo Limited (“MidCap”) and AmeriHome, described under “—MidCap” and “—AmeriHome” below.

We have historically relied on AAM to efficiently reinvest large blocks of invested assets we have acquired. AAM’s investment professionals have developed an intimate knowledge of our liability profile, which is long-dated and predominantly surrender charge protected. This knowledge serves as the foundation of our asset management strategy by enabling us to take advantage of our generally illiquid liability profile and identify asset opportunities with an emphasis on earning incremental yield by taking liquidity risk and complexity risk, rather than assuming solely credit risk. Through AAM and Apollo, we are able to source, value and invest in these high quality assets to drive and target greater investment returns. Additionally, AAM has grown as we have grown. In response to our rapid asset growth and other significant changes in our requirements, such as our strategy of pursuing ongoing retail product sales, AAM has added resources to directly manage our assets and has significantly increased the number and capabilities of its staff to service our growing investment portfolio.

Athene Deutschland Holding GmbH & Co. KG (“ADKG”), entered into an investment advisory agreement with Apollo Asset Management Europe, LLP (“AAME”) pursuant to which AAME provided advisory services for a significant portion of our German investment portfolio. AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. (now known as Athora, and together with its European operations, the “Athora Group”), the former holding company of our European operations, together with its subsidiaries including ADKG, was deconsolidated from the Company as of January 1, 2018 as a result of the closing of a capital raise transaction by Athora.

As discussed in greater detail below, for services related to the investment assets of our U.S. and Bermuda companies, for the year ended December 31, 2017, AAM earned an investment management fee of 0.40% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts (subject to certain discounts and exceptions) up to $65,846 million (which amount represents the AUM managed by AAM on our behalf as of December 31, 2016) and 0.30% per annum on all asset in the North America Accounts (subject to certain discounts and exceptions) in excess of $65,846 million pursuant to the Fifth Amended and Restated Fee Agreement, effective January 1, 2017, between the Company and AAM (the “Fee Agreement”). Prior to January 1, 2017, AAM earned an investment management fee of 0.40% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts (subject to certain discounts and exceptions). Affiliates of Apollo other than AAM earn additional fees for sub-advisory services rendered with respect to certain invested assets within the North America Accounts.

Although the investment management fee that AAM charges us is generally 0.40% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts up to $65,846 million and 0.30% per annum on all assets in the North America

 

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Accounts in excess of $65,846 million, in order to support continued profitable growth for the Company, AAM discounts certain fees due by the Company. For the total dollar amount of all liabilities sourced through our organic distribution channels during 2016 in excess of $5.1 billion (subject to certain exceptions, “Excess Liabilities”), which otherwise would be subject to a fee of 0.40% per annum, AAM agreed to discount fees as follows:

 

  •   During 2016, a discount of 0.40% per annum multiplied by such Excess Liabilities. The 2016 discount relating to such Excess Liabilities was intended to reasonably approximate a full discount of the AAM fee on the assets relating to such Excess Liabilities during the remainder of the 2016 calendar year.

 

  •   For 2017, a discount of 0.20% per annum multiplied by such Excess Liabilities, resulting in a reasonable approximation of a 0.20% fee on the assets relating to such Excess Liabilities during the 2017 calendar year.

 

  •   For 2018 and thereafter, a discount of 0.075% per annum, resulting in a reasonable approximation of a 0.325% fee on the assets relating to such Excess Liabilities during the 2018 calendar year and thereafter.

Excess Liabilities are determined based on our actuarial projections at the time that such Excess Liabilities are written and will amortize on a quarterly basis according to our projections for purposes of determining the discount. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our organic channels provided deposits of $8.8 billion.

Affiliates of Apollo also earn additional fees paid by funds or other collective investment vehicles in which we are invested for management and other services provided by such affiliates of Apollo to such funds and investment vehicles. For the year ended December 31, 2017, for the services related to our investment assets in Germany, AAME earned advisory fees of 0.10% on assets advised by AAME and affiliates of AAME received an advisory fee of 0.35% per year on certain German special investment funds (the difference in rates earned by AAME and AAM is due to differences in the investment characteristics, as described in greater detail below) and our investment in a sub-fund of Apollo Capital Efficient Fund I. We believe that our relationships with AAM, Apollo and other Apollo affiliates have contributed to and will continue to contribute to our strong financial performance. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we generated net investment income of $3.3 billion, $2.9 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Net of the aforementioned fees, we achieved consolidated net investment earned rates of 4.47%, 4.35% and 4.24% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

IMAs—U.S. and Bermuda

As of December 31, 2017, AAM managed approximately $76.3 billion of assets in the North America Accounts. These assets are invested primarily in a diversified portfolio of fixed maturity and other securities. Approximately $62.3 billion of these assets, the majority of which are investment grade fixed income assets, are in accounts directly invested by AAM, while the remainder of our investment assets in the United States and Bermuda are primarily managed by AAM and Apollo through a sub-advisory arrangement between AAM and Apollo. As compensation for the enhanced and bespoke investment management services that AAM provides to us, under investment management agreements between AAM and us, for the year ended December 31, 2017 AAM received a gross fee of 0.40% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts up to $65,846 million and 0.30% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts in excess of $65,846 million, with certain limited exceptions. The gross fee is paid in part by the North America Accounts and in part by AHL pursuant to the Fee Agreement to the extent that any North America Account’s direct rate is less than the total fee amount.

Investment Advisory Agreement—Germany

As of December 31, 2017, AAME advised with respect to approximately $4.2 billion of assets owned by our former German Group Companies. “German Group Companies” collectively refers to Athora, Athene

 

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Deutschland GmbH, Athene Deutschland Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Athene Deutschland Verwaltungs GmbH, Athene Lebensversicherung AG and Athene Pensionskasse AG. As compensation for the investment advisory services rendered to ADKG under the investment advisory agreement between AAME and ADKG in relation to the assets ADKG managed for our German Group Companies, AAME received a gross fee of 0.10% per annum on the assets with respect to which it advised, which included all assets of our German Group Companies except operating cash and certain other excluded asset classes. The investment characteristics of our assets held by ADKG and our other Germany Group Companies differ substantially from the characteristics of our U.S. and Bermuda subsidiaries. Given these differences in the overall business model and lower yielding, more homogeneous investment portfolio and resulting less diverse requisite expertise, our asset management fees in Germany were significantly lower than those paid by us with respect to the North America Accounts.

Termination of Investment Management or Advisory Agreements with AAM and AAME

The investment management or advisory agreements between us and AAM or AAME have no stated term and may be terminated by either AAM or AAME, or AHL or the relevant subsidiary, as applicable, upon notice at any time. However, our Bye-laws provide that we may not, and will cause our subsidiaries not to, terminate any IMA or advisory agreement among us or any of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and AAM or AAME, on the other hand, before October 31, 2018 (or any anniversary thereafter) (each such date, an “IMA Termination Election Date”) and any termination on an IMA Termination Election Date requires (i) the approval of two-thirds of our Independent Directors (as defined below) and (ii) written notice to AAM or AAME of such termination at least 30 days’ prior to an IMA Termination Election Date. If our Independent Directors make any such election to terminate and notice of such termination is delivered, the termination will be effective on the second anniversary of the applicable IMA Termination Election Date (the “IMA Termination Effective Date”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the IMA Termination Amendment provides that, (A) our Independent Directors may only elect to terminate an IMA or advisory agreement on an IMA Termination Election Date if two-thirds of our Independent Directors determine, in their sole discretion and acting in good faith, that either (i) there has been unsatisfactory long-term performance materially detrimental to us by AAM or AAME, or (ii) the fees being charged by AAM or AAME are unfair and excessive compared to a comparable asset manager (provided, that in either case such Independent Directors must deliver notice of any such determination to AAM or AAME, as applicable, and AAM or AAME, as applicable, will have until the applicable IMA Termination Effective Date to address such concerns, and provided, further, that in the case of a determination that the fees being charged by AAM or AAME are unfair and excessive, AAM or AAME, as applicable, also has the right to lower its fees to match the fees of a comparable asset manager) and (B) upon the determination by two-thirds of our Independent Directors, we or our subsidiaries may also terminate an IMA or advisory agreement with AAM or AAME as a result of either (i) a material violation of law relating to AAM’s or AAME’s advisory business, or (ii) AAM’s or AAME’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of AAM’s or AAME’s obligations under the relevant agreement, and in either case the delivery of at least 30 days’ prior written notice to AAM or AAME of such termination and such termination will be effective at the end of such 30-day period (the events described in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) are referred to in more detail in our Bye-laws as “AHL Cause”). The IMA Termination Amendment provides that, for purposes of the IMA termination provisions of the Bye-laws (as amended pursuant to such proposed amendment), an “Independent Director” cannot be (x) an officer or employee of ours or any of our subsidiaries or (y) an officer or employee of (1) any member of the Apollo Group described in clauses (i) through (iv) of the definition of “Apollo Group” as set forth in our Bye-laws or (2) AGM or any of its subsidiaries (excluding any subsidiary that constitutes any portfolio company (or investment) of (A) an investment fund or other investment vehicle whose general partner, managing member or similar governing person is owned, directly or indirectly, by AGM or by one or more of its subsidiaries or (B) a managed account agreement (or similar arrangement) whereby AGM or one or more of its subsidiaries serves as general partner, managing member or in a similar governing position).

In addition, the boards of directors of AHL’s subsidiaries may terminate an investment management or advisory agreement with AAM or AAME with regards to the applicable subsidiary if such subsidiary’s board of directors determines that such termination is required in the exercise of its fiduciary duties. AAM or AAME may

 

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terminate such agreements at any time, which may adversely affect our investment results. See Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investment Manager in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Apollo Master Sub-Advisory Agreement (“MSAA”) and Apollo Fund Investments

AAM and certain affiliates of Apollo entered into MSAAs for the benefit of our insurance subsidiaries whereby such Apollo affiliates sub-advise AAM with respect to a portion of the invested assets held in the North America Accounts. Sub-advisory mandates with Apollo generally relate to certain asset classes for which Apollo managers have investment expertise and for which AAM has determined that it is more appropriate to sub-advise rather than build out in-house capabilities to invest in these assets. Sub-advisory fees relating to the MSAA and any other sub-advisory arrangement are recharged by AAM to the North America Accounts and are in addition to the gross fee of 0.40% per annum paid to AAM under the IMAs. Currently, the MSAA, as amended, covers services rendered by Apollo-affiliated sub-advisors relating to the following asset classes, among others: bank loans, high yield debt, commercial mortgage loans, emerging market debt, convertible securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities (including CLOs), oil and gas royalties and insurance-linked securities.

Under the MSAA, for the year ended December 31, 2017, Apollo earned 0.40% per annum on all assets in the North America Accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo up to $10 billion, 0.35% per annum on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $10 billion up to $12.7 billion (the level of sub-advised assets in the North America Accounts at December 31, 2016), 0.40% per annum on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $12.7 billion up to $16 billion and 0.35% per annum on all assets in such accounts explicitly sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $16 billion. This sub-advisory fee structure was adopted during 2017. Through December 31, 2016, Apollo earned 0.40% per annum on all assets sub-advised by Apollo up to $10 billion and 0.35% per annum on all assets sub-advised by Apollo in excess of $10 billion.

In certain instances, Apollo earns an incentive fee in its capacity as a sub-advisor of our invested assets. As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Apollo affiliates directly sub-advised AAM with respect to approximately $14.0 billion, $12.5 billion and $11.8 billion, respectively, constituting approximately 18%, 19%, and 20%, respectively, of the North America Accounts.

In addition to invested assets sub-advised by Apollo, from time to time, AAM also invests our assets in investment funds or other collective investment vehicles whose general partner, managing member, investment manager or collateral manager is owned, directly or indirectly, by Apollo or by one or more of Apollo’s subsidiaries (“Apollo fund investments”), and which comprised 66% of our alternative investment portfolio as of December 31, 2017. AAM’s alternative investment strategy is inherently opportunistic and subject to concentration limits on specific risks. We opportunistically target allocating 5-10% of the assets in the North America Accounts to alternative investments. Individual alternative investments are selected based on the investment’s risk-reward profile, incremental effect on diversification and potential for attractive returns due to sector and/or market dislocations. There is a preference for alternative investments that have some or all of the following characteristics, among others: (1) investments that constitute a direct investment or an investment in a fund with a high degree of co-investment; (2) investments with credit- or debt-like characteristics (for example, a stipulated maturity and par value), or alternatively, investments with reduced volatility when compared to pure equity; or (3) investments that have less downside risk. As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 3.2%, 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively, of our assets in the North America Accounts were invested in Apollo fund investments. Fees related to such invested assets varied from 0% per annum to 1.75% per annum with respect to management fees and 0% to 20% of profits for carried interest, subject in many cases to preferred return hurdles.

 

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As of December 31, 2017, our Apollo sub-advised investments and Apollo fund investments consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

     December 31, 2017  
     Amount      % of Total  

Apollo sub-advised investments

     

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale

     

Foreign governments

   $ 152        0.9

Corporate

     3,073        18.4

CLO

     5,808        34.8

ABS

     746        4.5

CMBS

     1,032        6.2

Trading securities, fixed maturity securities

     

ABS

     94        0.6

CLO

     27        0.2

Mortgage loans

     2,897        17.3

Investment funds

     92        0.5

Other investments

     75        0.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 13,996        83.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Apollo fund investments

     

Credit funds

   $ 294        1.8

CLO equities, affiliated

     151        0.9

Mortgage and real assets

     393        2.3

Hedge funds

     380        2.3

Natural resources

     101        0.6

Private equity—AAA

     

Private equity—Public

     171        1.0

Private equity—MidCap

     528        3.2

Private equity—Other

     100        0.6

A-A Mortgage

     496        3.0

Other private equity

     83        0.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 2,697        16.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16,693        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 3.7%, 3.9% and 4.1%, respectively, of our total investments, including related parties and consolidated VIEs, are comprised of securities, including investment funds, in which Apollo, or an Apollo affiliate, has significant influence or control over the issuer of a security or the sponsor of the investment fund. The following table summarizes our cash flow activity related to these investments for the periods presented below (dollars in millions):

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2017      2016      2015  

Sales, maturities, and repayments

   $ 707      $ 482      $ 610  

Purchases

     (835      (601      (728

For additional information regarding these investments, refer to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Certain members of our board of directors may directly receive carried interest or may receive a portion of the carried interest that Apollo receives from fund investments in which the Company is invested. Certain

 

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directors may invest in fund investments in which we have invested. Additionally, Mr. Belardi and Mr. Kvalheim also have interests in certain of these fund investments. Certain officers from time to time may invest in Apollo funds or co-investments.

Dr. Puffer served on the board of directors of Athene Lebensversicherung AG, a subsidiary of our former German entity. Dr. Puffer received compensation in 2017, 2016 and 2015 for serving as a director of such subsidiary in the amounts of EUR 25,000, EUR 25,000 and EUR 6,250, respectively.

Third Party Sub-Advisory Agreements

In the limited instances in which AAM desires to invest in asset classes for which neither AAM nor Apollo possesses the investment expertise or sourcing abilities required to manage the assets, or in instances in which AAM makes the determination that it is more effective or efficient to do so, AAM mandates third-party sub-advisors to invest in such asset classes, and we reimburse AAM for fees paid to such sub-advisors. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we reimbursed $0.8 million of sub-advisory fees to AAM for the benefit of third party sub-advisors.

Reinsurance of Voya Financial, Inc. and Investment in VA Capital Company LLC

In December 2017 a consortium of investors, led by affiliates of Apollo, and certain other investors, agreed to purchase Voya Insurance and Annuity Company (“VIAC”), including its closed block variable annuity segment, and create a newly formed standalone entity, Venerable Holdings, Inc. (“Venerable”), that will be the holding company of VIAC. We committed to make a $75 million minority equity investment in VA Capital Company LLC, the holding company of Venerable, and provide financing to Venerable of $150 million, in each case, subject to certain closing adjustments. In connection with these transactions, we agreed to reinsure approximately $19 billion of fixed annuities. These transactions are expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2018 and are subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Athora (formerly known as AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd.)

On April 14, 2017, in connection with a private offering, Athora entered into subscription agreements with us, certain affiliates of AGM and a number of other third-party investors pursuant to which Athora secured commitments from such parties to purchase new common shares in Athora (the “Athora Offering”), subject to required regulatory approval and certain other customary closing conditions.

On November 28, 2017, the Athora board of directors approved resolutions authorizing the closing of the Athora Offering (the “Closing”) to occur on January 1, 2018 and approving a capital call from all of the Athora investors, excluding us. In connection with the Closing and the issuance of shares in respect of the capital call, each of which occurred on January 1, 2018, our equity interest in the Athora Group was exchanged for 9,000,000 common shares of Athora equity securities. As a result, our interest in Athora was reduced below 50% of the economic and voting interests in the Athora Group, such that we now hold the Athora Group as an investment rather than as consolidated subsidiaries. Prior to the Closing and issuance of shares in respect of the capital call, Athora was our wholly-owned subsidiary. Immediately after the Closing and issuance of shares in respect of the capital call, we held 10% of the aggregate voting power of and less than 50% of the economic interest in Athora’s equity securities.

In connection with the Closing, we entered into a Cooperation Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”), dated January 1, 2018, between us and Athora. Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, among other things, (i) we will have the right to reinsure approximately 20% of the spread business written or reinsured by any insurance or reinsurance company owned or acquired by Athora, (ii) Athora’s insurance subsidiaries will be required to purchase certain funding agreements and/or other spread instruments issued by our insurance subsidiaries, (iii) we will provide the Athora Group with a right of first refusal to pursue acquisition and reinsurance transactions in Europe (other than the United Kingdom) and (iv) the Athora Group will provide us with a right of first refusal to pursue acquisition and reinsurance transactions in North America and the United Kingdom. As of the Closing, we had outstanding funding agreements in the aggregate principal amount of $174 million that had been issued to Athora prior to the Closing.

 

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Two of our executive officers, William J. Wheeler and Martin P. Klein, as well as two of our directors, Marc Rowan and Gernot Lohr, currently serve on the board of Athora. One of our executive officers, Mr. Wheeler, and certain of our directors are investors in Athora.

MidCap

We hold a significant investment in MidCap through AAA Investments (Co-Invest VII), L.P. (“CoInvest VII”), a consolidated investment fund managed by an affiliate of Apollo. In addition, one of our directors, Hope Taitz, currently serves on the board of MidCap. When we originally invested in MidCap Financial Holdings, LLC (“MidCap Financial”) in November 2013, MidCap Financial was a specialty finance company which primarily originated lending opportunities in the healthcare sector. With the assistance of Apollo, MidCap Financial entered new lending markets, raised substantial equity capital and restructured as MidCap in January 2015. MidCap represents a unique investment in an origination platform made available to us through our relationship with Apollo and, from time to time, provides us with access to assets for our investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, CoInvest VII owned 28% of the outstanding economic interests of MidCap valued at $528 million.

Additionally, we have made loans directly to MidCap Financial to which subsidiaries of MidCap succeeded as borrower. In connection with the acquisition of MidCap Financial by CoInvest VII in 2013, we entered into a subordinated debt facility with MidCap Financial with a principal amount of $245 million and a maturity date of July 2018. In connection with the restructuring of MidCap Financial into MidCap in January 2015, subsidiaries of MidCap Holdings succeeded as borrower under the subordinated debt facility, and the maturity date of the facility was extended to January 2022. In January 2016, the subordinated debt facility was amended and restated in connection with new loans made by third-party lenders. The loans under the amended and restated facility mature in January 2026 and earn interest at a rate of 9.0% per annum. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we earned income of $23 million in connection with the subordinated debt financing. The principal balance under the financing was $245 million as of December 31, 2017.

From time to time, we have entered into participation arrangements with MidCap Holdings with respect to loans we purchase that were originated or otherwise sourced by MidCap Holdings. In January 2016, we purchased a pool of loans that were sourced by MidCap and contemporaneously sold subordinated participation interests in the loans to a subsidiary of MidCap receiving aggregate consideration of $24 million. As of December 31, 2017, $14 million was due to MidCap under the subordinated participation agreement. In addition, from time to time, MidCap may originate or source loans that we purchase directly. As is customary practice for loan originators, MidCap may retain a percentage of the origination fees on the loans we purchase that are paid by the borrowers and may also act as agent for the lenders under the related loan agreements.

AmeriHome

We hold a significant investment in AmeriHome, a mortgage lender and mortgage servicer, through our investment in A-A Mortgage, an investment fund managed by AAM. AmeriHome originates assets that we may acquire that are consistent with our investment strategy. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Consolidated Investment Portfolio in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Through December 31, 2017, we made equity investments of $349 million in A-A Mortgage. We have approximately 73% of the economic interests in A-A Mortgage, A-A Mortgage owns 100% of the equity interests in Aris Holdco (not including profits interests in Aris Holdco held by AmeriHome management), and Aris Holdco owns 100% of the equity interests in AmeriHome. In addition, two of our executive officers, James R. Belardi (also a director) and Martin P. Klein, as well as one of our other directors, Marc Rowan, currently serve on the board of Aris Holdco.

 

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In connection with our equity investment in A-A Mortgage, we agreed that Aris Holdco will pay AAM a management fee equal to 1.5% of Aris Holdco’s consolidated equity, in addition to the 10% carried interest that AAM receives subject to an 8% hurdle. This management fee is paid in respect of certain management and oversight services provided by AAM to A-A Mortgage and its subsidiaries. In connection with transaction advice that may be rendered by Apollo Global Securities, LLC (“AGS”) relating to certain strategic transactions that may be entered into by Aris Holdco and/or its subsidiaries, Aris Holdco has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to pay AGS transaction fees equal to 1% of the aggregate consideration in such transactions for which AGS provides advice. In addition, certain other investors in A-A Mortgage, including an Apollo-affiliated fund, as a condition to their commitments to invest in A-A Mortgage, required that the amounts paid by Aris Holdco to AAM in respect of the management fee and amounts paid to AGS in respect of transaction fees would be rebated to such investors.

Gross management fees incurred by Aris Holdco for services rendered by AAM for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaling $2.5 million, $1.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, were rebated to other investors in A-A Mortgage. AAM also recognized approximately $6.5 million, $4.6 million and $2.5 million in unrealized incentive income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In 2015, we entered into loan purchase and servicing agreements with AmeriHome. The agreements allow us to purchase certain RMLs which AmeriHome has originated or purchased from correspondent sellers and pooled for sale in the secondary market. AmeriHome retains the servicing rights to the sold loans and generally charges a fee of 25 basis points on the loans serviced. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we purchased $57 million, $22 million and $83 million, respectively, of RMLs under this agreement.

German Office Lease

In May 2011, Delta Lloyd Lebensversicherung AG (now known as ALV, formerly a subsidiary of Delta Lloyd Deutschland AG (“DLD”)), entered into a sublease with CSC Deutschland Solutions GmbH for certain office space in Wiesbaden, Germany. In July 2012 and March 2016, the sublease was amended to increase the amount of space subject to sublease and to correspondingly increase the rent payable thereunder. Prior to and unrelated to our acquisition of DLD in October 2015, Wiesbaden (Bridge) S.á.r.l., an affiliate of Apollo, purchased the property subject to sublease.

The sublease expired in January 2017 and we entered into a lease with Wiesbaden (Bridge) S.á.r.l. that commenced upon the expiration of the sublease. We incurred rent expense under the sublease of approximately $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Shared Service Agreements

We have entered into shared services agreements with AAM. Under these agreements, we and AAM make available to each other certain personnel and services. Expenses for such services are based on the amount of time spent on the affairs of the other party in addition to actual expenses incurred and cost reimbursements. These shared services agreements can be terminated for any reason upon thirty days notice. The shared services agreements can also be terminated immediately with respect to a specific party in the event of the insolvency by another party to the agreements, among other things.

