DEF 14A: Definitive proxy statements
Published on March 18, 1999
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY, CWS UTILITY SERVICES
1720 NORTH FIRST STREET - SAN JOSE, CA 95112-4598 - (408) 367-8200
CALIFORNIA WATER LOGO
March 18, 1999
DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDER:
You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 10:00
A.M. on Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at the executive offices of California Water
Service Group, 1720 North First Street, San Jose, California. At the Annual
Meeting, we will review our 1998 performance and answer your questions.
With this letter, we are including the notice for the Annual Meeting, the proxy
statement, the proxy card and the 1998 annual report. This year we have made
arrangements for you to vote over the Internet or by telephone, as well as by
the traditional proxy card. See the proxy card for instructions on these new
methods of voting.
This year we've again taken the opportunity to write the proxy statement in
jargon-free "plain English." We hope you find its simplified format helpful and
we welcome your comments.
When you thumb through this proxy statement, you may want to keep a couple of
things in mind. First, you will be deciding who will serve as the Group's
directors until the next Annual Meeting. The directors also will serve on the
boards of the Group's two subsidiaries, California Water Service Company and CWS
Utility Services.
Second, you will be deciding on a proposal to change our state of incorporation
from California to Delaware. The questions and answers on the following pages
provide information on the proposal and what it means to you as a shareholder.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT BELIEVE THAT REINCORPORATING AS A DELAWARE
CORPORATION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE GROUP AND YOU, ITS SHAREHOLDERS. THEY
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL AND URGE EACH OF YOU TO VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL.
Whether or not you plan on attending the annual meeting on April 21, I hope you
will vote as soon as possible. Your vote is important.
Thank you for your ongoing support of and continued interest in California Water
Service Group.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Foy
Chairman of the Board
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
NOTICE OF 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 21, 1999
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of California Water Service Group (the
"Group"), a California corporation, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday,
April 21, 1999, at the Group's executive offices at 1720 North First Street, San
Jose, California, for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine directors to serve until the 2000 Annual Meeting;
2. To vote on a proposal to reincorporate Group in Delaware;
3. To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP, as independent auditors; and
4. To transact any other business properly coming before the Annual Meeting.
Shareholders owning Group shares at the close of business on Wednesday, February
24, 1999 are entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.
PLEASE SUBMIT A PROXY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT YOUR SHARES CAN BE VOTED AT
THE MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY (1)
OVER THE INTERNET, (2) BY TELEPHONE, OR (3) BY MAIL. FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS,
PLEASE REFER TO THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON PAGE 6 OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND
THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD.
BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul G. Ekstrom
Corporate Secretary
San Jose, California
March 18, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
For directions to the Annual Meeting,
please refer to the map on the inside back cover.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
- - Election of nine directors to serve until the 2000 Annual Meeting;
- - To change the state of incorporation of California Water Service Group
("Group") from California to Delaware; and
- - Ratification of the Board's selection of KPMG LLP, as the Group's
independent auditors for 1999
Those elected to serve as the Group's directors also will serve as the directors
of California Water Service Company and CWS Utility Services, the Group's two
operating subsidiaries.
WHO MAY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
All Group shareholders may attend.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 24, 1999 (the
"Record Date"), or those with a valid proxy from a brokerage firm or another
similar organization which held the shares on the Record Date.
HOW MANY VOTES DO I GET?
Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. Each share of Preferred
Stock is entitled to 16 votes. As described below, if there is cumulative voting
for the election of directors, you will be entitled to cast a proportionately
greater number of votes.
HOW ARE THE DIRECTORS ELECTED?
The nine nominees receiving the highest number of votes are elected to the
Board. Common and preferred shares vote together on directors.
WHO ARE THE BOARD NOMINEES?
The nominees are Robert W. Foy, Edward D. Harris, Jr., M.D., Robert K. Jaedicke,
Richard P. Magnuson, Linda R. Meier, Peter C. Nelson, C. H. Stump, George A.
Vera and J. W. Weinhardt. All the nominees are current Board members. See page 9
for biographical information, including the nominees' current directorships in
other publicly held companies.
HOW CAN VOTES BE CUMULATED?
Shareholders or persons holding a valid proxy may cumulate their votes for the
election of directors in certain circumstances. When cumulative voting applies,
shareholders may give one candidate nine votes for each Common Share owned (that
is, instead of casting one vote for each of the nine candidates, they may cast
all nine votes for a single candidate) or they may distribute their votes on the
same principle among as many candidates as they desire. Because
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each Group Preferred Share is entitled to 16 votes, Group Preferred shareholders
may cumulate 144 votes (16 x 9) for each share owned.
However, shareholders or persons holding valid proxies may not cumulate votes
unless their candidates are nominated prior to the voting. In addition, at least
one shareholder must give notice of his or her intention to cumulate the votes
prior to the voting at the Annual Meeting. If any shareholder gives notice, all
shareholders may cumulate their votes for the candidates. The Board is
soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes if cumulative voting rights
are invoked.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROPOSAL TO REINCORPORATE IN DELAWARE?
We have provided a separate set of Questions and Answers and additional
information about reincorporation in Delaware, beginning at Page 20 below under
the heading "Proposal 2 -- Reincorporation in Delaware."
HOW DO I VOTE?
YOU MAY VOTE BY MAIL.
You do this by signing the proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed, prepaid
and addressed envelope. If you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card,
your shares will be voted as you instruct.
If you return a signed card but do not provide voting instructions, your shares
will be voted:
- - for the nine named director nominees
- - for the proposal to reincorporate to Delaware
YOU MAY VOTE BY TELEPHONE.
You do this by following the "Vote by Telephone" instructions on the proxy card.
If you vote by telephone, you do not have to mail in your proxy card. Some
stockholders may not be able to vote by telephone.
YOU MAY VOTE ON THE INTERNET.
You do this by following the "Vote by Internet" instructions on the proxy card.
If you vote on the Internet, you do not have to mail in your proxy card. Some
stockholders may not be able to vote on the Internet.
YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING.
We will pass out written ballots to anyone who wants to vote at the meeting. If
you hold your shares in street name, you must request a legal proxy from your
stockbroker in order to vote at the meeting.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I RETURN MY PROXY?
You may revoke your proxy any time before the polls close at the meeting. You
may do this by:
- - signing another proxy with a later date,
- - voting by telephone or on the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet
proxy is counted), or
- - voting again at the meeting.
WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED IF I DO NOT RETURN MY PROXY?
If you (or the person holding your proxy) attend the Annual Meeting and abstain
from voting on any proposal, this abstention will have the same effect as a vote
against the proposal.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SHARES ARE HELD UNDER THE NAME OF A BROKERAGE FIRM?
If your shares are held in street name, your brokerage firm, under certain
circumstances, may vote your shares.
Brokerage firms have authority under New York Stock Exchange rules to vote
customer's unvoted shares on certain "routine" matters, including election of
directors but not the reincorporation.
If you do not vote your proxy, your brokerage firm may either:
- - vote your shares on routine matters, or
- - leave your shares unvoted.
We encourage you to provide instructions to your brokerage firm by voting your
proxy. This ensures that your shares will be voted at the meeting.
You may have granted to your stockbroker discretionary voting authority over
your account.
Your stockbroker may be able to vote your shares depending on the terms of the
agreement you have with your stockbroker.
WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?
Representatives of Boston EquiServe, our transfer agent, will serve as the
inspector of elections and count the votes.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
It means that you have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with
stockbrokers. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all your
shares are voted.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
At the Record Date, there were approximately 11,000 shareholders of record.
There were 12,619,140 shares of our Common Stock outstanding and entitled to
vote at the Annual
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Meeting and 139,000 shares of our Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting.
A majority of the outstanding shares -- present at the Annual Meeting or
represented by persons holding valid shareholder proxies -- constitutes a quorum
for the Annual Meeting. If you submit a valid proxy card, you will be considered
part of the quorum.
Without a quorum, no business may be transacted at the Annual Meeting. However,
whether or not a quorum exists, a majority of the voting power of those present
at the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another date, time and
place.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STOCK DO THE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OWN?
Together, they own less than one percent of our Common and Preferred Stock as of
the Record Date. However, Director Weinhardt is chairman of the board and chief
executive officer of SJW Corp., which owns 8.7% of our Common Stock. See pages
13 and 20 for more details.
WHO ARE THE LARGEST PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS?
On January 1, 1999, the largest principal shareholders were:
- - SJW Corp. (1,099,952 shares of Common Stock, representing 8.7% of our Common
Stock);
- - Employees Savings Plan of California Water Service Company, a
company-sponsored 401(k) plan (637,131 shares of Common Stock, representing
5% of our Common Stock); and
- - First Colony Life Insurance (36,610 shares of Series C Preferred Stock,
representing 26.3% of our Preferred Stock).
See page 20 for more details.
WHEN ARE THE 1999 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE?
We will consider proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in the proxy
statement for the 2000 annual meeting if certain conditions are satisfied. Under
our bylaws, the deadline for submitting proposals to be considered at the annual
shareholder meeting is 150 days before the anniversary of the previous year's
meeting. Next year's deadline is November 23, 1999. To be included in the
company proxy statement, a proposal and any supporting statement must be
submitted by the deadline and may not exceed 500 words. Please submit any
proposal, in writing, to Paul G. Ekstrom, Corporate Secretary, California Water
Service Group, 1720 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112-4598.
If we do not include a shareholder proposal in our proxy statement next year
because it is not submitted by November 23, 1999 but the proposal is
nevertheless on the agenda for the meeting, we may exercise the discretionary
voting authority conferred on us by the proxies we solicit from shareholders to
vote for or against the proposal.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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HOW CAN A SHAREHOLDER PROPOSE A NOMINEE FOR THE BOARD?
Each year, our Board of Directors nominates candidates for election to the
Board. Shareholders may also nominate one or more candidates for director. Under
the bylaws, the deadline for nominations from shareholders is 150 days before
the anniversary date of the previous year's meeting. For the annual meeting in
2000, the deadline is November 23, 1999. A nomination must include the nominee's
name, age, employment and business affiliations for the past five years,
directorships in other public companies, share ownership and information about
bankruptcies and criminal convictions, as well as the nominee's consent.
Nominations are to be submitted to the Corporate Secretary at the above address.
The requirements are set out in full in the bylaws. If a nomination does not
meet those requirements, the inspector of elections can disregard the
nomination. The Board of Directors may consider nominations or recommendations
not complying with these requirements but is under no obligation to do so.
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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item 1 on Proxy Card)
The nine directors of the Group are elected annually. All 1999 nominees are
current directors. The Board recommends a vote FOR these directors. The term of
office for directors elected at the 1999 Annual Meeting will expire upon the
election of the new directors at the 2000 Annual Meeting. (See page 10 and 11
for biographical information on the Board nominees and page 13 for the number of
shares of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock beneficially owned by the
nominees.)
2. REINCORPORATION AS A DELAWARE CORPORATION
(Item 2 on Proxy Card)
Shareholders will vote on a proposal to reincorporate Group as a Delaware
corporation. The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. For questions and
answers and other information on this proposal, see pages 19 - 32, "Proposal
2 -- Reincorporation in Delaware."
3. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(Item 3 on Proxy Card)
Shareholders will vote on the ratification of KPMG LLP, certified public
accountants, to audit our books, records and accounts for the year ending
December 31, 1999. KPMG has acted as independent auditors for California Water
Service Company and Group since 1939. Following the recommendation of the Audit
Committee, the Board recommends a vote FOR the adoption of this proposal.
Representatives of KPMG LLP, will be present at the meeting to answer questions.
If the shareholders do not ratify this appointment, the Board will reconsider
the selection of the auditors.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS(1)
ROBERT W. FOY(2) Director since 1977
Mr. Foy, age 62, is chairman of the board of California Water Service Group and
its two subsidiaries. He was formerly president and chief executive officer of
Pacific Storage Company, a diversified transportation and warehousing Group
serving Stockton, Modesto, Sacramento, San Jose, Vallejo and Marysville. He has
served as chairman of California Water Service Group since January 1, 1996.
EDWARD D. HARRIS, JR., M.D.(2),(3) Director since 1993
Dr. Harris, age 61, is the George DeForest Barnett professor of medicine at
Stanford University Medical Center, where he is the director of the Center for
Musculoskeletal Diseases and the medical director of the International Medicine
Service. He is a director of the Genentech Research and Educational Foundation.
He also is the executive secretary of the Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Honor
Medical Society.
ROBERT K. JAEDICKE(3),(4) Director since 1974
Professor Jaedicke, age 70, is professor emeritus of accounting and former dean
at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Professor Jaedicke also
is a director of Boise Cascade Corporation, Enron Corp., GenCorp., Inc., and
State Farm Insurance Companies.
