sv3
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 19, 2009
Registration
No. 333-
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
Form S-3
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
CONNS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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06-1672840
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(State or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
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3295 College Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 832-1696
(Address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of registrants
principal executive offices)
Sydney K. Boone
Corporate General Counsel and
Secretary
3295 College Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 832-1696
(Name, address, including zip
code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for
service)
Copies to:
D. Forrest Brumbaugh
Fulbright & Jaworski
L.L.P.
2200 Ross Avenue,
Suite 2800
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 855-8000
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Jurisdictions of
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I.R.S. Employer
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Exact Name of Additional Registrants
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Incorporation/Organization
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Identification Number
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Conn Appliances, Inc.
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Texas
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74-1290706
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CAIAIR, Inc.
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Delaware
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76-0658401
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CAI Credit Insurance Agency, Inc.
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Louisiana
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76-0575846
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CAI Holding Co.
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Delaware
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76-0612675
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Conn Credit Corporation, Inc.
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Texas
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74-1589273
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: From time to time after the effective
date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being
offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans,
please check the following
box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to
Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than
securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following
box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General
Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that
shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the
following
box. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration
statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed
to register additional securities or additional classes of
securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities
Act, check the following
box. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated
filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of
large accelerated filer, accelerated
filer and smaller reporting company in
Rule 12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated
filer o
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Accelerated
filer þ
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Non-accelerated
filer o
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Smaller reporting company o
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(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION
FEE
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Proposed Maximum
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Proposed Maximum
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Amount of
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Title of Each Class of
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Amount to be
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Offering Price
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Aggregate
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Registration
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Securities to be Registered
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Registered(1)
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per Share(2)
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Offering Price
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Fee(3)
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
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Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
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Debt Securities
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Warrants
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Guarantees of Debt Securities(4)
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Total
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$150,000,000
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$5,895.00
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(1)
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There are being registered
hereunder such indeterminate number of shares of common stock,
such indeterminate number of shares of preferred stock, such
indeterminate principal amount of debt securities and such
indeterminate number of warrants to purchase common stock,
preferred stock or debt securities, as will have an aggregate
initial offering price not to exceed $150,000,000. If any debt
securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the
offering price of such debt securities shall be in such greater
principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial
offering price not to exceed $150,000,000, less the aggregate
dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder. Any
securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as
units with other securities registered hereunder. The securities
registered also include such indeterminate amounts and numbers
of shares of common stock and numbers of shares of preferred
stock, and principal amounts of debt securities, as may be
issued upon conversion of or exchange for preferred stock or
debt securities that provide for conversion or exchange, upon
exercise of warrants or pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions
of any such securities.
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(2)
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The proposed maximum per unit and
aggregate offering prices per class of security will be
determined from time to time by the registrant in connection
with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered
under this registration statement.
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(3)
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Estimated solely for purposes of
determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o)
under the Securities Act.
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(4)
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The co-registrants, or any of them,
may fully and unconditionally guaranty any series of debt
securities of Conns, Inc. registered hereunder. Pursuant
to Rule 457(n), no registration fee is payable with respect
to any such guarantees.
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The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until Conns, Inc. shall file a further amendment
specifically stating that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this
Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as
the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to
sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy
these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED
FEBRUARY 19, 2009
PROSPECTUS
$150,000,000
CONNS, INC.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
This prospectus will allow us to issue up to an aggregate of
$150,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, debt
securities, and warrants from time to time at prices and on
terms determined at or prior to the offering. When we decide to
sell a particular class or series of securities, we will provide
specific terms of the offered securities in a prospectus
supplement. We may offer to sell these securities to or through
one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to
purchasers, on a continued or delayed basis. This prospectus
describes the general terms of these securities. The specific
terms of any securities and the specific manner in which we will
offer them will be included in a supplement to this prospectus
relating to that offering.
You should read carefully this prospectus and any supplement
before you invest. You may not use this prospectus to sell
securities unless it includes a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market
under the symbol CONN. On February 13, 2009,
the closing price as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market
was $14.35 per share.
Our principal executive office is located at 3295 College
Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Our telephone number is
(409) 832 -1696 and our company website is www.conns.com.
We do not intend for information contained on our website to be
part of this prospectus.
Investing in the securities we may offer involves various risks.
See the section entitled Special Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements on page 5 and Risk
Factors on page 4 and contained in our filings made
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional risks
associated with an investment in our company as well as with the
particular types of securities will be described in the related
prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of the prospectus is
[ ,
2009]
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither we nor the
underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any
information that differs from the information in this
prospectus. The information in this prospectus is complete and
accurate as of the date on the front cover, but the information
may have changed since that date.
ii
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC,
using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf
registration process, we may from time to time sell:
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common stock
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preferred stock
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debt securities
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warrants to purchase any of the securities listed above or
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any combination of these securities
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in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of
$150,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a
general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we
sell securities under this shelf registration process we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of the offering. We may also add,
update, or change in the prospectus supplement any of the
information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is
a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus
and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the
information in the prospectus supplement, provided that if any
statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a
statement in another document having a later date
for example, a document incorporated by reference in this
prospectus or any prospectus supplement the
statement in the document having the later date modifies or
supersedes the earlier statement.
As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the
registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part,
includes additional information not contained in this
prospectus. You may read the registration statement and the
other reports we file with the SEC at the SECs web site or
at the SECs offices described below under the heading
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information about us and
does not contain all the information that may be important to
you. To understand the terms of the securities being offered by
this prospectus, the associated prospectus supplement, and any
free writing prospectus, we encourage you to read the entire
prospectus, especially the risks of investing in the shares
described under the section Risk Factors, and the
documents identified under the caption Incorporation of
Documents by Reference. Unless the context otherwise
requires, all information in this prospectus, any prospectus
supplement, and any free writing prospectus which refers to
Conns, we, us or
our means Conns, Inc. and all of its direct
and indirect subsidiaries, limited liability companies, and
limited partnerships.
Company
Overview
We are a specialty retailer of home appliances and consumer
electronics. We sell home appliances including refrigerators,
freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ranges and a variety
of consumer electronics including LCD, plasma and DLP
televisions, camcorders, digital cameras, Blu-ray and DVD
players, video game equipment, portable audio, MP3 players, and
home theater products. We also sell home office equipment, lawn
and garden equipment, mattresses, and furniture and we continue
to introduce additional product categories for the home and for
consumer entertainment, such as GPS devices, to help increase
same store sales and to respond to our customers product
needs. We offer over 3,500 product items, or SKUs, at
good-better-best price points representing such national brands
as General Electric, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Maytag,
LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Bose, Canon, JVC, Serta,
Simmons, Spring Air, Ashley, Lane, Broyhill, Franklin, Hewlett
Packard, Compaq, Poulan, Husqvarna and Toro. Based on revenue in
2007, as reported in This Week in Consumer Electronics,
we were the 9th largest retailer of home appliances and the 41st
largest retailer of consumer electronics in the United States.
