INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Fax: (360) 664-2782
Patricia D. Petersen Chief Hearing Officer (360) 725-7105 |
Kelly A. Cairns Paralegal (360) 725-7002 KellyC@oic.wa.gov |
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BEFORE THE STATE OF WASHINGTON OFFICE OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONER |
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In the Matter of the
Proposed Acquisition of
Control of:
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))))))))))) | No. 12-0203
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TO: | Bart Catmull, Chief
Operating Officer Sagicor Life Insurance Company 4343 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
James Golembiewski,
AVP Compliance & Associate General Counsel Sagicor Life Insurance Company 4343 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
Timothy J. Parker,
Esq. Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3600 Seattle, WA 98104 |
Kasandra Moeskau,
Esq. Sneed Vine & Perry, P.C. 900 Congress Avenue, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78701 |
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William Clumpner,
V.P[.] and General
Counsel PEMCO Life Insurance Company 325 Eastlake Avenue East Seattle, WA 98111-0778 |
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COPY TO: | Mike Kreidler,
Insurance
Commissioner
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James T. Odiorne, Deputy Commissioner,
Company Supervision Div. Ronald J. Pastuch, Holding Company Manager, Company Supervision Div. Carol Sureau, Deputy Commissioner, Legal Affairs Division Robin Aronson, Staff Attorney, Legal Affairs Division Office of the Insurance Commissioner P.O. Box 40255 Olympia, WA 98504-0255 |
Copies of all informational filings about these companies, all
Agreements, the relevant current and proposed organizational
structures, and all other documents identified below can be
found at
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/orders/hearings_proceedings6.shtml, are included in the hearing file and are by this reference
incorporated herein. If approved by the undersigned,
following consideration of evidence presented during the
adjudicative proceeding, the parties propose to consummate
this acquisition by September 30, 2012 if possible and the
merger either on the same date or at some time before January
1, 2013.
PEMCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY;
DETAILS OF PROPOSED ACQUISITION AND MERGER; CONSIDERATION
TO BE PAID; AND RESULT OF ACQUISITION AND MERGER
Sagicor Life Insurance Company is a Texas life insurance
corporation organized and licensed in Texas in 1954. However,
in its Form A, 1) the Applicant fails to state whether it is
also authorized to provide insurance other than life
insurance; 2) the Applicant fails to provide its Texas
Certificate of Authority number; and 3) although the Applicant
states that it is a Texas domestic insurer, it states its
official address as being in Scottsdale, Arizona and states
that its actual headquarters have for thirty years been in
Scottsdale, Arizona, without explanation. The ultimate
controlling person of Sagicor Life is Sagicor Financial
Corporation, a Barbados publicly traded insurance holding
corporation, organized under the laws of Barbados, which has
its primary listing on the Barbados Stock Exchange and
secondary listings in Trinidad and on the London Stock
Exchange. Sagicor Financial Corporation's principal place of
business is in St. Michael, Barbados.
PEMCO Life Insurance Company is a Washington-domiciled stock
life and disability insurance corporation which was first
organized and licensed as a life and disability insurer in
Washington in 1963 (Certificate of Authority No. 923). PEMCO
Life is wholly owned by PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company, which
is a Washington-domiciled mutual property and casualty
insurance corporation. PEMCO Life's registered address and
headquarters are in Seattle, Washington.
II. Proposed Acquisition and Consideration to be Paid.
Sagicor Life proposes to acquire PEMCO Life by purchasing all
outstanding capital stock of PEMCO Life from PEMCO Mutual
Insurance Company. The capital stock consists of 12,500
shares of common stock, all issued and outstanding to PEMCO
Mutual Insurance Company. There are also 100,000 shares of
Class A common non-voting shares with none issued and
outstanding. Should this proposed acquisition be approved, as
set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 22,
2012, Sagicor Life has agreed to pay a purchase price stated
in the amount of $1,700,000 plus an amount equal to the
capital and surplus of PEMCO Life as determined by the formula
specified in the Stock Purchase Agreement found in the link
above. Sagicor Life proposes to pay the purchase price in
cash although in its Form A it fails to specify the source of
said cash.
III. Result of Proposed Acquisition and Merger. Should this
proposed acquisition be approved, the result would be that,
upon closing, Sagicor Life would own all of the issued and
outstanding stock of PEMCO Life, and PEMCO Mutual Insurance
Company would no longer have any ownership of PEMCO Life.
Thereafter, PEMCO Life would be merged into Sagicor Life, with
Sagicor Life becoming the surviving corporation governed by
the laws of the state of Texas. The corporate identity,
existence, purposes, powers, objects, franchises, rights and
immunities of PEMCO Life shall be wholly merged in to Sagicor
Life and the separate existence of PEMCO Life shall cease;
PEMCO Life would no longer be a domestic life and disability
insurer in Washington. If this acquisition is approved, as of
the date the acquisition is consummated, Sagicor Life, as the
surviving corporation, must assume all of PEMCO Life's
outstanding life, health and accident insurance policies,
annuity policies, and other contracts and obligations which
are in force on the effective date of the acquisition and all
rights of policyholders and other contract holders must remain
unchanged. Sagicor Life's assumption of all of PEMCO Life's
policy and other contract rights and obligations shall be
documented in live testimony from both Sagicor Life's and
PEMCO Life's authorized representatives during the
adjudicative proceeding, and written testimony from these
individuals shall be filed as exhibits in the hearing file and
shall form part of the basis of the final decisions concerning
1) approval of the proposed acquisition and 2) approval of the
proposed merger.
IV. Re request for approval of proposed acquisition:
documents to be filed and procedure during the adjudicative
proceeding.
All documents filed with Sagicor Life's Form A, and all
supplemental documents and information referenced herein, can
be found at
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/orders/hearings_proceedings6.shtml. These documents include, among other documents, 1) the
parties' Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 22, 2012 with
attached Exhibits A through E; 2) Sagicor's Form B Insurance
Holding Company System Registration Statement; 3) Pre- and
Post-Closing Organizational Charts of Sagicor Financial
Corporation; 4) Biographical affidavits of the directors and
executive officers of Sagicor Life; 5) Financial statements of
Sagicor Financial Corporation for calendar years 2006 through
2011; 6) Annual statements and audited financial statements of
Sagicor Life for calendar years 2006 through 2011. Included
also are 7) the OIC's April 6, 2012 letter requesting further
information from the Applicant; and 8) the Applicant's letter
dated April 19, 2012 which provides information in response to
the OIC's April 6 request for additional information. The
documents specified above, and others also included in the
Form A, and all other communications between the Applicant and
the OIC, and between the Applicant, PEMCO Life, the OIC and
the undersigned, are published at the referenced website and
shall be entered as evidence in this proceeding.
In addition to compliance with the various requirements set
forth in RCW 48.31B.015, pursuant to RCW 48.31B.015(4), the
OIC shall approve an acquisition of a domestic insurer unless,
after a public hearing thereon, it is found: 1) that after
the change of control, the domestic carrier would not be able
to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a license to
write the line or lines of insurance for which it is presently
licensed; 2) the effect of the acquisition or merger may
substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly
in insurance in this state; 3) the financial condition of an
acquiring party is such as might jeopardize the financial
stability of the insurer, or prejudice the interest of its
policyholders; 4) the plans or proposals that the acquiring
party has to liquidate the insurer, sell its assets,
consolidate or merge it with any person, or to make any other
material change in its business or corporate structure or
management, are unfair and unreasonable to the policyholders
of the insurer and not in the public interest; 5) the
competence, experience, and integrity of those persons who
would control the operation of the insurer are such that it
would not be in the interest of policyholders of the insurer
and of the public to permit the merger or other acquisition of
control; 6) or the acquisition is likely to be hazardous or
prejudicial to the insurance-buying public.
Toward this end, the parties are advised that the Washington
State Insurance Commissioner or his duly authorized
representative is expected to testify as to whether he has
given reasonable advance notice to the public of the hearing
scheduled herein and whether he or any members of his staff
has received any objections or concerns relative to this
proposed acquisition and provide details of these objections
or concerns. The Commissioner or his duly authorized
representative is also expected to testify as to the
conclusions he has reached during his examination of the
subject Form A and all related documents and communications
insofar as they relate to the above stated issues 1) through
6). Further, a duly authorized representative of Sagicor Life
is expected to testify as to the above stated issues 1)
through 6) and as to whether Sagicor Life or any of its
affiliates has received any objections or concerns regarding
this proposed acquisition and provide details of these
objections or concerns. Additionally, a duly authorized
representative of PEMCO Life is expected to testify as to the
above stated issues and as to whether PEMCO Life or any of its
affiliates has received any objections or concerns relative to
this proposed acquisition. Finally, while live testimony from
the Commissioner, Sagicor Life, and PEMCO Life will be taken
during the hearing as to the above identified issues, written
Affidavits from the parties and the Commissioner must be filed
at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. Further,
oral opening statements from Sagicor Life and PEMCO Life are
expected along with written closing arguments to be filed at
least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. Duly
authorized representatives of Sagicor Life and PEMCO Life can
include officers and/or directors of the companies or in house
counsel employed by the companies; while testimony of outside
counsel may be presented, it will be in addition to the
testimony of those duly authorized representatives specified
above.
V. Re request for approval of proposed merger: documents to
be filed and procedure during the adjudicative proceeding.