RICHARD P. MAGNUSON(4) Director since 1996
Mr. Magnuson, age 43, is a private venture capitalist. From 1984 to 1996, he was
a general partner of Menlo Ventures, a venture capital firm. He also is a
director of OrCAD, Inc., Rogue Wave Software, Inc. and several other privately
held companies.
LINDA R. MEIER(3),(4) Director since 1994
Ms. Meier, age 58, is a director of Comerica Bank-California, the Peninsula
Community Foundation and the National Advisory Board of the Haas Public Service
Center. She also is a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Academy
of Sciences and the former chair of the Stanford University Hospital Board of
Directors (1992-1997) and former trustee of Stanford University (1984-1994).
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PETER C. NELSON(2) Director since 1996
Mr. Nelson, age 51, is president and chief executive officer of California Water
Service Group and its two subsidiaries. Before joining California Water Service
Group in 1996, he was vice president, division operations (1994-1995) and region
vice president (1989-1994) of Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
C. H. STUMP(2),(4) Director since 1976
Mr. Stump, age 73, was California Water Service Company's chairman of the board
(1991-1996), president (1981-1991) and chief executive officer (1986-1992).
GEORGE A. VERA(3) Director since 1998
Mr. Vera, age 55, is director of finance and administration of the David and
Lucile Packard Foundation. Until 1997, he was an audit partner for Arthur
Andersen, LLP.
J. W. WEINHARDT(2),(3) Director since 1994
Mr. Weinhardt, age 67, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of
SJW Corp. and chairman of the board of its subsidiary San Jose Water Company, an
investor-owned water utility. He also is a director of SJW Land Company.
(1) No nominee has any family relationship with any other nominee or with any
executive officer of the Group. "Director since" date refers to the year the
nominee first was elected or appointed to the Board of California Water
Service Group or California Water Service Company, as appropriate.
(2) Member of Executive Committee
(3) Member of Audit Committee
(4) Member of Compensation Committee
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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BOARD COMMITTEES
This section briefly describes the functions of our committees of the Board.
AUDIT: Reviews the Group's auditing, accounting, financial reporting and
internal audit functions. Also recommends the selection of independent auditors
to the Board. All members are non-employee directors.
COMPENSATION: Reviews our executive compensation and employee benefit plans and
programs, including their establishment, modification and administration. All
members are non-employee directors.
EXECUTIVE: Has limited powers to act on behalf of the Board whenever it is not
in session. This Committee meets only as needed.
During 1998, there were 12 regular meetings and one special meeting of the
Board, one meeting of the Compensation Committee, two meetings of the Audit
Committee and no meetings of the Executive Committee. Each of the
director-nominees who served on the Board of California Water Service Group in
1998 attended at least 91% of all Board and applicable committee meetings.
Collectively, they attended an average of 92% of all of the Board and applicable
committee meetings.
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COMPENSATION OF NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
COMPENSATION. In 1998, Directors Harris, Jaedicke, Magnuson, Meier, Stump, Vera
and Weinhardt received an annual retainer of $15,000. Effective January 1, 1999,
directors are paid an annual retainer of $16,000. Director Stump is paid an
annual consulting fee of $30,000 in addition to his annual retainer. Directors
are paid $850 for each Board or committee meeting attended. The committee chairs
are paid $1,700 for each committee meeting attended.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN. Effective January 1, 1998, the Group established a
Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, an unfunded deferred compensation program
for non-employee directors. After we formed Group as a holding company, this
plan succeeded the California Water Service Company Directors Deferred
Compensation Plan, which originally became effective in 1988. As under the
predecessor plan, participants may defer up to 100% of their annual retainer
fees, with a minimum annual contribution of $5,000. Amounts deferred are fully
vested, recorded by Group as general liabilities and adjusted as if invested in
an investment selected by the participant. We distribute funds from this plan at
the earlier of (1) the time selected by the participant, or (2) when the
participant ceases to be a director (unless the participant becomes an employee,
in which case we make a distribution when employment terminates). Distributions
also are available upon a showing of hardship. Amounts remaining undistributed
at death are distributed to a designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. We are
under no obligation to make any investment or otherwise fund the plan.
Participants are general, unsecured creditors of the Group.
RETIREMENT PLAN. Effective January 1, 1998, we established a directors'
retirement plan to succeed the retirement plan of California Water Service
Company. This plan operates in the same manner as the prior plan. Any director
who retires after serving on the Board for a total of five or more years
(including service on the California Water Service Company Board before January
1, 1998) will receive a benefit equal to the annual retainer paid to our
non-employee directors at the time of the director's retirement. We will pay
this benefit annually for the number of years the director served on the Board,
up to a maximum of 10 years.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS
(Directors' Common and Preferred Stock Ownership as of February 15, 1999.)
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(1) Except for Mr. Stump (see note 2), no nominee or officer owns any shares of
Preferred Stock. Directors Foy, Harris, Jaedicke, Magnuson, Meier, Nelson,
Stump and Vera have sole voting and investment power over their shares (or
share such powers with their spouses).
(2) Series C Preferred Stock.
(3) Does not include 1,099,952 shares (representing 8.7% of the Common Stock)
beneficially owned by SJW Corp., of which Mr. Weinhardt is chairman of the
board and chief executive officer. Mr. Weinhardt disclaims beneficial
ownership of all the shares owned by SJW Corp.
(4) Common Stock includes 22,934 shares held in the California Water Service
Company Savings Plan (the "Employees Savings Plan") for the benefit of
executive officers who are not directors and 4,424 other shares owned
beneficially by executive officers.
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns from an
initial $100 investment in California Water Service Group, the S&P 500 Index and
the Edward Jones Water Utility Average.
Past stock performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table discloses the compensation of
the president and chief executive officer and our four other most highly paid
executive officers of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 1998.
(1) The amounts listed in the column, "Salary," include annual earnings reported
on the employee's W-2 form, including amounts deferred under the Employees
Savings Plan and compensation associated with the non-business use of a
Company automobile except for Mr. Nelson, who does not have a Company
automobile.
(2) Figure includes director fees of $11,050, Employees Savings Plan
contributions on behalf of Mr. Nelson of $5,000 and annual life insurance
premiums of $336. For meetings in 1999, we will pay Director Nelson $850 for
each Board meeting attended. He will attend committee meetings without
additional compensation.
(3) Figure includes an annual consulting fee of $25,000, director fees of
$11,050, Employees Savings Plan contributions on behalf of Mr. Foy of $5,000
and annual life insurance premiums of $336. For meetings in 1999, Mr. Foy
will be paid $850 for each Board meeting attended, but will not be paid for
attending committee meetings.
(4) Figure includes Employees Savings Plan contributions of $5,000 and life
insurance premiums of $336.
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PENSION PLANS. The table(+) that follows shows the estimated annual benefits we
must pay upon retirement to our executive officers under the Company's Pension
and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans.
+ The pension table above shows estimated annual retirement benefits, payable as
a straight life annuity, assuming retirement at age 60, using the normal form
of benefit under the above plans. The benefits listed are not subject to any
deduction for social security or other offset amounts.
* Compensation includes salary plus all other compensation. The number of years
of credited service at January 1, 1999 for officers named in the Compensation
table is as follows: Mr. Nelson, 13, Mr. Foy, 13, Mr. Feeney, 22, Mr. Ferraro,
9, and Mr. Taylor, 16. Effective January 1, 1999, Mr. Foy and Mr. Nelson
received credit for an additional 10 years of service.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. In 1998, we entered into executive severance plan
agreements with all officers. These agreements provide officers with severance
payments of approximately three times their annual salary if we merge with
another company or effect another transaction by which another company acquires
control of us and as a result, within 24 months, these officers lose their
executive positions. This severance amount would be paid in three equal annual
payments, beginning with the month following termination.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
OF CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
WHAT IS THIS REPORT?
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that public companies disclose
all procedures and mechanisms that are used to establish officer compensation.
This report explains the criteria that the Group used to determine the
compensation of its officers in 1998. In this report, "Group" includes its
subsidiaries as well.
WHAT ARE THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES?
The Committee is responsible for establishing and implementing policies and
programs to compensate Group executives. Each November, the Committee reviews
and recommends compensation levels for all executive officers for the 12-month
period beginning January 1. The Committee submits its recommendations to the
entire Board for approval. In 1998, the Board adopted the Committee's
recommendations without modification.
WHAT IS OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY?
The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are:
(1) To attract, retain and motivate talented and experienced executives,
(2) To reward excellent job performance and contributions to future success, and
(3) To provide fair and reasonable compensation.
The Compensation Committee believes that compensating executives on this basis
leads to excellent executive performance, which benefits shareholders and
ratepayers alike. When making its recommendations, the Committee takes into
account that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reviews the
compensation decisions of the Group's officers for reasonableness. Furthermore,
as a regulated utility, the Group's financial performance is to a large extent
dependent upon CPUC ratemaking decisions and other factors beyond management's
control, such as weather. Therefore, the Committee's decisions largely are
determined by factors other than the Group's most recent financial performance.
WHO SERVES ON THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE?
The Compensation Committee consists of directors who are not current employees
of the Group. In 1998, the Committee was composed of Ms. Meier, Mr. Jaedicke,
Mr. Magnuson and Mr. Stump.
HOW IS EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DETERMINED?
When examining the annual compensation of individual executives, the Committee
considers the officer's duties, performance and contribution to the Group's
current and future success. The Committee also considers the officer's
experience, tenure, value to the Group, prior salary adjustments and the
inflation rate.
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In order to set salaries for the Group's officers at competitive and reasonable
levels, the Committee annually reviews the compensation of officers of other
major water companies. The Committee factors into its analysis the Group's
comparatively low number of officers and its limited methods of compensation.
MR. NELSON'S COMPENSATION. In November 1997, the Committee reviewed the
compensation for Peter C. Nelson, president and chief executive officer. The
Committee determined Mr. Nelson's 1998 compensation using the same factors that
it used to set the compensation of the other Group executives.
WHY DID MR. FOY AND MR. NELSON RECEIVE CREDIT FOR AN ADDITIONAL TEN YEARS OF
SERVICE?
Effective January 1, 1999, both Mr. Foy and Mr. Nelson were awarded, for benefit
purposes, credit for an additional ten years of service. Mr. Nelson, at the
start of his employment, was awarded the right to receive credit for an
additional ten years of service, provided he was employed by the Group for a
minimum of ten years. In November 1998, the Committee awarded Mr. Nelson the
additional ten years of service and eliminated the ten-year minimum employment
provision.
DOES THE GROUP HAVE AN EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN?
Yes. Effective December 16, 1998, the Board of Directors adopted an Executive
Severance Plan for the benefit of the officers of Group and its subsidiaries.
The Board adopted the plan to provide security for the officers in the event of
a change in control of Group. See page 17 for more detailed information of the
Plan.
HOW HAVE WE RESPONDED TO IRS LIMITS ON DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION?
The Committee has reviewed the Group's compensation structure in light of
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which limits the amount of
compensation that the Group may deduct in determining its taxable income for any
year to $1,000,000 for any of its five most highly compensated executive
officers. In 1998, no executive officer's compensation exceeded the limitation
set by Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee
Linda R. Meier, Committee Chair
Robert K. Jaedicke
Richard P. Magnuson
C. H. Stump
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 19
LARGEST PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table shows the beneficial owners of more than five percent of any
class of the Group's voting securities on January 1, 1999:
(1) SJW Corp. has sole voting and investment power over these shares. Director
Weinhardt is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of SJW Corp.
Mr. Weinhardt disclaims beneficial ownership of all the shares owned by SJW
Corp.
(2) First Colony Life Insurance Group has sole voting and investment power over
these shares.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of shares of our equity
securities by Messrs. Feeney, Ferraro and Taylor on January 1, 1999. For
information on employee directors and total director beneficial ownership of
Group shares, refer to the table entitled "Beneficial Ownership of Directors" on
page 14.
(1) Messrs. Feeney, Ferraro and Taylor have sole voting and investment power
over their shares (or share such powers with their spouses).
(2) All are Common Stock.
(3) Includes 4,032 shares held in the Employees Savings Plan.
(4) All shares held in the Employees Savings Plan.
20
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PROPOSAL NO. 2 -- REINCORPORATION IN DELAWARE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT REINCORPORATION
WHO IS MAKING THE REINCORPORATION PROPOSAL?
Our Board of Directors has approved reincorporation as a Delaware corporation
and has made this proposal to seek the approval of the shareholders.
WHAT IS A REINCORPORATION?
Reincorporation is a process by which a corporation becomes subject to new
articles of incorporation filed in a different state. Doing so causes a
corporation to become subject to the new state's laws on corporate governance
and related matters and to the provisions of the new articles of incorporation.
