NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Bure Equity AB (publ.) shareholders are invited to the annual general meeting on Tuesday, 7 May 2024 at 4pm at the IVA Conference Centre, The Wallenberg Room, Grev Turegatan 16, Stockholm, Sweden.
Doors open at 3pm. Coffee will be served prior to the meeting.
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In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 7, Section 4a of the Swedish Companies Act and Bure Equity AB’s Articles of Association, the Board of Directors has decided that shareholders shall have the opportunity to exercise their voting rights by postal ballot prior to the annual general meeting (AGM). Shareholders may thus choose to participate in the meeting in person, by proxy, or by postal ballot.
Exercising voting rights
Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights at the AGM must:
- be included on the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on Friday, 26 April 2024;
- and notify the company of their intention to participate in accordance with the instructions outlined in the Registration of in-person participation or participation by representative section of this notice; or cast their postal vote according to the instructions outlined in the Instructions for postal voting section of this notice no later than 12pm on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
For shareholders who have their shares nominee-registered through a bank or other nominee, the following applies in order to be entitled to participate in the AGM. In addition to registering, such shareholders must re-register their shares in their own name so that shareholders are registered in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as of the record date Friday, 26 April 2024. Such re-registration may be temporary, (known as voting rights registration). Shareholders who wish to register their shares in their own name must, in accordance with the respective nominee’s routines, request that the nominee make such a registration. Nominees must ensure that such registrations are made no later than Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
Registration of in-person participation or participation by representative
Those wishing to attend the AGM in person or through a representative must notify the company no later than 12pm on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, in one of the following ways:
- by post to Computershare AB, “Bure Annual General Meeting”, Box 5267, 102 46 Stockholm
- by email to proxy@computershare.se
- by phone, +46 (0)77 124 64 00, weekdays between 9am and 4pm
Shareholders should include their name, personal or corporate identity number, address and telephone number, shareholding details and, if applicable, the number of their assistants (maximum two).
Those who do not wish to attend the AGM in person, or exercise their right to vote by postal vote, may exercise their right at the AGM by proxy with a written, signed and dated power of attorney. If the power of attorney has been issued by a legal entity, a copy of the registration certificate or equivalent authorisation document for the legal entity must be attached.
To simplify entry to the meeting, proxies, registration certificates and other authorisation documents should be received by the company at the following address: Computershare AB, “Bure Annual General Meeting”, Box 5267, 102 46 Stockholm, no later than Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
Please note that notification of participation at the AGM must be made even if shareholders wish to exercise their voting rights at the meeting through a proxy. Submitting a power of attorney does not amount to registration to attend the meeting.
Instructions for postal voting
Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights as postal votes must use the postal voting form and follow the instructions available on the company’s website at https://www.bure.se/en/corporategovernance/annual-general-meeting. Shareholders may also request postal voting forms to be sent to them by calling +46 (0) 771 24 64 00, weekdays 9am to 4pm.
Completed and signed postal voting forms may be sent either by post to Computershare AB, “Bure Annual General Meeting”, Box 5267, 102 46 Stockholm or by email to proxy@computershare.se. Completed forms must be received by Computershare no later than Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
Shareholders who are physical persons may also cast postal votes electronically using BankID verification via the company’s website at https://www.bure.se/en/corporategovernance/annual-general-meeting. Electronic votes must be cast no later than Tuesday, 30 April 2024.
Shareholders may not submit postal votes with special instructions or conditions attached to them. Any votes submitted in this way will be invalid. Further instructions and terms and conditions can be found on the postal voting form.
Shareholders who submit postal votes by proxy must attach a written and dated power of attorney signed by the shareholder to their postal voting form. Proxy forms are available on the company’s website at https://www.bure.se/en/corporategovernance/annual-general-meeting. Shareholders who are a legal entity must attach a registration certificate or other authorisation document to the form.
Those wishing to revoke a postal vote and instead exercise their right to vote by attending the AGM in person or by proxy must notify the meeting’s secretariat of their intention to do so before the start of the AGM.
