Equity Incentive Plans

Equity Incentive Plans

The first shareholders’ meeting after the creation of Aperam of July 12, 2011 approved equity based incentives. The plan comprises a Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) and a Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”) designed to incentivise employees, improve the Group’s long-term performance and retain key employees.

Aperam’s equity based incentive plans are are intended to align the interests of the Company’s shareholders and eligible employees by allowing them to participate in the success of the Company. The maximum number of shares available for grants during any given year is subject to the prior approval of the Company’s shareholders at the annual general meeting.

The details of the yearly equity based incentive plans, together with the progress of meeting the vesting criteria on each grant anniversary date are described in detail in the annual reports of the Company.

No RSUs were granted to Leadership Team Members since the May 2012 plans submitted to shareholder approval.
Starting at the annual general meeting of 2017, equity based incentives only include performance based grants.

Leadership Team Share Unit (LT PSU) plan

The Leadership Team Performance Share Unit Plan (the “LT PSU Plan”) is designed to enhance the long-term performance of the Company and align the members of the Company’s Leadership Team (“LT”) to the Company’s objectives. The LT PSU Plan complements Aperam’s existing program of annual performance-related bonuses which is the Company’s reward system for short-term performance and achievements. The main objective of the LT PSU Plan is to be an effective performance-enhancing scheme for LT members based on the achievement of Aperam’s strategy aimed at creating measurable long-term shareholder value.
The allocation of PSUs to eligible LT members is reviewed by the Remuneration, Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company, which is comprised of three independent directors, and which makes a proposal and recommendation to the full Board of Directors. The vesting criteria of the PSUs are also monitored by the Remuneration, Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee.