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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.           )

Filed by the Registrant ý

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

o

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

o

 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

ADESA, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
         
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

 

No fee required.

o

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
    (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        

    (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        

    (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
        

    (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
        

    (5)   Total fee paid:
        


o

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 

(1)

 

Amount Previously Paid:
        

    (2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        

    (3)   Filing Party:
        

    (4)   Date Filed:
        


 

 

 

 

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

GRAPHIC

              April 7, 2006

Dear fellow stockholder:

              On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, you are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of ADESA, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Ritz Charles, 12156 North Meridian Street, Carmel, Indiana.

              This booklet includes the notice of annual meeting of stockholders and the proxy statement. The proxy statement describes the business to be transacted at the annual meeting and provides other information about ADESA that you should know when you vote your shares. The principal business of the annual meeting will be to:

We will also provide an overview of the status of ADESA's business at the meeting.

              Your vote is very important. I urge you to vote by mail, by telephone or on the Internet in order to be certain your shares are represented at the meeting, even if you plan to attend. Please review the instructions on the proxy card regarding each of these voting options.

              Thank you for your ongoing support of, and continued interest in, ADESA.

    Sincerely,
    GRAPHIC
    David G. Gartzke
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer

GRAPHIC

ADESA, Inc.
13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd.
Carmel, Indiana 46032

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Time and Date   9:00 a.m., local time, on May 17, 2006

Place

 

Ritz Charles
12156 North Meridian Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Items of Business

 

1.    To elect three directors of ADESA, each until the annual meeting in 2009 and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

 

2.    To amend our certificate of incorporation to provide for the phase-in of the annual election of directors.

 

 

3.    To transact any other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Record Date

 

You are entitled to vote at the annual meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof if you were a stockholder at the close of business on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.

Voting by Proxy

 

Please submit your proxy card as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with your instructions. For specific instructions on voting, please refer to the instructions on your enclosed proxy card.

 

By Order of the Board,

 

George J. Lawrence

 

George J. Lawrence
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

April 7, 2006
Carmel, Indiana

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING   1
  Why am I receiving these materials?   1
  What proposals will be voted on at the annual meeting?   1
  What is the ADESA Board's voting recommendation?   1
  Who is entitled to vote?   1
  What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?   1
  How can I vote my shares in person at the annual meeting?   2
  How can I vote my shares without attending the annual meeting?   2
  If I am an employee holding shares pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, how will my shares be voted?   3
  Can I revoke my proxy?   3
  What is the quorum requirement for the annual meeting?   3
  What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?   3
  What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or voting instruction card?   4
  Who will count the vote?   4
  Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the annual meeting?   4
  What is "householding" and how does it affect me?   4
  How can I obtain a copy of ADESA's Annual Report on Form 10-K?   5
BOARD STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE   6
Board Structure and Committees   6
  Audit Committee   6
  Executive Compensation Committee   7
  Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee   7
Corporate Governance   8
  Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charter and Codes of Ethics   8
  Executive Sessions of the Board   8
  Communications with Directors   8
  Director Qualification Standards and Independence   9
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES   10
  Fiscal 2005 Director Compensation   10
  Fiscal 2006 Director Compensation   10
  Stock Ownership Guidelines   11
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON BY ADESA'S STOCKHOLDERS   12
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS   12
  Structure of the Board   12
  Majority Vote Provision in our Corporate Governance Guidelines   12
  Information Regarding Nominees for Director, Directors and Executive Officers   12
  Nominees for Director to be Elected at the 2006 Annual Meeting for Terms Expiring in 2009   13
  Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2007   14
  Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2008   14
  Executive Officers Who Do Not Serve on the Board   15
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   17
  Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   17
  Fees Paid To PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP   17
  Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors   18
     

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE   19
PROPOSAL NO. 2   21
  Background   21
  Vacancies on the Board of Directors   21
  Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation   22
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK   23
  Stock Ownership of Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers   23
  Principal Stockholders   24
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   25
  Summary Compensation Table   25
  Option Grants in 2005   29
  Aggregated Option Exercises in 2005 and Fiscal Year-End Option Values   29
  Equity Compensation Plan Information   30
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE   31
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION   35
SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS   36
CERTAIN RELATED-PARTY RELATIONSHIPS   37
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH   38
REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS, NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BUSINESS OF STOCKHOLDERS   39

Directions to the Annual Meeting

 

Inside Back Cover


ELECTRONIC ACCESS OF PROXY STATEMENT

              This proxy statement is available on our Internet site at www.adesainc.com. Most stockholders can elect to view future proxy statements over the Internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail. If you are a stockholder of record, you can choose this option and save ADESA the cost of production and mailing these documents by registering for electronic access of future proxy statements at http://www.econsent.com/kar/. If you hold your ADESA stock through a bank, broker or other holder of record, please refer to the information provided by that entity for instructions on how to elect to view future proxy statements over the Internet.

              If you choose to view future proxy statements over the Internet, next year you will be mailed a proxy card and instructions indicating the Internet address to access ADESA's proxy statement. Your choice will remain in effect until you tell us otherwise. You do not have to elect Internet access each year. To view, cancel or change your enrollment profile, please go to http://www.econsent.com/kar/.

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ADESA, INC.
13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd.
Carmel, Indiana 46032

PROXY STATEMENT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND THE ANNUAL MEETING

Q:
Why am I receiving these materials?

A:
We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation, by ADESA's Board of Directors, of proxies to be voted at ADESA's 2006 annual meeting of stockholders and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. Stockholders are invited to attend the annual meeting to be held on May 17, 2006 beginning at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Ritz Charles, 12156 North Meridian Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032. ADESA's proxy materials are being mailed to stockholders starting April 7, 2006.

Q:
What proposals will be voted on at the annual meeting?

A:
There are two proposals scheduled to be voted on at the annual meeting:

the election of three directors of ADESA, each until the annual meeting in 2009 and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal; and
the approval of an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to provide for the phase-in of the annual election of directors.

Q:
What is the ADESA Board's voting recommendation?

A:
ADESA's Board recommends that you vote your shares "FOR" the election of directors and the amendment to our certificate of incorporation.

Q:
Who is entitled to vote?

A:
All shares owned by you as of the record date, which is the close of business on March 22, 2006, may be voted by you. You may cast one vote per share of common stock that you held on the record date. These shares include shares that are:

held directly in your name as the stockholder of record; and
held for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee.
Q:
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

A:
Many stockholders of ADESA hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some differences between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

1


Q:
How can I vote my shares in person at the annual meeting?

A:
Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the annual meeting. If you choose to vote your shares in person at the annual meeting, please bring proof of identification. Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, ADESA recommends that you vote your shares in advance as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the annual meeting.
Q:
How can I vote my shares without attending the annual meeting?

A:
Whether you hold your shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in "street name", you may direct your vote without attending the annual meeting by voting in one of the following manners:

on the Internet;
by telephone; or
by completing and mailing your proxy card or voting instruction card in the enclosed, pre-paid envelope.

2


Q:
If I am an employee holding shares pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan, how will my shares be voted?

A:
If you are an employee holding stock acquired through our employee stock purchase plan, you will receive a voting instruction card covering all shares held in your individual account. The employee stock purchase plan will vote your shares (i) in accordance with the instructions on your returned instruction card; or (ii) in its discretion on the election of directors and the amendment to our certificate of incorporation to provide for the phase-in of the annual election of directors, if you do not return an instruction card or if you return an instruction card with no instructions.

Q:
Can I revoke my proxy?

A:
Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the annual meeting by:

providing written notice to the corporate secretary of ADESA;
delivering a valid, later-dated proxy or a later-dated vote on the Internet or by telephone; or
attending the annual meeting and voting in person.
Q:
What is the quorum requirement for the annual meeting?

A:
The quorum requirement for holding the annual meeting and transacting business is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to be voted. The shares may be present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting.

Q:
What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?

A:
Election of Directors.  In the election for directors, the three persons receiving the highest number of "for" votes will be elected. Only votes "for" or "withheld" affect the outcome. Abstentions are not counted for purposes of the election of directors.

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Q:
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or voting instruction card?

A:
It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting instruction cards you receive.

Q:
Who will count the vote?

A:
A representative of Wells Fargo will tabulate the votes and act as the inspector of election.

Q:
Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the annual meeting?

A:
ADESA will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic and facsimile transmission by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. We have hired Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. to assist in the solicitation and distribution of proxies. Georgeson will receive a fee of $8,500, plus reasonable expenses, for these services. In addition, ADESA may reimburse brokerage firms, including Georgeson, and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of ADESA common stock for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.

Q:
What is "householding" and how does it affect me?

A:
Householding is a program, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which allows the delivery of only one package of stockholder proxy materials if there are multiple ADESA stockholders who live at the same address. This means that, if your household participates in the householding program, you will receive an envelope containing one set of proxy materials and a separate proxy card for each stockholder account in the household. Please vote all proxy cards enclosed in the package.

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Q:
How can I obtain a copy of ADESA's Annual Report on Form 10-K?

A:
Copies of ADESA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the SEC, are available to stockholders free of charge on ADESA's website at www.adesainc.com or by writing to Attn: Investor Relations, ADESA, Inc., 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032.

5



BOARD STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Structure and Committees

              The Board is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. The Board has eight directors and the following three committees:

The membership and the function of each committee are described below. During 2005, the Board held seven meetings and the audit, executive compensation and corporate governance and nominating committees held eight, five and four meetings, respectively. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of Board and applicable committee meetings. It is the Board's policy that directors are expected to attend ADESA's annual meeting of stockholders. All of the directors attended the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders.

              Audit Committee.    The audit committee assists the Board with the oversight of: the integrity of ADESA's financial statements and internal controls; ADESA's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; the independent auditors' qualifications and independence; and the performance of ADESA's internal audit function and the independent auditors. More specifically, under its current charter, the audit committee, among other things:

The responsibilities and activities of the audit committee are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Report of the Audit Committee" and the audit committee charter, which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

              The audit committee consists of Dennis O. Green (chairperson), Wynn V. Bussmann, Thomas L. Cunningham and A. R. Sales. The Board has determined that each of the members of the audit committee is "independent" within the meaning of the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board has determined that Mr. Green and Mr. Sales are each an "audit committee financial expert" and "independent" as defined under the applicable rules of the NYSE and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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              Executive Compensation Committee.    The executive compensation committee establishes ADESA's philosophy and policies regarding executive and director compensation; oversees the administration of ADESA's director and executive compensation programs; and reviews the compensation of directors, executive officers and senior management. More specifically, under its current charter, the executive compensation committee, among other things:

The responsibilities and activities of the executive compensation committee are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Report of the Executive Compensation Committee."

              The executive compensation committee consists of Donald C. Wegmiller (chairperson), Wynn V. Bussmann, Thomas L. Cunningham, Nick Smith and Deborah L. Weinstein. The Board has determined that each of the members of the executive compensation committee is "independent" within the meaning of the applicable listing standards of the NYSE.

              Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.    Under its current charter, the corporate governance and nominating committee, among other things:

              In addition, the corporate governance and nominating committee, in consultation with the chairman of the Board, is responsible for identifying, screening, personally interviewing and recommending candidates to the entire Board. The Board, as a whole, is responsible for nominating individuals for election to the Board and for filling vacancies on the Board that may occur between annual meetings of the stockholders. In nominating candidates, the Board takes into consideration such factors as it deems appropriate. These factors may include integrity, achievements, judgment, intelligence, personal character, the interplay of the candidate's relevant experience with the experience of other Board members, the willingness of the candidate to devote adequate time to Board duties and the likelihood that he or she will be willing and able to serve on the Board for a sustained period. In connection with the selection of nominees for director, due consideration will be given to the Board's overall balance of diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. It is the Board's policy that any potential nominee must be interviewed by a majority of the members of the corporate governance and nominating committee. The corporate governance and nominating committee

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will consider any suggestions offered by management, other directors or any stockholder with respect to potential directors.