We began as a small plumbing and heating business in 1890. We
began selling home appliances to the retail market in 1937
through one store located in Beaumont, Texas. We opened our
second store in 1959 and have since grown to 76 stores. We have
been known for providing excellent customer service for over
118 years. We believe that our customer-focused business
strategies make us an attractive alternative to appliance and
electronics superstores, department stores, and other national,
regional, and local retailers. We strive to provide our
customers with:
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a high level of customer service;
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highly trained and knowledgeable sales personnel;
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a broad range of competitively priced, customer-driven, brand
name products;
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flexible financing alternatives through our proprietary credit
programs;
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next day delivery capabilities; and
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outstanding product repair service.
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We believe that these strategies drive repeat purchases and
enable us to generate substantial brand name recognition and
customer loyalty. During fiscal 2009, approximately 67% of our
credit transactions, based on the number of invoices written,
were repeat credit customers.
In 1994, we realigned and added to our management team, enhanced
our infrastructure and refined our operating strategy to
position ourselves for future growth. From fiscal 1994 to fiscal
1999, we selectively grew our store base from 21 to 26 stores
while improving operating margins from 5.2% to 8.7%. Since
fiscal 1999, we have generated significant growth in our number
of stores, revenue, and profitability. Specifically:
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we have grown from 26 stores to 76 stores, an increase of over
192%, with plans to continue our store development in the future;
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total annual revenues have grown 251%, at a compounded annual
rate of 15.0%, from $234.5 million in fiscal 1999, to
$824.1 million in fiscal 2008, and revenues grew 3.8% to
$620.8 million for the nine
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months ended October 31, 2008, from $598.2 million for
the nine months ended October 31, 2007, including the
impacts of the non-cash fair value adjustments recorded in both
periods and the effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike that
negatively impacted our results during the nine months ended
October 31, 2008;
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annual net income from continuing operations has grown 351%, at
a compounded annual rate of 18.5%, from $8.8 million in
fiscal 1999 to $39.7 million in fiscal 2008, and net income
declined 50.9% to $13.1 million for the nine months ended
October 31, 2008, from $26.6 million for the nine
months ended October 31, 2007, driven primarily by the
impact of the non-cash fair value adjustments recorded in both
periods and the effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike that
negatively impacted our results during the nine months ended
October 31, 2008; and
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our same store sales growth from fiscal 1999 through fiscal 2009
has averaged 7.5%; it was 2.0% for fiscal 2009. See additional
discussion about same store sales under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008 and our
Quarterly Report or
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.
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Our principal executive offices are located at 3295 College
Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Our telephone number is
(409) 832-1696,
and our corporate website is www.conns.com. We do not intend for
information contained on our website to be part of this
prospectus.
Subsidiary
Guarantors
One or more of our subsidiaries may fully and unconditionally
guarantee any series of debt securities offered by this
prospectus, as set forth in a related prospectus supplement.
These subsidiaries are sometimes referred to in this prospectus
as possible subsidiary guarantors. The term subsidiary
guarantors with respect to a series of debt securities
refers to our subsidiaries, if any, that guaranty that series of
debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will name
the subsidiary guarantors, if any, for that series of debt
securities and will describe the terms of the guarantee by the
subsidiary guarantors.
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RISK
FACTORS
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus or a prospectus
supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide
you with different information. If anyone provides you with
different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on
it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and
it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You
should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus
or any prospectus supplement, as well as information we have
previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is
accurate as of the date of those documents only. Our business,
financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may
have changed since those dates.
An investment in our securities involves various risk factors.
You should carefully consider the risks described in the
applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other
information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, including without limitation,
any risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
and any other filings made with the SEC, in light of your
particular investment objectives and financial circumstances.
The risks so described are not the only risks facing our
company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we
currently deem immaterial may also impair our business
operations. Our business, financial conditions, or results of
operations could be materially adversely affected by any of
these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline
due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your
investment.
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SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. We
sometimes use words such as believe,
may, will, estimate,
continue, anticipate,
intend, expect, project and
similar expressions, as they relate to us, our management and
our industry, to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements relate to our expectations, beliefs,
plans, strategies, prospects, future performance, anticipated
trends and other future events. We have based our
forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations
and projections about future events and financial trends
affecting our business. Actual results may differ materially.
Some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that
may cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to:
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the success of our growth strategy and plans regarding opening
new stores and entering adjacent and new markets, including our
plans to continue expanding in existing markets;
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our ability to open and profitably operate new stores in
existing, adjacent and new geographic markets;
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our intention to update, relocate or expand existing stores;
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our ability to introduce additional product categories;
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our ability to obtain capital for required capital expenditures
and costs related to the opening of new stores or to update or
expand existing stores;
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our ability to fund our operations, capital expenditures, debt
repayment and expansion from cash flows from operations,
borrowings from our revolving line of credit and proceeds from
securitizations;
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our ability and our QSPEs ability to obtain additional
funding for the purpose of funding the receivables generated by
us, including limitations on the ability of our QSPE to obtain
financing through its commercial paper-based funding sources and
its ability to maintain the current credit rating issued by a
recognized statistical rating organization;
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the cost of any renewed or replacement credit facilities;
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the effect of rising interest rates that could increase our cost
of borrowing or reduce securitization income;
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the effect of rising interest rates on
sub-prime
mortgage borrowers that could impair our customers ability
to make payments on outstanding credit accounts;
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our inability to make customer financing programs available that
allow consumers to purchase products at levels that can support
our growth;
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the potential for deterioration in the delinquency status of the
sold or owned credit portfolios or higher than historical net
charge-offs in the portfolios could adversely impact earnings;
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technological and market developments, growth trends, and
projected sales in the home appliance and consumer electronics
industry, including, with respect to digital products, Blu-ray
players, HDTV, GPS devices, home networking devices and other
new products, and our ability to capitalize on such growth;
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the potential for price erosion or lower unit sales points that
could result in declines in revenues and profit margins;
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the effect of changes in oil and gas prices that could adversely
affect our customers shopping decisions and patterns, as
well as the cost of our delivery and service operations and our
cost of products, if vendors pass on their additional fuel costs
through increased pricing for products;
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the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
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both the short-term and long-term impact of adverse weather
conditions (e.g. hurricanes) that could result in
volatility in our revenues and increased expenses and casualty
losses;
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changes in laws and regulations
and/or
interest, premium and commission rates allowed by regulators on
our credit, credit insurance, and service maintenance agreements
as allowed by those laws and regulations;
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our relationships with key suppliers;
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the adequacy of our distribution and information systems and
management experience to support our expansion plans;
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changes in the assumptions used in the valuation of our
interests in securitized assets at fair value;
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the potential to record an impairment of our goodwill after
completing our required annual assessment;
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the accuracy of our expectations regarding competition and our
competitive advantages;
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changes in our stock price;
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the potential for market share erosion that could result in
reduced revenues;
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the accuracy of our expectations regarding the similarity or
dissimilarity of our existing markets as compared to new markets
we enter;
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general economic conditions in the regions in which we
operate; and
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the outcome of litigation affecting our business.
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You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any
forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements
included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus
reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date of this
prospectus or the applicable incorporated document. We undertake
no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the
sale of the securities under this prospectus for general
corporate purposes, including general and administrative
expenses, to repay or refinance debt, and for acquisitions of,
or investment in, properties, companies, or assets that
complement our business. We will set forth in a prospectus
supplement relating to a specific offering our intended use for
the net proceeds received from the sale of securities in that
offering. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we intend
to invest net proceeds in short-term investment grade and
U.S. government securities.
