Form 20-F o | Form 40-F þ |
Yes o | No þ |
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated | ||||
(Registrant) | ||||
Date: March 14, 2006
|
By: | /s/ Robert S. Armstrong | ||
Robert S. Armstrong, | ||||
Corporate Secretary |
(1) | to receive the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2005 and the report of the Auditors thereon; | ||
(2) | to elect the directors of the Company to hold office until their successors are elected at the next annual meeting of the Company; | ||
(3) | to appoint the Auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company and to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the Auditors; and | ||
(4) | to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting. |
Number of Common | ||||||||||
Shares Beneficially | ||||||||||
Name and | Principal Occupation or | Previous Service as | Owned, Controlled or | |||||||
Municipality of Residence | Position with the Company | Employment (1) | a Director | Directed (1)(2) | ||||||
David Edward Ritchie Leduc, Alberta, Canada |
Chairman of the Board and a Director (3) | Chairman of the Board | Director since December 12, 1997 | 3,376,446(4) | ||||||
Charles Edward Croft Vancouver, B.C., Canada |
Vice-Chairman of the Board and a
Director; Chairman of Compensation Committee Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; |
President and Director, Falcon Pacific Financial Corp. (private investment company) and its subsidiaries (8) | Director since June 17, 1998 | 15,850(9) | ||||||
Peter James Blake Vancouver, B.C., Canada |
Chief Executive Officer and a Director (5) |
Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
Director since December 12, 1997 | 64,882 | ||||||
Clifford Russell Cmolik Surrey, B.C., Canada |
Director; Member of Compensation Committee |
Businessman (6) | Director since December 12, 1997 | 2,704,337(7) | ||||||
Eric Patel Vancouver, B.C., Canada |
Director; Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member of Audit Committee; |
Business Consultant | Director since April 14, 2004 | 2,850 |
Number of Common | ||||||||||
Shares Beneficially | ||||||||||
Name and | Principal Occupation or | Previous Service as | Owned, Controlled or | |||||||
Municipality of Residence | Position with the Company | Employment (1) | a Director | Directed (1)(2) | ||||||
Beverley Anne Briscoe Vancouver, B.C., Canada |
Director; Member of Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Business Consultant (10) | Director since October 29, 2004 | 1,600 | ||||||
Robert
Waugh Murdoch Salt Spring Island, B.C., Canada |
Director | Businessman (11) | Director since February 20, 2006 | |
(1) | This information has been provided by the respective nominee as of February 28, 2006. | |
(2) | The number of Common Shares held includes Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly (other than stock options), or over which control or direction is exercised by the proposed nominee. See the table below for disclosure of stock option information. | |
(3) | Mr. Ritchie was the Chief Executive Officer until October 31, 2004, when he retired from the position of Chief Executive Officer. | |
(4) | 190,750 of such shares are held by D.E.R. Auctions Ltd. and 3,185,496 of such shares are held by Davcorp Investments Ltd., both of which are controlled by Mr. Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie also holds 200 Common Shares personally. | |
(5) | Mr. Blake was Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company until October 31, 2004; he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective November 1, 2004. | |
(6) | Mr. Cmolik was the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his retirement in July 2002. | |
(7) | 1,960,568 of such shares are held by C.R.C. Auctions Ltd. and 739,436 of such shares are held by Cmolik Enterprises Ltd., both of which are controlled by Mr. Cmolik. Mr. Cmolik holds the remaining 4,333 shares personally. | |
(8) | Mr. Croft was a director of a Canadian private company that entered into a Plan of Arrangement in 2004, immediately following his resignation as a director thereof. The company subsequently emerged from protection in 2004. | |
(9) | 15,000 of such shares are held by Falcon Pacific Financial Corp., a company controlled by Mr. Croft. | |
(10) | Ms. Briscoe is also a director of Duke Energy Income Fund, DTI Dental Technologies Inc., BC Railway Company, and Westminster Savings Credit Union. In addition, Ms. Briscoe is Chair of the BC Governments Industry Training Authority. | |
(11) | Mr. Murdoch was appointed to the Companys Board effective February 20, 2006. Mr. Murdoch was President and CEO of Lafarge Corporation and remains a director of that company. He is also a member of the international advisory board of Lafarge Corporations majority shareholder Lafarge S.A. Mr. Murdoch is also a director of Sierra Systems Group Inc., Lallemand Inc. and Timberwest Forest Corp. |
Number of | Exercise | |||||||||||||||||||
Nominee | Grant Date | Expiry Date | Options Granted | Price (U.S.$) | Total Exercised | Total Unexercised | ||||||||||||||
David Ritchie |
Feb. 13, 2004 | Feb. 13, 2014 | 37,400 | $ | 26.46 | | 37,400 | |||||||||||||
