Definitive Proxy Statement
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 þ
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Check the appropriate box:
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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 Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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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): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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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. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MERCER
INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2006
TO: The shareholders of Mercer International Inc.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2006 annual general meeting of
shareholders of Mercer International Inc. (the
Company) is to be held on June 12, 2006
at the Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at 10:00 a.m.
(Vancouver time) (the Meeting) for the following
purposes:
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To elect the directors of the Company for the ensuing year; |
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To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent auditors of the Company; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment, postponement or rescheduling thereof. |
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on
April 26, 2006 as the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment,
postponement or rescheduling thereof.
A proxy statement dated April 27, 2006, a proxy card and
our annual report for 2005 accompany this notice of annual
general meeting of shareholders.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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/s/ Jimmy S.H. Lee |
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Jimmy S.H. Lee |
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Chairman of the Board |
April 27, 2006
WE URGE YOU TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE THE PROXY CARD THAT ACCOMPANIES THIS NOTICE OF
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. THIS WILL ENSURE
THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM AT THE MEETING. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED
IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT.
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4N8
PROXY STATEMENT
General
This proxy statement (the Proxy Statement) is
furnished in connection with the solicitation by management of
Mercer International Inc. (Mercer or the
Company) of proxies for use at the annual general
meeting of our shareholders (Shareholders) to be
held at the Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at 10:00 a.m.
(Vancouver time), on June 12, 2006 (the
Meeting), or any adjournment, postponement or
rescheduling thereof. If a proxy in the accompanying form (a
Proxy) is properly executed and received by us prior
to the Meeting or any adjournment, postponement or rescheduling
thereof, our shares of common stock, $1.00 par value (the
Shares) represented by such Proxy will be voted in
the manner directed. In the absence of voting instructions, the
Shares will be voted for the proposals set out in the
accompanying notice of annual general meeting of Shareholders.
Please see the Proxy for voting instructions.
A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its use by filing a
written notice of revocation of proxy or a later dated Proxy
with the Companys registrar and transfer agent Mellon
Investor Services LLC, at P.O. Box 3315, South
Hackensack, NJ 07606. A Proxy may also be revoked by attending
the Meeting and voting Shares in person. Attendance at the
Meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute revocation of a
Proxy.
The holders of one-third of the outstanding Shares entitled to
vote at the Meeting, present in person or represented by Proxy,
constitutes a quorum for the Meeting. Under applicable
Washington State law, abstentions and broker non-votes will be
counted for the purposes of establishing a quorum for the
Meeting.
Proxies for the Meeting will be solicited by the Company
primarily by mail. Proxies may also be solicited personally by
our directors, officers or regular employees without additional
compensation. We may reimburse banks, broker-dealers or other
nominees for their reasonable expenses in forwarding the proxy
materials for the Meeting to beneficial owners of Shares. The
costs of this solicitation will be borne by the Company.
At a special meeting of Shareholders held on February 17,
2006, we received the required Shareholder approvals in
connection with the conversion (the Conversion) of
the Company from a business trust organized under the laws of
the State of Washington to a Washington State corporation. The
Conversion was completed effective March 1, 2006. The
Conversion effected a change in our legal form, but did not
result in any change in our business, management, fiscal year,
accounting practices, assets or liabilities (except to the
extent of legal and other costs of effecting the Conversion and
maintaining ongoing corporate status) or location of the
principal executive offices and facilities following
consummation of the Conversion. We continue to operate under the
name Mercer International Inc., are engaged in the
same business that we were engaged in prior thereto and our
Shares are quoted and listed for trading on the NASDAQ National
Market (the NASDAQ) and the Toronto Stock Exchange
(the TSX), respectively. At the effective time of
the Conversion, the incumbent trustees and officers of the
business trust became our directors and officers.
This Proxy Statement and accompanying Proxy and our annual
report for 2005 will be mailed to Shareholders commencing on or
about May 29, 2006. The close of business on April 26,
2006 has been fixed as the record date (the Record
Date) for the determination of Shareholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment,
postponement or rescheduling thereof.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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Why am I receiving this Proxy Statement and Proxy? |
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This Proxy Statement describes the proposals upon which you, as
a Shareholder, will vote. It also gives you information on the
proposals, as well as other information so that you can make an
informed decision. |
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What is the Proxy? |
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The Proxy enables you to appoint Jimmy S.H. Lee and David M.
Gandossi as your representatives at the Meeting. By completing
and returning the Proxy, you are authorizing Mr. Lee and
Mr. Gandossi to vote your Shares at the Meeting as you have
instructed them on the Proxy. This way your Shares will be voted
whether or not you attend the Meeting. Even if you plan to
attend the Meeting, it is a good idea to complete and return
your Proxy before the date of the Meeting just in case your
plans change. |
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Who can vote at the Meeting? |
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Registered Shareholders who own our Shares on the Record Date
may attend and vote at the Meeting. Each Share is entitled to
one vote. There were 33,169,140 Shares outstanding on the
Record Date. If you own your Shares through a brokerage account
or in another nominee form, you must provide instructions to the
broker or nominee as to how your Shares should be voted. Your
broker or nominee will generally provide you with the
appropriate forms at the time you receive this Proxy Statement.
If you own your Shares through a brokerage account or nominee,
you cannot vote in person at the Meeting unless you receive a
Proxy from the broker or the nominee. |
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What am I voting on? |
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We are asking you to: (i) vote for the election of the
Companys directors for the ensuing year; and
(ii) ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP
as our independent auditors. OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A
VOTE IN FAVOR OF EACH OF THESE PROPOSALS. |
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How do I vote? |
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You may vote by mail. |
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Complete, date, sign and mail the Proxy to our registrar and
transfer agent Mellon Investor Services LLC, at P.O.
Box 3315, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, in the enclosed
postage pre-paid envelope. If you mark your voting instructions
on the Proxy, your Shares will be voted as you instruct. Please
see the Proxy for voting instructions. |
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You may vote in person at the Meeting. |
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If you attend the Meeting, you may vote as instructed at the
Meeting. However, if you hold your Shares in street name (that
is, through a broker/ dealer or other nominee), you will need to
bring to the Meeting a Proxy delivered to you by such nominee
reflecting your Share ownership as of the Record Date. |
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What does it mean if I receive more than one Proxy? |
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It means that you hold Shares in multiple accounts. Please
complete and return all Proxies to ensure that all your Shares
are voted in accordance with your instructions. |
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What if I change my mind after returning my Proxy? |
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You may revoke your Proxy and change your vote at any time
before completion of voting at the Meeting. You may do this by: |
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sending a signed notice of revocation of proxy to
our registrar and transfer agent at the address set out above
stating that the Proxy is revoked; or |
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signing another Proxy with a later date and sending
it to our registrar and transfer agent at the address set out
above before the date of the Meeting; or |
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voting at the Meeting. |
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Your Proxy will not be revoked if you attend the Meeting but do
not vote. |
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If you own your Shares through a broker or other nominee and
wish to change your vote, you must send those instructions to
your broker or nominee. |
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Will my Shares be voted if I do not sign and return my
Proxy? |
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If your Shares are registered in your name, they will not be
voted unless you submit your Proxy or vote in person at the
Meeting. If your Shares are held in street name, your broker/
dealer or other nominee will not have the authority to vote your
Shares unless you provide instructions. |
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Who will count the votes? |
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Agents of the Company will tabulate the Proxies. Additionally,
votes cast by Shareholders voting in person at the Meeting are
tabulated by a person who is appointed by our management before
the Meeting. |
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How many Shares must be present to hold the Meeting? |
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To hold the Meeting and conduct business, at least one-third of
the outstanding Shares must be present at the Meeting. This is
called a quorum. |
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Votes are counted as present at the Meeting if a Shareholder
either: |
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is present and votes in person at the
Meeting; or |
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has properly submitted a Proxy. |
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Abstentions and broker non-votes (Shares held by a broker/
dealer or other nominee that are not voted because the broker/
dealer or other nominee does not have the authority to vote on a
particular matter) will be counted for the purposes of a quorum. |
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How many votes are required to elect directors? |
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In February 2006, the board of directors (the Board)
adopted new corporate governance guidelines regarding director
elections. The guidelines provide that in an uncontested
election any nominee for director who receives a greater number
of votes Withheld for his or her election than votes
For such election (a Majority Withheld
Vote) will promptly tender his or her resignation as a
director to the governance and nominating committee (the
Governance Committee) which will, without
participation of any director so tendering his or her
resignation, consider the resignation offer and recommend to the
Board whether to accept it. The Board, without participation by
any director so tendering his or her resignation, will act on
the Governance Committees recommendation within
90 days following certification of the Shareholder vote. We
will promptly issue a press release disclosing the Boards
decision and, if the Board rejects the resignation offer, its
reasons for such decision. We will also promptly disclose this
information in a Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) filing. |
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How many votes are required to adopt the other proposal? |
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The ratification of Deloitte & Touches
appointment requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Shares represented at the Meeting and entitled to vote thereon. |
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What is the effect of withholding votes or
abstaining? |
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You can withhold your vote for any nominee in the election of
directors. Withheld votes will be excluded entirely from the
vote and will have no effect on the outcome (other than
potentially triggering the director resignation requirements set
forth in our corporate governance guidelines). On other
proposals, you can Abstain. If you abstain, your
Shares will be counted as present at the Meeting for purposes of
that proposal and your abstention will have the effect of a vote
against the proposal. |
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How are votes counted? |
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You may vote For or Withhold your vote
on the proposal to elect directors. You may vote For
or Against or Abstain on the proposal to
ratify the selection of our independent auditors. If you
withhold or abstain from voting on a proposal, it will have the
practical effect of voting against the proposal. |
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If you sign and return your Proxy without voting instructions,
your Shares will be counted as a For vote in favor
of each proposal. |
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Could other matters be discussed at the Meeting? |
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We do not know of any other matters to be brought before the
Meeting other than those referred to in this Proxy Statement. If
other matters are properly presented at the Meeting for
consideration, the persons named in the Proxy will have the
discretion to vote on those matters for you. |
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
There were 33,169,140 Shares issued and outstanding on the
Record Date. Each Share is entitled to one vote at the Meeting.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of our Shares as of April 27, 2006 by
each Shareholder known by us to own more than five percent of
our outstanding Shares. The following is based solely upon
statements made in filings with the SEC or other information we
believe to be reliable.