HOW IS A REINCORPORATION ACCOMPLISHED?
To accomplish the reincorporation, the Group will incorporate a new subsidiary
under Delaware law. The Group will then merge with the new subsidiary. The
subsidiary, to be named California Water Service Group, Inc., will be the
surviving corporation. For convenience, in this Proxy Statement we sometimes
refer to it as the new Group or "Cal Water-Delaware."
The new Group's proposed certificate of incorporation and bylaws are included as
Exhibits A and B of this Proxy Statement. The proposed Merger Agreement is
included as Exhibit C. Please read them in full rather than relying on any
summary or description of their terms.
WILL REINCORPORATION CHANGE THE GROUP'S BUSINESS?
Cal Water-Delaware will carry on our business as before, with all of the same
directors, officers, employees and properties. We will not be moving any
employees or operations to Delaware.
WHAT APPROVALS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE REINCORPORATION?
Under California law, we may complete the reincorporation only if holders of a
majority of the common stock vote and holders of a majority of the preferred
stock vote in favor. In other words, a majority of each class voting separately
must approve. Your approval of the reincorporation will also constitute your
approval of:
- - the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of Cal Water-Delaware;
- - the Merger Agreement between the Group and Cal Water-Delaware; and
- - Cal Water-Delaware's assumption of the Group's benefit plans, dividend
reinvestment plans and shareholder rights plan.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 21
WILL THE REINCORPORATION HAVE ANY TAX OR ACCOUNTING EFFECT?
No. Cal Water-Delaware will inherit the Group's tax and financial history and
attributes. We believe you will not recognize any gain or loss on your shares
because of the reincorporation.
WILL REINCORPORATION AFFECT MY STOCK IN THE GROUP?
You will receive one share of common stock or preferred stock of Cal
Water-Delaware in exchange for each existing share of common stock or preferred
stock. However, you need not exchange your certificate(s) at any particular
time. We will record the change on our records and will contact you if
exchanging certificates becomes required for any reason. You do not have
appraisal rights, or the right to receive cash instead of stock, if you oppose
the reincorporation.
The symbol for our common stock will remain "CWT." It will continue to be listed
on the New York Stock Exchange. The Series C Preferred Stock will continue to be
thinly traded in the over-the-counter market under the symbol "CWSGP." We expect
no interruption in trading.
We cannot predict whether the stock price for our common stock will increase,
remain the same or decrease if and when the reincorporation is completed. We do
not expect the reincorporation to have any direct effect on the market price of
our stock.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR REINCORPORATING IN DELAWARE?
The Board of Directors considered many factors in deciding to recommend the
reincorporation. Its principal reasons were:
- - Delaware has a modern and flexible corporation law.
- - Delaware's legislature is responsive to business needs and often adopts
amendments to the law to address newly perceived problems promptly.
- - Delaware has courts devoted exclusively to corporate law issues. As a
result, the corporate legal system tends to be more efficient and
predictable than other states.
- - More large corporations are incorporated in Delaware than in any other
state, and Delaware has the most extensive case law on corporate issues.
This body of case law provides corporations, their boards of directors and
advisers greater certainty about the application of law to particular facts
and circumstances (e.g., enforceability of a shareholder rights plan and the
obligations of directors in responding to an acquisition proposal). We would
like to have the benefit of this greater certainty.
- - Delaware law on elimination of director liability and indemnification of
corporate agents provides more assurance for persons acting in these roles
than does the law of other states. As a result, qualified persons may be
more willing to serve in those roles for a Delaware corporation than for a
corporation incorporated in California or another state.
We believe that the factors listed above will improve the Board's ability to
manage the Group for your benefit.
22
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WILL MY RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER CHANGE?
California corporate law and Delaware corporate law on the rights of
shareholders are similar in many respects but have some differences. In
addition, the proposed certificate of incorporation of the new Group varies in
certain respects from the existing articles of incorporation. See the questions
and answers below for a discussion of some of the differences. The changes in
your rights are described in more detail in the sections below entitled
"Comparison of Existing and Proposed Articles and Bylaws" and "Significant
Differences between the Corporation Laws of California and Delaware."
HOW DOES THE PROPOSED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE NEW GROUP DIFFER FROM
THE EXISTING ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION?
The primary difference is that, under the existing articles (and California
law), a majority of the shareholders may take shareholder action (such as
removing directors) by written consent without a shareholder meeting. After the
reincorporation, the stockholders would be able to act only at a stockholder
meeting and not by written consent without a meeting. In other respects, the
existing and proposed articles are substantially similar.
HOW DOES DELAWARE CORPORATE LAW DIFFER FROM CALIFORNIA CORPORATE LAW?
Generally, Delaware law places more authority in the hands of the directors and
provides directors greater protection from liability. Some of the specific
differences are:
- - Both California and Delaware law allow a corporation to eliminate directors'
personal liability for actions they take in their role as directors, but the
ability to do so under Delaware law is broader.
- - Both California and Delaware law allow a corporation to indemnify its
directors, officers and other corporate agents if they are sued or incur
liability in the course of performing their duties for the corporation. To
"indemnify" means to reimburse for personal liability and personal expenses,
or to advance funds for expenses as incurred. Each state also restricts or
prohibits indemnification of these persons in certain circumstances. If a
director or officer displays a "reckless disregard" for duty or an
"unexcused pattern of inattention to duty," California expressly prohibits
indemnification. Delaware does not have an express prohibition in such cases
and might permit indemnification.
- - Delaware has a provision that prohibits a merger or similar transaction with
a person or entity that controls 15% or more of a company's stock unless
certain conditions are met. One of the conditions is that the Board of
Directors and holders of two-thirds of the shares held by other shareholders
approve the transaction. California has no comparable law.
- - California law may prevent a merger between a corporation and a person or
entity that owns a majority of the common stock unless you as a shareholder
receive common stock, and not cash or other securities, in the merger.
- - Both California and Delaware permit shareholders to inspect the
corporation's shareholder list for appropriate purposes under certain
circumstances. Inspection rights under California
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 23
law are broader: a 5% shareholder can inspect the list for any purpose and
not just for an approved purpose.
- - Both California and Delaware require a corporation to meet certain financial
tests before paying cash dividends or making other distributions to
shareholders. The test in Delaware is less stringent than in California.
This does not mean that our dividend policy will change.
For a more complete discussion of this topic, see the section below entitled
"Significant Differences between the Corporation Laws of California and
Delaware."
WILL THE REINCORPORATION DETER TAKEOVER OFFERS FOR THE GROUP?
Some provisions of Delaware law or the proposed certificate of incorporation may
deter another person or entity from making a hostile acquisition proposal for
part or all of the Group, because they make it harder for the acquirer to
acquire control without our cooperation. We believe that these provisions are in
your best interests. However, they may also discourage a third party from
proposing a transaction you would approve if given the opportunity to vote on
it.
24
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FURTHER DISCUSSION OF REINCORPORATION
WHY INCORPORATE IN DELAWARE?
We recommend the reincorporation for several reasons. Generally, we believe that
incorporation in Delaware will improve our ability to manage the Group for the
benefit of shareholders.
PREDICTABILITY OF DELAWARE LAW. Delaware has a modern statutory corporation law
and well-developed case law. It has courts specializing in corporate law. These
courts have developed expertise in dealing with corporate issues. Delaware case
law on corporate issues is the most comprehensive of any state. These factors
all provide the Board of Directors and management with greater certainty in
discharging their duties. The predictability of Delaware corporate law provides
a reliable foundation on which the Group's governance decisions can be based.
For example, Delaware courts have addressed shareholder rights plans ("poison
pills") on many occasions. Delaware court decisions have generally upheld these
plans but have invalidated certain provisions that make it impossible for new
directors appointed by a shareholder to redeem the plan or take other actions
within a board's normal authority. California has little case law on these
plans.
FLEXIBILITY OF DELAWARE LAW. For many years, Delaware has followed a policy of
encouraging corporations to incorporate in that state. It has done so by
adopting and administering comprehensive and flexible corporate laws responsive
to the legal and business needs of corporations. Historically, Delaware's
legislature and courts have acted quickly and effectively to meet changing
business needs. The expertise of Delaware courts in dealing with new corporate
law issues and a changing business climate contributes to the orderly
development of Delaware corporate law.
PROMINENCE OF DELAWARE LAW. Among large companies, such as those listed on the
New York Stock Exchange, Delaware is the most common state of incorporation.
Many large companies have reincorporated in Delaware as the Group proposes to
do. Delaware has the most well-developed corporation law of any state. The
legislatures and courts of other states often look to Delaware law for guidance
on corporate law issues. The Board of Directors believes the Group can best
obtain the benefits of Delaware law by reincorporating in that state and
becoming directly subject to its corporation laws.
INCREASED ABILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED DIRECTORS. The Board of
Directors believes that a Delaware corporation has certain advantages in
attracting qualified candidates to act as directors and officers.
- - Both California and Delaware law permit a corporation to adopt charter
provisions that reduce or limit the monetary liability of directors for
breaches of their fiduciary duty in certain circumstances and provide for
indemnification of directors and officers. The frequency of claims and
litigation directed against directors and officers may discourage qualified
persons from taking on these positions. The Group believes that, in general,
Delaware law provides greater protection to directors and officers than
California law and
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 25
that Delaware case law regarding a corporation's ability to limit director
liability and provide indemnification is more developed and provides more
guidance than California law.
- - With clearer corporation laws, directors and officers should be able to
carry out their duties with more assurance that they are acting properly. A
more developed and clearer corporation law should reduce the risk of
liability and claims. Potential directors and officers can accept roles with
the Group with less concern for their own financial risk.
- - In November 1996, California voters rejected Proposition 211. Proposition
211 would have severely limited the ability of California companies to
indemnify their directors and officers. While Proposition 211 was defeated,
its supporters or others may propose similar initiatives or legislation
containing similar provisions in California in the future. The Board of
Directors believes that such a law, if adopted in California, would not
apply to a corporation incorporated in Delaware. As a result, the Group
believes that the more favorable corporate environment afforded by Delaware
will enable it to compete more effectively with other public companies in
attracting and retaining qualified directors.
To date, no persons invited to become a director or officer of the Group have
declined because it was a California corporation.
ROLE OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS. The reincorporation includes the
elimination of the ability of shareholders to act by written consent without a
shareholder meeting. As a result, shareholders would be able to approve a matter
or take action only at a shareholder meeting. The Board of Directors believes
all shareholders should be given advance notice of and an opportunity to vote on
any matter that requires shareholder approval. Advance notice provides the Board
of Directors an opportunity to consider the proposed action and to communicate
its support or opposition to all shareholders. The Board of Directors believes
it should be given this opportunity on any matter requiring shareholder
approval. See "Comparison of Existing and Proposed Articles and
Bylaws-Shareholder Action By Written Consent Without a Meeting."
NO CHANGE IN THE NAME, BOARD MEMBERS, BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
PLANS OR LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL FACILITIES OF THE GROUP. The reincorporation
will NOT result in any change in the name, business, management, fiscal year,
assets or liabilities or location of the facilities of the Group. We will not
suffer any disruption of our operations as a result of reincorporating in
Delaware.
POSSIBLE EFFECT ON TAKEOVER OFFERS
Like many other states, Delaware permits a corporation to adopt measures
designed to reduce its vulnerability to unsolicited takeover attempts. We are
not proposing the reincorporation to prevent an unsolicited takeover attempt and
are not aware of any present effort by any person to acquire control of the
company, obtain representation on the Board or take any action that would
materially affect the governance of the company.
EXISTING AND PROPOSED DEFENSIVE MEASURES. In the discharge of its fiduciary
obligations to you, the Board of Directors has evaluated our vulnerability to
potential unsolicited bidders. In the course of such evaluation, the Board has
considered or may consider in the future certain
26
- - CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
defensive strategies designed to enhance our ability to negotiate with an
unsolicited bidder. We now have in place the following measures that may serve
defensive purposes:
- - a shareholder rights plan;
- - a bylaw requiring advance written notice of director nominations or other
proposals by shareholders; and
- - the authority to issue preferred stock, the rights and preferences of which
may be determined by the Board of Directors.
In December 1998, we adopted severance arrangements with executive officers as
part of their compensation packages. We believe that severance arrangements do
not discourage a takeover attempt, since they provide benefits to executives as
a result of a change in control.
Following the reincorporation, we will keep these measures described above in
place. The reincorporation proposal includes one additional measure that may
serve defensive purposes: the elimination of the right of shareholders to act by
written consent without a meeting.