Peter Blake |
Jan. 24, 2006 | Jan. 24, 2016 | 24,000 | $ | 44.09 | | 24,000 | |||||||||||||
Jan. 25, 2005 | Jan. 25, 2015 | 20,800 | $ | 32.41 | | 20,800 | ||||||||||||||
Feb. 13, 2004 | Feb. 13, 2014 | 22,400 | $ | 26.46 | | 22,400 | ||||||||||||||
Jan. 30, 2003 | Jan. 30, 2013 | 30,000 | $ | 15.53 | 15,400 | 14,600 | ||||||||||||||
97,200 | 15,400 | 81,800 | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell Cmolik |
Feb. 13, 2004 | Feb. 13, 2014 | 8,000 | $ | 26.46 | | 8,000 | |||||||||||||
Jan. 30, 2003 | Jan. 30, 2013 | 8,000 | $ | 15.53 | | 8,000 | ||||||||||||||
16,000 | | 16,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Charles Croft |
Feb. 13, 2004 | Feb. 13, 2014 | 8,000 | $ | 26.46 | | 8,000 | |||||||||||||
Jan. 30, 2003 | Jan. 30, 2013 | 8,000 | $ | 15.53 | | 8,000 | ||||||||||||||
Feb. 11, 2002 | Feb. 11, 2012 | 6,000 | $ | 13.05 | | 6,000 | ||||||||||||||
Jan. 31, 2001 | Jan. 31, 2011 | 6,000 | $ | 11.68 | | 6,000 | ||||||||||||||
Feb. 1, 2000 | Feb. 1, 2010 | 6,000 | $ | 13.35 | | 6,000 | ||||||||||||||
Feb. 21, 1999 | Feb. 21, 2009 | 7,000 | $ | 13.44 | | 7,000 | ||||||||||||||
41,000 | | 41,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2
Board and Committee Meetings Held | Number of Meetings | |||
Board of Directors |
8 | |||
Audit Committee |
9 | |||
Compensation Committee |
2 | |||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
8 |
Summary of Attendance of Directors | Board Meetings | Committee Meetings | ||
David Ritchie |
7 of 8 | N/A | ||
Peter Blake |
8 of 8 | N/A | ||
C. Russell Cmolik |
8 of 8 | 2 of 2 | ||
Charles Croft |
8 of 8 | 10 of 10 | ||
Eric Patel |
8 of 8 | 17 of 17 | ||
G. Edward Moul |
8 of 8 | 11 of 11 | ||
Beverley Briscoe |
8 of 8 | 16 of 17 | ||
Robert W. Murdoch (1) |
N/A | N/A |
(1) | Mr. Murdoch was appointed to the Board on February 20, 2006. |
Description of Fee | Amount of Fee | |||||
Annual fee for Board Membership
|
U.S.$ | 50,000 (1) | ||||
Annual fee for Board Chairman
|
U.S.$ | 150,000 (2) | ||||
Annual fee for Committee chairmanship
|
U.S.$ | 5,000 | ||||
Meeting fee (per board or committee meeting)
|
U.S.$ | 500 |
(1) | Each director is required to use U.S.$25,000 of the annual fee to purchase Common Shares through the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) or Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) in compliance with the Companys Policy Regarding Securities Trades by Personnel. | |
(2) | Mr. Ritchie ceased to be an employee director upon his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective October 31, 2004, and began to receive the Board Chairman fee effective November 1, 2004. |
3
Description of Fee | Amount of Fee | |||||||
Annual fee for Board Chairman |
U.S.$ | 100,000 | ||||||
Annual fee for Board Membership |
U.S.$ | 60,000 | (1) | |||||
Annual additional fee for Board Vice-Chairman |
U.S.$ | 50,000 | ||||||
Annual fee for Committee chairmanship (excluding Audit Committee) |
U.S.$ | 10,000 | ||||||
Annual fee for Audit Committee chairmanship |
U.S.$ | 15,000 | ||||||
Meeting fee (per minuted meeting in excess of two hours) |
U.S.$ | 1,000 |
(1) | Each director is required to use U.S.$25,000 of the annual fee to purchase Common Shares through the NYSE or the TSX in compliance with the Companys Policy Regarding Securities Trades by Personnel. |
Fiscal 2005 | Fiscal 2004 | |||||||
Audit Fees |
$ | 627,000 | $ | 496,000 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees |
105,000 | | ||||||
Tax Fees |
745,000 | 406,000 | ||||||
All Other Fees |
| | ||||||
Total Fees |
$ | 1,477,000 | $ | 902,000 | ||||
4
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS |
5
Annual Compensation | Long-Term Compensation Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Awards | Payouts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | Share Units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Under | Subject to | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Annual | Options | Resale | LTIP | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salary | Bonus (2) | Compensation | Granted | Restrictions | Payouts | Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position (1) | Year | ($) | ($) | ($) | (#)(4) | (#) | ($) | ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
David E. Ritchie (3) |
2005 | 150,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman |
2004 | 400,000 | 330,000 | 17,906 | 37,400 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 380,000 | 570,000 | 18,800 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peter J. Blake (3) |
2005 | 280,000 | 487,700 | 6,936 | 20,800 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
2004 | 213,333 | 360,000 | 6,530 | 22,400 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 200,000 | 300,000 | 3,700 | 15,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Robert S. Armstrong (3) | 2005 | 175,000 | 325,000 | 11,464 | 3,700 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice-President Finance, |
2004 | 145,833 | 260,000 | 14,500 | 4,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2003 | 110,000 | 200,000 | 7,900 | 5,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Corporate Secretary |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guylain Turgeon | 2005 | 240,750 | 394,000 | 94,138 | 6,400 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Managing Director |