Agenda
1. Election of a chairman for the AGM
2. Preparation and approval of the voting list
3. Approval of the agenda
4. Election of one or two adjusting persons
5. Determination as to whether the AGM has been duly convened
6. Presentation of the annual report, the consolidated financial statements and the Group audit
7. Resolutions regarding:
a) adoption of the income statement, balance sheet, consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet
b) appropriation of the company’s profits according to the adopted balance sheet
c) discharge from liability for members of the Board of Directors and the CEO
8. Determination of the number of Board members
9. Determination of remuneration for members of the Board of Directors
10. Election of members of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board
11. Election of auditors
12. Determination of auditors’ fees
13. Determination of principles for the appointment of the Nomination Committee and instructions for the Nomination Committee
14. Resolution on approval of the compensation report
15. The Board of Director’s proposal for guidelines for remuneration to senior executives
16. Resolution regarding authorisation for the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of treasury shares
17. Resolution authorising the Board to decide on new rights issues
18. The Board’s proposals regarding a long-term performance share programme and hedging measures
This year’s Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee for the 2024 AGM consists of Viveca Ax:son Johnson (appointed by the Björkman family), Anders Hansson (appointed by AMF Tjänstepension and Fonder), and Patrik Tigerschiöld (appointed by the Tigerschiöld family). Anders Hansson was appointed by the Nomination Committee to chair the committee.
Item 1. Election of a chairman for the AGM
The Nomination Committee proposes that the Chairman of the Board, Patrik Tigerschiöld, or the person appointed by the Board in his absence, be appointed chairman of the AGM; and that Niklas Larsson, Wistrand Advokatbyrå, or the person appointed by the Board in his absence, is appointed as secretary of the AGM.
Item 2. Preparation and approval of the voting list
The voting list that is proposed for approval is the voting list prepared by the chairman of the AGM based on the AGM share register, shareholders who are registered and in attendance, proxies and assistants and advance votes received.
Item 3. Approval of the agenda
The Board of Directors proposes that the agenda, which is included in this notice to the AGM, be approved as the agenda for the AGM.
Item 5. Determination as to whether the AGM has been duly convened
It is proposed that the AGM approves the convening of the meeting.
Item 7.b Resolution regarding appropriation of the company’s profits according to the adopted balance sheet.
The following profit is to be considered by the AGM according to the Parent Company’s balance sheet:
Unrestricted equity | SEK 12,744,602,742 |
Profit for the year | SEK 4,337,736,581 |
SEK | 17,082,339,323 |
The Board of Directors proposes that the profits be distributed as follows:
Distributed to shareholders | SEK 185,367,303 |
Transferred to new account | SEK 16,896,972,021 |
The proposal entails a dividend of SEK 2.50 per share in ordinary dividends for the 2023 financial year. The recording date is proposed to be 10 May 2024. With this recording date, the dividend is expected to be paid on 15 May 2024.
Item 8. Determination of the number of Board members
The Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors shall consist of six (6) ordinary members without deputies for the period until the end of the next AGM.
Item 9. Determination of remuneration for members of the Board of Directors
The Nomination Committee proposes that remuneration to the Board for the period until the end of the next AGM shall amount to a total of SEK 4,075,000, of which SEK 2,200,000 be paid to the Chairman of the Board, and SEK 375,000 to each of the other ordinary members appointed by the AGM.
Item 10. Election of members of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board
The Nomination Committee proposes the re-election of Board members Carl Björkman, Carsten Browall, Charlotta Falvin, Sarah McPhee, Birgitta Stymne Göransson, and Patrik Tigerschiöld. Patrik Tigerschiöld is proposed to be re-elected as Chairman of the Board.
Item 11. Election of auditors
The Nomination Committee proposes that a registered auditing firm be elected auditor and that the registered auditing company Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB be re-elected for the period until the end of the AGM 2025, (with authorised public accountant Magnus Svensson Henryson as Auditor-in-Charge until further notice).
Item 12. Determination of auditors’ fees
The Nomination Committee proposes that fees to the auditors be paid in according to approved account.
Item 13. Determination of principles for the appointment of the Nomination Committee and instructions for the Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee proposes that the AGM resolves to establish principles for the appointment of the Nomination Committee in accordance with the following. The proposal is unchanged from last year.
1. Appointment of members of the Board of Directors etc.
1.1 The Chairman of the Board shall ensure that the company’s three largest shareholders or shareholder groups in terms of voting rights are offered the opportunity to each appoint a representative to the Nomination Committee no later than the end of the third quarter of each year. The determination of voting rights is based on Euroclear Sweden AB’s shareholder register, (listed in shareholder groups), as on the last banking day of August or such other certification that shareholders or shareholder groups are able to present as proof of their shareholdings on this date. If one or more shareholders decline to appoint a member to the Nomination Committee, one or more additional shareholders in subsequent order of voting rights shall be offered the opportunity to appoint a member to the Nomination Committee. However, no more than five additional shareholders need to be contacted, unless the Chairman of the Board finds special reason to do so. When a shareholder is contacted with a request to appoint a member to the Nomination Committee, the Chairman of the Board shall specify the required rules of order such as the latest reply date etc.
