Sec Form 13G Filing - GATES MELINDA FRENCH filing for AUTONATION INC. (AN) - 2021-08-06

SCHEDULE 13G

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.     )*

AutoNation, Inc.

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

05329W102

August 5, 2021

Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed:

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

(1)       Includes shares of the common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), of AutoNation, Inc. (the “Issuer”) held directly by Melinda French Gates (“MFG”) and through trusts for which MFG has sole beneficial ownership for purposes of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(2)       Based on 71,595,447 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of July 19, 2021, as reported on the Issuer’s Form 10-Q filed on July 21, 2021.

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

(1)          Duly authorized under Power of Attorney appointing Alan Heuberger attorney-in-fact, dated July 29, 2003, by and on behalf of Melinda French Gates, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Exhibit 99.1

Power of Attorney

Melinda French Gates, as the principal, hereby designates and appoints Alan Heuberger (“Heuberger”) her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, to act for her and in her name, place and stead and for her use and benefit, in all matters related to the principal’s interests or property, investments or investment funds, of every character, kind or description (the “Principal’s Property”) with such further express authority, and subject to such limitations, all as is stated below.

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4.             Heuberger shall have full power and authority on behalf of principal to execute and deliver any compliance document as he deems fit with respect to the principal or any entity managed by Heuberger on behalf of the principal, or under any laws of any pertinent governmental jurisdiction or relevant market exchange. Without limitation, this extends to and includes any questionnaires, required or discretionary reports and any and all documents and forms with any governmental office or agency, whether U.S., foreign, state or local government (including, without limitation, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and state securities administrators or commissions), any stock exchange or stock quotation system (including, without limitation, the Nasdaq Stock Market), as may be required, or as he determines to be advisable, under applicable laws, or rules and regulations of any stock exchange or stock quotation system, and to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary or convenient to be done related to any such investment(s), as fully to all intents and purposes as the principal might or could do if personally present.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 29th day of July, 2003.

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that MELINDA FRENCH GATES is the person who appeared befo re me, and said person acknowledged that she signed this instrument, and acknowledged it to be her free and voluntary act for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated: July 29, 2003