Equity Transactions

In July 2014, AAM established a long term incentive plan (the “AAM LTIP”), pursuant to which AAM provides incentive compensation to its eligible directors, officers and senior professionals. Under the terms of the AAM LTIP, we are permitted to receive long term incentive plan (“LTIP”) units, with the determinations as to our use of the LTIP units to be in our discretion. The AAM LTIP further provides that LTIP units that remain ungranted to participants under the AAM LTIP for any given fiscal year be granted to us. AAM may unilaterally change the plan at any time without our consent and therefore we may not receive future distributions under the

 

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plan. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not receive any LTIP units. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, pursuant to the AAM LTIP, we were permitted to receive $7.4 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

In order to promote an alignment of interests, certain AAM employees have received grants of Class M common shares. In addition, certain AAM employees were permitted to purchase our Class A common shares at a discount from market value. As a result of these efforts, as of December 31, 2017, AAM employees (excluding our Chief Executive Officer) own 1,644,727 Class A common shares, 334,785 Class M common shares and 4,882 RSUs. The expense associated with stock-based compensation to AAM employees was $0.2 million, $11 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Registration Rights Agreement

On April 4, 2014, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement (as amended by amendments No. 1 and No. 2 thereto, dated October 6, 2015 and November 22, 2016, respectively) with our shareholders, including each shareholder that beneficially owns more than five percent of a voting class of our common shares. The Registration Rights Agreement, subject to the restrictions and limitations contained therein, sets forth the conditions under which our shareholders may demand or otherwise require us to register shares held by them and the conditions under which we may require certain shareholders to register shares held by them, in each case such registration to be effected pursuant to the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement: (1) following our initial public offering and subject to certain holding restrictions, certain holders of five percent or greater of our common shares may request and thereby require us to use our reasonable best efforts to effect registration under the Securities Act; (2) upon registration by us of any of our authorized but unissued Class A common shares or upon registration by us of any Other Shares (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), in each case, other than registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8, holders of Registrable Shares (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) may require us to include in such registration some or all of their Registrable Shares on the same terms and conditions as the securities otherwise being sold in such registration, subject to certain limitations and holding restrictions; and (3) in connection with any registered offering of our common shares within 15 months of our initial public offering.

Investment Portfolio Trades with Affiliates

From time to time, AAM and/or Apollo execute cross trades which involve the purchase or sale of assets in a transaction between us, on the one hand, and a third party or an Apollo affiliated entity, in either case, to which Apollo or its affiliate acts in an investment advisor, general partner, managing member, collateral manager or other advisory or management capacity, on the other hand. In addition, from time to time, we may purchase or sell securities from or to related parties, other than through a cross trade transaction. We believe that these transactions are undertaken at market rates, and are executed based on third-party valuations where possible. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate value of such transactions where we acquired investments from related parties amounted to $42 million, $1.1 billion and $0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we did not sell any investments to related parties.

Commercial Mortgage Loan Servicing Agreements

We have entered into commercial mortgage loan servicing agreements with AAM. Pursuant to these agreements, we have engaged AAM to (1) assist with the origination of and provide servicing of, commercial loans owned by us or in which we participate, secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or documents of similar effect encumbering certain real property and commercial improvements thereon and (2) provide for management and sale of real estate owned properties.

Advisory Services Agreement

On August 23, 2016, we entered into an advisory services agreement (the “Advisory Services Agreement”) with Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. (“AMHLP”). Pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement, AMHLP

 

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or certain other affiliates of Apollo may provide certain non-exclusive management, consulting, financial and other advisory services to us and our subsidiaries. Such services, which differ from those covered by AAM and its affiliates under our IMAs and sub-advisory agreements, involve advice and recommendations related to future acquisitions, capital market activities and strategic priorities (including growth). Apollo and its affiliates do not charge us or our subsidiaries for their services and may determine not to provide any services. Apollo and its affiliates have the right to request a fee for any service they provide; however, such a request is subject to prior approval by us or the applicable subsidiary. We are responsible for all reasonable third party out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Apollo or its affiliates related to the services they offer and provide such entities indemnification against any loss or liability arising out of the Advisory Services Agreement. The Advisory Services Agreement is effective until December 31, 2025. Prior to entering into the Advisory Services Agreement, we reimbursed Apollo or its affiliates for certain out-of-pocket expenses they incurred in connection with rendering services to us. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid or reimbursed Apollo or its affiliates for approximately $8.0 million in out-of-pocket expenses pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement.

Other Related Party Transactions and Relationships

We have entered into side letters with certain of our shareholders and have granted them certain rights pursuant to the respective side letters.

We have entered into side letters with Procific (the “Procific Side Letters”), which has a significant indirect interest in us through its holdings in AAA and AHL 2014 Investor, L.P. The Procific Side Letters afford Procific the opportunity, in the event that Procific is, directly or indirectly (through its interests in AAA or AHL 2014 Investor, L.P.), required by the Company to sell shares in a public offering pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, to purchase shares from us in connection with the public offering with such purchase to be effected at the then market price less an amount equal to the underwriting commission per share, up to the number of shares that Procific is required to sell in such public offering. Subject to certain exceptions, the Procific Side Letters also provide Procific with an option to elect more favorable lock-up terms to the extent that certain of our investors are afforded lock-up terms that are more favorable than those to which Procific is subject. Finally, we agree to reimburse AHL 2014 Investor, L.P. for organizational and operational expenses it incurs during any calendar year. The total of such fees paid by us for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was insignificant.

We entered into a side letter with AAA (the “AAA Side Letter”) in connection with our private placement. Pursuant to the AAA Side Letter, for so long as AAA holds any of our equity securities directly or indirectly, it shall have the right to have one representative present at all meetings of our board of directors (and committees thereof); provided that such representative shall not be entitled to vote at such meetings.

Other than as stated or summarized above, since the beginning of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, no director, executive officer or shareholder who is known to us to beneficially own more than five percent of our Class A common shares and Class B common shares, or any member of the immediate family of such director, executive officer or shareholder, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest in a transaction or series of transactions in which we are, or one of our subsidiaries is, a party and the amount involved exceeds $120,000.

Related Party Transaction Policy

We have established a related party transaction policy which provides procedures for the review of transactions in excess of $120,000 in any year between us and any covered person having a direct or indirect material interest with certain exceptions. Covered persons include any director, executive officer, director nominee, shareholders known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of our Class A common shares and Class B common shares or any immediate family members of the foregoing. Any such related party transactions shall require advance approval by a majority of our independent directors or by our conflicts committee to the extent

 

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that such transactions constitute Apollo Conflicts (as described below) or related party transactions incidental or ancillary thereto. To the extent that the related party transaction is other than either an Apollo Conflict or a related party transaction that is incidental or ancillary thereto, our audit committee charter provides that the audit committee has the authority to review and approve all such transactions.

Because the Apollo Group has a significant voting interest in AHL, and because AHL and its subsidiaries have entered into, and will continue in the future to enter into, transactions with Apollo and its affiliates, our Bye-laws require us to maintain a conflicts committee designated by our board of directors, consisting of directors who are not officers, general partners, directors, managers or employees of any member of the Apollo Group. The conflicts committee consists of Messrs. Beilinson and Borden and Ms. Taitz. The conflicts committee reviews and approves material transactions by and between AHL and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Apollo Group, on the other hand, including any modification or waiver of the IMAs with AAM, subject to certain exceptions.

An “Apollo Conflict” is:

 

  •   the entering into or material amendment of any material agreement by and between us and any member of the Apollo Group; or

 

  •   the imposition of any new fee on or increase in the rate of fees charged to us or any of our subsidiaries by a member of the Apollo Group, or the provision for any additional expense reimbursement to or offset by a member of the Apollo Group to be borne by us or any of our subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, pursuant to any material agreement by and between us and any member of the Apollo Group (except to the extent that any such material agreement sets forth the actual amount or formula for calculating the amount of any new fee or increase in the rate at which such fee is charged and such material agreement has been approved or is exempt from approval under the conflicts committee charter).

We require that any new (or amendments to any existing) transactions by and between us and any member of the Apollo Group be, prior to the time such transaction is entered into:

 

  •   fair and reasonable, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be or have been particularly favorable to us or any of our subsidiaries);

 

  •   entered into on an arms-length basis;

 

  •   approved by a majority of our disinterested directors;

 

  •   approved by the holders of a majority of our issued and outstanding Class A common shares;

 

  •   approved by the conflicts committee; or

 

  •   approved by a committee consisting solely of two or more disinterested directors duly appointed by our board of directors to review such transaction instead of the conflicts committee, and provided that any such approval of a transaction by such committee complies with the Bye-Laws.

In connection with any matter submitted to the conflicts committee, materials are prepared by management summarizing the applicable conflict and recommending the proposed transaction. The conflicts committee reviews market comparison data (to the extent available) relating to the reasonableness of any proposed fees to be paid.

For operational and administrative ease, certain transactions that fall within the definition of an Apollo Conflict but do not pose a material risk to us need not be approved by the conflicts committee. As described below, these exceptions include specific thresholds under which we may engage Apollo or its affiliates in an investment management or advisory (or sub-management or sub-advisory) capacity without prior conflicts

 

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committee review or approval. The following transactions, among others, are expressly excluded from the definition of Apollo Conflict and do not require the consent or review of the conflicts committee:

 

  •   (i) transactions, rights or agreements specifically contemplated by existing agreements between AHL and Athora, (ii) entering into new IMAs or MSAAs with members of the Apollo Group on terms similar to and not more economically favorable in the aggregate to the Apollo Group than those currently in effect (provided, that payment of additional total fees and/or expenses at the same or no greater fee and/or expense reimbursement rate shall not be deemed to be more economically favorable to the Apollo Group), (iii) amendments to the agreements described in (i) and (ii) above for the purpose of adding a subsidiary of AHL thereto, or (iv) any reinsurance transaction between Athora or any of its subsidiaries and AHL or any of its subsidiaries;

 

  •   any (i) transfer of equity securities of AHL to or by any member of the Apollo Group, (ii) acquisition by any member of the Apollo Group of any newly issued equity securities that are offered to the public in a public offering, to substantially all of the holders of AHL’s common stock on a substantially pro-rata basis or at a price which is equal to or greater than the then-prevailing market price, (iii) issuance of securities to any employee or director of AHL or AAM (including allocating blocks of incentive securities to AAM for allocation by AAM to its employees and directors) pursuant to any stock incentive plan or similar equity based compensation plan approved by our board of directors;

 

  •   the provision of any insurance related products by or to AHL or any of its subsidiaries to or by the Apollo Group; provided that the provision of such products is an ordinary course transaction entered into on an arms-length basis on terms no less favorable to AHL or its subsidiaries than could be contemporaneously obtained from or provided to an unaffiliated party;

 

  •   any transactions, rights or agreements between AHL or any of its subsidiaries and any portfolio company of the Apollo Group that pertain to the ordinary course business of such portfolio company; provided, that any such transactions, rights or agreements (taken as a whole) are no less favorable to AHL or the applicable subsidiary than could be obtained from or provided to an unaffiliated party;

 

  •   an investment by AHL or any subsidiary thereof in an Apollo-sponsored vehicle; provided, that an officer of a member of the Apollo Group provides a written certificate to our board of directors that such investment provides AHL or its subsidiary, as applicable, with the same or better terms or a most favored nations clause (in all cases, taken as a whole with respect to such Apollo-sponsored vehicle and without consideration of any Designated Terms (as defined below)) as those applicable to other investors (excluding Designated Investors (as defined below)) in the same Apollo-sponsored vehicle who invested an amount in such vehicle equal to or less than that invested by AHL and its subsidiaries; and provided, further, that such investment represents no more than 25% of the outstanding or expected equity interests of such Apollo-sponsored vehicle (based on prior record related to the strategy), Designed Investor and Designated Terms shall have the meanings set forth for such terms or other similar terms in any customary side letter entered into by the applicable Apollo Group advisor or manager, Apollo-sponsored vehicle or other Apollo Group entity, on the one hand, and investors, other than AHL or a subsidiary thereof, who have invested in the same Apollo-sponsored vehicle, or entered into an investment management, sub-advisory or similar agreement with the Apollo Group for the same asset class, on the other hand;

 

  •   a transaction that has been approved by a majority of our disinterested directors, provided that the disinterested directors are notified that such transaction would otherwise constitute an Apollo Conflict prior to such approval;

 

  •   any modification, supplement, amendment or restatement of our Bye-laws that has been approved in accordance with our Bye-laws and applicable Bermuda law;

 

  •  

material amendments to contracts or transactions previously approved by the conflicts committee or a majority of our disinterested directors, or which are not required to be approved by either, so long as, in each case, such amendments either (i) are not materially adverse to AHL or any of its subsidiaries, or

 

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(ii) would not cause the relevant contract or transaction to require approval by the conflicts committee or a majority of our disinterested directors under our Bye-laws after giving effect to the relevant amendment;

 

  •   the entry into any IMA with the Apollo Group or amending an MSAA currently in effect (or entering into a new MSAA), so long as (i) such agreement is on terms in the aggregate (including expense reimbursement and indemnities) no less favorable to AHL than customary market terms (excluding the fees charged under the IMA); and (ii) either (a) the rates on assets under management (“AUM”) under such agreement (including any carried interest or similar profit allocation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding the fees charged under the IMA) do not exceed 50 basis points per annum for non-alternative assets; (b) the rates on AUM under such agreement (including any carried interest or similar profit allocation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding the fees charged under the IMA) do not exceed 100 basis points per annum for alternative assets; or (c) an officer of a member of the Apollo Group provides a written certification to our board of directors that such agreement provides AHL or its subsidiary, as applicable, with the same or better terms or a most favored nations clause (in all cases, taken as a whole with respect to such agreement and without consideration of any Designated Terms) with respect to other investors (excluding Designated Investors) who have entered into an investment management agreement or sub-advisory or similar agreement with the Apollo Group for the same asset class and whose AUM with respect to such agreement and asset class are all equal or less than those subject to the agreement between AHL and the Apollo Group with respect to such asset class. In addition, investments in an Apollo-sponsored vehicle are not deemed Apollo Conflicts so long as such Apollo-sponsored vehicle charges fees in line with those discussed in (a) and (b) above;

 

  •   allocations of costs or expenses between AHL or any of its subsidiaries and the Apollo Group not in excess of five basis points per annum, calculated on the total investible assets of AHL and its subsidiaries including accounts supporting reinsurance agreements for which AHL or a subsidiary thereof acts as reinsurer as of the effective date of such allocation (provided that any such allocation of costs or expenses may not be used to pay investment management fees); and

 

  •   any other class of transactions, rights, fees or agreements determined by approval of the conflicts committee to not be an Apollo Conflict nor require approval of the conflicts committee.

Each strategy that is managed, advised or sub-advised for AHL or any of its subsidiaries by AAM or another member of the Apollo Group through a managed account and was previously subject to conflicts committee approval (other than the existing IMA or new IMAs previously approved) may be re-examined by the conflicts committee if such strategy underwent a material change in the amount of AUM in the immediately preceding 12 months.

Our conflicts committee or applicable disinterested directors have previously approved the existing transactions described above under “—Relationships and Related Party Transactions with Apollo or its Affiliates” that are required to be approved by the terms of our conflicts committee charter.

 

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PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

At the Annual General Meeting, five directors are to be elected to hold office. Four Class III directors, Messrs. Borden, McCall and Beilinson and Dr. Puffer, were recommended for nomination by our nominating and corporate governance committee and nominated for election by our board of directors and in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws. If reelected, the Class III directors will hold office until the 2021 annual general meeting. One director, Mr. Zeko, also recommended for nomination by our nominating and corporate governance committee, was appointed to the board of directors subject to being nominated and elected by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. If elected, Mr. Zeko will be a Class II director and his term will expire at our annual general meeting to be held in 2020.

All of the nominees have consented to serve if elected, but if any becomes unavailable to serve, the persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy card may exercise their discretion to vote for a substitute nominee.

The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning each nominee is set forth in the section above entitled “MANAGEMENT.”

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to elect all of the nominees named above.

PROPOSAL 2:

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE LIFE RE LTD. AT THE 2018

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE LIFE RE LTD.

Pursuant to the Bye-laws of the Company, with respect to any matter required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of any non-U.S. subsidiary, which includes Athene Life Re Ltd., we are required to submit a proposal relating to such matters to the Company’s Shareholders and vote all the shares of Athene Life Re Ltd. in accordance with and proportional to such vote of the Company’s Shareholders. Accordingly, the Company’s Shareholders are being asked to consider the following proposal.

The Company wishes to nominate and elect Messrs. Belardi, Borden, Gillis, Lohr and Wheeler and Ms. Taitz to be directors of Athene Life Re Ltd. to serve until the 2019 annual general meeting of the Company or such other period of time as permitted by Athene Life Re Ltd.’s constituent documents.

The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning each nominee is set forth in the section above entitled “MANAGEMENT.”

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to authorize the Company to elect the nominees named above.

PROPOSAL 3:

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE BERMUDA EMPLOYEE

COMPANY LTD. AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE BERMUDA

EMPLOYEE COMPANY LTD.

Pursuant to the Bye-laws of the Company, with respect to any matter required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of any non-U.S. subsidiary, which includes Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd., we are

 

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required to submit a proposal relating to such matters to the Company’s Shareholders and vote all the shares of Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd. in accordance with and proportional to such vote of the Company’s Shareholders. Accordingly, the Company’s Shareholders are being asked to consider the following proposal.

The Company wishes to nominate and elect Messrs. Gillis and Wheeler and Ms. Courcy to be directors of Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd. to serve until the 2019 annual general meeting of the Company or such other period of time as permitted by Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd.’s constituent documents.

Nominees

Natasha Scotland Courcy has been in the reinsurance industry for over 10 years and has been Associate General Counsel of ALRe since 2012, and Chief Compliance Officer of ALRe since 2015. She works with ALRe’s business units to manage its reinsurance transactions including acquisitions, strategic transactions, reinsurance arrangements and alternative structures. Mrs. Scotland Courcy also supervises our Company’s corporate policy program, governance policies and procedures, and provides reports to our board of directors periodically. Prior to joining Athene, Mrs. Scotland Courcy was Legal Counsel at Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. where she managed complex internal reorganization projects, merger and acquisition deals, cat-bond transactions, and assisted in managing the legal operational requirements for the company’s global subsidiaries. Prior to Flagstone, Mrs. Scotland Courcy was an Associate at Attride-Stirling & Woloniecki where she advised on all aspects of corporate law including commercial, finance, and insurance and reinsurance transactions.

The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning each other nominee is set forth in the section above entitled “MANAGEMENT.”

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to authorize the Company

to elect the nominees named above.

PROPOSAL 4:

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE IP HOLDING LTD. AT THE

2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE IP HOLDING LTD.

Pursuant to the Bye-laws of the Company, with respect to any matter required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of any non-U.S. subsidiary, which includes Athene IP Holding Ltd., we are required to submit a proposal relating to such matters to the Company’s Shareholders and vote all the shares of Athene IP Holding Ltd. in accordance with and proportional to such vote of the Company’s Shareholders. Accordingly, the Company’s Shareholders are being asked to consider the following proposal.

The Company wishes to nominate and elect Messrs. Gillis and Wheeler and Ms. Courcy to be directors of Athene IP Holding Ltd. to serve until the 2019 annual general meeting of the Company or such other period of time as permitted by Athene IP Holding Ltd.’s constituent documents.

The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning Ms. Courcy is set forth above on this page of this proxy statement. The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning each other nominee is set forth in the section above entitled “MANAGEMENT.”

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to authorize the Company

to elect the nominees named above.

 

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PROPOSAL 5:

AUTHORIZATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ATHENE IP DEVELOPMENT LTD.

AT THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ATHENE IP DEVELOPMENT LTD.

Pursuant to the Bye-laws of the Company, with respect to any matter required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of any non-U.S. subsidiary, which includes Athene IP Development Ltd., we are required to submit a proposal relating to such matters to the Company’s Shareholders and vote all the shares of Athene IP Development Ltd. in accordance with and proportional to such vote of the Company’s Shareholders. Accordingly, the Company’s Shareholders are being asked to consider the following proposal.

The Company wishes to nominate and elect Mr. Wheeler and Ms. Courcy to be directors of Athene IP Development Ltd. to serve until the 2019 annual general meeting of the Company or such other period of time as permitted by Athene IP Development Ltd.’s constituent documents.

The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning Ms. Courcy is set forth on page 66 of this proxy statement. The name, principal occupation and other biographical information concerning Mr. Wheeler is set forth in the section above entitled “MANAGEMENT.”

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to authorize the Company

to elect the nominees named above.

PROPOSAL 6:

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

The board of directors proposes that the shareholders appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company (the “Independent Auditor”) until the close of the Company’s annual general meeting in 2019. PwC has been the Independent Auditor since December 8, 2015, the effective date of the change in the Company’s Independent Auditor from PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd. to PwC, as approved by the audit committee.

A representative from PwC will be present at the Annual General Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR the proposal appointing PwC as the Company’s Independent Auditor to serve until the close of the Company’s next annual general meeting in 2019.

PROPOSAL 7:

REMUNERATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

Subject to the approval of this proposal, the audit committee will determine the remuneration of PwC as the Company’s Independent Auditor for the year ending December 31, 2018. In accordance with the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended, the board of directors is submitting its referral to the audit committee of the determination of the remuneration of the Independent Auditor to the shareholders for approval.

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to refer the remuneration of PwC to the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company.

 

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PROPOSAL 8:

SAY ON PAY VOTE

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the below resolution gives shareholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Consistent with our shareholders’ preference, we intend to submit an advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs on an annual basis.

Accordingly, we are asking our Shareholders to vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Shareholders approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K.

As this is an advisory vote, the result will not be binding, although our compensation committee will consider the outcome of the vote when evaluating the effectiveness of our compensation principles and in connection with its compensation determinations.

It is expected that the next advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs will occur at our 2019 annual general meeting.

The board of directors recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the resolution.

PROPOSAL 9:

APPROVAL OF ELEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY

The Board has unanimously approved, and is recommending that the Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to approve, the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws of the Company (the “Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws”), in substitution for and to the exclusion of all existing Bye-laws of the Company. The text of the Bye-laws of the Company, as it is proposed to be amended and restated, is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. If approved by the Shareholders, the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws will be effective immediately.

A summary of the material amendments to the Company’s existing Bye-laws that will be represented in the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws is set forth below. All references below to specific Bye-laws are with respect to the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws. All capitalized terms used below and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them under the Company’s existing Bye-laws.

Definition of “Apollo Group”

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws provide that any executive officer of Apollo Global Management, LLC whom Apollo Global Management, LLC designates, in a written notice delivered to the Company, as a member of the “Apollo Group” for purposes of the Bye-laws (and any affiliate of such a designated executive officer) shall be considered a member of the “Apollo Group” for purposes of the Bye-laws, and that such designation shall continue in effect until the designee ceases to be an executive officer of Apollo Global Management, LLC.

 

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Revisions to Class B Common Share Voting Rights

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws make several revisions to the provisions determining the voting power of the Class B common shares, as described below.

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws provide that the voting power of the Class B common shares shall be allocated among all holders of Class B common shares on a pro rata basis except as provided elsewhere in Bye-law 4.2.

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws also provide that a holder of Class B common shares that is a member of the Apollo Group may, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the Class B common shares, reduce the voting power attributable to its Class B common shares by:

 

  •   transferring any of such holder’s Class B common shares to any other person and designating in a written notice delivered to such other person and the Company the amount of voting power being transferred, provided that no transfer shall be permitted to the extent it would cause the Voting Ratio with respect to any Class B common share to be greater than fifteen (15);

 

  •   transfer by written notice delivered to the Company a designated percentage of the voting power of its Class B common shares to certain or all other holders of Class B common shares, or to the Class A common shares as a class, provided that no transfer shall be permitted to the extent it would cause the Voting Ratio (as defined below) with respect to any Class B common share to be greater than fifteen (15); or

 

  •   convert any of such holder’s Class B common shares into a new series or class of securities of the Company issued in accordance with the Bye-laws.

Furthermore, the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws provide that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions or the voting cutbacks generally applicable to the Class B common shares:

 

  •   any two or more holders of Class B common shares that are members of the Apollo Group may elect for the voting power attributable to their Class B common shares to be allocated among their Class B common shares (or allocated away from their Class B common shares and to other Class B common shares or to the Class A common shares as a class) in a manner different from that set forth above and in the voting cutbacks, provided that the election does not result in certain adverse U.S. tax consequences; and

 

  •   any holder of Class B common shares that is a member of the Apollo Group may elect to have the amount of voting power attributable to the holder’s Class B common shares be subject to such additional limitations as may be specified by such holder, with any voting power allocated away from a holder’s Class B common shares pursuant to such an election being reallocated pro rata among the Class B common shares (other than any Transferred Class B common shares) directly held by all other Shareholders, provided, however, that such reallocation shall be permitted with respect to any Class B common share only to the extent that such reallocation would not cause the Voting Ratio of such Class B common share to be greater than fifteen (15), and any voting power not able to be reallocated to Class B common shares shall be instead be reallocated to the Class A common shares as a class.

