WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Month of July 2007
Commission File Number 001-32945
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in the charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Jersey, Channel Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex
Pirojshanagar, Vikroli (W)
Mumbai 400 079, India
+91-22-6797-6100
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover
Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F þ Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the information contained in this
Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No þ
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to registrant in connection with Rule
12g3-2(b): Not applicable.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Other Events
On or about July 5, 2007, WNS (Holdings) Limited (the Company) issued a press release
announcing the details of its annual general meeting to be held in Jersey, Channel Islands, on
Wednesday, August 8, 2007 and distributed to its shareholders a notice of the annual general
meeting, the proxy statement for the annual general meeting and form of proxy. A copy of the press
release, the notice of annual general meeting, the proxy statement and form of proxy are attached
hereto as Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2, Exhibit 99.3 and Exhibit 99.4, respectively. A copy of the
notice of the annual general meeting and voting card provided by the depositary of the Companys
American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to holders of ADSs are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.5 and
Exhibit 99.6, respectively.
Exhibits
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99.1 |
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Press release of the Company dated July 5, 2007. |
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99.2 |
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The Companys Notice of Annual General Meeting to ordinary shareholders, dated July 3, 2007. |
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99.3 |
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The Companys Proxy Statement for the Annual General Meeting of ordinary shareholders to be held on August 8, 2007. |
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99.4 |
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Form of Proxy for use by ordinary shareholders. |
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99.5 |
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Depositarys Notice of Annual General Meeting to holders of ADSs, dated July 4, 2007. |
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99.6 |
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Voting card for use by ADS holders. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder duly authorized.
Date: July 5, 2007
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WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
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By: |
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/s/ Zubin Dubash
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Name: |
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Zubin Dubash |
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Title: |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
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99.1 |
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Press release of the Company dated July 5, 2007. |
99.2 |
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The Companys Notice of Annual General Meeting to ordinary shareholders, dated July 3, 2007. |
99.3 |
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The Companys Proxy Statement for the Annual General Meeting of ordinary shareholders to be held on August 8, 2007. |
99.4 |
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Form of Proxy for use by ordinary shareholders. |
99.5 |
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Depositarys Notice of Annual General Meeting to holders of ADSs, dated July 4, 2007. |
99.6 |
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Voting card for use by ADS holders. |
EX-99.1 PRESS RELEASE OF THE COMPANY
Exhibit 99.1
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CONTACT:
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Investors:
Jay Venkateswaran
Senior VP Investor Relations
WNS (Holdings) Limited
+1 212 599 6960
ir@wnsgs.com |
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Media:
Al Bellenchia
The Torrenzano Group
+1 (212) 681-1700, ext. 156
abellenchia@torrenzano.com
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WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED ANNOUNCES
DETAILS OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MUMBAI, India and NEW YORK, July 5, 2007 WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), the parent company
of WNS Global Services, a leading offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) provider, announced
that its annual general meeting of shareholders will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2007,
beginning at 2.00 pm, GMT, at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
The Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended March 31, 2007 (the Annual
Report), containing its annual consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended
March 31, 2007 and the auditors report thereon, was filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 26, 2007. The Company distributed the notice of annual general meeting, proxy
statement and form of proxy on or about July 5, 2007.
The Annual Report, notice of the annual general meeting, proxy statement and form of proxy are
available on the investor relation page of the Companys corporate website, www.wnsgs.com.
Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the Annual Report, free of charge, by sending a written
request to our registered office or by sending an e-mail to ssd@capitaregistrars.com, attention
Sarah Dawes.
About
WNS
WNS is a leading provider of offshore business
process outsourcing, or BPO, services. We provide comprehensive data, voice and analytical services that
are underpinned by our expertise in our target industry sectors. We transfer the execution of the business
processes of our clients, which are typically companies located in Europe and North America, to our delivery
centers located primarily in India. We provide high quality execution of client processes, monitor these
processes against multiple performance metrics, and seek to improve
them on an ongoing basis.
Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
For more information, please visit our website at www.wnsgs.com.
EX-99.2 THE COMPANY'S NOTICE OF AGM
Exhibit 99.2
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
To be Held on August 8, 2007
To our Shareholders:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an annual general meeting (the Annual General Meeting) of the
shareholders of WNS (Holdings) Limited, a company incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands (the
Company), will be held at our registered office at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey,
Channel Islands on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 2.00 pm for the purpose of considering the
following ordinary business, as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this
notice, and if thought fit adopting the following resolutions:
ORDINARY BUSINESS
The following resolutions will proposed as ordinary resolutions:
Resolution 1 (Annual accounts)
THAT the audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2007, including the
report of the auditors, be and hereby are adopted.
Resolution 2 (Re-appointment of auditors)
THAT Ernst & Young be and hereby is re-appointed as the Companys auditors until the next annual
general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending March 31, 2008.
Resolution 3 (Auditors remuneration)
THAT a maximum sum of $750,000 be and hereby is approved as being available for the payment of the
remuneration of Ernst & Young as auditors for their audit services to be rendered in respect of
financial year ending March 31, 2008 and that the Board or a committee thereof is authorised to
determine the remuneration payable from time to time to the auditors during this period subject to
the maximum sum stipulated.
Resolution 4 (Re-election of class I Directors)
THAT the following class I Directors be and hereby are re-elected to hold office as class I
Directors from the date of the Annual General Meeting:
(a) |
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Mr. Richard O. Bernays; and |
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Sir Anthony A. Greener. |
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Resolution 5 (Directors remuneration)
THAT:
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(a) |
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an aggregate sum of $2 million be and hereby is approved as being available for
the payment of remuneration and other benefits (excluding the making of awards of
options and restricted stock units referred to in (b) below) to the Directors of the
Company, to be applied as the Directors may decide in their discretion, for the period
from the Annual General Meeting until the next annual general meeting of the Company to
be held in respect of financial year ending March 31, 2008; and |
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(b) |
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as a further part of the Directors remuneration, the making of awards under
the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan to Directors by the compensation committee of the Board
in its discretion for the period from the Annual General Meeting until the next annual
general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending March 31,
2008 be and hereby is approved, provided that the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company that may be issued or transferred pursuant to any
Awards made or to be made to the Directors pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan of
the Company is limited to 3 million.
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DATED: July 3, 2007 |
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Registered Office: |
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Channel House |
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD |
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7 Esplanade |
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St. Helier |
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Jersey |
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Capita Secretaries Limited |
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Channel Islands |
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Secretary |
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NOTES:
1. |
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The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on June 27, 2007 as the record date
for determining those holders of our ordinary shares (collectively, our Shareholders) who
will be entitled to receive copies of this Notice, the accompanying form of proxy, Proxy
Statement and the notice of availability of the Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the
financial year ended March 31, 2007. |
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2. |
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A Shareholder is a person whose name appears on our Register of Members as a holder of our
ordinary shares. |
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3. |
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A Shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to
appoint a proxy or proxies to attend the meeting and, on a poll, to vote on his behalf. A
proxy need not be a Shareholder. A form of proxy, which should be completed in accordance with
the instructions printed thereon, is enclosed with this document. The appointment of a proxy
will not prevent a Shareholder from subsequently attending and voting at the meeting in
person. |
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4. |
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To be valid, the instrument appointing a proxy, and any power of attorney or other authority
(e.g. a board minute) under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy of any such
power or authority), must be deposited at the registered office of the Company (care of Capita
Secretaries Limited) at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
(attention: Sarah Dawes) not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of
the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the
proxy proposes to vote. |
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5. |
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A proxy may be revoked by: (i) giving the Company notice in writing deposited at the
Companys registered office (care of Capita Secretaries Limited) at Channel House, 7
Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands (attention: Sarah Dawes) before the commencement
of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which
the proxy proposes to vote; (ii) depositing a new form of proxy with the Companys Secretary
before the commencement of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the
taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote (although it should be noted that the new
form of proxy will only be a valid proxy, as opposed to being capable of revoking an earlier
form of proxy, if deposited not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Annual
General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the proxy
proposes to vote); or (iii) attending and voting on a poll. |
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6. |
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If the Annual General Meeting is adjourned for lack of a quorum, the adjourned meeting will
be held at 2.00 pm on August 14, 2007 at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey,
Channel Islands. Under the Companys Articles of Association, the quorum for the holding of
general meetings is not less than two Shareholders, present in person or by proxy, holding
ordinary shares conferring not less than one-third of the total voting rights of all the
ordinary shares in issue. |
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7. |
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A copy of the annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended March 31, 2007 is
available for inspection at the Companys registered office. In addition, Shareholders will
be provided with a copy of the annual report on Form 20-F upon request by contacting the
Company Secretary, Capita Secretaries Limited, of Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier,
Jersey, Channel Islands (attention: Sarah Dawes, telephone: + 44 (0)1534 883847) or
shareholders may access a copy of the annual report on Form 20-F on the Companys website at
www.wnsgs.com. |
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8. |
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Explanatory notes to the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting are
contained in the Proxy Statement which accompanies this notice. |
3
EX-99.3 THE COMPANY'S PROXY STATEMENT
Exhibit 99.3
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
To be Held on August 8, 2007
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors
(the Board or the Board of Directors) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, a company incorporated in
Jersey, Channel Islands (the Company or WNS), of proxies for voting at the Companys Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual General Meeting) to be held on Wednesday, August 8,
2007, at 2.00 pm, at the registered office of the Company located at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St
Helier, Jersey JE4 5UW, Channel Islands, or any adjournments thereof, for the purposes summarized
in the accompanying Notice of Annual General Meeting and described in more detail in this Proxy
Statement.
Shareholders Entitled to Notice of and to Vote at the Annual General Meeting
The Board has fixed the close of business on June 27, 2007 as the date for determining those
holders of ordinary shares (collectively, the Shareholders) who will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Annual General Meeting. Copies of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, this Proxy
Statement, the accompanying instrument appointing a proxy or proxies, and the notice of
availability of the Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended March 31,
2007 (the Annual Report) were first mailed to Shareholders on or about July 5, 2007. Shareholders
are advised to read this Proxy Statement carefully prior to returning their instruments appointing
a proxy or proxies.
A Shareholder is a person whose name appears on our Register of Members as a holder of our ordinary
shares.
At the close of business on May 31, 2007, there were 41,895,246 ordinary shares issued
and outstanding.
Quorum
No business may be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of Shareholders entitled to
vote at the meeting is present. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of the Company, the quorum
for the holding of general meetings is not less than two Shareholders, present in person or by
proxy, holding ordinary shares conferring not less than one-third of the total voting rights of all
the ordinary shares issued and outstanding. If a quorum is not present, the Annual General Meeting
will be adjourned to 2.00 pm on August 14, 2007 at Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey,
Channel Islands.
Proxies
To be valid, the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies, and any power of attorney or other
authority (e.g. a board minute) under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy of any
such power or authority), must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at Channel
House, 7 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 5UW, Channel Islands not less than 48 hours before the
time appointed for the holding of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the
taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote. A proxy need not be a Shareholder.
Shareholders may appoint any member of the Board or any other person as their proxy. The
appointment of a proxy will not prevent a Shareholder from subsequently attending and voting at the
meeting in person.
1
A Shareholder may appoint more than one person to act as his proxy and each such person shall act
as proxy for the Shareholder for the number of shares specified in the instrument appointing the
person a proxy. If a Shareholder appoints more than one person to act as his proxy, each instrument
appointing a proxy shall specify the number of shares held by the Shareholder for which the
relevant person is appointed his proxy. Each duly appointed proxy has the same rights as the
Shareholder by whom he was appointed to speak at a meeting and vote at a meeting in respect of the
number of shares held by the Shareholder for which the relevant proxy is appointed his proxy.
A proxy may be revoked by: (i) giving the Company notice in writing deposited at the Companys
registered office (care of Capita Secretaries Limited, Channel House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier,
Jersey, Channel Islands) before the commencement of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment
thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote; (ii) depositing a new form
of proxy with the Companys Secretary before the commencement of the Annual General Meeting or any
adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote (although it
should be noted that the new form of proxy will only be a valid proxy, as opposed to being capable
of revoking an earlier form of proxy, if deposited not less than 48 hours before the time appointed
for the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the
proxy proposes to vote); or (iii) attending and voting on a poll. No instrument appointing a proxy
shall be revoked by the appointing Shareholder attending and participating in a meeting, unless the
appointing Shareholder votes on a poll at the meeting in respect of the shares for which the
relevant proxy is appointed his proxy.
Voting
On a show of hands, every Shareholder present in person or by proxy shall have one vote and on a
poll, every Shareholder present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for each ordinary share
held or represented. On a poll, a Shareholder entitled to more than one vote need not use all his
votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way. A resolution put to the vote of Shareholders
at the Annual General Meeting will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is demanded by the
Chairman of the Annual General Meeting or a Shareholder present in person or by proxy and entitled
to vote at the Annual General Meeting. In the case of joint holders only one of them may vote and
in the absence of election as to who is to vote, the vote of the holder whose name appears first in
order in the Register of Members, whether in person or by proxy, will be accepted to the exclusion
of the votes of the other joint holders.
Ordinary shares represented by a duly executed instrument appointing a proxy or proxies that is
deposited with the Company at its registered office (at least 48 hours before the time appointed
for the Annual General Meeting) will be voted at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with
Shareholders instructions contained in the instrument.
Resolutions 1 to 5 are proposed as ordinary resolutions. On a show of hands, each of the ordinary
resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting will be duly passed by the affirmative
vote of a simple majority of Shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual
General Meeting. If a poll is demanded in the manner described above, each of the ordinary
resolution(s) to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting for which voting by poll is demanded
will be duly passed by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of votes cast at the Annual
General Meeting for each ordinary share held or represented, with each Shareholder present in
person or by proxy having one vote for each ordinary share held or represented. In the event of an
equality of votes, whether upon a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of the Annual General
Meeting shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote.
Cost of Soliciting Proxies
The entire cost of the solicitation of proxies for the Annual General Meeting will be borne by WNS.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS
Shareholders will be requested to vote on the following proposals at the Annual General Meeting:
1. |
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Adoption of the audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2007,
together with the auditors report; |
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2. |
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Re-appointment of the Companys auditors; |
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3. |
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Approval of auditors remuneration; |
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4. |
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Re-election of class 1 Directors, Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony A. Greener; and |
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5. |
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Approval of Directors remuneration. |
PROPOSAL NO. 1
THAT the audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2007, including the
report of the auditors, be and hereby are adopted
A companys auditors are required by the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the Jersey Companies Act)
to make a report to the companys shareholders on the accounts examined by them. The auditors
report must state whether in their opinion the accounts have been properly prepared in accordance
with the law and in particular whether a true and fair view is given.
The Companys financial statements included in the Annual Report have been prepared in conformity
with United States generally accepted accounting principles and are accompanied by the auditors
report from Ernst & Young. Shareholders are requested to adopt the audited accounts of the Company
for the year ended March 31, 2007, together with the auditors report.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the adoption of the audited accounts of WNS for the financial
year ended 31 March 2007, together with the auditors report.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
THAT Ernst & Young be and hereby is re-appointed as the Companys auditors until the next annual
general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending March 31, 2008
A public company is required by law at each annual general meeting to appoint auditors to hold
office from the conclusion of that meeting to the conclusion of the next annual general meeting to
examine the accounts of the Company and to report thereon.
Shareholders are requested to approve the re-appointment of Ernst & Young as the Companys auditors
until the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2008 to examine the
accounts in respect of the financial year ending March 31, 2008 and to report thereon.
The Board, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board, recommends a vote FOR the
re-appointment of Ernst & Young as auditors of the Company until the next annual general meeting of
the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending March 31, 2008.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
THAT a maximum sum of $750,000 be and hereby is approved as being available for the payment of the
remuneration of Ernst & Young as auditors for their audit services to be rendered in respect of
financial year ending March 31, 2008 and that the Board or a committee thereof is authorised to
determine the remuneration payable from time to time to the auditors during this period subject to
the maximum sum stipulated
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Under the articles of association of the Company the shareholders in general meeting fix the
remuneration of the auditors. The level of fees to be charged by the auditors for audit services
to be rendered in respect of the financial year ending March 31, 2008 is not known. Company is
requesting shareholders approval for an aggregate sum of $750,000 to be available for the payment
of remuneration to the auditors for their audit services to be rendered during the financial year
ending March 31, 2008. The precise amount to be paid to the auditors for audit services, subject
to a maximum fee of $750,000, will be determined by the Board.
The Board upon the recommendation of the audit committee recommends a vote FOR the approval of
a maximum sum of $750,000 being available for payment to auditors for the audit services to be
rendered in respect of fiscal 2008.
PROPOSAL NO. 4
THAT the following class I Directors be and hereby are re-elected to hold office as class I
Directors from the date of the Annual General Meeting: (a) Mr. Richard O. Bernays; and (b) Sir
Anthony A. Greener
Mr. Guy Sochovsky, Mr. Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony A. Greener are currently the class 1
Directors of the Company. The period of office of class I Directors expires at this Annual General
Meeting. Mr. Guy Sochovsky will resign from the Board of the Company effective from July 24, 2007
and as such is not seeking re-appointment as director at the Annual General Meeting. It is proposed
that Mr. Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony A. Greener be re-elected as class I directors.
The biographies of these Directors and a complete listing of all our Directors are provided in this
Proxy Statement.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the re-election of each of Mr. Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony
A. Greener to the Board of Directors.
PROPOSAL NO. 5
THAT:
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an aggregate sum of $2 million be and hereby is approved as being available for the payment
of remuneration and other benefits (excluding the making of awards of options and restricted
stock units referred to in (b) below) to the Directors of the Company, to be applied as the
Directors may decide in their discretion, for the period from the Annual General Meeting until
the next annual general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending
March 31, 2008; and |
(b) |
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as a further part of the Directors remuneration, the making of awards under the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan to Directors by the compensation committee of the Board in its discretion for
the period from the Annual General Meeting until the next annual general meeting of the
Company to be held in respect of financial year ending March 31, 2008 be and hereby is
approved, provided that the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares in the capital of the
Company that may be issued or transferred pursuant to any Awards made or to be made to the
Directors pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan of the Company is limited to 3 million. |
In accordance with Article 102 of the Articles of Association of the Company, the Company is
requesting Shareholders approval for an aggregate sum of $2 million to be available for the
payment of remuneration and other benefits (excluding the making of awards pursuant to the
Companys 2006 Incentive Award Plan which are to be made in accordance thereof) and Awards to be
granted in accordance with the Companys
4
2006 Incentive Award Plan to the Directors of the Company for the period from the Annual General
Meeting until the next annual general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial
year ending March 31, 2008. The aggregate sum of remuneration and other benefits (excluding the
making of awards pursuant to the Companys 2006 Incentive Award Plan which were made in accordance
thereof) paid to the Directors for their services rendered during the financial year ended March
31, 2007 was $1.55 million. Our Directors were granted options to purchase 292,000 shares and
125,000 restricted share units during fiscal 2007.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of a maximum sum of $2 million as being available
for the payment of Directors remuneration and other benefits and making of awards in accordance
with the Companys 2006 Stock Incentive Plan during the period from the Annual General Meeting
until the next annual general meeting of the Company to be held in respect of financial year ending
March 31, 2008.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board does not presently intend to bring any other business before the Annual General Meeting,
and so far as is known to the Board, no matters will be brought before the Annual General Meeting
except as is specified in this Proxy Statement. As to any business that may properly come before
the Annual General Meeting, however, it is intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be
voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of those persons voting such proxies.
5
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Our board of directors consists of eight directors.
The following table sets forth the name, age (as of May 31, 2007) and position of each of our
directors and executive officers as of the date hereof.
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Name |
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Age |
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Designation |
Directors |
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Ramesh N. Shah(1)
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58 |
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Chairman of the Board |
Neeraj Bhargava
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43 |
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Co-Founder of WNS (Holdings) Limited,
Director and Group Chief Executive Officer |
Jeremy Young(2)
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41 |
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Director |
Guy Sochovsky(3)
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31 |
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Director |
Eric B. Herr(2)(4)(5)
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59 |
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Director |
Deepak S. Parekh(3)(5)(6)
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62 |
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Director |
Richard O. Bernays(2)(3)(5)(7)
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64 |
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Director |
Anthony Armitage Greener(8)
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67 |
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Director |
Executive Officers(9) |
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Zubin Dubash
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47 |
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Group Chief Financial Officer |
Alan Stephen Dunning
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50 |
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Co-Founder of WNS (Holdings) Limited,
Managing Director of WNS UK |
Anup Gupta
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35 |
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Chief Executive Officer Travel Services |
Bernard Donoghue(10)
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48 |
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Chief Executive Officer WNS Assistance |
J.J. Selvadurai
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48 |
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Chief Executive Officer Enterprise Services |
Anish Nanavaty
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39 |
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Chief Executive Officer Knowledge Services |
Arjun Singh
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46 |
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Chief Executive Officer BFSI |
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Notes: |
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(1) |
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Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bernays will be
appointed as Chairman of the Compensation Committee in place of Mr.
Shah in July 2007. |
|
(2) |
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Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Sochovsky will resign as a
director prior to the next annual general meeting in July 2007. |
|
(4) |
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Chairman of the Audit Committee. |
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(5) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee. |
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(6) |
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Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
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(7) |
|
Appointed as a director in November 2006. Mr. Bernays will be
appointed as Chairman of the Compensation Committee in place of Mr.
Shah in July 2007. |
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(8) |
|
Appointed as a director in June 2007. Sir Anthony will be appointed
as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in July 2007. |
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(9) |
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Other executive officers who are not directors. |
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(10) |
|
Appointed as Chief Executive Officer WNS Assistance with effect
from May 1, 2007 in place of Mr. Edwin Donald Harrell. Mr. Harrell
has assumed the position as our Chief Technology Officer WNS
Assistance since May 2007. |
Summarized below is relevant biographical information covering at least the past five years
for each of our directors, executive officers and other managers.
Directors
Ramesh N. Shah is our Chairman and was appointed to our board of directors in July 2005. Mr. Shah
is based in New York. In addition to his role as Chairman of the Board, he mentors our North
American sales team and manages key external stakeholder relationships. He was also the interim
chief executive officer of our BFSI business unit (excluding WNS Assistance) prior to Mr. Arjun
Singhs appointment as the chief executive
6
officer of our BFSI business unit in November 2006. Prior to WNS, he was the chief executive
officer for the Retail Banking division at GreenPoint Bank and has held senior positions at
American Express, Shearson and Natwest. Mr. Shah received a Master of Business Administration from
Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College. The business address for Mr.
Shah is 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2515, New York, New York 10170, USA.
Neeraj Bhargava is a co-founder of WNS (Holdings) Limited and Group Chief Executive Officer and was
appointed to our board of directors in May 2004. Mr. Bhargava is based in Mumbai, India. Mr.
Bhargavas responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer include executing our business strategy and
managing the overall performance and growth of our organization. Mr. Bhargava co-founded WNS
(Holdings) Limited in 2002 and served as the President and Group Chief Financial Officer before
becoming our Group Chief Executive Officer in May 2004. Mr. Bhargava received a Master of Business
Administration from the Stern School of Business, New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi University. The business address for Mr.
