DFAN14A
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant o
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Materials Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 |
IPC HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
VALIDUS LTD.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
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filing by registration statement number, or the
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Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Bermuda Commercial Bank Building
19 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton, HM 11
Bermuda
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Mailing Address:
Suite 1790
48 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton, HM 11
Bermuda
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Telephone: (441) 278-9000
Facsimile: (441) 278-9090
Website: www.validusre.bm |
VALIDUS REAFFIRMS STRONG COMMITMENT TO SUPERIOR OFFER
Validus Increased Offer Provides Attractive Premium to IPCs Market Price
Questions Why IPC Seeks to Deprive its Shareholders of Validus Increased Offer
Hamilton, Bermuda May 21, 2009 Validus Holdings, Ltd. (Validus) (NYSE: VR) responded to
todays announcement by IPC Holdings, Ltd. (IPC) (NASDAQ: IPCR) that its Board of Directors did
not consider Validus increased offer for the acquisition of IPC a Superior Proposal pursuant to
an amalgamation agreement between Max Capital Group Ltd. (Max) and IPC.
We are disappointed but not surprised by the IPC Boards decision, given that it has taken every
opportunity to try to deprive IPC shareholders of the benefits of a transaction with Validus,
stated Ed Noonan, Validus Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Our offer which provides a
significant premium to IPCs share price and a $3.00 cash component per IPC share is clearly a
better deal than the proposed Max amalgamation, which provides no consideration to IPCs
shareholders and inferior growth prospects. We have received positive feedback from IPC
shareholders on our increased offer, and we look forward to continuing to provide them with the
opportunity to benefit from a transaction that is manifestly superior to the proposed Max
amalgamation and the opportunity to be part of a leading Bermuda carrier in the short-tail
reinsurance and insurance market.
Mr. Noonan continued: We urge IPC shareholders to preserve their right to receive Validus
recently increased offer by voting against the proposed Max amalgamation and tendering their shares
into our Exchange Offer. These actions, combined with the Scheme of Arrangement that we are
pursuing under Bermuda law, will allow us to complete a timely closing of our acquisition of IPC
even without the support of IPCs Board.
Validus
Offer Provides Significantly Greater Value than Proposed Max
Amalgamation
On May 18, 2009, Validus announced an increased offer for IPC. Under the increased offer, IPC
shareholders will now receive $3.00 in cash and 1.1234 Validus voting common shares for each IPC
common share.
While IPC and Max have sought to divert the attention of IPC shareholders by focusing on book
value, the appropriate standard by which a transaction should be judged is the market value offered
in the transaction. The increased Validus offer provides IPC shareholders with total consideration
of $30.14 per IPC share based on Validus closing price on Friday, May 15, 2009, the last trading
day prior to the announcement of Validus increased offer, a 13.2% premium to IPCs closing price
that day, and a 21.9% premium based on IPCs and Validus closing prices on March 30, 2009, the
last trading day before the announcement of Validus initial offer.
While market value is the relevant measure for comparing transactions, Validus also noted that
neither Max nor IPC were able to grow diluted book value per share in the first quarter of 2009,
while Validus increased diluted book value per share by 3.7%.
Validus Offer Provides Stronger Growth Opportunities
IPC shareholders would also benefit from stronger growth opportunities under the Validus offer from
being part of a leading Bermuda carrier in the short-tail reinsurance and insurance market. The
combined company will have a global underwriting platform, quality diversification into profitable
business lines with superior growth opportunities, a strong balance sheet and a proven management
team. In contrast, the proposed Max amalgamation would expose IPC shareholders to risky assets
held in Maxs investment portfolio and Maxs underperforming business lines.