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws also provide that the holders of the Class B common shares, by a vote of the majority of the Class B common shares, may at any time and from time to time elect to reduce the percentage of the total voting power represented by the Class B common shares (and correspondingly increase the percentage of the total voting power represented by the Class A common shares, so that the Total Voting Power remains equal to 100), subject to further adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(f) (including, without limitation, by an election that results in increased voting rights attributable to the Class A common shares), and if so provided by the terms of such election, such election shall be irrevocable.

 

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The above amendments are generally intended to reduce the likelihood that the Company or its shareholders will experience adverse U.S. tax or reporting consequences.

Elimination of Supermajority Voting Provisions

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws eliminate the requirement under the Company’s existing Bye-laws that certain elections and determinations be made by the holders of a two-thirds (2/3) supermajority of the outstanding Class B common shares, providing instead that such elections and determinations may be made by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B common shares.

Increased Flexibility for Board to Deviate from Voting Provisions to Avoid Adverse Consequences

The Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws provide that the Board may deviate from any of the principles described in Bye-law 4.4 and determine that Relevant Securities held by a Specified Shareholder shall carry different voting rights (or no voting rights) as it determines appropriate (1) to avoid the existence of any 9.9% Shareholder or (2) (i) to avoid adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) upon the request of a Specified Shareholder, to avoid adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences for such Specified Shareholder or any of its Affiliates or direct or indirect owners.

Required Vote

Pursuant to Bye-law 82 of the Tenth Amended and Restated Bye-laws, approval of this Proposal 9 shall require (a) the majority of the total voting power attributable to all shares of the Company represented at the Annual General Meeting voting FOR Proposal 9, and (b) the majority of the total outstanding Class B common shares voting FOR Proposal 9, voting as a separate class from the Class A common shares. With respect to requirement (b) above, abstentions and “broker non-votes” by a holder of Class B common shares shall have the same effect as if such holder voted AGAINST this Proposal 9. If either of the conditions specified in (a) or (b) in the preceding sentence are not satisfied, the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws shall not be deemed approved.

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the proposal to adopt the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MATTERS

Mailing Address of Principal Executive Offices

The mailing address of our principal executive offices is Chesney House, First Floor, 96 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda.

Annual Report and Other Reports

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and other reports we file with the SEC are available on our principal corporate website at www.athene.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.

Shareholders’ Proposals and Director Nominees for the 2019 Annual General Meeting

In accordance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, a proposal by a shareholder intended for inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2019 annual general meeting, which may take the form of nominees for the board of directors, requires timely notice in writing, either by personal delivery or express or registered mail (postage prepaid), to the secretary at the registered office of the Company not later than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the one-year anniversary of the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual general meeting. Based on the Company’s proxy statement being released to shareholders on April 26, 2018 in connection with the 2018 Annual General Meeting, timely notice for proposals to be included in our proxy statement for the 2019 annual general meeting must therefore be received no later than the close of business on December 27, 2018.

Under our Bye-laws, a proposal by a shareholder not intended for inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2019 annual general meeting, which may take the form of nominees for the board of directors, in order to be properly brought before the 2019 annual general meeting, requires timely notice in writing, either by personal delivery or express or registered mail (postage prepaid), to the secretary at the registered office of the Company not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of the annual general meeting for the immediately preceding year. Based on the 2018 Annual General Meeting date of June 6, 2018, timely notice for proposals to be properly brought before the 2019 annual general meeting must therefore be received not earlier than the close of business on February 6, 2019 and not later than the close of business on March 8, 2019.

However, under our Bye-laws, in the event that the date of the annual general meeting is more than 30 days before or after such anniversary date, in order to be timely, a Shareholder’s notice must be received by the secretary at the registered office of the Company not later than the later of (x) the close of business 90 days prior to the date of such annual general meeting and (y) if the first public announcement of the date of such advanced or delayed annual general meeting is less than 100 days prior to such date, 10 days following the date of the first public announcement of the annual general meeting date. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual general meeting, or such adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period or otherwise extend any time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described herein.

 

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Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following summarizes the fees for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

 

     2017      2016  

Audit fees(1)(2)

   $ 20      $ 15  

Audit-related fees(3)

     6        1  

Tax fees

     —          —    

All other fees

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26      $ 16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Audit fees include fees billed and expected to be billed associated with the audit of the annual consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting included on Form 10-K, the reviews of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual audits of certain subsidiaries and audits required by regulatory authorities, statutory audits, issuance of comfort letters, issuance of consents related to common stock offerings and registration statements, attest services required by regulation, and the assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities.
(2) Includes fees of $1 million and $2 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to our S-1 filings.
(3) Audit-related fees include fees paid associated with employee benefit plan audits, due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, accounting consultations and audits in connection with acquisitions, internal control reviews not required by statute and regulation, consultations on financial accounting and reporting standards, and other attest services related to financial reporting that are not required by statute or regulation.

 

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SCHEDULE 1

Athene Holding Ltd. Subsidiaries:

 

1. Athene Life Re Ltd.

 

2. Athene Life Insurance Company

 

3. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (f/k/a Liberty Life Insurance Company)

 

4. Athene Life Insurance Company of New York (f/k/a Aviva Life and Annuity Company of New York)

 

5. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (f/k/a Presidential Life Insurance Company)

 

6. Structured Annuity Reinsurance Company

 

7. Athene Annuity and Life Company (f/k/a Aviva Annuity and Life Company)

 

8. Athene Re USA IV, Inc. (f/k/a Aviva Re USA IV, Inc.)

 

9. Athene Annuity Re Ltd.

SCHEDULE 2

Current Ceding Companies:

 

1. Western United Life Assurance Company

 

2. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company

 

3. American Pioneer Life Insurance Company

 

4. American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Company of New York

 

5. Constitution Life Insurance Company

 

6. Union Bankers Life Insurance Company

 

7. Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company

 

8. The Pyramid Life Insurance Company

 

9. Jefferson National Life Insurance Company

 

10. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (f/k/a Liberty Life Insurance Company)

 

11. Continental Assurance Company

 

12. Reassure America Life Insurance Company

 

13. Eagle Life Insurance Company

 

14. Athene Life Insurance Company

 

15. Liberty Bankers Life Insurance Company

 

16. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (f/k/a Presidential Life Insurance Company)

 

17. Athene Annuity and Life Company (f/k/a Aviva Annuity and Life Company)

 

18. Structured Annuity Reinsurance Company

 

19. Transamerica Life Insurance Company

 

20. Midland National Life Insurance Company

 

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21. North American Company for Life and Health Insurance

 

22. Athene Re USA IV, Inc. (f/k/a Aviva Re USA IV, Inc.)

 

23. Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company

 

24. Athene Life Insurance Company of New York (f/k/a Aviva Life and Annuity Company of New York)

 

25. Royal Neighbors of America

 

26. Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company

 

27. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

 

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Annex A

 

 

ELEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYE-LAWS

OF

ATHENE HOLDING LTD.

Adopted on [*], 2018


Table of Contents
INTERPRETATION

1.

   Definitions
SHARES

2.

   Power to Issue Shares

3.

   Power of the Company to Purchase its Shares

4.

   Rights Attaching to Shares

5.

   Tax Restrictions

6.

   Calls on Shares

7.

   [Reserved]

8.

   Share Certificates

9.

   Fractional Shares
REGISTRATION OF SHARES

10.

   Register of Shareholders

11.

   Registered Holder Absolute Owner

12.

   Transfer of Registered Shares

13.

   Transfer Agent; Registrar; Rules Respecting Certificates

14.

   Transmission of Registered Shares
ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL

15.

   Power to Alter Capital

16.

   Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION

17.

   Dividends

18.

   Power to Set Aside Profits

19.

   Method of Payment

20.

   Capitalisation
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

21.

   Annual General Meetings

22.

   Special General Meetings; Requisitioned General Meetings

23.

   Purposes of Annual General Meetings; Proposals of Other Business by Shareholders

24.

   Notice

25.

   Giving Notice and Access

26.

   Postponement of General Meeting

27.

   Electronic Participation in Meetings

28.

   Quorum at General Meetings

29.

   Chairman to Preside at General Meetings

30.

   Voting on Resolutions

31.

   [Reserved.]

32.

   Power to Demand a Vote on a Poll

33.

   Voting by Joint Holders of Shares

34.

   Instrument of Proxy

35.

   Representation of Corporate Shareholder

36.

   Adjournment of General Meeting

37.

   Written Resolutions of Shareholders

38.

   Directors Attendance at General Meetings


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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

39.

   Election of Directors

40.

   Nomination of Directors for Election

41.

   [Reserved]

42.

   Number of Directors

43.

   Term of Office of Directors

44.

   Removal of Directors

45.

   Vacancy in the Office of Director

46.

   Remuneration of Directors

47.

   Defect in Appointment

48.

   Directors to Manage Business

49.

   Powers of the Board of Directors

50.

   Register of Directors and Officers

51.

   Appointment of Officers

52.

   Appointment of Secretary

53.

   Duties of Officers

54.

   Remuneration of Officers

55.

   Conflicts of Interest

56.

   Indemnification and Exculpation
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

57.

   Business Opportunities
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

58.

   Board Meetings

59.

   Notice of Board Meetings

60.

   Electronic Participation in Meetings

61.

   Quorum at Board Meetings

62.

   Board to Continue in the Event of Vacancy

63.

   Chairman to Preside

64.

   Written Consent

65.

   Validity of Prior Acts of the Board
CONFLICTS

66.

   Resolution of Conflicts

67.

   Conflicts Committee
CORPORATE RECORDS

68.

   Minutes

69.

   Place Where Corporate Records Kept

70.

   Form and Use of Seal
ACCOUNTS

71.

   Books of Account

72.

   Financial Year End


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AUDITS

73.

   Annual Audit

74.

   Appointment of Auditor

75.

   Remuneration of Auditor

76.

   Duties of Auditor

77.

   Access to Records

78.

   Financial Statements

79.

   Distribution of Auditor’s Report

80.

   Vacancy in the Office of Auditor
VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION

81.

   Winding-Up
CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION; EXCLUSIVE JURSIDICTION

82.

   Changes to Bye-laws

83.

   Changes to the Memorandum of Association

84.

   Exclusive Jurisdiction

85.

   Discontinuance
CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO SUBSIDIARIES

86.

   Voting of Subsidiary Shares

87.

   Bye-laws or Articles of Association of Certain Subsidiaries

88.

   Termination of IMAs


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INTERPRETATION

 

1. Definitions

 

  1.1 In these Bye-laws, the following words and expressions shall, where not inconsistent with the context, have the following meanings, respectively:

 

9.9% Shareholder

means a Person (other than a member of the Apollo Group) whose Controlled Shares constitute more than nine and nine-tenths percent (9.9%) of the Total Voting Power;

 

AAM

means Athene Asset Management L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (or any successor entity thereto);

 

Act

means the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda as amended from time to time;

 

Adjustment Controlled Shares

means, in reference to any Person or Shareholder, all Controlled Shares of such Person or Shareholder other than Apollo Designated Voting Securities;

 

Adjustment Shareholder(s)

means, at any time, the Shareholder(s) (i) with the highest Relative Class B Ownership Percentage as of such time and (ii) whose Class B Common Shares have voting power as of such time;

 

Affected Class B Shareholder

a Shareholder holding Adjustment Controlled Shares of any person described in clause (1) of the Class B Adjustment Condition;

 

Affiliate

means, as to any Person, any Person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of voting stock, by contract or otherwise;

 

AHL Cause

means, (i) a material violation of Applicable Law relating to AAM’s advisory business, (ii) AAM’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of any of AAM’s obligations under the IMA or any New IMA, (iii) unsatisfactory long term performance of AAM, as determined by the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith on each anniversary date of these Bye-laws or (iv) a determination at the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith on each anniversary date of these Bye-laws that the fees charged by AAM are unfair and excessive compared to a Comparable Asset Manager; provided, however, in the case of clause (iii) and (iv), the Board shall deliver notice of such finding to AAM and AAM shall have 30 days after receipt of such notice to address the Board’s concerns and, provided further, that in the case of clause (iv) AAM shall have a right to lower its fees to match a Comparable Asset Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, any termination of the IMA or any New IMA by the Company for “AHL Cause” shall require the approval of the Board;

 

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Apollo Group

means, (i) Apollo Global Management, LLC, (ii) AAA Guarantor – Athene, L.P., (iii) any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle whose general partner or managing member is owned, directly or indirectly, by Apollo Global Management, LLC or by one or more of Apollo Global Management, LLC’s Subsidiaries, (iv) BRH Holdings GP, Ltd. and its shareholders, (v) any executive officer of Apollo Global Management, LLC whom Apollo Global Management, LLC designates, in a written notice delivered to the Company, as a member of the Apollo Group for purposes of these Bye-laws (which designation shall continue in effect until such designee ceases to be an executive officer of Apollo Global Management, LLC) and (vi) any Affiliate of a Person described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above; provided, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor any Person employed by the Company, its Subsidiaries or AAM, shall be deemed to be a member of the Apollo Group. For avoidance of doubt, any Person managed by Apollo Global Management, LLC or by one or more of Apollo Global Management, LLC’s Subsidiaries pursuant to a managed account agreement (or similar arrangement) without Apollo Global Management, LLC or by one or more of Apollo Global Management, LLC’s Subsidiaries controlling such Person as a general partner or managing member shall not be part of the Apollo Group;

 

Apollo Termination Event

means the time at which no member of the Apollo Group owns any Class B Common Shares;

 

Applicable Law

means, with respect to any Person, all provisions of laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, judgments, decisions, decrees or orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to such Person;

 

Applicable Securities

means Relevant Securities other than Apollo Designated Voting Securities;

 

Applicable Shareholder

means any Shareholder or holder of New Securities (other than a member of the Apollo Group prior to an Apollo Termination Event);

 

Auditor

means the individual or entity for the time being performing the duties of auditor of the Company (if any);

 

Bermuda

means the Islands of Bermuda;

 

Board

means the board of directors appointed or elected pursuant to these Bye-laws and acting by resolution in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws or the directors present at a meeting of directors at which there is a quorum;

 

Business Day

means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Bermuda are authorised or required by law to close;

 

Bye-laws

means these eleventh Amended and Restated Bye-laws adopted by the Company on [*], 2018, in their present form or as from time to time amended;

 

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Class B 9.9% U.S. Person

means a U.S. Person whose Adjustment Controlled Shares constitute more than nine and nine-tenths percent (9.9%) of the Total Voting Power;

 

Class B Common Shares

means the Class B Common Shares and unless otherwise indicated, the Transferred Class B Common Shares;

 

Class M Common Shares

means the Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares, Class M-3 Common Shares, Class M-4 Common Shares and any other class of common shares designated as Class M Common Shares by the Board;

 

Code

means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any U.S. Federal statute from time to time in effect that has replaced such statute, and any reference in these Bye-laws to a provision of the Code or a Treasury regulation promulgated thereunder means such provision or regulation as amended from time to time or any provision of a U.S. Federal law or any U.S. Treasury regulation, from time to time in effect that has replaced such provision or regulation;

 

Company

means Athene Holding Ltd.;

 

Comparable Asset Manager

means an asset manager with personnel of experience, education and qualification, and whose services are of a scale and scope, comparable to those of AAM (after giving effect to any assistance provided to AAM by its Affiliates);

 

Controlled Shares

means, in reference to any Person or Shareholder, all Relevant Securities and Class B Common Shares owned by such Person or Shareholder either (i) directly, indirectly or constructively under Section 958 of the Code or (ii) beneficially within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

Director

means a director of the Company;

 

Disqualified Shareholder

means a Shareholder who holds Nonvoting Class A Common Shares or a Shareholder who owns Relevant Securities treated as Controlled Shares of any Applicable Shareholder holding Applicable Securities, or any Tax Attributed Affiliate of such an Applicable Shareholder, that is a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder;

 

Equity Securities

means all shares of capital stock of the Company, all securities exercisable or convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, and all options, warrants, and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire from the Company shares of such capital stock, including any share appreciation or similar rights, contractual or otherwise;

 

Exchange Act

means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

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Expenses

means all fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and retainers, fees and disbursements of expert witnesses, private investigators and professional advisors (including, without limitation, accountants and investment bankers), court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating, printing and binding costs, telephone and fax transmission charges, postage, delivery services, secretarial services and other disbursements and expenses;

 

Governmental Authority

means any Bermudan, U.S. Federal, state, county, city, local or foreign governmental, administrative or regulatory authority, commission, committee, agency or body (including any court, tribunal or arbitral body and any self-regulating authority such as FINRA);

 

Group

shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act;

 

IMA

means the investment management agreement, dated as of July 22, 2009, as amended from time to time.

 

Inclusion Shareholder

means a means a Person who (i) is treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to the Company (within the meaning of Section 951(b) of the Code) and (ii) owns (within the meaning of Section 958(a) of the Code) any shares in the Company;

 

Independent Director

means any Director that meets the independence requirements under the then-prevailing rules of the New York Stock Exchange or any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Company’s common equity securities are then listed or quoted, as determined by the Board;

 

Insolvency Event

means: (i) the Company or any Subsidiary thereof shall commence a voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Applicable Law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorise any of the foregoing; (ii) an involuntary case or other Proceeding shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary thereof seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other Proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of sixty days; or (iii) an order

 

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for relief shall be entered against the Company or any Subsidiary thereof under the bankruptcy laws in effect at such time;

 

Liabilities

means losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts;

 

Liquidation

means: (i) any Insolvency Event; (ii) any Sale of the Company or (iii) any dissolution or winding up of the Company, other than any dissolution, liquidation or winding up in connection with any reincorporation of the Company in another jurisdiction;

 

Management Shareholder

means a Person employed by the Company, its Subsidiaries or AAM holding Common Shares; for the avoidance of doubt, no Person holding Common Shares shall be deemed to be a Management Shareholder solely due to such Person’s service as a member of the Board or the board of directors or similar governing body of AAM or any Subsidiary of the Company;

 

Minimum Shareholder

means a Shareholder of record of the Company meeting the minimum requirements set forth for eligible shareholders to submit shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act or any applicable rules thereunder as may be amended or promulgated thereunder from time to time;

 

Nonvoting Class A Common Shares

Disqualified Class A Common Shares, Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Shares and Tax Disqualified II Class A Common Shares;

 

notice

means written notice as further provided in these Bye-laws unless otherwise specifically stated;

 

Officer

means any person appointed by the Board to hold an office in the Company;

 

Proceeding

means claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal and including appeals, at law or in equity, by or before any Governmental Authority;

 

Realized Cash

means all amounts received in respect of any Class A Common Share held by an investor in any round of equity raising of the Company, whether such amount is in cash, securities or otherwise, including, without limitation, all dividends and other distributions, including assets, all proceeds received from the sale of such Class A Common Shares and all proceeds received from a Sale of the Company or a Liquidation of the Company (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all holdbacks, escrows, earn outs and other deferred payments upon the receipt of such amounts by such investor, and any amounts received in accordance with Bye-law 4.5), with the value of any distributed assets being the fair market value of such assets at the time of distribution as reasonably determined by the Board, and which amounts shall not include securities received as a result of share splits, including a share split in the form of a share dividend and all

 

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other pro rata distributions of shares, provided, that solely for purposes of determining the Return of Investment Amount, Realized Cash shall also include all amounts deemed to have been received by such investor based on the volume weighted average closing trading price for such Class A Common Shares during the ninety (90) preceding trading days before any date of determination;

 

Register of Directors and Officers

means the register of directors and officers referred to in these Bye-laws;

 

Register of Shareholders

means the register of shareholders referred to in these Bye-laws;

 

Registered Office

means the registered office of the Company, which shall be at such place in Bermuda as the Board shall from time to time appoint;

 

Registration Rights Agreement

means that certain Third Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and between the Company and certain Shareholders, dated as of April 4, 2014, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time;

 

Related Insured Entity

means any Person who is (directly or indirectly) insured or reinsured by any of the Company’s Subsidiaries as specified in Schedule 1 hereto or by any ceding company as specified in Schedule 1 hereto to which the Company’s Subsidiaries provide reinsurance; provided, after the date hereof, such Schedule may be amended by the Board and shall be published in each case thereafter on the Company’s website. This definition is intended to comply with the intent of Section 953(c) of the Code and will be interpreted accordingly;

 

Relative Class B Ownership Percentage

means, with respect to the Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person and with respect to a Shareholder, at any time the percentage of the total number of Class B Controlled Shares directly held by such Shareholder at such time that are attributed to such Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person;

 

Relevant Securities

means (i) Class A Common Shares, (ii) Transferred Class B Common Shares and (iii) New Securities;

 

Resident Representative

means any person appointed to act as resident representative and includes any deputy or assistant resident representative;

 

Resolution

means a resolution of the Shareholders approved by Shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors to the Board or, where required, of a separate class or separate classes of Shareholders, adopted in a general meeting, in each case in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-laws;

 

Return of Investment Amount

means the aggregate, without duplication, of all (i) dividends (whether in cash or in specie), (ii) consideration in redemption and (iii) Realized Cash received or deemed to have been received by an investor with respect to each Class A Common Share;

 

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Sale of the Company

means (i) the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to a Third Party; (ii) the sale or transfer of outstanding Equity Securities to a Third Party; or (iii) a business combination involving the Company and one or more additional Persons by means of merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, amalgamation, share exchange or similar transaction, in each case in clauses (ii) and (iii) above under circumstances in which the Third Party, immediately following such transaction, holds 51% or more of the aggregate economic value of the outstanding Equity Securities. A sale (or multiple sales) of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company (whether by way of merger, consolidation, reorganization or sale of all or substantially all of the assets or securities or otherwise) which constitutes all or substantially all of the consolidated assets or revenues of the Company shall be deemed a Sale of the Company;

 

SEC

means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;

 

Securities Act

means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

Secretary

means the person appointed to perform any or all of the duties of secretary of the Company and includes any deputy or assistant secretary and any person appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Secretary;

 

Shareholder

means the person registered in the Register of Shareholders as the holder of shares in the Company and, when two or more persons are so registered as joint holders of shares, means the person whose name stands first in the Register of Shareholders as one of such joint holders or all of such persons, as the context so requires;

 

Shareholders Agreement

means that certain Sixth Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement of the Company, by and between the Company and certain Shareholders, dated as of April 4, 2014, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time;

 

Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person

means, at any time, the Class B 9.9% U.S. Person whose Adjustment Controlled Shares constitute the smallest percentage of the Total Voting Power among all Class B 9.9% U.S. Persons as of such time; provided, that in the event of a tie the Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person shall be the Class B 9.9% U.S. Person whose full legal name is first alphabetically;

 

Specified Number

means the quotient of (i) the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by the Class A Common Shares, divided by (ii) 9.9%, rounded up to the nearest whole number;

 

Specified Shareholders

means Persons owning no Relevant Securities which are treated as Controlled Shares of any Applicable Shareholder holding Applicable Securities, or any Tax Attributed Affiliate of such an Applicable Shareholder, that is a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder;

 

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Subscription Agreements

means those certain Subscription Agreements by and among the Company and certain Shareholders entered into prior to the date hereof;

 

Subsidiary

means, with respect to any Person, any other Person the majority of whose equity securities or voting securities able to elect the board of directors or comparable governing body are directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person;

 

Tax Attributed Affiliates

means, with respect to any Shareholder, any person (i) related (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or (ii) to whom the ownership of the Class A Common Shares held by such Shareholder is attributed pursuant to Section 958 of the Code;

 

Tentative 9.9% Shareholder

means a Person that, but for adjustments to the voting rights of Relevant Securities pursuant to Bye-law 4.4, would be a 9.9% Shareholder;

 

Third Party

means any Person, or any Group of Persons, who, immediately prior to a proposed Sale of the Company, held less than 10% of the aggregate economic value of the outstanding Equity Securities; provided, that the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be a Third Party or a member of a Group of Persons constituting a Third Party;

 

Total Voting Power

means the total votes attributable to all shares of the Company issued and outstanding;

 

Treasury Share

means a share of the Company that was or is treated as having been acquired and held by the Company and has been held continuously by the Company since it was so acquired and has not been cancelled;

 

U.S. Person

means a “United States person”, as such term is defined in Section 957(c) of the Code; and

 

Voting Ratio

means, with respect to any share in the Company, a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by such share and (ii) the denominator of which is a fraction (expressed as a percentage) (a) the numerator of which is the value of that share and (b) the denominator of which is the total value of all outstanding shares in the Company.