Bhargava is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli West, Mumbai 400 079, India.
Jeremy Young was appointed to our board of directors as a nominee of Warburg Pincus in May 2004.
Mr. Young held various positions at Baxter Healthcare International, Booz, Allen & Hamilton
International and Cellular Transplant/ Cytotherapeutics before he joined Warburg Pincus in 1992. He
received a Master of Arts degree in English from Cambridge University and a Master of Business
Administration from Harvard Business School. He focuses on business services and is also a director
of Fibernet Communications, Warburg Pincus Roaming II S.A and e-Verger Limited. The business
address for Mr. Young is Warburg Pincus International LLC, Almack House, 28 King Street, St. James,
London, SW1Y 6QW, England.
Guy Sochovsky was appointed to our board of directors as a nominee of Warburg Pincus in January
2006. Mr. Sochovsky joined Warburg Pincus in February 2000 and focuses on business services
investments. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, Mr. Sochovsky was with Goldman Sachs in London. He
received a Bachelor of Arts, Honors degree in Modern History from Oxford University in 1997. Mr.
Sochovsky is also a director of Warburg Pincus Roaming II S.A. The business address for Mr.
Sochovsky is Warburg Pincus International LLC, Almack House, 28 King Street, St. James, London,
SW1Y 6QW, England.
Eric B. Herr was appointed to our board of directors in July 2006. Mr. Herr is based in the United
States. He currently serves as the Chairman of the board of directors for Workscape Inc. (since
2005) and on the board of directors of Taleo Corporation (since 2002). He also serves as the
Chairman of the audit committee of Taleo Corporation. Previously, Mr. Herr served as Chief
Financial Officer of Autodesk, Inc. (1992 to 1997). Mr. Herr received a Master of Arts degree in
Economics from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Kenyon College.
The business address for Mr. Herr is P.O. Box 719, Bristol, NH 03222, USA.
Deepak S. Parekh was appointed to our board of directors in July 2006. Mr. Parekh is based in
Mumbai, India. He currently serves as the Chairman (since 1993) and Chief Executive Officer of
Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC), a housing finance company in India which
he joined in 1978. Mr. Parekh is the non-executive Chairman (since 1994) of one of our clients,
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Mr. Parekh is also a director on the board of several Indian
public companies such as Siemens Ltd. (since 2003), HDFC Chubb General Insurance Co. Ltd. (since
2002), HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (since 2000), HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd (since
2000), Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (since 1985), Castrol India Ltd. (since 1997),
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (since 1994), Infrastructure Development Finance Co. Ltd
(since 1997), Hindustan Lever Ltd. (since 1997), Hindustan Oil Exploration Corporation Ltd. (since
1994), Mahindra & Mahinda Ltd. (since 1990) and The Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (since 2000). Mr. Parekh
received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Bombay University and holds a Financial Chartered
Accountant degree from England and Wales. The business address for Mr. Parekh is Housing
Development Finance Corporation Limited, Ramon House, H.T. Parekh Marg, 169 Backbay Reclamation,
Churchgate, Mumbai 400020, India.
Richard O. Bernays was appointed to our board of directors in November 2006. Prior to his
retirement in 2001, Mr. Bernays held various senior positions at Old Mutual, plc, a London-based
international financial services company, and most recently served as Chief Executive
7
Officer of Old Mutual International. Previously, he was a senior executive at Jupiter Asset Management (1996), Hill Samuel Asset
Management (1991 to 1996) and Mercury Asset Management (1971 to 1992). Mr. Bernays currently serves
in several board roles, including as non-executive chairman of Hermes Pensions Management, director
of Singer and Friedlander (2003 to 2005) and as the non-executive director of Throgmorton Trust
plc, Gartmore Global Trust plc, Impax Environmental Markets Trust plc, Martin Curie Income and
Growth Trust, Majid Al Futaim Trust and Charter European Trust plc. Mr. Bernays is also a member of
the Supervisory Board of the National Provident Life. He received a Masters of Arts degree from
Trinity College, Oxford University. The business address of Mr. Bernays is Lloyds Chambers, 1
Portsoken Street, London E1 8H2, England.
Sir Anthony Armitage Greener was appointed to our board of directors in June 2007. Sir Anthony is
based in London and is the Chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. He was also the
Deputy Chairman of British Telecom (2001 to 2006) and Chairman of Diageo plc (1997 to 2000). Prior
to that, Sir Anthony was the Chairman and Chief Executive of Guinness plc (1992 to 1997) and the
Chief Executive Officer of Dunhill Holdings (1974 to 1986). Sir Anthony was also previously on the
board of directors of Robert Mondavi (2000 to 2005), Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (1989 to 1997),
Reed International (1990 to 1998) and Reed Elsevier plc (1993 to 1998). Sir Anthony is presently a
director of Williams Sonoma. Sir Anthony was honored with a knighthood in 1999 for his services to
the beverage industry. Sir Anthony is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants, and Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. The business address of
Sir Anthony is QCA, 83, Piccadilly, W1J 8QA London, England.
Executive Officers
Zubin Dubash serves as our Group Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dubash is based in Mumbai, India and
joined WNS in 2004. Mr. Dubashs responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer include finance and
accounting, legal and regulatory compliance and risk management. Prior to joining WNS, Mr. Dubash
was an executive director of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (a Tata Group company). Mr. Dubash
received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sydenham College, Bombay University and an MBA from The
Wharton School. He is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Mr.
Dubash is also a director of Trent Limited (a Tata Group company). The business address for Mr.
Dubash is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli West, Mumbai 400 079, India.
Alan Stephen Dunning is a co-founder of WNS (Holdings) Limited and Managing Director of WNS UK. He
is based in the UK and served as the Chief Executive Officer of our travel business unit until
March 2006. Currently he is the Managing Director for UK and Europe. Mr. Dunning is responsible for
managing key client relationships in the travel business unit, apart from focusing on new product
development and providing overall leadership to our UK team. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dunning was
Managing Director of Speedwing (the British Airways subsidiary that previously owned our business).
Mr. Dunning received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Leicester University, UK. The business address
for Mr. Dunning is Ash House, Fairfield Avenue, Staines, Middlesex, TW1 84AN, England.
Anup Gupta serves as Chief Executive Officer of our travel business unit. Mr. Gupta is based in
Mumbai, India and has led the establishment of many new initiatives at WNS. Prior to joining our
company in 2002, he was a Principal at eVentures India, a News Corp. and SoftBank backed-venture
fund, where he developed many companies in the offshore services areas. Previously, Mr. Gupta was a
management consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton where he worked on client engagements in India,
Asia and Europe. Mr. Gupta received a graduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of
Management, Calcutta, and a Bachelors in Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology.
The business address for Mr. Gupta is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli West,
Mumbai 400 079, India.
Bernard Donoghue is the Chief Executive Officer of WNS Assistance, our insurance business unit, and
joined WNS in 2003. He is currently responsible for WNS UKs business development and insurance
business. Prior to joining WNS, Mr. Donoghue held various positions at Hays Plc, where he served as
the Managing Director of Hays Customer Solutions and later as Managing Director of one of Hays
Group BPO businesses. He has over nine years of experience in BPO outsourcing both onshore and
offshore. Prior to that, Mr. Donoghue served as the Regional Director for British Gas. Mr. Donoghue
received a Diploma in Management from
8
Middlesex University. The business address for Mr. Donoghue is Ash House, Fairfield Avenue,
Staines, Middlesex, TW1 84AN, England.
J.J. Selvadurai serves as Chief Executive Officer of our enterprise services business unit. Mr.
Selvadurai is a business process outsourcing industry specialist with over 20 years of experience
in offshore outsourcing. He pioneered such services in Sri Lanka and set up and managed many
processing centers in the Philippines, India, Pakistan and the UK. Mr. Selvadurai is a certified
electronic data management and processing trainer. Prior to joining WNS in 2002, Mr. Selvadurai was
Asia Managing Director (Business Process Outsourcing services) of Hays plc, a FTSE 100 B2B services
company. Mr. Selvadurai is certified in data management and is a member of the data processing
institute. The business address for Mr. Selvadurai is Ash House, Fairfield Avenue, Staines,
Middlesex, TW18 4AN, England.
Anish Nanavaty serves as Chief Executive Officer of our knowledge services business unit. Prior to
that, Mr. Nanavaty was the Executive Vice President of sales and business development for our
travel services business unit in North America and was responsible for strategy, business
development, marketing, alliance creation, and client delivery. Prior to joining WNS in 2002, Mr.
Nanavaty served as a senior member of the India practice of The Monitor Group, a leading strategy
consulting firm, as the director of business development with Enron India and as a consultant with
Mars & Co., which provides general business strategy advice to Fortune 100 companies. Mr. Nanavaty
received a Bachelor of Science and Economics degree from The Wharton School at the University of
Pennsylvania. The business address of Mr. Nanavaty is Infinity Towers, 6th Floor, DLF Cyber City,
Phase -II, Gurgaon 122 002, India.
Arjun Singh serves as Chief Executive Officer of our BFSI business unit. Prior to joining WNS in
November 2006, Mr. Singh was the Regional Director of client services in ABN-AMRO, Amsterdam,
responsible for major corporate clients in 22 countries across Europe. Prior to that, Mr. Singh was
the quality and Six Sigma leader for Gecis (now Genpact). He started his career with Unilever,
India (Brooke Bond India Ltd.), and has also held senior positions at ANZ Grindlays Bank (India and
Melbourne). Mr. Singh received a post-graduate diploma in management, systems and finance from the
Indian Institute of Management, and a Bachelors degree in chemical engineering from the Indian
Institute of Technology. The business address for Mr. Singh is Infinity Tower, 6th Floor, DLF Phase
II, DLF Cyber city, Gurgaon, India.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Our Compensation Philosophy and Practice
The following contains a description and analysis of the compensation arrangements and decisions we
made for our executive officers and other managers for fiscal 2007 and 2006. Other managers refer
to our officers who are holding positions of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or
their equivalent.
General Philosophy
A combination of base salary, performance-based bonus and equity awards (as long-term incentives)
is used to compensate our executive officers and other managers. The compensation for our executive
officers and other managers is designed (a) to be competitive with compensation packages of
comparable information technology, or IT, and IT-enabled services, or ITES, companies in India,
particularly ITES companies in the BPO sector as we compete directly with these companies for the
same talent-pool to provide services to similar clients; and (b) to retain and attract talent from
the US and Europe which is required to meet our needs as a global BPO company, particularly as all
of our clients are based outside of India.
The IT and BPO sectors have been leading growth sectors in India in the recent years and compete
with each other for managerial talent required to drive their growth. We, in turn, routinely adjust
our compensation levels in order to attract and retain employees with the requisite managerial
skills and background. We also routinely review compensation packages offered by peer companies in
the countries where our executive officers and other managers are located to assess our
competitiveness. In particular, to serve the needs of our clients in the UK and the US, we set our
compensation levels with a view to be in a competitive position to actively recruit senior
management talent based in these two countries.
9
In general, at the beginning of each year, our board of directors sets individual and group
performance targets for our executive officers and other managers. For our executive officers, the
incentive awards, consisting of performance-based bonus and equity award, are linked primarily to
our growth for earnings (net income excluding stock compensation and amortization charges) and
revenue less repair payments and other strategically important targets. For other managers, the
incentive awards are linked primarily to the achievement of the operational goals for the areas of
operations managed by them and, to a lesser extent, to our overall annual performance.