In addition to eliminating your right to act by written consent without a
meeting, the reincorporation may have other anti-takeover implications. Section
203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law restricts certain "business
combinations" with certain "interested stockholders" for three years following
the date that a person becomes an interested stockholder, unless the Board of
Directors and two-thirds of the remaining stockholders approve the business
combination. A Delaware corporation may elect not to be governed by this law,
but we do not intend to make such an election. See "Significant Differences
Between the Corporation Laws of California and Delaware -- Stockholder Approval
of Certain Business Combinations." At present we have no 15% shareholders.
OTHER POSSIBLE DEFENSIVE MEASURES. We have considered but have not adopted
other potentially defensive measures, such as:
- - the establishment of a classified or staggered board of directors;
- - the elimination of cumulative voting;
- - the elimination of the right of shareholders to call a special shareholder
meeting; and
- - the elimination of the right to remove a director other than for cause.
REASONS FOR AND AGAINST DEFENSIVE MEASURES. We believe that unsolicited
takeover attempts may be unfair or disadvantageous to us and our shareholders
because, among other reasons:
- - an uninvited acquirer may time its takeover bid to take advantage of
temporarily depressed stock prices;
- - an uninvited acquirer may design its bid to preclude or minimize the
possibility of more favorable competing bids or alternative transactions;
- - an uninvited acquirer may acquire only a controlling interest in the
corporation's stock, without affording all shareholders the opportunity to
receive the same economic benefits; and
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 27
- - a nonnegotiated acquisition of a controlling interest may put us in default
under certain contractual arrangements that prohibit a "change of control"
without the prior written consent of the other contracting party.
Defensive measures encourage a potential bidder to negotiate with the Board of
Directors. Despite our belief in its benefits to shareholders, the
reincorporation may be disadvantageous to you. For example, we might not approve
of a takeover attempt that a majority of shareholders may deem to be in their
best interests or in which shareholders may receive a substantial premium over
the then current market value for their shares. The reincorporation could
discourage such an offer. As a result, you might wish to participate in an
unsolicited tender offer but not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, to
the extent that provisions of Delaware law enable us to resist a takeover or a
change in control, certain features of the reincorporation could make it more
difficult for you to change the existing Board of Directors and management.
COMPARISON OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED ARTICLES AND BYLAWS
PRINCIPAL DIFFERENCE. Cal Water-Delaware's certificate of incorporation and
bylaws are similar to the existing articles of incorporation and bylaws in most
respects. The only material difference is the elimination of the right of
shareholders to act by written consent without a meeting. See "Shareholder
Action By Written Consent Without a Meeting" below.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The existing and proposed capital structures (the number and
kind of equity securities that the company can issue) are substantially the
same.
MONETARY LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS. The existing and proposed articles of
incorporation both provide for the elimination of personal monetary liability of
directors to the fullest extent permissible under the law of the respective
states. The Delaware provision is potentially more expansive, in that it
incorporates future amendments to Delaware law with respect to the elimination
of such liability. See "Significant Differences Between the Corporation Laws of
California and Delaware -- Indemnification and Limitation of Liability of
Directors and Other Agents."
SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING. Generally, when a
corporate action requires the approval of its shareholders, the corporation
holds a shareholder meeting to vote on the action. However, any action required
or permitted to be taken by shareholders may generally be taken without a
meeting, without prior notice and without a shareholder vote if enough
shareholders sign a written consent to the action. California law permits a
corporation to amend its articles (with shareholder approval) to prohibit action
by written consent without a meeting. To date we have not done so. Under
Delaware law, stockholders of a Delaware corporation also have the right to take
action by written consent unless its certificate of incorporation prohibits such
action. The certificate of incorporation of Cal Water-Delaware, however, will
prohibit stockholders from taking action by written consent without a meeting.
Action by written consent may, in some circumstances, permit stockholders to
take action opposed by the Board of Directors more rapidly than would be
possible if a meeting were required. For example, if action by written consent
were permitted, a majority of stockholders
28
- - CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
could remove the entire Board of Directors, elect replacements and redeem our
shareholder rights plan. We nonetheless believe that it is important that we be
able to give advance notice of and consideration to any proposed stockholder
action and that stockholders be able to discuss at a meeting and vote on matters
that may affect their rights.
NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES AND INTRODUCTION OF BUSINESS AT SHAREHOLDER
MEETINGS. The Bylaws of Cal Water-Delaware include an advance notice procedure
for the nomination, other than by the Board or Directors, of candidates for
election as directors (the "Nomination Procedure") and for shareholder proposals
to be brought before a shareholder meeting (the "Business Procedure"). The Group
adopted a similar procedure in 1998.
POSSIBLE FUTURE CHANGES. While we have no present intention to do so, Cal
Water-Delaware could in the future implement certain other changes by amendment
of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws. For a discussion of such changes,
see "Significant Differences Between the Corporation Laws of California and
Delaware."
Rather than rely on this description of the proposed articles of incorporation
and bylaws of Cal Water-Delaware, please read their full texts in Exhibits A and
B.
SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CORPORATION LAWS OF CALIFORNIA AND DELAWARE
The following provides a summary of the major substantive differences between
the corporation laws of California and Delaware.
STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
DELAWARE. Under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a Delaware
corporation may not engage in a business combination (for example, a merger)
with an interested stockholder for three years following the date that such
person or entity becomes an interested stockholder. With certain exceptions, an
interested stockholder is a person or entity who owns, directly or indirectly,
15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock (including options,
warrants and conversion rights). The three-year moratorium does not apply if (i)
the Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the
acquisition of shares in advance of the stockholder's acquisition of shares;
(ii) the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the corporation's
outstanding voting stock outstanding (excluding shares owned by insiders); or
(iii) the Board and holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares not owned by
the interested shareholder approve the business combination. A Delaware
corporation may elect not to be governed by Section 203, but we do not currently
intend to make such an election.
CALIFORNIA. California law requires that in a tender offer, merger or other
reorganization between a corporation and an interested party, the corporation
must obtain an independent affirmative opinion in writing of the fairness of the
consideration to the shareholders of the corporation. An "interested party"
under California law includes a person or party who (i) directly or indirectly
controls the corporation, (ii) is a director or officer of, or is controlled by
an officer or director of, the corporation or (iii) is an entity in which any
director or
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 29
executive officer of the corporation has a material financial interest. This
provision of California law may have the effect of making a coercive two-step
merger more difficult to accomplish.
California law also requires that holders of common stock receive common stock
in a merger of the corporation with the holder of more than 50% but less than
90% of the target's common stock or its affiliate unless all of the target
corporation's shareholders consent to the transaction. This provision of
California law may have the effect of making a "cash-out" merger by a majority
shareholder more difficult to accomplish.
Although Delaware law does not parallel these two California law provisions,
under some circumstances Section 203 may provide similar protection to
shareholders against coercive two-tiered bids for a corporation in which the
stockholders are not treated equally.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS. A classified board is one on which one-third or
one-half of the directors are elected on a rotating basis each year, instead of
an annual election of all directors. Directors on a classified board are divided
into two or three classes with staggered terms of office, with only one class of
directors standing for election each year. California and Delaware law both
permit, but do not require, a corporation whose shares on listed on the NYSE to
adopt a classified board of directors. Neither our existing or proposed articles
or bylaws provides for a classified board.
CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR DIRECTORS. California and Delaware law both permit, but
do not require, a corporation whose shares on listed on the NYSE to eliminate
cumulative voting. Our existing and proposed articles and bylaws allow for
cumulative voting. Elimination of cumulative voting could make it more difficult
for a minority shareholder adverse to a majority of the shareholders to obtain
representation on our Board of Directors.
INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER
AGENTS. California and Delaware have similar laws on indemnification of
officers, directors, employees and other agents. With certain exceptions, the
laws of both states also permit a corporation to adopt charter provisions
eliminating the liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders
for monetary damages for breach of the director's fiduciary duty. The laws of
the two states have certain differences on indemnification and limitation of
liability. These differences are summarized below.
ELIMINATION OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY. The Cal Water-Delaware certificate of
incorporation would eliminate the liability of directors to the fullest extent
permissible under Delaware law, as such law exists currently and as it may be
amended in the future. Under Delaware law, this provision will not eliminate or
limit liability for:
- - breaches of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders;
- - acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or
knowing violations of law;
- - the payment of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions;
- - transactions in which the director received an improper personal benefit; or
- - violations of federal or state securities laws.
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- - CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
The existing articles of incorporation eliminate the liability of directors to
the company to the extent permissible under California law. California law does
not permit the elimination of monetary liability based on:
- - intentional misconduct or knowing and culpable violation of law;
- - acts or omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best
interests of the corporation or its shareholders or that involve the absence
of good faith on the part of the director;
- - receipt of an improper personal benefit;
- - acts or omissions that show reckless disregard for the director's duty to
the corporation or its shareholders, where the director in the ordinary
course of performing a director's duties should be aware of a risk of
serious injury to the corporation or its shareholders;
- - acts or omissions that constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that
amounts to an abdication of the director's duty to the corporation and its
shareholders;
- - transactions between the corporation and a director who has a material
financial interest in the transaction; and
- - liability for improper distributions, loans or guarantees.
The circumstances in which directors may be free of liability for their actions
are arguably broader in Delaware than in California. California expressly
prohibits elimination of liability when the facts show a "reckless disregard for
the director's duty" or "an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an
abdication of the director's duty." Depending on the facts of a particular case,
Delaware law might excuse a director for actions falling in these categories.
INDEMNIFICATION. California law requires indemnification when the individual
has successfully defended the action on the merits. Delaware law requires
indemnification when the individual has been successful in defending on the
merits or otherwise.
Delaware law generally permits indemnification of expenses, including attorneys'
fees, actually and reasonably incurred in the defense or settlement of a
derivative or third-party action, provided there is a determination by a
majority vote of a disinterested quorum of the directors, by independent legal
counsel or by a majority vote of a quorum of the stockholders that the person
seeking indemnification acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed
to be in best interests of the corporation. Without court approval, however, a
company may not provide indemnification in a derivative action in which the
person is found liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or
her duty to the corporation. Under Delaware law and California law, the
corporation may pay in advance the expenses incurred by an officer or director
in defending an action, if the individual undertakes to repay the advances if it
is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
The laws of both states authorize a corporation's purchase of indemnity
insurance for the benefit of its officers, directors, employees and agents
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify against the
liability covered by the policy.
California law permits a California corporation to provide rights to
indemnification beyond those provided therein to the extent the additional
indemnification is authorized in the
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- 31
corporation's articles of incorporation. Examples include indemnification under
agreements or bylaw provisions that make otherwise permissive indemnification
mandatory. Our articles of incorporation permit indemnification beyond that
expressly mandated by California law and limit director monetary liability to
the extent permitted by California law.
Delaware law also permits a Delaware corporation to provide indemnification in
excess of that provided by statute. By contrast to California law, Delaware law
does not require authorizing provisions in the certificate of incorporation and
does not contain express prohibitions on indemnification in certain
circumstances. Limitations on indemnification may be imposed by a court,
however, based on principles of public policy.
INSPECTION OF SHAREHOLDER LIST. Both California and Delaware law allow any
shareholder to inspect the shareholder list for a purpose reasonably related to
your interest as a shareholder. California law provides an absolute right to
inspect and copy to 5% shareholders and to 1% shareholders who have contested
the election of directors. Delaware law also gives any shareholder the right to
inspect the stockholder list within a 10-day period before a stockholders'
meeting for any purpose germane to the meeting. However, Delaware law contains
no provisions comparable to the absolute right of inspection provided by
California law to certain shareholders.
DIVIDENDS AND REPURCHASES OF SHARES. California law dispenses with the concepts
of par value of shares as well as statutory definitions of capital, surplus and
the like. The concepts of par value, capital and surplus exist under Delaware
law.
DELAWARE. Delaware law permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out
of surplus or out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is
declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long as the amount of capital
of the corporation following the dividend is not less than the aggregate amount
of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes
having a preference upon the distribution of assets. In addition, Delaware law
generally provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only
if the capital of the corporation is not impaired and the redemption or
repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.
CALIFORNIA. Under California law, a corporation may not make any distribution
to its shareholders unless either: (i) the corporation's retained earnings
immediately prior to the proposed distribution equal or exceed the amount of the
proposed distribution; or (ii) after the distribution, the corporation's
tangible assets would be at least equal to 1 1/4 times its liabilities (not
including deferred taxes, deferred income and other deferred credits), and the
corporation's current assets would be at least equal to its current liabilities
(or 1 1/4 times its current liabilities if the average pre-tax and pre-interest
expense earnings for the preceding two fiscal years were less than the average
interest expense for such years). These tests apply to California corporations
and their subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
SHAREHOLDER VOTING ON MERGERS. Both California and Delaware law generally
require that a majority of the shareholders of both acquiring and target
corporations approve mergers.