 

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  1.2 In these Bye-laws, the following terms have the meanings set forth in the sections indicated:

 

Term

   Bye-law

Apollo Designated Voting Security

   4.7(b)

Apollo Employee Shareholders

   4.2(d)

cause

   44.1

Chairman

   49(c)

Class B Adjustment Condition

   4.2(b)(iii)

Class B Restructuring

   4.2(b)(ii)(C)

Common Shares

   4.1

Company Merger Vote

   4.2(f)

Company Opportunity

   57.1

Conflicts Committee

   67.1

Covered Arrangement

   23.4(b)

Covered Person

   56.1

Disqualified Class A Common Share

   4.2(a)

Escrow

   4.5(d)

Group 1 Preference Amount

   4.5(a)

Group 2 Preference Amount

   4.5(a)

Group 3 Preference Amount

   4.5(a)

Group 4 Preference Amount

   4.5(a)

Group M Preference Amount

   4.5(a)

IMA Termination Effective Date

   88.1

IMA Termination Election Date

   88.1

IMA Termination Notice

   88.1

Indemnified Persons

   56.12

Insurance Subsidiaries

   57.1

New IMA

   88.1

New Securities

   4.2(b)(ii)(C)

Other Holders

   40.11

public announcement

   23.6

Reallocation

   4.5(g)

Shareholder Affiliates

   56.12

Specified Parties

   57.1

Subject Holder

   4.5(g)

Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Share

   4.2(a)

Tax Disqualified II Class A Common Share

   4.2(a)

Transferred Class B Common Shares

   4.2(b)(ii)(A)

Valid IMA Termination Notice

   88.1

Vice Chairman

   49(c)

Voting Commitment

   40.7

 

  1.3 In these Bye-laws, where not inconsistent with the context:

 

  (a) words denoting the plural number include the singular number and vice versa;

 

  (b) words denoting the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter genders;

 

  (c) words importing “person” or “Person” shall be construed in the broadest sense and means and includes a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint share company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any private or public court or tribunal;

 

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  (d) the words:

 

  (i) “may” shall be construed as permissive; and

 

  (ii) “shall” shall be construed as imperative; and

 

  (e) unless otherwise provided herein, words or expressions defined in the Act shall bear the same meaning in these Bye-laws.

 

  1.4 In these Bye-laws expressions referring to writing or its cognates shall, unless the contrary intention appears, include facsimile, printing, lithography, photography, electronic mail and other modes of representing words in visible form.

 

  1.5 Headings used in these Bye-laws are for convenience only and are not to be used or relied upon in the construction hereof.

 

  1.6 The rights and obligations set forth in these Bye-laws may be modified or restricted by any shareholders agreement entered into by two or more Shareholders or by the Company and one or more Shareholders, provided, that any such modification or restriction shall apply only to the parties to such shareholders agreement.

SHARES

 

2. Power to Issue Shares

 

  2.1 Subject to these Bye-laws and to any Resolution to the contrary and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of any existing shares or class of shares, the Board shall have the power and authority to the fullest extent permitted under the Act, but subject to all contractual restrictions to which the Company is bound, to issue any unissued shares on such terms and conditions as it may determine and any shares or class of shares may be issued with such preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital, or otherwise as the Board may by resolution prescribe, and to fix or alter the number of shares comprising any such class or series.

 

  2.2 The authority of the Board with respect to each such class or series shall include, without any limitation of the foregoing, the right to determine and fix the following preferences and powers, which may vary as between different classes or series of shares:

 

  (a) the distinctive designation of such class or series and the number of shares to constitute such class or series;

 

  (b) the rate at which any dividends on the shares of such class or series shall be declared and paid, or set aside for payment, whether dividends at the rate so determined shall be cumulative or accruing, and whether the shares of such class or series shall be entitled to any participating or other dividends in addition to dividends at the rate so determined, and if so, on what terms;

 

  (c) the right or obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem shares of the particular class or series and, if redeemable, the price, terms and manner of such redemption;

 

  (d) the special and relative rights and preferences, if any, and the amount or amounts per share, which the shares of such class or series shall be entitled to receive upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company;

 

  (e) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of such class or series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of capital stock of any other class or series, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the terms of adjustment, if any;

 

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  (f) the obligation, if any, of the Company to retire, redeem or purchase shares of such series pursuant to a sinking fund or fund of a similar nature or otherwise, and the terms and conditions of such obligation;

 

  (g) voting rights, if any, including special voting rights with respect to the election of directors and matters adversely affecting any such class or series; and

 

  (h) limitations, if any, on the issuance of additional shares of such class or series or any shares of any other class or series.

 

  2.3 Subject to the Act, any preference shares may be issued or converted into shares that (at a determinable date or at the option of the Company or the holder) are liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as may be determined by the Board (before the issue or conversion).

 

3. Power of the Company to Purchase its Shares

 

  3.1 The Company may purchase its own shares for cancellation or acquire them as Treasury Shares in accordance with the Act on such terms as the Board shall think fit.

 

  3.2 The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to purchase or acquire all or any part of its own shares in accordance with the Act.

 

4. Rights Attaching to Shares

 

  4.1 Subject to any Resolution to the contrary (and without prejudice to any special rights conferred thereby on the holders of any other shares or class of shares), the common share capital of the Company shall be divided into Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M Common Shares (collectively, the “Common Shares”). In accordance with Bye-law 2.2, the Board may authorize the creation and issuance of one or more series of preference shares.

 

  4.2 Prior to the occurrence of an Apollo Termination Event, the voting rights of the Common Shares shall be as follows:

 

  (a)

Subject to adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(b), Bye-law 4.2(e) and Bye-law 4.2(f), the Class A Common Shares shall collectively represent 55% of the Total Voting Power. Subject to adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(b), Bye-law 4.2(e), Bye-law 4.2(f) and Bye-law 4.4, each Class A Common Share shall be entitled to a number of votes equal to 55 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is 1 and the denominator of which is, without duplication, (i) the total number of Class A Common Shares outstanding at the time such determination is made less (ii) the total number of Nonvoting Class A Common Shares (if any). Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Bye-law 4.2(f), (x) no Class A Common Share (other than any Apollo Designated Voting Security) held by a Shareholder who also owns (or whose Tax Attributed Affiliates own) (in each case, directly, indirectly or constructively, pursuant to Section 958 of the Code) Class B Common Shares (a “Disqualified Class A Common Share”), (y) no Class A Common Share held by a Shareholder (other than a Shareholder who is a member of the Apollo Group) who also owns (or whose Tax Attributed Affiliates own) (in each case, directly, indirectly or constructively, pursuant to Section 958 of the Code), any equity interests (for this purpose, including any instrument or arrangement that is treated as an equity interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of Apollo Global Management, LLC or AP Alternative Investments, L.P. (each a “Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Share”) and (z) no Class A Common Share (other than any

 

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  Apollo Designated Voting Security) held by a Shareholder who is a member of the Apollo Group (but only, in the case of this clause (z), at a time in which any member of the Apollo Group holds any Class B Common Shares) (each a “Tax Disqualified II Class A Common Share”) shall have a right to vote, and such Nonvoting Class A Common Shares shall not be counted in determining the voting power of a Class A Common Share pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

 

  (b) (i) Subject to adjustment by the following provisions of this Bye-law 4.2(b), Bye-law 4.2(e) and Bye-law 4.2(f), the Class B Common Shares shall collectively represent 45% of the Total Voting Power. The voting power of the Class B Common Shares shall be allocated among all holders of Class B Common Shares on a pro rata basis except as provided elsewhere in this Bye-law 4.2.

(ii) Any holder of Class B Common Shares that is a member of the Apollo Group may, from time to time, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the Class B Common Shares, reduce the voting power attributable to its Class B Common Shares set forth in Bye-law 4.2(b)(i) (determined prior to application of Bye-law 4.2(b)(ii)–(vii)) by:

(A) transferring any of such holder’s Class B Common Shares to any other person (who may or may not be a member of the Apollo Group) and designating in a written notice delivered to the transferee and the Company (1) the aggregate voting power of such holder’s Class B Common Shares being transferred, (2) the exclusion of such transferred Class B Common Shares from Bye-law 4.2(e) and (3) the corresponding decrease in the aggregate voting power of such holder’s Class B Common Shares not so transferred (such transferred Class B Common Shares, the “Transferred Class B Common Shares”), provided, however, that such transfer shall not be permitted to the extent such reallocation would cause the Voting Ratio with respect to any Class B Common Share to be greater than fifteen (15),

(B) transferring, by written notice delivered to the Company, a designated percentage of voting power of its Class B Common Shares to (1) one or more other holders of Class B Common Shares, but only with the written consent of such other holders, which shall be delivered to the Company, (2) all other holders of Class B Common Shares, pro rata, or (3) the Class A Common Shares, as a class; provided, that (x) such transfer shall be permitted with respect to any Class B Common Share only to the extent that such transfer would not cause the Voting Ratio of such Class B Common Share to be greater than fifteen (15) and (y) any such transfer of voting power to the Class A Common Shares as a class shall result in a corresponding reduction in the collective voting power attributable to the Class B Common Shares as a class, or

(C) converting any of such holder’s Class B Common Shares, on a one-for-one basis or other basis as may be determined by a majority of the Class B Common Shares, into a new series or class of securities of the Company issued in accordance with these Bye-laws having such voting rights as the holders of a majority of the Class B Common Shares may determine (the “New Securities” and any such transfer or conversion, a “Class B Restructuring”); provided, that (1) any Class B Restructuring may modify the voting power of the Class B Common

 

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Shares being transferred or converted as the holders of a majority of the Class B Common Shares may determine, (2) following any Class B Restructuring the aggregate voting power of any outstanding Class B Common Shares and any such new class or series of shares shall not exceed 45% of the Total Voting Power, and (3) that no Class B Restructuring shall result in the Total Voting Power equaling a number other than 100,

and provided further, that the rights of any Transferred Class B Common Shares and New Securities shall be subject to Bye-law 4.4.

(iii)           (A) If, after adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(b)(ii), 4.2(b)(vii), Bye-law 4.2(e) and Bye-law 4.2(f), and before application of this Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii) or Bye-law 4.2(b)(iv), (1) there are one or more Class B 9.9% U.S. Persons whose aggregate Adjustment Controlled Shares constitute more than (a) twenty-four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) of the Total Voting Power or (b) twenty-four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) of the aggregate value of all outstanding shares of the Company, or (2) there are one or more Class B 9.9% U.S. Persons that are classified as individuals, estates or trusts for U.S. federal income tax purposes (clauses (1) and (2) together, the “Class B Adjustment Condition”), then the adjustments described in Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii)(B) to the allocation of the voting power of the Class B Common Shares shall be made in the order there listed (but in all cases subject to Bye-law 4.2(b)(iv) and Bye-law 4.2(b)(vii)).

(B)

(1) First, the voting power of the Class B Common Shares directly held by the Adjustment Shareholder or Adjustment Shareholders that are attributable to the Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person shall be reduced (but not below zero (0)) until the Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met or such Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person is no longer a Class B 9.9% U.S. Person (taking into account any reallocation of voting power pursuant to clause (2) below), whichever requires the smallest reduction in voting power.

(2) Second, the aggregate voting power reduced in clause (1) above shall be reallocated pro rata among the Class B Common Shares (other than any Transferred Class B Common Shares) directly held by all other Shareholders.

(3) Third, the adjustments described in clause (1) and the reallocation described in clause (2) above shall be reapplied serially to the next Smallest Class B 9.9% U.S. Person until the Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met.

(4) Any excess voting power that cannot be reallocated pursuant to clauses (1), (2) and (3) above shall be transferred pursuant to Bye-law 4.2(b)(v), and thereafter clause (3) above shall not apply.

(iv) Notwithstanding Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii)(B)(2), the pro rata reallocation of the voting power of the Class B Common Shares pursuant to Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii)(B)(2) shall not be permitted to the extent such reallocation would cause (A) a U.S. Person to become a Class B 9.9% U.S. Person (determined after application of Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii)), or (B) the Voting Ratio with respect to any Class B Common Share to be greater than fifteen (15). Any voting power that cannot be reallocated on a pro rata basis among all of the Class B Common Shares (other than any Transferred Class B Common Shares) directly held by all other Shareholders due to this Bye-law 4.2(b)(iv) shall nonetheless be reallocated to such shares to the maximum extent possible without violating the limitations contained in this Bye-law 4.2(b)(iv).

 

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(v) If, after adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(b)(iii), Bye-law 4.2(e) and Bye-law 4.2(f), and before application of this Bye-law 4.2(b)(v), clause (1) of the Class B Adjustment Condition continues to be met, then the holders of Class B Common Shares shall be deemed to have made an irrevocable election under Bye-law 4.2(e) to reduce the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by the Class B Common Shares (and correspondingly increase the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by the Class A Common Shares) to the extent necessary so that the Class B Adjustment Condition is no longer met, provided, that the Total Voting Power represented by the Class B Common Shares shall not be reduced, or shall be reduced to a lesser extent, if so determined by unanimous vote or written consent of all Affected Class B Shareholders, if all such votes or consents are received by the Company no later than 2 Business Days prior to the date of the relevant vote. If the Total Voting Power represented by the Class B Common Shares is reduced pursuant to this Bye-law 4.2(b)(v), it shall not again be increased.

(vi) Notwithstanding Bye-laws 4.2(b)(ii)–(v), any two or more holders of Class B Common Shares that are members of the Apollo Group may, at any time and from time to time, elect to allocate the voting power attributable to their Class B Common Shares set forth in Bye-law 4.2(b)(i) (determined prior to application of Bye-law 4.2(b)(ii)–(v)) among their Class B Common Shares (or allocated from their Class B Common Shares to other Class B Common Shares or to the Class A Common Shares as a class) in a manner different from that set forth in Bye-law 4.2(b)(ii)–(v), provided, that in no event shall an election under this Bye-law 4.2(b)(vi) be permitted to result in (1) any person who was not an Inclusion Shareholder immediately prior to such election becoming an Inclusion Shareholder or (ii) the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) being treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” (within the meaning of Section 957(a) or (b) of the Code) with respect to any Inclusion Shareholder, unless it was treated as such with respect to such Inclusion Shareholder immediately prior to such election. Any election under this Bye-law 4.2(b)(vi) shall be made by delivery to the Company of a written notice, signed by each electing holder, specifying the manner in which the voting power attributable to the Class B Common Shares of the electing holders shall be allocated. The voting power allocation provisions specified in an election under this Bye-law 4.2(b)(vi) shall have the same effect as if set forth in these Bye-laws.

(vii) Notwithstanding Bye-laws 4.2(b)(ii)–(v), any holder of Class B Common Shares that is a member of the Apollo Group may elect to have the amount of voting power attributable to such holder’s Class B Common Shares be subject to such additional limitations as may be specified by such holder. Such election shall be made by delivering to the Company a written notice specifying such additional limitations. Any voting power that must be allocated away from a holder’s Class B Common Shares pursuant to an election under this Bye-law 4.2(b)(vii) shall be reallocated pro rata among the Class B Common Shares (other than any Transferred Class B Common Shares) directly held by all other Shareholders; provided, however, that such reallocation shall be permitted with respect to any Class B Common Share only to the extent that such reallocation would not cause the Voting Ratio of such Class B Common Share to be greater than fifteen (15), and any voting power not able to be reallocated to Class B Common Shares shall be instead be reallocated to the Class A Common Shares as a class.

 

  (c)

The Class M Common Shares shall have no right to vote on any matters to be voted on by the Shareholders (including, without limitation, any election or removal of

 

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  directors) and the Class M Common Shares shall not be included in determining the number of shares voting or entitled to vote on such matters, except as provided in Bye-law 4.2(f) and where required under Bermuda law.

 

  (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the aggregate votes conferred by the Common Shares held by all Management Shareholders and employees of the Apollo Group that are Shareholders (“Apollo Employee Shareholders”) shall be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary such that all such Common Shares held by all Management Shareholders and Apollo Employee Shareholders shall constitute collectively no more than 3% of the Total Voting Power.    This clause shall not affect the respective aggregate voting power of the Class A Common Shares of 55% of the Total Voting Power and the Class B Common Shares of 45% of the Total Voting Power, subject to adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(b), Bye-law 4.2(e) and Bye-law 4.2(f). Any voting rights of Management Shareholders and Apollo Employee Shareholders that are limited by this Bye-law 4.2(d) (subject to Bye-law 4.2(e)) shall reduce the voting power of each Management Shareholder and Apollo Employee Shareholder pro-rata, and increase the voting power of the Specified Shareholders (other than Management Shareholders and Apollo Employee Shareholders) holding Class A Common Shares in the same manner as specified in, and subject to the operation of, Bye-law 4.4(a)(iii).

 

  (e) The holders of the Class B Common Shares, by a vote of the majority of the Class B Common Shares, may at any time and from time to time elect to reduce the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by the Class B Common Shares (and correspondingly increase the percentage of the Total Voting Power represented by the Class A Common Shares, so that the Total Voting Power remains equal to 100), subject to further adjustment by Bye-law 4.2(f) (including, without limitation, by an election that results in increased voting rights attributable to the Class A Common Shares), and if so provided by the terms of such election, such election shall be irrevocable.

 

  (f) Notwithstanding Bye-law 4.2(a), Bye-law 4.2(b), Bye-law 4.2(c) and Bye-law 4.2(e), in connection with any vote of Shareholders to approve a merger or amalgamation with respect to the Company (a “Company Merger Vote”), any issued and outstanding Nonvoting Class A Common Share and each Class M Common Share, shall have the power to vote in connection with any such Company Merger Vote. Solely in connection with any such Company Merger Vote, such Nonvoting Class A Common Shares and Class M Common Shares shall collectively represent 0.1% of the Total Voting Power (such voting power allocated equally among the Nonvoting Class A Common Shares and Class M Common Shares) with the Total Voting Power attributable to each of the voting Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares being reduced by such percentage on a pro rated basis determined based on Total Voting Power of each such class.    

 

  4.3 From and after the occurrence of an Apollo Termination Event, the voting rights of the Common Shares shall be as follows:

 

  (a) Subject to Bye-law 4.3(c), the Class A Common Shares shall represent 100% of the Total Voting Power. Subject to Bye-law 4.4, each Class A Common Share shall be entitled to one vote per Class A Common Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Bye-law 4.3(b), no Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Share shall have the right to vote.

 

  (b)

Subject to Bye-law 4.3(c), the Class M Common Shares shall have no right to vote on any matters to be voted on by the Shareholders (including, without limitation,

 

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  any election or removal of directors) and the Class M Common Shares shall not be included in determining the number of shares voting or entitled to vote on such matters, except where required under Bermuda law and as provided in this Bye-law 4.3(b).

 

  (c) In connection with any Company Merger Vote, any Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Share or Class M Common Share that is not otherwise entitled to vote in accordance with this Bye-law 4.3 shall have the power to vote in connection with any such Company Merger Vote. Solely in connection with any such Company Merger Vote, such Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Shares and Class M Common Shares shall collectively represent 0.1% of the Total Voting Power (such voting power allocated equally among the Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Shares and Class M Common Shares) with the Total Voting Power attributable to the Class A Common Shares (other than Tax Disqualified I Class A Common Shares) being reduced by such percentage on a pro rated basis.

 

  4.4

 

  (a) The voting rights of the Relevant Securities shall be subject to the following provisions (provided, that this Bye-law 4.4(a) shall not apply at any time that there are fewer than the Specified Number of holders of Relevant Securities (for this purpose, treating all such holders that are classified as disregarded entities with the same regarded owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes, together with such regarded owner as one such holder), excluding Disqualified Shareholders):

 

  (i) Other than with respect to any Tentative 9.9% Shareholder, except upon the consent of at least 75% of the Board and any Applicable Shareholder holding Controlled Shares of such Tentative 9.9% Shareholder, the voting power of each Applicable Security is hereby adjusted (and shall be automatically adjusted in the future) to the extent necessary so that no Applicable Shareholder holding Applicable Securities, and no Tax Attributed Affiliate of any such Applicable Shareholder, is a 9.9% Shareholder. For the avoidance of doubt, the Board may, in its discretion, grant its consent for purposes of the exception provided in the immediately preceding sentence for any individual Applicable Shareholder or group of Applicable Shareholders and need not grant its consent for all Applicable Shareholders. The Board shall from time to time, including prior to any time at which a vote of Shareholders is taken, take all reasonable steps necessary to ascertain through communications with Shareholders or otherwise (including by reviewing publicly-filed ownership reports of Shareholders filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) whether there exists, or will exist at the time any vote of Shareholders is taken, an Applicable Shareholder holding Applicable Securities, or a Tax Attributed Affiliate of such an Applicable Shareholder, that is a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder.

 

  (ii) In the event that an Applicable Shareholder holding Applicable Securities, or a Tax Attributed Affiliate of such an Applicable Shareholder, that is a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder exists, the aggregate votes conferred by the Applicable Securities held by an Applicable Shareholder and treated as Controlled Shares of that Tentative 9.9% Shareholder shall be reduced to the extent necessary such that the Controlled Shares of the Tentative 9.9% Shareholder will constitute no more than 9.9% of the Total Voting Power.

 

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  (iii) The votes attributable to the Relevant Securities (other than any Transferred Class B Common Shares) of Specified Shareholders shall, in the aggregate, be increased across such Specified Shareholders pro rata based on the then current voting power attributable to Relevant Securities, as applicable, by the same number of votes subject to reduction as described above. Such increase shall apply to all such Specified Shareholders in proportion to the voting power attributable to their Relevant Securities, at that time; provided, that such increase shall be limited as to any Specified Shareholder to the extent necessary to avoid causing such Specified Shareholder, or any of its Tax Attributed Affiliates, to be a 9.9% Shareholder. The adjustments of voting power described in this Bye-law 4.4 shall apply repeatedly until there would be no 9.9% Shareholder or until successive application would not result in any change in the voting power of any Relevant Securities.

 

  (b) The Board may deviate from any of the principles described in this Bye-law 4.4 and determine that Relevant Securities held by a Specified Shareholder shall carry different voting rights (or no voting rights) as it determines appropriate (1) to avoid the existence of any 9.9% Shareholder or (2) (i) to avoid adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) upon the request of a Specified Shareholder, to avoid adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences for such Specified Shareholder or any of its Affiliates or direct or indirect owners.

 

  (c)

 

  (i) The Board shall have the authority to request from any Person holding, directly or indirectly, Applicable Securities or Class B Common Shares, and such Person shall provide, as promptly as reasonably practicable, such information as the Board may require for the purpose of determining whether any Person’s voting rights are to be adjusted pursuant to these Bye-laws. If such Person fails to reasonably respond to such a request, or submits incomplete or inaccurate information in response to such a request, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine that such Person’s Applicable Securities or Class B Common Shares shall carry no voting rights or reduced voting rights, in which case such Applicable Securities or Class B Common Shares shall not carry any voting rights or shall carry only such reduced voting rights until otherwise determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

  (ii) Any Person shall give notice to the Company within ten days following the date that such Person acquires actual knowledge that it is a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder or that its Applicable Securities are Controlled Shares of a Tentative 9.9% Shareholder.

 

  (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person shall be liable to any other Person or the Company for any losses or damages resulting from a Shareholder’s failure to respond to, or submission of incomplete or inaccurate information in response to, a request under paragraph (i) above or from such Person’s failure to give notice under paragraph (ii) above. The Board may rely on the information provided by a Person under this Bye-law 4.4(c) in the satisfaction of its obligations under this Bye-law 4.4. The Company may, but shall have no obligation to, provide notice to any Person of any adjustment to its voting power that may result from the application of this Bye-law 4.4.