RATIO OF
EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods
indicated below were as follows:
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Nine Months Ended
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October 31,
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Year Ended January 31,
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2008
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2007
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2008
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2007
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2006
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2005
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2004
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges1)
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3.10
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6.19
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6.64
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7.37
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8.13
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5.96
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3.75
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1) Income
before minority interest and income taxes includes non-cash fair
value adjustments that reduced it by $20.0 million,
$4.4 million and $4.8 million, for the nine months
ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, and the year ended
January 31, 2008, respectively.
For the purpose of these computations, earnings have been
calculated as the sum of (i) income before minority
interest and income taxes and (ii) fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of the sum of (i) interest expensed and
capitalized, amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized
expenses related to indebtedness and (ii) an estimate of
the interest within rental expense (calculated based on a
reasonable approximation of the interest factor).
6
DILUTION
We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following
information regarding any material dilution of the equity
interests of investors purchasing securities in an offering
under this prospectus:
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the net tangible book value per share of our equity securities
before and after the offering;
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the amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per
share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in
the offering; and
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the amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering
price which will be absorbed by such purchasers.
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THE
SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus,
together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize
the material terms and provisions of the various types of
securities that we may offer. We will describe in the applicable
prospectus supplement relating to any securities the particular
terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement.
If we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
terms of the securities may differ from the terms we have
summarized below. We will also include in the prospectus
supplement information, where applicable, about material
U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the
securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the
securities will be listed.
We may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings:
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common stock;
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preferred stock;
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debt securities;
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warrants to purchase any of the securities listed above; or
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any combination of the foregoing securities.
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In this prospectus, we refer to the common stock, preferred
stock, debt securities and warrants collectively as
securities. The total dollar amount of all
securities that we may issue under this prospectus will not
exceed $150,000,000.
If we issue debt securities at a discount from their original
stated principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the
total dollar amount of all securities issued under this
prospectus, we will treat the initial offering price of the debt
securities as the total original principal amount of the debt
securities.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of
securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of our common stock and preferred
stock, together with the additional information we include in
any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material
terms and provisions of the common stock and preferred stock
that we may offer under this prospectus. For the complete terms
of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are incorporated
by reference into the registration statement, of which this
prospectus forms a part. The terms of our common stock and
preferred stock may also be affected by Delaware law.
Authorized
Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 40,000,000 shares
of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value
per share. As of February 13, 2009, we had 22,444,240 total
shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred
stock outstanding.
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Common
Stock
The holders of our common stock, subject to any rights that may
be granted to any preferred stockholders, elect all directors
and are entitled to one vote per share on all other matters
coming before a stockholders meeting. Our common stock has
no cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a
majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any
election of directors can elect all of the directors standing
for election, if they so choose. All shares of common stock
participate equally in dividends when and as declared by the
board of directors and in net assets on liquidation. The shares
of common stock have no preemptive rights to participate in
future stock offerings.
Voting
For all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, each holder
of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share
registered in the stockholders name. Our common stock does
not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a
majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any
election of directors may elect all of the directors standing
for election. An election of directors by our stockholders is
determined by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders
entitled to vote on the election, where a quorum is present.
Dividends
Holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in any
dividends declared by our board of directors, subject to any
preferential dividend rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Dividends consisting of shares of common stock may be paid to
holders of shares of common stock. It is our current policy to
retain future earnings to finance operations and expansion.
Accordingly, we have not, and do not contemplate, declaring or
paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition,
provisions in agreements governing our long-term indebtedness
restrict the amount of dividends that we may pay to our
stockholders. See Item 7. Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources of
our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended January 31, 2008, and Item 2 of
Part II of our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended October 31, 2008.
Liquidation
and Dissolution
If we are liquidated or dissolve, the holders of our common
stock will be entitled to share ratably in all the assets that
remain after we pay our liabilities, subject to the prior rights
of any outstanding preferred stock.
Other
Rights and Restrictions
Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive rights, and
they have no right to convert their common stock into any other
securities. Our common stock is not subject to redemption by us.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not restrict the
ability of a holder of common stock to transfer the
stockholders shares of common stock. When we issue shares
of common stock under this prospectus, the shares will be fully
paid and non-assessable and will not have, or be subject to, any
preemptive or similar rights.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market,
Inc. under the symbol CONN. On February 13,
2009, the last reported sale price for our common stock on
NASDAQ Global Select Market, Inc. was $14.35 per share. As of
February 13, 2009, we had approximately 51 stockholders of
record.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is
Computershare Limited.
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Stockholder
Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders, Advance Notice
Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director
Nominations
Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for
stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as
directors and to bring other business before an annual meeting
of our stockholders. For notice of stockholder nominations to be
timely, the notice must be received by our secretary not later
than the close of business on the 90th calendar day, nor
earlier than the close of business on the 120th calendar
day, prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding
years proxy statement in connection with the preceding
years annual meeting. In addition to these procedures, a
stockholders notice proposing to nominate a person for
election as a director or relating to the conduct of business
other than the nomination of directors must contain specified
information. Otherwise, the chairman of a meeting may determine
that an individual was not nominated or the other business was
not properly brought before the meeting.
Delaware
Anti-takeover Provisions
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. In general, the statute prohibits a
publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in any
business combination with any person deemed to be an
interested stockholder for a period of three years
following the date that the stockholder became an interested
stockholder unless:
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prior to the date that the person became an interested
stockholder, the board of directors of the corporation approved
either the business combination or the transaction that resulted
in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
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upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested
stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced,
excluding those shares owned by persons who are directors and
also officers and by employee stock plans in which employee
participants do not have the right to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a
tender or exchange offer; or
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on or subsequent to the date that the person became an
interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by
the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special
meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not held by the
interested stockholder.
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Section 203 defines business combination to
include:
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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the
interested stockholder;
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any sale, lease, transfer, pledge, or other disposition
involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the
assets of the corporation;
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subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in
the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the
corporation to the interested stockholder;
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any transaction involving the corporation which directly or
indirectly materially increases the proportionate share of stock
owned by the interested stockholder; or
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the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any
loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits
provided by or through the corporation.
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In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder
as any person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation and any person controlling,
controlled by or under common control with that person.
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special
Meetings. Any action required or permitted to be
taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called
annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be
effected by written consent without a meeting unless approved in
advance by our board of directors.
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Special meetings of our stockholders for any purpose or purposes
may be called only by our chairman of the board, our president
or by a majority of our board of directors.
Liability
and Indemnification of Directors
As permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, we have
adopted provisions in our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws that provide for the indemnification of our directors and
officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
These provisions, among other things, indemnify each of our
directors and officers for certain expenses, including
judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settling or otherwise
disposing of actions or threatened actions, incurred by reason
of the fact that such person was a director or officer of
Conns or of any other corporation which such person served
in any capacity at the request of Conns.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements
with each of our directors pursuant to which we will indemnify
them against judgments, claims, damages, losses, and expenses
incurred as a result of the fact that any director, in his
capacity as a director, is made or threatened to be made a party
to any suit or proceeding. The indemnification agreements also
provide for the advancement of certain expenses (such as
attorneys fees, witness fees, damages, judgments, fines
and settlement costs) to our directors in connection with any
such suit or proceeding.