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DELAWARE. Delaware law does not require a stockholder vote of the surviving
corporation in a merger (unless the corporation provides otherwise in its
certificate of incorporation) if: (a) the merger agreement does not amend the
existing certificate of incorporation; (b) each share of stock of the surviving
corporation outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger is
an identical outstanding share after the merger; and (c) the surviving
corporation's pre-merger stockholders will own at least five-sixths of the
shares outstanding (taking into account options and other convertible
securities) after the merger.
CALIFORNIA. California law contains a similar exception to its voting
requirements for reorganizations where shareholders or the corporation itself,
or both, immediately before the reorganization will own immediately after the
reorganization equity securities constituting more than five-sixths of the
voting power of the surviving or acquiring corporation or its parent.
APPRAISAL RIGHTS. Under both California and Delaware law, a shareholder of a
corporation participating in certain corporate transactions for which
shareholder approval is required may be entitled to appraisal rights or
dissenters' rights. These rights entitle a shareholder to cash in the amount of
the fair market value of his or her shares in lieu of the consideration he or
she would otherwise receive in the transaction, subject to compliance with
procedural requirements. Fair market value is determined without regard to the
effect of the merger on market value. Because we are listed on the NYSE, you
will generally not be entitled to appraisal rights under California or Delaware
law. However, California gives you appraisal rights if holders of at least 5% of
the class of outstanding shares claim the right.
DISSOLUTION. Under California law, shareholders holding 50% or more of the
total voting power may authorize a corporation's dissolution, with or without
the approval of the corporation's board of directors. The articles of
incorporation may not modify this right. Under Delaware law, if the board of
directors has not approved the proposal to dissolve, the dissolution must be
unanimously approved by all the stockholders entitled to vote. If the board of
directors initially approves the dissolution, approval by a simple majority of
the outstanding shares of the corporation's stock is sufficient. In the event of
such a board-initiated dissolution, Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation
to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority-voting
requirement for dissolution. Cal Water-Delaware's certificate of incorporation
does not include a supermajority-voting requirement for dissolution.
SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS. A derivative suit is a legal action brought by
one or more shareholders in the name of, and for the benefit of, the
corporation, after the corporation has failed to pursue the claim. California
law provides that a shareholder bringing a derivative action on behalf of a
corporation need not have been a shareholder at the time the claim arose,
provided certain tests are met. Under Delaware law, a stockholder may bring a
derivative action only if the stockholder was a stockholder of the corporation
at the time the claim arose or he or she later acquired the stock by operation
of law. Under California law, the plaintiff shareholder may be required to
furnish a security bond. Delaware does not have a similar bonding requirement.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations that
may be relevant to holders of Group common stock who receive Cal Water-Delaware
common stock in exchange for their shares, or to holders of Group preferred
stock who receive Cal Water-Delaware Series C Preferred Stock in exchange for
their shares as a result of the reincorporation. The discussion does not address
all of the tax consequences of the reincorporation that may be relevant to
particular Group shareholders, such as dealers in securities, or those Group
shareholders who acquired their shares upon the exercise of stock options, nor
does it address the tax consequences to holders of options or warrants to
acquire Group common stock or preferred stock. Furthermore, no foreign, state,
or local tax considerations are addressed herein. IN VIEW OF THE VARYING NATURE
OF SUCH TAX CONSEQUENCES, EACH SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN
TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSED REINCORPORATION,
INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
Subject to the limitations, qualifications and exceptions described herein, and
assuming the reincorporation qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), the following tax consequences generally should result:
- - Holders of Group common stock or preferred stock should not recognize gain
or loss upon receipt of Cal Water-Delaware common stock or Series C
Preferred Stock pursuant to the reincorporation;
- - The aggregate tax basis of the Cal Water-Delaware common stock or Series C
Preferred Stock received by each shareholder in the reincorporation should
be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Group common stock or preferred
stock surrendered in exchange; and
- - The holding period of the Cal Water-Delaware common stock or Series C
Preferred Stock received by each shareholder of Group should include the
period for which such shareholder held the Group common stock or preferred
stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the shareholder held
Group common stock or preferred stock as a capital asset at the time of the
reincorporation.
Group has not requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
with respect to the federal income tax consequences of the reincorporation under
the Code. Group will, however, receive an opinion from McCutchen, Doyle, Brown &
Enersen, LLP, substantially to the effect that the reincorporation will qualify
as a reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code (the "Tax
Opinion"). The Tax Opinion will neither bind the IRS nor preclude it from
asserting a contrary position. In addition, the Tax Opinion will be subject to
certain assumptions and qualifications and will be based on the accuracy of
representations made by Cal Water-Delaware and Group. Of particular importance
will be assumptions and representations to the effect that the reorganization
constitutes a mere change in the form of the corporation.
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A successful IRS challenge to the reorganization status of the reincorporation
would result in a shareholder recognizing gain or loss with respect to each
share of Group common stock or preferred stock exchanged in the reincorporation
equal to the difference between the shareholder's basis in such share and the
fair market value, as of the time of the reincorporation, of the Cal
Water-Delaware common stock or Series C Preferred Stock received in exchange
therefor. In such event, a shareholder's aggregate basis in the shares of Cal
Water-Delaware common stock or Series C Preferred Stock received in the exchange
would equal their fair market value on such date, and the shareholder's holding
period for such shares would not include the period during which the shareholder
held Group common stock or Series C Preferred Stock. Even if the reincorporation
qualifies as a reorganization under the Code, a shareholder would recognize gain
to the extent the shareholder received (actually or constructively)
consideration other than Cal Water-Delaware common stock or Series C Preferred
Stock in exchange for the shareholder's Group common stock or preferred stock.
The state, local or foreign income tax consequences to shareholders may vary
from the federal tax consequences described above.
Group should not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
result of the reincorporation, and Cal Water-Delaware should succeed, without
adjustment, to the federal income tax attributes of Group.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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OTHER INFORMATION
ADJOURNMENT. Notice of the adjournment need not be given if the date, time and
place thereof are announced at the Annual Meeting at which the adjournment is
taken. However, if the adjournment is for more than 45 days, or if a new record
date is fixed for the adjourned Annual Meeting, a notice of the adjourned Annual
Meeting shall be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. At adjourned Annual Meetings, any business may be transacted which
might have been transacted at the original Annual Meeting.
COST OF PROXY SOLICITATION. The Group will bear the entire cost of preparing,
assembling, printing and mailing these proxy statements, the proxies and any
additional materials which may be furnished by the Board to shareholders. The
solicitation of proxies will be made by the use of the U.S. postal service and
also may be made by telephone, or personally, by directors, officers and regular
employees of the Group, who will receive no extra compensation for such
services. Morrow & Co. was hired to assist in the distribution of proxy
materials and solicitation of votes for $10,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses.
The Group will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and
solicitation materials to shareholders.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE. Based solely on its
review of the copies of forms furnished to the Group, or written representations
that no annual forms (SEC Form 5) were required, the Group believes that during
1998, all SEC filings of the officers, directors and 10-percent shareholders of
the Group and its two subsidiaries complied with requirements for reporting
stock ownership.
OTHER MATTERS. The Board is not aware of any matters to come before the Annual
Meeting other than the proposals for the election of directors and the
ratification of the selection of independent auditors. If any other matters
should be brought before the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, upon which a
vote properly may be taken, the shares represented by the proxies solicited by
the Board will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the discretion
of the proxy holders insofar as such proxies are not limited to the contrary.
We agree on your written request to provide you without charge a copy of our
annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC. Send your written request to
California Water Service Group, 1720 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95112,
attention: Corporate Secretary. We may charge you for certain exhibits to Form
10-K.
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EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP, INC.
FIRST: The name of the corporation is California Water Service Group, Inc.
SECOND: The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is 9 East
Loockerman Street, City of Dover, County of Kent. The name of its registered
agent at such address is National Registered Agents, Inc.
THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation
Law of Delaware.
FOURTH: The aggregate number of shares of all classes of stock which the
corporation shall have authority to issue shall be 25,380,000, of which
25,000,000 shares shall be common shares, par value $0.01 per share, and 380,000
shares shall be preferred shares. Of said preferred shares, 139,000 shall be and
are "Series C" preferred shares, par value $25 per share, and 241,000 of said
preferred shares shall be and are preferred shares of "Series D," "Series E,"
"Series F," "Series G," "Series H," "Series I," and" Series J" (there being no
preferred shares of "Series A" or "Series B").
The preferred shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series as
noted above, the number of shares constituting each such series to be determined
by the board of directors of the corporation pursuant to the authority contained
in this certificate. The preferred shares may, at the election of the board of
directors, be issued in fractional shares if required in connection with any
stock split or otherwise. All of said 25,000,000 common shares shall be of one
and the same series, namely common shares with par value of $0.01 per share.
FIFTH: The said shares which the corporation shall have authority to issue are
to be classified as preferred shares of eight series and common shares of one
series as provided in Part Fourth above and the nature and extent of the
preferences, privileges and restrictions granted or imposed upon the holders of
the respective classes or series of shares and the number of shares constituting
each series of preferred shares shall be as follows:
(a) The holders of the "Series C" preferred shares shall be entitled
to and the corporation shall be bound to pay thereon as and when declared
by the board of directors out of the surplus or net profits, dividends at
the rate of but not exceeding four and four-tenths percent (4.4%) per annum
of the par value of each of such shares, cumulative from the date of
issuance and payable quarterly on the fifteenth (15th) day of February,
May, August and November in each year. If the corporation shall fail to pay
such dividends quarterly upon all the issued and outstanding preferred
shares of "Series C," the deficiency in dividends shall be fully paid but
without interest before any dividends shall be set apart or paid on the
common shares.
(b) The holders of preferred shares of each series other than "Series
C" shall be entitled to, and the corporation shall be bound to pay thereon
as and when declared by the board of directors out of the surplus or net
profits, dividends at such rate as shall
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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hereafter be fixed by the board of directors as hereinafter provided. Such
dividends shall be payable upon the same date and in the same manner as
dividends upon "Series C" preferred shares. Dividends upon preferred shares
of any series shall be cumulative from the date of issuance in the same
manner as dividends upon "Series C" preferred shares.
(c) After all cumulative dividends are declared and paid or set apart
on the preferred shares of "Series C" and on any other series of preferred
shares which may be outstanding, the board of directors may declare such
additional dividends on the common shares out of the surplus or net profits
as in their discretion may seem proper.
(d) At the option of the corporation, the preferred shares of "Series
C" shall be subject to redemption in whole or in part on any dividend date
upon at least thirty (30) days notice mailed to the holders of record
thereof at $26.75 per share together with accrued dividends, and any such
partial redemption shall be made by lot or pro rata or by such other method
as shall be provided from time to time by resolution of the board of
directors or by the bylaws. If notice of redemption shall have been duly
given as hereinabove provided and if on or before the redemption date named
in said notice, the funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set
aside by the corporation and shall be and continue to be available
therefor, then, notwithstanding that any certificate or certificates for
preferred shares of "Series C" called for redemption shall not have been
surrendered for cancellation, all rights of the holder or holders of such
shares so called for redemption to receive dividends thereon shall cease
and such shares shall not be transferable on the books of the corporation
and thereafter the holder or holders of such shares shall have no right to
or in respect to the corporation or its earnings, property and assets other
than the right to receive the redemption price and all dividends accrued to
the date fixed for such redemption without interest upon the surrender of
the certificate or certificates for such shares duly endorsed. All
preferred shares of "Series C" redeemed as hereinbefore provided shall be
forthwith canceled and shall not be reissued and no shares shall be issued
in lieu thereof nor in exchange therefor.
(e) At the option of the corporation, preferred shares of each series
other than "Series C" shall be subject to redemption in whole or in part on
any dividend date, at such redemption price as may hereafter be fixed by
the board of directors as hereinafter provided. Any such redemption shall
be upon at least thirty (30) days notice to the holders of record thereof
which notice shall be given in the same manner as in the case of redemption
of "Series C" preferred shares and all provisions herein contained with
respect to the redemption of "Series C" preferred shares, except provisions
as to redemption price, shall be applicable to the redemption of preferred
shares of any other series with appropriate changes in series designations.
(f) Upon any voluntary dissolution or liquidation of the corporation
the holder of the "Series C" preferred shares shall be entitled to receive
from capital or earnings an amount equal to $26.75 per share, and all
dividends accrued thereon to the date of payment, and upon any involuntary
dissolution or liquidations or the corporation the holders of the "Series
C" preferred shares shall be entitled to receive, whether from capital
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or from earnings, an amount equal to the par value thereof and all
dividends accrued thereon to the date of payment, but no more before any
payment shall be made to the holders of the common shares. After such
payments to the holders of the "Series C" preferred shares and after the
holders of any other series of preferred shares which may be outstanding
have received the payments to which their respective preferences entitle
them, the aggregate amount of any assets and funds of the corporation then
remaining shall be distributed among the holders of the common shares.
(g) The preferred shares of "Series C" shall be and are hereby
declared to be forever nonassessable.
(h) The board of directors is hereby authorized to fix or alter from
time to time the number of shares constituting any wholly unissued series
of preferred stock and to fix or alter from time to time the dividend
rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms
of redemption, redemption price or prices or the liquidation preferences
(including the absence or limited grant of any such rights or preferences)
of any wholly unissued series of preferred shares. Except in so far as the
board of directors shall provide hereinafter in respect of any series, all
preferred shares shall be of equal rank, and any series or preferred shares
shall have the same rights and preferences as those herein granted to
"Series C" preferred shares.
(i) The common shares of the corporation shall be subject and
subordinate to any rights and preferences granted herein and any rights and
preferences which may be granted to any series of preferred shares by the
board of directors pursuant to the authority herein conferred upon said
board of directors.
(j) The holders of common shares shall be entitled to vote at all
elections and to vote or consent on all questions at the rate of one vote
for each such share held by such holder, except as provided in Part
Eleventh below concerning cumulative voting for the election of directors.
The holders of preferred shares of "Series C" shall be entitled to vote at
all elections and to vote or consent on all questions at the rate of
sixteen votes for each share held by such holder, except as provided in
Part Eleventh below concerning cumulative voting for the election of
directors.
(k) The preferred shares of "Series C" shall be entitled to no
conversion rights whatsoever.
(l) Except for any conversion rights which may be granted to any
series of preferred shares pursuant to the authority herein conferred upon
the board of directors, no one or more holders of shares of the capital
stock of the corporation shall be entitled to purchase or otherwise
participate in any new or additional issue of stock by the corporation, and
every stockholder hereby and by the acceptance of the certificate or
certificates for such stockholder's stock irrevocably for said stockholder
and said stockholder's heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns, waives all rights to purchase or otherwise participate in such new
or additional issue or any part thereof except for said conversion rights.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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SIXTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is: Paul G. Ekstrom,
1720 North First Street, San Jose CA 95112.
The powers of the incorporator are to terminate upon the filing of this
certificate of incorporation. The names and mailing addresses of the persons who
are to serve as directors until the first annual meeting of stockholders or
until their successors are elected and qualified are:
SEVENTH: The liability of the directors of the corporation, both to the
corporation and to its stockholders, for monetary damages, including liability
for breach of fiduciary duty, shall be eliminated to the fullest extent
permissible under Delaware law, as such law currently exists and as it may be
amended in the future.
The corporation shall indemnify any person who is or was a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that such
person is or was an agent of the corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The corporation is
authorized to provide indemnification of agents for breach of duty to the
corporation and its stockholders through bylaw provisions or through agreements
with the agents, or both, in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted
by Delaware law.
EIGHTH: The board of directors is authorized to make, alter or repeal the
bylaws of the corporation.
NINTH: The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any
provision contained in this certificate of incorporation, in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute.
TENTH: Stockholders may not take action by written consent without a meeting.
The procedures and requirements of any such meeting, including notice, quorum
and voting requirements, are established by the corporation's bylaws.
ELEVENTH: At all elections of directors of the corporation, each holder of
stock shall be entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of votes
which (except for this provision as to cumulative voting) such holder would be
entitled to cast for the election of directors with respect to such holder's
shares of stock multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by such
holder, and such holder may cast all of such votes for a single director or may
distribute
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them among the number to be voted for, or for any two (2) or more of them as
such holder may see fit.
TWELFTH: Vacancies on the board of directors occurring by reason of the removal
of a director or directors may be filled only by vote of the stockholders.
I, the undersigned, being the incorporator named above, for the purpose of
forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, do make this certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is
my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true.
--------------------------------------
Paul G. Ekstrom, Incorporator
Dated: , 1999.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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EXHIBIT B
BYLAWS OF
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP, INC.
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
SECTION 1. Offices
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office shall be c/o National Registered
Agents, Inc., 9 East Loockerman Street, Dover, County of Kent, State of
Delaware.
1.2 Principal Place of Business. The corporation's principal place of business
shall be 1720 North First Street, San Jose, California, or such other place as
the board of directors shall designate from time to time.
1.3 Other Offices. One or more branch or other subordinate offices may at any
time be fixed and located by the board of directors at such place or places
within or without the State of Delaware as it deems appropriate.
SECTION 2. Directors
2.1 Exercise of Corporate Powers. Except as otherwise provided by the
certificate of incorporation of the corporation or by the laws of the State of
Delaware now or hereafter in force, the business and affairs of the corporation
shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the
direction of the board of directors. The board may delegate the management of
the day-to-day operation of the business of the corporation as permitted by law
provided that the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed and
all corporate powers shall be exercised under the ultimate direction of the
board.
2.2 Number. The number of the corporation's directors shall be not less than
nine (9) nor more than eleven (11), the exact number of which shall be fixed by
a resolution approved by the stockholders or by the board of directors.
2.3 Need Not Be Stockholders. The directors of the corporation need not be
stockholders of the corporation.
2.4 Compensation. Directors shall receive such compensation for their services
as directors and such reimbursement for their expenses of attendance at meetings
as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the board. Nothing
herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the
corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore.
2.5 Election and Term of Office. At each annual meeting of stockholders,
directors shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting,
provided, that if for any reason, said annual meeting or an adjournment thereof
is not held or the directors are not elected thereat, then the directors may be
elected at any special meeting of the stockholders called and held for that
purpose. The term of office of the directors shall begin immediately after their
election and shall continue until the expiration of the term for which elected
and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified.
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2.6 Vacancies. A vacancy or vacancies in the board of directors shall exist
when any authorized position of director is not then filled by a duly elected
director, whether caused by death, resignation, removal, change in the
authorized number of directors (by the board or the stockholders) or otherwise.
The board of directors may declare vacant the office of a director who has been
declared of unsound mind by an order of court or convicted of a felony. Except
for a vacancy created by the removal of a director, vacancies on the board may
be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, whether or not less
than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. A vacancy created by the removal
of a director may be filled only by the approval of the stockholders. The
stockholders may elect a director at any time to fill any vacancy not filled by
the directors, but any such election by written consent requires the consent of
the holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast by the outstanding voting shares. Any director may resign effective upon
giving written notice to the Chairman of the board, the President and Chief
Executive Officer, the Corporate Secretary or the board of directors of the
corporation, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of
such resignation. If the resignation is effective at a future time, a successor
may be elected to take office when the resignation becomes effective.
2.7 Removal.
(a) Any and all directors may be removed without cause if such removal is
approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
by the outstanding voting shares at an election of directors, subject to the
following:
(1) No director may be removed (unless the entire board is removed)
when the votes cast against removal, or not consenting in writing to such
removal, would be sufficient to elect such director if voted cumulatively
at an election at which the same total number of votes were cast (or, if
such action is taken by written consent, all shares entitled to vote were
voted) and the entire number of directors authorized at the time of the
director's most recent election were then being elected; and
(2) When by the provisions of the certificate the holders of the
shares of any class or series, voting as a class or series, are entitled to
elect one or more directors, any director so elected may be removed only by
the applicable vote of the holders of the shares of that class or series.
(b) Any reduction of the authorized number of directors does not remove any
director prior to the expiration of such director's term of office.
SECTION 3. Officers
3.1 Election and Qualifications. The officers of this corporation shall
consist of a Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice
Presidents, a Corporate Secretary, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers and a
Controller who shall be chosen by the board of directors and such other officers
as the board of directors shall deem expedient, who shall be chosen in such
manner and hold their offices for such terms as the board of directors may
prescribe. Any two or more of
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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such offices may be held by the same person. Any Vice President may exercise any
of the powers of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer, or the Corporate Secretary, respectively, as directed by
the board of directors and shall perform such other duties as are imposed upon
such officer by the bylaws or the board of directors. The Chairman of the board
of directors shall be chosen from the directors, and may or may not be an
officer of the corporation. Officers, other than the Chairman of the board, may
or may not be directors. The board of directors shall designate the chief
executive officer of the corporation.
3.2 Term of Office and Compensation. The term of office and salary of each of
said officers and the manner and time of the payment of such salaries shall be
fixed and determined by the board of directors and may be altered by said board
of directors from time to time at its pleasure, subject to the rights, if any,
of said officers under any contract of employment.
3.3 Removal and Vacancies. Any officer of the corporation may be removed at
the pleasure of the board of directors at any meeting or by vote of stockholders
entitled to exercise a majority of the voting power of the corporation at any
meeting or at the pleasure of any officer who may be granted such power by a
resolution of the board of directors. Any officer may resign at any time upon
written notice to the corporation without prejudice to the rights, if any, of
the corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party. If any
vacancy occurs in any office of the corporation, the board of directors may
elect a successor to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term
and until a successor is duly chosen and qualified.
SECTION 4. Chairman of the Board
The Chairman of the board of directors shall preside at meetings of the
stockholders and of the board of directors and shall do and perform such other
duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the board of directors.
The Chairman of the board, if designated by the board of directors as an officer
of the corporation, shall have the power and authority to affix the signature of
the corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations,
bonds, contracts, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which
have been authorized or directed by the board of directors or which, in his
judgment, should be executed on behalf of the corporation.
SECTION 5. President and Chief Executive Officer
5.1 Powers and Duties. The President and Chief Executive Officer shall do and
perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the board of
directors. He shall have the power and authority to affix the signature of the
corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds,
contracts, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have
been authorized or directed by the board of directors or which, in his judgment,
should be executed on behalf of the corporation, and to sign certificates for
shares of stock of the corporation. In the event of the absence or disability of
the Chairman of the board of directors, the President and Chief Executive
Officer shall exercise the power and perform the duties of the Chairman of the
board of directors.
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5.2 President Pro Tem. If neither the Chairman of the board, the President and
Chief Executive Officer, nor any Vice President is present at any meeting of the
board of directors, a President pro tem may be chosen to preside and act at such
meeting.
SECTION 6. Vice Presidents
In case of the absence, disability or death of the President and Chief Executive
Officer, a Vice President shall exercise all the powers and perform all the
duties of the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Vice President shall
have such powers and perform such duties as may be granted or prescribed by the
board of directors.
SECTION 7. Corporate Secretary
7.1 Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the Corporate Secretary are:
(a) To keep at the principal place of business of the corporation, or
such other place as the board of directors may order, a book of minutes of
all meetings of directors and stockholders with the time and place of
holding, whether regular or special, and, if special, how authorized, the
notice thereof given, the names of those present at directors' meetings,
the number of shares present or represented at stockholders' meetings and
the proceedings thereof.
(b) To keep the seal of the corporation and to affix the same to all
instruments which may require it.
(c) To keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the
corporation, or at the office of the transfer agent or agents, a share
register, or duplicate share registers, showing the names of the
stockholders and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held by
each, the number and date of certificates issued for shares, and the number
and date of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation.
(d) To keep a supply of certificates for shares of the corporation, to
fill in all certificates issued, and to make a proper record of each such
issuance; provided that so long as the corporation shall have one or more
duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares, or any class or
series of shares of the corporation, such duties with respect to such
shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or transfer agents.
(e) To transfer upon the share books of the corporation any and all
shares of the corporation; provided that so long as the corporation shall
have one or more duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares,
or any class or series of shares, of the corporation, such duties with
respect to such shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or
transfer agents, and the method of transfer of each certificate shall be
subject to the reasonable regulations of the transfer agent to which the
certificate is presented for transfer, and also, if the corporation then
has one or more duly appointed and acting registrars, to the reasonable
regulations of the registrar to which the new certificate is presented for
registration; and provided, further, that no certificate for shares of
stock shall
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be issued or delivered or, if issued or delivered, shall have any validity
whatsoever until and unless it has been signed or authenticated in the
manner provided in Section 13.4 hereof.
(f) To make service and publication of all notices that may be
necessary or proper, and without command or direction from anyone. In case
of the absence, disability, refusal or neglect of the Corporate Secretary
to make service or publication of any notices, then such notices may be
served and/or published by the President and Chief Executive Officer or a
Vice President, or by any person thereunto authorized by either of them or
by the board of directors or by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the corporation.
(g) Generally to do and perform all such duties as pertain to the
office of the Corporate Secretary and as may be required by the board of
directors.
7.2 Assistant Secretaries. Each Assistant Secretary shall have such powers and
shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the board of directors; and in
case of the absence, disability or death of the Corporate Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary shall be designated by the board of directors to take the
place of the Corporate Secretary and perform the Corporate Secretary's duties.