IPC Should Focus on Maximizing Shareholders Value Instead of Seeking to Deprive Them of
Validus Offer
Validus noted that IPC has attempted to put up numerous roadblocks to the Validus offer, including
making many inaccurate and misleading statements about the Validus offer. Examples of this
include:
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Making Inconsistent Statements on Flawed Sale Process. In a recent investor presentation,
IPC stated that it conducted a Robust and Thorough Process to evaluate strategic
transactions before signing the Max amalgamation, and IPCs Chairman Kenneth Hammond has
stated [h]ad Validus approached us we would have talked to them.1 This is an
attempt to rewrite history, as IPCs financial advisor told Validus during the sale process
that Validus was not invited to participate. IPCs other disclosures also indicate that
Validus was intentionally excluded from the process. |
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If IPCs Board had not abdicated its fiduciary duties by agreeing to an egregious and
self-serving no-talk provision without a fiduciary exception, to the detriment of IPC
shareholders, IPC could discuss Validus superior proposal now. |
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Misstating Conditions to the Validus Offer. IPC and Max have
stated repeatedly that the Validus offer is subject to a rating
agency condition, despite repeated statements by Validus to the
contrary. Validus reiterates that its offer is not conditioned on
the receipt of a specified rating. |
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Exaggerating the Time to a Potential Validus Closing. IPC has
stated that Validus cannot close on its acquisition of IPC prior
to the beginning of hurricane season. This concern seems
disingenuous given that prior to Validus offer, IPC and Max
publicly stated that they expected their transaction to close in
the third quarter of 2009. In any event, Validus has provided IPC
shareholders with a clear path to timely completion through the
Exchange Offer, which could close as early as June 26 if its
conditions are satisfied, and the Scheme of Arrangement, which
could close as early as mid-July. |
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Raising False Obstacles to the Exchange Offer. In a press release
and letter to IPC shareholders dated May 7, 2009, IPC stated that
its bye-law restricting registration of transfer of share
ownership of 10% or more would prevent Validus from completing its
Exchange Offer. This is simply wrong as the completion of the
Exchange Offer is possible notwithstanding IPCs bye-law as no
registration of transfer will be necessary. |
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Separately, in a letter filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and issued as a
press release, IPC outlined a dubious legal argument to attempt to block the will of 90% of its
shareholders, exemplifying the IPC Boards utter disregard for its shareholders and its
fiduciary obligations. |
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Suggesting that IPCs Shareholders Face a Choice Between a Max Deal and No Transaction.
IPC has gone so far as to publicly suggest that even if the proposed Max amalgamation is voted
down, it will ignore the will of its shareholders and not engage in discussions with Validus.
In fact, in IPCs press release issued today, Mr. Hammond is quoted as saying, ...if the
combination with Max is not approved, there may not be an alternative transaction at all.
There is another alternative available to IPC shareholders a better deal with Validus. |
IPC Shareholders Should Not Be Fooled Vote AGAINST Proposed Max Amalgamation
Validus urges IPC shareholders to disregard inaccurate and misleading information from Max and IPC
and preserve their right to receive the improved economic terms of the Validus offer by voting
AGAINST the Max amalgamation on the GOLD proxy card. Shareholders who have previously voted on
IPCs white proxy card may obtain assistance in revoking or changing that vote by contacting
Georgeson Inc. toll-free at (888) 274-5119 (banks and brokers should call (212) 440-9800), or email
validusIPC@georgeson.com.
Exchange Offer
Validus also urges IPC shareholders to tender their shares to the Validus Exchange Offer. As
previously announced, the Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time (6:00 p.m.,
Atlantic time), on Friday, June 26, 2009, unless extended. The revised offering documents,
including a new letter of transmittal, describing the improved economic terms of the Exchange Offer
and the means for IPC shareholders to tender IPC common shares into the offer will be delivered to
IPC shareholders. Shareholder questions regarding the Exchange Offer or requests for offering
documents should be directed to Validus Information Agent for the Exchange Offer, Georgeson Inc.,
toll-free at (800) 213-0317 (banks and brokers should call (212) 440-9800), or email
validusIPC@georgeson.com.
Copies of the transaction documents and an updated Validus investor presentation, detailing the
benefits of Validus recently increased offer, are available on its website at www.validusre.bm.
About Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a provider of reinsurance and insurance, conducting its operations
worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (Validus Re) and
Talbot Holdings Ltd. (Talbot). Validus Re is a Bermuda based reinsurer focused on short-tail
lines of reinsurance. Talbot is the Bermuda parent of the specialty insurance group primarily
operating within the Lloyds insurance market through Syndicate 1183.
Contacts:
Investors:
Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Jon Levenson, Senior Vice President
+1-441-278-9000
or
Media:
Jamie Tully/Jonathan Doorley
Sard Verbinnen & Co
+1-212-687-8080
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements, both with respect to us and our
industry, that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.