2004 | 217,500 | 343,000 | 114,475 | 10,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
European Operations |
2003 | 183,900 | 275,800 | 68,060 | 7,800 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Randall J. Wall (5) | 2005 | 250,000 | 440,000 | 5,791 | 18,800 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
President Canada, |
2004 | 208,333 | 347,000 | 10,180 | 20,400 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Europe and Middle |
2003 | 200,000 | 300,000 | 6,650 | 30,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
East |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Robert K. Mackay | 2005 | 240,000 | 450,000 | 11,732 | 18,800 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
President USA, Asia |
2004 | 206,667 | 348,000 | 9,485 | 22,400 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Australia (6) |
2003 | 200,000 | 300,000 | 6,800 | 30,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
(1) | All Named Executive Officers are employed by wholly- owned subsidiaries of the Company. | |
(2) | All bonuses were earned by the Named Executive Officers in the fiscal year noted but were paid subsequent to the end of the applicable year. Bonuses include additional bonus amounts paid to the Named Executive Officer in accordance with the Companys Executive Long Term Incentive Plan adopted in 2004 (see discussion below under Executive Long Term Incentive Plan). All of the Named Executive Officers, except for Mr. Ritchie, received in 2004 and 2005 an additional bonus award of $100,000 under the Plan, which is included in the bonus amount in this table. | |
(3) | David E. Ritchie retired from the position of Chief Executive Officer effective October 31, 2004. Peter J. Blake, formerly the Companys Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2004. Robert S. Armstrong was appointed Vice-President Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary effective November 1, 2004, having served previously as the Companys Vice-President Finance and Corporate Secretary. | |
(4) | Securities under options granted have been retroactively adjusted in the table to reflect the two-for-one stock split of the Common Shares that occurred on May 4, 2004. | |
(5) | Mr. Wall was appointed President Canada, Europe and Middle East effective December 1, 2005. Prior to that date, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. | |
(6) | Mr. Mackay was appointed President United States, Asia and Australia effective December 1, 2005. Prior to that date, he was Executive Vice-President of the Company. |
Market Value of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
% of Total Options | Underlying Options | |||||||||||||||||||
Granted to | Exercise Price | on the Date | ||||||||||||||||||
Securities Under | Employees in 2005 | (U.S.$ | of Grant | |||||||||||||||||
Name | Options Granted | Financial Year | per share) | (U.S.$ per share) | Expiration Date | |||||||||||||||
David E. Ritchie |
Nil | | % | $ | | $ | | | ||||||||||||
Peter J. Blake |
20,800 | 9.7 | % | $ | 32.41 | $ | 32.41 | January 25, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Robert S. Armstrong |
3,700 | 1.7 | % | $ | 32.41 | $ | 32.41 | January 25, 2015 |
6
Market Value of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||
% of Total Options | Underlying Options | |||||||||||||||||||
Granted to | Exercise Price | on the Date | ||||||||||||||||||
Securities Under | Employees in 2005 | (U.S.$ | of Grant | |||||||||||||||||
Name | Options Granted | Financial Year | per share) | (U.S.$ per share) | Expiration Date | |||||||||||||||
Guylain Turgeon |
6,400 | 3.0 | % | $ | 32.41 | $ | 32.41 | January 25, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Randall J. Wall |
18,800 | 8.8 | % | $ | 32.41 | $ | 32.41 | January 25, 2015 | ||||||||||||
Robert K. Mackay |
18,800 | 8.8 | % | $ | 32.41 | $ | 32.41 | January 25, 2015 |
Value of Unexercised | ||||||||||||||||
In-The-Money Options | ||||||||||||||||
Aggregate Value | Unexercised Options | at December 31, 2005 | ||||||||||||||
Securities Acquired | Realized | at December 31, 2005 | (in U.S. dollars) | |||||||||||||
Name | on Exercise | (in U.S. dollars) | (Exercisable/Unexerc isable) | (Exercisable/Unexercisable)(1) | ||||||||||||
David E. Ritchie |
N/A | N/A | 37,400/Nil | $590,546/Nil | ||||||||||||
Peter J. Blake |
N/A | N/A | 47,000/20,800 | $ | 1,011,131/$204,672 | |||||||||||
Robert S. Armstrong |
4,000 | $ | 106,603 | 23,400/3,700 | $ | 626,009/$36,408 | ||||||||||
Guylain Turgeon |
N/A | N/A | 39,100/6,400 | $ | 995,903/$62,976 | |||||||||||
Randall J. Wall |
N/A | N/A | 82,000/18,800 | $ | 2,069,867/$184,992 | |||||||||||
Robert K. Mackay |
30,000 | $ | 646,339 | 22,400/18,800 | $ | 353,696/$184,992 |
(1) | The closing price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on December 31, 2005 was $42.25. |
7
8
Dec. 31, 2000 | Dec. 31, 2001 | Dec. 31, 2002 | Dec. 31, 2003 | Dec. 31, 2004 | Dec. 31, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ritchie Bros.