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Number of | |
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Percentage of | |
Name and Address of Owner |
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Shares Owned | |
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Outstanding Shares | |
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Peter R. Kellogg(1)
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6,038,232 |
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13.8% |
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120 Broadway, 6th Floor |
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New York, NY 10271 |
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Greenlight Capital, L.L.C.(2)
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3,961,497 |
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9.0% |
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420 Lexington Avenue |
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Suite 875 |
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New York, NY 10170 |
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Royal Bank of Canada(3)
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2,245,456 |
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6.8% |
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20 King Street West |
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9th Floor |
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Toronto, Ontario |
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Canada M5H 1C4 |
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KPMG Inc. (as Receiver of
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2,124,589 |
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6.4% |
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Stone Venepal (Celgar) Pulp Inc.) |
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777 Dunsmuir Street, PO Box 10426 |
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Suite 900 |
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Vancouver, British Columbia |
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Canada V7Y 1K3 |
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Franklin Resources, Inc.(4)
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3,037,326 |
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6.9% |
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One Franklin Parkway |
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San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 |
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Coghill Capital Management, LLC(5)
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1,950,439 |
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5.9% |
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One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4350 |
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Chicago, IL 60606 |
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Atticus Management LLC(6)
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2,092,287 |
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6.3% |
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152 West
57th Street,
45th Floor |
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New York, NY 10019 |
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Platinum Asset Management LLC
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1,691,045 |
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5.1% |
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Level 4, 55 Harrington Street |
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Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia |
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(1) |
Filed jointly with IAT Reinsurance Company Ltd. The number of
Shares owned includes 1,645,161 Shares issuable upon
conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes. The
percentage of outstanding Shares owned gives pro forma effect to
the 10,645,155 Shares issuable upon conversion of the
convertible senior subordinated notes. |
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(2) |
Filed jointly by Greenlight Capital, L.L.C., Greenlight Capital,
Inc. and David Einhorn. The number of Shares owned includes
2,066,667 Shares issuable upon conversion of convertible
senior subordinated |
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notes. The percentage of outstanding Shares owned gives pro
forma effect to the 10,645,155 Shares issuable upon
conversion of the convertible senior subordinated notes. |
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Includes an aggregate 159,519 Shares owned by three wholly
owned subsidiaries of the Royal Bank of Canada. |
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Filed jointly with Charles B. Johnson, Rupert H.
Johnson, Jr. and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC. The
number of Shares owned includes 903,226 Shares issuable
upon conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes. The
percentage of outstanding Shares owned gives pro forma effect to
the 10,645,155 Shares issuable upon conversion of the
convertible senior subordinated notes. |
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Filed jointly with CCM Master Qualified Fund, Ltd. and Clint D.
Coghill. |
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Filed jointly with Timothy R. Barakett. |
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with our articles of incorporation and bylaws, as
amended, our Board is authorized to fix the number of the
Companys directors at not less than three (3) and not
more than thirteen (13) and has fixed the current number of
directors at six (6). Directors are elected at each annual
meeting of Shareholders to hold office until the next annual
meeting. The persons identified below are nominated to be
elected at the Meeting for the ensuing year. All of the nominees
are currently directors of the Company. Despite the expiration
of a directors term, the director shall continue to serve
until the directors successor shall have been elected and
qualified or until there is a decrease in the number of
directors. If for any unforeseen reason any of the nominees
declines or is unable to serve, Proxies will be voted for the
election of such other person or persons as shall be designated
by the directors. Proxies received which do not specify a choice
for the election of the nominees will be voted FOR
each of the nominees. OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF
EACH NOMINEE.
The Board has determined that each of our nominee directors,
other than our chief executive officer, Mr. Lee, is
independent under applicable laws and regulations and the
listing requirements of the NASDAQ.
Nominees for Election as Directors
Jimmy S.H. Lee, age 49, has been a director since
May 1985 and chairman, president and chief executive officer
since 1992. During Mr. Lees tenure with the Company,
the Company acquired the Rosenthal mill, converted the Rosenthal
mill to the production of kraft pulp, constructed and started up
the Stendal mill and acquired the Celgar mill.
Kenneth A. Shields, age 57, has been a director and
lead director since August 2003 and in February 2006 he was
appointed deputy chairman. Mr. Shields currently serves as
a member of the Board of Raymond James Financial, Inc. and is a
non-executive director of its Canadian subsidiary, Raymond James
Ltd. Mr. Shields is also a director of TimberWest Forest Corp.
and a Director of the Council for Business and the Arts in
Canada. Additionally, Mr. Shields has served as past
Chairman of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and
Pacifica Papers Inc., and is a former director of each of Slocan
Forest Products Ltd. and the Investment Dealers Association of
Canada.
William D. McCartney, age 50, has been a director
since January 2003. Mr. McCartney has been president and chief
executive officer of Pemcorp Management Inc., a management
services company, since 1990. Mr. McCartney is a director
of Southwestern Resources Corp., where he has served since March
2004. Mr. McCartney is also a member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in Canada.
Guy W. Adams, age 55, has been a director since
August 2003. Mr. Adams is the managing member of GWA
Investments, LLC, referred to as GWA, and GWA
Capital Partners, LLC, where he has served since 2002, and is
the managing member of GWA Master Fund, LP since October 2004.
GWA is an investment fund investing in publicly traded
securities managed by GWA Capital Partners, LLC, a registered
investment advisor. Prior to 2002, Mr. Adams was the
President of GWA Capital, which he founded in 1996
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to invest his own capital in public and private equity
transactions, and a business consultant to entities seeking
refinancing or recapitalization. In 2003, Mr. Adams was
initially nominated for election pursuant to a settlement
agreement entered into between us and Greenlight Capital, Inc.
and Greenlight Capital, LLC. Mr. Adams is also a director
of Exar Corporation.
Eric Lauritzen, age 68, has been a director since
June 2004. Mr. Lauritzen was president and chief executive
officer of Harmac Pacific, Inc., a North American producer of
softwood kraft pulp previously listed on the TSX and acquired by
Pope & Talbot Inc. in 1998, from May 1994 to July 1998,
when he retired. Mr. Lauritzen was vice president, pulp and
paper marketing of MacMillan Bloedel Limited, a North American
pulp and paper company previously listed on the TSX and acquired
by Weyerhaeuser Company Limited in 1999, from July 1981 to April
1994.
Graeme A. Witts, age 67, has been a director since
January 2003. Mr. Witts organized Sanne Trust Company
Limited, a trust company located in the Channel Islands, in 1988
and was managing director from 1988 to 2000, when he retired.
Mr. Witts is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of England and Wales.