              The corporate governance and nominating committee will consider candidates recommended for nomination by stockholders, provided that the recommendations are made in accordance with the procedures described in the section entitled "Requirements, Including Deadlines, For Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nominations of Directors and Other Business of Stockholders" located at the end of this proxy statement. Candidates recommended for nomination by stockholders that comply with these procedures will receive the same consideration as other candidates recommended by the committee. In addition, the corporate governance and nominating committee has engaged a third party search firm, Spencer Stuart, to identify and assist the committee on an ongoing basis in identifying, evaluating and conducting due diligence on potential director nominees.

              The corporate governance and nominating committee consists of Deborah L. Weinstein (chairperson), Dennis O. Green, A. R. Sales and Nick Smith. The Board has determined that each of the members of the corporate governance and nominating committee is "independent" within the meaning of the applicable listing standards of the NYSE.

Corporate Governance

              Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters and Codes of Ethics.    ADESA has had corporate governance guidelines in place since the company's completion of its initial public offering in June 2004. ADESA has reviewed internally and with the Board the rules of the SEC and the NYSE's corporate governance listing standards regarding corporate governance policies and processes. ADESA also has adopted charters for its audit committee, executive compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee consistent with the applicable rules and standards. You can access ADESA's corporate governance guidelines, committee charters, code of business conduct and ethics and financial code of ethics that applies to ADESA's senior financial officers (and any amendments to, or waivers of, the codes of ethics) in the "Investor Relations" section of ADESA's web page at www.adesainc.com. These documents also are available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy by writing to ADESA, Inc., 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

              Executive Sessions of the Board.    At regularly scheduled Board meetings, the Board generally conducts executive sessions of the Board, which are discussions that involve only the non-management directors. ADESA's corporate governance guidelines state that the executive sessions of the Board will be chaired by either the chairman of the Board (if he or she is an independent director) or by the independent lead director (if the chairman is not an independent director). Because ADESA's chairman of the Board is not an independent director, ADESA's lead independent director, Deborah L. Weinstein, chairs the executive sessions of the Board.

              Communications with Directors.    Stockholders and other interested parties may contact any member (or all members) of the Board by mail. To communicate with the Board, any individual directors or any group or committee of directors, correspondence should be addressed to the Board or any such individual directors or group or committee of directors by either name or title. All such correspondence should be sent to ADESA, Inc., 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

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              All communications received as set forth in the preceding paragraph will be opened by the office of the corporate secretary for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent a message to ADESA's directors. Any contents that are not in the nature of advertising, promotions of a product or service, or patently offensive material will be forwarded promptly to the addressee. In the case of communications to the Board or any group or committee of directors, the corporate secretary's office will make sufficient copies of the contents to send to each director who is a member of the group or committee to which the envelope or e-mail is addressed.

              Director Qualification Standards and Independence.    The Board has made an affirmative determination that the following members of the Board meet the standards for "independence" set forth in the applicable listing standards of the NYSE on the basis that they have no material relationship with ADESA (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with ADESA): Wynn V. Bussmann, Thomas L. Cunningham, Dennis O. Green, A. R. Sales, Nick Smith, Donald C. Wegmiller and Deborah L. Weinstein.

              In making this determination, the Board evaluated the relationship between Nick Smith and ADESA's former parent company, ALLETE, Inc., and found that this relationship was not material, as defined by the applicable listing standards of the NYSE, because it does not interfere with Mr. Smith's exercise of independent judgment. Currently, Mr. Smith serves as a director of ALLETE, Inc. If Mr. Smith's directorship on ALLETE's Board ever rises to an interest that conflicts, or appears to conflict, with the interests of ADESA, the Board will take all appropriate steps to ensure that Mr. Smith will be excused from discussions on the issue and recuse himself from voting on the issue.

              David G. Gartzke does not meet the aforementioned independence standards because he serves as ADESA's current president and chief executive officer in addition to his duties as Chairman of the Board.

9



DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Fiscal 2005 Director Compensation

              The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid to ADESA's non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Directors who are employed by ADESA do not receive any compensation for their Board activities.


Non-Employee Director

  Total
  Annual
Director
Retainer
(Cash)

  Annual
Director
Retainer
(Stock) (1)

  Annual
Committee
Chair Fees

  Annual
Committee
Member Fees


Wynn V. Bussmann   $92,750.01   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $0   $19,416.67

Thomas L. Cunningham   $92,750.01   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $0   $19,416.67
Dennis O. Green   $98,750.01   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $6,000.00   $19,416.67

A. R. Sales   $92,750.01   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $0   $19,416.67
Nick Smith   $91,250.01   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $0   $17,916.67

Donald C. Wegmiller   $86,791.67   $25,833.34   $47,500.00   $4,500.00   $8,958.33
Deborah L. Weinstein (2)   $126,333.33   $78,833.33   $47,500.00   $0   $0

(1)
Each of the non-employee directors receives shares of ADESA's common stock equal in value to $47,500 on the date of grant under the terms of ADESA's director compensation plan.

(2)
Ms. Weinstein is ADESA's lead independent director. Ms. Weinstein is not eligible to receive any committee chair or committee member fees. In 2005, Ms. Weinstein elected to receive stock in lieu of a part ($44,575) of the cash portion of her annual director retainer pursuant to ADESA's director compensation plan.

Fiscal 2006 Director Compensation

              Effective as of June 1, 2005, the following table provides information regarding the annual compensation ADESA provides to its non-employee directors:


 
  Cash Payment (1)(2)
  Stock Payment (3)

Annual Director Retainer   $30,000   $47,500

Annual Lead Independent Director Retainer   $83,000   $47,500
Annual Retainer for Committee Chairs (4)   $4,500 - $6,000   $0

Annual Retainer for Committee Members (5)   $10,000 - $11,500   $0

(1)
The directors may elect to (a) defer all or part of the cash portion of their retainer and fees pursuant to ADESA's director compensation deferral plan; and/or (b) receive stock in lieu of all or a part of the cash portion of his or her retainer and fees pursuant to ADESA's director compensation plan.

(2)
ADESA also reimburses its directors, and in certain circumstances spouses who accompany directors, for travel, lodging and related expenses they incur in attending Board and committee meetings and the annual meeting of stockholders. In addition, ADESA reimburses its directors for attending director education seminars and industry-related events. The directors occasionally may utilize the Company's aircraft in order to attend Board and committee meetings, the annual meeting of stockholders, director education seminars or industry-related events.

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(3)
Each of the non-employee directors receives shares of ADESA's common stock equal in value to $47,500 on the date of grant under the terms of ADESA's director compensation plan.

(4)
The compensation structure for the chairpersons of the executive compensation committee and the corporate governance and nominating committee of the Board is $4,500 per annum in cash. The compensation structure for the chairperson of the audit committee is $6,000 per annum in cash. Chairpersons also receive annual committee member fees for being a member of the applicable committee. However, the lead independent director is not eligible to receive any committee chair fees.

(5)
The compensation structure for the committee members of the executive compensation committee and the corporate governance and nominating committee of the Board is $10,000 per annum in cash. The compensation structure for the committee members of the audit committee is $11,500 per annum in cash. However, the lead independent director is not eligible to receive any committee member fees.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

              The Board believes that the directors and executive officers of ADESA should be stockholders of ADESA and, based on recommendations of the corporate governance and nominating committee, the Board established the following guidelines for stock ownership by Board members and executive officers. Once achieved, ownership of the amount set forth in the applicable stock ownership guideline must be maintained for as long as the individual is subject to these stock ownership guidelines.


 
  Number of Shares of Common
Stock of ADESA Recommended
to Be Owned (1)

  Time Period Given to Meet Stock
Ownership Guidelines


Non-Employee Director   5,000 shares of common stock of ADESA   Three years from date initially elected or appointed director of ADESA

Chief Executive Officer   Shares of common stock of ADESA equal to five times base salary of chief executive officer   If the chief executive officer on January 1, 2005, by December 31, 2009 (five years)

 

 

 

 

If appointed the chief executive officer after January 1, 2005, five years from the start date
of that position
Executive Officer, Other Than Chief Executive Officer   Shares of common stock of ADESA equal to three times base salary of executive officer   If an executive officer on January 1, 2005, by December 31, 2009 (five years)
        If appointed an executive officer after January 1, 2005, five years from the start date of that position

(1)
Ownership includes restricted stock units. Unexercised options to acquire shares of common stock of ADESA are not taken into consideration in meeting the ownership guidelines.

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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON BY ADESA'S STOCKHOLDERS

PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Structure of the Board

              ADESA's Board is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Directors for each class are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for their class expires.

              The terms for three directors will expire at this 2006 annual meeting. The three nominees named below are the only individuals proposed for election to the Board at this 2006 annual meeting. Directors elected at the 2006 annual meeting will hold office for a three-year term expiring at the annual meeting in 2009 (and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal).

Majority Vote Provision in our Corporate Governance Guidelines

              Under our corporate governance guidelines, in an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes "withheld" from his or her election than votes "for" such election (a "Majority Withheld Vote") shall promptly tender his or her resignation following certification of the stockholder vote. The corporate governance and nominating committee shall consider the resignation offer and recommend to the Board whether to accept it. The Board will act on the corporate governance and nominating committee's recommendation within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote. The Board will promptly disclose its decision whether to accept or reject the director's resignation offer (and the reasons for rejecting the resignation offer, if applicable) in a press release.

              Any director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to this provision shall not participate in the corporate governance and nominating committee recommendation or Board action regarding whether to accept the resignation offer.

              If all members of the corporate governance and nominating committee receive a Majority Withheld Vote at the same election, then the independent Directors who did not receive a Majority Withheld Vote shall appoint a committee amongst themselves to consider the resignation offers and recommend to the Board whether to accept them; provided, however, if the only directors who did not receive a Majority Withheld Vote in the same election constitute two or fewer directors, all directors may participate in the action regarding whether to accept the resignation offers.

Information Regarding Nominees for Director, Directors and Executive Officers

              All of the nominees are currently directors of ADESA. Information is provided below regarding the business experience of each of the nominees. In addition, information is provided below regarding the business experience of the directors whose terms are not expiring this year and our executive officers not serving on the Board. The directors whose terms are not expiring will continue to serve as directors for the remainder of their terms or earlier in accordance with ADESA's charter documents. All ages of the directors and executive officers listed below are as of the date of the May 17, 2006 annual meeting.

12



Nominees for Director to be Elected at the 2006 Annual Meeting for Terms Expiring in 2009

 

 

 


PHOTO

 

Dennis O. Green, 65, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves as the chairperson of its audit committee and is a member of its corporate governance and nominating committee.



Mr. Green is the managing member and founder of Celadon, LLC, a real estate development firm. In addition, Mr. Green is the Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Coastal Banking Company, a bank holding company, and its banking subsidiary, Lowcountry National Bank. Mr. Green retired in July 1997 from his position as Chief Auditor of Citicorp and of its principal banking subsidiary, Citibank, NA, where he had been responsible for their worldwide audit functions since 1990. From 1984 to 1990, he was the General Auditor of Ford Motor Company.

 

 

 


PHOTO

 

Nick Smith, 69, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves on its corporate governance and nominating committee and executive compensation committee.