1.2 The Nomination Committee shall consist of a total of at least three members, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors who is a member of the Nomination Committee and convenes the first meeting of the Nomination Committee.
1.3 The composition of the Nomination Committee shall be published as soon as it has been decided. The chairman of the nomination committee shall, unless the members of the Committee agree otherwise, be the member who represents the largest shareholder in terms of voting rights. However, the Chairman of the Board or another board member shall not be the chairman of the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee shall hold its mandate until a new Nomination Committee is appointed. Fees shall not be paid to members of the Nomination Committee.
1.4 The Nomination Committee may, within itself and by co-opting the required additional member or members, appoint a Nomination Committee specially appointed for the appointment of auditors, (according to item 2.1 below). If this occurs, this shall also be published in accordance with what is stated above in this item. In this way, all shareholders must be made aware of which persons may be contacted in nomination matters.
1.5 Members of the Nomination Committee shall step down from the Committee if the shareholder who appointed the member no longer has the same substantial share ownership as when the member was appointed. If the Nomination Committee subsequently no longer has at least three members, the Chairman of the Board shall take steps to ensure that a new member is appointed in accordance with the principles set out in item 1.1. However, unless there are special reasons to do so, no changes shall take place in the composition of the Nomination Committee if only minor changes in the number of voting rights have occurred, or such a change occurs two months or sooner before the AGM.
1.6 Shareholders who have appointed a representative as a member of the Nomination Committee have the right to dismiss such a member and appoint a new representative as a member of the Committee.
2. Tasks of the Nomination Committee
2.1 The Nomination Committee shall prepare and submit proposals to the AGM for:
- election of a chairman for the meeting
- election of and remuneration for the Chairman of the Board and members of the Board of Directors and, where applicable, other special committees that the AGM may decide to appoint
- election of and fees for auditors and, where applicable, deputy auditors
2.2 The Chairman of the Board shall, in an appropriate manner, notify the Nomination Committee of information on the board’s competence profile and working methods.
- At the request of the Nomination Committee the company shall provide personnel resources such as secretarial assistance to facilitate the Nomination Committee’s work. If necessary, the company shall also be responsible for reasonable costs for items such as external consultants that the Nomination Committee deems necessary for the Committee to be able to fulfil its tasks.
3. Meetings
3.1 The Nomination Committee shall meet as required to fulfil its tasks, although at least twice a year. Notice of a meeting is issued by the chairman of the Nomination Committee, (with the exception of the first meeting, which is convened by the Chairman of the Board). A member of the Committee may request that the Nomination Committee be convened.
- The Nomination Committee has a quorum if at least half of its members participate. However, decisions may not be taken unless, as far as possible, all members have been given the opportunity to participate in the consideration of a matter. The Nomination Committee’s decisions are valid when more than half of the members present vote or, in the event of an equal number of votes, the casting vote is exercised by the chairman of the Nomination Committee.
- An account of the Nomination Committee’s work in the form of proposals and opinions from the Nomination Committee shall be published on the company’s website in a reasonable amount of time before the AGM.
- Amendments to these instructions
- The Nomination Committee shall continuously evaluate these instructions and the work of the Nomination Committee and submit proposals to the AGM for such amendments to these instructions as the Nomination Committee deems appropriate.
Item 14. Resolution on approval of the compensation report
The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves to approve the board’s remuneration report in accordance with chapter 8, section 53 of the Swedish Companies Act.
Item 15. The Board of Director’s proposal for guidelines for remuneration to senior executives
The following guidelines for remuneration to senior executives shall apply to remuneration agreed upon, and to changes made to previously agreed remuneration, after the guidelines have been adopted by the 2024 AGM. The guidelines include remuneration for board members, the CEO, Deputy CEO, and other senior executives (Group management), although not remuneration decided on at the AGM.
The Board of Directors shall have the right to temporarily deviate, in whole or in part, from the guidelines if in individual cases there are special reasons to do so, and a deviation is necessary to satisfy the company’s long-term interests and sustainability or to ensure the company’s financial viability. If such deviations occur, this must be reported in the remuneration report prior to the next AGM. The guidelines refer to the period from the 2024 AGM. Matters concerning deviations from the guidelines shall be prepared by the Remuneration Committee and decided by the Board.