 

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  4.5

 

  (a) The Common Shares shall be entitled to such dividends, in proportion to the number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M Common Shares held by such holder, as the Board may from time to time declare, provided, that (A) the holders of Class M-1 Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends declared by the Board, if any, only if, on the date of declaration of such dividend, previous Return of Investment Amounts shall have been received (or deemed received where applicable) since the date of issuance of such Class M-1 Common Shares with respect to any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares in an amount equal to $10 per share (the “Group 1 Preference Amount”), (B) the holders of Class M-2 Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends declared by the Board, if any, only if, on the date of declaration of such dividend, previous Return of Investment Amounts shall have been received (or deemed received where applicable) since the date of issuance of such Class M-2 Common Shares with respect to any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares in an amount equal to $10.77 per share (the “Group 2 Preference Amount”), (C) the holders of Class M-3 Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends declared by the Board, if any, only if, on the date of declaration of such dividend, previous Return of Investment Amounts shall have been received (or deemed received where applicable) since the date of issuance of such Class M-3 Common Shares with respect to any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares in an amount equal to $13.46 per share (the “Group 3 Preference Amount”), (D) the holders of Class M-4 Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends declared by the Board, if any, only if, on the date of declaration of such dividend, previous Return of Investment Amounts shall have been received (or deemed received where applicable) since the date of issuance of such Class M-4 Common Shares with respect to any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares in an amount equal to $26.00 per share (the “Group 4 Preference Amount”) and (E) the holders of any other class of Class M Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends declared by the Board, if any, only if, on the date of declaration of such dividend, previous Return of Investment Amounts shall have been received (or deemed received where applicable) since the initial issuance date of such Class M Common Shares with respect to any Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares in an amount equal to a price per share and with such priority of distribution and payment of such dividends with respect to such Class M Common Shares to be designated by the Board (collectively with the Group 1 Preference Amount, the Group 2 Preference Amount, the Group 3 Preference Amount and the Group 4 Preference Amount, the “Group M Preference Amount”); provided, that the payment of dividends on any Class M Common Shares issued as a “restricted share” shall be subject to any vesting and other rights or limitations set forth in any applicable Company incentive plan or restricted share award agreement.

 

  (b)

In addition to the foregoing, upon a Liquidation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Company, distributions out of the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its Shareholders shall be made as follows: (i) first, the holders of the Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares then outstanding), shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions until such time as aggregate distributions are made in an amount equal to the Group 1 Preference Amount to the holders of Class A Common Shares and

 

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  Class B Common Shares described in such definition (less any amounts paid as dividends in respect of the Group 1 Preference Amount pursuant to clause (a) above); (ii) second, the holders of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M-1 Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M-1 Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M-1 Common Shares then outstanding), shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions until such time as aggregate distributions are made in an amount equal to the Group 2 Preference Amount to the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares described in such definition (less any amounts paid as dividends in respect of the Group 2 Preference Amount pursuant to clause (a) above); (iii) third, the holders of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares and Class M-2 Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares and Class M-2 Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares and Class M-2 Common Shares then outstanding), shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions until such time as aggregate distributions are made in an amount equal to the Group 3 Preference Amount to the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares described in such definition (less any amounts paid as dividends in respect of the Group 3 Preference Amount pursuant to clause (a) above); (iv) fourth, the holders of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares and Class M-3 Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares and Class M-3 Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares and Class M-3 Common Shares then outstanding), shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions until such time as aggregate distributions are made in an amount equal to the Group 4 Preference Amount to the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares described in such definition (less any amounts paid as dividends in respect of the Group 4 Preference Amount pursuant to clause (a) above); (v) fifth, the holders of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares, Class M-3 Common Shares and Class M-4 Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares, Class M-3 Common Shares and Class M-4 Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares, Class M-3 Common Shares and Class M-4 Common Shares then outstanding), shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions until such time as aggregate distributions are made in an amount equal to the applicable Group M Preference Amount to the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares described in such definition (less any amounts paid as dividends in respect of such Group M Preference Amount pursuant to clause (a) above) and (vi) thereafter, the holders of Common Shares (on a pro-rata basis based upon the number of Common Shares held by each such holder in proportion to the total number of Common Shares then outstanding) shall be entitled to receive in the aggregate all distributions, subject to any preference of any other Class M Common Shares set forth in such designation.

 

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  (c) Unless and until the Group 1 Preference Amount is satisfied, the Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, which shall rank pari passu with respect to one another, shall rank senior to the Class M Common Shares in terms of dividends and only after the Group 1 Preference Amount has been fully satisfied will dividends be paid pro rata to the Class A Common Shares, the Class B Common Shares and the Class M-1 Common Shares as a whole. After the Group 1 Preference Amount has been satisfied, but unless and until the Group 2 Preference Amount is satisfied, the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M-1 Common Shares, which shall rank pari passu with respect to one another, shall rank senior to the Class M-2 Common Shares in terms of dividends, and only after the Group 2 Preference Amount has been fully satisfied will dividends be paid pro rata to the Class A Common Shares, the Class B Common Shares, the Class M-1 Common Shares and the Class M-2 Common Shares as a whole. After the Group 2 Preference Amount has been satisfied, but unless and until the Group 3 Preference Amount is satisfied, the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares and Class M-2 Common Shares, which shall rank pari passu with respect to one another, shall rank senior to the Class M-3 Common Shares in terms of dividends, and only after the Group 3 Preference Amount has been fully satisfied will dividends be paid pro rata to the Class A Common Shares, the Class B Common Shares, the Class M-1 Common Shares, the Class M-2 Common Shares and the Class M-3 Common Shares as a whole. After the Group 3 Preference Amount has been satisfied, but unless and until the Group 4 Preference Amount is satisfied, the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, Class M-1 Common Shares, Class M-2 Common Shares and Class M-3 Common Shares, which shall rank pari passu with respect to one another, shall rank senior to the Class M-4 Common Shares in terms of dividends, and only after the Group 4 Preference Amount has been fully satisfied will dividends be paid pro rata to the Common Shares as a whole, subject to any preference of the Class A Common Shares, the Class B Common Shares, the Class M-1 Common Shares, the Class M-2 Common Shares, the Class M-3 Common Shares and the Class M-4 Common Shares over any other series of Class M Common Shares set forth in such designation and the preference of any series of Class M Common Shares over another series of Class M Common Shares.

 

  (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Bye-law 4.5, if, as a result of any applicable escrow, holdback or other similar contingency provision (collectively, “Escrow”) contained in any transaction document governing any Liquidation, the assets and funds to be distributed upon the occurrence of such Liquidation are insufficient to permit the payment of the full applicable Group M Preference Amount that, in each case, would be payable in the absence of the Escrow, the Company shall ensure that the transaction document relating to such Liquidation shall provide that the remainder of the assets or funds upon the release of such Escrow shall be reallocated among the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, and Class M Common Shares in a manner to reflect what each such Shareholder would have received if such assets or funds had been distributed by the Company to such Shareholders in a Liquidation for cash and the proceeds thereof had been distributed in accordance with the provisions of Bye-law 4.5.

 

  (e)

In the event of a Liquidation resulting from circumstances set forth in either clause (ii) or clause (iii) of the definition of Sale of the Company, the “remaining assets of the Company available for distribution” (as referred to in clause (b) above) shall be deemed to be the aggregate consideration to be paid to all holders of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares, and Class M Common Shares

 

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  participating in such Liquidation. In connection with such a Liquidation, the holders of the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M Common Shares shall allocate the aggregate consideration to be paid to all such Shareholders participating in such Liquidation among such Shareholders, such that each such Shareholder shall receive the same portion of the aggregate consideration from such Liquidation that such Shareholder would have received if such aggregate consideration had been distributed by the Company in a Liquidation caused by circumstances other than those set forth in clause (ii) or clause (iii) of the definition of Sale of the Company.

 

  (f) If any or all of the proceeds payable to the Shareholders in connection with a Liquidation are in a form other than cash or marketable securities, the fair market value of such consideration shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

 

  (g) Any time a holder of Class M Common Shares (a “Subject Holder”) receives consideration pursuant to the sale or transfer of such Class M Common Shares and the applicable Group M Preference Amount has not been satisfied, such consideration shall be reallocated among the Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Class M Common Shares in a manner to reflect what each such Shareholder would have received if such aggregate consideration had been distributed by the Company to such Shareholders in a Liquidation for cash and the proceeds thereof had been distributed in accordance with the provisions of Bye-law 4.5 (a “Reallocation”). Any consideration reallocated to the Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares pursuant to this Bye-law 4.5(g) shall be included in determining whether, pursuant to Bye-law 4.5, dividends or distributions in an amount equal to the applicable Group M Preference Amount has been paid with respect to Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares. At any time after the Group 1 Preference Amount, Group 2 Preference Amount, Group 3 Preference Amount, Group 4 Preference Amount or any other Group M Preference Amount, as applicable, is satisfied following a Reallocation (on a pro forma basis without regard to any Reallocation), the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to each Subject Holder, out of amounts otherwise available for distribution to the Shareholders, an amount equal to the amount reallocated from such Subject Holder pursuant to this Bye-law 4.5(g).

 

  4.6 The Class B Common Shares and Class M Common Shares shall be convertible into Class A Common Shares pursuant to the following terms and conditions:

 

  (a) The Class M Common Shares shall be convertible into Class A Common Shares in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the award agreements governing the granting of such shares.

 

  (b) The Class B Common Shares shall be converted or convertible as follows:

 

  (i) Upon notice to the Company, a holder of Class B Common Shares may convert any or all of its Class B Common Shares into Class A Common Shares, and upon receipt of such notice by the Company such Class B Common Shares shall immediately and automatically convert into an equal number of Class A Common Shares on a one-for-one basis, by way of redemption and reissue (for the avoidance of doubt, no Class A Common Share acquired by conversion of Class B Common Shares pursuant to this provision shall be an Apollo Designated Voting Security).

 

  (ii)

Concurrently with or immediately prior to a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition (including by dividend or other distribution) of any

 

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  Class B Common Shares by a holder thereof, such holder shall notify the Company in writing of such transfer and such Class B Common Shares shall immediately and automatically convert into an equal number of Class A Common Shares on a one-for-one basis, by way of redemption and reissue; provided, however, that no conversion shall occur with respect to Class B Common Shares transferred (i) to a member of the Apollo Group or (ii) pursuant to Bye-law 4.2(b)(ii)(A). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall issue or sell Class B Common Shares to any Person, other than a member of the Apollo Group.

 

  (iii) Upon an Apollo Termination Event or the election of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Shares (as evidenced in writing to the Board), all outstanding Class B Common Shares shall immediately and automatically convert into an equal number of Class A Common Shares on a one-for-one basis, by way of redemption and reissue.

 

  (iv) For the avoidance of doubt, any Class A Common Share acquired by conversion of Class B Common Shares shall be subject to the voting restrictions set forth in Bye-laws 4.2 and 4.4.

 

  4.7

 

  (a) At any time prior to an Apollo Termination Event, and upon notice to the Company, any member of the Apollo Group may convert any or all of its Class A Common Shares into Class B Common Shares, and upon receipt of such notice by the Company such Class A Common Shares shall immediately and automatically convert into an equal number of Class B Common Shares on a one-for-one basis, by way of redemption and reissue. If such member of the Apollo Group holds both Class A Common Shares and Apollo Designated Voting Securities that consist of Class A Common Shares, then such member of the Apollo Group shall specify whether, and how many, of the shares being converted into Class B Common Shares constitute Apollo Designated Voting Securities.

 

  (b) At any time prior to an Apollo Termination Event, in connection with its purchase of any Class A Common Shares or other voting securities (other than any Class B Common Shares) of the Company from the Company or any other Shareholder, a member of the Apollo Group may designate, in writing to the Board, prior to such purchase, its intention that any or all such purchased Class A Common Shares or such other voting securities constitute voting Class A Common Shares or such other class or series of voting securities and such securities, when purchased by such member shall constitute voting Class A Common Shares or such other class or series of voting securities for all purposes of these Bye-laws (such designated securities, when held by a member of the Apollo Group, “Apollo Designated Voting Securities”). At the election of the holders of a majority of the Class B Common Shares as evidenced in writing to the Board, the right of any member of the Apollo Group to acquire Apollo Designated Voting Securities may be terminated, provided, that such termination shall not affect the voting rights of any Apollo Designated Voting Securities outstanding at the time of such termination.

 

  4.8 Any Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares issued upon conversion of Class A Common Shares, Class B Common Shares or Class M Common Shares pursuant to Bye-laws 4.6 and 4.7 shall be subject to the terms and restrictions of these Bye-laws applicable to Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, including those contained in Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 (subject to any exceptions set forth in those sections, including exceptions applicable to the Apollo Group and the Apollo Designated Voting Securities).

 

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  4.9 All the rights attaching to a Treasury Share shall be suspended and shall not be exercised by the Company while it holds such Treasury Share and, except where required by the Act, all Treasury Shares shall be excluded from the calculation of any percentage or fraction of the share capital, or shares, of the Company.

 

  4.10 All determinations to be made in connection with the application of the provisions set forth in this Bye-law 4 shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion, and any such determination shall be binding on all Shareholders and holders of securities of the Company.

 

  4.11 By way of example, if a holder of Class A Common Shares, who does not hold Nonvoting Class A Common Shares, and who is entitled to 50% of the economic value of the Company but is only entitled to 9.9% of the Total Voting Power pursuant to Bye-law 4.4 transfers all of such holder’s shares in equal amounts to two unaffiliated third parties (neither of whom (x) is a Disqualified Shareholder or (y) owns any Class B Common Shares), then each such third-party transferee shall be entitled to 25% of the economic value of the Company and up to 9.9% of the Total Voting Power (subject to Bye-law 4.4).

 

5. Tax Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to each Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities, other than the Apollo Group:

 

  5.1 No Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities (or, to its actual knowledge, any direct or indirect beneficial owner thereof) who is a “United States shareholder” of the Company (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code), nor any “related person” (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities (or such owner), shall at any time knowingly permit itself to be a Related Insured Entity. No Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities who is a U.S. Person, shall knowingly permit itself (or, to its actual knowledge, any direct or indirect beneficial owner thereof) to own (directly, indirectly or constructively pursuant to Section 958 of the Code) outstanding capital stock of the Company or Equity Securities possessing 50% or more of (i) the total voting power of the Common Shares or Equity Securities (excluding any Apollo Designated Voting Securities), or (ii) the total value of the Common Shares or Equity Securities. No Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities (or, to its actual knowledge, any direct or indirect beneficial owner thereof) nor any “related person” (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities (or such owner) (in all cases, excluding any member of the Apollo Group) shall (i) acquire any interests (for this purpose, including any instrument or arrangement that is treated as an equity interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in AP Alternative Assets, L.P. or Apollo Global Management, LLC or (ii) make any investment, or enter into a transaction, that, to the actual knowledge of such Shareholder at the time such Shareholder, holder of Equity Securities, owner or related person becomes bound to make the investment or enter into the transaction, would cause such Shareholder, holder of Equity Securities, owner or related person, or any other U.S. Person, to own (directly, indirectly or constructively pursuant to Section 958 of the Code) outstanding capital stock of the Company or Equity Securities possessing 50% or more of (a) the total voting power of the Common Shares or Equity Securities entitled to vote or (b) the total value of the Common Shares or Equity Securities.

 

  5.2 Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Shareholder shall transfer any Equity Securities if, to the actual knowledge of such Shareholder at the time of such transfer, following such transfer, in the aggregate, 19.9% or more of the total voting power of either the outstanding capital stock of the Company or Equity Securities entitled to vote or 19.9% of the total value of either the outstanding capital stock of the Company or Equity Securities would be owned directly or indirectly (under the principles of Section 953(c)(3)(A) of the Code) by one or more Persons who are either (i) both “United States shareholders” of the Company (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) and Related Insured Entities or (ii) both related to “United States shareholders” of the Company (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) and Related Insured Entities.

 

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  5.3 All determinations to be made in connection with the application of the provisions set forth in Bye-laws 5.1 through 5.2 shall be made by the Board in its sole discretion, and any such determination shall be binding on all Shareholders, it being understood that a Shareholder will in no instance be liable for monetary damages with respect to a breach of this Bye-law 5. The Board may, at any time, and from time to time, request evidence and/or require representations that the restrictions set forth in this Bye-law 5 have not, or will not, be breached. Each Shareholder agrees to furnish such evidence to the Board promptly upon request therefor. The Board may waive any provision in this Bye-law 5 with respect to any Shareholder without granting similar waivers to any other Shareholder. The Board and any particular Shareholder may agree in writing to amend the application of the provisions of this Bye-law 5 with respect to such Shareholder, and the Board shall not be required to enter into similar agreements with other Shareholders.

 

  5.4

In the event any Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities becomes aware that there is a material risk that it, any of its direct or indirect beneficial owners and/or any “related person” (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities (or such owner) has violated any provision contained in this Bye-law 5 (without regard to any knowledge qualifier therein), such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities will be obligated to notify the Board as promptly as possible. In the event any Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities violates Bye-law 5.1 (without regard to any knowledge qualifier therein), at the discretion of the Board, such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities shall, and shall cause any direct or indirect beneficial owner of such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities and any “related person” (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities to (x) sell some or all of its Common Shares or Equity Securities at fair market value (as mutually agreed by the Company and such Shareholder in good faith) as directed by the Board and/or (y) allow the Company to repurchase some or all of its Common Shares or Equity Securities at fair market value (as determined by the Company and such Shareholder in good faith); provided, that if the Company and such Shareholder cannot mutually agree on the fair market value of the Common Shares or Equity Securities to be sold or repurchased in accordance with this Bye-law 5.4, then fair market value shall be determined by an investment banking firm of national recognition, which firm shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company and such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities. The determination of fair market value by such investment banking firm shall be final and binding upon the parties. If the Company and such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities are unable to agree upon an acceptable investment banking firm within ten (10) days after the date either party proposed that one be selected, the investment banking firm will be selected by an arbitrator located in the City of New York, New York selected by the American Arbitration Association (or if such organization ceases to exist, the arbitrator shall be chosen by a court of competent jurisdiction). The arbitrator shall select the investment banking firm (within ten (10) days of his appointment) from a list, jointly prepared by the Company and such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities, of not more than six investment banking firms of national standing in the United States, of which no more than three may be named by the Company and no more than three may be named by such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities. The arbitrator may consider, within the ten-day period allotted, arguments from the parties regarding which investment banking firm to choose, but the selection by the arbitrator shall be made in its sole discretion from the list of six. The selection by the arbitrator of such investment banking firm shall be final and binding upon the parties. The Company and such Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities shall each pay one-half of the fees and expenses of the investment banking firms and arbitrator (if any) used to determine the fair market value. If required by any such investment banking firm or arbitrator, the Company shall execute a retainer and engagement letter containing reasonable terms and conditions, including, without limitation, customary

 

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  provisions concerning the rights of indemnification and contribution by the Company in favor of such investment banking firm or arbitrator and its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents and Affiliates. The parties shall provide to the investment banking firm, on a confidential basis, such information it reasonably requests to perform its duties.

 

  5.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon a breach of this Bye-law 5 (without regard to any knowledge qualifier therein), the breaching Shareholder or holder of Equity Securities shall be required to take any reasonable action the Board deems appropriate.

 

6. Calls on Shares

 

  6.1 The Board may make such calls as it thinks fit upon the Shareholders in respect of any moneys (whether in respect of nominal value or premium) unpaid on the shares allotted to or held by such Shareholders and, if a call is not paid on or before the day appointed for payment thereof, the Shareholders may at the discretion of the Board be liable to pay the Company interest on the amount of such call at such rate as the Board may determine, from the date when such call was payable up to the actual date of payment. The Board may differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment of such calls.

 

  6.2 The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls and any interest, costs and expenses in respect thereof.

 

  6.3 The Company may accept from any Shareholder the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on any shares held by him, although no part of that amount has been called up.

 

7. [Reserved]

 

8. Share Certificates

 

  8.1 Every Shareholder shall be entitled to a certificate under the common seal (or a facsimile thereof) of the Company or bearing the signature (or a facsimile thereof) of a Director or the Secretary or a person expressly authorised to sign specifying the number and, where appropriate, the class of shares held by such Shareholder and whether the same are fully paid up and, if not, specifying the amount paid on such shares. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in a particular case, that any or all signatures on certificates may be printed thereon or affixed by mechanical means.

 

  8.2 The Company shall be under no obligation to complete and deliver a share certificate unless specifically called upon to do so by the person to whom the shares have been allotted.

 

  8.3 The holder of any shares of the Company, promptly upon discovery, shall notify the Company of any loss, destruction or mutilation of the certificate therefor, and the Board may, in its discretion, cause to be issued to such holder a new certificate or certificates for such shares, upon the surrender of the mutilated certificates or, in the case of loss or destruction of the certificate, upon satisfactory proof of such loss or destruction, and the Board may, in its discretion, require the owner of the lost or destroyed certificate or its legal representative to give the Company a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as it may direct to indemnify the Company against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss or destruction of any such certificate.

 

9. Fractional Shares

The Company may issue its shares in fractional denominations and deal with such fractions to the same extent as its whole shares and shares in fractional denominations shall have in proportion to the

 

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respective fractions represented thereby all of the rights of whole shares including (but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) the right to vote, to receive dividends and distributions and to participate in a winding-up.

REGISTRATION OF SHARES

 

10. Register of Shareholders

 

  10.1 The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books a Register of Shareholders and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.

 

  10.2 The Register of Shareholders shall be open to inspection without charge at the Registered Office of the Company on every Business Day, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the Board may impose, so that not less than two hours in each Business Day be allowed for inspection. The Register of Shareholders may, after notice has been given in accordance with the Act, be closed for any time or times not exceeding in the whole thirty days in each year.

 

11. Registered Holder Absolute Owner

The Company shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share as the absolute owner thereof and accordingly shall not be bound to recognise any equitable claim or other claim to, or interest in, such share on the part of any other person.

 

12. Transfer of Registered Shares

 

  12.1 The following transfer restrictions are in addition to any transfer restrictions that may apply pursuant to the terms of any contract or other agreement between the Shareholders as among themselves or with any third parties or that the Company may enter into with any of its Shareholders.

 

  12.2 An instrument of transfer shall be in writing in the form of the following, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, or in such other form as the Board may accept:

Transfer of a Share or Shares

Athene Holding Ltd. (the “Company”)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED                        [amount], I, [name of transferor] hereby sell, assign and transfer unto [transferee] of [address], [number] shares of the Company.

 

DATED this [     ] day of [     ], 20[     ]   
Signed by:    In the presence of:
  
Transferor    Witness
  
Transferee    Witness

 

  12.3 Such instrument of transfer shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and transferee, provided, that in the case of a fully paid share, the Board may accept the instrument signed by or on behalf of the transferor alone. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of such share until the same has been registered as having been transferred to the transferee in the Register of Shareholders.

 

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  12.4 The Board may refuse to recognise any instrument of transfer unless it is accompanied by the certificate in respect of the shares to which it relates and by such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer.

 

  12.5 The joint holders of any share may transfer such share to one or more of such joint holders, and the surviving holder or holders of any share previously held by them jointly with a deceased Shareholder may transfer any such share to the executors or administrators of such deceased Shareholder.

 

  12.6 The Board may in its absolute discretion refuse to register the transfer of a share if, and only if, all applicable consents, authorisations and permissions of any governmental body or agency in Bermuda have not been obtained. If the Board refuses to register a transfer of any share, the Secretary shall, within three months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.

 

  12.7 If a Shareholder who is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement transfers any shares which are subject to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, the transferee of such shares and any subsequent transferee of those shares shall be subject to the provisions of such Registration Rights Agreement and the Board may refuse to register any such transfer that is in violation of the restrictions on transfer contained therein; provided, that no such transfer shall be prohibited by this provision or refused, and the shares subject to such transfer shall no longer be subject to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement or this Bye-law 12.7, to the extent that (x) such transfer was made pursuant to (i) an effective registration statement or (ii) a waiver by the Company or (y) at the time of such transfer, the shares subject to such transfer are not then currently subject to a restriction on trading or transfer pursuant to the lock-up or holdback provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. If the Board refuses to register such a transfer, the Secretary shall, within three months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferor and transferee notice of the refusal.

 

13. Transfer Agent; Registrar; Rules Respecting Certificates

 

  13.1 The Company may maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies where shares of the Company shall be transferable. The Company may also maintain one or more registry offices where such shares shall be registered. The Board may make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of share certificates in accordance with Applicable Laws and the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares of the Company may be then listed or quoted.

 

14. Transmission of Registered Shares

 

  14.1 Subject to the terms of any contracts or other agreements by and between the Shareholders or by and between the Company and any of its Shareholders, in the case of the death of a Shareholder, the survivor or survivors where the deceased Shareholder was a joint holder, and the legal personal representatives of the deceased Shareholder where the deceased Shareholder was a sole holder, shall be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to the deceased Shareholder’s interest in the shares. Nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any liability in respect of any share which had been jointly held by such deceased Shareholder with other persons. Subject to the Act, for the purpose of this Bye-law, legal personal representative means the executor or administrator of a deceased Shareholder or such other person as the Board may, in its absolute discretion, decide as being properly authorised to deal with the shares of a deceased Shareholder.