We maintain a directors and officers liability
insurance policy to insure our directors and officers against
certain losses resulting from acts committed by them in their
capacities as our directors and officers, including liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
Preferred
Stock
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board to issue
up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in such series
and with such preferences, conversion or other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications, or other provisions as may be fixed by the
board. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the
company without further action by the stockholders. Shares of
preferred stock may be convertible into common stock based on
terms, conditions, rates and subject to such adjustments set by
the board. The issuance of preferred stock with voting and
conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the
holders of common stock, including the loss of voting control to
others. No shares of preferred stock preferred stock are
currently outstanding.
If we decide to issue any preferred stock pursuant to this
prospectus, we will describe in a prospectus supplement the
terms of the preferred stock, including, if applicable, the
following:
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the title of the series and stated value;
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the number of shares of the series of preferred stock offered,
the liquidation preference per share, if applicable, and the
offering price;
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applicable dividend rate(s) or amount(s), period(s) and payment
date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof;
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the date from which dividends on the preferred stock will
accumulate, if applicable;
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any procedures for auction and remarketing;
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any provisions for a sinking fund;
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any applicable provision for redemption and the price or prices,
terms and conditions on which preferred stock may be redeemed;
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any securities exchange listing;
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any voting rights and powers;
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whether interests in the preferred stock will be represented by
depository shares;
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the terms and conditions, if applicable, of conversion into
shares of our common stock, including the conversion price or
rate or manner of calculation thereof;
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax
considerations;
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the relative ranking and preference as to dividend rights and
rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of
our affairs;
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any limitations on issuance of any series of preferred stock
ranking senior to or on a parity with such series of preferred
stock as to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation,
dissolution or the winding up of our affairs; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of such series of preferred stock.
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DESCRIPTION
OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description, together with the additional
information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements,
summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt
securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the
terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any
future debt securities we may offer, we will describe the
particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in
more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we
indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any debt
securities we offer under that prospectus supplement may differ
from the terms we describe below.
We will issue senior notes under a senior indenture, which we
will enter into with a trustee to be named in the senior
indenture. We will issue subordinated notes under a subordinated
indenture, which we will enter into with a trustee to be named
in the subordinated indenture. We have filed forms of these
documents as exhibits to the registration statement, of which
this prospectus forms a part. We use the term
indentures to refer to both the senior indenture and
the subordinated indenture. The indentures will be qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or the
Trust Indenture Act. We use the term trustee to
refer to either the trustee under the senior indenture or the
trustee under the subordinated indenture, as applicable.
The following summaries of material provisions of senior notes,
subordinated notes and the indentures are subject to, and
qualified in their entirety by reference to, the provisions of
the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt
securities. Except as we may otherwise indicate, the terms of
the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are
identical.
General
If we decide to issue any senior notes or subordinated notes
pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe in a prospectus
supplement the terms of the series of notes, including the
following:
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the title;
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any limit on the amount that may be issued;
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whether or not we will issue the series of notes in global form,
and, if so, who the depository will be;
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the maturity date;
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the annual interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or the
method for determining the rate and the date interest will begin
to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular
record dates for interest payment dates or the method for
determining such dates;
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whether or not the notes will be secured or unsecured, and the
terms of any secured debt;
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whether or not the notes will be senior or subordinated;
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the terms of the subordination of any series of subordinated
debt;
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the place where payments will be payable;
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our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum
length of any such deferral period;
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the date, if any, after which, and the price at which, we may,
at our option, redeem the series of notes pursuant to any
optional redemption provisions;
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the date, if any, on which, and the price at which we are
obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund provisions or
otherwise, to redeem, or at the holders option to
purchase, the series of notes;
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whether the indenture will restrict our ability to pay
dividends, or will require us to maintain any asset ratios or
reserves;
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whether we will be restricted from incurring any additional
indebtedness;
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a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income
tax considerations;
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the denominations in which we will issue the series of notes, if
other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of,
or restrictions on, the debt securities.
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Guarantees
Each of the subsidiary guarantors, if any, with respect to a
series of debt securities will fully and unconditionally
guarantee on an unsecured basis the full and prompt payment of
the principal of and any premium and interest on the notes of
that series when and as the payment becomes due and payable,
whether at maturity or otherwise. As used in this prospectus,
the term subsidiary guarantors with respect to a
series of debt securities refers to our subsidiaries, if any,
that guarantee that series of debt securities. The applicable
prospectus supplement will name the subsidiary guarantors, if
any, for that series of debt securities and will describe the
terms of the guarantee by the subsidiary guarantors, if they
differ from the terms described in this prospectus. The
guarantees, if made, will provide that in the event of a default
in the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on a
note, the holder of that note may institute legal proceedings
directly against the subsidiary guarantors to enforce the
guarantees without first proceeding against us. If senior debt
securities are so guaranteed, the guarantees will rank equally
with all of the subsidiary guarantors other unsecured and
unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding and senior to
any subordinated debt of the subsidiary guarantors. If
subordinated debt securities are so guaranteed, the guarantees
will be subordinated to all of the subsidiary guarantors
other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time
outstanding.
The obligations of each subsidiary guarantor under its guarantee
of the debt securities will be limited to the maximum amount
that will not result in the obligations of the subsidiary
guarantor under the guarantee constituting a fraudulent
conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law,
after giving effect to:
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all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the subsidiary
guarantor; and
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any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any
other subsidiary guarantors in respect of the obligations of the
subsidiary guarantor under its guarantee.
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The guarantee of any subsidiary guarantor may be released under
certain circumstances. If we exercise our legal or covenant
defeasance option with respect to notes of a particular series
as described below in Discharge, then
any subsidiary guarantor will be released with respect to that
series.
Further, if no default has occurred and is continuing under the
applicable indenture, and to the extent not otherwise prohibited
by the applicable indenture, a subsidiary guarantor will be
unconditionally released and discharged from the guarantee:
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automatically upon any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by
way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not our
affiliate, of all of our equity interests in the subsidiary
guarantor;
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automatically upon the merger of the subsidiary guarantor into
us or any other subsidiary guarantor or the liquidation and
dissolution of the subsidiary guarantor; or
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following delivery of a written notice by us to the trustee,
upon the release of all guarantees by the subsidiary guarantor
of any debt of ours for borrowed money, except for any series of
notes under the indenture.
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Conversion
or Exchange Rights
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the
terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible
into or exchangeable for common stock or other securities of
ours. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or
exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our
option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number
of shares of common stock or other securities of ours that the
holders of the series of debt securities receive would be
subject to adjustment.
Consolidation,
Merger or Sale
The indentures do not contain any covenant that restricts our
ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.
However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets must assume
all of our obligations under the indentures or the debt
securities, as appropriate.
Events of
Default Under the Indentures
The following are events of default under the indentures with
respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:
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If we fail to pay interest when due and our failure continues
for 90 days and the time for payment has not been extended
or deferred;
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if we fail to pay the principal, or premium, if any, when due
and the time for payment has not been extended or delayed;
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if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in
the notes or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically
relating to another series of notes, and our failure continues
for 90 days after we receive notice from the trustee or
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding notes of the applicable series; and
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if we experience specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization.