Since November 1999, Mr. Smith has been of counsel for the law firm of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick. Mr. Smith also is a director of ALLETE, an energy services company and ADESA's former parent company, and currently serves as a member of its corporate governance and nominating committee and its executive compensation committee.


 


 


 



PHOTO


 


Deborah L. Weinstein, 46, has been ADESA's lead independent director since January 2004 and serves as the chairperson of the corporate governance and nominating committee and is a member of its executive compensation committee.



Ms. Weinstein has been a partner in LaBarge Weinstein, LLP, a business law firm, since 1997. Ms. Weinstein also is a director of Dynex Semiconductor, Inc., a semiconductor company based in Lincoln, England.


 


 


 

ADESA's Board recommends a vote "FOR" the election to the Board
of each of the foregoing nominees.

13



Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2007

 

 

 


PHOTO

 

David G. Gartzke, 62, has been ADESA's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2004.



From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Gartzke served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of ALLETE, an energy services company and ADESA's former parent company. From September 2000 until May 2004, Mr. Gartzke was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ALLETE Automotive Services, Inc. From 1994 to 2001, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ALLETE.

 

 

 


GRAPHIC

 

Angel Rodolfo Sales, 57, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves on its audit committee and corporate governance and nominating committee.



Mr. Sales is the managing director of Odyssey Corporate Finance, LLC, a corporate finance and strategy consulting firm. From 2002 to 2003, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Best Access Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of access control systems and security hardware. He retired in November 2001 from his position as Senior Vice President at ArvinMeritor, Inc., a global parts supplier to the automotive industry, where he held senior operating and financial positions since 1990. From 1987 to 1990, he was Vice President and Treasurer of The Upjohn Company.

 

 

 

Directors Whose Terms Will Expire in 2008

 

 

 


PHOTO

 

Wynn V. Bussmann, 64, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves on its audit committee and executive compensation committee.



Mr. Bussmann retired in March 2004 from his position of Senior Vice President — Global Forecasting of J.D. Power and Associates, an international marketing information firm, which he held since 2001. From 1994 to 2001 he was the corporate economist for DaimlerChrysler Corporation, where he provided forecasts and analysis of vehicle sales and other trends in the vehicle industry for product strategy and planning.

 

 

 
     

14




PHOTO

 

Thomas L. Cunningham, 60, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves on its audit committee and executive compensation committee.



Mr. Cunningham retired in 2002 from his position of Director, Remarketing Strategy for Ford Motor Company, where he was responsible for the total design and implementation of Ford's wholesale used vehicle sales strategy in the United States for all the Ford and Ford-affiliate brands. From 1989 to 2001 he was Manager, Vehicle Remarketing for Ford, where he developed industry-leading vehicle remarketing processes.


 


 


 



PHOTO


 


Donald C. Wegmiller, 67, has been a member of ADESA's Board since May 2004 and serves as the chairperson of its executive compensation committee.



Mr. Wegmiller is the Chairman of the Clark Consulting — Healthcare Group, a unit of Clark Inc., a national executive and physician compensation and benefits consulting firm. Prior to joining Clark Consulting-Healthcare Group, Mr. Wegmiller served as Vice Chairman and President of HealthSpan Health Systems Corporation, a healthcare network company. Mr. Wegmiller also serves as a director of Possis Medical, Inc., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices, and Omnicell, Inc., a provider of patient safety and operational efficiency solutions for the healthcare industry.


 


 


 

Executive Officers Who Do Not Serve on the Board

              Cameron C. Hitchcock, 44, has served as an executive vice president and the chief financial officer of ADESA since January 2004. During 2003, Mr. Hitchcock served as a consultant for private equity opportunities. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Hitchcock served as vice president and treasurer of Lear Corporation, an automotive interior systems supplier. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Hitchcock was the corporate treasurer of Dean Foods Company, a food company, and from 1993 to 1997, Mr. Hitchcock was vice president, corporate finance of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, an investment banking firm.

              George J. Lawrence, 47, has served as an executive vice president and the general counsel and corporate secretary of ADESA since September 2004. From January 2000 until September 2004, Mr. Lawrence served as vice president and general counsel-americas for Thomson, a leading consumer electronics company, where he was responsible for the legal affairs of Thomson for the Americas. From 1997 until 2000, Mr. Lawrence served as associate general counsel for Thomson. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Lawrence was vice president and general counsel of OHM Corporation, an environmental services company.

              Brenda J. Flayton, 50, has served as an executive vice president and the chief administrative officer of ADESA since June 2004. From July 1998 until May 2004, Ms. Flayton served as the vice president of human resources for ALLETE, where she was responsible for compensation, benefits, recruiting, safety, employee development and training, executive and

15



director compensation, and employee relations. From August 1995 to July 1998, Ms. Flayton was a director of human resources for ALLETE.

              Ron Beaver, 47, has served as an executive vice president and chief information officer since March 15, 2006. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Beaver served as the vice president and chief information officer of Otis Elevator Co., a manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Beaver served as the vice president of e-business of Otis Elevator Co. and from 1990 to 1998, Mr. Beaver served as a director of sales for Otis Elevator Co.

              Bradley A. Todd, 38, has served as an executive vice president of ADESA since May 2004, as the president of AFC, one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, since December 2001 and as the chief operating officer of ADESA Corporation, LLC's, one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, since April 2005. From October 1996 to December 2001, Mr. Todd served as the chief operations officer of AFC.

              Cheryl A. Munce, 48, has served as an executive vice president of ADESA since May 2004. Ms. Munce has served as the president of Impact Auto Auctions Ltd., one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, since May 2000 and as the president of Automotive Recovery Services, Inc. (d/b/a ADESA Impact), also one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, since September 2003. From September 1996 to May 2000, Ms. Munce was director of business development for Impact Auto Auctions Ltd.

              Brian J. Warner, 39, has served as a vice president of ADESA since March 2005. Mr. Warner has also served as the president of ADESA Canada Corporation, one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, since January 2003 and from October 1998 until December 2001. From December 2001 until January 2003, Mr. Warner served as the president of ADESA Corporation. From 1995 to September 1998, Mr. Warner held various positions at ADESA, including corporate controller, chief financial officer and general manager of ADESA's auction in Indianapolis.

              Scott A. Anderson, 40, has served as the controller of ADESA since November 2001 and the assistant treasurer from November 2001 until January 2004. From 1997 until November 2001, Mr. Anderson served as senior manager of assurance and business advisory services at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was responsible for performing and coordinating audit and business advisory services for privately and publicly held companies. From 1988 to 1997, Mr. Anderson held various positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a certified public accountant.

              Curt L. Phillips, 49, has served as the treasurer of ADESA since January 2004. From April 1998 until January 2004, Mr. Phillips served as the chief financial officer of AFC, one of ADESA's wholly owned subsidiaries, where he was responsible for overseeing accounting, cash management, and the credit and contract functions for AFC. From April 1997 to March 1998, Mr. Phillips was the vice president of finance for Chautauqua Airlines and from 1993 to March 1997, Mr. Phillips was the chief financial officer of Anthem Financial, Inc., a diversified financial services company focused primarily on equipment leasing.

              Jonathan Peisner, 46, has served as the vice president of investor relations and planning since April 2005. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Peisner founded and managed Axios Advisors, LLC, a financial advisory firm. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Peisner was the senior vice president of communications and investor relations and then senior vice president and treasurer of Collins & Aikman, an automotive supplier. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Peisner served as the director of investor relations and business planning of Lear Corporation, an automotive interior systems supplier. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Peisner served as the director of investor relations of Lear Corporation.

16



INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

              On March 17, 2006, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") informed the audit committee of the Board of Directors that PwC has declined to stand for re-election as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. The audit committee accepted PwC's decision not to stand for re-election. PwC's engagement as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm will end upon completion of its procedures on the Company's interim financial statements as of March 31, 2006 and for the quarter then ended and the Form 10-Q in which such interim financial statements will be included. As of the date of this proxy statement, no independent registered public accounting firm has been appointed by the audit committee. The audit committee has commenced the process of selecting an independent registered public accounting firm to replace PwC.

              The reports of PwC on ADESA's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.

              During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and through March 17, 2006, there have been no disagreements with PwC on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in their reports on the financial statements for such years. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and through March 17, 2006, there have been no "reportable events," as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

              Representatives of PwC are expected to attend the annual meeting where they will be available to respond to questions and to make a statement.

Fees Paid To PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

              The following table sets forth the aggregate fees charged to ADESA by PwC for audit services rendered in connection with the audited consolidated financial statements and reports for the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years and for other services rendered during the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years to ADESA and its subsidiaries, as well as all out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with these services:


   
Fee Category

  2005
  2004
   

   
Audit Fees   $ 2,200,499        $ 1,296,149         

   
Audit-Related Fees     210,681          —         
Tax Fees     455,695(1)     1,288,664(2)    

   
All Other Fees     1,500          401,500         
   
 
 
Total Fees   $ 2,868,375        $ 2,986,313         
   
 
 

   
(1)
In 2005, $254,046 of the tax fees were for compliance and preparation and $201,649 of the tax fees were for state, federal and international tax consulting, advice and services.

(2)
In 2004, $517,315 of the tax fees were for compliance and preparation and $771,349 of the tax fees were for state, federal and international tax consulting, advice and services.

17


              Audit Fees:    Consists of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of ADESA's consolidated financial statements and review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by PwC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, and attest services, except those not required by statute or regulation. For 2005, audit fees include the independent auditor's report on management's report on internal controls for financial reporting.

              Audit-Related Fees:    Consists principally of services with respect to due diligence services pertaining to potential business acquisitions, accounting consultations for significant or unusual transactions not classified as "audit services", assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rulemaking authorities and other attestation services.

              Tax Fees:    Consists of fees for professional services for tax compliance and reporting as well as tax planning and consulting. In 2005, $254,046 of the tax fees were for compliance and preparation and $201,649 of the tax fees were for state, federal and international tax consulting, advice and services. In 2004, $517,315 of the tax fees were for compliance and preparation and $771,349 of the tax fees were for state, federal and international tax consulting, advice and services. The tax fees were higher in 2004 because of our initial public offering which occurred in June 2004 and our subsequent spin-off from our former parent company, ALLETE, which occurred in September 2004.

              All Other Fees:    Consists of fees for all other services other than those reported above. In 2005, these services consisted of a license fee for the use of PwC's accounting research software. In 2004, these services included services related to an inquiry by the SEC and a license fee for the use of PwC's accounting research software.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

              ADESA's independent auditor fee pre-approval policy provides for an annual process through which the audit committee evaluates the nature and scope of the audit prior to the commencement of the audit. At the same time, the committee evaluates audit-related, tax and other services that are proposed, along with the anticipated cost of such services. The committee reviews schedules of specific services to be provided.

              If other services are desired outside of this annual process, under the policy they may be pre-approved by the committee at a regularly scheduled meeting or by the chair, acting between meetings and reporting back to the committee at the next scheduled meeting.

              ADESA's audit committee was established in May 2004. Subsequent to May 2004, all audit, tax and all other services performed by PwC were approved by the audit committee.

18



REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

              The Board of Directors established the audit committee for the purpose of overseeing the accounting, internal controls and financial reporting processes of ADESA. The audit committee also has oversight of ADESA's independent auditors. The audit committee is comprised of four non-management directors and operates pursuant to a written charter approved by the Board of Directors. A copy of the audit committee charter is attached hereto as Appendix A. Each member of the audit committee meets the independence requirements of the SEC and the NYSE and has been determined by the Board to be "independent." The Board of Directors has determined that Dennis O. Green and A. R. Sales are each an "audit committee financial expert" in accordance with applicable SEC rules. The Board has also determined that each member of the audit committee is financially literate in accordance with the qualification standard set forth in the rules of the NYSE.