SECTION 8. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
8.1 Powers and Duties. At the discretion of the board of directors, the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer may be one office held by one person or separate
offices held by two persons. The powers and duties of the Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer are:
(a) To supervise and control the keeping and maintaining of adequate
and correct accounts of the corporation's properties and business
transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts,
disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings and shares. The
books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any
director.
(b) To have the custody of all funds, securities, evidence of
indebtedness and other valuable documents of the corporation and, at the
discretion of the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to cause any or
all thereof to be deposited for the account of the corporation with such
depository as may be designated from time to time by the board of
directors.
(c) To receive or cause to be received, and to give or cause to be
given, receipts and acquittances for moneys paid in for the account of the
corporation.
(d) To pay out of the corporation funds on hand all just debts of the
corporation of whatsoever nature upon maturity of the same and to disburse,
or cause to be disbursed, all funds of the corporation as may be directed
by the board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
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(e) To render to the Chairman of the board, to the President and Chief
Executive Officer and to the board of directors, whenever they may require,
accounts of all transactions and of the financial condition of the
corporation.
(f) Generally to do and perform all such duties as pertain to the
office of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and as may be required by
the board of directors.
8.2 Assistant Treasurers. Each Assistant Treasurer shall have such powers and
shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the board of directors;
and in case of the absence, disability or death of the Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer shall be designated by the board of
directors to take his place and perform his duties.
SECTION 9. Controller
The Controller shall have charge of the corporation's books of accounts, records
and auditing, and generally do and perform all such other duties as pertain to
his office and as may be required by the board of directors.
SECTION 10. Committees of the Board
10.1 Appointment and Procedure. The board of directors may, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the authorized number of directors, designate one or
more committees each consisting of two or more directors to serve at the
pleasure of the board. The board may designate one or more directors as
alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent member at any
meeting of the committee.
10.2 Powers. Any committee appointed by the board of directors, to the extent
provided in the resolution of the board or in these bylaws, shall have all the
authority of the board except with respect to:
(a) the approval of any action which requires the approval or vote of
the stockholders;
(b) the filling of vacancies on the board or on any committee;
(c) the fixing of compensation of the directors for serving on the
board or on any committee;
(d) the amendment or repeal of bylaws or the adoption of new bylaws;
(e) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the board which by
its express terms is not so amendable or repealable;
(f) a distribution to the stockholders of the corporation, except at a
rate or in a periodic amount or within a price range determined by the
board;
(g) the appointment of other committees of the board or the members
thereof.
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10.3 Executive Committee. In the event that the board of directors appoints an
executive committee, such executive committee shall include the Chairman of the
board as one of its members. In all cases in which specific directions to the
contrary shall not have been given by the board of directors, such executive
committee shall have and may exercise, during the intervals between the meetings
of the board of directors, all the powers and authority of the board of
directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation
(except as provided in Section 10.2 hereof) in such manner as the executive
committee may deem in the best interests of the corporation.
SECTION 11. Meetings of the Stockholders
11.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings (whether regular, special or adjourned) of
the stockholders of the corporation shall be held at the principal place of
business as specified in accordance with Section 1.2 hereof, or any place which
may be designated by written consent of all the stockholders entitled to vote
thereat, or which may be designated by the board of directors.
11.2. Time of Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the stockholders shall be
held at such time on such date within the month of April of each year as shall
be designated from time to time by resolution of the board of directors.
11.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called by
the board of directors, the Chairman of the board, the President or the holders
of shares entitled to cast not less than ten per-cent (10%) of the vote at the
meeting.
11.4 Notice of Meetings.
(a) Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a
meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given not less than ten (10)
nor more than sixty (60) days before the day of the meeting to each stockholder
entitled to vote thereat. Such notice shall state the place, date and hour of
the meeting and (1) in the case of a special meeting, the general nature of the
business to be transacted, and no other business may be transacted, or (2) in
the case of the annual meeting, those matters which the board, at the time of
the mailing of the notice, intends to present for action by the stockholders,
but subject to provisions of subdivision (b) any proper matter may be presented
at the meeting for such action. The notice of any meeting at which directors are
to be elected shall include the names of nominees intended at the time of the
notice to be presented by management for election.
(b) Any stockholder approval at a meeting on any matter, other than unanimous
approval by those entitled to vote, on any of the matters listed below shall be
valid only if the general nature of the proposal so approved was stated in the
notice of meeting or in any written waiver of notice:
(1) a proposal to approve a contract or other transaction between the
corporation and one or more of its directors, or between the corporation
and any corporation, firm or association in which one or more directors has
a material financial interest;
(2) a proposal to amend the certificate of incorporation;
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(3) a proposal regarding a reorganization, merger or consolidation
involving the corporation;
(4) a proposal to wind up and dissolve the corporation;
(5) a proposal to adopt a plan of distribution of the shares,
obligations or securities of any other corporation, domestic or foreign, or
assets other than money which is not in accordance with the liquidation
rights of any preferred shares as specified in the certificate of
incorporation.
11.5 Delivery of Notice. Notice of a stockholders' meeting or any report shall
be given either personally or by mail or other means of written communication,
addressed to the stockholder at the address of such stockholder appearing on the
books of the corporation or given by the stockholder to the corporation for the
purpose of notice; or if no such address appears or is given, at the place where
the principal executive office of the corporation is located or by publication
at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the
principal executive office is located. The notice or report shall be deemed to
have been given at the time when delivered personally or deposited in the mail
or sent by other means of written communication. An affidavit of mailing of any
notice or report in accordance with the provisions of this section, executed by
the Corporate Secretary or any transfer agent, shall be prima facie evidence of
the giving of notice or report.
If any notice or report addressed to the stockholders at the address of such
stockholder appearing on the books of the corporation is returned to the
corporation by United States Postal Service marked to indicate that the United
States Postal Service is unable to deliver the notice or report to the
stockholder at such address, all future notices or reports shall be deemed to
have been duly given without further mailing if the same shall be available for
the stockholder upon written demand of the stockholder at the principal
executive office of the corporation for a period of one year from the date of
the giving of the notice to all other stockholders.
11.6 Adjourned Meetings. When a stockholders' meeting is adjourned to another
time or place, unless the bylaws otherwise require and except as provided in
this section, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and
place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At
the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business which might have
been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than
thirty (30) days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the
adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each
stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
11.7 Attendance at Stockholders' Meeting. Attendance of a person at a meeting
of stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when
the person objects, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any
business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and except that
attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to object to the
consideration of matters required by the Delaware General
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Corporation Law to be included in the notice but not so included in the notice
if such objection is expressly made at the meeting.
11.8 Quorum.
(a) The presence in person or by proxy at any meeting of persons entitled to
cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding voting
shares shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is
present, the affirmative vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by the
shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on any matter shall be
the act of the stockholders, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by
classes is required by law or the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws
and except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b) The stockholders present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum
is present may continue to transact business until adjournment notwithstanding
the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum, if any action
taken (other than adjournment) is approved by an affirmative vote equal to at
least a majority of the votes required to constitute a quorum.
(c) In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned
from time to time by the vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast by the
shares represented either in person or by proxy, but no other business may be
transacted, except as provided in
subdivision (b).
11.9 Actions Without Meeting. As provided in the certificate of incorporation,
stockholders may not take action by written consent without a stockholder
meeting held in accordance with applicable law and these bylaws.
11.10 [Intentionally left blank]
11.11 Voting Rights. Except as provided in Section 11.13, or in the
certificate of incorporation (which provides, among other things, for cumulative
voting for directors) or in any statute relating to the election of directors or
to other particular matters, each holder of common shares entitled to be voted
shall be entitled to one vote for each common share with respect to each matter
submitted to a vote of stockholders. Any holder of shares entitled to vote on
any matter may vote part of the shares in favor of the proposal and refrain from
voting the remaining shares or vote them against the proposal, other than
elections to office, but, if the stockholder fails to specify the number of
shares such stockholder is voting affirmatively, it will be conclusively
presumed that the stockholder's approving vote is with respect to all shares
such stockholder is entitled to vote.
11.12 Determination of Holders of Record.
(a) In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to
notice of any meeting or to vote or entitled to receive payment of any dividend
or other distribution or allotment of any rights or entitled to exercise any
rights in respect of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix, in
advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty
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(60) nor less than ten (10) days prior to the date of such meeting nor more than
sixty (60) days prior to any other action.
(b) In the absence of any record date set by the board of directors pursuant to
subdivision (a) above, then:
(1) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business
on the business day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if
notice is waived, at the close of business on the business day next
preceding the day on which the meeting is held.
(2) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to give
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior
action by the board has been taken, shall be the day on which the first
written consent is given.
(3) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board adopts the
resolution relating thereto, or the 60th day prior to the date of such
other action, whichever is later.
(c) A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting
unless the board fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting, but the
board shall fix a new record date if the meeting is adjourned for more than
thirty (30) days from the date set for the original meeting.
(d) Stockholders on the record date are entitled to notice and to vote or to
receive the dividend, distribution or allotment of rights or to exercise the
rights, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any shares on the
books of the corporation after the record date, except as otherwise provided in
the certificate or these bylaws or by agreement or applicable law.
11.13 Elections for Directors.
(a) As provided in the certificate of incorporation, every stockholder complying
with subdivision (b) and entitled to vote at any election of directors may
cumulate such stockholder's votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal
to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to
which the stockholder's shares are entitled, or distribute the stockholder's
votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the stockholder thinks
fit.
(b) No stockholder shall be entitled to cumulate votes (i.e., cast for any one
or more candidates a number of votes greater than the number of votes to which
the stockholder's shares are entitled pursuant to Section 11.11) unless the
stockholder has given written notice to the chairman of the meeting at the
meeting prior to the voting of the stockholder's intention to cumulate the
stockholder's votes. If any one stockholder has given such notice, all
stockholders may cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination.
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(c) In any election of directors, the candidates receiving the highest number of
votes of the shares entitled to be voted for them up to the number of directors
to be elected by such shares are elected.
(d) Elections for directors need not be by ballot unless a stockholder demands
election by ballot at the meeting and before the voting begins or unless the
bylaws so require.
11.14 Proxies.
(a) Every person entitled to vote shares may authorize another person or persons
to act by proxy with respect to such shares. Any proxy purporting to be executed
in accordance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware shall be presumptively valid.
(b) No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of three (3) years from the
date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy continues in
full force and effect until revoked by the person executing it prior to the vote
pursuant thereto, except as otherwise provided in this section. Such revocation
may be effected by a writing delivered to the corporation stating that the proxy
is revoked or by a subsequent proxy executed by, or by attendance at the meeting
and voting in person by the person executing the proxy. The dates contained on
the forms of proxy presumptively determine the order of execution, regardless of
the postmark dates on the envelopes in which they are mailed.
(c) A proxy is not revoked by the death or incapacity of the maker unless,
before the vote is counted, written notice of such death or incapacity is
received by the corporation.
11.15 Inspector of Election.
(a) In advance of any meeting of stockholders the board may appoint inspectors
of election to act at the meeting and any adjournment thereof. If inspectors of
election are not so appointed, or if any persons so appointed fail to appear or
refuse to act, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders may, and on the
request of any stockholder or a stockholder's proxy shall, appoint inspectors of
election (or persons to replace those who so fail or refuse) at the meeting. The
number of inspectors shall be either one (1) or three (3). If appointed at a
meeting on the request of one or more stockholders or proxies, the holders of
shares entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the
shares represented in person or by proxy shall determine whether one (1) or
three (3) inspectors are to be appointed.
(b) The inspectors of election shall determine the number of shares outstanding
and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the
existence of a quorum and the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies,
receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and
questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote, count and
tabulate all votes or consents, determine when the polls shall close, determine
the result and do such acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote
with fairness to all stockholders.
(c) The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good
faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. If
there are three (3) inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of
a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or
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certificate of all. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election
is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
11.16. Inspection of Stockholder List and Other Records.
(a) The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the corporation shall
prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a
complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in
alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number
of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to
the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting,
during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to
the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held,
which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not
specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be
produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time
thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. This stock
ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to
examine the stock ledger, the list required by this section or the books of the
corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
(b) Any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon
written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the
usual hour for business to inspect for any proper purpose the corporation's
stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records, and
to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a purpose
reasonably related to such person's interest as a stockholder. In every instance
where an attorney or other agent shall be the person who seeks the right to
inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or
such other writing which authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on
behalf of the stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed to the
corporation at its registered office in this state or at its principal place of
business.
11.17 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(1) Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors of
the corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the
stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (A) pursuant
to the corporation's notice of meeting, (B) by or at the direction of the
board of directors or (C) by any stockholder of the corporation who was a
stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this
bylaw, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the
notice procedures set forth in this bylaw.