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If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of
at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and
to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare
the unpaid principal of, or premium, if any, on and accrued
interest, if any, on the debt securities due and payable
immediately.
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of
at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
notes of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the
trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the
unpaid principal of, or premium, if any, on and accrued
interest, if any, on the notes due and payable immediately.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or
event of default with respect to the series and its
consequences, except uncured defaults or events of default
regarding payment of principal, or premium, if any, or interest,
unless we have cured the default or event of default in
accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default
or event of default.
Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default
under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or
powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any
of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities,
unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable
indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any
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proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with
respect to the notes of that series, provided that:
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the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any
law or the applicable indenture; and
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subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the
trustee need not take any action that might involve it in
personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders
not involved in the proceeding.
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A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the
right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to
appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies, if:
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the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a
continuing event of default with respect to that series;
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the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written
request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity to
the trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee; and
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the trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not
receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other
conflicting directions within 60 days after the notice,
request and offer.
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These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder
of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal
of, or the premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.
We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding
our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.
Modification
of Indenture; Waiver
We and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent
of any holders with respect to specific matters, including:
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to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the
indenture; or
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to change anything that does not materially adversely affect the
interests of any holder of notes of any series.
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In addition, under the indentures, we and the trustee may change
the rights of holders of a series of debt securities with the
written consent of the holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
each series that is affected. However, we and the trustee may
only make the following changes with the consent of each holder
of any outstanding debt securities affected:
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extending the fixed maturity of the series of debt securities;
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reducing the principal amount, the rate of interest or any
premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities;
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reducing the minimum percentage of notes, the holders of which
are required to consent to any amendment.
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Discharge
Each indenture provides that we can elect, under specified
circumstances, to be discharged from our obligations with
respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for
obligations to:
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register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the
series;
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replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series;
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maintain paying agencies;
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hold monies for payment in trust;
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compensate and indemnify the trustee; and
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appoint any successor trustee.
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In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must
deposit with the trustee money or government obligations
sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and
interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates
payments are due.
Form,
Exchange and Transfer
We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully
registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify
in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of
$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide
that we may issue notes of a series in temporary or permanent
global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York, or DTC, or another depository named by us
and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that
series. See Legal Ownership of Securities for a
further description of the terms relating to any book-entry
securities.
At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the
indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities
described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of
the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt
securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any
authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate
principal amount.
Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations
applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may
present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of
transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed
thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security
registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the
office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose.
Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder
presents for transfer or exchange, we will not require any
payment for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may
require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.
We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the
security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the
security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt
securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer
agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or
approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent
acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer
agent in each place of payment for the notes of each series.
If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will
not be required to:
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reissue, register the transfer of, or exchange any notes of that
series during a period beginning at the opening of business
15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption
of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and
ending at the close of business on the day of the
mailing; or
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register the transfer of or exchange any notes so selected for
redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion
of any notes we are redeeming in part.
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Information
Concerning the Trustee
The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of
an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform
only those duties as are specifically set forth in the
applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an
indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care and
skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct
of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the
trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers
given to it by the indentures at the request of any holder of
notes unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.
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Payment
and Paying Agents
Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus
supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt
securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose
name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities,
are registered at the close of business on the regular record
date for the interest payment.
We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the
notes of a particular series at the office of the paying agents
designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in
the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest
payments by check which we will mail to the holder. Unless we
otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate
the corporate trust office of the trustee in The City of New
York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to notes
of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus
supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate
for the notes of a particular series. We will maintain a paying
agent in each place of payment for the notes of a particular
series.
All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the
payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any
notes which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such
principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will
be repaid to us, and the holder of the security thereafter may
look only to us for payment thereof.
Governing
Law
The indentures and the notes will be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to
the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.
Subordination
of Subordinated Notes
The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be
subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our
other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus
supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount
of subordinated debt securities that we may issue. It also does
not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.
DESCRIPTION
OF WARRANTS
The following description, together with the additional
information we may include in any applicable prospectus
supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the
warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related
warrant agreements and warrant certificates. While the terms
summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we
may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series
of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus
supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the
terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement
may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant
agreements will contain additional important terms and
provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit
to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a
part.
General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock,
preferred stock or debt securities in one or more series. We may
issue warrants independently or together with common stock,
preferred stock and debt securities, and the warrants may be
attached to or separate from these securities.
We will evidence each series of warrants by warrant certificates
that we will issue under a separate agreement with a warrant
agent. We will indicate the name and address and other
information regarding the warrant agent in the applicable
prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of
warrants.
If we decide to issue warrants pursuant to this prospectus, we
will specify in a prospectus supplement the terms of the series
of warrants, including, if applicable, the following:
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the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;
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the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;
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the designation and terms of the securities with which the
warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each
such security or each principal amount of such security;
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the date on and after which the warrants and the related
securities will be separately transferable;
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in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the
principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of
one warrant and the price at, and currency in which, this
principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such
exercise;
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in the case of warrants to purchase common stock, the number of
shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of one warrant
and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such
exercise;
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the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other
disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the
warrants;
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the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise
price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the
warrants;
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the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will
commence and expire;
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the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be
modified;
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax
considerations of holding or exercising the warrants;
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the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the
warrants; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of
or restrictions on the warrants.
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Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not
have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable
upon such exercise, including:
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the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to
receive payments of principal of, or premium, if any, or
interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to
enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or
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in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred
stock, the right to receive dividends, if any, or payments upon
our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting
rights, if any.
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Exercise
of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities
that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the
exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable
prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the
warrants at any time up to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on
the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the
expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering
the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be
exercised together with specified information, and paying the
required amount to the warrant agent in immediately available
funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We
will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate
and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that
the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the
warrant agent.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate
properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust
office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the
securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of
the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are
exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for
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the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the
applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may
surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for
warrants.
Enforceability
of Rights by Holders of Warrants
Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the
applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation
or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any
warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent
for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have
no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the
applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or
responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise,
or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may,
without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder
of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its
right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon
exercise of, its warrants.
LEGAL
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
We can issue securities in registered form or in the form of one
or more global securities. We describe global securities in
greater detail below. We refer to those persons who have
securities registered in their own names on the books that we or
any applicable trustee maintain for this purpose as the
holders of those securities. These persons are the
legal holders of the securities. We refer to those persons who,
indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in
securities that are not registered in their own names as
indirect holders of those securities. As we discuss
below, indirect holders are not legal holders, and investors in
securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be
indirect holders.
Book-Entry
Holders
We may issue securities in book-entry form only, as we will
specify in the applicable prospectus supplement. This means
securities may be represented by one or more global securities
registered in the name of a financial institution that holds
them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions
that participate in the depositarys book-entry system.
These participating institutions, which are referred to as
participants, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the
securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.
Only the person in whose name a security is registered is
recognized as the holder of that security. Securities issued in
global form will be registered in the name of the depositary or
its nominee. Consequently, for securities issued in global form,
we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the
securities, and we will make all payments on the securities to
the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it
receives to its participants, which will in turn pass the
payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners.
The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they
have made with one another or with their customers; they are not
obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.