 

  14.2

Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of any Shareholder may be registered as a Shareholder upon such evidence as the Board may deem

 

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  sufficient or may elect to nominate some person to be registered as a transferee of such share, and in such case the person becoming entitled shall execute in favour of such nominee an instrument of transfer in writing in the form, or as near thereto as circumstances admit, of the following:

Transfer by a Person Becoming Entitled on Death/Bankruptcy of a Shareholder

Athene Holding Ltd. (the “Company”)

I/We, having become entitled in consequence of the [death/bankruptcy] of [name and address of deceased/bankrupt Shareholder] to [number] share(s) standing in the Register of Shareholders of the Company in the name of the said [name of deceased/bankrupt Shareholder] instead of being registered myself/ourselves, elect to have [name of transferee] (the “Transferee”) registered as a transferee of such share(s) and I/we do hereby accordingly transfer the said share(s) to the Transferee to hold the same unto the Transferee, his or her executors, administrators and assigns, subject to the conditions on which the same were held at the time of the execution hereof; and the Transferee does hereby agree to take the said share(s) subject to the same conditions.

 

DATED this [    ] day of [    ], 20[    ]   
Signed by:    In the presence of:
  
Transferor    Witness
  
Transferee    Witness

 

  14.3 On the presentation of the foregoing materials to the Board, accompanied by such evidence as the Board may require to prove the title of the transferor, the transferee shall be registered as a Shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board shall, in any case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration as it would have had in the case of a transfer of the share by that Shareholder before such Shareholder’s death or bankruptcy, as the case may be.

 

  14.4 Where two or more persons are registered as joint holders of a share or shares, then in the event of the death of any joint holder or holders the remaining joint holder or holders shall be absolutely entitled to such share or shares and the Company shall recognise no claim in respect of the estate of any joint holder except in the case of the last survivor of such joint holders.

ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

15. Power to Alter Capital

 

  15.1 The Company may if authorised by Resolution increase, divide, consolidate, subdivide, change the currency denomination of, diminish or otherwise alter or reduce its share capital in any manner permitted by the Act.

 

  15.2 Where, on any alteration or reduction of share capital, fractions of shares or some other difficulty would arise, the Board may deal with or resolve the same in such manner as it thinks fit.

 

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16. Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares

Subject to any contract or agreement by and between the Shareholders or by and between the Company and any of its Shareholders, which contains provisions affecting the rights attaching to shares of the Company, if, at any time, the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, as the case may be) may, whether or not the Company is being wound-up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class (as the case may be) or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of the class at which meeting the necessary quorum shall be two persons at least holding or representing by proxy one-third of the issued shares of the class, as the case may be. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITALISATION

 

17. Dividends

 

  17.1 The Board may, subject to these Bye-laws and in accordance with the Act, declare a dividend to be paid to all holders of Common Shares, subject to Bye-law 4.5 in proportion to the number of Common Shares held by them that are entitled to share in such dividend pursuant to Bye-law 4.5, and such dividend may be paid in cash or wholly or partly in specie in which case the Board may fix the value for distribution in specie of any assets. No unpaid dividend shall bear interest as against the Company.

 

  17.2 In the event of a distribution in specie, the value of any distributed assets shall be the fair market value of such assets at the time of distribution as reasonably determined by the Board.

 

  17.3 The Board may declare and pay dividends on one or more class of shares of the Company to the extent one or more classes of shares of the Company ranks senior to or has priority or a preference over another class of shares of the Company.

 

  17.4 The Board may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for the purpose of determining the Shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or the allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of shares, or in order to make a determination of the Shareholders for the purpose of any other lawful action, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) calendar days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

  17.5 The Company may pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid up on each share where a larger amount is paid up on some shares than on others.

 

  17.6 The Board may declare and make such other distributions (in cash or in specie) to the Shareholders as may be lawfully made out of the assets of the Company. No unpaid distribution shall bear interest as against the Company.

 

18. Power to Set Aside Profits

The Board may, before declaring a dividend, set aside out of the surplus or profits of the Company, such amount as it thinks proper as a reserve to be used to meet contingencies or for equalising dividends or for any other purpose.

 

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19. Method of Payment

 

  19.1 Any dividend, interest, or other moneys payable in cash in respect of the shares may be paid by cheque or draft sent through the post directed to the Shareholder at such Shareholder’s address in the Register of Shareholders, or to such person and to such address as the holder may in writing direct.

 

  19.2 In the case of joint holders of shares, any dividend, interest or other moneys payable in cash in respect of shares may be paid by cheque or draft sent through the post directed to the address of the holder first named in the Register of Shareholders, or to such person and to such address as the joint holders may in writing direct. If two or more persons are registered as joint holders of any shares any one can give an effectual receipt for any dividend paid in respect of such shares.

 

  19.3 The Board may deduct from the dividends or distributions payable to any Shareholder all moneys due from such Shareholder to the Company on account of calls or otherwise.

 

20. Capitalisation

 

  20.1 The Board may capitalise any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any of the Company’s share premium or other reserve accounts or to the credit of the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution by applying such amount in paying up unissued shares to be allotted as fully paid bonus shares pro rata to the Shareholders.

 

  20.2 The Board may capitalise any amount for the time being standing to the credit of a reserve account or amounts otherwise available for dividend or distribution by applying such amounts in paying up in full, partly or nil paid shares of those Shareholders who would have been entitled to such amounts if they were distributed by way of dividend or distribution.

MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

21. Annual General Meetings

Subject to any provisions of the Act and the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Company’s common equity securities may be then listed or quoted, an annual general meeting shall be held by December 31 of each year at such place, date and time as shall be determined by the Board.

 

22. Special General Meetings; Requisitioned General Meetings

 

  22.1 A special general meeting may be called by the Secretary for any purpose at any time in accordance with these Bye-laws upon the request of any of (i) the Chairman, (ii) the Vice Chairman, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or (iv) a majority of the Board.

 

  22.2 The Board shall, on the requisition of Shareholders holding shares at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than ten percent (10%) of the Total Voting Power, forthwith proceed to convene a special general meeting and the provisions of the Act shall apply. Subject to applicable law, Shareholders requisitioning such special general meeting shall be responsible for all costs incurred to convene such meeting.

 

23. Purposes of Annual General Meetings; Proposals of Other Business by Shareholders

 

  23.1 At each annual general meeting, the Shareholders shall elect the members of the Board then subject to election in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bye-laws and subject to Applicable Law and the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares of the Company may be then listed or quoted. At any such annual general meeting any other business properly brought before the meeting may be transacted.

 

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  23.2 To be properly brought before an annual general meeting, business (other than nominations of directors, which must be made in compliance with, and shall be exclusively governed by, Bye-law 40) must be (a) specified in the notice of the meeting (or any supplement thereto) given to Shareholders by or at the direction of the Board in accordance with Bye-laws 24 and 25 below, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a Shareholder who (1) is a Minimum Shareholder at the time of giving of the notice provided for in this Bye-law 23 and at the time of the annual general meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at such meeting and (3) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Bye-law 23.

 

  23.3 For any such business to be properly brought before any annual general meeting pursuant to clause (c) of Bye-law 23.2, the Shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing, either by personal delivery or express or registered mail (postage prepaid), to the Secretary at the Registered Office not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of the annual general meeting for the immediately preceding year. However, in the event that the date of the annual general meeting is more than 30 days before or after such anniversary date, in order to be timely, a Shareholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary at the Registered Office not later than the later of (x) the close of business 90 days prior to the date of such annual general meeting and (y) if the first public announcement of the date of such advanced or delayed annual general meeting is less than 100 days prior to such date, 10 days following the date of the first public announcement of the annual general meeting date. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual general meeting, or such adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period or otherwise extend any time period for the giving of a Shareholder’s notice as described herein.

 

  23.4 Any such notice of other business shall set forth as to each matter the Shareholder proposes to bring before the annual general meeting:

 

  (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual general meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual general meeting and the text of any proposal regarding such business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if such business includes a proposal to amend these Bye-laws, the text of the proposed amendment), which shall not exceed 1,000 words;

 

  (b)

as to the Shareholder giving notice and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, (1) the name and address of such Shareholder (as it appears in the Register of Shareholders) and such beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, (2) the class and number of Equity Securities which are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially or of record by any such Shareholder and by such beneficial owner, respectively, or their respective Affiliates (naming such Affiliates), as of the date of such notice, (3) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including, without limitation, any swap or other derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions, and securities lending or borrowing arrangement) to which such Shareholder or any such beneficial owner or their respective Affiliates is, directly or indirectly, a party as of the date of such notice (x) with respect to any Equity Securities or (y) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage the potential risk or benefit of share price changes (increases or decreases) for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such Shareholder or beneficial owner or any of their Affiliates with respect to Equity Securities or which may have payments based in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, on the value (or change in value) of any Equity Securities (any agreement, arrangement or understanding of a type described in this

 

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  clause (3), a “Covered Arrangement”) and (4) a representation that the Shareholder is a holder of record of shares of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business;

 

  (c) a description of any direct or indirect material interest by security holdings or otherwise of the Shareholder and of any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, or their respective Affiliates, in such business (whether by holdings of securities, or by virtue of being a creditor or contractual counterparty of the Company or of a third party, or otherwise), and all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such Shareholder or any such beneficial owner or their respective Affiliates and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) in connection with the proposal of such business by such Shareholder;

 

  (d) a representation whether the Shareholder or the beneficial owner intends or is part of a Group which intends (i) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Company’s Common Shares (or other Equity Securities) required to approve or adopt the proposal and/or (ii) otherwise to solicit proxies from Shareholders in support of such proposal;

 

  (e) an undertaking by the Shareholder and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made to (i) notify the Company in writing of the information set forth in clauses (b)(2), (b)(3) and (c) above as of the record date (set in accordance with Bye-law 24 below) for the meeting promptly (and, in any event, within five (5) Business Days) following the later of the record date or the date notice of the record date is first disclosed by public announcement and (ii) update such information thereafter within two (2) Business Days of any change in such information and, in any event, as of close of business on the day preceding the meeting date; and

 

  (f) any other information relating to such Shareholder, any such beneficial owner and their respective Affiliates that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, such proposal pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, to the same extent as if the shares of the Company were registered under the Exchange Act.

 

  23.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the notice requirements set forth herein with respect to the proposal of any business pursuant to this Bye-law 23, other than nominations for directors which must be made in compliance with, and shall be exclusively governed by, Bye-law 40, shall be deemed satisfied by a Shareholder if such Shareholder has submitted a proposal to the Company in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act and such Shareholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Company to solicit proxies for the annual general meeting; provided, that such Shareholder shall have provided the information required by Bye-law 23.4; provided, further, that the information required by Bye-law 23.4(b) may be satisfied by providing the information to the Company required pursuant to Rule 14a-8(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

  23.6

Notwithstanding anything in these Bye-laws to the contrary: (a) no other business brought by a Shareholder (other than the nominations of directors, which must be made in compliance with, and shall be exclusively governed by, Bye-law 40) shall be conducted at any annual general meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Bye-law 23; and (b) unless otherwise required by Applicable Law and the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares of the Company may be then listed or quoted, if a Shareholder intending to bring business before an annual general meeting in accordance with this Bye-law 23 does not (x) timely provide the notifications contemplated by clause (e) of

 

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  Bye-law 23.4 above, or (y) timely appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to present the proposed business, such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such business may have been received by the Company or any other person or entity.

Except as otherwise provided by Applicable Law or these Bye-laws, the presiding officer of any annual general meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether any business proposed to be brought before an annual general meeting was proposed in accordance with the foregoing procedures (including whether the Shareholder solicited or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in support of such Shareholder’s proposal in compliance with such Shareholder’s representation as required by clause (d) of Bye-law 23.4) and if any business is not proposed in compliance with Bye-law 23, to declare that such defective proposal shall be disregarded. The requirements of this Bye-law 23 shall apply to any business to be brought before an annual general meeting by a Shareholder other than nominations of directors (which must be made in compliance with, and shall be exclusively governed by, Bye-law 40) and other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. For purposes of these Bye-laws, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release of the Company reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Company with or to the SEC pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

  23.7 Nothing in this Bye-law 23 shall be deemed to affect any rights of (a) Shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Company’s proxy statement pursuant to applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act or (b) the holders of any series of preferred shares, or any other series or class of shares authorised to be issued by the Company, to make proposals pursuant to any applicable provisions thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Bye-law 23, a Shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Bye-law, if applicable.

 

24. Notice

 

  24.1 Not less than 21 days’ nor more than 60 days’ notice of an annual general meeting shall be given to each Shareholder entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, place and time at which the meeting is to be held, that the election of Directors up for election at that meeting will take place thereat, and as far as practicable, the other business to be conducted at the meeting.

 

  24.2 Not less than 21 days’ nor more than 60 days’ notice of a special general meeting shall be given to each Shareholder entitled to attend and vote thereat, stating the date, time, place and the general nature of the business to be considered at the meeting.

 

  24.3 The Board may fix any date as the record date for determining the Shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at any general meeting.

 

  24.4 A general meeting shall, notwithstanding that it is called on shorter notice than that specified in these Bye-laws, be deemed to have been properly called if it is so agreed by (i) all the Shareholders entitled to attend and vote thereat in the case of an annual general meeting; and (ii) by a majority in number of the Shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote thereat in the case of a special general meeting.

 

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  24.5 The accidental omission to give notice of a general meeting to, or the non-receipt of a notice of a general meeting by, any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

 

25. Giving Notice and Access

 

  25.1 A notice of a general meeting may be given by the Company to a Shareholder:

 

  (a) by delivering it to such Shareholder in person; or

 

  (b) by sending it by letter mail or courier to such Shareholder’s address in the Register of Shareholders; or

 

  (c) by transmitting it by electronic means (including facsimile and electronic mail, but not telephone) in accordance with such directions as may be given and expressly consented to by such Shareholder to the Company for such purpose; or

 

  (d) in accordance with Bye-law 25.4.

 

  25.2 Any notice required to be given to a Shareholder in connection with a general meeting shall, with respect to any shares held jointly by two or more persons, be given to whichever of such persons is named first in the Register of Shareholders and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the holders of such shares.

 

  25.3 Any notice in connection with a general meeting (save for one delivered in accordance with Bye-law 25.4) shall be deemed to have been served at the time when the same would be delivered in the ordinary course of transmission and, in proving such service, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and prepaid, if posted, and the time when it was posted, delivered to the courier, or transmitted by electronic means.

 

  25.4 Where a Shareholder indicates his consent (in a form and manner satisfactory to the Board), to receive information or documents by accessing them on a website rather than by other means, or receipt in this manner is otherwise permitted by the Act, the Company may deliver such information or documents by notifying the Shareholder of the availability of such and including therein the address of the website, the place on the website where the information or document may be found, and instructions as to how the information or document may be accessed on the website.

 

  25.5 In the case of information or documents delivered in accordance with Bye-law 25.4, service shall be deemed to have occurred when (i) the Shareholder is notified in accordance with that Bye-law; and (ii) the information or document is published on the website.

 

26. Postponement of General Meeting

The Secretary, at the request of the Board, may postpone any general meeting called in accordance with these Bye-laws (other than a meeting requisitioned under these Bye-laws) provided that notice of postponement is given to the Shareholders before the time for such meeting. Fresh notice of the date, time and place for the postponed meeting shall be given to each Shareholder in accordance with these Bye-laws.

 

27. Electronic Participation in Meetings

Shareholders may participate in any general meeting by such telephonic, electronic or other communication facilities or means as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

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28. Quorum at General Meetings

 

  28.1 Unless otherwise expressly required by Applicable Law, at any general meeting, the presence in person or by proxy of Shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the Total Voting Power shall constitute a quorum for the entire meeting, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Shareholders entitled to cast a sufficient number of votes in person or by proxy to reduce the number of votes represented at the meeting below a quorum; provided, that shares of the Company belonging to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall neither be counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum nor entitled to vote at any general meeting.

 

  28.2 At any general meeting at which a quorum shall be present, a majority of those present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice other than an announcement of such at the meeting. In the absence of a quorum, the officer presiding thereat pursuant to Bye-law 29 shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present. Notice of any adjourned meeting other than an announcement of such at the meeting shall not be required to be given, except as provided in Bye-law 28.4 below and except where expressly required by Applicable Law.

 

  28.3 At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting originally called, but only those Shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting as originally noticed shall be entitled to vote at any adjournment or adjournments thereof unless a new record date is fixed by the Board.

 

  28.4 If an adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in the manner specified in these Bye-laws to each Shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

29. Chairman to Preside at General Meetings

The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all general meetings for which the Chairman is present. If the Chairman is absent, the Vice Chairman shall preside. For any meeting where both the Chairman and Vice Chairman are absent, a presiding officer shall be appointed or elected by those present at the meeting and entitled to vote.

 

30. Voting on Resolutions

 

  30.1 Other than as set forth in these Bye-laws, any question proposed for the consideration of the Shareholders at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative votes of a majority of the Total Voting Power cast in accordance with these Bye-laws (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) and in the case of an equality of votes the Resolution shall fail.

 

  30.2 At any general meeting a Resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall, in the first instance, be voted upon by a show of hands and, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares and subject to these Bye-laws, every Shareholder present in person and every person holding a valid proxy at such meeting shall be entitled to such number of votes attaching to the Common Shares held by such Shareholder (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) and shall cast such vote by raising his hand.

 

  30.3 In the event that a Shareholder participates in a general meeting by telephone, electronic or other communication facilities or means, the chairman of the meeting shall direct the manner in which such Shareholder may cast his vote on a show of hands.

 

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  30.4 At any general meeting, if an amendment is proposed to any Resolution under consideration and the chairman of the meeting rules on whether or not the proposed amendment is out of order, the proceedings on the substantive resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in such ruling.

 

  30.5 At any general meeting, a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a question proposed for consideration has, on a show of hands, been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect in a book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the Company shall, subject to these Bye-laws, be conclusive evidence of that fact.

 

31. [Reserved.]

 

32. Power to Demand a Vote on a Poll

 

  32.1 Notwithstanding the foregoing, a poll may be demanded by any of the following persons:

 

  (a) the chairman of such meeting; or

 

  (b) any Shareholder or Shareholders or Group present in person or represented by proxy and holding between them not less than 10% of the Total Voting Power; or

 

  (c) any Shareholder or Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy holding shares in the Company conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than 10% of the total amount paid up on all such shares conferring such right.

 

  32.2 Where a poll is demanded, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being lawfully attached to any class of shares (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4), every person present at such meeting shall have the number of votes corresponding to each such Common Share of which such person is the holder or for which such person holds a proxy, and such vote shall be counted by ballot as described herein, or in the case of a general meeting at which one or more Shareholders are present by telephone, electronic or other communication facilities or means, in such manner as the chairman of the meeting may direct and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded and shall replace any previous resolution upon the same matter which has been the subject of a show of hands. A person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

 

  32.3 A poll demanded for the purpose of electing a chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken at such time and in such manner during such meeting as the chairman (or acting chairman) of the meeting may direct. Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be conducted pending the taking of the poll.

 

  32.4 Where a vote is taken by poll, each person physically present and entitled to vote shall be furnished with a ballot paper on which such person shall record his vote in such manner as shall be determined at the meeting having regard to the nature of the question on which the vote is taken, and each ballot paper shall be signed or initialled or otherwise marked so as to identify the voter and the registered holder in the case of a proxy. Each person present by telephone, electronic or other communication facilities or means shall cast his vote in such manner as the chairman of the meeting shall direct. At the conclusion of the poll, the ballot papers and votes cast in accordance with such directions shall be examined and counted by a committee of not less than two Shareholders or proxy holders appointed by the chairman of the meeting for the purpose and the result of the poll shall be declared by the chairman of the meeting.

 

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33. Voting by Joint Holders of Shares

In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote (whether in person or by proxy) shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register of Shareholders.

 

34. Instrument of Proxy

 

  34.1 Any Shareholder entitled to vote at any general meeting may vote either in person or by his or her attorney-in-fact or proxy.

 

  34.2 An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing in substantially the following form or such other form as the Board or the chairman of the meeting shall accept:

Proxy

Athene Holding Ltd. (the “Company”)

I/We, [insert names here], being a Shareholder of the Company with [number] shares, HEREBY APPOINT [name] of [address] or failing him, [name] of [address] to be my/our proxy to vote for me/us at the meeting of the Shareholders to be held on the [    ] day of [    ], 20[    ] and at any adjournment thereof. (Any restrictions on voting to be inserted here.)

Signed this [    ] day of [    ], 20[    ]

 

Shareholder(s)

 

  34.3 The instrument appointing a proxy must be received by the Company at the Registered Office or at such other place or in such manner as is specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting at which the person named in the instrument appointing a proxy proposes to vote, and an instrument appointing a proxy which is not received in the manner so prescribed shall be invalid.

 

  34.4 A Shareholder who is the holder of two or more shares may appoint more than one proxy to represent him and vote on his behalf in respect of different shares.

 

  34.5 The decision of the chairman of any general meeting as to the validity of any appointment of a proxy shall be final.

 

35. Representation of Corporate Shareholder

A corporation which is a Shareholder may, by written instrument, authorise such person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting and any person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which such person represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an individual Shareholder, and that Shareholder shall be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting attended by its authorised representative or representatives.

 

36. Adjournment of General Meeting

The chairman of a general meeting may, with the consent of the Shareholders at any general meeting at which a quorum is present, and shall if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting. Unless the meeting is adjourned to a specific date, place and time announced at the meeting being adjourned, fresh notice of the date, place and time for the resumption of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Shareholder entitled to attend and vote thereat in accordance with these Bye-laws.

 

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37. Written Resolutions of Shareholders

 

  37.1 Subject to these Bye-laws, anything which may be done by resolution of the Company in a general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of the Shareholders may, without a meeting, be done by written resolution in accordance with this Bye-law.

 

  37.2 Notice of a written resolution shall be given, and a copy of the resolution shall be circulated to all Shareholders who would be entitled to attend a meeting and vote thereon. The accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt of a notice by, any Shareholder does not invalidate the passing of a resolution.

 

  37.3 A written resolution is passed when it is signed by, or in the case of a Shareholder that is a corporation, on behalf of, the Shareholders who at the date that the notice is given represent more than 55% of the Total Voting Power.

 

  37.4 A resolution in writing may be signed in any number of counterparts.

 

  37.5 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law is as valid as if it had been passed by the Company in general meeting or by a meeting of the relevant class of Shareholders, as the case may be, and any reference in any Bye-law to a meeting at which a resolution is passed or to Shareholders voting in favour of a resolution shall be construed accordingly.

 

  37.6 A resolution in writing made in accordance with this Bye-law shall constitute minutes for the purposes of the Act.

 

  37.7 This Bye-law shall not apply to:

 

  (a) a resolution passed to remove an Auditor from office before the expiration of his term of office; or

 

  (b) a resolution passed for the purpose of removing a Director before the expiration of his term of office.

 

  37.8 For the purposes of this Bye-law, the effective date of the resolution is the date when the resolution is signed by, or in the case of a Shareholder that is a corporation whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act, on behalf of, the last Shareholder whose signature results in the necessary Total Voting Power being achieved and any reference in any Bye-law to the date of passing of a resolution is, in relation to a resolution made in accordance with this Bye-law, a reference to such date.

 

38. Directors Attendance at General Meetings

The Directors shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at any general meeting.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

39. Election of Directors

 

  39.1 Directors shall be elected or appointed in the first place at the statutory meeting of the Company and, except in the case of a casual vacancy or removal, shall hold office until the annual general meeting at which such Director’s term is due to expire.

 

  39.2 Any vote of Shareholders taken in respect of Director elections shall be in compliance with Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, to the same extent as if the shares of the Company were registered under the Exchange Act.

 

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  39.3 For the avoidance of doubt, any Shareholder participating in the election of Directors shall be subject to the limitations on voting rights described in Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.