Auctioneers (RBA) |
100 | 120 | 156 | 256 | 319 | 407 | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 2000 Index |
100 | 101 | 79 | 115 | 135 | 139 |
9
(a) | amendments of a housekeeping nature; | ||
(b) | a change to the vesting provisions of a security or a plan; | ||
(c) | a change to the termination provisions of a security or a plan which does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date; and | ||
(d) | the addition of a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or securities, which provides for a full deduction of the number of underlying securities from the plan reserve. |
(a) | any amendment to the number of securities issuable under the plan, including an increase to a fixed maximum number of securities or a change from a fixed maximum number of securities to a fixed maximum percentage. A change to a fixed maximum percentage which was previously approved by security holders will not require additional security holder approval; | ||
(b) | any change to the eligible participants which would have the potential of broadening or increasing insider participation; | ||
(c) | the addition of any form of financial assistance; | ||
(d) | any amendment to a financial assistance provision which is more favourable to participants; | ||
(e) | the addition of a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or securities, which does not provide for a full deduction of the number of underlying securities from the plan reserve; and |
10
(f) | the addition of a deferred or restricted share unit or any other provision which results in participants receiving securities while no cash consideration is received by the issuer. |
Weighted-Average | Number of Securities Remaining | |||||
Number of Securities to be Issued | Exercise Price of | Available for Future Issuance | ||||
upon Exercise of Outstanding | Outstanding | under Equity Compensation Plans | ||||
Options (A) | Options | (Excluding (A)) | ||||
Equity compensation
plans approved by security holders stock option plan
|
1,018,548 (3% of total issued and outstanding shares) | $26.35 | 919,884 (3% of total issued and outstanding shares) |
Disclosure Requirements under 58-101F1 | Company Disclosure | |||
1. Board of Directors |
Directors during 2005: | |||
(a) Disclose the identity of directors who are independent. (b) Disclose the identity of directors who are not independent, and describe the basis for that determination. (c) Disclose whether or not a majority of directors are independent. If a majority of directors are not independent, describe what the board of directors (the board) does to facilitate its exercise of independent judgement in carrying out its responsibilities. (d) If a director is presently a director of any other issuer that is a reporting issuer (or the equivalent) in a jurisdiction or a foreign jurisdiction, identify both the director and the other issuer. |
| G. Edward Moul independent; |
||
| Charles E. Croft independent; |
|||
| Eric Patel independent; |
|||
| Beverley A. Briscoe independent; |
|||
| C. Russell Cmolik Mr. Cmolik retired from the position
of President and COO of the Company in July 2002 and was not
considered an independent director until August 2005; |
|||
| David E. Ritchie non-independent director Mr. Ritchie
retired from his position as CEO effective October 31, 2004; and |
|||
| Peter J. Blake non-independent director Mr. Blake is
an executive officer of the Company (CEO). |
|||
Director nominee in 2006: |
||||
| Robert W. Murdoch independent. |
|||
The Board determined the independence of the foregoing directors in accordance with applicable NYSE listing standards and corporate governance rules and, with respect |
11
Disclosure Requirements under 58-101F1 | Company Disclosure | |
to the Audit Committee, SEC independence standards. The directors who are noted as independent above also satisfy the independence requirements under the Instrument and the Guidelines. | ||
Mr. Ritchie is a significant shareholder of the Company, beneficially owning or controlling 9.8% of the outstanding Common Shares as of the date of this Information Circular. Mr. Cmolik beneficially owned 7.9% of the outstanding Common Shares as of the date of this Information Circular. | ||
The Board is responsible for determining whether or not each director is an independent director. To do this, the Board analyzes all material relationships of the directors with the Company and its subsidiaries. | ||
The Board considers Mr. Moul, Mr. Croft, Mr. Patel, Ms. Briscoe and Mr. Murdoch to be independent as none of them has any material relationship with the Company. Mr. Cmolik was not considered independent until August 2005, by virtue of having served as President and COO of the Company until July 2002. Mr. Ritchie is not independent because he served as CEO of the Company until October 31, 2004 and Mr. Blake is not independent as a result of his employment with the Company as CEO. A majority of the directors are independent. | ||
None of the independent directors works in the day-to-day operations of the Company, is party to any material contracts with the Company, receive, directly or indirectly, any fees or compensation from the Company other than as directors, or has any other material relationships with the Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company). | ||
For directorships of the directors of the Company in other reporting issuers (or equivalent), please refer to disclosure on page 2. | ||