On July 11, 2012, the Applicant emailed certain documents
which it believes constitute a request for approval of its
proposed merger detailed above. However, all of these
documents are incomplete and unsigned and one is duplicative
but with different wording. The Applicant is advised that in
order to have its proposed merger considered on the hearing
date currently scheduled, 1) it must promptly submit a letter
detailing its proposed merger, and how and when it will be
accomplished including explanation of the undated, unsigned
documents; 2) it must comply with RCW 48.31B.015 in its
entirety, separately from its compliance with this statute in
its request for acquisition; 3) it must submit all those
documents (which can be fully executed prior to consummation
of the acquisition if approval) at least ten days prior to the
hearing date. Failure to comply with RCW 48.31B.015 will
result in inability to consider this proposed merger on the
scheduled hearing date. The Applicant is reminded that its
filing requesting approval of its proposed merger must be
entirely separate from its filing regarding its proposed
acquisition.
Pursuant to RCW 48.31B.015(4), the Washington State Insurance
Commissioner shall approve a merger involving a domestic
insurer unless, after a public hearing thereon, it is found:
1) that after the change of control, the domestic carrier
would not be able to satisfy the requirements for the issuance
of a license to write the line or lines of insurance for which
it is presently licensed; 2) the effect of the merger may
substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly
in insurance in this state; 3) the financial condition of an
acquiring party is such as might jeopardize the financial
stability of the insurer, or prejudice the interest of its
policyholders; 4) the plans or proposals that the acquiring
party has to liquidate the insurer, sell its assets,
consolidate or merge it with any person, or to make any other
material change in its business or corporate structure or
management, are unfair and unreasonable to the policyholders
of the insurer and not in the public interest; 5) the
competence, experience, and integrity of those persons who
would control the operation of the insurer are such that it
would not be in the interest of policyholders of the insurer
and of the public to permit the merger or other acquisition of
control; 6) or the acquisition is likely to be hazardous or
prejudicial to the insurance-buying public.
Toward this end, the parties are advised that the Commissioner
or his duly authorized representative is expected to testify
as to whether he has given reasonable advance notice to the
public of the hearing scheduled herein and whether he or any
members of his staff has received any objections or concerns
relative to this proposed merger and provide details of these
objections or concerns. The Commissioner or his duly
authorized representative is also expected to testify as to
the conclusions he has reached during his examination of the
subject Form A and all related documents and communications
insofar as they relate to the above stated issues 1) through
6). Further, a duly authorized representative of Sagicor Life
is expected to testify as to the above stated issues 1)
through 6) and as to whether Sagicor Life or any of its
affiliates has received any objections or concerns regarding
this proposed merger and provide details of these objections
or concerns. Additionally, a duly authorized representative
of PEMCO Life is expected to testify as to the above stated
issues and as to whether PEMCO Life or any of its affiliates
has received any objections or concerns relative to this
proposed merger. Finally, while live testimony from the
Commissioner, Sagicor Life, and PEMCO Life will be taken
during the hearing as to the above identified issues, written
Affidavits from the parties and the Commissioner must be filed
at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. Further,
oral opening statements from Sagicor Life and PEMCO Life are
expected along with written closing arguments to be filed at
least ten days prior to the date of the hearing. Duly
authorized representatives of Sagicor Life and PEMCO Life can
include officers and/or directors of the companies or in house
counsel employed by the companies; while testimony of outside
counsel may be presented, it will be in addition to the
testimony of those duly authorized representatives specified
above.
YOU ARE HERBY [HEREBY] NOTIFIED that the adjudicative proceeding in this
matter will be held commencing at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Standard
Time on Thursday, September 13, 2012, in the Office of the
Insurance Commissioner, 5000 Capitol Boulevard, Tumwater,
Washington 98501, to consider, first, Sagicor Life Insurance
Company's request for approval of its proposed acquisition of
PEMCO Life Insurance Company as described above, and,
immediately following that first proceeding if appropriate,
Sagicor Life Insurance Company's proposed merger with PEMCO
Life Insurance Company, which are both described above. All
documents and all other information from the Applicant,
Sagicor Life, all communications between the Commissioner,
Sagicor Life, PEMCO Life, their affiliates, and the
undersigned, which have been filed to date are published on
the Commissioner's website for the public's review at
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/orders/hearings_proceedings6.shtml
or by request to the undersigned to review the hearing file or
any portions thereof.
The hearing will be held under the authority granted the
Insurance Commissioner by Chapter 48.04 RCW and RCW 48.31B.015, and shall have as its purpose consideration of the
Applicant's request for approval of the proposed acquisition
of PEMCO Life by Sagicor Life and the proposed merger of PEMCO
Life into Sagicor Life. The hearing will be governed by the
Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 34.05 RCW, and the model
rules of procedure contained in Chapter 10-08 WAC. A party
who fails to attend or participate in any stage of the
proceeding may be held in default in accordance with Chapter 34.05 RCW.