 

40. Nomination of Directors for Election

 

  40.1 Nominations of persons for election as Directors may be made at an annual general meeting only by (a) the Board or (b) by any Shareholder of the Company who (1) is a Minimum Shareholder at the time of giving of the notice provided for in this Bye-law 40 and at the time of the annual general meeting, (2) is entitled to vote for the election of Directors at such annual general meeting and (3) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Bye-law 40. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bye-laws, clause (b) of this Bye-law 40.1 shall be the exclusive means for a Shareholder to make nominations of persons for election to the Board at an annual general meeting.

 

  40.2 Any Shareholder entitled to vote for the election of Directors may nominate a person or persons for election as Directors only if written notice of such Shareholder’s intent to make such nomination is given in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Bye-law 40, either by personal delivery or express or registered mail (postage prepaid), to the Secretary at the Registered Office not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of the annual general meeting for the immediately preceding year. However, in the event that the date of the annual general meeting is more than 30 days before or after such anniversary date, in order to be timely, a Shareholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary at the Registered Office not later than the later of (x) the close of business 90 days prior to the date of such annual general meeting and (y) if the first public announcement of the date of such advanced or delayed annual general meeting is less than 100 days prior to such date, 10 days following the date of the first public announcement of the annual general meeting date. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual general meeting, or such adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period or otherwise extend any time period for the giving of a Shareholder’s notice as described herein. Shareholders may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to the Board only as provided in this Bye-law and only for such class(es) or slate(s) as are specified in the Company’s notice of meeting as being up for election at such annual general meeting.

 

  40.3 Each such notice of a Shareholder’s intent to make a nomination of a Director shall set forth:

 

  (a) as to the Shareholder giving notice and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, (1) the name and address of such Shareholder (as it appears in the Register of Shareholders) and any such beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, (2) the class and number of Equity Securities which are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially and of record by such Shareholder and any such beneficial owner, respectively, or their respective Affiliates (naming such Affiliates), as of the date of such notice, (3) a description of any Covered Arrangement to which such Shareholder or beneficial owner, or their respective Affiliates, directly or indirectly, is a party as of the date of such notice, (4) any other information relating to such Shareholder and any such beneficial owner that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement in connection with a solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (5) a representation that the Shareholder is a holder of record of shares of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in such Shareholder’s notice;

 

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  (b) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the Shareholder or any beneficial owner, or their respective Affiliates, and each nominee or any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the Shareholder;

 

  (c) a representation whether the Shareholder or the beneficial owner is or intends to be part of a Group which intends (i) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Company’s Common Shares (or other Equity Securities) required to elect the Director or Directors nominated and/or (ii) otherwise to solicit proxies from Shareholders in support of such nomination or nominations;

 

  (d) as to each person whom the Shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director, (1) all information relating to such person as would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed in connection with a solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (2) a description of any Covered Arrangement to which such nominee or any of his or her Affiliates is a party as of the date of such notice, (3) the written consent of each nominee to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if so elected and (4) whether, if elected, the nominee intends to tender any advance resignation notice(s) requested by the Board in connection with subsequent elections, such advance resignation to be contingent upon the nominee’s failure to receive a majority vote and acceptance of such resignation by the Board; and

 

  (e) an undertaking by the Shareholder of record and each beneficial owner, if any, to (i) notify the Company in writing of the information set forth in clauses (a)(2), (a)(3), (b) and (d) above as of the record date for the meeting promptly (and, in any event, within five (5) Business Days) following the later of the record date or the date notice of the record date is first disclosed by public announcement and (ii) update such information thereafter within two (2) Business Days of any change in such information and, in any event, as of close of business on the day preceding the meeting date.

 

  40.4 No person shall be eligible for election as a Director unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bye-laws. Except as otherwise provided by Applicable Law or these Bye-laws, the presiding officer of any meeting of Shareholders to elect Directors or the Board may, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in compliance with the foregoing procedure or if the Shareholder solicits proxies in support of such Shareholder’s nominee(s) without such Shareholder having made the representation required by clause (c) of Bye-law 40.3; and if the presiding officer or the Board should so determine, it shall be so declared to the meeting, and the defective nomination shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding anything in these Bye-laws to the contrary, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares of the Company may be then listed or quoted, if a Shareholder intending to make a nomination at a general meeting in accordance with this Bye-law 40 does not (i) timely provide the notifications contemplated by clause (e) of Bye-law 40.3, or (ii) timely appear in person or by proxy at the annual general meeting to present the nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination may have been received by the Company or any other person or entity.

 

  40.5

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Bye-law 40, any Shareholder intending to make a nomination at an annual general meeting in accordance with this Bye-law 40, and

 

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  each related beneficial owner, if any, shall also comply with all requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the same extent as if the shares of the Company were registered under the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in these Bye-laws; provided, however, that any references in these Bye-laws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations made or intended to be made in accordance with clause (b) of Bye-law 40.1.

 

  40.6 Nothing in this Bye-law 40 shall be deemed to affect any rights of the holders of any series of preferred shares, or any other series or class of shares authorised to be issued by the Company, to elect directors pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

  40.7 To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a Director pursuant to Bye-law 40.1(b), a person must deliver (not later than the deadline prescribed for delivery of notice) to the Secretary at the Registered Office a written questionnaire prepared by the Company with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person: (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a Director, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Company or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a Director, with such person’s duties under Applicable Law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Company with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a Director that has not been disclosed therein; (iii) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a Director, and will comply with, Applicable Law and corporate governance, conflict of interest, corporate opportunity, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Company that are applicable to Directors generally and (iv) if elected as a Director, will act in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders and not in the interest of any individual constituency. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall review all such information submitted by the Shareholder with respect to the proposed nominee and determine whether such nominee is eligible to act as a Director. The Company and the Nominating and Governance Committee may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an Independent Director or that could be material to a reasonable Shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

 

  40.8 At each annual general meeting of the Shareholders for the election of Directors at which a quorum is present, each Director or slate of Directors shall be elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to the Director or slate, excluding abstentions. For purposes of this Bye-law 40.8, a majority of the votes cast shall mean that the number of shares voted “for” a Director or slate of Directors must exceed the number of votes “against” that Director or slate of Directors.

 

  40.9 At the request of the Board, any person nominated for election as a director of the Company shall furnish to the Secretary the information that is required to be set forth in a Shareholders’ notice of nomination pursuant to Bye-law 40.

 

  40.10

Any Shareholder proposing to nominate a person or persons for election shall be responsible for, and bear the costs associated with, soliciting votes from any other voting Shareholder

 

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  and distributing materials to such Shareholders prior to the annual general meeting in accordance with these Bye-laws and applicable SEC rules. A Shareholder shall include any person or persons such Shareholder intends to nominate for election in its own proxy statement and proxy card.

 

  40.11 Unless prohibited by Applicable Law, the Company shall promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days of receipt of written request from any Shareholder proposing to nominate a person or persons for election) provide to such proposing Shareholder the names and addresses of all persons and entities who are record holders of the Company’s shares, other than Class M Common Shares (the “Other Holders”), provided, that if any Other Holder has requested that its identity or address be kept confidential, then the Company shall (at the expense of such Shareholder) promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days of receipt of a written request) forward to such Other Holder any materials provided by such Shareholder in relation to the person or persons such Shareholder intends to nominate for election and a notice requesting that such Other Holder contact such Shareholder.

 

41. [Reserved]

 

42. Number of Directors

The number of Directors which shall constitute the entire Board shall be such as from time to time shall be determined by Resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board, but the number shall not be less than two or more than seventeen; provided, that the tenure of a Director shall not be affected by a decrease in the number of Directors so made by the Board.

 

43. Term of Office of Directors

The Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the number of Directors constituting the Board, Class I to hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual general meeting to be held in 2016, Class II to hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual general meeting to be held in 2017, and Class III to hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual general meeting to be held in 2018. At each succeeding annual general meeting beginning in 2016, successors to the class of Directors whose term expires at that annual general meeting shall be elected for a three (3) year term with each Director to hold office in such class until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If the number of Directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of Directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional Director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class or from the removal from office, death, disability, resignation or disqualification of a Director or other cause shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no event will a decrease in the authorised number of Directors shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

 

44. Removal of Directors

 

  44.1 Subject to any provision to the contrary in these Bye-laws, a director may only be removed for cause and not otherwise. The removal of a director for cause shall be effected either (i) by the Board by affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors at any duly called meeting of the Board or (ii) by the Shareholders holding a majority of the Total Voting Power at any general meeting called and held in accordance with these Bye-laws. For purposes of this Bye-law 44.1, “cause” shall mean a conviction for a criminal offence involving dishonesty or engaging in conduct which brings the Director or the Company into disrepute or which results in a material financial detriment to the Company.

 

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  44.2 If a Director is removed from the Board under this Bye-law 44, the Board may fill the vacancy. Persons appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy shall be approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board and shall be subject to election at the immediately succeeding annual general meeting.

 

45. Vacancy in the Office of Director

 

  45.1 The office of Director shall be vacated immediately if the Director:

 

  (a) is prohibited from being a Director by law;

 

  (b) is or becomes bankrupt or insolvent;

 

  (c) is or becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose of any statute or Applicable Law relating to mental health and the Board resolves that his office is vacated, or dies;

 

  (d) by virtue of holding the office of Director causes the Company to be taxed in an adverse manner; or

 

  (e) resigns his office by notice to the Secretary.

 

  45.2 If there is a vacancy on the Board occurring as a result of the death, disability, disqualification or resignation of any Director, or on account of an increase in the number of members of the Board or a failure to elect a Director at an annual general meeting, the Board may appoint any person as a Director on an interim basis until the next annual general meeting, provided, that such person has been approved to serve as a Director by the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board vacancy shall be submitted to a vote at the next succeeding annual general meeting irrespective of class.

 

46. Remuneration of Directors

The remuneration (if any) of the Directors shall be determined by the Board or an appropriate committee thereof delegated by the Board. The Directors shall also be paid all reasonable travel, hotel and related expenses incurred by them in attending and returning from the meetings of the Board, any committee appointed by the Board, general meetings, or in connection with the business of the Company or their duties as Directors generally. The Company shall also bear reasonable travel, hotel and related expenses incurred by any advisors to the Board related to such matters.

 

47. Defect in Appointment

All acts done in good faith by the Board, any Director, a member of a committee appointed by the Board, any person to whom the Board may have delegated any of its powers, or any person acting as a Director shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any Director or person acting as aforesaid, or that he was, or any of them were, disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a Director or act in the relevant capacity.

 

48. Directors to Manage Business

The business of the Company shall be managed and conducted by the Board. In managing the business of the Company, the Board may exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Bye-laws, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting.

 

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49. Powers of the Board of Directors

The Board may:

 

  (a) appoint, suspend, or remove any manager, secretary, clerk, agent or employee of the Company and may fix their remuneration and determine their duties;

 

  (b) exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge or otherwise grant a security interest in its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part thereof, and may issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or any third party;

 

  (c) designate a Chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”) and a Vice Chairman of the Board (the “Vice Chairman”);

 

  (d) appoint one or more Directors to the office of managing director or chief executive officer of the Company, who shall, subject to the control of the Board, supervise and administer all of the general business and affairs of the Company;

 

  (e) appoint a person to act as manager of the Company’s day-to-day business and may entrust to and confer upon such manager such powers and duties as it deems appropriate for the transaction or conduct of such business;

 

  (f) by power of attorney, appoint any company, firm, person or body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be an attorney of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board) and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think fit and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the Board may think fit and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions so vested in the attorney;

 

  (g) procure that the Company pays all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company;

 

  (h) delegate any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to a committee of one or more persons appointed by the Board which may consist partly or entirely of non-Directors, provided, that every such committee shall conform to such directions as the Board shall impose on them; and provided, further, that the meetings and proceedings of any such committee shall be governed by the provisions of these Bye-laws regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board, so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by directions imposed by the Board;

 

  (i) delegate any of its powers (including the power to sub-delegate) to any person on such terms and in such manner as the Board may see fit;

 

  (j) present any petition and make any application in connection with the liquidation or reorganisation of the Company;

 

  (k) in connection with the issue of any share, pay such commission and brokerage as may be permitted by law; and

 

  (l) authorise any company, firm, person or body of persons to act on behalf of the Company for any specific purpose and in connection therewith to execute any deed, agreement, document or instrument on behalf of the Company.

 

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50. Register of Directors and Officers

The Board shall cause to be kept in one or more books at the Registered Office of the Company a Register of the Directors and Officers of the Company and shall enter therein the particulars required by the Act.

 

51. Appointment of Officers

The Board may appoint such officers (who may or may not be Directors) as the Board may determine.

 

52. Appointment of Secretary

The Secretary shall be appointed by the Board from time to time.

 

53. Duties of Officers

The Officers shall have such powers and perform such duties in the management, business and affairs of the Company as may be delegated to them by the Board from time to time.

 

54. Remuneration of Officers

The Officers shall receive such remuneration as the Board may determine.

 

55. Conflicts of Interest

 

  55.1 Any Director, or any Director’s firm, partner or any company with whom any Director is associated, may act in any capacity for, be employed by or render services to the Company and such Director or such Director’s firm, partner or company shall be entitled to remuneration as if such Director were not a Director. Nothing herein contained shall authorise a Director or Director’s firm, partner or company to act as Auditor to the Company.

 

  55.2 A Director who is directly or indirectly interested in a contract or proposed contract or arrangement with the Company shall declare the nature of such interest as required by the Act.

 

  55.3 Following a declaration being made pursuant to this Bye-law, a Director may vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement in which such Director is interested and may be counted in the quorum for such meeting and, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the interested Director shall not be liable to account to the Company for any profit realized thereby. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, in the event that one or more interested Directors are disqualified or elect to be recused from voting on a matter, or one or more Directors are later found to have an interest or conflict that should have been declared, the matter shall be approved or stand approved if it is or was approved by a majority of the votes cast by the Directors that do not have any interest or conflict in the matter, even if less than a quorum.

 

  55.4 Subject to the Act and any further disclosure required thereby, a general notice to the Directors by a Director or officer declaring that he is a director or officer or has an interest in any business entity and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction or arrangement made with that business entity shall be sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any transaction or arrangement so made.

 

  55.5 This Bye-law 55 shall be subject to any U.S. securities laws and the rules of any exchange or quotation system on which the Company’s shares are then listed.

 

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56. Indemnification and Exculpation

 

  56.1 To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, but subject to the limitations expressly provided in this Bye-law 56, (i) the past, present and future (x) Directors, Resident Representative, Secretary and other Officers (such term to include any person appointed to any committee by the Board), (y) any consultants participating in any Company equity incentive plan, and (z) liquidators or trustees (if any) for the time being acting in relation to any of the affairs of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) any Person who is or was an employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, employee or agent of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries and who, while an employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, employee or agent of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, is or was also an officer, director, employee, managing director, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder, agent or other Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group or of any Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (iii) any other Person who, while a Director or Officer, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise, nonprofit entity or other entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans (each, a “Covered Person”) shall be indemnified and secured harmless by the Company from and against all Liabilities and Expenses arising from any and all threatened, pending or completed Proceedings, in which any Covered Person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of (A) in the case of any Covered Person described in the preceding clauses (i) and (iii), its status as a Covered Person or (B) in the case of any Covered Person described in the preceding clause (ii), the fact that such Covered Person is or was an employee or agent of the Company, or is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, acting in relation to the affairs of the Company or any such Subsidiary, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after the date of the adoption of these Bye-laws; provided, however, that a Covered Person shall not be indemnified and held harmless if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the Covered Person is seeking indemnification pursuant to this Bye-law 56, the Covered Person acted fraudulently and/or dishonestly in relation to the Company; provided further, subject in all respects to Bye-law 56.12, no Covered Person shall be entitled to indemnification from the Company (nor any amounts provided for under Bye-law 56.2) for any acts or omissions of such Covered Person in such Covered Person’s role as a director, officer, consultant, representative or agent of AAM. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise described in Bye-law 56.10, the Company shall be required to indemnify a Person described in such sentence in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by such Person was authorised by the Board. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Shareholder agrees to waive any claim or right of action such Shareholder might have, whether individually or by or in right of the Company, against any Covered Person on account of any action taken by such Covered Person, or the failure of such Covered Person to take any action in the performance of such Covered Person’s duties with or for the Company or any subsidiary thereof; provided, that such waiver shall not extend to any matter in respect of any fraud or dishonesty in relation to the Company or its Subsidiaries which may attach to such Covered Person.

 

  56.2

To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, Expenses incurred by a Covered Person in appearing at, participating in or defending any indemnifiable Proceeding pursuant to this Bye-law 56 shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to a final and non-appealable disposition of the Proceeding in which it is determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified upon receipt by the Company of an undertaking by or

 

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  on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified pursuant to this Bye-law 56. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Bye-law 56.10, the Company shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by such Person was authorised by the Board.

 

  56.3 The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Bye-law 56 shall be in addition to any other rights to which a Covered Person may be entitled under these Bye-laws or any agreement between the Company and such Covered Person, pursuant to a vote of a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such matter, as a matter of law, in equity or otherwise, both as to actions in the Covered Person’s capacity as a Covered Person and as to actions in any other capacity, and shall continue as to a Covered Person who has ceased to serve in such capacity.

 

  56.4 The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a Covered Person, and such other Persons as the Board shall determine, against any Liability that may be asserted against, or Expense that may be incurred by, such Person in connection with the Company’s activities or any such Person’s activities on behalf of the Company, regardless of whether the Company would have the power to indemnify such Person against such Liability or Expense under the provisions of these Bye-laws or Applicable Law.

 

  56.5 For purposes of this Bye-law 56 (i) the Company shall be deemed to have requested a Covered Person to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Company also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, such Covered Person to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan and (ii) excise taxes assessed on a Covered Person with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to Applicable Law shall constitute “fines” within the meaning of “Liabilities”.

 

  56.6 A Covered Person shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Bye-law 56 because the Covered Person had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by these Bye-laws.

 

  56.7 Except with respect to any Shareholder Affiliate, which shall be a third party beneficiary of the rights set forth in Bye-law 56.12, the provisions of this Bye-law 56 are for the benefit of the Covered Persons and their heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.

 

  56.8 Each Covered Person shall, in the performance of his, her or its duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and on such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any of the Officers, Directors or employees of the Company, or any of the officers, directors or employees of the Company’s Subsidiaries, or committees of the Board, or by any other Person (including legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisers selected by or on behalf of it) as to matters such Covered Person reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence.

 

  56.9

No amendment, modification or repeal of this Bye-law 56 or any provision hereof or, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any modification of Applicable Law, shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future Covered Person to be indemnified or to have such Covered Person’s Expenses advanced by the Company, nor the obligations of the Company to indemnify or advance Expenses to any such Covered Person under and in accordance with the provisions of this Bye-law 56 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising

 

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  from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or-in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

 

  56.10 If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of the Proceeding for which indemnification is being sought) or advancement of Expenses under this Bye-law 56 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any Covered Person has been received by the Company, such Covered Person may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the Expenses of prosecuting such claim, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

  56.11 This Bye-law 56 shall not limit the right of the Company, to the extent and in the manner permitted by Applicable Law, to indemnify and to advance Expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of Persons other than Covered Persons.

 

  56.12 The Company hereby acknowledges that the indemnitees under this Bye-law 56 (the “Indemnified Persons”) may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by shareholders, members of the Apollo Group, or other Affiliates of the Company or Affiliates of members of the Apollo Group (“Shareholder Affiliates”) separate from the indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by the Company under these Bye-laws. The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to the Indemnified Persons under these Bye-laws are primary and any obligation of any Shareholder Affiliate to advance Expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or Liabilities incurred by the Indemnified Persons are secondary), (ii) that the Company shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by the Indemnified Persons and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses and Liabilities paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by Bye-law 56, without regard to any rights the Indemnified Persons may have against any Shareholder Affiliate, and (iii) that the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Shareholder Affiliates from any and all claims against the Shareholder Affiliates for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by any Shareholder Affiliate on behalf of a Indemnified Person with respect to any claim for which such Indemnified Person has sought indemnification from the Company pursuant to Bye-law 56 shall affect the foregoing and the Shareholder Affiliates shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnified Person against the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, no Person providing directors’ or officers’ or similar insurance obtained or maintained by or on behalf of the Company, and of its Affiliates or any of the foregoing’s respective Subsidiaries, including any Person providing such insurance obtained or maintained pursuant to Bye-law 56.4, shall be, or be deemed to be, a Shareholder Affiliate.

 

  56.13 No Covered Person shall be personally liable either to the Company or to any of its Shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Covered Person, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under Applicable Law as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Bye-law inconsistent with the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Covered Person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

  56.14 Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Bye-law 56.

 

  56.15 This Bye-law 56 may not be rescinded, altered or amended (a) unless in accordance with the Act and (b) until the same has been approved by the Board and at least 50% of the Total Voting Power (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4).

 

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

57. Business Opportunities

 

  57.1

To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, other than its Subsidiaries that are insurance companies which are regulated by a governmental entity (“Insurance Subsidiaries”), waives and renounces any right, interest or expectancy of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, other than its Insurance Subsidiaries, in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities of any kind, nature or description that are from time to time presented to (x) any member of the Apollo Group or an Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), (y) any of the Directors or any of their respective Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), or (z) any Officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any director, officer, employee or agent of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, who is also, and is presented such business opportunity in his or her capacity as, an officer, director, employee, managing director, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder, agent or other Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group or of any Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), in the case of each of clauses (x), (y) and (z), excluding the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the Persons described in clauses (x), (y) and (z), “Specified Parties” and each, a “Specified Party”), or of which any Specified Parties have or gain knowledge, whether or not the opportunity is competitive with the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in the same or similar lines of business as the Company or its Subsidiaries or one that the Company or its Subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so, and each Specified Party shall have no duty (statutory, fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) to communicate or offer such business opportunity to the Company and, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall not be liable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than its Insurance Subsidiaries, for breach of any statutory, fiduciary, contractual or other duty, as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Company, or a director, officer, employee or agent of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, as the case may be, or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such Specified Party pursues or acquires such business opportunity, directs such business opportunity to another Person or fails to present or communicate such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Company or its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries do not renounce any right, interest or expectancy in any business opportunity offered to a Specified Party who is a Director or Officer if such business opportunity is expressly offered for the Company or its Subsidiaries to such person solely in his or her capacity as a Director or Officer (a “Company Opportunity”); provided, however, that all of the protections of this Bye-law 57 shall otherwise apply to the Specified Parties with respect to such Company Opportunity, including the ability of the Specified Parties to pursue or acquire such Company Opportunity, directly or indirectly, or to direct such Company Opportunity to another person, if and to the extent that the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, determines not to pursue such Company Opportunity or if it is subsequently determined by the Board or any committee thereof (or board of directors or other governing body of such Subsidiary or any committee thereof), or by any court of competent jurisdiction, that the business opportunity was not in the line of business of the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, was not of material or practical advantage to the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, or was one that the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, was not financially capable of undertaking. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, other than its Insurance Subsidiaries, hereby waives and renounces any right, interest or expectancy of the Company or its Subsidiaries to participate in or be offered

 

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  an opportunity to participate in any business or business opportunity of any member of the Apollo Group or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), except to the extent such right, interest or expectancy is expressly granted to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under a binding agreement between or among the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any member of the Apollo Group or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), on the other hand.

 

  57.2 No amendment, modification or repeal of this Bye-law 57 or any provision hereof or, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any modification of Applicable Law, shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any Person under and in accordance with the provisions of this Bye-law 57 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

 

  57.3 This Bye-law 57 shall not limit any protections or defenses available to, or indemnification or advancement rights of, any Specified Party under any agreement, these Bye-laws, vote of the Board, Applicable Law or otherwise.

 

  57.4 Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Bye-law 57.

 

  57.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, under no circumstances shall the provisions of this Bye-law 57 (other than this Bye-law 57.5) apply to (or result in or be deemed to result in a limitation or elimination of) any duty (contractual, fiduciary or otherwise, whether at law or in equity) owed by any Specified Party who is also an Officer, employee or agent of the Company, or any director, officer, employee or agent of any of its Subsidiaries (other than any such Specified Party who is also an officer, director, employee, managing director, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder, agent or other Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group or of any Affiliate of any member of the Apollo Group (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries)), and any business opportunity waived or renounced by any Person pursuant to such other provisions of this Bye-law 57 shall be expressly reserved and maintained (and shall not be waived or renounced) by such Person as to any such Specified Party.