As a result, investors in a book-entry security will not own
securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests
in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial
institution that participates in the depositarys
book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As
long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will
be indirect holders, and not holders, of the securities.
Street
Name Holders
We may terminate a global security or issue securities in
non-global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold
their securities in their own names or in street
name. Securities held by an investor in street name would
be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial
institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would
hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an
account he or she maintains at that institution.
For securities held in street name, we will recognize only the
intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in
whose names the securities are registered as the holders of
those securities, and we will make all payments on those
securities to them. These institutions pass along the payments
they receive to
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their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because
they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they
are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in
street name will be indirect holders, not holders, of those
securities.
Legal
Holders
Our obligations, as well as the obligations of any applicable
trustee and of any third parties employed by us or a trustee,
run only to the legal holders of the securities. We do not have
obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global
securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This
will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect
holder of a security or has no choice because we are issuing the
securities only in global form.
For example, once we make a payment or give a notice to the
holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment or
notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with
depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along
to the indirect holders but does not do so. Similarly, we may
want to obtain the approval of the holders to amend an
indenture, to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of
our obligation to comply with a particular provision of the
indenture or for other purposes. In such an event, we would seek
approval only from the holders, and not the indirect holders, of
the securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect
holders is up to the holders.
Special
Considerations For Indirect Holders
If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial
institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, you
should check with your own institution to find out:
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how it handles securities payments and notices;
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whether it imposes fees or charges;
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how it would handle a request for the holders consent, if
ever required;
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whether and how you can instruct it to send you securities
registered in your own name so you can be a holder, if that is
permitted in the future;
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how it would exercise rights under the securities if there were
a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act
to protect their interests; and
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if the securities are in book-entry form, how the
depositarys rules and procedures will affect these matters.
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Global
Securities
A global security is a security held by a depositary that
represents one or any other number of individual securities.
Generally, all securities represented by the same global
securities will have the same terms.
Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a
global security that we deposit with and register in the name of
a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The
financial institution that we select for this purpose is called
the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, DTC will be the depositary for all
securities issued in book-entry form.
A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the
name of anyone other than the depositary, its nominee or a
successor depositary, unless special termination situations
arise. We describe those situations below under
Special Situations When a Global
Security Will Be Terminated. As a result of these
arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole
registered owner and holder of all securities represented by a
global security, and investors will be permitted to own only
beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests
must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other
financial institution that in turn has an account with the
depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an
investor whose security is represented by a global security will
not be a holder of the security, but only an indirect holder of
a beneficial interest in the global security.
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If the prospectus supplement for a particular security indicates
that the security will be issued in global form only, then the
security will be represented by a global security at all times
unless and until the global security is terminated. If
termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another
book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no
longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.
Special
Considerations For Global Securities
As an indirect holder, an investors rights relating to a
global security will be governed by the account rules of the
investors financial institution and of the depositary, as
well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not
recognize an indirect holder as a holder of securities and
instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global
security.
If securities are issued only in the form of a global security,
an investor should be aware of the following:
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an investor cannot cause the securities to be registered in his
or her name and cannot obtain non-global certificates for his or
her interest in the securities, except in the special situations
we describe below;
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an investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or
her own bank or broker for payments on the securities and
protection of his or her legal rights relating to the
securities, as we describe above under Legal
Holders;
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an investor may not be able to sell interests in the securities
to some insurance companies and to other institutions that are
required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;
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an investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a
global security in circumstances where certificates representing
the securities must be delivered to the lender or other
beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be
effective;
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the depositarys policies, which may change from time to
time, will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other
matters relating to an investors interest in a global
security. We and any applicable trustee have no responsibility
for any aspect of the depositarys actions or for its
records of ownership interests in a global security. We and the
trustee also do not supervise the depositary in any way;
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the depositary may, and we understand that DTC will, require
that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security
within its book-entry system use immediately available funds,
and your broker or bank may require you to do so as
well; and
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financial institutions that participate in the depositarys
book-entry system, and through which an investor holds its
interest in a global security, may also have their own policies
affecting payments, notices and other matters relating to the
securities. There may be more than one financial intermediary in
the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and
are not responsible for the actions of any of those
intermediaries.
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Special
Situations When A Global Security Will Be Terminated
In a few special situations described below, the global security
will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for
physical certificates representing those interests. After that
exchange, the choice of whether to hold securities directly or
in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must
consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their
interests in securities transferred to their own name, so that
they will be direct holders. We have described the rights of
holders and street name investors above.
The global security will terminate when the following special
situations occur:
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if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no
longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global
security and we do not appoint another institution to act as
depositary within 90 days;
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if we notify any applicable trustee that we wish to terminate
that global security; or
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if an event of default has occurred with regard to securities
represented by that global security and has not been cured or
waived.
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The prospectus supplement may also list additional situations
for terminating a global security that would apply only to the
particular series of securities covered by the prospectus
supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary,
and not we or any applicable trustee, is responsible for
deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial
direct holders.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities being offered hereby in one or more
of the following ways from time to time:
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through agents to the public or to investors;
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to one or more underwriters for resale to the public or to
investors;
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in at the market offerings, within the meaning of
Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing
trading market, on an exchange or otherwise;
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directly to investors in privately negotiated
transactions; or
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through a combination of these methods of sale.
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The securities that we distribute by any of these methods may be
sold, in one or more transactions, at:
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a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
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market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
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prices related to prevailing market prices; or
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negotiated prices.
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We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the terms of the
offering of securities, including:
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the name or names of any agents or underwriters;
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the purchase price of the securities being offered and the
proceeds we will receive from the sale;
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any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase
additional securities from us;
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any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items
constituting agents or underwriters compensation;
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the public offering price;
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers; and
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any securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed.
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Underwriters
If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, the
underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account.
The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more
transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed
public offering price or at varying prices determined at the
time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase
the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in
the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the securities of the series offered
if they purchase any of the securities of that series. We may
change from time to time any initial public offering price and
any discounts or concessions the underwriters allow or reallow
or pay to dealers. We may use underwriters with whom we have a
material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus
supplement naming the underwriter the nature of any such
relationship.
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Agents
We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable
efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment
or to sell securities on a continuing basis.
Direct
Sales
We may also sell securities directly to one or more purchasers
without using underwriters or agents.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the
distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in
the Securities Act and any discounts or commissions they receive
from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be
treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act. We will identify in the applicable prospectus
supplement any underwriters, dealers or agents and will describe
their compensation. We may have agreements with the
underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against
specified civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in
transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary
course of their businesses.
Trading
Markets and Listing of Securities
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new
issue with no established trading market, other than our common
stock, which is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. We
may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any
exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that
one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series
of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do
so and may discontinue any market making at any time without
notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the
trading market for any of the securities.
Stabilization
Activities
In connection with an offering, an underwriter may purchase and
sell securities in the open market. These transactions may
include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to
cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the
sale by the underwriters of a greater number of securities than
they are required to purchase in the offering.
Covered short sales are sales made in an amount not
greater than the underwriters option to purchase
additional securities, if any, from us in the offering. If the
underwriters have an over-allotment option to purchase
additional securities from us, the underwriters may close out
any covered short position by either exercising their
over-allotment option or purchasing securities in the open
market. In determining the source of securities to close out the
covered short position, the underwriters may consider, among
other things, the price of securities available for purchase in
the open market as compared to the price at which they may
purchase securities through the over-allotment option.