Guidelines’ promotion of the company’s business strategy, long-term interests and sustainability
Bure is an investment company and a good owner. By actively building successful companies over the long term, Bure creates attractive returns for shareholders. Bure’s operations are based on active participation in and development of wholly- or partly-owned companies and businesses to increase the value of these assets over time.
The Board believes that the recruitment and retention of senior executives with the skills and competence to achieve specific goals is critical for the successful implementation of the company’s business strategy and to safeguard the company’s long-term interests, including its sustainability. To do this, the company needs to offer competitive overall remuneration that motivates senior executives to the best of their abilities. Variable remuneration include in these guidelines shall be based on criteria aimed at promoting the company’s business strategy and long-term interests, including its sustainability, and where the fulfilment of criteria is determined by the method set out below.
Forms of remuneration etc.
Remuneration and other terms of employment for senior executives must be market-based. Total remuneration consists of basic salary, variable remuneration, pension, and other benefits. In addition, the AGM may – and independently of these guidelines – decide on share or share price-related remuneration.
Fixed basic salary
The fixed basic salary for the CEO and other senior executives is reviewed annually. Fixed basic salary constitutes a maximum of 57 per cent of total remuneration excluding long-term incentive programmes and assuming a 50 per cent outcome of the Short-Term Incentive Programme (STIP).
Short-Term Incentive Programme
Remuneration is paid according to goals achieved for the company as a whole. Criteria are based on the outcome of a number of mainly quantitative parameters against agreed targets. Quantitative parameters are attributable to the company’s share price, the company’s net asset value per share, and focus areas for each financial year. Other senior executives, with the exception of the CEO, are also subject to a discretionary parameter. Overall, criteria must contribute to the company’s business strategy, long-term interests, and sustainability through a clear connection to these components and thus to the company’s long-term value creation. The fulfilment of criteria is determined by the company’s audited annual accounts. Remuneration may amount to a maximum of 100 per cent of fixed basic salary for the CEO and 80 per cent of fixed basic salary for other senior executives. In the event of full entitlement, remuneration may amount to a maximum of 43 per cent of total remuneration excluding long-term incentive programmes (LTIP) for the CEO and 40 per cent of total remuneration excluding LTIP for other senior executives. Variable remuneration shall not be pensionable. Remuneration entitlements are prepared by the Remuneration Committee and determined by the Board in conjunction of the end of the qualification period. Thereafter, compensation is paid. The company has no contractual right to reclaim compensation.
Long-Term Incentive Programme
Senior executives may be offered incentive programmes which shall mainly be share- or share price-related. An incentive programme shall aim to improve the participant’s commitment to the company’s performance and shall be implemented on market terms. Share- and share price-related incentive programmes must be decided on by the AGM and are therefore not included in these guidelines.
Other benefits
Pension benefits
The agreed retirement age for the CEO and other senior executives is 65 years. All pension benefits for senior executives are contributions-based. This means that the company pays an individually agreed contribution pension premium for senior executives. The company has no additional pension obligations.
Company cars etc.
The CEO is entitled to a company car. In addition, all senior executives are covered by standard health insurance.
Other benefits constitute a maximum of 17 per cent of total compensation excluding LTIP and assuming a 50 per cent STIP entitlement.
Notice period and severance pay
Senior executives’ employment or assignment agreements are valid until further notice or for a specified period. The company and the CEO have a mutual notice period of 12 months in the event of termination of employment. The CEO is entitled to severance pay corresponding to 12 months’ salary in the event of termination of employment by the company. Severance pay is not paid upon retirement. For other senior executives, six months’ notice applies in the event of termination by the company. Other senior executives are not entitled to severance pay. During the notice period, current employment contracts continue with associated benefits. In cases where severance pay was to be paid, no other benefits are paid for the period after the end of the notice period.
Salary and terms of employment for employees
Company employees’ salaries and terms of employment have been considered in preparation of the Board of Director’s proposed remuneration guidelines for senior executives. Information on employees’ total remuneration, the components of the remuneration and the increase and rate of remuneration over time was identified and formed part of the Remuneration Committee’s and Board’s decision making in evaluating the reasonableness of the guidelines and their limitations.
Decision making process
The Board shall prepare proposals for new guidelines when there is a need for significant amendments to the guidelines, and at least every four years. The Board’s proposals are prepared by the Board’s Remuneration Committee. The Chairman of the Board may be the chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Other members of the Remuneration Committee elected by the AGM shall be independent of the company and company management. If the Board feels it appropriate to do so, the entire Board may perform the tasks of the Remuneration Committee, provided that Board members who are also on the company’s management team do not participate in these tasks.