Majority Withheld Policy in Uncontested Director Elections
In order to provide Shareholders with a meaningful role in the
outcome of director elections, the Board has adopted a provision
on voting for directors in uncontested elections as part of our
corporate governance guidelines. In general, this provision
provides any nominee in an uncontested election who receives
more votes Withheld from his or her election than
votes For his or her election must promptly tender
an offer of resignation following certification of the
Shareholder vote to our Governance Committee which will, without
the participation of any director so tendering his or her
resignation, consider the resignation and recommend to the Board
whether to accept the resignation offer. The Board, without the
participation of any director so tendering his or her
resignation, will act on the Governance Committees
recommendation within 90 days following certification of
the Shareholder vote. Any such tendered resignation will be
evaluated in the best overall interests of the Company and its
Shareholders. The Boards decision will be disclosed in a
Form 8-K furnished
by the Company to the SEC within four business days of the
decision. If the Board has decided to turn down the tendered
resignation, or to pursue any additional action (as described
above or otherwise), then the
Form 8-K will
disclose the Boards reasons for doing so. If each member
of the Governance Committee received a Majority Withheld Vote at
the same election, then the independent directors who did not
receive a Majority Withheld Vote will act as a committee to
consider the resignation offers and recommend to the Board
whether to accept them. Any director who offers to resign
pursuant to this provision will not participate in any actions
by either the Governance Committee or the Board with respect to
accepting or turning down his or her own resignation offer. The
complete terms of this provision are included in our corporate
governance guidelines which can be found at the Governance
Guidelines link on our website at www.mercerint.com.
Executive Officers
The following provides certain background information about each
of our executive officers:
David M. Gandossi, age 48, has been secretary,
executive vice-president and chief financial officer since
August 15, 2003. Mr. Gandossi was formerly the chief
financial officer and executive vice-president of Formation
Forest Products (a closely held corporation) from June 2002 to
August 2003. Mr. Gandossi previously served as chief financial
officer, vice-president, finance and secretary of Pacifica
Papers Inc., a North American specialty pulp and paper
manufacturing company previously listed on the TSX, from
December 1999 to August 2001 and controller and treasurer from
June 1998 to December 1999. From June 1998 to August 31,
1998, he also served as secretary to Pacifica Papers Inc. From
March 1998 to June 1998, Mr. Gandossi served as controller,
treasurer and secretary of MB Paper Ltd. From April 1994 to
March 1998, Mr. Gandossi held the position of controller
and treasurer with Harmac Pacific Inc., a Canadian pulp
manufacturing company previously listed on the TSX.
Mr. Gandossi is a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in Canada.
6
Leonhard Nossol, age 48, has been our group
controller for Europe since August 2005. He has also been a
managing director of Rosenthal since 1997 and the sole managing
director of Rosenthal since September 2005. Mr. Nossol had
a significant involvement in the conversion of the Rosenthal
mill to the production of kraft pulp in 1999 and the related
increase in the mills annual production capacity to
280,000 ADMTs, and subsequently to 310,000 ADMTs, as well as the
reduction in production costs at the mill.
David Brien, age 46, has been vice-president,
controller of Mercer since August 2005 and vice-president,
finance and administration of Zellstoff Celgar Limited, our
wholly owned subsidiary that operates the Celgar mill, since
February 2005. Mr. Brien was formerly the chief financial
officer of Celgar from September 2001 through to February 2005.
Mr. Brien previously served as senior vice-president and
chief financial officer of Crown Packaging Ltd., a corrugated
and specialty packaging company, from January 1997 to July 2001.
From 1995 to 1997, he served as the chief financial officer and
corporate controller of Finlay Forest Industries, a newsprint
and sawmilling company that is currently owned by Abitibi
Consolidated. Mr. Brien is a member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in Canada.
David M. Cooper, age 52, has been vice president of
sales and marketing for Europe since June 2005. Mr. Cooper
previously held a variety of senior positions around the world
in Sappi Ltd., a large global forest products group, from 1982
to 2005, including the sales and marketing of various pulp and
paper grades and the management of a manufacturing facility. He
has more than 23 years of diversified experience in the
international pulp and paper industry.
Eric X. Heine, age 42, has been vice president of
sales and marketing for North America and Asia since June 2005.
Mr. Heine was previously vice president pulp and
international paper sales and marketing for Domtar Inc., a
global pulp and paper corporation, from 1999 to 2005. He has
over 18 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry,
including developing strategic sales channels and market
partners to build corporate brands.
Werner Stüber, age 64, has been vice president
of technical support and pulp operations since August 2005.
Mr. Stüber was previously a managing director of our
Rosenthal mill from 1996 to 2005. Mr. Stüber had a
significant involvement in the conversion of the Rosenthal mill
to the production of kraft pulp in 1999 and the related increase
in the mills annual production capacity to 280,000 ADMTs,
and subsequently to 310,000 ADMTs, as well as the reduction in
production costs at the mill.
Wolfram Ridder, age 44, was appointed vice president
of business development in August 2005, prior to which he was a
managing director of Stendal, our 63.6% owned project subsidiary
that has completed construction of a new
state-of-the-art NBSK
kraft pulp mill near the town of Stendal, Germany, from July
2002. Mr. Ridder was the principal assistant to our chief
executive officer from November 1995 until September 2002.
Ulf Johannson, age 56, was appointed a managing
director of Stendal in July 2003. From 1996 to 2003,
Mr. Johannson was a director of Sodra Cell AB, a large
Swedish forestry company, and resident manager of the
companys Monsteras mill. He was responsible for all large
expansion projects of Sodra Cell, including with respect to the
increase in the annual production capacity at the Monsteras mill
from approximately 300,000 ADMTs to approximately 750,000 ADMTs.
INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Our Board has developed corporate governance guidelines in
respect of: (i) the duties and responsibilities of the
Board, its committees and the officers of the Company; and
(ii) practices with respect to the holding of regular
quarterly and strategic meetings of the Board including separate
meetings of non-management directors. A copy of our corporate
governance guidelines can be found at the Governance
Guidelines link on our website at www.mercerint.com.
7
Directors Meetings Attended in 2005
The Board met 13 times during 2005 and each current member of
the Board attended 75% or more of the total number of such
meetings and meetings of the committees of the Board on which
they serve. Although we do not have a formal policy with respect
to attendance of directors at our annual meetings, all directors
are encouraged and expected to attend such meetings if possible.
Six directors attended the annual meeting held in June, 2005.
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Board | |
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Committee | |
Director |
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Meetings | |
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Meetings | |
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Jimmy S.H. Lee
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13 of 13 |
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N/A |
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Kenneth A. Shields
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13 of 13 |
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3 of 3 |
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William D. McCartney
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13 of 13 |
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7 of 7 |
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Guy W. Adams
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12 of 13 |
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3 of 3 |
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Eric Lauritzen
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13 of 13 |
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9 of 9 |
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Graeme A. Witts
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13 of 13 |
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7 of 7 |
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Executive Sessions
Executive sessions of non-management directors without
management present are held regularly, generally before Board
meetings, to review, among other things, the criteria upon which
the performance of senior officers is based, the Companys
governance practices, the reports of our independent registered
chartered accountants and any other relevant matters. The lead
director, with input from other directors, develops the agenda
for and presides over these meetings. Meetings are also held
formally and informally from time to time with the chief
executive officer for general discussions of relevant subjects.
Corporate Governance
In February 2006, as part of our Boards ongoing review of
our governance practices and conversion from a Massachusetts
business trust to a Washington State corporation, we adopted new
corporate governance guidelines. A copy of the corporate
governance guidelines is available at the Governance
Guidelines link on our web site at
www.mercerint.com.
In 2006, our Board implemented several corporate governance
initiatives including:
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eliminating our staggered Board so that all directors are now
elected annually beginning at this Meeting. |
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establishing a new guideline which provides that in an
uncontested election any nominee for director who receives a
greater number of votes Withheld for his or her
election than votes For will promptly tender his or
her resignation. The Boards Governance Committee will
consider the resignation and recommend to the Board whether to
accept it. The Board will act on the Governance Committees
recommendation within 90 days after certification of the
shareholder vote and we will publicize the Boards
decision. See Majority Withheld Policy in Uncontested
Director Elections. |
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establishing a position of deputy chairman and lead director and
broadening the scope and duties of such position. |
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adopting guidelines that non-employee directors should within
three years of becoming a director own a minimum number of
shares equal in value to three times the amount of their annual
cash retainer. |
Standing Committees
Our Board currently has established four standing committees:
the audit committee, the compensation committee (the
Compensation Committee), the Governance Committee
and the health, safety and environmental committee. Each
committee member, other than certain members of the health,
safety and environmental committee, is independent under
applicable laws and regulations and the listing requirements
8
of the NASDAQ. Copies of the respective terms of reference of
such committee are part of the corporate governance guidelines
available at the Governance Guidelines link on our
website at www.mercerint.com.