Statements that include the words expect, intend, plan, believe, project, anticipate,
will, may and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking
statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties,
many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and,
therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. We believe that these
factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) uncertainty as to whether Validus will
be able to enter into and to consummate the proposed acquisition on the terms set forth in the
improved Validus amalgamation offer; 2) uncertainty as to the actual premium that will be realized
by IPC shareholders in connection with the proposed acquisition; 3) uncertainty as to the long-term
value of Validus common shares; 4) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events; 5) rating
agency actions; 6) adequacy of Validus or IPCs risk management and loss limitation methods; 7)
cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets; 8) Validus limited
operating history; 9) Validus ability to implement its business strategy during soft as well as
hard markets; 10) adequacy of Validus or IPCs loss reserves; 11) continued availability of
capital and financing; 12) retention of key personnel; 13) competition; 14) potential loss of
business from one or more major insurance or reinsurance brokers; 15) Validus or IPCs ability to
implement, successfully and on a timely basis, complex infrastructure, distribution capabilities,
systems, procedures and internal controls, and to develop accurate actuarial data to support the
business and regulatory and reporting requirements; 16) general economic and market conditions
(including inflation, volatility in the credit and capital markets, interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rates); 17) the integration of Talbot or other businesses we may acquire or new
business ventures we may start; 18) the effect on Validus or IPCs investment portfolios of
changing financial market conditions including inflation, interest rates, liquidity and other
factors; 19) acts of terrorism or outbreak of war; 20) availability of reinsurance and
retrocessional coverage; 21) failure to realize the
anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including as a result of failure or delay in
integrating the businesses of Validus and IPC; and 22) the outcome of litigation arising from the
Validus Offer for IPC, as well as managements response to any of the aforementioned factors.
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read
in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere,
including the risk factors included in our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and the
risk factors included in IPCs most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and other documents
of Validus and IPC on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking
statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can
be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Validus will be realized or,
even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us
or our business or operations. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update
publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future
developments or otherwise.
Additional Information about the Proposed Acquisition and Where to Find It:
This press release relates to the Exchange Offer by Validus to exchange each issued and outstanding
common share of IPC for 1.1234 voting common shares of Validus and $3.00 in cash. This press
release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to exchange, or a
solicitation of an offer to exchange, IPC common shares, nor is it a substitute for the Tender
Offer Statement on Schedule TO or the preliminary prospectus/offer to exchange included in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (including the letter of transmittal and related documents and
as amended and supplemented from time to time, the Exchange Offer Documents) that Validus has
filed or may file with the SEC. The Registration Statement has not yet become effective. The
Exchange Offer will be made only through the Exchange Offer Documents.
This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statements that Validus has filed or may file
with the SEC or any other documents which Validus may send to its or IPCs shareholders in
connection with the proposed acquisition, including the definitive proxy statement seeking proxies
to oppose the issuance of IPC shares in connection with the amalgamation agreement between IPC and
Max (the Opposition Proxy Statement) sent by Validus to IPC shareholders. Validus has also filed
a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC seeking proxies to approve the issuance of Validus
voting common shares in connection with the proposed transaction between IPC and Validus (the
Validus Share Issuance Proxy Statement). In addition, Validus has filed preliminary proxy
statements with the SEC in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement (the Scheme of Arrangement
Proxy Statements).
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE EXCHANGE OFFER DOCUMENTS, THE OPPOSITION PROXY
STATEMENT, THE VALIDUS SHARE ISSUANCE PROXY STATEMENT, THE SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT PROXY STATEMENTS
AND ANY OTHER PROXY STATEMENTS OR RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT VALIDUS HAS FILED OR MAY FILE WITH THE
SEC IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION. All such documents, when filed, are available free of charge at
the SECs website (www.sec.gov) or by directing a request to Validus through Jon Levenson, Senior
Vice President, at +1-441-278-9000.
Participants in the Solicitation:
Validus and certain of its executive officers are deemed to be participants in any solicitation of
shareholders in connection with the proposed acquisition. Information about Validus executive
officers is available in Validus proxy statement, dated March 25, 2009 for its 2009 annual general
meeting of shareholders.
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