Determination of Compensation
The compensation committee is provided with the primary authority to determine and approve the
compensation package, as well as the individual elements of the compensation package, of our
executive officers. Consistent with the last two fiscal years, an independent global human resource
consulting firm, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, or Mercer, was retained by the compensation
committee to assist it in the determination of the key elements of our compensation package. To aid
the compensation committee in making its determination, our Chairman of the Board, our Group Chief
Executive Officer, and our Chief People Officer, who is the head of our human resource department,
provide recommendations to the compensation committee regarding the compensation of our executive
officers based upon Mercers recommendations as well as their own analyses. To determine the
compensation of our executive officers, the compensation committee, in turn, reviews the
performance of these executive officers, and participates in discussions with the Chairman of the
Board and the Group Chief Executive Officer, and considers their recommendations in the light of
Mercers compensation survey findings of comparable companies and recommendations to determine and
approve our executive officers compensations. For other managers, the compensation committee
determines the maximum equity awards to be granted and the guidelines for making such grants and
authorizes the Group Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board, to
determine the awards to be granted to these members of the management team subject to the maximum
number of awards and guidelines. In addition, our Group Chief Executive Officer, our Chairman of
the Board and our Chief People Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of each of
our business units and the head of each of our enabling units, determine the base salary and bonus
of our other managers.
Target Overall Compensation
We set our overall compensation targets in close consultation with Mercer. In fiscal 2006, in
conjunction with our preparation for our initial public offering in July 2006, Mercers work
included conducting a survey of the prevailing compensation practices within the IT and ITES/BPO
industries in India and the US to advise the compensation committee on compensation structures and
appropriate amounts and nature of compensation for our executive officers and other managers to
ensure that our compensation package is competitive in our markets. The companies selected by
Mercer for its survey for benchmarking our executive officers compensation also included companies
in similar industries and size that were recently listed in the US at that time. The selected peer
group of companies included SynTel, LLC and Convergys Corporation from the data processing,
outsourced services and telecommunication services industries, and Cognizant Technology Solutions
Corporation, Covansys Corp. and Kanbay, Inc. from the IT consulting and other services industries.
The Mercer survey provided us with a starting point in the determination of our overall
compensation targets. In addition, we considered factors which from our experience have been
important in the retention of our employees and the feedback received from our employees as well as
potential employees during recruitment to determine the overall compensation targets. In the case
of our Group Chief Executive Officer, we also considered our overall performance under his
leadership and the opportunity cost of finding a suitable replacement for him. Based upon Mercers
recommendations and the other considerations discussed above, the compensation committee determined
and approved the fiscal 2007 target overall compensation for our executive officers in February
2006.
Allocation Among Compensation Components
The compensation package for our executive officers and other managers comprises a base salary, a
cash bonus and the grant of equity awards in the form of stock options and RSUs linked to
performance. The mix
10
of compensation components varies based on the seniority level of the executive officer. We
typically allocate proportionately more performance-based compensation for the more senior levels
of management to ensure that their total compensation reflects our overall success or failure and
to motivate these senior management team members to meet appropriate performance measures, thereby
maximizing total return to shareholders. Correspondingly, the weight of the base salary component
in the overall compensation is greater for lower levels of management.
Each vested option is exercisable into one ordinary share and each vested RSU entitles the holder
of such RSU to purchase one ordinary share. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine
the fair value of our options which is currently approximately 50% of our stock price (or, in the
case of options granted prior to our initial public offering, at 50% of the independent stock
valuation). In fiscal 2007, the mix of equity awards between stock options and RSUs granted was in
the ratio of two to one.
Base Salary. We pay a base salary to our executive officers and other managers to enable them to
maintain a standard of living in keeping with their professional standing and background within
their communities. Data from Mercers survey of our peer group of companies was a significant
factor in determining the salary levels. We also relied heavily on our recruiting experience for
senior executive level positions. It is our experience that base salary levels are considered to be
more important in attracting the right candidates for our Senior Vice President level positions and
below than for more senior management level positions and we set base salaries accordingly to
compete for the right talent at each level.
Cash Bonus. Cash performance bonuses are awarded at the end of each fiscal year based upon the
achievement of individual and group performance targets. The cash performance bonuses payable are
accrued every month. Statutorily applicable taxes and contributions payable on these amounts are
deducted before payment. Our executive officers and other managers have a diverse set of measurable
goals that are designed to promote the interests of our three key constituencies, namely,
shareholders, customers and employees, and includes building our organization capabilities as well
as other strategically important initiatives. These goals reflect their key responsibilities during
the year, which range from sales targets to operational goals, and are typically listed as each
individuals key performance indicators. The key performance indicators are identified during the
individuals annual performance review process. The key performance indicators include the
following key financial metrics:
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group profit after taxes, plus share-based compensation expenses plus amortization of
intangible assets |
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operating margins; |
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annual revenue less repair payments; and |
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exit revenue less repair payments, which is the average monthly revenue less repair
payments earned calculated based on the last two months of the fiscal year. |
In addition, for fiscal 2006 and 2007, the key performance indicators included the following
additional performance targets for the following executive officers:
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Group Chief Executive Officer retention of key managers holding a position of
Assistant Vice President and above and the successful completion of our initial public
offering; |
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Chairman of the Board achievement of specified revenue targets in the US; |
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Group Chief Financial Officer the successful completion of our initial public
offering; and |
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Managing Director of WNS UK achievement of specified revenue targets in
the UK. |
Further, the Mercer study, which benchmarked peer group companies, was used to set bonus targets as
a percentage of the base salary for our executive officers and other managers.
Equity Awards. SFAS 123(R), which requires stock options granted to be recognized as an accounting
expense, became effective for us on April 1, 2006. As a result, RSUs, as a compensation tool,
became as attractive as stock options and we decided to grant RSUs together with stock options in
the equity award component of compensation. We believe that RSUs provide as much incentive as stock
options to motivate employees to perform at a high level. An added attraction of RSUs for a growing
company like ours is that
11
fewer RSUs need to be granted to provide equivalent value as compared to stock options, thereby
reducing the dilutive impact to shareholders.
In determining equity compensation, our board of directors first determines the maximum equity
dilution that may result from equity awards and the maximum amount of equity-based compensation
expense that may be incurred for the fiscal year. Thereafter, based upon the recommendations of our
human resource department, we determine the proportion of stock options and RSUs to be granted for
each level of our executive officers and other managers. Finally, with the approval of our
compensation committee, we determine the total number of stock options and RSUs to be granted to
each level of our executive officers and other managers based on the fair market value of the
options on the grant date. The grant of these awards is based upon an individuals performance and
typically occurs after the end of the fiscal year as a part of the annual performance appraisal
process. However, for fiscal 2007, most of the grants were made in July 2006. The existing or
vested equity holdings of an employee or the number of prior awards granted are not taken into
consideration in determining the number of awards to be granted.
The performance goals for the award of equity awards to our executive officers and other managers
are the same as the performance goals to be considered for cash performance bonus payments. Both
stock options and RSUs typically vest over a period of three years in equal installments from the
date of grant. An individual must remain in our employment and must not have resigned prior to the
date of vesting. The share-based compensation expenses are amortized over the vesting period.
Mercer has recommended regular annual equity grants to our executive officers and other managers at
the levels of Senior Vice Presidents and above. Based on Mercers recommendation, we use a tiered
approach that denominates award values as a percentage of salary. These awards vest in equal
installments over a period of three years on each anniversary of the date of grant.
Retirement Benefits
We maintain retirement benefit plans in the form of certain statutory and incentive plans for our
executive officers and other managers. The features and benefits of these plans are largely
governed by applicable laws and market practices in the countries in which we operate and,
accordingly, vary from country to country in which we operate. For more information, see
Employee Benefit Plans.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
The perquisites and benefits granted to our executive officers and other managers are designed to
comply with the tax regulations of the applicable country and therefore vary from country to
country in which we operate. To the extent consistent with the tax regulations of the applicable
country, the benefits include:
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medical insurance; |
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leave travel assistance; |
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telephone expenses reimbursement; |
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food coupons; company car schemes; |
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petrol and maintenance for cars; |
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health clubs; |
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accident and life insurance (based on the level of seniority); |
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leased accomodation; and |
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relocation benefits (individually negotiated). |
We review and adjust our benefits based upon the competitive practices in the local industry,
inflation rates, and tax regulations every fiscal year. Our underlying philosophy is to provide the
benefits that are ordinarily required by our employees for their well-being in their daily lives
and to negotiate group-level discounted rates so that all of our employees will be able to pay less
than what they would otherwise pay as individuals for the same level of benefits, and maximize the
overall value of their compensation package.
In countries where it is not possible or it does not make economic sense to provide the same level
of benefits that may be provided in other locations, we pay equivalent cash compensation to our
employees.
12
Severance Benefits
Under each of our employment agreements with our Group Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of Board
and Group Chief Financial Officer, if we terminated their employment without cause or if they
terminated their employment with us for good reasons, such as a material decrease in their role and
responsibilities or in their salary or bonuses opportunity), they would be entitled to receive the
severance benefits described at Employment Agreements of Certain Executive Officers below.
Under each of our employment agreements with our other executive officers, if we terminated their
employment without cause or if the executive officer resigned for good reason, such executive
officer will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment in an amount ranging between three
to 12 months of their base salary, and in some cases, up to one years target bonus, and an
acceleration of vesting of stock options and RSUs.
Change in Control Arrangements
In the event of a change in control, all granted but unvested stock options and RSUs under the 2006
Incentive Award Plan would immediately vest and become exercisable by our executive officers
subject to certain conditions set out in the applicable stock option plans.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
The aggregate compensation (including contingent or deferred payment) paid to our executive
directors and executive officers for services rendered during fiscal 2007 is $4,616,040, which was
comprised of $2,831,815 paid towards salary, $1,331,215 paid towards bonus and $453,010 paid
towards social security, medical and other benefits. This includes compensation paid to Mr. Alan
Stephen Dunning for services rendered during fiscal 2007 as the Managing Director of WNS UK, which
became an executive officer level position on March 30, 2007. The total compensation paid to our
most highly compensated executive during fiscal 2007 was $826,566 (which was comprised of $467,076
paid towards salary, $325,000 paid towards bonus payments and $34,490 paid towards social security,
medical and other benefits).
The aggregate compensation paid to our non-executive directors for fiscal 2007 was $122,209, which
comprised $17,000 in sitting fees and $105,209 in retainership fees.
Certain of our directors and executive officers were granted 454,000 options and 206,250 RSUs under
the 2006 Incentive Award Plan during fiscal 2007.
Under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, our independent directors each received options to purchase
14,000 shares initially and an option to purchase 7,000 shares upon reelection to our board of
directors at each annual meeting of shareholders thereafter. The options granted to independent
directors will be non-qualified options with a per share exercise price equal to 100% of the fair
market value of a share on the date that the option is granted. Options granted to independent
directors will become exercisable in cumulative annual installments
of 33 1/
3% on each
of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
Employment Agreements of Certain Executive Officers
The employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Neeraj Bhargava in July 2006 to serve as our
chief executive officer for a three-year term will renew automatically for additional one-year
increments, unless either we or Mr. Bhargava elect not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr.
Bhargava is entitled to receive compensation, health and other benefits and perquisites
commensurate with his position. In addition, pursuant to the agreement, in July 2006 and April
2007, Mr. Bhargava was granted stock options and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 268,100 shares
that will vest over a three-year period, subject to his continued employment with us. If Mr.
Bhargavas employment is terminated by us without cause (as defined in the employment agreement),
he will be entitled to receive his base salary for a period of 12 months after the date of such
termination, in addition to all accrued and unpaid salary, accrued and unused vacation and any
unreimbursed expenses. Mr. Bhargava would also be entitled to health benefits during those 12
months to the extent permitted under our health plans.