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Committee |
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Current Members |
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Primary Responsibilities |
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Audit Committee
(met 7 times in 2005) |
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William D. McCartney(1)(2)
Graeme A. Witts(2)
Eric Lauritzen |
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Meet with, and review the results of the audit of
our financial statements performed by the independent public
accountants; and |
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Recommend the selection of independent public
accountants. |
Compensation Committee
(met 3 times in 2005) |
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Eric Lauritzen(1)
Kenneth A. Shields
Guy W. Adams |
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Review and approve the strategy and design of the
Companys compensation, equity-based and benefits programs;
and |
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Approve all compensation actions relating to
executive officers. |
Governance Committee
(the Governance Committee met in conjunction with each duly
convened meeting of the independent directors of the Board which
met 13 times in 2005) |
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Kenneth A. Shields(1)
Graeme A. Witts
William D. McCartney |
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Manage the corporate governance system of the
Board;
Assist the Board in fulfilling its duties to meet
applicable legal and regulatory and self-regulatory business
principles and codes of best practice; |
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Assist in the creation of a corporate culture and
environment of integrity and accountability; |
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In conjunction with the lead director, monitor the
quality of the relationship between the Board and management; |
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Review management succession plans; |
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Recommend to the Board nominees for appointment to
the Board; |
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Lead the Boards annual review of the chief
executive officers performance; and |
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Set the Boards forward meeting agenda. |
Health, Safety and Environmental Committee (formed in 2006) |
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Jimmy S.H. Lee
Eric Lauritzen |
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Review and approve, and if necessary revise, the
health, safety and environmental policies and environmental
compliance programs of the Company; |
9
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Committee |
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Current Members |
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Primary Responsibilities |
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Monitor the Companys health, safety and
environmental management systems including internal and external
audit results and reporting; and |
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Provide direction to management on the frequency and
focus of external independent health, safety and environmental
audits. |
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(1) |
Chairman of the committee. |
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(2) |
A financial expert within the meaning of such term
under the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Eric Lauritzen,
Kenneth A. Shields and Guy W. Adams. No member of the
Compensation Committee is a current or former employee of the
Company. There are no Compensation Committee interlocks between
the Company and any other entities involving any of the
executive officers or directors of such entities. No
interlocking relationship exists between any member of our Board
or our Compensation Committee and any member of the Board or
compensation committee of any other company and no such
interlocking relationship has existed in the past.
Complaint Procedure
The audit committee has established procedures for: (i) the
receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the
Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters; and (ii) the confidential and anonymous
submission by the Companys employees and others of
concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
A person wishing to notify the Company of such a complaint or
concern should send a written notice thereof, marked
Private & Confidential, to the chairman of
the audit committee, Mercer International Inc.,
c/o Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4N8, Canada.
Directors Nominations
The Board is responsible for approving candidates for Board
membership. The Board has delegated the screening and
recruitment process to the Governance Committee in consultation
with our chairman and chief executive officer. The Governance
Committee will recommend to the Board a nominee to fill a
vacancy on the Board and will also annually evaluate and
recommend to the Board nominees for election as directors at
annual meetings of Shareholders.
The Governance Committee believes that certain criteria should
be met by director nominees to ensure effective corporate
governance, support the Companys strategies and
businesses, account for individual director attributes and the
effect of the overall mix of those attributes on the
Boards effectiveness, and support the successful
recruitment of qualified candidates for the Board. Qualified
candidates are those who, in the judgment of the Governance
Committee, possess certain personal attributes and a sufficient
mix of experience and related attributes to assure effective
service on the Board. The personal attributes of director
nominees that the Governance Committee considers include
leadership, judgment, integrity, independence and high personal
and professional ethics. Nominees considered by the Governance
Committee are those that also possess a mix of experience and
related attributes, including general business experience,
industry knowledge, financial acumen, special business
experience and expertise.
10
The Governance Committee may seek recommendations or receive
recommendations for Board candidates from various sources,
including the Companys directors, management and
Shareholders. The Governance Committee may also engage a
professional search firm.
The Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by
Shareholders as candidates for Board membership. A Shareholder
wishing to nominate a candidate for Board membership should
provide written notice to the secretary of the Company as
described below. To nominate a candidate for election to the
Board at an annual meeting, the notice must be received not less
than 120 days before the first anniversary of the date of
the Companys Proxy Statement released to Shareholders in
connection with the annual meeting held in the prior year. The
notice should contain information about both the nominee and the
Shareholder making the nomination, including such information
regarding each nominee required to be included in a Proxy
Statement filed pursuant to SEC rules and regulations and such
other information sufficient to allow the Governance Committee
to determine if the candidate meets the criteria for Board
membership described above. The Governance Committee may require
that the proposed nominee furnish additional information to
determine that persons eligibility to serve as a director.
Shareholder Communications with Board
Shareholders who wish to communicate with the Board (other than
with respect to a complaint or concern regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters which must be
directed to the audit committee as described above) should send
written correspondence to the Board in the care of the
Secretary, Mercer International Inc., c/o Suite 2840,
650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4N8, Canada.
The correspondence should indicate that the person sending the
correspondence is a Shareholder and set out the purpose of such
communication. The secretary will (i) forward the
correspondence to the director to whom it is addressed or, in
the case of correspondence addressed to the Board generally, to
the lead director, (ii) attempt to handle the inquiry
directly where it is a request for information about the
Company, or (iii) not forward the correspondence if it is
primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper
topic. All such correspondence will be summarized for the Board
periodically and each such correspondence will be made available
to any director upon request.
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION AND SHAREHOLDING REQUIREMENT
Directors Compensation
Our directors, other than our lead director, receive $20,000
annually for their services plus $1,000 for each meeting of
directors that they attend in person or $500 for each such
meeting that they attend by teleconference. Our lead director,
Mr. Shields, receives $55,000 annually for his services but
is not compensated for attending meetings of directors. We also
reimburse our directors and officers for expenses incurred in
connection with their duties as our directors and officers. The
chairman of the audit committee receives $15,000 annually and
the chairman of each of the other committees (other than if the
lead director is the Chairman) receives $5,000 annually for
their services in that regard.
In addition, under our 2004 stock incentive plan, immediately
after each annual meeting of Shareholders subsequent to the
annual meeting held in June 2004, each of our non-employee
directors who is not elected to the Board for the first time at
such annual meeting and who will continue to serve as a member
of the Board after the meeting, receives 2,500 restricted shares
for their services, provided that each such director has served
on the Board for at least six months. Pursuant to our 2004 stock
incentive plan, each of Messrs. McCartney, Witts, Lauritzen and
Adams received 2,500 restricted shares in June 2005 for their
services (as directors), which vest in June 2006, and, in July
2005, Mr. Witts received 685 restricted shares for his
additional services which vested in January 2006.
11
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding
compensation paid to our directors during the most recently
completed fiscal year.
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Cash | |
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Equity | |
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All Other | |
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Total | |
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Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
Name |
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($) | |
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($)(1) | |
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($)(2) | |
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($) | |
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William D. McCartney(3)
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97,950 |
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55,000 |
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17,950 |
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25,000 |
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Kenneth A. Shields
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55,000 |
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55,000 |
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Guy W. Adams
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50,950 |
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33,000 |
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17,950 |
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Eric Lauritzen(4)
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62,950 |
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40,000 |
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17,950 |
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5,000 |
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Graeme A. Witts
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67,868 |
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45,000 |
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22,868 |
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(1) |
Cash Compensation includes $20,000 which is paid to each of our
directors, other than our lead director, plus $1,000 for each
meeting of directors that they attend in person or $500 for each
such meeting that they attend by teleconference. Our lead
director, Mr. Shields, receives $55,000 annually for his
services but is not compensated for attending meetings of
directors. The Chairman of the audit committee receives $15,000
annually and the chairman of each of the other committees (other
than if the lead director is the Chairman) receives $5,000
annually for their services in that regard. |
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(2) |
Equity Compensation includes 2,500 restricted shares which are
granted to each of our non-employee directors after each annual
meeting of Shareholders, subsequent to the annual meeting held
in June 2004, provided that such non-employee director is not
elected to the Board for the first time at such annual meeting,
and who will continue to serve as a member of the Board after
the meeting, and has been a director for at least six months. In
July, Mr. Witts was granted a further 685 restricted shares
in connection with a special assignment by the Board. |
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(3) |
In 2005, Mr. McCartney was paid $25,000 for a special
assignment by the Board. |
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(4) |
In 2005, Mr. Lauritzen was paid $5,000 for a special
assignment by the Board. |
Shareholding Requirement
Within three years of becoming a director or the coming into
effect of the corporate governance guidelines, each non-employee
director should own a minimum number of shares of our common
stock which is equal in value to three times the amount of their
annual cash retainer at the time the requirement was
implemented. Directors are strongly encouraged to meet this new
requirement within three years of becoming a director.
12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the
ownership of our Shares as of April 27, 2006 by:
(i) each of our directors and executive officers; and
(ii) all of our directors and executive officers as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting
and dispositive power with respect to the Shares set forth
opposite his name. Each person has indicated that he will vote
all Shares owned by him in favor of each of the proposals to be
considered at the Meeting.