(e) Disclose whether or not the independent directors
hold regularly scheduled meetings at which
non-independent directors and members of management
are not in attendance. If the independent directors
hold such meetings, disclose the number of meetings
held since the beginning of the issuers most recently
completed financial year. If the independent directors
do not hold such meetings, describe what the board
does to facilitate open and candid discussion among
its independent directors.
|
The independent directors held two meetings and several informal sessions in 2005 without management present. These meetings were chaired by Mr. Moul. Such meetings are scheduled regularly during the year, often immediately before the Boards Audit Committee meetings. | |
(f) Disclose whether or not the chair of the board is
an independent director. If the board has a chair or
lead director who is an independent director, disclose
the identity of the independent chair or lead
director, and describe his or her role and
responsibilities. If the board has neither a chair
that is independent nor a lead director that is
independent, describe what the board does to provide
leadership for its independent directors.
|
Mr. Moul was the Lead Director of the Board in 2005 and has served
as the Lead Director of the Company since 2002. The Lead Director
is responsible for coordinating the activities of the independent
directors and administering the Boards relationship with
management and the CEO. Mr. Mouls role is to ensure greater
independence of the Board from management and to act as a liaison
between management and the Board. Mr. Moul has announced his intention not to stand for re-election at the Companys 2006 Annual Meeting. The Board intends to appoint a new Lead Director immediately following the Meeting. |
|
(g) Disclose the attendance record of each director
for all board meetings held since the beginning of the
issuers most recently completed financial year.
|
Please refer to disclosure on page 3 for Board and Committee meeting attendance. The Board achieved an attendance record of 98% in 2005. Agenda and materials in relation to Board and Committee meetings are usually circulated to directors for their review in advance of the meetings. | |
2. Board Mandate Disclose the text of the boards written mandate. If the board does not have a written mandate, describe how the board delineates its role and responsibilities. |
The Board mandate is available on the Companys website (www.rbauction.com). The mandate of the Board is to supervise management of the Company and to act in the best interests of the Company. The Board acts in accordance with: | |
the Canadian Business Corporations Act; | ||
the Companys Articles of Amalgamation and By-laws; | ||
the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; | ||
the charters of the Board committees, including the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; | ||
the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines; and | ||
other applicable laws and Company policies. The Board or designated Board Committees approve significant decisions that affect the Company and its subsidiaries before they are implemented. The Board or a designated committee supervises the implementation of such decisions and reviews the results. Copies of the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and charters of the Board committees can be found on the Companys website. |
12
Disclosure Requirements under 58-101F1 | Company Disclosure | |
The Board meets with the CEO and other executive officers of the Company from time to time to discuss and review internal measures and systems adopted by the management to ensure a culture of integrity throughout the organization. | ||
The Board is involved in the Companys strategic planning process. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving strategic initiatives, taking into account the risks and opportunities of the business. Management updates the Board on the Companys performance in relation to strategic initiatives at least quarterly. Management has undertaken a strategic planning process, with regular Board involvement in the process. During fiscal 2005, there were eight meetings of the Board. The frequency of meetings and the nature of agenda items change depending upon the state of the Companys affairs. | ||
The Board, through the Audit Committee, is responsible for overseeing the identification of the principal risks of the Company and ensuring that risk management systems are implemented. The principal risks of the Company include those related to the Companys industry, the environment and foreign currencies. The Audit Committee meets regularly to review reports from management of the Company and discuss significant risk areas with management and the external auditors. The Board, through the Audit Committee, ensures that the Company adopts appropriate risk management policies. | ||
The Board is responsible for choosing the CEO, appointing the Executive Officers and for monitoring their performance. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for developing guidelines and procedures for selection and long-range succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer, and the Committee also ensures that processes are in place to recruit qualified senior managers, and to train, develop and retain them. The Board encourages senior management to participate in professional and personal development activities, courses and programs. The Board supports managements commitment to training and developing all employees. | ||
The Board reviews all the Companys major communications, including annual and quarterly reports. The Company communicates with its stakeholders through a number of channels including its web site. The Board oversees the Companys communication policy, which requires, among other things, the accurate and timely communication of all material information as required by applicable law. Shareholders can provide feedback to the Company in a number of ways, including via e-mail or calling a toll-free telephone number. Shareholders are also able to contact directly the Lead Director via email or telephone. The Company has implemented procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters or reports of wrongdoing or violations of the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. | ||
The Board, through the Audit Committee, oversees the effectiveness and integrity of the Companys internal control processes and management information systems. The Companys Disclosure Committee regularly reports to the Audit Committee on the quality of the Companys internal control processes. The Company has also adopted a disclosure policy. | ||
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the governance principles of the Company, recommending any changes to these principles, and monitoring their disclosure. This committee is responsible for the report on corporate governance included in the Companys Information Circular. The committee monitors best practices among major Canadian and U.S. companies to ensure the Company continues to carry out high standards of corporate governance. The Board has adopted corporate governance guidelines, which are available on the Companys website. | ||
3. Position Descriptions (a) Disclose whether or not the board has developed written position descriptions for the chair and the chair of each board committee. If the board has not developed written position descriptions for the chair and/or the chair of each board committee, briefly describe how the board delineates the role and responsibilities of each such position. (b) Disclose whether or not the board and CEO have developed a written position description for the CEO. If the board and CEO have not developed such a position description, briefly describe |
The entire Board is responsible for the overall governance of the
Company. Any responsibility that is not delegated to senior
management or a Board committee remains with the entire Board. The
Board mandate and the charters of the Committees of the Board of
Directors are considered to be position descriptions for the
Chairman and the Lead Director of the Board and the chairs of the
committees. The Board has adopted a position description for the
CEO. The CEO has overall responsibility for all Company operations. The Board reviews and approves the corporate objectives that the CEO is responsible for meeting and such corporate objectives form a key reference point for the review and assessment of the CEOs performance. |
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Disclosure Requirements under 58-101F1 | Company Disclosure | |||
how the board delineates the role and responsibilities of the CEO. | The Board has defined the limits to managements authority. The Board expects management, among other things, to: | |||
review the Companys strategies and their implementation in all key areas of the Companys activities, provide relevant reports to the Board related thereto and assist the Board in its strategic planning for the Company | ||||
carry out a comprehensive planning process and monitor the Companys financial performance against the annual plan approved by the Board. | ||||
identify opportunities and risks affecting the Companys business, develop and provide relevant reports to the Board related thereto and, with consultation of the Board, implement appropriate mitigation strategies. | ||||
4. Orientation and Continuing Education (a) Briefly describe what measures the board takes to orient new directors regarding |
All new directors receive an orientation binder, which includes a record of historical public information about the Company, a copy of the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the mandate of the Board and the charters of the Board committees, and other relevant corporate and business information. In addition, the Companys orientation for directors involves meeting with senior management of the Company and an interactive introductory discussion about the Company, providing the directors with an opportunity to ask questions. New directors are also encouraged to attend a Company auction shortly after their appointment. | |||
(i)
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the role of the board, its committees and its
directors, and |
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(ii)
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the nature and operation of the issuers business. | |||
(b) Briefly describe what measures, if any, the board takes to provide continuing education for its directors. If the board does not provide continuing education, describe how the board ensures that its directors maintain the skill and knowledge necessary to meet their obligations as directors. | Senior management makes regular presentations to the Board on the
main areas of the Companys business and updates the Board
quarterly on the Companys financial and operating performance.