13
If Mr. Bhargavas employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Bhargava for good reason
(each as defined in the employment agreement) and Mr. Bhargava executes a general release and
waiver of claims against us, subject to his continued compliance with certain non-competition and
confidentiality obligations, Mr. Bhargava will be entitled to receive severance payments and
benefits from us as follows: (i) 24 months of base salary and healthcare benefits from his date of
termination; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twice his effective target bonus; and (iii)
accelerated vesting of the stock options and RSUs granted under this employment agreement through
the end of the month of termination. If we experience a change in control while Mr. Bhargava is
employed under this agreement, all of the stock options and RSUs granted to Mr. Bhargava under this
employment agreement will vest and the stock options will become exercisable on a fully accelerated
basis.
The employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Ramesh Shah in July 2006 to serve as our
chairman for a three-year term will renew automatically for additional one-year increments, unless
either we or Mr. Shah elect not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Shah is entitled to
receive compensation, health and other benefits and perquisites commensurate with his position. In
addition, pursuant to the agreement, in July, 2006 and April 2007, Mr. Shah was granted stock
options and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 227,188 shares that will vest over a three-year
period, subject to his continued employment with us. If Mr. Shahs employment is terminated by us
without cause (as defined in the employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive his base
salary for 12 months after the termination, in addition to all accrued and unpaid salary, earned
bonus, accrued and unused vacation and all benefits as set out in the employment agreement.
If Mr. Shahs employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Shah for good reason (each as
defined in the employment agreement) and Mr. Shah executes a general release and waiver of claims
against us, subject to his continued compliance with certain non-competition and confidentiality
obligations, Mr. Shah will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits from us as
follows: (i) 24 months of base salary and healthcare benefits from his date of termination; (ii) a
lump sum payment equal to twice his effective target bonus; and (iii) accelerated vesting of the
stock options and RSUs granted under this employment agreement through the end of the month of
termination. If we experience a change in control while Mr. Shah is employed under this agreement,
all of the stock options and RSUs granted to Mr. Shah under this employment agreement will vest and
the stock options will become exercisable on a fully accelerated basis.
The employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Dubash in July 2006 to serve as our chief
financial officer for a three-year term will renew automatically for additional one-year
increments, unless either we or Mr. Dubash elect not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr.
Dubash is entitled to receive compensation, health and other benefits and perquisites commensurate
with his position. In addition, pursuant to the agreement, in July, 2006 and April 2007, Mr. Dubash
was granted stock options and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 66,797 shares that vest over a
three-year period, subject to his continued employment with us.
If Mr. Dubashs employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Dubash for good reason (each
as defined in the employment agreement) and Mr. Dubash executes a general release and waiver of
claims against us, subject to his continued compliance with certain non-competition and
confidentiality obligations, Mr. Dubash will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits
from us as follows: (i) 24 months of base salary and healthcare benefits from his date of
termination; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twice his effective target bonus; and (iii)
accelerated vesting of the stock options and RSUs granted under this employment agreement through
the end of the month of termination. If we experience a change in control while Mr. Dubash is
employed under this agreement, all of the stock options and RSUs granted to Mr. Dubash under this
employment agreement will vest and the stock options will become exercisable on a fully accelerated
basis.
14
Options and Restricted Share Units Granted
The following table sets forth information concerning options and RSUs granted to our directors and
executive officers in fiscal 2007 on the following terms:
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Number of Ordinary Shares |
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Underlying |
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Name |
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Options Granted |
|
RSUs Granted |
|
Exercise Price Per Share(1) |
|
Expiration Date |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Ramesh N. Shah |
|
115,000 |
|
57,500 |
|
$20.00 |
|
July 25, 2016 |
|
Neeraj Bhargava |
|
135,000 |
|
67,500 |
|
$20.00 |
|
July 25, 2016 |
|
Jeremy Young |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Guy Sochovsky |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Eric B. Herr |
|
14,000 |
|
|
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$20.00 |
|
July 25, 2016 |
|
Deepak S. Parekh |
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14,000 |
|
|
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
|
Richard O. Bernays(2) |
|
14,000 |
|
|
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$28.87 |
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November 14, 2016 |
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Anthony Armitage Greener(3) |
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Pulak Prasad(4) |
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Nitin Sibal(5) |
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Miriam Strouse(5) |
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Timothy Hammond(5) |
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Executive Officers |
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|
|
|
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Zubin Dubash |
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25,000 |
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12,500 |
|
$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
|
Alan Stephen Dunning |
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20,000 |
|
10,000 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
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Anup Gupta |
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20,000 |
|
10,000 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
|
|
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5,000 |
|
2,500 |
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$30.31 |
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December 15, 2016 |
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David Charles Tibble(6) |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Edwin Donald Harrell(7) |
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5,000 |
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2,500 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
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Bernard Donoghue(8) |
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2,500 |
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1,250 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
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J.J. Selvadurai |
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20,000 |
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10,000 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25, 2016 |
|
|
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5,000 |
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2,500 |
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$30.21 |
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January 20, 2017 |
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Anish Nanavaty |
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2,500 |
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1,250 |
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$20.00 |
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July 25,2016 |
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Arjun Singh |
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62,500 |
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31,250 |
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$28.35 |
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October 3, 2016 |
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Notes: |
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(1) |
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Applicable in respect of options granted. There is no exercise price for RSUs. |
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(2) |
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Appointed as a director in November 2006. |
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(3) |
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Appointed as a director in June 2007. The information in this table excludes
options to purchase 14,000 shares granted to Sir Anthony Armitage Greener in
June 2007. |
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(4) |
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Resigned as a director in November 2006. |
15
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(5) |
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Resigned as a director in July 2006. |
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(6) |
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Retired as Chairman of WNS UK in March 2007. |
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(7) |
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Retired as Chief Executive Officer WNS Assistance in May 2007. |
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(8) |
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Appointed as Chief Executive Officer WNS Assistance in May 2007. |
Employee Benefit Plans
We maintain employee benefit plans in the form of certain statutory and incentive plans covering
substantially all of our employees.
Provident Fund
In accordance with Indian and Sri Lankan laws, all of our employees in India and Sri Lanka are
entitled to receive benefits under the Provident Fund, a defined contribution plan to which both we
and the employee contribute monthly at a pre-determined rate (currently 12% of the employees base
salary). These contributions are made to the Government Provident Fund and we have no further
obligation under this fund apart from our monthly contributions. We contributed an aggregate of
$3.2 million in fiscal 2007, $1.8 million in fiscal 2006 and $1.0 million in fiscal 2005 to the
Government Provident Fund.
US Savings Plan
Eligible employees in the US participate in a savings plan, or the US Savings Plan, pursuant to
Section 401(k) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, or the Code. The US Savings Plan allows
our employees to defer a portion of their annual earnings on a pre-tax basis through voluntary
contributions thereunder. The US Savings Plan provides that we can make optional contributions up
to the maximum allowable limit under the Code.
UK Pension Scheme
Eligible employees in the UK contribute to a defined contribution pension scheme operated in the
UK. The assets of the scheme are held separately from ours in an independently administered fund.
The pension expense represents contributions payable to the fund by us.
Gratuity
In accordance with Indian and Sri Lankan laws, we provide for gratuity pursuant to a defined
benefit retirement plan covering all our employees in India and Sri Lanka. Our gratuity plan
provides for a lump sum payment to eligible employees on retirement death, incapacitation or on
termination of employment in an amount based on the employees salary and length of service with us
(subject to a maximum of approximately $8,000 per employee in India). In India, we provide the
gratuity benefit of two Indian subsidiaries through actuarially determined contributions pursuant
to a non-participating annuity contract administered and managed by the Life Insurance Corporation
of India, or LIC, and AVIVA Life Insurance Company Pvt. Ltd., or AVIVA. Under this plan, the
obligation to pay gratuity remains with us although LIC and AVIVA administer the plan. We
contributed an aggregate of $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006
and fiscal 2005, respectively, to LIC and AVIVA. Our Sri Lanka subsidiaries and one Indian
subsidiary have unfunded gratuity obligations.
Compensated Absence
Our liability for compensated absences is determined on an accrual basis for the entire unused
vacation balance standing to the credit of each employee as at year-end and were charged to income
in the year in which they accrue.
2002 Stock Incentive Plan
We adopted the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan on July 3, 2002 to help attract and retain the best
available personnel to serve us and our subsidiaries as officers, directors and employees. We
terminated the 2002 Stock
16
Incentive Plan upon our adoption of the 2006 Incentive Award Plan
effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering as described below. Upon termination of
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, the shares that would otherwise have been available for the grant
under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan were effectively rolled over into the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, and any awards outstanding remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.
Administration. The 2002 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by our board of directors, which may
delegate its authority to a committee (in either case, the Administrator). The Administrator has
complete authority, subject to the terms of the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and applicable law, to
make all determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2002 Stock Incentive
Plan.
Eligibility. Under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, the Administrator was authorized to grant stock
options to our officers, directors and employees, and those of our subsidiaries, subject to the
terms and conditions of the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.
Stock Options. Stock options vest and become exercisable as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in individual stock option agreements, but may not, in any event, be exercised later than ten
years after their grant dates. In addition, stock options may be exercised prior to vesting in some
cases. Upon exercise, an optionee must tender the full exercise price of the stock option in cash,
check or other form acceptable to the Administrator, at which time the stock options are generally
subject to applicable income, employment and other withholding taxes. Stock options may, in the
sole discretion of the Administrator as set forth in applicable award agreements, continue to be
exercisable for a period following an optionees termination of service. Shares issued in respect
of exercised stock options may be subject to additional transfer restrictions. Any grants of stock
options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to US participants were in the form of nonqualified
stock options. Optionees, other than optionees who are employees of our subsidiaries in India, are
entitled to exercise their stock options for shares or ADSs in the company.
Corporate Transactions. If we engage in a merger or similar corporate transaction, except as may
otherwise be provided in an individual award agreement, outstanding stock options will be
terminated unless they are assumed by a successor corporation. In addition, the Administrator has
broad discretion to adjust the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and any stock options thereunder to
account for any changes in our capitalization.
Amendment. Our board of directors may amend or suspend the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan at any time,
provided that any such amendment or suspension must not impact any holder of outstanding stock
options without such holders consent.
Transferability of Stock Options. Each stock option may be exercised during the optionees lifetime
only by the optionee. No stock option may be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or
disposed of by an optionee other than by express permission of the Administrator (only in the case
of employees of non-Indian subsidiaries), by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Number of Shares Authorized; Outstanding Options. As of the date of termination of the 2002 Stock
Incentive Plan on July 25, 2006, the day immediately preceding the date of pricing of our initial
public offering, an aggregate of 6,082,042 of our ordinary shares had been authorized for grant
under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, of which options to purchase 2,116,266 ordinary shares were
issued and exercised and options to purchase 3,875,655 ordinary shares were issued and outstanding.
Of the options to purchase 3,875,655 ordinary shares, options to purchase 2,093,387 ordinary shares
have been exercised and options to purchase 1,682,814 ordinary shares remain outstanding as of May
31, 2007. As of May 31, 2007, options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to purchase an aggregate
of 653,915 ordinary shares were held by all our directors and executive officers as a group. The
exercise prices of these options range from £0.9970 to £7.0000. The expiration dates of these
options range from July 1, 2012 to February 21, 2016. Options granted under the 2002 Stock
Incentive Plan that are forfeited, lapsed or canceled, settled in cash, that expire or are
repurchased by us at the original purchase price would have been available for grant under the 2002
Stock Incentive Plan and would be effectively rolled over into the 2006 Incentive Award Plan.
17
2006 Incentive Award Plan
We adopted the 2006 Incentive Award Plan on June 1, 2006. The purpose of the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan is to promote the success and enhance the value of our company by linking the personal
interests of the directors, employees and consultants of our company and our subsidiaries to those
of our shareholders and by providing these individuals with an incentive for outstanding
performance. The 2006 Incentive Award Plan is further intended to provide us with the ability to
motivate, attract and retain the services of these individuals.