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Number of | |
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Percentage of | |
Name of Owner |
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Shares Owned | |
|
Outstanding Shares | |
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|
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Jimmy S.H. Lee(1)
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2,009,800 |
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5.9 |
% |
Kenneth A. Shields(2)
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100,000 |
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* |
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Guy W. Adams(3)(4)
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135,100 |
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* |
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William D. McCartney(4)
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7,500 |
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* |
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Graeme A. Witts(4)
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8,185 |
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* |
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Eric Lauritzen(4)
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11,500 |
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* |
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David M. Gandossi(5)
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130,000 |
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* |
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Wolfram Ridder(6)
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66,667 |
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* |
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Leonhard Nossol(7)
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38,334 |
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* |
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David Brien(8)
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10,000 |
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* |
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Werner Stüber(9)
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38,334 |
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* |
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David M. Cooper(10)
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10,000 |
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* |
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Eric X. Heine
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10,000 |
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* |
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Ulf Johannson
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Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (14 persons)(11)
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2,575,420 |
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7.5 |
% |
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(1) |
Includes 1,134,800 Shares, presently exercisable options to
acquire up to 835,000 Shares and 40,000 restricted shares
of beneficial interest granted by the Company in connection with
Mr. Lees role as an executive officer of the Company.
The restricted shares vest and become non-forfeitable in three
equal annual installments on September 9, 2005,
September 9, 2006 and September 9, 2007 unless a
change in control of the Company occurs prior to such date, in
which case such shares vest immediately upon the occurrence of
such change in control. Mr. Lee purchased 350,000 of our
Shares in February 2005 pursuant to our public offering of
Shares. |
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(2) |
Mr. Shields purchased 10,000 of our Shares in February 2005
pursuant to our public offering of Shares. |
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(3) |
In August 2003, we issued options to purchase up to
225,000 Shares to GWA Investments, LLC, of which
Mr. Adams is the managing member, and up to
100,000 Shares to Mr. Adams, each at an exercise price
of $4.53 per Share. GWA Investments, LLC exercised its
options in September 2003 and Mr. Adams exercised his
options in March 2004. |
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(4) |
In June 2005, 2,500 restricted Shares were granted to each
independent director (other than the Lead Director) in
connection with his role as an independent director of Mercer.
These Shares vest and become non-forfeitable on June 15,
2006 unless a change in control of the Company occurs prior
thereto. |
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(5) |
Includes presently exercisable options to acquire up to 100,000
of our Shares. |
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(6) |
Represents presently exercisable stock options. Mr. Ridder
also has options to acquire a further 13,333 of our Shares which
options vest as to 6,667 in September, 2006 and 6,666 in
September, 2007. |
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(7) |
Represents presently exercisable stock options. Mr. Nossol
also has options to acquire a further 16,666 of our Shares which
options vest as to 8,333 in September, 2006 and 8,333 in
September, 2007. |
13
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(8) |
In September, 2005, Mr. Brien was granted 10,000 restricted
Shares in connection with his role as a senior executive of
Mercer. These Shares vest in three equal installments on
September, 2005, September, 2006 and September, 2007. |
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(9) |
Represents presently exercisable stock options.
Mr. Stüber also has options to acquire a further
16,666 of our Shares which options vest as to 8,333 in
September, 2006 and 8,333 in September, 2007. |
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(10) |
Represents presently exercisable stock options. Mr. Cooper
also has options to acquire a further 20,000 of our Shares which
options vest as to 10,000 in July, 2006 and 10,000 in July, 2007. |
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(11) |
Includes presently exercisable stock options to acquire up to
1,088,335 of our Shares. |
The following table sets forth information as at
December 31, 2005 regarding: (i) our 1992 amended and
restated stock option plan (the 1992 Amended Option
Plan) under which options to acquire an aggregate of
3,600,000 of our Shares may be granted; and (ii) our 2004
stock incentive plan pursuant to which 1,000,000 of our Shares
may be issued pursuant to options, stock appreciation rights and
restricted Shares:
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Number of Shares to | |
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|
Number of Shares | |
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be Issued Upon | |
|
Weighted-Average | |
|
Available for | |
|
|
Exercise of | |
|
Exercise Price of | |
|
Future Issuance | |
|
|
Outstanding Options | |
|
Outstanding Options | |
|
Under Plan | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
1992 Amended Option Plan
|
|
|
1,155,000 |
|
|
$ |
6.69 |
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|
|
130,500 |
|
2004 Stock Incentive Plan(1)
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
7.30 |
|
|
|
814,315 |
(1) |
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(1) |
An aggregate of 155,685 restricted Shares have been issued under
the plan. |
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The audit committee is composed of independent directors under
applicable laws and regulations and under a written charter. A
copy of the charter is available at the Audit Committee
Charter link on our website at www.mercerint.com.
The audit committee reviews the Companys financial
reporting process on behalf of the Board. However, management
has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and
the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.
In this context, the audit committee has met and held
discussions with management and the Companys independent
registered chartered accountants regarding the fair and complete
presentation of the Companys results and the assessment of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
The audit committee has discussed significant accounting
policies applied by the Company in its financial statements, as
well as alternative treatments. Management represented to the
audit committee that the Companys consolidated financial
statements were prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States, and the
audit committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated
financial statements with management and the independent
registered chartered accountants. The audit committee discussed
with the independent registered chartered accountants matters
required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards
No. 61 (Communication With Audit Committees).
In addition, the audit committee has discussed with the
independent registered chartered accountants the auditors
independence from the Company and its management, including the
matters in the written disclosures required by the Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions
With Audit Committees). The audit committee also has considered
whether the independent registered chartered accountants
provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible
with the auditors independence. The audit committee has
concluded that the Companys independent registered
chartered accountants are independent from the Company and its
management.
The audit committee discussed with the independent registered
chartered accountants the overall scope and plans for their
respective audits. The audit committee met with the independent
registered chartered accountants, with and without management
present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the
evaluations of the Companys internal controls, and the
overall quality of the Companys financial reporting.
14
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above,
the audit committee recommended to the Board, and the Board has
approved, that the audited financial statements be included in
the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the SEC. The
audit committee has selected, and the Board has ratified,
subject to Shareholder ratification, the selection of the
Companys independent registered chartered accountants.
|
|
|
William D. McCartney, Chairman |
|
Graeme A. Witts |
|
Eric Lauritzen |
The Report of the audit committee does not constitute
soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or
incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the Securities
Act) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
(the Exchange Act) except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates the report by reference
therein.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding the annual
compensation for each of the last three fiscal years paid to our
chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and the
next three most highest paid executive officers during the most
recently completed fiscal year (collectively, the Named
Executive Officers):
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Long-Term | |
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|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
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| |
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| |
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Other Annual | |
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Securities | |
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All Other | |
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Name and |
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|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Underlying | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Total | |
Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
($) | |
|
($) | |
|
($)(6) | |
|
Options (#) | |
|
($) | |
|
($) | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Jimmy S.H. Lee(1)
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|
2005 |
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|
|
404,581 |
|
|
|
186,730 |
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|
|
93,365 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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1,001,476 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
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|
2004 |
|
|
|
403,845 |
|
|
|
186,390 |
|
|
|
93,195 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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683,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
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264,806 |
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107,864 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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372,670 |
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David M. Gandossi(2)
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2005 |
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264,114 |
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|
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123,803 |
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12,380 |
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30,000 |
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|
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29,713 |
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667,610 |
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|
Secretary, Executive |
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2004 |
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245,908 |
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61,477 |
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307,385 |
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Vice-President and |
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2003 |
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228,352 |
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53,520 |
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100,000 |
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452,085 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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|
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Wolfram Ridder(3)
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2005 |
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298,768 |
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49,795 |
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26,267 |
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20,000 |
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|
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|
434,830 |
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Vice-President Business |
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2004 |
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298,224 |
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|
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44,734 |
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342,958 |
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Development |
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2003 |
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260,240 |
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200,000 |
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460,240 |
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Leonhard Nossol(4)
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2005 |
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248,973 |
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42,325 |
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10,845 |
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25,000 |
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|
|
925 |
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378,068 |
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|
Group Controller, |
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|
2004 |
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226,441 |
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34,172 |
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260,613 |
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Europe and Managing |
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2003 |
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190,617 |
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15,885 |
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206,502 |
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Director of Rosenthal |
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Ulf Johannson(5)
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2005 |
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348,562 |
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12,449 |
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26,300 |
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150,000 |
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537,311 |
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|
Managing Director |
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2004 |
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347,928 |
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186,390 |
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|
|
534,318 |
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|
of Stendal |
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2003 |
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316,316 |
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|
|
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112,970 |
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|
429,286 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Pursuant to his employment agreement with us dated
April 28, 2004, Mr. Lee was entitled to an annual base
salary of
325,000, housing
and other perquisites not to exceed in aggregate
75,000 annually and other compensation as determined by
the Compensation Committee. See Executive
Compensation Employment Agreements. The
aggregate compensation under the column Total
includes the sum of $316,800 which represents the monetary value
of the 40,000 restricted shares granted to Mr. Lee in 2005. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Gandossi was appointed secretary, executive
vice-president and chief financial officer in August 2003. The
amounts presented for Mr. Gandossi for 2003 have been
annualized. Pursuant to his |
15
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|
|
employment agreement with us, Mr. Gandossi received a
one-time signing bonus of CDN$75,000, is entitled to an annual
base salary of CDN$330,000 and is entitled to participate in our
bonus program. In September 2003, we granted to
Mr. Gandossi options to acquire up to 100,000 of our Shares
at an exercise price of $5.65 per Share exercisable as to
one-third of the options granted on September 10, 2003 and
one-third on each of September 10, 2004 and
September 10, 2005. These options have a ten year term. In
2005, we contributed $13,618 to Mr. Gandossis RRSP
and $16,095 to his pension which amounts are reflected in the
column All Other Compensation. The aggregate
compensation under the column Total includes the sum
of $237,600 which represents the monetary value of the 30,000
restricted shares granted to Mr. Gandossi in 2005. |
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|
(3) |
Mr. Ridder was appointed a managing director of Stendal in
July 2002 for an indefinite term. In August of 2005,
Mr. Ridder was appointed Vice President of Business
Development for Mercer at which time Mr. Johannson became
sole managing director of Stendal. The amounts presented for
Mr. Ridder for 2002 have been annualized. Mr. Ridder
is entitled to an annual base salary of
240,000 and to participate in our bonus program.