The Remuneration Committee shall, inter alia, monitor and evaluate the application of the guidelines for remuneration to senior executives decided on by the AGM. When the Remuneration Committee has prepared a proposal, it is submitted to the Board for decision. The CEO does not attend the Board’s review of decisions in remuneration-related matters or other persons in the company management, insofar as they are affected by the matters.
If the AGM decides not to adopt guidelines in conjunction with the above proposals, the Board shall submit a new proposal no later than before the following AGM. In such cases, compensation shall be paid in accordance with the guidelines that already apply or, if such do not exist, in accordance with company praxis.
In the preparation of these matters, external advice is used when deemed necessary.
Review of guidelines
A review of the guidelines for remuneration to senior executives was conducted prior to the 2024 AGM and the review resulted in minor editorial changes. The proposed changes are not expected to result in any changes to remuneration under current guidelines.
Item 16. Resolution regarding authorisation for the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of treasury shares
I. Background
In order to adapt the company’s capital structure to its capital needs from time to time and thereby contribute to increased shareholder value, the Board proposes that the AGM authorises the Board to decide on the repurchase of the company’s own shares in the period until the next AGM. It is proposed that shares repurchased with this authorisation will be retired at the 2025 AGM.
The Board proposes that the 2024 AGM resolves on the following proposals:
II. The Board’s proposals for resolution:
In the period until the next AGM, the Board is authorised to decide on the repurchase of standard shares in the company as follows:
1. Repurchases may be made up to a maximum number of shares so that after each repurchase the company holds a maximum of 10 per cent of all shares in the company.
- Repurchases may be conducted through
- trade on the Nasdaq Stockholm (“the stock exchange”), or
- in accordance with a repurchase offer to all shareholders
2. Repurchases on the stock exchange may only be made at a price per share that lies within the price range registered at any given time.
3. Repurchases of shares with a repurchase offer to all Bure shareholders may only take place at a price which at the time of the repurchase offer does not fall below the market value of the shares, nor exceeds the market value by a maximum of 20 per cent.
4. Payment for repurchased shares shall be made in cash.
6. Shares may be repurchased on one or more occasions.
Majority requirement
For this resolution to be passed in accordance with the above, the resolution must be supported by shareholders representing two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and shares represented at the AGM.
Item 17. Resolution authorising the Board to decide on new rights issues
The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM authorises the Board to decide on the issuance of new shares with or without deviation from shareholders’ preferential rights until the time of the 2025 AGM and on one or more occasions. Shares may be issued against cash payment, offsets, or contributions of non-cash assets, or with other conditions referred to in Chapter 13, Section 5, beginning of paragraph 6 of the Swedish Companies Act. The Board may otherwise determine the terms of the issue. The issue price shall be determined on market-based conditions and the number of newly issued shares may not exceed 10 per cent of the number of outstanding shares on the date of this notice.
The reason for deviation from the preferential right and the right to decide on offsets, contribution or other conditions referred to in the Swedish Companies Act is that the company must be able to issue shares so as to continuously adapt the company’s capital structure to the company’s capital needs.
Authorisation
The Board, or a person appointed by the Board, shall have the right to make the minor adjustments to the above-mentioned decisions that are required for registration of the decision with the Swedish Companies Registration Office.
Majority requirement
For this resolution to be passed in accordance with the above, the resolution must be supported by shareholders representing two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and shares represented at the AGM.
Item 18. The Board’s proposals regarding a long-term performance share programme and hedging measures
The Board proposes that the AGM resolves to introduce a long-term incentive programme 2024 (LTIP 2024). The proposal is divided into four parts:
A. Terms and conditions of the LTIP 2024
B. Hedging measures regarding LTIP 2024 in the form of newly issued class C shares
C. Hedging measures regarding LTIP 2024 by entering into share swap agreements with third parties
D. Other issues related to LTIP 2024
A. Terms and conditions of the LTIP 2024
A.1 Introduction
LTIP 2024 is essentially the same type of LTIP that was proposed by the Board and decided by the 2023 AGM. The Board wants use the LTIP to encourage employees to take personal long-term ownership in Bure, as well as increase and strengthen the opportunities to recruit, retain and motivate employees. The goal is also to use LTIP 2024 to unite the interests of employees and shareholders.