              As described more fully in its charter, the audit committee assists the Board in its oversight of (i) the integrity of ADESA's financial statements; (ii) ADESA's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) ADESA's independent auditors' qualifications and independence; (iv) the performance of ADESA's internal audit function and independent auditors; and (v) ADESA's assessment and management of its financial and operational risks. The audit committee reports regularly to the Board with respect to actions, findings, issues and policy matters.

              ADESA has a full-time internal audit department that reports to the audit committee and to management. Responsibilities of the internal audit department include reviewing and evaluating the adequacy, effectiveness and quality of ADESA's system of internal controls relating to the reliability and integrity of ADESA's financial information, compliance with corporate policies and procedures and the safeguarding of ADESA's assets. During the year, we discussed these matters with the company's independent auditors and with appropriate company financial personnel and internal auditors.

              Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of ADESA's financial statements; accounting and financial reporting principles; internal controls; and procedures designed to reasonably assure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. ADESA's independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The audit committee has the authority to engage its own outside advisers, including independent legal counsel and experts in particular areas of accounting, as it determines appropriate, apart from counsel or advisers hired by management.

              The audit committee establishes an agenda for the year that includes discussion and review of ADESA's quarterly earnings releases, earnings guidance, SEC filings, financial statements, risk assessment and risk management policies, internal controls and internal audit activities. The audit committee's agenda is established by the audit committee in consultation with the director of internal audit. In 2005, the audit committee held four regularly scheduled meetings and four meetings by telephonic conference call. At each of its regularly scheduled meetings, the audit committee held separate and private executive sessions with ADESA's independent auditors, director of internal audit, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller and general counsel.

              At each regular quarterly meeting, the audit committee meets with its independent auditors, the director of internal audit and management to review ADESA's financial results before finalization and issuance of ADESA's earnings press releases. The audit committee also

19



reviews each of ADESA's Form 10-Qs and ADESA's Form 10-K before filing with the SEC. In connection with its quarterly review of ADESA's financial statements, the audit committee reviews with management and the independent auditors the acceptability and quality of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of and quality of management's accounting judgments and the clarity of disclosures. At each regular meeting, the audit committee reviews with the director of internal audit, management and the independent auditors the overall audit plans and scope of audits, the results of internal audits and the quality of ADESA's financial reporting.

              The audit committee has implemented pre-approval policies and procedures related to the provision of audit and non-audit services by the independent auditors. Under these procedures, the audit committee pre-approves both the type of services to be provided by the independent auditors and the estimated fees related to these services. During the pre-approval process, the audit committee considers the impact of the types of services and the related fees on the independence of the auditor. The services and fees must be deemed compatible with the maintenance of the auditor's independence, including compliance with SEC and NYSE rules and regulations.

              The audit committee relies on the work and assurances of ADESA's management, which has primary responsibility for financial statements and reports, and of the independent auditors, who, in their report, express an opinion on the conformity of ADESA's annual financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles. Under ADESA's governance structure, including the audit committee charter, the audit committee has the responsibility to select, compensate, evaluate and, when appropriate, replace ADESA's independent auditors.

              The audit committee has reviewed ADESA's audited consolidated financial statements and discussed such statements with management. The audit committee has discussed with the independent auditors other matters required to be discussed by the independent auditors with the audit committee under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, and other regulations. The audit committee has also received and discussed with the auditors their annual written report on their independence from ADESA and its management pursuant to Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (independence discussions with audit committees), and reviewed with the independent auditors whether the provision of non-audit services provided by them to ADESA during 2005 was compatible with the auditors' independence.

              In reliance on these reviews and discussions, and the report of the independent auditors, the audit committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in ADESA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Submitted by:

 

 

Audit Committee

 

 

Dennis O. Green, Chair
Wynn V. Bussmann
Thomas L. Cunningham
A.R. Sales

20



PROPOSAL NO. 2
COMPANY PROPOSAL
TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INSTITUTE THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Background

              In 2004, ADESA went public and was spun off from its majority stockholder, ALLETE, Inc. As such, fiscal 2005 was ADESA's first full year as a public, independent company with a new Board of Directors. Since the time of the IPO, the corporate governance and nominating committee of the Board has continually reviewed the Company's corporate governance practices. As part of its review, the corporate governance and nominating committee has considered whether the Company should declassify the Board of Directors.

              In late 2005, ADESA received a stockholder proposal, submitted by David J. Greene and Company, LLC ("Greene"), to declassify our Board of Directors for inclusion in this proxy statement. The corporate governance and nominating committee again gave due consideration to various arguments for and against a classified board. After this review, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the corporate governance and nominating committee, determined it advisable to declassify the Board. As a result of this decision and ADESA's willingness to set forth this proposal in this proxy statement, Greene agreed to withdraw its stockholder proposal to declassify ADESA's Board. Greene's proposal provided that the declassification of our Board should be phased in so that it does not affect the unexpired terms of our directors previously elected. With respect to the phase-in period, Greene suggested, and ADESA agreed, that the 2006 class of directors would serve a three-year term, the 2007 class would serve for a two-year term and the 2008 class would serve a one-year term so that the implementation of annual elections would be completed by 2009 for the entire Board of Directors.

              The Board agrees with Greene's proposal and has determined that phasing-in the declassification of the Board in accordance with Greene's proposal is an appropriate and prudent way to institute annual elections of ADESA's directors. If the proposed amendment is approved, all directors will be elected annually beginning at the annual meeting in 2009. The terms of all directors, including those directors elected at the 2007 and 2008 annual meetings, automatically will expire immediately prior to the election of directors at the 2009 annual meeting. If the amendment to our certificate of incorporation is approved, the phase-in of the declassification of the Board would be applied as follows:


Annual Meeting Year
  Length of Term for Directors
Elected

  Year that Term Would
Expire


2006   Three Years   2009

2007   Two Years   2009

2008   One Year   2009

2009   Annual Election   2010

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

              Vacancies which occur on our Board may be filled by our Board of Directors. If the amendment to our certificate of incorporation is approved, a director appointed to fill a

21



vacancy as a result of an increase in the number of directors will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office. A director appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy not as a result of an increase in the number of directors will hold office for a term that will coincide with the remaining term of that of his or her predecessor.

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation

              The text of the proposed amendment to our certificate of incorporation is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement, with deletions indicated by strike-outs and additions indicated by underlining. If the proposal is approved by the stockholders, conforming amendments will be made to the bylaws.

              Approval of the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock. If approved, this proposal will become effective upon the filing of a certificate of amendment to our certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which the Company would file promptly after the annual meeting. If the amendment is not approved, the Board will remain classified.

ADESA's Board recommends a vote "FOR" the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation to provide for the annual election of directors.

22



BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK

Stock Ownership of Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers

              The following table sets forth information, as of March 22, 2006, concerning:

              The number of shares beneficially owned by each director or executive officer is determined under the rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual has the sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares that the individual has the right to acquire as of May 21, 2006, 60 days after March 22, 2006, through the exercise of any stock option or other right. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power, or shares such powers with his or her spouse, with respect to the shares set forth in the following table. The following table excludes unvested restricted stock units.


Beneficial Owner

  Common Stock
  Stock Options
  Percentage of Outstanding Shares (1)

Wynn V. Bussmann   9,422   4,892   *

Thomas L. Cunningham   6,148   2,446   *
David G. Gartzke   80,572   (2) 998,306   1.2%

Dennis O. Green   6,100   1,427   *
Cameron C. Hitchcock   7,630   265,580   *

George J. Lawrence   0   159,348    
Cheryl A. Munce   1,036   185,906    

A. R. Sales   4,076   0   *
Nick Smith   21,577   (3) 10,825   *

Bradley S. Todd   10,332   288,910   *
Donald C. Wegmiller   32,870   16,961   *

Deborah L. Weinstein   8,776   1,427   *
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons)(4)   212,376   2,344,183   2.8%

Former Executive Officer            
James P. Hallett   0   265,580   *

*
Represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding shares of ADESA common stock on March 22, 2006.

(1)
Percentage calculated by combining the number of shares owned with the number of shares that can be acquired divided by the number of shares issued and outstanding as of the record date (89,814,725) plus the number of stock options beneficially owned by the directors and executive officers as a group.

(2)
Includes 21,107 shares of ADESA common stock held by Mr. Gartzke's spouse.

(3)
Includes 50 shares of ADESA common stock held by Mr. Smith's spouse.

(4)
Excludes shares owned by James P. Hallett. Mr. Hallett's employment relationship with ADESA ceased on May 6, 2005.

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Principal Stockholders

              The following table sets forth information regarding the only persons ADESA is aware of that beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock.


 
 
  Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned

 

 
Name and Address

  Number
  Percent
 

 
Royce and Associates, LLC
1414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
  5,615,535   (1) 6.27% (1)
ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P.
and other reporting entities
435 Pacific Avenue, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94133
  4,735,100   (2) 5.3% (2)

 
(1)
Based on a Schedule 13G filed January 10, 2006 by Royce and Associates, LLC. The Schedule 13G discloses that as of December 31, 2005, Royce and Associates, LLC had sole voting and sole dispositive power as to 5,615,535 shares and did not have shared voting or dispositive power as to any shares.

(2)
Based on a Schedule 13D filed November 23, 2005 by ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., VA Partners, L.L.C., Jeffrey N. Ubben, George F. Hamel, Jr. and Peter H. Kamin. The Schedule 13D discloses that as of November 15, 2005, ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., VA Partners, L.L.C., Jeffrey N. Ubben, George F. Hamel, Jr. and Peter H. Kamin had shared voting and shared dispositive power as to 4,735,100 shares and did not have sole voting or dispositive power as to any shares.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

              Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires ADESA's directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of ADESA common stock to file reports of initial ownership of common stock and other equity securities and subsequent changes in that ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Based solely on a review of such reports and written representations from the directors and executive officers, ADESA believes that all such filing requirements were met during 2005.

24



EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

              The following table sets forth cash and non-cash compensation for (i) ADESA's Chief Executive Officer; (ii) the four other most highly compensated executive officers of ADESA, as determined on the basis of salary and bonus as of the year ended December 31, 2005; and (iii) the former Executive Vice President of ADESA and President of ADESA Corporation, LLC, James P. Hallett (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").