Mr. Ridders bonus in 2003 reflected his work and
oversight in connection with the Stendal mill. The aggregate
compensation under the column Total includes the sum
of $60,000 which represents the monetary value of the 20,000
options granted to Mr. Ridder in 2005. |
|
(4) |
Mr. Nossol was appointed Group Controller for Europe in
2004 for an indefinite term and became sole managing director of
Rosenthal in September, 2005. Mr. Nossol is entitled to an
annual base salary of
200,000 and to participate in our bonus program. In 2005,
we contributed $925 to a defined contribution plan for
Mr. Nossol. The aggregate compensation under the column
Total includes the sum of $75,000 which represents
the monetary value of the 25,000 options granted to
Mr. Nossol in 2005. |
|
(5) |
Mr. Johannson was appointed a managing director of Stendal
in July 2003 for an indefinite term. The amount presented for
Mr. Johannsons salary for 2003 has been annualized.
Mr. Johannson is entitled to an annual base salary of
280,000 and an annual bonus of up to 25% of his base
salary, based upon certain performance targets. In addition, we
agreed to make certain payments to Mr. Johannson relating
to his retirement which are contributed to the pension
arrangement in place for Mr. Johannson prior to his
appointment at Stendal until he retires at age 62. In 2005,
such payments amounted to $150,000. |
|
(6) |
Included in Other Annual Compensation for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005 are perquisites which consist
of the following: |
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Housing & | |
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Overseas | |
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Name |
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Auto | |
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Allowance | |
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Other | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
Jimmy S. H. Lee
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93,365 |
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David M. Gandossi
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12,380 |
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Wolfram Ridder
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3,112 |
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17,926 |
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5,229 (health insurance) |
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Leonhard Nossol
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10,845 |
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Ulf Johannson
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10,000 |
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6,300 |
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10,000 (travel) |
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Stock Options
The following table provides information about the options
granted during 2005 to our Named Executive Officers:
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Individual Grants | |
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% of Total Options | |
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Number of Securities | |
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Granted to | |
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|
Underlying Options | |
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Employees in | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
Expiration | |
|
Grant Date | |
Name |
|
Granted ($) | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
($/Share) | |
|
Date | |
|
Value ($) | |
|
|
| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Wolfram Ridder
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|
|
20,000 |
(1) |
|
|
15.4% |
|
|
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7.92 |
|
|
|
09/09/2015 |
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|
|
60,000 |
(2) |
Leonhard Nossol
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|
25,000 |
(1) |
|
|
19.2% |
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7.92 |
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09/09/2015 |
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|
75,000 |
(2) |
16
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|
(1) |
The options are exercisable as to one-third of the options
granted in September, 2005 and one third in each of September,
2006 and September, 2007. |
|
(2) |
Estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model,
based on the risk free interest rate of 4.125%, expected life of
three years, expected volatility of 50.4% and expected dividend
yield of 0.0%. |
The table below provides information regarding the exercise of
options during 2005 by our Named Executive Officers and
information with respect to unexercised options held by them at
December 31, 2005:
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal
Year-End Option Values
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Number of Securities | |
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|
Shares | |
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Underlying Unexercised | |
|
Value of Unexercised | |
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Acquired on | |
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Value | |
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Options at | |
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In-the-Money Options at | |
|
|
Exercise | |
|
Realized | |
|
Fiscal Year-End (#) | |
|
Fiscal Year-End ($) | |
Name |
|
(#) | |
|
($) | |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
|
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| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Jimmy S.H. Lee
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
835,000/Nil |
|
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|
1,039,500/ |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
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|
|
|
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|
David M. Gandossi
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
100,000/Nil |
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|
221,000/ |
|
|
Secretary, Executive |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
Vice-President and |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Wolfram Ridder
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
66,667/13,333 |
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|
89,100/ |
|
|
Managing Director of Stendal |
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|
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|
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|
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Leonhard Nossol
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
38,334/16,666 |
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|
|
44,550/ |
|
|
Group Controller, Europe |
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|
Ulf Johannson
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Managing Director of Stendal |
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|
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|
Indemnity Agreements
We have entered into an indemnity agreement with each of our
directors. We have agreed under each of these indemnity
agreements to indemnify each of our directors against any and
all claims and costs that are or may be brought against such
director as a result of his being one of our directors, officers
or employees or that of a company related to us. However, under
the indemnity agreements, we are not obligated to indemnify a
director against any claims or costs in certain instances,
including if it is determined that the director failed to act
honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests, if
the director failed to disclose his interest or conflicts as
required under corporate legislation in Washington State or we
are not permitted to indemnify the director under such
legislation, or if the director has violated any insider trading
rules under United States federal and state securities laws.
If there is a change in control (as defined in the indemnity
agreements) of the Company other than a change in control which
has been approved by a majority of our directors, we are
required to seek legal advice as to whether and to what extent a
director would be permitted to be indemnified under applicable
law. In addition, the agreements allow us to defend any claim
made against a director.
Employment Agreements
Mr. Lee is a party to an amended and restated employment
agreement dated April 28, 2004 with us. The following
summary of the agreement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is
attached as an exhibit to our
Form 8-K dated and
filed with the Commission on April 28, 2004. The agreement
provided for a base salary of
325,000
annually, housing and other perquisites not to exceed in
aggregate
75,000 annually and other compensation as determined by
the Board or the Compensation Committee as applicable. The
agreement continues in effect until Mr. Lees
employment with us is terminated. Mr. Lee may terminate his
employment with us at any time for good reason within
180 days after the occurrence of any good reason event. In
addition, we may terminate Mr. Lees employment with
cause. If Mr. Lee is terminated without cause or resigns
for good reason, he shall be entitled to a severance payment
17
equal to three times the sum of his then annual salary plus the
higher of (i) his current annual bonus and (ii) the
highest variable pay and incentive bonus received during the
three years last ending prior to his termination. This amount is
payable in substantially equal installments over a twelve-month
period, unless (i) a change of control occurs following
such termination, in which case the unpaid portion of such
severance amount is payable in full in a lump sum cash payment
immediately following such change of control, or (ii) if
such termination occurs in contemplation of, at the time of, or
within three years after a change of control, this amount is
payable in a lump sum cash payment immediately following such
termination. In addition, all unvested rights in any stock
options and any other equity awards will vest in full and become
immediately exercisable. Mr. Lee will also be entitled to
any accrued benefits. If Mr. Lees employment with us
is terminated for cause, he is not entitled to any additional
payments or benefits under the agreement, other than accrued
benefits (including, but not limited to, any then vested stock
options and other equity grants) and a prorated bonus, which is
payable immediately upon such termination.