A.2 Key features of LTIP 2024
LTIP 2024 is aimed at certain key employees in the Bure Group. The participants are based in Sweden. Participation in LTIP 2024 requires that the participant, during a certain period determined by the Board, acquires and retain a certain amount Bure shares in LTIP 2024. The company must match this amount through a cash payment of approximately 125 per cent of the amount, compensated for the participant’s marginal tax cost, in the form of a one-off payment (“matching amount”). The participant must use the matching amount to, during a certain period determined by the Board, acquire and retain additional Bure shares in LTIP 2024. Such Bure shares acquired by the participant within the framework of LTIP 2024 must be retained via agreement for at least three years. In addition, each participant has the right, after the end of a qualification period, (defined below), subject to continued employment (with the exception of so-called “good leavers”) and depending on the fulfilment of special performance requirements linked to the total return on the Bure share, known as Total Shareholder Return (TSR), receive allocation of Bure shares (“performance shares”). The allocation of performance shares to the participant must take place free of charge. Performance shares consist of ordinary shares in Bure. The term of the LTIP 2024 amounts to run for more than three years.
A.3 Participation in LTIP 2024
LTIP 2024 is intended for a maximum of eleven employees, divided into two categories of participants, (a maximum of 110,000 shares may be distributed):
Category Highest number of shares per person
A) CEO (1 person) 38,500 (19,250 net after tax)
B) Other employees (maximum 10 people) 22,000 (11,000 net after tax)
Decisions on participation or introduction of the LTIP 2024 assumes that, in the Board’s assessment, these may be made within reasonable administrative costs and financial effects.
To be eligible to participate in the 2024 LTIP, participants must make an initial investment in Bure shares to an amount equal to at least four and no more than 10 per cent of the participant’s fixed base salary for the current year (not including the matching amount).
A.4 Allocation of performance shares
Allocation of performance shares under the LTIP 2024 will be made during a limited period after the 2027 AGM. The period until this date constitutes the qualification period (vesting period). A prerequisite for the participant to have the right to receive the allocation of performance shares is that the participant continues to be employed by the Bure Group during the entire qualification period until allocation. For the allocation of performance shares, it is also required that performance requirements be met. The Board shall determine an accepted definition of good leavers and whether any allocation shall be made to participants who are considered to be a good leaver.
If the participant and/or the company is prevented from carrying out the allocation of performance shares due to insider information for example, the company has the right to extend the allocation period so that it runs up to and including a date when the issue has been resolved and allocation may take place.
The performance requirement consists of the Bure share’s total return (TSR) and the performance requirement must be determined by the Board. No allocation of performance shares linked to the performance requirement will take place below the minimum level of the performance requirement. Full allocation of performance shares will take place at or above the maximum level of the performance requirement. The number of performance shares that may be awarded increases successively from the minimum to maximum level of the performance requirement. The TSR targets and the outcome will be communicated to shareholders after the allocation of performance shares to the participants.
Prior to the allocation of performance shares, the Board shall assess whether the allocation is reasonable in relation to the company’s financial results, position and performance, as well as other factors. If significant changes occur within the Bure Group or in the market, which in the Board’s assessment would mean that the conditions for the allocation or transfer of shares according to the LTIP 2024 are no longer reasonable, the Board has the right to adjust the LTIP 2024, including the right to reduce the number of allocated or transferred performance shares, or not to allocate or transfer any performance shares.
A.5 Introduction and administration etc.
The Board, assisted by the Remuneration Committee, shall, in accordance with the decision of the AGM, be responsible for the detailed design and implementation of the LTIP 2024. The Board may also decide on the introduction of an alternative cash-based incentive programme if deemed appropriate for certain participants. Such an alternative incentive programme shall, as far as is practically possible, be designed in such a way that it corresponds to the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2024. It is the intention of the Board to launch the LTIP 2024 as soon as is practically possible after the AGM.
In the event of the AGM not approving point B with the required majority, the company must hedge against financial exposure that the LTIP 2024 is expected to entail by the company entering into share swap agreements with third parties as described in point C below.
B. Hedging measures regarding LTIP 2024 in the form of newly issued class C shares
B.1 Introduction
To be able to implement the LTIP 2024 in a cost-effective and flexible manner, the Board proposes that the company’s commitments for delivery of and costs attributable to performance shares be secured through a directed issue of convertible and redeemable class C shares. These shares may be repurchased and converted into ordinary shares and transferred as follows:
B.2 Authorisation for the Board to decide on a targeted rights issue of class C shares
The Board shall be authorised to decide on a directed issue of redeemable and convertible class C shares in the company on the following terms:
a) The number of class C shares that may be issued may not exceed 144,562.
b) New shares must - with deviation from shareholders’ pre-emptive rights - only be subscribed to by an external party consulted in advance.
c) The amount to be paid for each new share (the subscription price) must correspond to the quota value of the share at the time of the share subscription.
d) The authorisation may be used on one or more occasions until the 2025 AGM.
e) The new class C shares must be subject to reservations according to chapter 4. Section 6 of the Swedish Companies Act (conversion clause) and chapter 20 Section 31 of the Swedish Companies Act (redemption clause).
The purpose of the authorisation is to secure the company’s commitments under the LTIP 2024 and to liquidate the payment of future social security contributions attributable to performance shares.
B.3 Authorisation for the Board of Directors to repurchase class C shares
The Board shall be authorised to decide on the buyback of class C shares in the company on the following terms:
a) Repurchases may take place through a takeover offer addressed to all owners of class C shares in the company.
b) The number of class C shares that may be repurchased may not exceed 144,562.
c) Repurchases must take place at a cash price per share of a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 110 per cent of the quota value that applies at the time of the repurchase.
d) The Board shall have the right to determine other conditions for the buyback.
e) Repurchases must also be possible for so-called interim shares in respect of class C shares, designated Paid Subscribed Shares (BTA) by Euroclear Sweden AB.
f) The authorisation may be used on one or more occasions until the 2025 AGM.
The intention of the authorisation is to secure the company’s commitments according to LTIP 2024 and to secure payment of future social security contributions attributable to performance shares in terms of cash flow.
B.4 Transfer of ordinary shares in the company within the framework of the LTIP 2024.
Transfer of own ordinary shares under the LTIP 2024 may take place under the following conditions.
a) Maximum: (i) 110,000 Bure shares may be transferred free of charge to LTIP 2024 participants, and (ii) 34,562 Bure shares may be transferred at market price on the stock market in order to secure the company’s payment of social security contributions in terms of cash flow.
b) The conditions for these transfers, the number of shares in each transaction and the time of transfer must follow the conditions for LTIP 2024.
c) The number of Bure shares that may be transferred within the framework of LTIP 2024 must be recalculated according to customary principles as a result of bonus issue, split, rights issue and/or other similar events.
d) The decision in point b) above regarding the transfer of shares on the stock market will be proposed for a new decision at future AGMs during the term of LTIP 2024.
B.5 Reasons for deviation from shareholders’ preferential rights, etc.
The reason for deviating from shareholders’ preferential rights is that the company wishes to introduce the proposed LTIP 2024. In order to minimise the costs of the LTIP 2024, the subscription price has been set at the quota value of the class C share.
As the Board believes that the transfer of own Bure shares is most cost-effective, it is primarily proposed that hedging measures regarding LTIP 2024 take place in accordance with this point B. If the required majority cannot be achieved for the proposal according to this point B, the Board will enter into a share swap agreement according to point C below.
C. Hedging measures regarding LTIP 2024 by entering into share swap agreements with third parties
In the event that the required majority cannot be achieved for point B above, the company shall hedge against financial exposure that LTIP 2024 is expected to entail by entering into a share swap agreement with a third party, whereby the third party shall acquire, and transfer shares included in the LTIP 2024 in its own name. The current number of shares in this context must correspond to the number of shares proposed under point B above.
The Board believes that the most cost-effective and flexible method to transfer Bure shares under LTIP 2024 is transferring own shares as described in point B above. The cost of hedging by entering into a share swap agreement with a third party is significantly higher and will be based on an interest rate and additional costs associated with the company’s borrowing costs given the structure of the share swap derivative and prevailing market conditions at the time of any such agreement.
D. Other issues related to LTIP 2024
D.1 Majority requirements etc.
The decision in accordance with point A above requires a majority of more than half of the votes cast at the AGM. For a valid decision according to point B above, it is necessary for the decision be supported by shareholders with at least nine tenths of votes cast and shares represented at the AGM.
D.2 Estimated costs, expenses and financial effects of LTIP 2024
LTIP 2024 will be reported in accordance with “IFRS 2 - Share-based Payment”. According to IFRS 2, the allocation of shares must be booked as staff costs during the qualification period and must be reported directly against equity. Staff costs in accordance with IFRS 2 do not affect the company’s cash flow. Social security contributions will be expensed in the income statement through current provisions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The size of these current provisions is reassessed based on the value growth of performance shares and social security contributions that may be paid when allocating performance shares.