 
   
   
   
   
  Long-Term Compensation
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
Name of Executive Officer
and Principal Position

   
   
   
   
   
  Year
  Annual Compensation
  Awards
  Payouts
   

 
   
  Salary
($)(4)

  Bonus
($)(5)

  Other Annual Compensation
($)(6)

  Restricted Stock Awards
($)(7)

  Number of Securities Underlying Options Granted (#)
(8)

  Long-Term Incentive Plan Payout
($)(9)

  All Other Compensation
($)(10)


David G. Gartzke (1)
Chairman of the Board,
President and CEO
  2005
2004
2003
  614,658
592,984
561,846
  406,875
635,650
544,002
  115,016
194,330
10,913
  114,611
1,132,161
 
1,033,547
74,219
 
351,125
302,962
  431,126
245,022
54,353

Cameron C. Hitchcock (2)
EVP and CFO
  2005
2004
  363,898
353,130
  160,580
286,433
  39,200
117,819
  45,314
478,285
 
265,580
 
  39,477
37,416

Bradley A. Todd (1)
EVP, President of AFC
and COO of ADESA
Corporation, LLC

 

2005
2004
2003

 

302,405
266,271
249,597

 

134,272
148,564
17,438

 

24,748
19,703

 

38,699
436,556

 


303,165
8,743

 


94,133
81,220

 

39,028
29,001
20,676

Cheryl A. Munce (1)(3)
EVP and President of ADESA
Impact
  2005
2004
2003
  287,333
235,060
170,152
  127,783
56,574
83,250
  22,241
18,038
  35,382
293,865
 
194,361
1,630
 
17,547
15,140
  19,786
20,035
13,626

George J. Lawrence (2)
EVP, General Counsel
and Secretary

 

2005
2004

 

278,795
83,077

 

98,952
84,000

 

19,967
5,098

 

101,888
173,285

 

53,116
106,232

 




 

30,012
8,991

Former Executive Officer                                

James P. Hallett (1)(2)
Former EVP and former
President of ADESA
Corporation, LLC

 

2005
2004
2003

 

154,307
447,000
439,808

 


265,303
328,532

 

24,192
38,231

 

1,247
465,559

 


514,369
42,500

 


196,103
169,203

 

1,431,463
66,598
47,104

(1)
2003 Compensation Information. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Messrs. Gartzke, Hallett and Todd and Ms. Munce were employed by ALLETE or a subsidiary of ALLETE. The 2003 compensation information provided for Messrs. Gartzke, Hallett and Todd and Ms. Munce was provided to ADESA from its former parent company, ALLETE.

(2)
Employment. Amounts in the Summary Compensation Table and in the accompanying footnotes reflect the following:

Mr. Hitchcock began his employment with ADESA on January 5, 2004;
Mr. Lawrence began his employment with ADESA on September 13, 2004; and
Mr. Hallett's employment relationship with ADESA ceased on May 6, 2005.

(3)
Conversion of Canadian Dollars. Ms. Munce is a resident of Canada. Where necessary, amounts in the Summary Compensation Table and in the accompanying footnotes for Ms. Munce have been converted from Canadian dollars using the US exchange rate in effect at the time the amounts were paid. In the event that this was not determinable, the Company used an average exchange rate for the twelve months of each fiscal year.

(4)
Salary. Mr. Gartzke's salary figures for 2004 include (a) $237,600 received for services rendered to ALLETE from January 1, 2004 until May 31, 2004; and (b) $355,384 earned for services rendered to ADESA from June 1, 2004 until December 31, 2004.

25


(5)
Bonuses

2004 Bonuses.  Mr. Gartzke's 2004 bonus includes $100,000 paid by ADESA in connection with the completion of the spin-off of ADESA from ALLETE. Mr. Hitchcock's 2004 bonus includes $75,000 paid as a starting bonus. Mr. Lawrence's 2004 bonus includes $30,000 paid as a starting bonus.
2003 Bonuses.  Bonuses earned in 2003 were earned under ALLETE's results sharing program and/or ALLETE's executive annual incentive plan. Mr. Hallett's 2003 bonus includes an annual retention bonus of 5,000 shares of ALLETE common stock which had a market value of $162,750 at the time the bonus was paid.

(6)
Incremental Cost of Perquisites Provided to Named Executive Officers


 
Perquisite

  Year
  Mr.
Gartzke

  Mr.
Hitchcock

  Mr.
Todd

  Ms.
Munce

  Mr.
Lawrence

  Mr.
Hallett

 

 
Personal Aircraft
Usage (a)
  2005
2004
  $
$
63,379
111,038
  $
$
6,453
4,080
  $
$
0
1,281
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
11,295
2,524
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Car
Allowance/Lease
  2005
2004
  $
$
16,216
16,264
  $
$
12,188
7,990
  $
$
8,502
8,502
  $
$
13,880
10,939
(b)
(b)
$
$
12,916
3,951
  $
$
5,265
13,973

(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Club Dues   2005
2004
  $
$
4,994
2,737
  $
$
11,230
13,200
  $
$
4,800
4,876
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
4,343
865
  $
$
1,600
5,457
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Financial
Planning Services
  2005
2004
  $
$
9,558
1,932
  $
$
3,549
0
  $
$
500
0
  $
$
7,107
7,099
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
3,500
3,164
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
SERP Above-
Market Interest
  2005
2004
  $
$
12,302
209
  $
$
1,152
0
  $
$
7,443
4,688
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
543
0
  $
$
776
2,894
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Annual Physical
Exam
  2005
2004
  $
$
0
1,413
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
942
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
742
4,828
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Tax Gross-up (d)   2005
2004
  $
$
8,567
9,313
  $
$
4,628
7,312
  $
$
2,561
356
  $
$
1,254
0
  $
$
2,165
282
  $
$
1,014
5,391
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Moving Allowance
and Temporary
Housing Expenses
  2005
2004
  $
$
0
51,424
  $
$
0
85,237
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
  Totals by
Year

  Mr.
Gartzke

  Mr.
Hitchcock

  Mr.
Todd

  Ms.
Munce

  Mr.
Lawrence

  Mr.
Hallett

 
 
 
 
    2005
2004
2003
  $
$
$
115,016
194,330
10,913


(e)
$
$
39,200
117,819
  $
$
24,748
19,703
  $
$
22,241
18,038
  $
$
19,967
5,098
  $
$
24,192
38,231
 
 
 
 
(7)
Restricted Stock and RSU Grants.  This column shows the dollar value of the grant of restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") based on the value of ADESA common stock on the grant date. The RSUs may be settled in stock or cash, in the Company's sole discretion. All RSUs that were granted in connection with

26


 
Executive Officer
  Grant Date
  Vesting Date
  Initial
Grant
Amount

  Stock
Price

  Initial
Value

  Shares
  Current
Value (b)


Mr. Gartzke   2/16/2006
2/15/2005
6/16/2004
  2/16/2009
2/15/2008
6/16/2007
  3,888
5,968
41,497
  $
$
$
26.25
22.31
24.00
  $
$
$
102,060
133,146
995,928
  3,888
5,968
42,192


(a)
$
$
$
94,945
145,739
1,030,325
                           
     
                            Total   $ 1,271,009
Mr. Hitchcock   2/16/2006
2/15/2005
9/20/2004
6/16/2004


(c)
2/16/2009
2/15/2008
1/5/2005
6/16/2007
  1,535
2,356
1,631
16,599
  $
$
$
$
26.25
22.31
16.01
24.00
  $
$
$
$
40,294
52,562
26,112
398,376
  1,535
2,356
1,631
16,877



(a)
$
$
$
$
37,485
57,534
39,829
412,135
                           
                            Total   $ 546,983
Mr. Todd   2/16/2006
2/15/2005
6/16/2004
  2/16/2009
2/15/2008
6/16/2007
  1,283
1,656
16,599
  $
$
$
26.25
22.31
24.00
  $
$
$
33,679
36,945
398,376
  1,283
1,656
16,877


(a)
$
$
$
31,331
40,440
412,135
                           
                            Total   $ 483,906
Ms. Munce   2/16/2006
2/15/2005
6/16/2004
  2/16/2009
2/15/2008
6/16/2007
  1,214
634
11,619
  $
$
$
26.25
22.31
24.00
  $
$
$
31,868
14,145
278,856
  1,214
634
11,814


(a)
$
$
$
29,646
15,482
288,487
                           
                            Total   $ 333,615
Mr. Lawrence   2/16/2006
2/15/2005
2/15/2005
9/13/2004
9/13/2004
  2/16/2009
2/15/2008
6/16/2007
6/16/2007
9/13/2006
  946
602
3,319
6,640
2,000
  $
$
$
$
$
26.25
22.31
22.31
17.01
17.01
  $
$
$
$
$
24,833
13,431
74,047
112,946
34,020
  946
602
3,362
6,751
2,000


(a)
(a)
$
$
$
$
$
23,101
14,701
82,101
164,864
48,840
                           
                            Total   $ 333,607
Former Executive Officer                                  

Mr. Hallett

 

2/15/2005
6/16/2004

 

5/6/2008
5/6/2008

 

2,956
16,599

 

$
$

22.31
24.00

 

$
$

65,948
398,376

 

2,956
16,714


(a)

$
$

72,186
408,162
                           
                            Total   $ 480,348

(8)
Stock Options

IPO Stock Options.  In connection with the initial public offering, ADESA granted options to, among others, Messrs. Gartzke, Hallett, Hitchcock, Todd and Lawrence and Ms. Munce in the following amounts in 2004: 663,950, 265,580, 265,580, 265,580, 106,232 and 185,906, respectively. There were no grants to the Named Executive Officers in 2005, except to George J. Lawrence, who received a grant of stock options in connection with the IPO due to internal equity and excellent performance. These IPO options have an exercise price of $24.00 and are fully vested and immediately exercisable.
Converted Stock Options.  At the completion of the spin-off from ALLETE, all ALLETE stock option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers prior to January 1, 2004 were replaced with new awards under ADESA's equity and incentive plan so that economic value of the award immediately after the spin-off equaled the economic value of the award prior to the spin-off. To calculate the new award, the number of ALLETE shares underlying the original option award was multiplied by a

27


(9)
Long-Term Incentive Plan Payout
(10)
All Other Compensation

 
 
Executive Officer
  Year
  ADESA
Contributions
to SERP

  Life
Insurance

  Medical
Reim-
bursement

  ADESA
Savings
Plan
Match

  Make-up
Contrib-
ution to
SERP

  ALLETE
Payments

  Perquisites
Provided by
ALLETE

  Severance
Payments

  Total
 

 
Mr. Gartzke   2005
2004
2003
  $
$
75,600
40,800
  $
$
3,892
3,077
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
8,400
0
  $
$
343,234
0
  $
$
0
179,538

(a)
$
$
0
21,607
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
$
431,126
245,022
54,353


(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mr. Hitchcock   2005
2004
  $
$
30,678
37,031
  $
$
399
385
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
8,400
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
39,477
37,416
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mr. Todd   2005
2004
2003
  $
$
30,446
20,625
  $
$
182
176
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
8,400
8,200
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
$
39,028
29,001
20,676


(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Ms. Munce   2005
2004
2003
  $
$
17,607
16,403
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
1,556

(d)
$
$
2,179
2,076
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
$
19,786
20,035
13,626


(e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mr. Lawrence   2005
2004
  $
$
21,563
8,869
  $
$
421
122
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
8,028
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
0
0
  $
$
30,012
8,991
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Former Executive Officer                                                        

Mr. Hallett

 

2005
2004
2003

 

$
$

54,180
29,680

 

$
$

685
4,880

 

$
$

0
0

 

$
$

2,063
0

 

$
$

0
0

 

$
$

0
28,002


(f)

$
$

0
4,036

 

$
$

1,374,535
0

 

$
$
$

1,431,463
66,598
47,104



(g)

 
(a)
Mr. Gartzke.  This amount represents (i) a bonus paid by ALLETE under ALLETE's results sharing program; (ii) a payment by ALLETE equivalent to a contribution to ALLETE's supplemental executive retirement plan; (iii) contributions in cash and common stock to ALLETE's retirement savings and stock ownership plan; (iv) payments made by ALLETE to Mr. Gartzke to pay out remaining earned, vacation balance; and (v) payments made by ALLETE for life insurance.

(b)
Mr. Gartzke.  This amount represents (i) ALLETE's contributions to ALLETE's supplemental executive retirement plan; and (ii) ALLETE's contributions to ALLETE's retirement savings and stock ownership plan and flexible benefit plan.

(c)
Mr. Todd.  This amount represents (i) AFC's contributions to AFC's supplemental executive retirement plan; (ii) contributions to ADESA's 401(k) plan; and (iii) payments for life insurance.

(d)
Ms. Munce.  This amount represents contributions to the ADESA Canada medical reimbursement plan.