 

  57.6 This Bye-law 57 may not be rescinded, altered or amended (a) unless in accordance with the Act and (b) until the same has been approved by the Board and at least 50% of the Total Voting Power (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4).

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

58. Board Meetings

The Board may meet for the transaction of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it sees fit. A resolution put to the vote at a meeting of the Board shall be carried by the affirmative votes of a majority of the votes cast and in the case of an equality of votes cast the resolution shall fail.

 

59. Notice of Board Meetings

Upon the requisition of (i) the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board, (ii) a majority of the Directors, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or (iv) a majority of the Independent Directors, the Secretary shall summon a meeting of the Board. Notice of a meeting of the Board shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to such Director verbally (including in person or

 

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by telephone) or otherwise communicated or sent to such Director by post, electronic means or other mode of representing words in a visible form at such Director’s last known address or in accordance with any other instructions given by such Director to the Company for this purpose.

 

60. Electronic Participation in Meetings

Subject to Applicable Law, Directors may participate in any meeting by such telephonic, electronic or other communication facilities or means as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

61. Quorum at Board Meetings

The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board shall be two (2) Directors; provided, that at any meeting where only two (2) Directors are in attendance any Board action taken at such meeting must be approved unanimously.

 

62. Board to Continue in the Event of Vacancy

The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its number but, if and so long as its number is reduced below the number fixed by these Bye-laws as the quorum necessary for the transaction of business at meetings of the Board, the continuing Directors or Director may act for the purpose of (i) summoning a general meeting; or (ii) preserving the assets of the Company.

 

63. Chairman to Preside

The Chairman shall preside at all board meetings. For meetings where the Chairman is not present, the Vice Chairman shall preside. For any Board meeting where both the Chairman and Vice Chairman are not present, the Board may designate a Director to preside over such meeting.

 

64. Written Consent

A written consent signed by all the Directors, which may be in counterparts, shall be as valid as if a resolution in respect thereof had been passed at a meeting of the Board duly called and constituted, such written consent to be effective on the date on which the last Director signs such written consent.

 

65. Validity of Prior Acts of the Board

No regulation or alteration to these Bye-laws made by the Company in a general meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that regulation or alteration had not been made.

CONFLICTS

 

66. Resolution of Conflicts

For so long as any Class B Common Shares remain outstanding, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall enter into or amend any contract or agreement with a member of the Apollo Group, unless such contract or agreement or amendment is:

 

  (a) fair and reasonable to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be or have been particularly favorable or advantageous to the Company and its Subsidiaries); or

 

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  (b) entered into on an arm’s-length basis; or

 

  (c) approved by a majority of the disinterested Directors; or

 

  (d) approved by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding Class A Common Shares; or

 

  (e) approved by the Conflicts Committee in accordance with its charter and guidelines as they may be amended from time to time.

Notwithstanding the above, all Apollo Conflicts, as defined in the charter of the Conflicts Committee, shall be approved by the Conflicts Committee unless such conflict is specifically exempted from approval in accordance with the Conflicts Committee charter and guidelines as they may be amended from time to time.

 

67. Conflicts Committee

 

  67.1 The Board shall constitute a committee comprised solely of Directors who are not general partners, directors, managers, officers or employees of the Apollo Group (the “Conflicts Committee”).

 

  67.2 The Conflicts Committee shall consist of up to five (5) individuals designated by the Board. The Conflicts Committee shall have a chairman, who shall be designated by the Board or, if the Board so delegates, by the Conflicts Committee. The vote necessary to approve any action at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee shall be a majority of the entire Conflicts Committee.

 

  67.3 The Conflicts Committee may meet in person, by telephone or video conference call or in any other manner in which the Board is permitted to meet under Applicable Law and may also take action by written consent of the number and identity of Conflicts Committee members who have not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which all Conflicts Committee members entitled to vote were present and voted.

 

  67.4 The Conflicts Committee, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Committee, shall have the authority to engage consultants to assist in the evaluation of conflicts matters. It shall have the sole authority to retain and terminate any such consultants, including sole authority to approve the consultants’ fees and other retention terms; provided, that fees and expenses incurred in connection with the engagement of any such consultant are reasonable.

CORPORATE RECORDS

 

68. Minutes

The Board shall cause minutes to be duly entered in books provided for the purpose:

 

  (a) of all elections and appointments of Officers;

 

  (b) of the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Board and of any committee appointed by the Board; and

 

  (c) of all resolutions and proceedings of general meetings of the Shareholders, meetings of the Board, meetings of managers and meetings of committees appointed by the Board.

 

69. Place Where Corporate Records Kept

Minutes prepared in accordance with the Act and these Bye-laws shall be kept by the Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company.

 

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70. Form and Use of Seal

 

  70.1 The Company may adopt a seal in such form as the Board may determine. The Board may adopt one or more duplicate seals for use in or outside Bermuda.

 

  70.2 A seal may, but need not, be affixed to any deed, instrument, share certificate or document, and if the seal is to be affixed thereto, it shall be attested by the signature of (i) any Director, or (ii) any Officer, or (iii) the Secretary, or (iv) any person authorised by the Board for that purpose.

 

  70.3 A Resident Representative may, but need not, affix the seal of the Company to certify the authenticity of any copies of documents.

ACCOUNTS

 

71. Books of Account

 

  71.1 The Board shall cause to be kept proper records of account with respect to all transactions of the Company and in particular with respect to:

 

  (a) all amounts of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure relates;

 

  (b) all sales and purchases of goods by the Company; and

 

  (c) all assets and liabilities of the Company.

 

  71.2 Such records of account shall be kept at the principal place of business of the Company, or subject to the Act, at such other place as the Board thinks fit and shall be available for inspection by the Directors during normal business hours.

 

72. Financial Year End

The financial year end of the Company may be determined by resolution of the Board and failing such resolution shall be 31st December in each year.

AUDITS

 

73. Annual Audit

Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts or appointment of an Auditor pursuant to the Act, the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least once in every year.

 

74. Appointment of Auditor

 

  74.1 Subject to the Act, at the annual general meeting or at a subsequent special general meeting in each year, an independent representative of the Shareholders shall be appointed by them as Auditor of the accounts of the Company.

 

  74.2 The Auditor may be a Shareholder but no Director, Officer or employee of the Company shall, during his continuance in office, be eligible to act as an Auditor of the Company.

 

75. Remuneration of Auditor

Save in the case of an Auditor appointed pursuant to Bye-law 80, the remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Company in a general meeting or in such manner as the Shareholders may determine. In the case of an Auditor appointed pursuant to Bye-law 80, the remuneration of the Auditor shall be fixed by the Board.

 

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76. Duties of Auditor

 

  76.1 The financial statements provided for by these Bye-laws shall be audited by the Auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The Auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

 

  76.2 The generally accepted auditing standards referred to in this Bye-law may be those of a country or jurisdiction other than Bermuda or such other generally accepted auditing standards as may be provided for in the Act. If so, the financial statements and the report of the Auditor shall identify the generally accepted auditing standards used.

 

77. Access to Records

The Auditor shall at all reasonable times have access to all books kept by the Company and to all accounts and vouchers relating thereto, and the Auditor may call on the Directors or Officers for any information in their possession relating to the books or affairs of the Company.

 

78. Financial Statements

Subject to any rights to waive laying of accounts pursuant to the Act, financial statements as required by the Act shall be laid before the Shareholders in a general meeting.

 

79. Distribution of Auditor’s Report

The report of the Auditor shall be submitted to the Shareholders in a general meeting.

 

80. Vacancy in the Office of Auditor

The Board may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the Auditor.

VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND DISSOLUTION

 

81. Winding-Up

Subject to Bye-law 4 and any agreement contemplated by Bye-law 1.5 to the contrary, if the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Resolution, divide amongst the Shareholders in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such purpose, set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Shareholders or different classes of Shareholders. Subject to Bye-law 4 and any agreement contemplated by Bye-law 1.5 to the contrary, the liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in the trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the Shareholders as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no Shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities or assets whereon there is any liability.

CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION; EXCLUSIVE JURSIDICTION

 

82. Changes to Bye-laws

No Bye-law may be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law may be made save in accordance with the Act and until the same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and by a Resolution; provided, that any such action that would materially, adversely and disproportionately

 

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affect the rights, obligations, powers or preferences of any class of shares without similarly affecting the rights, obligations, powers or preferences of all classes of shares shall require a vote of the majority of the issued and outstanding shares constituting such class so affected.

 

83. Changes to the Memorandum of Association

No alteration or amendment to the Memorandum of Association may be made save in accordance with the Act and until same has been approved by a resolution of the Board and by a Resolution.

 

84. Exclusive Jurisdiction

In the event that any dispute arises concerning the Act or out of or in connection with these Bye-laws, including any question regarding the existence and scope of any Bye-law and/or whether there has been any breach of the Act or these Bye-laws by an Officer or Director (whether or not such a claim is brought in the name of a Shareholder or in the name of the Company), any such dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

 

85. Discontinuance

The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to discontinue the Company to a jurisdiction outside Bermuda pursuant to the Act.

CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO SUBSIDIARIES

 

86. Voting of Subsidiary Shares

 

  86.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bye-laws to the contrary (but subject to Bye-law 86.2), if the Company, in its capacity as a shareholder of any Subsidiary of the Company, has the right to vote at a general meeting or special meeting of such Subsidiary (whether in person or by its attorney-in-fact or proxy) (or by written resolution in lieu of a general meeting or special meeting), and the subject matter of the vote is (a) the appointment, removal or remuneration of directors of a non-U.S. Subsidiary of the Company or (b) any other subject matter with respect to a non-U.S. Subsidiary that legally requires the approval of the shareholders of such non-U.S. Subsidiary, the Board shall refer the subject matter of the vote to the Shareholders and seek authority from the Shareholders entitled to vote for the Board for the Company’s corporate representative or proxy to vote with respect to the resolution proposed by such Subsidiary. The Board shall cause the Company’s corporate representative or proxy to vote the Company’s shares in such Subsidiary pro rata to the votes received at the general meeting of the Company, with votes for or against the directing resolution being taken, respectively, as an instruction for the Company’s corporate representative or proxy to vote the appropriate proportion of its share for and the appropriate proportion of its shares against the resolution proposed by such Subsidiary. The Board shall have authority to resolve any ambiguity. All votes referred to the Company’s Shareholders pursuant to this Bye-law 86.1 shall give effect to and otherwise be subject to the voting power restrictions of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.

 

  86.2 If the Board in its discretion, determines that the application of Bye-law 86.1(b) with respect to a particular vote is not necessary to achieve the purposes of this Bye-law 86, it may waive the application of Bye-law 86.1(b) with respect to such vote.

 

87. Bye-laws or Articles of Association of Certain Subsidiaries

The Board shall require that the Bye-laws or Articles of Association or similar organizational documents of each non-U.S. Subsidiary of the Company shall contain provisions substantially similar

 

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to Bye-law 86.1 and Bye-law 87. The Company shall enter into agreements, as and when determined by the Board, with each such non-U.S. Subsidiary, only if and to the extent reasonably necessary and permitted under Applicable Law, to effectuate or implement this Bye-law.

 

88. Termination of IMAs

 

  88.1 Except as set forth in Bye-law 88.2, the Company shall not, and shall cause each Subsidiary of the Company not to, elect to terminate the IMA or any other investment advisory or investment management agreement by and between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and a member of the Apollo Group (a “New IMA”) (a) on any date other than October 31, 2018 or any annual anniversary of such date (each, an “IMA Termination Election Date”) and (b) unless it has provided written notice to AAM or the member of the Apollo Group that is a party to such New IMA, as applicable, of such termination at least thirty 30 days prior to the applicable IMA Termination Election Date (an “IMA Termination Notice”); provided, that (i) the IMA or any New IMA may only be terminated by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company with the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors in accordance with the immediately following sentence (an IMA Termination Notice delivered with such approval and in accordance with Bye-law 88.1(a) and (b), a “Valid IMA Termination Notice”) and (ii) notwithstanding any such election to terminate or delivery of a Valid IMA Termination Notice, no such termination shall be effective on any date earlier than the second annual anniversary of the applicable IMA Termination Election Date (the “IMA Termination Effective Date”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Bye-law 88.1, the Board shall not approve any election to terminate the IMA or any New IMA on any IMA Termination Election Date pursuant to this Bye-law 88.1 unless at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors agree that an event described in clause (iii) or (iv) of the definition of AHL Cause occurred with respect to the IMA or such New IMA, as applicable. If the Company and/or applicable Subsidiary of the Company does not provide a Valid IMA Termination Notice with respect to an IMA Termination Election Date, then the Company or such Subsidiary may only elect to terminate such IMA or New IMA under this Bye-law 88.1 on the next IMA Termination Election Date, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company shall terminate any such IMA or New IMA in accordance with this Bye-law 88.1 without providing a Valid IMA Termination Notice. Furthermore, beginning on October 31, 2017, the IMA and any New IMA shall be subject to an initial term of three (3) years from such date; provided that, on each IMA Termination Election Date after October 31, 2017, beginning with the IMA Termination Election Date on October 31, 2018, to the extent no Valid IMA Termination Notice has been delivered in accordance with this Bye-law 88.1 with respect to the IMA or any New IMA, the term of the IMA and each such New IMA shall be extended automatically without any further action or obligation by any persons (including, without limitation, the parties thereto or hereto) for one (1) additional year; provided, further that, if a Valid IMA Termination Notice has been previously delivered in accordance with this Bye-law 88.1, this sentence shall no longer be of any force or effect with respect to the IMA or such New IMA that is the subject of such delivered Valid IMA Termination Notice.

 

  88.2 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Bye-law 88.1, the Company and/or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company may terminate the IMA or any New IMA upon the occurrence of an event described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of AHL Cause with respect to the IMA or such New IMA, as applicable; provided, that any termination of the IMA or any New IMA by the Company or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, for such AHL Cause shall require the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors and the delivery of written notice to AAM or such member of the Apollo Group that is a party to such New IMA, as applicable, of such termination for such AHL Cause at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

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  88.3 For the avoidance of doubt, subject in all respects to the other provisions of this Bye-law 88 and the definition of AHL Cause, any termination of the IMA or any New IMA by the Company and/or any Subsidiary of the Company shall require the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of this Bye-law 88 and the definition of AHL Cause, (x) no officer or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall constitute an Independent Director and (y) no officer or employee of (1) any member of the Apollo Group described in clauses (i) through (iv) of the definition of Apollo Group or (2) Apollo Global Management, LLC or any of its Subsidiaries (excluding any Subsidiary that constitutes any portfolio company (or investment) of (A) an investment fund or other investment vehicle whose general partner, managing member or similar governing person is owned, directly or indirectly, by Apollo Global Management, LLC or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or (B) a managed account agreement (or similar arrangement) whereby Apollo Global Management, LLC or one or more of its Subsidiaries serves as general partner, managing member or in a similar governing position) shall constitute an Independent Director.

 

  88.4 This Bye-law 88 may not be rescinded, altered or amended (a) unless in accordance with the Act and (b) until the same has been approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors and at least 50% of the Total Voting Power (which for the avoidance of doubt will take into account the application of Bye-laws 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4).

AHL Cause means, (i) with respect to the IMA, a material violation of Applicable Law relating to AAM’s advisory business, and with respect to a New IMA, a material violation of Applicable Law relating to the advisory business of the member of the Apollo Group that is a party to such New IMA, (ii) the gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of any of the obligations of AAM under the IMA or the member of the Apollo Group that is a party to the applicable New IMA under such New IMA, as applicable, (iii) the unsatisfactory long term performance of AAM under the IMA, or the member of the Apollo Group that is a party to the applicable New IMA under such a New IMA, as applicable, that is materially detrimental to the Company, as determined in the sole discretion of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors, acting in good faith or (iv) a determination in the sole discretion of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors, acting in good faith, that the fees charged by AAM under the IMA, or by the member of the Apollo Group that is a party to the applicable New IMA under such New IMA, as applicable, are unfair and excessive compared to a Comparable Asset Manager, provided, however, in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv), the Independent Directors shall deliver written notice of such finding to AAM or such other member of the Apollo Group, as applicable, and AAM or such other member of the Apollo Group, as applicable, shall have until the applicable IMA Termination Effective Date to address the Independent Directors’ concerns and; provided further, that in the case of clause (iv), AAM or such other member of the Apollo Group, as applicable, shall have a right to lower its fees to match a Comparable Asset Manager. If AAM or such member of the Apollo Group has addressed the Independent Directors’ concerns (with the assessment of whether the Independent Directors’ concerns have been addressed being rendered thereby in good faith with the approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Independent Directors) or, if applicable, lowered its fees to match a Comparable Asset Manager, then the applicable IMA Termination Notice shall be deemed rescinded and of no further force or effect. For the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of an event constituting AHL Cause under the IMA shall not constitute an event of AHL Cause under any New IMA and vice versa, unless such event of AHL Cause shall be separately established thereunder.

 

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Schedule 1

Related Party Insurance

Athene Holding Ltd. Subsidiaries:

 

1. Athene Life Re Ltd.

 

2. Athene Life Insurance Company

 

3. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (f/k/a Liberty Life Insurance Company)

 

4. Athene Life Insurance Company of New York (f/k/a Aviva Life and Annuity Company of New York)

 

5. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (f/k/a Presidential Life Insurance Company)

 

6. Structured Annuity Reinsurance Company

 

7. Athene Annuity and Life Company (f/k/a Aviva Annuity and Life Company)

 

8. Athene Re USA IV, Inc. (f/k/a Aviva Re USA IV, Inc.)

 

9. Athene Annuity Re Ltd.

Current Ceding Companies:

 

1. Western United Life Assurance Company

 

2. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company

 

3. American Pioneer Life Insurance Company

 

4. American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Company of New York

 

5. Constitution Life Insurance Company

 

6. Union Bankers Life Insurance Company

 

7. Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company

 

8. The Pyramid Life Insurance Company

 

9. Jefferson National Life Insurance Company

 

10. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (f/k/a Liberty Life Insurance Company)

 

11. Continental Assurance Company

 

12. Reassure America Life Insurance Company

 

13. Eagle Life Insurance Company

 

14. Athene Life Insurance Company

 

15. Liberty Bankers Life Insurance Company

 

16. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (f/k/a Presidential Life Insurance Company)

 

17. Athene Annuity and Life Company (f/k/a Aviva Annuity and Life Company)

 

18. Structured Annuity Reinsurance Company

 

19. Transamerica Life Insurance Company

 

20. Midland National Life Insurance Company

 

21. North American Company for Life and Health Insurance

 

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22. Athene Re USA IV, Inc. (f/k/a Aviva Re USA IV, Inc.)

 

23. Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company

 

24. Athene Life Insurance Company of New York (f/k/a Aviva Life and Annuity Company of New York)

 

25. Royal Neighbors of America

 

26. Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company

 

27. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

 

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LOGO

IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004 ENDORSEMENT_LINE SACKPACK MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 MMMMMMMMM ADD 5 ADD 6 Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. X MMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies must be received by 12:00 p.m., Atlantic Daylight Time, on June 4, 2018. Vote by Internet • Go to www.investorvote.com/ATH • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Annual Meeting Proxy Card 1234 5678 9012 345 IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of all the nominees listed, and FOR Proposals 6—9. For Against Abstain For Against Abstain For Against Abstain 1.1 2.5 5.2 + 1.2 2.6 6. 1.3 3.1 7. 1.4 3.2 8. 1.5 3.3 9. 2.1 4.1 Yes No 2.2 4.2 A.    2.3 4.3 B.    2.4 5.1    B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. CLASS A SHAREHOLDERS MUST COMPLETE QUESTIONS A—B ABOVE OR THEIR VOTES MAY NOT BE COUNTED. SEE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD FOR DETAILS. C 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MMMMMMM1PCF 3742651 MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 02TBWC


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LOGO

1. To elect as directors of Athene Holding Ltd. (the “Company”) the nominees listed below: Class II 1.1 Fehmi Zeko Class III 1.2 Marc Beilinson 1.3 Robert Borden 1.4 H. Carl McCall 1.5 Manfred Puffer 2. To authorize the Company to elect as directors of Athene Life Re Ltd. (“ALRe”) the nominees listed below: 2.1 James Belardi 2.2 Robert Borden 2.3 Frank L. Gillis 2.4 Gernot Lohr 2.5 Hope Taitz 2.6 William J. Wheeler 3. To authorize the Company to elect as directors of Athene Bermuda Employee Company Ltd. (“ABEC”) the nominees listed below: 3.1 Natasha S. Courcy 3.2 Frank L. Gillis 3.3 William J. Wheeler 4. To authorize the Company to elect as directors of Athene IP Holding Ltd. (“AIPH”) the nominees listed below: 4.1 Natasha S. Courcy 4.2 Frank L. Gillis 4.3 William J. Wheeler 5. To authorize the Company to elect as directors of Athene IP Development Ltd. (“AIPD”) the nominees listed below: 5.1 Natasha S. Courcy 5.2 William J. Wheeler 6. To appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), an independent registered accounting firm, as the Company’s independent auditor to serve until the close of the Company’s next annual general meeting in 2019. 7. To refer the determination of the remuneration of PwC to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. 8. To vote on a non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers (“say on pay”). 9. To approve an amendment to the Bye-laws of the Company relating to the voting rights of holders of Class B common shares and certain other provisions. VOTING ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF CLASS A SHARES TO BE COMPLETED BY BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF CLASS A SHARES ONLY Pursuant to the bye-laws of the Company (the “Bye-laws”), if you are the beneficial owner of Class A common shares of the Company (“Class A Shares”), you (the “Shareholder”) may or may not be eligible to vote your Class A Shares at the Company’s annual general meeting to be held on June 6, 2018 (the “Annual General Meeting”). In order to determine your voting power at the Annual General Meeting, you must make the representations listed below. If you are able to make the representation, indicate so by checking the “Yes” box on the reverse side of this proxy card. If you check the “No” box for any of the below representations, or if you fail to provide an answer to any of the below representations, you are indicating that you are unable to make such representation, and as a result, your voting power may be limited or your vote may not be counted at the Annual General Meeting. A. The Shareholder represents that neither the Shareholder nor any of its Tax Attributed Affiliates owns (in each case, directly, indirectly or constructively, pursuant to Section 958 of the Code) (i) any Class B Common Shares or (ii) any equity interests (for this purpose, including any instrument or arrangement that is treated as an equity interest for United States federal income tax purposes) of Apollo Global Management, LLC (“AGM”) or AP Alternative Investments, L.P. A “Tax Attributed Affiliate” of a Shareholder is any Person (i) related (within the meaning of Section 953(c) of the Code) to such Shareholder or (ii) to whom the ownership of the Class A Shares held by such Shareholder is attributed pursuant to Section 958 of the Code. “Person” means and includes a natural person, a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality or any private or public court or tribunal. B. The Shareholder represents that it is neither an employee of the Apollo Group nor a Management Shareholder. “Apollo Group” means (i) AGM, (ii) AAA Guarantor – Athene, L.P., (iii) any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle whose general partner or managing member is owned, directly or indirectly, by AGM or one or more of its subsidiaries, (iv) BRH Holdings GP, Ltd. and its shareholders, and (v) any affiliate of a Person described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above: provided, none of the Company, its subsidiaries, nor any Person employed by the Company, its subsidiaries, or Athene Asset Management L.P. (“AAM”), shall be deemed to be a member of the Apollo Group. For avoidance of doubt, any Person managed by AGM or one or more of its subsidiaries pursuant to a managed account agreement (or similar arrangement) without AGM or one or more of its subsidiaries controlling such Person as a general partner or managing member is not part of the Apollo Group. “Management Shareholder” means a Person employed by (other than solely due to service as a member of the board of directors or similar governing body of) the Company, its subsidiaries, or AAM. qIF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + Proxy — Athene Holding Ltd. Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 6, 2018 Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors    William J. Wheeler and John Golden, or either of them, each with the power of substitution (the “Proxies”), are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the power which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Athene Holding Ltd. to be held on June 6, 2018 at 8:00 a.m., Atlantic Daylight Time, at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08, Bermuda or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. This Proxy will be voted as directed or, if no direction is indicated, it will be voted FOR Proposals 6 - 9. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side.) C Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. CLASS A SHAREHOLDERS MUST COMPLETE QUESTIONS A - B ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD OR THEIR VOTES MAY NOT BE COUNTED. SEE ABOVE FOR DETAILS. +