Naked short sales are any sales in excess of such
option or where the underwriters do not have an over-allotment
option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position
by purchasing securities in the open market. A naked short
position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are
concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of
the securities in the open market after pricing that could
adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
Accordingly, to cover these short sales positions or to
otherwise stabilize or maintain the price of the securities, the
underwriters may bid for or purchase securities in the open
market and may impose penalty bids. If penalty bids are imposed,
selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other
broker-dealers participating in the offering are reclaimed if
securities previously distributed in the offering are
repurchased, whether in connection with stabilization
transactions or otherwise. The effect of these transactions may
be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities
at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open
market. The impositions of a penalty bid may also affect the
price of the securities to the extent that it discourages resale
of the securities. The magnitude or effect of any stabilization
or other transactions is uncertain. These transactions may be
effected on The NASDAQ Global Market or otherwise and, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
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WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We maintain an internet site at
http://www.conns.com
which contains information concerning us and our subsidiaries.
The information contained on our internet site and those of our
subsidiaries is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus
and should not be considered a part of this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these
materials at the SECs Public Reference Room at
450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may
obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room
by calling the SEC at 800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an
internet site at
http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding the company.
INCORPORATION
OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference in this
prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus, and
later information filed with the SEC or contained in this
prospectus updates and supersedes this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any
future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
following the date of this prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering covered by this prospectus. As of
the date of this prospectus, we incorporate by reference the
following documents:
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Annual report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, filed with the
SEC on March 27, 2008;
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Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended April 30, 2008, July 31, 2008,
and October 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on June 4,
2008, August 28, 2008, and November 26, 2008
respectively.
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The description of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
contained in our Registration Statement on
Form 8-A
filed by us with the SEC on October 10, 2003 pursuant to
Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or
reports filed for the purpose of updating such description;
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Current Reports on
Form 8-K
filed with the SEC on May 6, 2008, June 4, 2008,
July 29, 2008, August 6, 2008, August 7, 2008,
August 18, 2008, August 20, 2008, August 28,
2008, September 2, 2008, September 15, 2008,
October 14, 2008, November 6, 2008, November 26,
2008, December 1, 2008, January 5, 2009,
January 8, 2009, and February 5, 2009.
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Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by
reference will be modified or superseded for all purposes to the
extent that a statement contained in this prospectus (or in any
other document that is subsequently filed with the SEC and
incorporated by reference) modifies or is contrary to that
previous statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will
not be deemed a part of this prospectus except as so modified or
superseded. You may request a copy of any of these filings at no
cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address and
telephone number:
Conns Inc.
Attention: Sydney K. Boone - Corporate General Counsel and
Secretary
3295 College Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 832-1696
LEGAL
MATTERS
In connection with particular offerings of securities in the
future, and if stated in the applicable prospectus supplement,
the validity of those securities may be passed upon for us by
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. and for any underwriters
or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Conns, Inc.
appearing in Conns, Inc.s Annual Report
(Form 10-K)
for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, including the
schedule appearing therein, have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included
therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated
financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
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Item 14.
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Other
Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
|
The expenses payable by the registrant in connection with the
issuance and distribution of the securities being registered
hereby are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
|
|
$
|
5,895
|
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Printing, postage, mailing and Edgar
|
|
|
*
|
|
Transfer agent fees and expenses
|
|
|
*
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
*
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
As an indeterminate amount of securities are covered by this
registration statement, the expenses in connection with the
issuance and distribution of those securities are not currently
determinable. |
|
|
Item 15.
|
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
|
Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or
DGCL, as amended, allows a corporation to eliminate the personal
liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or
its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except where the director breached the duty
of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional
misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment
of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of the
DGCL or obtained an improper personal benefit.
Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a Delaware corporation to
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action,
suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is
or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys fees), judgments, fines, and amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that
such persons conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that such
person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such
persons conduct was unlawful.
In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation,
Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending, or completed action in any of the
capacities set forth above against expenses (including
attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with the defense or settlement of such
action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a
manner such person reasonably believed to be in and not opposed
to the best interests of the corporation, except that
indemnification is not permitted in respect of any claim, issue,
or matter as to which such person is adjudged to be liable to
the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of
Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought
determines upon application that, despite the adjudicate of
liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court deems
proper. Section 145 further provides: that a Delaware
corporation is required to indemnify a director, officer,
employee, or agent against expenses (including attorneys
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such
II-1
person in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding or in
defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein as to which such
person has been successful on the merits or otherwise; that
indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified
party may be entitled; that indemnification provided for by
Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased
to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to
the benefit of such persons heirs, executors, and
administrators; and empowers the corporation to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer against
any such liability asserted against such person in any such
capacity or arising out of such persons status as such
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify
him against liability under Section 145. A Delaware
corporation may provide indemnification only as authorized in
the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of
the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of
conduct. Such determination is to be made (i) by the board
of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors who were not party to such action, suit, or
proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or,
even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or
(iii) by the stockholders.
Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that
a director, who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful
payment of dividends or an unlawful purchase or redemption of
stock, may be held liable for such actions. A director who was
either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or
dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her
dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing
minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time
such action occurred or immediately after such absent director
receives notice of the unlawful acts.
The above is a general summary of certain indemnity provisions
of the DGCL and is subject, in all cases, to the specific and
detailed provisions of the Sections referenced herein.
We have included in our By-Laws provisions to indemnify our
directors and officers, as permitted by the DGCL. Our
Certificate of Incorporation also provides that we shall have
the power to provide indemnification to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.
We entered into indemnification agreements with our directors
and certain of our officers under which we agreed to provide
indemnification and expense reimbursement as outlined above.
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
1
|
.1
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement(1).
|
|
3
|
.1.1
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Conns, Inc.
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-109046) as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September
23, 2003).
|
|
3
|
.1.2
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of
Conns, Inc. dated June 3, 2004 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to Conns, Inc. Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004 (File No. 000-50421)
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7,
2004).
|
|
3
|
.2.1
|
|
Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to Conns, Inc. registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-109046) as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on September 23, 2003).
|
|
3
|
.2.2
|
|
Amendment to the Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to Conns Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004 (File No.
000-50421) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 7, 2004).
|
|
3
|
.2.3
|
|
Amendment to the Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Conns, Inc.s
Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 18, 2007).
|
|
4
|
.1
|
|
Specimen of certificate for shares of Conns, Inc.s
common stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Conns, Inc. registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-109046) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on October 29, 2003).
|
II-2
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
4
|
.2
|
|
Form of Senior Indenture.
|
|
4
|
.3
|
|
Form of Subordinated Indenture.
|
|
4
|
.4
|
|
Form of Senior Note(1).
|
|
4
|
.5
|
|
Form of Subordinated Note(1).
|
|
4
|
.6
|
|
Form of Warrant(1).
|
|
4
|
.7
|
|
Form of Certificate of Designation(1).
|
|
5
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
|
|
12
|
.1
|
|
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
|
|
23
|
.1
|
|
Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit
5.1).
|
|
23
|
.2
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.
|
|
24
|
.1
|
|
Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).
|
|
25
|
.1
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939 of Trustee under Senior Indenture(2).
|
|
25
|
.2
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939 of Trustee under Subordinated Indenture(2).