Mr. Gandossi is a party to an employment agreement dated
effective August 15, 2003 with us. The following
summary of the agreement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the agreement, a copy of which is
attached as an exhibit to our
Form 8-K dated and
filed with the Commission on August 11, 2003. The agreement
generally provides, subject to certain termination provisions,
for the continued employment of Mr. Gandossi as Chief
Financial Officer, Executive Vice-President and Secretary for a
period of 36 months, with an automatic
12-month renewal if the
Company does not provide written notice of its intention not to
renew the agreement at least 12 months before the original
term expires. Thereafter the agreement provides for successive
12 month renewals unless the Company provides written
notice of its intention not to renew 360 days in advance of
the expiry of the then term thereof. The agreement provides for
an annual base salary of CDN$320,000 and a one-time signing
bonus of CDN$75,000, the use of a vehicle and participation in
our bonus program. The agreement contains change of control
provisions pursuant to which, if in connection with or within
eighteen months of a change of control, Mr. Gandossi
voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason or is
involuntarily discharged, he shall be entitled to a severance
payment of three times the sum of his current annual base salary
plus the highest of (x) his then-current annual bonus,
(y) his highest variable pay and annual incentive bonus for
the last three years and (z) 50% of his current annual base
salary. In addition, all unvested rights in any stock option or
other benefit plans will vest in full. Mr. Gandossi may
terminate his employment with us at any time for good reason
within 180 days after the occurrence of the good reason
event. If Mr. Gandossi is terminated without cause or
resigns for good reason other than in connection with the change
in control, he shall be entitled to a severance payment equal to
the sum of his base salary for the remaining term of the
agreement plus the annual bonuses payable for the years (or
portions thereof) remaining in the term of the agreement,
calculated as set forth in the agreement.
Ulf Johannson is a party to an employment agreement dated
effective July 1, 2003 with us. The following is a
summary of certain terms of the agreement which does not purport
to be complete. The agreement provides for a base salary of
280,000 annually, an annual bonus of up to 25% of his
base salary, depending upon certain performance targets, and
certain perquisites including the use of a vehicle. We have also
agreed to make certain payments to Mr. Johannson relating
to his retirement which are contributed to the pension
arrangement in place for Mr. Johannson prior to his
appointment at Stendal until he retires at age 62. In
addition, Mr. Johannson is entitled to certain medical
coverage as well as certain directors and officers
liability coverage under the agreement. The agreement may not be
terminated prior to December 31, 2005 and thereafter
requires six months written notice of termination, unless
there is a change in control of the Company, in which case
12 months written notice of termination is required,
other than for cause. The agreement automatically terminates at
the end of the month in which Mr. Johannson turns
62 years old.
Leonhard Nossol is a party to an employment agreement dated
August 18, 2005. The following is a summary of certain
terms of the agreement which does not purport to be complete.
The agreement provides for an annual gross salary of
200,000, an annual bonus based on two months salary
which depends upon the economic performance of the Company and
certain perquisites including the use of a vehicle. In addition,
Mr. Nossol is entitled to certain medical coverage. We have
also agreed that Mr. Nossol shall participate in any
defined contribution program which is established for members of
management.
18
Retirement Program for Selected Head Office Employees
In February, 2006, the Compensation Committee approved and we
adopted a retirement program for certain of the Companys
head office employees. The programs principle points are
as follows:
Executive Employees a contribution to an RRSP
account with a financial institution in the name of the employee
in an amount of 10% of a combined total of 100% of gross salary
and 50% of cash bonus payments up to the annual maximum RRSP
limit (CDN$18,000 in 2006). For amounts in excess of the annual
maximum RRSP limit, an unfunded notional account would be
created on behalf of the executive at the same level of 10%. A
notional growth rate would be applied to the funds based on a
rate linked to the rate on the long term Government of Canada
bonds, plus two percent. While the value of the notional account
would grow on a tax-free basis while retained in the Company,
the employee would be subject to full taxation of the balance at
the time the funds are withdrawn (upon retirement or termination
of employment).
Non-Executive Employees a contribution to an
RRSP account with a financial institution in the name of the
employee in an amount of 6% of a combined total of 100% of gross
salary and 50% of cash bonus payments up to the annual maximum
RRSP limit.
The only Named Executive Officer participating in the retirement
program is David Gandossi who, in 2005, was paid $29,713 under
the terms of the retirement program.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is composed entirely of non-employee
directors who are independent under applicable laws and
regulations and the listing requirements of the NASDAQ. It is
the Compensation Committees responsibility to review and
approve the strategy and design of the Companys
compensation, equity based and benefits programs for the
Companys executive officers. The Compensation Committee
also has the responsibility to approve all the compensation
actions for executive officers. The compensation of our
executive officers is evaluated on at least an annual basis by
the Compensation Committee in consultation with management.
Compensation Philosophy
Our compensation philosophy for executive officers is
principally performance-based. As our operations are in Europe
and North America, we also consider local market demands,
availability of qualified management and the local cost of
living. Our principal compensation objectives are to:
(i) secure and retain the services of qualified executive
officers, and (ii) create an environment in which such
officers are motivated to achieve and maintain superior
performance levels.
To achieve the Companys objectives, the Compensation
Committee uses the following principles in the design and
administration of our compensation programs:
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Competitiveness. Executives total compensation
levels should be competitive and at market median with other
comparable companies operating within the forest products
industry and other companies with which the Company competes for
executive talent. A greater percentage of compensation for
senior management should be tied to our performance to allow us
to attract and retain employees with the skills essential for
our long-term success; |
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Alignment to Shareholder Interests. Rewards should be
linked to the creation of long-term shareholder value through
the use of restricted shares and stock options. |
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Flexible Short-Term and Long-Term Incentives. Incentive
plans should balance both fixed and variable and short and
long-term compensation programs to support a performance-based
culture; |
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Pay for Performance. Above-median compensation should be
provided for superior performance; and |
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Employee Understanding. Overall compensation simplicity
should be maintained to ensure broad employee understanding and
acceptance. |
Annual bonuses and long-term incentives, either in the form of
stock options awarded under our 1992 Amended Option Plan or in
the form of restricted shares, options and/or stock appreciation
rights under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (together with our
1992 Amended Option Plan, the Incentive Plans), are
considered where and as appropriate.
The Compensation Committee has previously engaged and expects in
the future to engage an outside compensation consultant to
assist it in assessing the Companys executive compensation
programs, determining an appropriate peer group for comparison
and assessing the structure of the Companys executive
compensation programs and the level of compensation paid to the
Companys executives.
Components of Executive Compensation
Base Salaries. Base salaries for executive officers are
based primarily upon job responsibilities, experience and
performance, which involves an assessment of an executive
officers skills, judgment, application of knowledge and
support of corporate values and priorities. In addition, the
impact an executive officer is expected to make to our business
in the future is considered. The median peer group that the
Compensation Committee uses for comparison purposes is comprised
principally of public mid-cap North American forest
products companies.
Bonuses. Bonuses are awarded to executive officers based
on the expectations of the directors and management for our
financial and operating performance in a particular period and
the contribution of an executive officer in achieving the
Companys goals. The Compensation Committee also considers
the contribution of the executive officer to our business and
operations generally.
Incentive Grants. Executive officers may be granted
long-term incentives in the form of stock options, restricted
shares and/or stock appreciation rights under the Incentive
Plans. Awards under our Incentive Plans are generally granted
based upon the long-term financial and operating expectations of
our directors and management and the contribution an executive
officer is expected to make in the future in achieving those
targets. Awards under our Incentive Plans generally produce
value to executive officers if the price of our Shares
appreciate, thereby directly linking the interests of executive
officers with those of Shareholders through increased Share
ownership.
Performance Measures
In implementing our current compensation philosophy, the
Compensation Committee considers: (i) our financial and
operating targets for a period and the contributions of
executive officers in achieving these targets, (ii) the
contributions of executive officers to our business and
operations generally, (iii) the contributions of executive
officers to the successful completion of major transactions such
as material acquisitions or financings, (iv) total
shareholder return, and (v) the Companys stock
performance relative to its peers.
CEO Compensation
In April 2006, the Compensation Committee awarded incentive
payments and long-term incentives based on performance in 2005
to the chief executive officer (the CEO) of:
(i) an increase in annual salary of 3% to
335,000;
(ii) a bonus of
150,000; and (iii) a restricted share grant of
40,000 shares of common stock, which was granted in August
2005. The increase in the CEOs salary was principally tied
to a cost of living adjustment.
The Committee determined to provide the foregoing bonus and
restricted share grant to the Chief Executive Officer for his
role in leading and participating in: (i) the completion of
the acquisition of the Celgar pulp mill and its subsequent
integration with the Companys overall operations,
including the development of a $25 million capital
improvement plan for the Celgar pulp mill to increase volume,
improve quality and reduce costs; (ii) the completion of
the significant equity and debt financings in conjunction with
and to partially finance the Celgar mill acquisition;
(iii) the establishment of a world-wide sales and
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marketing organization to coordinate the Companys global
pulp sales; (iv) improvements in the overall effectiveness
of the integration of the Companys European and Canadian
management structures and improvements in forecasting and
planning for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002; (v) the continued ramp up of the Stendal pulp
mill substantially on plan, including as to production volumes
and costs; (vi) effectively establishing and operating the
Companys carbon emissions program for its German pulp
mills; (vii) establishing a high level of credibility with
the financial community; and (viii) establishing measurable
financial, operating and marketing targets for 2006.
The above performance results were evaluated based on the
overall judgment of the Committee with no fixed or specific
weighting applied to each element of performance.
Other Executive Compensation
The Committee also reviewed and determined the short-term and
long-term compensation awards for the Companys other
executive officers. Bonuses and incentive awards for such
executives were based upon their personal performance and roles,
responsibilities and efforts relating to the performance results
in respect of the CEO above. Again, the above performance
results were evaluated based on the overall judgment of the
Committee with no fixed or specific weighting applied to each
element of performance.
Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(n) of the Internal Revenue Code limits
to $1 million per person the amount the Company may deduct
for compensation paid to any of its most highly compensated
executives in any year. The levels of salary and bonus generally
paid by the Company do not exceed this limit. Upon the exercise
of non-qualified stock options, the excess of the current market
price over the option price (the spread) is treated
as compensation and therefore it may be possible for option
exercises by an executive in any year to cause the
executives total compensation to exceed $1 million.
Under IRS regulations, the spread compensation from options that
meets certain requirements will not be subject to the
$1 million cap on deductibility and it is the
Companys current policy generally to grant options that
meet these requirements. To this end, both of the Companys
Incentive Plans have been approved by shareholders. However, in
the future, the Committee may elect to exceed the tax deductible
limits if it determines it is necessary to meet competitive
market pressures and to ensure that it is able to attract and
retain top talent to successfully lead the Company.
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Submitted by the members of the Compensation Committee of the
Board. |
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Eric Lauritzen, Chairman |
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Kenneth A. Shields |
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Guy W. Adams |
The Report of the Compensation Committee does not constitute
soliciting material and shall not be deemed to be filed or
incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent
that the Company specifically incorporates the report by
reference therein.
21
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder
return (share price appreciation plus dividends) with respect to
our Shares with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Market
Index and an additional group of peer companies which comprise
Standard Industrial Classification Code 262 Paper
Mills, over the five years ending December 31, 2005. The
companies which comprise SIC Code 262 are Abitibi-Consolidated
Inc., American Israeli Paper, Bowater Inc., Bunzl PLC ADS,
Chesapeake Corporation, Domtar Inc., Glatfelter, Kimberly Clark
Corporation, Meadwestvaco Corp., Mercer International Inc.,
Neenah Paper Inc., Orchids Paper Products, Pope &
Talbot Inc., Potlatch Corporation, Sappi Ltd. ADS, Schweitzer
Mauduit International, Stora Enso OYJ, UPM Kymmene Corp. ADS,
Votorantim Cellulose PAPL, Wausau Paper Corporation, and
Weyerhaeuser Company.
COMPARE 5-YEAR
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.,
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND SIC CODE INDEX
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON JANUARY 1, 2001
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
of Company Industry Index and Broad Market
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Company |
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2000 |
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2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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Mercer International Inc.
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100.00 |
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93.98 |
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69.16 |
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80.00 |
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134.16 |
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99.02 |
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SIC Code Index
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100.00 |
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97.53 |
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87.48 |
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111.51 |
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126.33 |
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115.81 |
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Nasdaq Market Index
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100.00 |
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79.71 |
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55.60 |
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83.60 |
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90.63 |
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92.62 |
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22
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our
officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of our
Shares file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Commission and furnish us with copies of all such reports
that they file. Based solely upon a review of the copies of
these reports received by us, and upon written representations
by our directors and officers regarding their compliance with
the applicable reporting requirements under Section 16(a)
of the Exchange Act, we believe that all of our directors and
officers, other than Mr. Ridder and Mr. Nossol, filed
all required reports under Section 16(a) in a timely manner
for the year ended December 31, 2005. Mr. Ridder and
Mr. Nossol were late in filing a Form 3 upon their
respective appointments in their current positions with the
Company.
PROPOSAL 2
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS
Ratification of Independent Auditors
The Board requests that Shareholders ratify the selection of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent auditors as a
matter of good corporate practice.
We appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent
auditors in place of Peterson Sullivan PLLC effective
July 14, 2003 and received Shareholder ratification of such
appointment at our annual meeting held in August 2003 and our
annual meetings held in June 2004 and 2005. The appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP was approved by the audit
committee of our Board and the Board.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are not
expected to be present at the Meeting.
The selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP must be ratified
by a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, in person or by
Proxy, in favour of such ratification. OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A
VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF DELOITTE &
TOUCHE LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
In the event Deloitte & Touche LLP are not ratified as
our auditors at the Meeting, the audit committee will consider
whether to retain Deloitte & Touche LLP or select
another firm. The audit committee may select another firm as our
auditors without the approval of Shareholders, even if
Shareholders ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche
LLP at the Meeting.
Accountants Fees
We paid the following fees to our accountants during the last
two fiscal years for the services described below:
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Year Ended December 31, | |
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2005 | |
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Deloitte & | |
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Touche LLP | |
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Touche LLP | |
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Audit Fees(1)
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1,562,930 |
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1,258,785 |
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Audit-Related Fees(2)
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80,727 |
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340,452 |
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Tax Fees(3)
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5,517 |
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15,367 |
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$ |
1,649,174 |
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1,614,604 |
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(1) |
Represents fees for services rendered for the audit of our
annual financial statements and review of our quarterly
financial statements. |
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(2) |
Represents fees for services rendered for assurance and related
services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or
review of our financial statements but not reported under
Audit Fees, including fees relating to an internal
control study conducted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. |
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(3) |
Represents fees for services rendered for tax compliance, tax
advice and tax planning. |
Consistent with the Commissions requirements regarding
auditor independence, the audit committee of our Board has
adopted a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible
non-audit services provided by our independent auditor and the
fees for such non-audit services. Under the policy, the
committee must pre-approve services prior to the commencement of
the specified service. All services provided by
Deloitte & Touche LLP subsequent to July 14, 2003
have been pre-approved by the audit committee.
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any proposal which a Shareholder wishes to include in the Proxy
Statement and proxy relating to the annual meeting of
Shareholders of the Company to be held in 2007 must be received
by the Company on or before December 28, 2006. Upon receipt
of such a proposal, the Company will determine whether or not to
include the proposal in such Proxy Statement and proxy in
accordance with applicable law. A Shareholder that wishes to
present a proposal at the annual Shareholders meeting to
be held in 2007 must submit such proposal to the Company on or
before April 7, 2007 or management will have discretionary
authority to vote proxies received for such meeting with respect
to any such proposal. Shareholder proposals should be sent to
the Secretary, Mercer International Inc.,
c/o Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4N8, Canada.
OTHER MATTERS
The directors know of no matters other than those set out in
this Proxy Statement to be brought before the Meeting. If other
matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of
the proxy holders to vote the Proxies received for the Meeting
in accordance with their judgment.
Our annual report for 2005 (which includes a copy of our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005) will be mailed to
Shareholders with this Proxy Statement. Shareholder Information,
c/o Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 4N8, Canada (tel:
(604) 684-1099). This Proxy Statement and our Annual
Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005 are also available on the
Commissions website at www.sec.gov.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
Date: April 27, 2006
24
PROXY
MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Suite 2840, 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada, V6B 4N8
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
DIRECTORS OF MERCER INTERNATIONAL INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints Jimmy S.H. Lee, or failing him
David M. Gandossi, as proxy, with the power of substitution, to
represent and to vote as designated below all the common shares
of Mercer International Inc. held of record by the undersigned
on April 26, 2006 at the Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on June 12, 2006, or any
adjournment, postponement or rescheduling thereof.
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FOR the nominees listed
below (except as marked to
the contrary below) |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
to vote for the nominees listed
below |
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(Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for a nominee,
strike a line through the nominees name in the list
below.) |
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Jimmy S.H. Lee |
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Guy W. Adams |
Kenneth A. Shields
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Eric Lauritzen |
William D. McCartney
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Graeme A. Witts |
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2. |
Ratification of the Selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
Independent Auditors |
For o Against o Abstain o
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3. |
In his discretion, the proxyholder is authorized to vote upon
such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. |
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no
direction is made, this proxy will be voted for each of the
matters to be voted upon at the Meeting.
Please sign exactly as name appears on your share
certificate(s). When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or
other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.
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DATED: ,
2006
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Signature |
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Print Name |
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Signature, if jointly held |
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Print Name |
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Number of shares held |
Please mark, sign, date and return this Proxy promptly using
the enclosed envelope.