The Insurance Commissioner has not taken, and will not take,
any position on this matter prior to entry of the Findings of
Facts, Conclusions of Law and Final Order to be entered by the
undersigned after hearing.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all interested individuals may attend
the hearing in this matter without prior approval as this is a
public proceeding. Further, interested parties may also
listen to or otherwise participate in the hearing by telephone
by dialing (877) 668-4493, followed by access code number 231
993 38. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all interested individuals and
entities may submit comments on, or objections to, this
proposed acquisition and merger to the undersigned. Said
comments or objections, which will be included in the hearing
record and will be considered by the undersigned prior to her
making her final decision in this matter, must be submitted by
9:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, September 13,
2012, by fax, U.S. Mail, personal delivery, or email to Judge
Petersen. Her fax number is (360) 664-2782; her U.S. Mail
address is PO Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255; her personal
delivery address is 5000 Capitol Boulevard, Tumwater,
Washington 98501; and her email address is that of her
Paralegal, Kelly A. Cairns, which is KellyC@oic.wa.gov. YOU ARE
FURTHER NOTIFIED that, pursuant to RCW 48.31B.015 (4)(b), any
person whose interest is determined by the undersigned to be
affected, may present evidence and argument on all issues
involved, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and offer oral
and written statements, and in connection therewith may
conduct discovery proceedings.
The Insurance Commissioner will appear by and through Robin
Aronson, Staff Attorney in his Legal Affairs Division. She
can be reached at (360) 725-7181 or RobinA@oic.wa.gov.
Sagicor Life Insurance Company will be represented by Timothy
J. Parker, Esq. of Carney Badley Spellman, P.S., 701 Fifth
Avenue, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA 98104-7010. He can be reached
at (206) 622-8020 or Parker@carneylaw.com. PEMCO Life
Insurance Company will be represented by William Clumpner,
Vice President and General Counsel, or an alternate executive
of PEMCO Life, 325 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA
98111-0778. Mr. Clumpner can be reached at (206) 628-6331 or
Bill.Clumpner@pemco.com.
Based upon a delegation of authority from the Insurance
Commissioner, the undersigned will conduct the hearing and
will make the final decision and enter the final order
relative to this matter without input from the Insurance
Commissioner or his staff or any other individual who has
knowledge of the issues herein, except as will be presented as
evidence in the hearing. Her address is Office of the
Insurance Commissioner, Hearings Unit, P.O. Box 40255,
Olympia, WA 98504-0255 and her telephone number is (360)
725-7105. All questions or concerns should be directed to
Kelly A. Cairns, Paralegal to the undersigned, who may be
reached at the telephone and fax numbers, e-mail or U.S. Mail
addresses set forth above.
On July 19, 2012, the undersigned held a first prehearing
conference in this matter. The parties were represented by
the above stated attorneys, except that a representative of
PEMCO Life was not in attendance. Also in attendance were
James Golembiewski, Associate General Counsel for Sagicor
Life; Kasandra Moeskau of Sneed, Vine & Perry, Sagicor Life's
Texas counsel; and Ronald J. Pastuch, OIC Holding Company
Manager. During said first prehearing conference, the
undersigned identified the parties and statutes involved,
reviewed procedure to be expected at hearing, and responded to
all questions and concerns of the parties. As stated above,
should any party or any interested individual have any further
questions or concerns prior to the hearing date, they are
advised to telephone or e-mail Kelly A. Cairns, Paralegal to
the undersigned, for assistance or to schedule a second
prehearing conference if necessary.
Pursuant to WAC 10-08-040(2) and in accordance with ch. 2.42
RCW, if a limited English-speaking or hearing impaired or
speech impaired party or witness needs an interpreter, a
qualified interpreter will be appointed. There will be no
cost to the party or witness therefore, except as may be
provided by ch. 2.42 RCW. Following this Notice is a form you
may use to advise the Chief Hearing Officer of your need for
an interpreter.
ENTERED at Tumwater, Washington, this 13th day of August, 2012,
pursuant to Title 48 RCW and specifically RCW 48.31B.015,
Title 34 RCW, and regulations applicable thereto.
----signed Patricia D. Petersen----
_________________________________________
PATRICIA D. PETERSEN
Presiding Officer
Chief Hearing Officer
FILED ON AUGUST 13, 2012
Declaration of Mailing | |
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that on the date listed below, I mailed or caused delivery through normal office mailing custom, a true copy of this document to the following people at their addresses listed above: Bart F. Catmull, Timothy J. Parker, Esq., James Golembiewski, Esq., Kasandra Moeskau, Esq., William Clumpner, Esq., Mike Kreidler, Michael G. Watson, Carol Sureau, Esq., Robin Aronson, Esq., James T. Odiorne and Ronald J. Pastuch. | |
DATED this 13th day of August, 2012. | |
--kac-- ______________ KELLY A. CAIRNS |
Mike Kreidler