Shares Available for Awards. Subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be issued or awarded under the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan is equal to the sum of (x) 3,000,000 shares, (y) any shares that remain available for grant
under the Stock Incentive Plan, and (z) any shares subject to awards under the Stock Incentive Plan
which terminate, expire or lapse for any reason or are settled in cash on or after the effective
date of the 2006 Incentive Award Plan. The maximum number of shares which may be subject to awards
granted to any one participant during any calendar year is 500,000 shares and the maximum amount
that may be paid to a participant in cash during any calendar year with respect to cash-based
awards is $10,000,000. To the extent that an award terminates or is settled in cash, any shares
subject to the award will again be available for the grant. Any shares tendered or withheld to
satisfy the grant or exercise price or tax withholding obligation with respect to any award will
not be available for subsequent grant. Except as described below with respect to independent
directors, no determination has been made as to the types or amounts of awards that will be granted
to specific individuals pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan.
Administration. The 2006 Incentive Award Plan is administered by our board of directors, which may
delegate its authority to a committee. We anticipate that the compensation committee of our board
of directors will administer the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, except that our board of directors will
administer the plan with respect to awards granted to our independent directors. The plan
administrator will determine eligibility, the types and sizes of awards, the price and timing of
awards and the acceleration or waiver of any vesting restriction, provided that the plan
administrator will not have the authority to accelerate vesting or waive the forfeiture of any
performance-based awards.
Eligibility. Our employees, consultants and directors and those of our subsidiaries are eligible to
be granted awards, except that only employees of our company and our qualifying corporate
subsidiaries are eligible to be granted options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Awards
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Options. The plan administrator may grant options on shares. The
per share option exercise price of all options granted pursuant to
the 2006 Incentive Award Plan will not be less than 100% of the
fair market value of a share on the date of grant. No incentive
stock option may be granted to a grantee who owns more than 10% of
our outstanding shares unless the exercise price is at least 110%
of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. To the
extent that the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject
to an incentive stock option become exercisable for the first time
by any optionee during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such
excess will be treated as a nonqualified option. The plan
administrator will determine the methods of payment of the
exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or
other property acceptable to the plan administrator (and may
involve a cashless exercise of the option). The term of options
granted under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan may not exceed 10
years from the date of grant. However, the term of an incentive
stock option granted to a person who owns more than 10% of our
outstanding shares on the date of grant may not exceed five years. |
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Under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, our independent directors will each receive an option to
purchase 14,000 shares initially and an option to purchase 7,000 shares upon reelection to our
board of directors at each annual meeting of shareholders thereafter. The options granted to
independent directors will be non-qualified options with a per share exercise price equal to
100% of the fair market value of a share on the date that the option is granted. Options
granted to independent directors will become exercisable |
18
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in cumulative annual installments of 33 1/
3% on each of the first, second and
third anniversaries of the date of grant. |
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Restricted Shares. The plan administrator may grant shares subject
to various restrictions, including restrictions on
transferability, limitations on the right to vote and/or
limitations on the right to receive dividends. |
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Share Appreciation Rights. The plan administrator may grant share
appreciation rights representing the right to receive payment of
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share
on the date of exercise over the fair market value of a share on
the date of grant. The term of share appreciation rights granted
may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The plan
administrator may elect to pay share appreciation rights in cash,
in shares or in a combination of cash and shares. |
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Performance Shares and Performance Shares Units. The plan
administrator may grant awards of performance shares denominated
in a number of shares and/or awards of performance share units
denominated in unit equivalents of shares and/or units of value,
including dollar value of shares. These awards may be linked to
performance criteria measured over performance periods as
determined by the plan administrator. |
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Share Payments. The plan administrator may grant share payments,
including payments in the form of shares or options or other
rights to purchase shares. Share payments may be based upon
specific performance criteria determined by the plan administrator
on the date such share payments are made or on any date
thereafter. |
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Deferred Shares. The plan administrator may grant awards of
deferred shares linked to performance criteria determined by the
plan administrator. Shares underlying deferred share awards will
not be issued until the deferred share awards have vested,
pursuant to a vesting schedule or upon the satisfaction of any
vesting conditions or performance criteria set by the plan
administrator. Recipients of deferred share awards generally will
have no rights as shareholders with respect to such deferred shares until the shares underlying the deferred share awards have
been issued. |
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Restricted Share Units. The plan administrator may grant RSUs,
subject to various vesting conditions. On the maturity date, we
will transfer to the participant one unrestricted, fully
transferable share for each vested RSU scheduled to be paid out on
such date. The plan administrator will specify the purchase price,
if any, to be paid by the participant for such shares. |
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Performance Bonus Awards. The plan administrator may grant a cash
bonus payable upon the attainment of performance goals based on
performance criteria and measured over a performance period
determined appropriate by the plan administrator. Any such cash
bonus paid to a covered employee within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code may be a performance-based
award as described below. |
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Performance-Based Awards. The plan administrator may grant awards
other than options and share appreciation rights to employees who
are or may be covered employees, as defined in Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code, that are intended to be
performance-based awards within the meaning of Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code in order to preserve the deductibility
of these awards for federal income tax purposes. Participants are
only entitled to receive payment for performance-based awards for
any given performance period to the extent that pre-established
performance goals set by the plan administrator for the period are
satisfied. The plan administrator will determine the type of
performance-based awards to be granted, the performance period and
the performance goals. Generally, a participant will have to be
employed by us on the date the performance-based award is paid to
be eligible for a performance-based award for any period. |
Adjustments. In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, the plan administrator has
broad discretion to adjust awards, including without limitation, (i) the aggregate number and type
of shares that may be issued under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, (ii) the terms and conditions of
any outstanding awards, and (iii) the grant or exercise price per share for any outstanding awards
under such plan to account for such changes. The
19
plan administrator also has the authority to cash out, terminate or provide for the assumption or
substitution of outstanding awards in the event of a corporate transaction.
Change in Control. In the event of a change in control of our company in which outstanding awards
are not assumed by the successor, such awards will generally become fully exercisable and all
forfeiture restrictions on such awards will lapse. Upon, or in anticipation of, a change in
control, the plan administrator may cause any awards outstanding to terminate at a specific time in
the future and give each participant the right to exercise such awards during such period of time
as the plan administrator, in its sole discretion, determines.
Vesting of Full Value Awards. Full value awards (generally, any award other than an option or share
appreciation right) will vest over a period of at least three years (or, in the case of vesting
based upon attainment of certain performance goals, over a period of at least one year). However,
full value awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of up to 5% to the total issuable
shares under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan may be granted without any minimum vesting periods. In
addition, full value awards may vest on an accelerated basis in the event of a participants death,
disability, or retirement, or in the event of our change in control or other special circumstances.
Non-transferability. Awards granted under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan are generally not
transferable.
Termination or Amendment. Unless terminated earlier, the 2006 Incentive Award Plan will remain in
effect for a period of ten years from its effective date, after which no award may be granted under
the 2006 Incentive Award Plan. With the approval of our board of directors, the plan administrator
may terminate or amend the 2006 Incentive Award Plan at any time. However, shareholder approval
will be required for any amendment (i) to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or
stock exchange rule, (ii) to increase the number of shares available under the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, (iii) to permit the grant of options or share appreciation rights with an exercise price
below fair market value on the date of grant, (iv) to extend the exercise period for an option or
share appreciation right beyond ten years from the date of grant, or (v) that results in a material
increase in benefits or a change in eligibility requirements. Any amendment or termination must not
materially adversely affect any participant without such participants consent.
Outstanding Awards. As of May 31, 2007, options or RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 1,517,316
ordinary shares were outstanding, out of which options or restricted share units to purchase
900,463 ordinary shares were held by all our directors and executive officers as a group. The
exercise prices of these options range from $20.00 to $30.31 and the expiration dates of these
options range from July 25, 2016 to April 6, 2017. There is no purchase price for the RSUs.
Fringe Benefit Tax
In May 2007, the government of India implemented a fringe benefit tax on the allotment of shares
pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and RSUs granted to
employees. The fringe benefit tax is payable by the employer at the rate of 33.99% on the
difference between the fair market value of the options and the RSUs on the date of vesting of the
options and the RSUs and the exercise price of the options and the purchase price (if any) for the
RSUs, as applicable. The government of India has not published its guidelines on how the fair
market value of the options should be determined. The new legislation permits the employer to
recover the fringe benefit tax from the employees. However, we may decide not to recover, or we may
be unsuccessful in recovering, the fringe benefit tax from our employees.
BOARD PRACTICES
Composition of the Board of Directors
Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that our board of directors consists of not less
than three directors, and such maximum number as our directors may determine from time to time. Our
board of directors currently consists of eight directors. Messrs. Herr, Parekh, Bernays and Sir
Anthony satisfy the independence requirements of the NYSE rules.
All directors hold office until the expiry of their term of office, their resignation or removal
from office for gross negligence or criminal conduct by a resolution of our shareholders or until
they cease to be directors by
20
virtue of any provision of law or they are disqualified by law from being directors or they become
bankrupt or make any arrangement or composition with their creditors generally or they become of
unsound mind. The term of office of the directors is divided into three classes:
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Class I, whose term will expire at the annual general meeting to be held in July 2007; |
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Class II, whose term will expire at the annual general meeting to be held in 2008; and |
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Class III, whose term will expire at the annual general meeting to be held in 2009. |
The appointments of Mr. Guy Sochovsky, Mr. Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony Armitage Greener will
expire at the next annual general meeting to be held in July 2007. We will seek shareholders
approval for the re-election of Mr. Bernays and Sir Anthony at the next annual general meeting. Mr.
Guy Sochovsky will resign as a director prior to the next annual general meeting in July 2007.
At each annual general meeting after the initial classification or special meeting in lieu thereof,
the successors to directors whose terms will then expire serve from the time of election until the
third annual meeting following election or special meeting held in lieu thereof. Any additional
directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the
three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the
directors. This classification of the board of directors may have the effect of delaying or
preventing changes in control of management of our company.
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers. The employment
agreements governing the services of two of our directors provide for benefits upon termination of
employment as described above.
Our board of directors held 10 meetings in fiscal 2007.
Committees of the Board
Our board of directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee
and a nominating and corporate governance committee.
Audit Committee
The audit committee comprises four directors: Messrs. Eric Herr (Chairman), Deepak Parekh, Richard
Bernays and Guy Sochovsky. Messrs. Herr, Parekh and Bernays satisfy the independence requirements
of Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We intend to
comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE rules, which require that the audit
committee be composed solely of directors who will satisfy the independence requirements of the
NYSE rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act within one year from the date of our initial public
offering in July 2006. Sir Anthony Armitage Greener, who satisfies the independence requirements
of the NYSE rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, will be appointed as a member of our audit
committee in place of Mr. Sochovsky upon his resignation as a director in July 2007. The principal
duties and responsibilities of our audit committee are as follows:
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to serve as an independent and objective party to monitor our
financial reporting process and internal control systems; |
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|
to review and appraise the audit efforts of our independent
accountants and exercise ultimate authority over the relationship
between us and our independent accountants; and |
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to provide an open avenue of communication among the independent
accountants, financial and senior management and the board of
directors. |
The audit committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the
scope of its duties. It also has the authority to retain counsel and advisors to fulfill its
responsibilities and duties. Mr. Herr serves as our audit committee financial expert, within the requirements of the rules promulgated by the Commission relating to listed-company audit
committees.