(e)
Ms. Munce.  This amount represents contributions to (i) the supplemental retirement plan for designated employees of ADESA Canada; (ii) the ADESA Canada retirement plan; and (iii) the ADESA Canada medical reimbursement plan.

(f)
Mr. Hallett  This amount represents (i) ALLETE's contributions to ALLETE's supplemental executive retirement plan; (ii) ALLETE's contribution's to ALLETE's flexible benefit plan; and (iii) payments for life insurance.

(g)
Mr. Hallett.  This amount represents contributions to ADESA's supplemental executive retirement plan by ALLETE.

28


Option Grants in 2005

              The following table shows all grants of options to acquire shares of our common stock granted to the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and the former Executive Vice President of ADESA and President of ADESA Corporation, LLC.


Individual Grants
   
  Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation for Option Term (1)

Executive Officer
  Number of Securities Underlying Options Granted
  Percent of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2005
  Exercise
Price Per
Share

  Market
Price on
Date of
Grant

  Expiration Date
  5%
  10%

David G. Gartzke                  

Cameron C. Hitchcock                  
Bradley A. Todd                  

Cheryl A. Munce                  
George J. Lawrence   53,116   6%   $ 24.00   $ 22.31   6/15/2010   $262,840   $697,315

Former Executive Officer                                
James P. Hallett                  

(1)
In accordance with the SEC rules, these columns show gains that could accrue for the respective options, assuming that the market price of the common stock appreciated from the date of grant over the applicable term of the option at an annualized rate of 5% and 10%, respectively. These values do not reflect ADESA's estimate of future stock price appreciation, if any, of the common stock.

Aggregated Option Exercises in 2005 and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

              The following table shows aggregate exercises of options to purchase our common stock in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the former Executive Vice President of ADESA and President of ADESA Corporation, LLC.


 
   
   
  Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at
Fiscal Year-End

  Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options at Fiscal
Year-End (1)


Executive Officer
  Shares Acquired on Exercise
  Value Realized
  Exercisable
  Unexercisable
  Exercisable
  Unexercisable

David G. Gartzke   35,241   $ 423,057   998,306     $3,675,919  

Cameron C. Hitchcock   0   $ 0   265,580     $111,544  
Bradley A. Todd   14,255   $ 151,258   288,910     $325,249  

Cheryl A. Munce   8,455   $ 71,901   185,906     $78,081  
George J. Lawrence   0   $ 0   159,348     $66,926  

Former Executive Officer                      
James P. Hallett   248,789   $ 2,395,856   265,580     $111,544  

(1)
Calculated by determining the difference between the $24.42 closing price of ADESA common stock underlying the options as reported on the NYSE at December 30, 2005 and the exercise price of the options.

29


Equity Compensation Plan Information

              The following table sets forth the aggregate information of ADESA's equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2005.


Plan Category

  (a)
Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights (1)

  (b)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (2)

  (c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)) (3)


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   4,723,438   $ 22.09   3,557,881

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   0     N/A   0
Total   4,723,438         3,557,881

(1)
This amount includes (a) 4,482,953 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options issued pursuant to ADESA's equity and incentive plan; and (b) 240,485 restricted stock units that have been granted under ADESA's equity and incentive plan.

(2)
The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights reflects only the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options under ADESA's equity and incentive plan. The weighted-average exercise price does not include 240,485 restricted stock units that have been granted under ADESA's equity and incentive plan.

(3)
The number of securities available for future issuance includes (a) 2,900,811 shares of common stock that may be issued under ADESA's equity and incentive plan; (b) 487,894 shares of common stock that may be issued under ADESA's employee stock purchase plan; and (c) 169,176 shares that may be issued under ADESA's director compensation plan.

30



REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Executive Compensation Policy

              Philosophy.    The executive compensation committee intends to provide a compensation program that will support ADESA's long-term success by achieving the following goals:

              Methodology.    For purposes of the annual incentive awards to executives, the committee sets targets linked to ADESA's achievement of income from continuing operations ("IFCO") at a corporate level and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") at a business unit level. In designing the total compensation package for executives, however, the committee places more emphasis on long-term compensation, that is, compensation which pays out based on the long-term, sustained performance of ADESA.

              No other publicly-traded company has a similar mix of businesses to ADESA. Therefore, in order to ascertain the competitiveness of ADESA's compensation for its top executive talent, the executive compensation committee reviews the compensation of a portfolio of companies with a similar operating profile (e.g., meaningful investments in fixed assets and solid gross margins) and of a similar size and complexity (i.e., with revenues ranging from $100 million to $5 billion). The group consists of companies in the following businesses: auto retailing, auto financing services, logistics, salvage/auto services and OEMs. The committee also consults general industry and other appropriate data sources to ensure that the compensation is reasonable and appropriate.

              The committee strives to target individual and overall total compensation around the median of the market with the ability for executives to earn top-quartile compensation for superior performance and earn below median total compensation if target performance is not achieved against Board approved financial compensation targets. The committee instituted the use of tally sheets in 2005 in order to monitor all elements of total compensation.

              To better link the interests of management and stockholders, the Board, upon recommendation of the committee, adopted stockholder guidelines for ADESA' executive officers effective January 1, 2005. The holding guidelines specify a number of shares that ADESA's executive officers must accumulate and hold within five years of the later of the effective date of the program or the date of appointment as an executive officer. The specific share requirements are based on a multiple of annual base salary ranging from three to five times, with the higher multiples applicable to executive officers having the highest level of responsibility.

              The committee retains a third party compensation consultant to assist it in evaluating its executive compensation programs. The use of a third party consultant provides additional assurance that ADESA's programs are reasonable and competitive.

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Components of Executive Compensation for 2005

Annual Compensation

              Base Salary.    The committee annually reviews ADESA's base salaries for key executive officers. In determining individual salaries, the committee conducts a qualitative evaluation of a variety of factors, including individual performance, level of responsibility, prior experience and a comparison of base salaries paid for comparable positions.

              Annual Incentive Program.    ADESA provides annual incentive opportunities to ADESA's executive and management employees under ADESA's equity and incentive plan. Annual cash incentives reward participants for the achievement of annual financial results that positively impact total stockholder return. The committee's goal is to provide an annual incentive program that meets the following criteria:

              For 2005, annual incentive awards to executives were based on an assessment of IFCO and EBITDA goals. Eligible participants receive payouts based on 100% of the corporate goal or a combination of corporate, division and individual site goals, as appropriate. Every eligible participant has a component of at least 25% tied to corporate performance to encourage a team-based approach and cultivate alignment with the stockholder experience. Executive officers who do not oversee a business unit are rewarded 100% on the overall company's financial results.

              Threshold performance objectives must be met in order for any payout to occur. Payouts can range from 50% of target awards for performance at threshold to a maximum of 250% of target awards or zero payout if performance is below threshold. The committee spends significant time analyzing financial measures and assigning the level of performance expected for threshold, target and superior annual incentive payouts. The committee has discretion to reduce or eliminate individual payouts for noncompliance with company controls and/or policies or underperformance. Commencing in 2005, the committee had the discretion to reduce key executives up to 15% of the award determined by the financial measures based on the assessment of the executive's achievement on specific strategic goals. For 2005, no named executive officer had a reduction. The annual incentive plan payout for key executives is comprised of a combination of cash and restricted stock units with a value equal to 25% of the bonus payout. The restricted stock units are intended to further align executives with stockholders, and have a three-year cliff vesting provision to further encourage retention of these key executives.

Long-Term Incentives

              ADESA provides long-term incentive opportunities to ADESA's executive officers and management under ADESA's equity and incentive plan. The long-term incentive program is designed to promote sustained share price growth over the long term and to align executive interests with those of the stockholders. The primary components of ADESA's long-term incentive plan are stock options and restricted stock units, which support retention of key

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talent and promote ownership. The committee's goal is to provide a long-term incentive plan that meets the following criteria:


              Stock Options.    Stock option grants were authorized in conjunction with ADESA's initial public offering (IPO), which occurred on June 15, 2004, to further align the interests of ADESA's executive officers and management with those of ADESA's stockholders following the initial public offering of ADESA. To provide a significant and immediate incentive for executive officers to focus on stockholder value creation, this special one time stock option grant was front loaded - a practice consistent with the market for companies that go public. This special one time grant was intended by the committee to constitute the long term stock option opportunity for these key executives for plan years 2004 through 2006. There were no grants to any named executive officers in 2005, except to George J. Lawrence, who received a grant of stock options in connection with the IPO due to internal equity and excellent performance. As previously mentioned, the committee does not intend to provide any additional stock option grants to these named executive officers in 2006.

              Restricted Stock Units.    Restricted stock units are granted to encourage retention, are intended to further align the interests of executives with stockholders, and generally have a three-year cliff vesting provision. In 2005, Mr. Lawrence received a grant of 3,319 restricted stock units.

Perquisite Allowance

              ADESA has established a perquisite allowance for certain benefits and perquisites for key executives. This allowance program can only be used on Board approved expenses and includes, but is not limited to: company automobile allowance and/or leases, club membership dues, financial/tax/estate consulting services, life insurance and annual physicals. The annual perquisite allowance for the chief executive officer is $35,000 while all other key executives have an annual perquisite allowance ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. Any remaining allowance at the end of year not utilized by the key executive is lost and is not eligible to be rolled over to the next year. As part of the total compensation program the committee believes that a perquisite allowance is within industry norms, competitive, and necessary to attract, retain, and motivate the necessary talent. Expenses associated with the personal use of the company aircraft are excluded from the annual perquisite allowance as those expenses are covered under another company policy.

Supplemental Executive Benefits

              ADESA has established a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) in the U.S. and Canada to provide a retirement benefit to certain executives and employees, including the executive officers. The SERPs utilize a competitive retirement replacement ratio to those offered by other companies with which ADESA competes for executive talent. The Company does not offer any other type of pension or retirement plan to its executives and both of the SERPs allow the Company to competitively compete for executive talent. ADESA provides a company contribution to the SERP based on annual base salary and years of service to eligible

33



participants. These amounts are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement.

              The SERP also provides executives and employees who participate in the SERP and whose salaries exceed the salary limitations for tax-qualified plans imposed by the Internal Revenue Code with additional benefits such that they receive in aggregate the benefits they would have been entitled to receive had such limitations not been imposed. In the event of a change in control event, the gross distribution payable to any participant will be increased by 40% to cover income tax liability and will immediately be distributable subject to Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.

              In 2004, ALLETE and ADESA entered into an agreement governing employee and director matters which allocates responsibility for the payment of certain employee benefits. This agreement governs the allocation of responsibilities related to employee benefit plans provided by ALLETE prior to this spin-off to ADESA employees and directors and the allocation of liability relating to employees and directors of ALLETE and ADESA in connection with the initial public offering and the subsequent spin-off by ALLETE. Under this agreement, ADESA is required to make payments to two key executive officers for the make-up of benefits ("Benefit Make-up") that otherwise would have been earned if the employees remained employed at ALLETE. These payments began in 2005 and are included in the Summary Compensation Table. Future payments are contingent upon these certain key executive officers remaining in the employment of ADESA.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation for 2005

              Mr. Gartzke serves as ADESA's chairman, president, and chief executive officer. The committee established Mr. Gartzke's 2005 total compensation package after reviewing all elements of his compensation including cash compensation, value of equity grants, value of perquisites, and reviewing his performance with the independent directors of the full Board. The committee considered:

              The committee analyzed the base salaries paid for comparable positions The committee also assessed Mr. Gartzke's compensation relative to the compensation programs that apply to other ADESA executive officers, taking into account his individual contributions to ADESA.