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (C) of paragraph (a)(1)
of this bylaw, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in
writing to the Secretary of the corporation and such other business must be
a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder's
notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal place of
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business of the corporation not later than the close of business on the
150th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual
meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual
meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days
after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be
so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of the 150th
day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which
public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event
shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting
commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as
described above. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth:
(A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for
election or reelection as a director all information relating to such
person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for
election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required,
in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 14a-11 thereunder
(including such person's written consent to being named in the proxy
statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected);
(B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring
before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at
the meeting and any material interest in such business of such
stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the
proposal is made; and
(C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial
owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made;
(i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on
the corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner; and
(ii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which
are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such
beneficial owner.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders.
Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as
shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the corporation's notice
of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors may be
made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected
pursuant to the corporation's notice of meeting (1) by or at the direction of
the board of directors or (2) by any stockholder of the corporation who is a
stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this
bylaw, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the
notice procedures set forth in this bylaw. In the event the corporation calls a
special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more
directors to the board of directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person
or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified
in the corporation's notice of meeting, if the stockholder's notice required by
paragraph (a)(2) of this
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bylaw shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal place of business of
the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of the 150th
day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which
public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the
nominees proposed by the board of directors to be elected at such meeting. In no
event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of a special meeting
commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described
above.
(c) General.
(1) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this bylaw shall be eligible to serve as directors
and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as
shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this bylaw. Except as otherwise provided by law,
the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, the
Chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether
a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was
made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this bylaw and, if any proposed nomination or business is not
in compliance with this bylaw, to declare that such defective proposal or
nomination shall be disregarded.
(2) For purposes of this bylaw, "public announcement" shall mean
disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service,
Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document
publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this bylaw, a
stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the
matters set forth in this bylaw. Nothing in this bylaw shall be deemed to
affect any rights of (A) stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in
the corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange
Act or (B) holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors
under specified circumstances.
(4) If the adoption of this Section 11.17 is first included in a
public announcement made less than 180 days before the next annual meeting
of stockholders but more than 150 days before such meeting, the deadline
for submission of proposals and nominations to be considered at such
meeting shall be 120 days rather than 150 days.
SECTION 12. Meetings of Directors
12.1 Place of Meetings. Unless otherwise specified in the notice thereof,
meetings (whether regular, special or adjourned) of the board of directors of
this corporation shall be held at the principal place of business, as specified
in accordance with Section 1.2 hereof, which is hereby designated as an office
for such purpose in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware,
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or at any other place which has been designated from time to time by resolution
of the board or by written consent of all members of the board.
12.2 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the board of directors, of which no
notice need be given except as required by the laws of the State of Delaware,
shall be held after the adjournment of each annual meeting of the stockholders
(which meeting shall be designated the Regular Annual Meeting) and at such other
times as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the board of
directors.
12.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors may be
called at any time by the Chairman of the board or the President or by any Vice
President or the Corporate Secretary or by any two or more of the directors.
12.4 Notice of Meetings. Except in the case of regular meetings, notice of
which has been dispensed with, the meetings of the board of directors shall be
held upon four (4) days' notice by mail or forty-eight (48) hours' notice
delivered personally or by telephone, telegraph or other electronic or wireless
means. If the address of a director is not shown on the records and is not
readily ascertainable, notice shall be addressed to him at the city or place in
which the meetings of the directors are regularly held. Except as set forth in
Section 11.6, notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need
not be given to absent directors if the time and place be fixed at the meeting
adjourned.
12.5 Quorum. A majority of the authorized number of directors constitute a
quorum of the board for the transaction of business. Every act or decision done
or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a
quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the board of directors except
as otherwise provided by law. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present
may continue to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of directors,
if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum
for such meeting.
12.6 Adjourned Meetings. A majority of the directors present, whether or not a
quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. If the
meeting is adjourned for more than twenty-four (24) hours, notice of any
adjournment to another time or place shall be given prior to the time of the
adjourned meeting to the directors who were not present at the time of the
adjournment.
12.7 Waiver of Notice and Consent.
(a) Notice of a meeting need not be given to any director who signs a waiver of
notice, whether before or after the meeting, or who attends the meeting without
protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice to such
director.
(b) The transactions of any meeting of the board, however called and noticed or
wherever held, are as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after regular
call and notice if a quorum is present and if, either before or after the
meeting, each of the directors not present signs a written waiver of notice, a
consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes
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thereof. All such waivers, consents and approvals shall be filed with the
corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
12.8 Action Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by
the board may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the board shall
individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written
consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the
board. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a
unanimous vote of such directors.
12.9 Conference Telephone Meetings. Members of the board may participate in a
meeting through use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment,
so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another.
Participation in a meeting pursuant to this section constitutes presence in
person at such meeting.
12.10 Meetings of Committees. The provisions of this Section apply also to
committees of the board and action by such committees and incorporators.
SECTION 13. Sundry Provisions
13.1 Instruments In Writing. All checks, drafts, demands for money and notes
of the corporation, and all written contracts of the corporation, shall be
signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, as the board of directors
may from time to time by resolution designate. No officer, agent, or employee of
the corporation shall have power to bind the corporation by contract or
otherwise unless authorized to do so by these bylaws or by the board of
directors.
13.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of this corporation shall be the calendar
year.
13.3 Shares Held by the Corporation. Shares in other corporations standing in
the name of this corporation may be voted or represented and all rights incident
thereto may be exercised on behalf of this corporation by the President or by
any other officer of this corporation authorized so to do by resolution of the
board of directors.
13.4 Certificates of Stock. There shall be issued to each holder of fully paid
shares of the capital stock of the corporation a certificate or certificates for
such shares. Any holder of shares in the corporation shall be entitled to have a
certificate signed in the name of the corporation by the Chairman or Vice
Chairman of the board or the President and Chief Executive Officer or a Vice
President and by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer or the Corporate
Secretary, certifying the number of shares and the class or series of shares
owned by the stockholder. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be
facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or
whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased
to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is
issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if such
person were an officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
13.5 Lost Certificates. The board of directors may by resolution provide that
in the event any certificate or certificates for shares of the capital stock of
the corporation shall be alleged to
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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have been lost or destroyed, no new certificate or certificates shall be issued
in lieu thereof until an indemnity bond in such form and in such amount as shall
be approved by the President and Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President of
the corporation shall have been furnished. The board of directors may adopt such
other provisions and restrictions with reference to lost certificates as it
shall in its discretion deem appropriate.
13.6 Certification and Inspection of Bylaws. The corporation shall keep at its
principal place of business the original or a copy of these bylaws as amended to
date, which shall be open to inspection by the stockholders at all reasonable
times during office hours.
13.7 Notices. Any reference in these bylaws to the time a notice is given or
sent means, unless otherwise expressly provided, the time a written notice by
mail is deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid; or the time any
other written notice is personally delivered to the recipient or is delivered to
a common carrier for transmission, or actually transmitted by the person giving
the notice by electronic means, to the recipient; or the time any oral notice is
communicated, in person or by telephone or wireless, to the recipient or to a
person at the office of the recipient who the person giving the notice has
reason to believe will promptly communicate it to the recipient.
13.8 Reports to Stockholders. The board of directors shall cause an annual
report to be sent to the stockholders not later than 120 days after the close of
the fiscal year or within such shorter time period as may be required by
applicable law, and such annual report shall contain such information and be
accompanied by such other documents as may be required by applicable law.
SECTION 14. Construction of Bylaws with Reference to Provisions of Law
14.1 Definitions. Unless defined otherwise in these bylaws or unless the
context otherwise requires, terms used herein shall have the same meaning, if
any, ascribed thereto in the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from
time to time.
14.2 Bylaw Provisions Additional and Supplemental to Provisions of Law. All
restrictions, limitations, requirements and other provisions of these bylaws
shall be construed, insofar as possible, as supplemental and additional to all
provisions of law applicable to the subject matter thereof and shall be fully
complied with in addition to the said provisions of law unless such compliance
shall be illegal.
14.3 Bylaw Provisions Contrary to or Inconsistent with Provisions of Law. Any
section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of these bylaws
which upon being construed in the manner provided in Section 14.2 hereof, shall
be contrary to or inconsistent with any applicable provision of law, shall not
apply so long as said provisions of law shall remain in effect, but such result
shall not affect the validity or applicability of any other portions of these
bylaws, it being hereby declared that these bylaws would have been adopted and
each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections,
subdivisions, sentences, clauses or phrases is or are illegal.
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SECTION 15. Adoption, Amendment or Repeal of Bylaws
15.1 By Stockholders. Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation.
15.2 By the Board of Directors. Subject to the right of stockholders to adopt,
amend or repeal bylaws, any bylaw may be adopted, amended or repealed by the
board of directors. A bylaw adopted by the stockholders may restrict or
eliminate the power of the board of directors to adopt, amend or repeal any or
all bylaws.
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
- B- 18
CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE SECRETARY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:
That the undersigned does hereby certify that the undersigned is the Secretary
of California Water Service Group, Inc., a corporation duly organized and
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware; that the
above and foregoing bylaws of said corporation were duly and regularly adopted
as such by the board of directors of said corporation; and that the above and
foregoing bylaws are now in full force and effect.
Dated: , 1999
--------------------------------------
Paul G. Ekstrom, Corporate Secretary
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EXHIBIT C
MERGER AGREEMENT
This Merger Agreement is entered into between CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP, a
California corporation (herein "Merging Corporation"), and CALIFORNIA WATER
SERVICE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (herein "Surviving Corporation").
1. Merging Corporation is the parent of, and owns all the outstanding shares
of, Surviving Corporation.
2. Merging Corporation shall be merged into Surviving Corporation. The name of
the Surviving Corporation shall be California Water Service Group, Inc. The
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of California Water Service Group, Inc.
shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation.
3. Each common share of Merging Corporation shall be converted into one common
share of Surviving Corporation. Each share of Series C preferred shares of
Merging Corporation shall be converted into one share of Series C preferred
shares of Surviving Corporation.
4. The shares of Surviving Corporation outstanding before this merger becomes
effective shall be canceled when the merger becomes effective.
5. Merging Corporation shall from time to time, as and when requested by
Surviving Corporation, execute and deliver all such documents and instruments
and take all such action necessary or desirable to evidence or carry out this
merger.
6. The effect of the merger and the effective date of the merger are as
prescribed by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Merger Agreement.
California Water Service Group,
a California corporation
By
------------------------------------
Its President
By
------------------------------------
Its Secretary
California Water Service Group, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation
By
------------------------------------
Its President
By
------------------------------------
Its Secretary
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
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[California Water Service Group Map]
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY, CWS UTILITY SERVICES
1720 NORTH FIRST STREET - SAN JOSE, CA 95112-4598 - (408) 367-8200
C-
- - CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PETER C. NELSON and PAUL G. EKSTROM, and each of them with full power of
substitution, are hereby authorized to vote, as designated on the reverse side,
all the shares of Group Common and Preferred Stock of the undersigned at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of California Water Service Group to be held at
1720 N. First Street, San Jose, California on Wednesday, April 21, 1999 at 10:00
A.M., or at any adjournment thereof.
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
x Please mark votes as in this example.
If not otherwise directed, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of
directors, FOR the reincorporation as a Delaware corporation, and FOR
ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP, as independent auditors. The Board
of Directors recommends voting in favor of these matters.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES: Robert W. Foy, Edward D. Harris, Jr., M.D., Robert K. Jaedicke,
Richard P. Magnuson, Linda R. Meier, Peter C. Nelson, C. H. Stump,
George A. Vera and J. W. Weinhardt.
___ FOR ALL NOMINEES ___ WITHHELD FROM ALL NOMINEES
___ FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT AS NOTED:
2. PROPOSAL TO REINCORPORATE GROUP AS A DELAWARE CORPORATION
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
3. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP, as the independent
auditors of the Group.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
4. IN THEIR DISCRETION, OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT ___
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. If signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or the like, please give your full
title as such. If signing for a corporation, please give your title. In the case
of shares standing in the name of two or more persons, California law permits
the voting of such shares under a proxy signed by any one of such persons if
none of the others is present in person or represented by proxy.
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY.
Signature _____________________ Date _____________
Signature _____________________ Date _____________
Vote by Telephone
Follow these four easy steps:
1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Proxy Card.
2. Call the toll-free number 1-877 PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683)
3. Enter your 14-digit Control Number located on your Proxy Card above
your name.
4. Follow the recorded instructions.
Vote by Internet
Follow these four easy steps:
1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus and Proxy Card.
2. Go the the Website http:/www.eproxyvote.comm/__
3. Enter your 14-digit Control Number located on your Proxy Card above
your name.
4. Follow the instructions provided.