21
The audit committee held six meetings in fiscal 2007.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee comprises four directors: Messrs. Ramesh Shah (Chairman), Eric Herr,
Richard O. Bernays and Deepak Parekh. We intend to comply with the requirements of the NYSE rules,
which require that the compensation committee be composed solely of independent directors within
one year of the completion of our initial public offering in July 2006. Sir Anthony Armitage
Greener, who satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE rules, will be appointed as a
member of our compensation committee in place of Mr. Shah in July 2007. Mr. Bernays will be
appointed as Chairman of the compensation committee in place of Mr. Shah in July 2007. The scope of
this committees duties includes determining the compensation of our executive officers and other
key management personnel. The compensation committee also administers the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan
and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, reviews performance appraisal criteria and sets standards for
and decides on all employee shares options allocations when delegated to do so by our board of
directors.
The compensation committee held five meetings in fiscal 2007.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The nominating and corporate governance committee comprises four directors: Messrs. Deepak Parekh
(Chairman), Eric Herr, Richard O. Bernays and Jeremy Young. We intend to comply with the
requirements of the NYSE rules, which require that the nominating and corporate governance
committee be composed solely of independent directors within one year of the completion of our
initial public offering in July 2006. Sir Anthony Armitage Greener, who satisfies the
independence requirements of the NYSE rules, will be appointed as a member of our nominating and
corporate governance committee in place of Mr. Young in July 2007. The principal duties and
responsibilities of the nominating and governance committee are as follows:
|
|
to assist the board of directors by identifying individuals
qualified to become board members and members of board committees,
to recommend to the board of directors nominees for the next
annual meeting of shareholders, and to recommend to the board of
directors nominees for each committee of the board of directors; |
|
|
|
to monitor our corporate governance structure; and |
|
|
|
to periodically review and recommend to the board of directors any
proposed changes to the corporate governance guidelines applicable
to us. |
The nominating and corporate governance committee held three meetings in fiscal 2007.
SHARE OWNERSHIP FOR DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary
shares as of May 31, 2007 by each of our directors and all our directors and executive officers as
a group. As used in this table, beneficial ownership means the sole or shared power to vote or
direct the voting or to dispose of or direct the sale of any security. A person is deemed to be the
beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of any option,
warrant or right. Ordinary shares subject to options, warrants or rights that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the ownership
percentage of the person holding the options, warrants or rights, but are not deemed outstanding
for computing the ownership percentage of any other person. The amounts and percentages as of May
31, 2007 are based on an aggregate of 41,895,246 ordinary shares outstanding as of that date.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
Name |
|
Number |
|
Percent |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah(1) |
|
|
374,165 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
Neeraj Bhargava(2) |
|
|
210,251 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
Name |
|
Number |
|
Percent |
Jeremy Young(3) |
|
|
21,366,644 |
|
|
|
51.00 |
% |
Guy Sochovsky(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric B. Herr |
|
|
4,666 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
% |
Deepak S. Parekh |
|
|
4,666 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
% |
Richard O. Bernays |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony Armitage Greener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zubin Dubash |
|
|
177,498 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
% |
Alan Stephen Dunning |
|
|
328,299 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
% |
Anup Gupta |
|
|
83,964 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
Bernard Donoghue |
|
|
134,581 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
% |
J.J. Selvadurai |
|
|
278,665 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
Anish Nanavaty |
|
|
9,583 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
% |
Arjun Singh |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All our directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons) (5) |
|
|
22,972,982 |
|
|
|
54.83 |
% |
Notes: |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Of the 374,165 shares beneficially owned by Ramesh N. Shah, 150,000
shares are indirectly held via a trust which is controlled by Mr.
Shah, and the remainder are held directly. |
|
(2) |
|
Of the 210,251 shares beneficially owned by Neeraj Bhargava, 90,000
shares are indirectly held via a trust which is controlled by Mr.
Bhargava, and the remainder is held directly. |
|
(3) |
|
Jeremy Young is a director of our company and a Managing Director and
member of Warburg Pincus LLC. All shares indicated as owned by Mr.
Young was a result of their affiliation with the Warburg Pincus
entities. Mr. Young disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held
by the Warburg Pincus entities. |
|
(4) |
|
Guy Sochovsky is a Vice President of Warburg Pincus LLC. Mr. Sochovsky
does not have voting or investment discretion with respect to the shares of our company held by Warburg, Pincus, and therefore he is not
deemed to beneficially own such shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes the shares beneficially owned by Jeremy Young, nominee
director of Warburg Pincus, because of his affiliation with the
Warburg Pincus entities. Mr. Young disclaims beneficial ownership of
all shares held by the Warburg Pincus entities. |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as
of May 31, 2007 held by each person who is known to us to have 5.0% or more beneficial share
ownership based on an aggregate of 41,895,246 ordinary shares outstanding as of that date.
Prior to our initial public offering in July 2006, Warburg Pincus owned 64.70%, British Airways
owned 14.61% and Theodore Agnew owned 5.54% of our then outstanding shares. Warburg Pincus sold
1,490,000 of its ordinary shares, British Airways sold its entire shareholding and Theodore Agnew
sold 1,075,925 of his shares in our initial public offering, following which Warburg Pincus owned
53.64% and Theodore Agnew owned 2.21% of our then outstanding shares and British Airways ceased to
be a shareholder.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and includes
shares over which the indicated beneficial owner exercises voting and/or investment power or
receives the economic benefit of ownership of such securities. Ordinary shares subject to options
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for the purposes of
computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options but are not deemed outstanding
for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Percentage Beneficially Owned |
Warburg Pincus(1) |
|
21,366,644 |
|
|
51.00% |
|
FMR Corp. (2) |
|
4,129,951 |
|
|
9.86% |
|
Tiger Global Management,
L.L.C.(3) |
|
2,246,266 |
|
|
5.36% |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Information based on a report on Schedule 13G jointly filed with
the Commission on August 22, 2006 by Warburg Pincus Private
Equity VIII, L.P., or WP VIII, Warburg Pincus International
Partners, L.P., or WPIP, Warburg Pincus Netherlands International
Partners I, CV, or WP Netherlands, Warburg, Pincus Partners, LLC,
or WPP LLC, Warburg, Pincus & Co., or Warburg Pincus, and Warburg
Pincus LLC, or WP LLC. The sole general partner of each of WP
VIII, WPIP and WP Netherlands is WPP LLC. WPP LLC is managed by
Warburg Pincus. WP LLC manages each of WP VIII, WPIP and WP
Netherlands. Charles R. Kaye and Joseph P. Landy are each
Managing General Partners of Warburg Pincus and Co-President and
Managing Members of WP LLC. Each of Warburg Pincus, WPP LLC, WP
LLC, Mr. Kaye and Mr. Landy disclaims beneficial ownership of the
ordinary shares except to the extent of any indirect pecuniary
interest therein. |
|
(2) |
|
Information based on a report on Schedule 13G jointly filed with
the Commission on May 10, 2007 by FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson
3d, Chairman of FMR Corp., Fidelity Management & Research Company
and Fidelity Mid Cap Stock Fund. FMR Corp. and Mr. Johnson
reported that they each have sole voting and investment power for
all the 4,129,951 ordinary shares. |
|
(3) |
|
Information based on a report on Schedule 13G jointly filed with
the Commission on September 26, 2006 by Mr. Charles P. Coleman,
III and Tiger Global Management, L.L.C., or Tiger. Tiger serves
as the management company of two domestic private investment
partnerships. Tiger also serves as the investment manager of an
offshore investment vehicle. Mr. Coleman is the managing member
of Tiger. Accordingly, Tiger may be deemed to beneficially own
the securities owned by the various entities managed by Tiger. |
None of our major shareholders have different voting rights from our other shareholders.
As of May 31, 2007, 21,548,153 of our ordinary shares, representing 51.43% of our outstanding
ordinary shares, were held by a total of 10 holders of record with addresses in the U.S. As of the
same date, 18,703,765 of our ADSs (representing 18,703,765 ordinary shares), representing 44.64% of
our outstanding ordinary shares, were held by a total of one registered holder of record with
addresses in and outside of the U.S. Since certain of these ordinary shares and ADSs were held by
brokers or other nominees, the number of record holders in the U.S. may not be representative of
the number of beneficial holders or where the beneficial holders are resident. All holders of our
ordinary shares are entitled to the same voting rights.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In May 2002, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, or the Registration Rights Agreement,
pursuant to which we had granted, subject to certain conditions, to our shareholders, Warburg
Pincus and British Airways (so long as British Airways holds not less than 20% of our ordinary
shares on a fully diluted basis), certain demand registration rights which entitled these
shareholders to require us to use our reasonable efforts to prepare and file a registration
statement under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we had also
granted, subject to certain conditions, to Warburg Pincus and British Airways certain piggy-back
registration rights entitling these shareholders to sell their respective ordinary shares in a
registered offering of the company. We had agreed to bear the expenses incurred in connection with
such registrations, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions and certain shareholder legal
fees. We had also agreed, under certain circumstances, to indemnify the underwriters in connection
with such registrations. Our shareholders, Warburg Pincus and British Airways, had agreed to
indemnify us and the underwriters in connection with any such registrations provided that their
obligation to indemnify is limited to the amount of sale proceeds received by them.
Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, we were prohibited from entering into
any merger, consolidation or reorganization in which the company would not be the surviving
corporation unless the successor corporation agrees to assume the obligations and duties of the
company under the Registration Rights Agreement. We were also prohibited, except with the prior
written consent of Warburg Pincus and British Airways, from entering into similar agreements
granting registration rights to any shareholder or prospective shareholder. Following the completion of our initial public offering in July 2006,
British Airways
24
ceased to be our shareholder and its rights under the Registration Rights Agreement
terminated. The Registration Rights Agreement expired on May 20, 2007.
In May 2002, we entered into a master services agreement with British Airways, which was a
principal shareholder until it sold its entire shareholding in our initial public offering in July
2006. This agreement provided that we would render business process outsourcing services to British
Airways and its affiliates as per services level agreements agreed between us and British Airways.
The agreement had a term of five years and would have expired in March 2007. In July 2006, we
entered into a contract with British Airways which replaced this 2002 agreement. The renewed
contract will expire in May 2012. In fiscal 2007, British Airways accounted for $15 million of our
revenue, representing 4.3% of our revenue and 6.8% of our revenue less repair payments. In fiscal
2006 and fiscal 2005, British Airways accounted for $14.7 million and $16.4 million of our revenue,
representing 7.2% and 10.1% of our revenue and representing 9.9% and 16.5% of our revenue less
repair payments.
In fiscal 2003, we entered into agreements with certain affiliates of another of our principal
shareholders, Warburg Pincus, to provide business process outsourcing services. In fiscal 2007,
fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, these affiliates in the aggregate accounted for $2.2 million, $1.6
million and $1.1 million, representing 0.6%, 0.8% and 0.7% of our revenue and 1.0%, 1.1% and 1.1%
of our revenue less repair payments. We have also entered into agreements with certain other
affiliates of Warburg Pincus under which we purchase equipment and certain enterprise resource
planning services from them. In fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, these affiliates in the
aggregate accounted for $202,087, $193,000 and $19,000 in expenses.
In fiscal 2004, we entered into an agreement with Flovate Technologies Limited, or Flovate, a
company in which Edwin Donald Harrell, who was until April 2006 one of our executive officers, is a
majority shareholder, under which we license certain software. Flovate is engaged in the
development and maintenance of software products and solutions primarily used by WNS Assistance in
providing services to its customers. In fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, payments by us to
Flovate pursuant to this agreement amounted to $4.6 million, $3.1 million and $3.3 million in the
aggregate.