              The committee established a base salary of $625,000 for Mr. Gartzke effective June 1, 2005.

              Under ADESA's annual incentive plan, Mr. Gartzke earned a cash annual incentive award of $406,875, which was 86.8% of his target award. The award was based on the successful achievement of objective financial goals as set by the committee at the beginning of the year. In addition, Mr. Gartzke received a grant of restricted stock units with a value of $101,719 (25% of annual incentive 2005 bonus payout) with conditions as set forth in the annual incentive plan above.

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              Mr. Gartzke incurred personal airplane usage totaling $63,379 for 2005, and an additional $6,595 of tax gross-ups associated with certain personal usage of the Company's aircraft. Incremental cost to the company of personal use of the airplane is calculated based on the variable operating costs to the Company including, fuel costs, flight time, lodging of the pilots, co-pilots, aircraft supplies, on-board catering, landing/ramp fees and other miscellaneous variable costs. Fixed costs which do not change based on usage are excluded.

              In addition, as a participant in the ADESA SERP, Mr. Gartzke received a 2005 company contribution of $75,600 along with $12,302 for above market interest credited on amount deferred and a Benefit Make-up payment of $343,234 pursuant to the employee and director matters agreement between ALLETE and ADESA discussed above.

Deductibility Cap on Executive Compensation

              ADESA's ability to deduct compensation it pays to covered officers is generally limited, under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, to $1,000,000 annually. However, performance-based compensation is not subject to this limitation, provided certain conditions are satisfied. The annual and long-term incentives the committee awarded to covered officers in 2005 were subject to, and generally made in accordance with, arrangements implemented by the committee to qualify for Section 162(m)'s performance-based compensation exemption, so that such payments would be fully tax-deductible.

              Generally, ADESA's policy is to preserve the federal income tax deductibility of compensation it pays. Accordingly, the committee has taken appropriate actions, to the extent the committee believes practical, to preserve the deductibility of annual and long-term incentive awards. However, the committee will retain the authority to authorize payments that may not be deductible if the committee believes that they are in the stockholders' and ADESA's best interests. Income for ADESA's covered officers may exceed the $1,000,000 deductibility limit because of certain elements of their annual compensation, such as perquisites, certain restricted stock awards and cash dividends thereon, payments related to reductions in retirement benefits, tax reimbursements and income resulting from payments made pursuant to plans that do not discriminate in favor of executive officers.

    Submitted by:

 

 

Executive Compensation Committee

 

 

Donald C. Wegmiller, Chair
Wynn V. Bussmann
Thomas L. Cunningham
Nick Smith
Deborah L. Weinstein


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

              The members of the executive compensation committee are set forth above. During the most recent fiscal year, no ADESA executive officer served on the compensation committee (or equivalent), or the Board, of another entity whose executive officer(s) served on ADESA's executive compensation committee.

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SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS

Severance Agreements

              ADESA has entered into severance agreements with its chief financial officer, Cameron C. Hitchcock, and with its general counsel, George J. Lawrence. Their agreements will remain in effect through December 31, 2008 and September 6, 2009, respectfully. Pursuant to the terms of their agreements, Mr. Hitchcock and Mr. Lawrence are entitled to receive, among other things, upon termination of employment by ADESA without cause or by them for good reason (in each case as defined in their agreement), a payment equal to two times their base salary and bonus compensation in effect at the time of termination of employment (subject to certain exceptions) and continuation of health insurance for twelve months following the termination of employment. ADESA also has agreed to provide Cheryl Munce, a Canadian citizen currently residing in Canada, with a severance arrangement that is consistent with what she would receive if terminated in Canada. Ms. Munce is the president of ADESA Impact.

Severance

              Effective as of June 21, 2005, ADESA and James P. Hallett, a former Executive Vice President of ADESA, entered into a Severance Agreement and General Release in connection with the termination of the employment relationship between ADESA and Mr. Hallett. Under the terms of such agreement and applicable employee benefit plans, Mr. Hallett is entitled to receive the compensation and benefits described below:

              The agreement with Mr. Hallett contains provisions relating to non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure of confidential information.

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CERTAIN RELATED-PARTY RELATIONSHIPS

              Sean Hallett, the son of James P. Hallett, a former Executive Vice President of ADESA, and wholesale vehicle businesses which Sean Hallett owns or controls are in default on obligations owed to Automotive Finance Corporation ("AFC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADESA, totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2005. The amounts owed relate to three separate lines of credit with AFC and an outstanding loan. The lines of credit, totaling $0.4 million, which are secured with a perfected blanket security interest in the assets of the wholesale vehicle businesses have been closed. The loan is cross-collateralized with one of the credit lines and is secured by certain unencumbered personal property valued between $0.3 million and $0.5 million. Based on an assessment of recoverability, ADESA recorded provisions for credit losses totaling $1.3 million in 2004 leaving AFC with a net receivable position of $0.4 million at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

              In November 2004, AFC and Automotive Finance Canada, Inc. ("AFCI") initiated legal action and filed a statement of claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in November 2004 alleging that Sean Hallett and his related companies (the "Hallett Entities") had defaulted on their outstanding obligations to AFC and AFCI (Ontario Superior Court of Justice; Case File No. 04-CV-278564CM2). In December 2004, the Hallett Entities filed their statement of defense and counterclaim against AFC, AFCI, ADESA, Inc., ADESA Canada and ADESA Auctions Canada (collectively the "AFC Entities") stating that the Hallett Entities had satisfied their debts to the AFC Entities and alleging that the AFC Entities owed approximately $6 million to Hallett in compensatory and punitive damages.

              In February 2005, the AFC Entities filed their reply and defense to counterclaim denying the claims made by the Hallett Entities and reaffirming the allegations made in the Statement of Claim, and the Hallett Entities filed a reply to defense to counterclaim denying the allegations in the AFC Entities' reply and defense to counterclaim and reaffirming the claims and allegations in their statement of defense and counterclaim. The litigation is currently in discovery.

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STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

              The graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return, assuming the investment of $100 (and the reinvestment of any dividends thereafter), for the period beginning on June 16, 2004, the first trading day of ADESA's common stock, and ending on December 31, 2005, on each of ADESA's common stock, the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Stock Index and the Standard and Poor's 400 Diversified Commercial and Professional Services GICS Sub-Industry Index. ADESA's stock price performance shown in the following graph is not indicative of future stock price performance.

logo

 
Company/Index

  Base
Period
6/16/2004

  6/30/2004

  9/30/2004

  12/31/2004

  3/31/2005

  6/30/2005

  9/30/2005

  12/31/2005


ADESA, INC.   $100   $100.17   $68.46   $88.75   $98.02   $91.65   $93.35   $103.47
S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX   $100   $102.09   $99.94   $112.10   $111.65   $116.41   $122.09   $126.17

S&P 400 DIVERSIFIED COMMERCIAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES   $100   $93.04   $78.44   $93.17   $88.14   $88.03   $92.34   $98.38

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REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS,
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BUSINESS OF STOCKHOLDERS

              Under the rules of the SEC, if a stockholder wants ADESA to include a proposal in its proxy statement and form of proxy for presentation at its 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, the proposal must be received by ADESA at its principal executive offices at 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032 by December 8, 2006. The proposal should be sent to the attention of the Corporate Secretary of ADESA.

              Under ADESA's by-laws, and as permitted by the rules of the SEC, certain procedures are provided that a stockholder must follow to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting of stockholders. These procedures provide that nominations for director nominees and/or an item of business to be introduced at an annual meeting of stockholders must be submitted in writing to the corporate secretary of ADESA at its principal executive offices. ADESA must receive the notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or to propose an item of business at its 2007 annual meeting in accordance with the following by-law requirements:

 
Timing of 2007 Annual Meeting

  Deadline for Receiving Notice

If the 2007 annual meeting is held within 25 days preceding or subsequent to the anniversary date (May 17, 2006) of the 2006 annual meeting:   Notice must be received not less than 90 nor more than 120 days in advance of the 2007 annual meeting.

If the 2007 annual meeting is not held within 25 days preceding or subsequent to the anniversary date (May 17, 2006) of the 2006 annual meeting:   Notice must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first.

              ADESA's annual meeting of stockholders will generally be held in mid-May. Assuming that our 2007 annual meeting is held on the third Wednesday of May next year, ADESA must receive notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or other item of business at that meeting between January 16, 2007 and February 15, 2007. If ADESA does not receive notice by that date, or if ADESA meets other requirements of the SEC rules, the persons named as proxies in the proxy materials relating to that meeting will use their discretion in voting the proxies when these matters are raised at the meeting.

              The nomination must contain the following information about the nominee:

39


              The nomination also must contain the following information about the stockholder giving notice regarding the nomination:

              Notice of a proposed item of business must include:

              Other than the two proposals described in this proxy statement, ADESA does not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the annual meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the annual meeting. If for any unforeseen reason, any one or more of ADESA's nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

              The chairman of the meeting may refuse to allow the transaction of any business not presented beforehand, or to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedures.

    By Order of the Board,

 

 

SIGNATURE

George J. Lawrence
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary

April 7, 2006
Carmel, Indiana

40



Appendix A


ADESA, Inc.
Board of Directors

Audit Committee Charter

Purposes and Role of Committee

The purposes of the Audit Committee ("Committee") of the Board of Directors ("Board") of ADESA, Inc. ("Company") are to: (A) assist the Board's oversight of (1) the integrity of the Company's financial statements, (2) the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the independent auditors' qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of the Company's internal audit function and independent auditors; and (B) prepare the report that Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") rules require to be included in the Company's annual proxy statement.

While the Committee has the duties and responsibilities set forth in this charter, the Committee is not responsible for preparing or certifying the financial statements, for planning or conducting the audit or for determining whether the Company's financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

In fulfilling their responsibilities hereunder, it is recognized that members of the Committee are not full-time employees of the Company, it is not the duty or responsibility of the Committee or its members to conduct "field work" or other types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set auditor independence standards, and each member of the Committee shall be entitled to rely on (A) the integrity of those persons and organizations within and outside the Company from which it receives information; and (B) the accuracy of the financial and other information provided to the Committee, in either instance absent actual knowledge to the contrary.

Nothing contained in this charter is intended to create, or should be construed as creating, any responsibility or liability of the members of the Committee, except to the extent otherwise provided under applicable federal or state law.

Committee Membership

The Committee shall consist of three or more members of the Board appointed by majority vote of the Board, each of whom (A) satisfies the independence requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), Section 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission; and (B) is financially literate as required by the listing standards of the NYSE. At least one Committee member shall in the judgment of the Board be an audit committee financial expert in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission and at least one Committee member (who may also serve as the audit committee financial expert) shall in the judgment of the Board have accounting or related financial management expertise as required by the listing standards of the NYSE. Committee members may not serve on audit committees of more than two other publicly traded companies. Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine.

1



Committee Structure and Operations

The Board shall designate one member of the Committee as its Chair. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly at a time and place determined by the Board or the Committee Chair, with further meetings to occur when deemed necessary or desirable by a majority of the Committee or its Chair. The Committee will meet periodically in executive session without management present. Any vacancy on the Committee shall be filled by majority vote of the Board. No member of the Committee shall be removed except by majority vote of the Board.

A majority of the Committee members currently holding office constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The Committee shall take action by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Committee members present at a duly held meeting. The Committee may meet in person or telephonically, and may act by unanimous written consent when deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its Chair. The Committee may recommend to the Board procedures to be observed in executing its responsibilities. The Committee may invite such members of management to its meetings as it may deem desirable or appropriate. The Committee shall maintain minutes of its meetings and records relating to those meetings.