Periodically, directors tour the Companys various facilities and
are expected to attend Company auctions. Directors are encouraged to take relevant professional development courses at the Companys expense. |
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5. Ethical Business Conduct (a) Disclose whether or not the board has adopted a written code for the directors, officers and employees. |
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and can
be found on the Companys website. The Board and management review and discuss from time to time the effectiveness of the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any areas or systems that may be further improved. |
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(i)
|
Disclose how a person or company may obtain a
copy of the code. |
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(ii)
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Describe how the board monitors compliance with its code, or if the board does not monitor compliance, explain whether and how the board satisfies itself regarding compliance with its code; and | There has been no material change report that has been filed that pertains to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure of the code. | ||
(iii)
|
Provide a cross-reference to any material change report filed since the beginning of the issuers most recently completed financial year that pertains to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the code | |||
(b) Describe any steps the board takes to ensure directors exercise independent judgement in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which a director or executive officer has a material interest. | The Company complies with the relevant provisions under the Canada Business Corporations Act that deal with conflict of interest in the approval of agreements or transactions and the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets out additional guidelines in relation to conflict of interest situations. The Company, through directors and officers questionnaires and other systems, also gathers and monitors relevant information in relation to potential conflicts of interest that a director or officer may have. | |||
(c) Describe any other steps the board takes to encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct. | The Company was founded on and the business continues to be successful largely as a result of a commitment to ethical conduct and doing what is right. Employees are regularly reminded about their obligations in this regard and senior management demonstrates a culture of integrity and monitors employees by being in attendance at most of the Companys industrial auctions. This culture is clearly articulated in the Companys strategy document, which was approved by the Board. | |||
6. Nomination of Directors (a) Describe the process by which the board identifies new candidates for board nomination. |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the competencies and skills of the Board from time to time and identifies any area where additional strength may be needed. When considering and identifying potential candidates for new directors to be added to the Board, the Committee considers those areas where additional strength may be needed. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also has adopted an assessment process for the Board and Committees. | |||
The Board reviews its composition and size on a regular basis. In 2003, the Board increased its size from five to six members and added a seventh member prior to the 2005 Annual Meeting. The Board feels that this size is reasonable given the current size and complexity of the Company. In anticipation of certain existing directors contemplating retirement, the Board continues to identify suitable candidates for new directors. In February 2006, the Board increased its size from seven to eight and |
14
Disclosure Requirements under 58-101F1 | Company Disclosure | |
appointed a new director, Robert Murdoch, in anticipation of Mr. Mouls departure from the Board. Mr. Moul, an existing director, has decided not to stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual Meeting and as a result, the number of directors that shareholders are being asked to elect at the 2006 Annual Meeting is seven. The Company believes that the new directors that have been added to the Board in recent years have brought additional experience to the Board and have allowed the Board to increase the number of unrelated and independent directors, while still permitting it to operate in an efficient manner. | ||
(b) Disclose whether or not the board has a
nominating committee composed entirely of independent
directors. If the board does not have a nominating
committee composed entirely of independent directors,
describe what steps the board takes to encourage an
objective nomination process.
|
The Company currently has a Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, composed entirely of independent directors. The
Committee has three members: Chair: Eric Patel Members: Charles E. Croft and Beverley A. Briscoe The Committee is responsible for proposing new nominees to the Board, in accordance with the guidelines articulated in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees charter, which is available on the Companys website. |
|
(c) If the board has a nominating committee, describe
the responsibilities, powers and operation of the
nominating committee.
|
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, as well as the committees of the Board and the contribution of individual directors, by virtue of its charter. The charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee can be found on the Companys website. | |
7. Compensation (a) Describe the process by which the board determines the compensation for issuers directors and officers. |
Please refer to the discussion included in the Report on Executive Compensation on page 8 and to the discussion of director compensation on page 3. | |
(b) Disclose whether or not the board has a
compensation committee composed entirely of
independent directors. If the board does not have a
compensation committee composed entirely of
independent directors, describe what steps the board
takes to ensure an objective process for determining
such compensation.
|
The Board has appointed a compensation committee. This Committee
has three members: Chair: Charles E. Croft Members: C. Russell Cmolik and G. Edward Moul The NYSE Rules for United States companies require that all of the members of a Compensation Committee be independent. The Board determined that the Company has been in compliance with this requirement since August 2005. |
|
This Committee met twice in 2005 and all members attended all meetings. | ||
The charter of the Compensation Committee can be found on the Companys website. | ||
(c) If the board has a compensation committee,
describe the responsibilities, powers and operation of
the compensation committee.
|
The responsibilities, powers and operation of the Compensation Committee are as described in its charter, a copy of which can be found on the Companys website. | |
(d) If a compensation consultant or advisor has, at
any time since the beginning of the issuers most
recently completed financial year, been retained to
assist in determining compensation for any of the
issuers directors and officers, disclose the identity
of the consultant or advisor and briefly summarize the
mandate for which they have been retained. If the
consultant or advisor has been retained to perform any
other work for the issuer, state that fact and briefly
describe the nature of the work.