Assuming a share price of SEK 336.3 at the time of introduction and an increase in the share price of 30 per cent during the qualification period, the total cost of LTIP 2024, including social security fees, is estimated to be SEK 26.3 million over the entire duration of the programme. This corresponds to an annual cost during the duration of the programme of SEK 8.8 million. Of the total cost, the IFRS 2 effect that does not affect the company’s cash flow amounts to SEK 16.0 million, and social security fees excluding hedging measures amount to SEK 10.2 million. Total costs in relation to the company’s net asset value at the end of 2023 amounted to 0.14%.
Assuming that the performance requirements are met so that 100 per cent of the maximum number of performance shares is allocated, which occurs at a price of SEK 485.2, which corresponds to an increase in the share price of 44%, the total cost of LTIP 2024, including social security fees, is estimated to be SEK 32.8 million before tax. This corresponds to an annual cost during the duration of the programme of SEK 10.9 million. Of the total cost, the IFRS 2 effect that does not affect the company’s cash flow amounts to SEK 16.0 million and social security fees excluding hedging measures amount to SEK 16.8 million. Total costs in relation to the company’s net asset value at the end of 2023 amounted to 0.17%
LTIP 2024 includes a maximum of: (i) 110,000 Bure shares that may be transferred free of charge to participants in LTIP 2024, and (ii) 34,562 Bure shares that may be transferred at market price on the stock market to pay the company’s social security contributions in terms of cash flow. Dilution effects may amount to a maximum of 0.19 per cent of the total number of outstanding shares and votes in the company, after dilution.
The cost to the company regarding payment of the matching amount including social security contributions of a maximum of SEK 4 million must also be considered.
The Board believes that the positive effects that are expected to result from LTIP 2024 outweigh the costs attributable to LTIP 2024.
D. 3 The Board’s reasoning
A personal long-term ownership commitment among participants in LTIP 2024 is expected to stimulate increased interest and increased motivation for the company’s operations, results and strategy. In addition, the Board is seeking to increase opportunities for Bure to retain important members of Group Management and other key personnel. The Board believes that the introduction of LTIP 2024 is to the advantage of Bure and its shareholders. LTIP 2024 will be a competitive and motivational incentive for key members of Group Management and other key people within the Group.
LTIP 2024 has been designed to reward participants for increased shareholder value through their own investment in Bure shares as well as allocation of shares based on the fulfilment of established performance-based conditions. By linking employee compensation to the company’s own value growth, long-term value growth in the company is rewarded. Against this background, the Board believes that the introduction of LTIP 2024 will have a positive effect on Bure’s continued development and is therefore beneficial for shareholders and the company.
D.4 Other share-related incentive programmes
The company’s share-related incentive programme is described on pages 60-62 of the annual report.
D.5 Authorisation for the Board to make adjustments
The Board, or a person appointed by the Board, shall have the right to make minor adjustments to the above-mentioned decisions that may be necessary in conjunction with the registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office and Euroclear Sweden AB, respectively.
D.6 Preparation
The principles for LTIP 2024 have been prepared by the Board and with the support of external advisors and following consultations with shareholders. The Board has subsequently decided to present these proposals to the AGM. Apart from the salaried employees who prepared this matter in accordance with instructions from the Board, no employee who may be covered by the programme participated in the drafting of the terms.
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Other
On the date of the publication of this notice, the total number of shares and votes in the company amounted to 74,357,193, of which 74,146,921 were standard shares and 210,272 were class C shares. The company holds all outstanding class C shares.
Annual report and other documentation
The annual report and auditor’s report for the 2023 financial year will be published no later than 16 April 2024. Full details of the Nomination Committee’s and the Board’s proposed resolutions, including documentation, are available to shareholders at Bure Equity AB’s offices at Nybrogatan 6 in Stockholm, and on the company’s website at bure.se, no later than 16 April 2024 and may be sent to shareholders on request who provide their postal address. The same applies to the Board’s report in accordance with chapter 8 section 53a of the Swedish Companies Act and the auditor’s statement in accordance with chapter 8 section 54 of the same law.
Processing of personal data
For information on how personal data is processed in relation to the AGM, please see: https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Integritetspolicy-bolagsstammor-svenska.pdf. (In Swedish).
Stockholm March 2024
The Board of Directors
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Bure Equity AB (publ.), corporate identity number 556454-8781
Nybrogatan 6, 114 34 Stockholm
+46 (0)86 14 00 20
info@bure.se · bure.se