Committee Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to:

1.
Appoint, retain and terminate, and approve fees and terms of retention of any registered public accounting firm serving as the Company's independent auditors (subject to ratification by Company stockholders if deemed appropriate). The Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of any registered public accounting firm engaged by the Company for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work or performing other audit, review or attest services, including resolution of disagreements between management and the registered public accounting firm regarding financial reporting. The Committee shall pre-approve any audit and non-audit services by the independent auditors as required by applicable law and the rules of the NYSE. The Committee shall directly implement these responsibilities.

2.
Instruct the independent auditors that they are to report directly to the Committee, and provide that they are ultimately responsible to the Committee and the Board.

3.
Review with the independent auditors the scope of the prospective audit plan, the estimated fees therefor and such other matters pertaining to such audit as the Committee may deem appropriate, including the timing and scope of audit activities, and the monitoring of such plan's progress and results during the year. Receive copies of the annual comments from the outside auditors on accounting procedures and systems of control. Meet separately, periodically, with management, with internal auditors (or other personnel responsible for the internal audit function) and with independent auditors;

4.
Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors, before filing with the Commission, the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, including the Company's disclosures under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Committee also shall review and discuss with management and the independent auditors, before filing the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the independent auditors' attestation and report on

2


5.
Review and discuss earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies.

6.
Advise management, the internal audit department and the independent auditors that they are expected to provide to the Committee a timely analysis of and opportunity to review (A) major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations, including any significant changes in the Company's selection or application of accounting principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of the Company's internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; (B) analyses prepared by management and/or the independent auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements; (C) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off balance sheet structures, on the financial statements of the company; and (D) the type and presentation of information to be included in earnings press releases (paying particular attention to any use of "pro forma," or "adjusted" non-GAAP, information), as well as review any financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies. The Committee should present its conclusions with respect to the above matters to the Board.

7.
Direct management and the independent auditors to disclose to the Committee any significant risks and exposures; discuss policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; direct the senior internal audit executive to perform and discuss the internal auditing department's assessment of the Company's risk.

8.
Review with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management's response, including any restrictions on the independent auditors' activities or on access to requested information, any accounting adjustments that were noted or proposed by the auditors but were "passed" (as immaterial or otherwise); any communications between the audit team and the audit firm's national office respecting auditing or accounting issues presented by the engagement; any "management" or "internal control" letter issued (or proposed) by the audit firm to ADESA; and a discussion of the responsibilities, budget and staffing of the Company's internal audit function.

9.
Review with management the progress and results of all internal audit projects, and, when deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee, assign additional internal audit projects to the Company's internal auditing department.

10.
Review with management the Company's administrative, operational and accounting internal controls, including any special audit steps adopted in light of the discovery of material control deficiencies.

11.
Receive periodic reports from the Company's independent auditors, management and the Company's internal auditing department to assess the impact on the Company of significant accounting or financial reporting developments that may have a bearing on the Company.

3


12.
Review the action taken by management on the internal auditors' and independent auditors' recommendations.

13.
Review with the senior internal audit executive the annual internal audit plan and scope of internal audits, including the procedure for assuring implementation of accepted recommendations made by the independent auditors. Advise the senior internal audit executive that he or she is expected to provide the Committee with summaries of any significant identified control issues and management's response thereto, and inform the Committee of any significant changes to the internal audit department charter, staffing or budget.

14.
Make or cause to be made, from time to time, such other examinations or reviews as the Committee may deem advisable with respect to the adequacy of the systems of internal controls and accounting practices of the Company and its subsidiaries and with respect to current accounting trends and developments, and take such action with respect thereto as may be deemed appropriate.

15.
Review the appointment, reassignment, and replacement of the senior internal audit executive.

16.
Set clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors that are consistent with the requirement of applicable laws and the NYSE.

17.
On a periodic basis, and without others present, meet separately with the independent auditors, the senior internal audit executive, the controller, the general counsel, and other members of management as appropriate.

18.
On a regular basis, review with management, the independent auditors and the senior internal audit executive the adequacy and effectiveness of and any significant changes in the internal controls, the accounting policies procedures or practices of the Company and its subsidiaries, and compliance with corporate policies, directives and applicable laws.

19.
Ensure that the independent auditors submit on a periodic basis to the Committee a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Company that may have a bearing on the auditors' independence, engage in an active dialogue with the independent auditors with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors, and recommend to the Board any action deemed appropriate in response to the independent auditors' report to satisfy the Board and the Committee of the independent auditors' independence.

20.
Obtain and review, at least annually, a report by the independent auditors describing: the independent auditors' internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (to assess the auditors' independence) all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company.

21.
Review and discuss the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions

4


22.
Recommend to the Board, based on the review described in paragraphs 4 and 21 above, whether the audited financial statements should be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

23.
Present its review of the lead partner and the reviewing partner of the independent auditors, and its views on whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent auditors, to the Board.

24.
Establish procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company and its affiliates of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal control or auditing matters.

25.
Review and approve changes to ADESA's Code of Ethics for senior financial managers.

26.
Review the status of compliance with laws, regulations, and internal procedures, contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company, the scope and status of systems designed to assure Company compliance with laws, regulations and internal procedures, through receiving reports from management, legal counsel and other third parties as determined by the Committee on such matters, as well as major legislative and regulatory developments which could materially impact the Company's contingent liabilities and risks.

27.
Discuss with ADESA's legal counsel any legal or regulatory matters that may have a material impact on ADESA's financial statements or its compliance and reporting policies.

28.
Conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the Committee's scope of responsibility, consistent with procedures to be adopted by the Committee, and may retain, at the Company's expense, such independent counsel or other consultants or advisers as it deems necessary.

29.
Perform such additional activities, and consider such other matters, within the scope of its responsibilities, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.

30.
Evaluate, on an annual basis, its performance. The evaluation shall address all matters that the Committee considers relevant to its performance, including a review and assessment of the adequacy of this charter, and shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate.

31.
Deliver to the Board a report, which may be oral, setting forth the results of its evaluation, including any recommended amendments to this charter.

Committee Reports

1.
Report to the Board on a regular basis on the activities of the Committee and make such recommendations with respect to the above matters as the Committee may deem

5


2.
Transmit to the Board notices of Committee meetings, agendas, and meeting minutes.

3.
At the time of or in advance of the Annual Directors Meeting held in May of each year, present an annual performance evaluation of the Committee, which shall assess the performance of the Committee in relation to its duties and responsibilities under this charter, recommend any amendments to this charter, and set forth the goals and objectives of the Committee for the ensuing twelve months.

Delegation of Authority

The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate certain of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Committee.

The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to grant pre-approvals of auditing and non-audit services to be performed by the Company's independent auditors subject to such guidelines as the Committee may determine. Any such decisions to pre-approve shall be presented to the full Committee at its next following regular meeting.

Resources and Authority of the Committee

The Committee shall have the resources and appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, to discharge its duties and responsibilities. The Committee shall have the authority, with or without the Board's approval, to retain and discharge, and approve fees and other terms and conditions for retention of independent experts in accounting and auditing, legal counsel and other experts or advisors to assist the Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities, the cost of such independent expert advisors to be borne by the Company. The Committee may direct any officer or employee of the Company or request any employee of the Company's independent auditors or outside legal counsel to attend a Committee meeting or meet with any Committee members.

6



Appendix B


PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
ARTICLE FIFTH OF
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF ADESA, INC.

              FIFTH: The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

(a)
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

(b)
The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one person, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.

(c)
At the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, the successors of the directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected for a term expiring at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders; at the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, the successors of the directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected for a term expiring at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders; at the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders, the successors of the directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected for a term expiring at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders; and at each annual meeting of stockholders after the 2008 annual meeting, the directors shall be elected for terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders.The directors shall be divided into three chasses, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. The initial division of the Board of Directors into classes shall be made by the decision of the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The term of the initial Class I directors shall terminate on the date of the 2005 annual meeting; the term of the initial Class II directors shall terminate on the date of the 2006 annual meeting; and the term of the initial Class III directors shall terminate on the date of the 2007 annual meeting. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 2005, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at the annual meeting shall be elected for a three year term. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

(d)
A director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall be qualifyied, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.

1


(e)
Subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock, any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor. A director appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and be qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office and any such director, if nominated, shall be elected thereafter on an annual basis. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any or all of the directors of the Corporation may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the Corporation's then outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation applicable thereto, and such directors so elected shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this Article FIFTH unless expressly provided by such terms.

(f)
In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the DGCL, this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and any By-Laws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.

2


Directions to the Annual Meeting

Ritz Charles
12156 North Meridian Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032
317-846-9158

I-465 to North Meridian Street exit (also called U.S. 31). Head north on Meridian Street (approximately 21/2 miles) to 126th Street. At the stop light, turn left and take the first (immediate) left (frontage road that runs right along Meridian Street) and follow it south to the Ritz Charles.

GRAPHIC


ADESA, INC.


ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
9:00 a.m., local time

Ritz Charles
12156 North Meridian Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Access Future Proxy Materials Electronically

        With your consent, you can access future proxy materials electronically instead of receiving such materials by mail. To register for electronic access of future proxy materials, go to http://www.econsent.com/kar/ and follow the prompts.

ADESA, Inc.
13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd.
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Proxy

        This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of ADESA, Inc. for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 17, 2006.

        The shares of stock you hold in your account will be voted as you specify on the reverse side.

        If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted "FOR" Proposals 1 and 2.

        By signing the proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint George J. Lawrence, Becca C. Polak and Michelle Mallon, and each of them singly, with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote your shares on the matters shown on the reverse side and, in their discretion, any other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

See reverse for voting instructions.


COMPANY #

There are three ways to vote your proxy:

        Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

1.
VOTE BY PHONE—TOLL FREE—1-800-560-1965

Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on May 16, 2006.

Please have available your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. Follow the simple instructions the voice provides you.

2.
VOTE BY INTERNET — http://www.eproxy.com/kar/

Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on May 16, 2006.

Please have available your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. Follow the simple instructions to obtain your records and create an electronic ballot.

3.
VOTE BY MAIL

        Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we've provided or return it to ADESA, Inc., c/o Shareowner ServicesSM, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.

        If you vote by Phone or Internet, do not mail your Proxy Card

        The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "FOR" Proposals 1 and 2.

1. Election of Directors.   01 Dennis O. Green   03 Deborah L. Weinstein o   Vote FOR o Vote WITHHELD  
Nominees are:   02 Nick Smith     all nominees
(except as marked)
from all nominees  

(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)

 


  
  


2.

 

Amendment to ADESA's certificate of incorporation to provide for the phase-in of the annual election of directors.

 

o For

 

o Against

 

o Abstain

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" EACH PROPOSAL.

Will Attend Annual Meeting o

Address Change? Mark Box o Indicate changes below:


 

 

Date


 

 



  

    Signature(s) in Box
    Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy.



QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ELECTRONIC ACCESS OF PROXY STATEMENT
BOARD STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON BY ADESA'S STOCKHOLDERS
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
PROPOSAL NO. 2 COMPANY PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INSTITUTE THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS
CERTAIN RELATED-PARTY RELATIONSHIPS
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS, NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BUSINESS OF STOCKHOLDERS
ADESA, Inc. Board of Directors
Audit Committee Charter
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE FIFTH OF RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF ADESA, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Wednesday, May 17, 2006 9:00 a.m., local time Ritz Charles 12156 North Meridian Street Carmel, Indiana 46032 Access Future Proxy Materials Electronically