|
The Compensation Committee reviews directors and executive
officers compensation on a regular basis. In 2004 the Committee
engaged outside advisors to assist with its review. To make its
recommendation on directors and executive officers compensation,
the Committee takes into account the types of compensation and the
amounts paid to directors and officers of other comparable
companies. The Committee did not consider it necessary to engage
outside advisors to assist in its review in 2005 because of the
work performed in 2004. See Compensation of Directors on page 3 for information about the compensation received by the directors in 2005. |
|
8. Other Board Committees If the board has standing committees other than the audit, compensation and nominating committees, identify the committees and describe their function. |
The Board has no other standing committees. | |
9. Assessments Disclose whether or not the board, its committees and individual directors are regularly assessed with respect to their effectiveness and contribution. If assessments are regularly conducted, describe the process used for the assessments. If assessments are not regularly conducted, describe how the board satisfies itself that the board, its committees, and its individual directors are performing effectively. |
The Board introduced an assessment process for the Board and its committees in 2005. The process is administered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. It considers Board and Committees performances relative to the Board mandate or relevant Committee charters, as appropriate, and provides a mechanism for all directors to assess and provide comments on Board and Committee performance. |
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VOTE | WITHHOLD | |||||||
Election of Directors | FOR | VOTE | ||||||
To elect as a director of the Company: | o | o | ||||||
David Edward Ritchie | o | o | ||||||
Charles Edward Croft | o | o | ||||||
Peters James Blake | o | o | ||||||
Clifford Russell Cmolik | o | o | ||||||
Eric Patel | o | o | ||||||
Beverley Anne Briscoe | o | o | ||||||
Robert Waugh Murdoch | o | o | ||||||
Auditors | ||||||||
To appoint KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants as Auditor for the Company and to authorize the directors to fix the Auditors remuneration. | o | o | ||||||
é
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ù | Signed this day of , 2006. | ||||||
Signature of Shareholder | ||||||||
Name of Shareholder (Please print clearly as registered) | ||||||||
ë
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û | |||||||
Number of Shares | ||||||||
(See General Proxy Information in the Information Circular for further information regarding proxies for use at the Meeting) |
1. | This proxy is solicited by the management of RITCHIE BROS. AUCTIONEERS INCORPORATED for use at the Annual Meeting (the Meeting) of the shareholders to be held on April 13, 2006 and any adjournment thereof. Please refer to the Information Circular (the Information Circular) accompanying this proxy for further information. |
2. | If you are NOT able to be personally present at the Meeting, please date and sign the form of proxy on the reverse hereof and return it in the envelope provided to Computershare Trust Company of Canada, Proxy Department, 100 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1. In order to be valid, instruments appointing a proxyholder must be deposited with Computershare Trust Company of Canada no later than 48 hours before the time of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof (namely, 11:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on April 11, 2006). |
3. | The shares represented by this proxy will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions of the shareholder on the proxy. If the shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter, such shares will be voted accordingly. If no choice is specified with respect to a matter identified in the proxy and one of the persons named in this proxy is appointed as proxyholder, the shares of the shareholder represented by this proxy will be voted FOR each of the matters identified in the proxy. |
4. | The authority conferred hereunder may be exercised at the sole discretion of the proxyholder in respect of: (i) each matter set out for which no voting choice is indicated, (ii) any amendments to or variation in any of the matters listed, and (iii) other matters which may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
5. | A shareholder has the right to appoint a person as proxyholder at the Meeting other than Charles E. Croft or Peter J. Blake and may do so by checking the second box and inserting in the blank space provided the name and address of the person whom the shareholder wishes to appoint. |
6. | If this proxy is not dated in the space provided, authority is hereby given to the proxyholder named herein to date this proxy on the date on which the Company mailed it. If the number of shares is not indicated in the space provided, all of the shares registered in the name of the undersigned will be voted as provided for. |
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Registered Holder | ||||||||
o | The undersigned is a registered holder of common shares of the Corporation and hereby requests that the undersigned be sent a copy of the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A for such statements for all quarters in 2006 and any subsequent quarters before a new Return Form is sent by the Corporation | |||||||
Non-Registered Holder | ||||||||
o | The undersigned is a beneficial holder of common shares of the Corporation and: | |||||||
(a) | hereby requests that the undersigned be sent a copy of the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 and MD&A for such statements | o | ||||||
(b) | hereby requests that the undersigned be sent a copy of the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A for such statements for all quarters in 2006 and any subsequent quarters before a new Return Form is sent by the Corporation | o | ||||||
The undersigned acknowledges that this request shall expire and cease to have effect if the undersigned ceases to be either a registered holder or beneficial owner of securities of the Corporation. | ||||||||
Name: | ||||||||
Address: | ||||||||
Signature: | Date: | |||||||
Name and title of person signing if different from name above: |
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Name and address of broker or intermediary |
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through which securities are held, if applicable: |
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FOR BENEFICIAL HOLDERS WHO DO NOT WANT TO DISCLOSE THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESS BUT WHO WANT TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MD&A AND/OR INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MD&A, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BROKER OR INTERMEDIARY. |
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