On June 6, 2007, we entered into an agreement with Mr. Harrell, Theodore Agnew and Clare Margaret
Agnew to purchase all the shares of Flovate for a consideration comprising £3,252,000 in cash and
have deposited an additional retention amount of £700,000 into an escrow account. The amount
deposited in the escrow account will be payable to the selling shareholders on June 11, 2008,
subject to certain performance conditions being satisfied by the selling shareholders, and after
deducting any amount required to be reimbursed to us by the selling shareholders for expenditures
borne by us in connection with the performance of certain post completion projects under the
agreement and any amount for which Flovate is liable in respect of any claim made against Flovate
of which liability is admitted or which has been finally adjudicated by a court against Flovate
prior to June 11, 2008.
In fiscal 2006, WP International Holdings II LLC, an affiliate of our majority shareholder, Warburg
Pincus, extended a loan of £74,783 to our executive officer, Edwin Harrell. The purpose of this
loan was to assist Mr. Harrell to finance the purchase of our ordinary shares upon exercise of his
stock options. The loan was repaid by Mr. Harrell in April 2006.
In fiscal 2006, WP International Holdings II LLC, an affiliate of our majority shareholder, Warburg
Pincus, extended a loan of £139,999 to one of our executive officers, J. J. Selvadurai. The purpose
of this loan was to assist Mr. Selvadurai to finance the purchase of our ordinary shares upon
exercise of his stock options. The loan was repaid by Mr. Selvadurai in March 2006.
AUDIT MATTERS
Ernst & Young has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since fiscal 2003.
The following table shows the fees we paid or accrued for the audit and other services provided by
Ernst & Young for fiscal 2007 and 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Audit fees |
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
620,000 |
|
Audit-related fees |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Tax fees |
|
|
327,414 |
|
|
|
92,000 |
|
All other fees |
|
|
224,900 |
|
|
|
1,950,000 |
|
25
Audit fees. This category consists of fees billed for the audit of financial statements,
quarterly review of financial statements and other audit services, which are normally provided by
the independent auditors in connection with statutory and accounting matters that arose during, or
as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements and include the group
audit; statutory audits required by non-US jurisdictions; comfort letters and consents; attest
services; and assistance with and review of documents filed with the Commission.
Audit-related fees. This category consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that
are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or
that are traditionally performed by the external auditor, and include internal control reviews of
new systems, program and projects; review of security controls and operational effectiveness of
systems.
Tax fees. This category includes fees billed for tax compliance services, including the preparation
of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax consultations, such as assistance
and representation in connection with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and
acquisitions, transfer pricing, and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing
authorities and tax planning services.
All other fees. This category includes fees billed for due diligence related to acquisitions,
accounting assistance, audits in connection with proposed or completed acquisitions and employee
benefit plans audits. In addition, fees incurred under this category in fiscal 2006 included fees
incurred in connection with our initial public offering.
Audit Committee Pre-approval Process
Our audit committee reviews and pre-approves the scope and the cost of all audit and permissible
non-audit services performed by the independent auditors, other than those for de minimus
services which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit. All of the
services provided by Ernst & Young during the last fiscal year have been approved by the audit
committee.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The stock performance graph below shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general
statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933 or under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed
under such Acts.
This graph below compares the total shareholder return of the Companys American Depositary Shares
(ADSs), each represented by one ordinary share, with the S&P 500 index, the NYSE composite index
and our peer group index over a period from July 26, 2006 to March 31, 2007. Our peer group index
is constructed based on the following selected peer group of companies: Infosys Technologies
Limited, Wipro Limited, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services
Limited (trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, India) and Exlservice
Holdings, Inc. We believe that these companies most closely resemble business mix and that their
performance is representative of our industry. The returns of the component entities of our peer
group index are weighed according to the market capitalization of each entity as of the beginning
of each period for which a return is presented. July 26, 2006 was the first day of trading in the
Companys ADSs. The total shareholder return assumes $100 invested at the beginning of the period
in the Companys ADSs, the S&P 500 index, the NYSE composite index and our peer group index. It
also assumes reinvestment of all dividends.
Pursuant to the rules and interpretations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the graph
is calculated using, as the beginning measurement point, the closing price of the Companys ADSs on
July 26, 2006, which was $24.50. The initial public offering price of the Companys ADSs was $20.00
per share.
26
The comparisons in the graph are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the
possible future performance of the Companys ADSs or ordinary shares. The graph lines merely
connect the prices on the dates indicated and do not reflect fluctuations between those dates.
27
Cumulative Total Return
Based upon an initial investment of $100 on July 26, 2006
with dividends reinvested
28
EX-99.4 FORM OF PROXY
Exhibit 99.4
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
FORM OF PROXY
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
To be Held on August 8, 2007
For use at the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of WNS (Holdings) Limited (the Company)
to be held at 2.00 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 and any adjournment thereof.
I/We
[insert name] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
of [address] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE), being (a) shareholder(s) of the above named Company, hereby
appoint the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting or*
[insert name] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of
[address] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as my/our
proxy to vote for me/us and on my/our behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be
held at 2.00 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 and at any adjournment thereof or on a poll in
respect of [insert number]** . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ordinary shares in the capital of the
Company.
*An alternative proxy may be named if desired delete as appropriate. A proxy need not be a
shareholder of the Company.
** If you appoint more than one proxy then you will need to specify the number of ordinary shares
in respect of which the named proxy is entitled to vote. If you only appoint one proxy you do not
need to specify the number of ordinary shares you hold.
I / We direct my / our proxy to vote as follows:-
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ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS |
FOR |
AGAINST |
ABSTAIN |
1. |
Annual accounts |
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2. |
Re-appointment of auditors |
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|
3. |
Auditors remuneration |
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|
4. a. |
Re-election of Mr. Richard O. Bernays as a Director of the company |
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|
4. b. |
Re-election of Sir Anthony A. Greener as a Director of the company |
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|
|
5. |
Directors remuneration |
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|
Date: , 2007
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Signature of Shareholder/Authorised signatory |
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(If you are signing this form as a director or officer of a body corporate or other entity, please
indicate in what capacity you are signing and who you are signing for e.g. Director of X Limited
or Director of X Limited as general partner of Y Limited Partnership).
NOTES:
1. |
|
Please indicate with an X in the appropriate box how you wish the proxy to vote. |
|
2. |
|
The proxy will exercise his discretion as to how he votes or whether he abstains from
voting:- |
|
(a) |
|
on the resolutions referred to in this form of proxy if no instruction is given
in respect of the resolutions; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
on any business or resolution considered at the meeting other than the
resolutions referred to in this form of proxy. |
3. |
|
To be valid, the instrument appointing a proxy, and any power of attorney or other authority
(e.g. a board minute) under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy of any such
power or authority), must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at Channel
House, 7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE4 5UW, Channel Islands not less than 48 hours before
the time appointed for the holding of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or
for the taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote. |
|
4. |
|
A form of proxy executed by a corporation must be either under its common seal or signed by
an officer or attorney duly authorised by the corporation. |
|
5. |
|
In the case of joint holders, the name of all the joint holders should be stated in the form
of proxy and all should sign it. Joint holders should elect one of their number to represent
them in person or by proxy in their name. In the absence of such election, the vote of the
holder whose name appears first in order in the Register of Shareholders, whether in person or
by proxy, will be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of other joint holder(s). For this
purpose seniority is determined by the order in which the names appear in the Register of
Shareholders. |
|
6. |
|
A proxy may be revoked by: (i) giving the Company notice in writing deposited at the
Companys registered office (care of Capita Secretaries Limited, Channel House, 7 Esplanade,
St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands) before the commencement of the Annual General Meeting or
any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote; (ii)
depositing a new form of proxy with the Companys Secretary before the commencement of the
Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the
proxy proposes to vote (although it should be noted that the new form of proxy will only be a
valid proxy, as opposed to being capable of revoking an earlier form of proxy, if deposited
not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Annual General Meeting or any
adjournment thereof or for the taking of a poll at which the proxy proposes to vote); or (iii)
attending and voting on a poll. |
|
7. |
|
The Company shall be entitled to reject the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies if it is
incomplete, improperly completed or illegible or where the true intentions of the appointor
are not ascertainable from the instructions of the appointor specified in the instrument
appointing a proxy or proxies. |
|
8. |
|
Facsimile or email copies of this form of proxy will not be accepted. |
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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY |
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Register No |
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Holding |
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EX-99.5 DEPOSITARY'S NOTICE OF AGM
Exhibit 99.5
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
Trust and Securities Services
Global Equity Services
|
|
|
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
|
|
July 4, 2007 |
Depositarys Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of WNS (Holdings) Limited:
|
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Issue:
|
|
WNS (Holdings) Limited / Cusip 92932M101 |
|
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Country:
|
|
Jersey |
|
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|
Meeting Details:
|
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Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for WNS (Holdings) Limited on
Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 2.00 pm (Local Time) at Channel House, 7
Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, JE4 5UW |
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Meeting Agenda:
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The Companys Notice of Meeting including the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting
is attached |
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Voting Deadline:
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On or before July 23, 2007 at 3:00 PM (New York City time) |
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ADR Record Date:
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June 27, 2007 |
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Ordinary :ADR ratio
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1 Ordinary Share : 1 ADS |
Holders of WNS (Holdings) Limited American Depositary Receipts (ADSs) are hereby notified of an
Annual General Meetings of Shareholders of WNS (Holdings) Limited (the Company) to be held on
August 8, 2007. A copy of the Notice of Meeting from the Company, which includes the agenda, is
attached.
Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled to
those voting rights as outlined in the Deposit Agreement between the Company and Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas, as Depositary (the Deposit Agreement).
As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Shares are
entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Shares or other
Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or
solicitation of such consent or proxy. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in
writing in a timely manner (the Depositary having no obligation to take any further action if the
request shall not have been received by the Depositary at least 21 days prior to the date of such
vote or meeting), at the Companys expense and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, mail by
ordinary, regular mail delivery or by electronic transmission (if agreed by the Company and the
Depositary), unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the Depositary, to Holders as of
the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxies; (b) a
statement that the Holders as of the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable
law, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing the
Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the
Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to
the Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by such Holders ADSs; and (c) a brief
statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given.
Upon the timely receipt of written instructions of a Holder of ADSs on the ADS Record Date of
voting instructions, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under
applicable law and the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the Companys Memorandum and Articles
of Association and the provisions of the Deposited Securities, to vote or cause the Custodian to
vote the Shares and/or other Deposited Securities represented by ADSs held by such Holder in
accordance with such instructions.
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Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall, under any circumstances exercise any discretion as
to voting, and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right
to vote, or in any way make use of, for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise the Shares
or other Deposited Securities represented by ADSs except pursuant to and in accordance with such
written instructions from Holders. Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by ADSs for
which no specific voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder shall not be
voted.
Notwithstanding the above, save for applicable provisions of Jersey law, and in accordance with
Section 5.3 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall not be liable for any failure to carry
out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which such vote
is cast or the effect of any such vote.
For further information, please contact:
Duewa Brooks
Depositary Receipts
212 250 1305 phone
212 797 0327 fax
EX-99.6 VOTING CARD FOR USE BY ADS HOLDERS
Exhibit 99.6
THE FOLLOWING PROXY CARD RELATES TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS
OF WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED AND IS BEING SENT TO THE HOLDERS OF WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS PURSUANT TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AMONG WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED, DEUTSCHE BANK
TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS AS DEPOSITARY, AND THE REGISTERED HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THE
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS.
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
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Issues presented for consideration at the Annual |
Vote |
General Meeting of Shareholders on August 8, 2007 |
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For |
Against |
Abstain |
1 |
Annual accounts |
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2 |
Re-appointment of auditors |
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3 |
Auditors remuneration |
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4 |
a. Re-election of Mr. Richard O. Bernays as a Director of the company |
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b. Re-election of Sir Anthony A. Greene as a Director of the company |
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5 |
Directors remuneration |
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