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
To be filed as an exhibit to a report under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference. |
|
(2) |
|
To be incorporated herein by reference from a subsequent filing
in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by
section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) (§230.424(b) of this chapter) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more
than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set
forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table
in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and
(iii) do not apply if the registration statement is on
Form S-3
and the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with
or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus
filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the
registration statement.
II-3
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under
the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to
Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration
statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of
and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule
424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement
in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made
pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the
purpose of providing the information required by
section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed
to be part of and included in the registration statement as of
the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used
after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of
securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As
provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer
and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date
shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration
statement relating to the securities in the registration
statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement
made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of
the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or
deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement
or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will,
as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such
effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made
in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the
registration statement or made in any such document immediately
prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the
registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in
the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned
registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities
of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration
statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell
the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered
or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following
communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to
the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such
securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the
undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be
filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering
prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used
or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus
relating to the offering containing material information about
the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on
behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the
offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants
annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or
section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans
annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in
the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an
application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of
the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310
of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
II-5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CONNS, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
Name: Thomas J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marvin
D. Brailsford
Marvin
D. Brailsford
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jon
E. M. Jacoby
Jon
E. M. Jacoby
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Bob
L. Martin
Bob
L. Martin
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Douglas
H. Martin
Douglas
H. Martin
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Dr. William
C. Nylin, Jr.
Dr. William
C. Nylin, Jr.
|
|
Executive Vice Chairman and Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Scott
L. Thompson
Scott
L. Thompson
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William
T. Trawick
William
T. Trawick
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Theodore
M. Wright
Theodore
M. Wright
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-7
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CONN APPLIANCES, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
Name: Thomas J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William
C. Nylin, Jr.
William
C. Nylin, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Timothy
L. Frank
Timothy
L. Frank
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David
R. Atnip
David
R. Atnip
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CAIAIR, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
Name: Thomas J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-9
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CAI CREDIT INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
Name: David R. Atnip
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David
R. Atnip
David
R. Atnip
|
|
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William
C. Nylin, Jr.
William
C. Nylin, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Timothy
L. Frank
Timothy
L. Frank
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Rey
de la Fuente
Rey
de la Fuente
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CAI HOLDING CO.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
Name: Thomas J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal
Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-11
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Beaumont, State of Texas, on February 18, 2009.
CONN CREDIT CORPORATION, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
Name: Thomas J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
POWER OF
ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael J. Poppe and
Sydney K. Boone, Jr., and each or either one of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement or any registration statement for this
offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or
their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
Thomas
J. Frank, Sr.
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael
J. Poppe
Michael
J. Poppe
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial
and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Timothy
L. Frank
Timothy
L. Frank
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ William
C. Nylin, Jr.
William
C. Nylin, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Rey
de la Fuente
Rey
de la Fuente
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David
R. Atnip
David
R. Atnip
|
|
Director
|
|
February 18, 2009
|
II-12
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
1
|
.1
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement(1).
|
|
3
|
.1.1
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Conns, Inc.
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-109046) as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September
23, 2003).
|
|
3
|
.1.2
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of
Conns, Inc. dated June 3, 2004 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to Conns, Inc. Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004 (File No. 000-50421)
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7,
2004).
|
|
3
|
.2.1
|
|
Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to Conns, Inc. registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-109046) as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on September 23, 2003).
|
|
3
|
.2.2
|
|
Amendment to the Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to Conns Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004 (File No.
000-50421) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 7, 2004).
|
|
3
|
.2.3
|
|
Amendment to the Bylaws of Conns, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Conns, Inc.s
Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 18, 2007).
|
|
4
|
.1
|
|
Specimen of certificate for shares of Conns, Inc.s
common stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Conns, Inc. registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-109046) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on October 29, 2003).
|
|
4
|
.2
|
|
Form of Senior Indenture.
|
|
4
|
.3
|
|
Form of Subordinated Indenture.
|
|
4
|
.4
|
|
Form of Senior Note(1).
|
|
4
|
.5
|
|
Form of Subordinated Note(1).
|
|
4
|
.6
|
|
Form of Warrant(1).
|
|
4
|
.7
|
|
Form of Certificate of Designation(1).
|
|
5
|
.1
|
|
Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
|
|
12
|
.1
|
|
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
|
|
23
|
.1
|
|
Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit
5.1).
|
|
23
|
.2
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.
|
|
24
|
.1
|
|
Powers of Attorney (included in signature page).
|
|
25
|
.1
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939 of Trustee under Senior Indenture(2).
|
|
25
|
.2
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939 of Trustee under Subordinated Indenture(2).
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
To be filed as an exhibit to a report under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference. |
|
(2) |
|
To be incorporated herein by reference from a subsequent filing
in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939. |
exv4w2
EXHIBIT 4.2
FORM OF SENIOR INDENTURE
CONNS, INC.,
ISSUER
AND
[ ],
TRUSTEE
INDENTURE
DATED AS OF [ ], 200[ ]
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
-i-
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE(1)
|
|
|
Section of |
|
|
Trust Indenture Act |
|
Section of |
of 1939, as amended |
|
Indenture |
310(a)(1) |
|
7.09 |
310(a)(2) |
|
7.09 |
310(a)(3) |
|
Inapplicable |
310(a)(4) |
|
Inapplicable |
310(b) |
|
7.08 |
|
|
7.10 |
310(c) |
|
Inapplicable |
311(a) |
|
7.13 |
311(b) |
|
7.13 |
311(c) |
|
Inapplicable |
312(a) |
|
5.01 |
|
|
5.02(a) |
312(b) |
|
5.02(c) |
312(c) |
|
5.02(c) |
313(a) |
|
5.04(a) |
313(b) |
|
5.04(b) |
313(c) |
|
5.04(a) |
|
|
5.04(b) |
|
|
5.04(c) |
313(d) |
|
5.04(b) |
|
|
5.04(c) |
314(a) |
|
5.03 |
|
|
13.05(c) |
314(b) |
|
Inapplicable |
314(c) |
|
13.05 |
314(d) |
|
Inapplicable |
314(e) |
|
13.05 |
314(f) |
|
Inapplicable |
315(a)(1) |
|
7.01(b) |
315(a)(2) |
|
7.02 |
315(b) |
|
5.04(d) |
315(c) |
|
7.01 |
315(d) |
|
7.01 |
|
|
7.02 |
315(e) |
|
6.07 |
316(a) |
|
6.06 |
|
|
8.04 |
316(b) |
|
6.04 |
316(c) |
|
8.01 |
317(a) |
|
6.02 |
317(b) |
|
4.03 |
318(a) |
|
13.07 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture
and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its
terms or provisions. |
-ii-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 1.01 Definitions of Terms |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE II ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities |
|
|
4 |
|
|
SECTION 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustees Certificate |
|
|
5 |
|
|
SECTION 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment |
|
|
6 |
|
|
SECTION 2.04 Execution and Authentications |
|
|
7 |
|
|
SECTION 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
|
|
7 |
|
|
SECTION 2.06 Temporary Securities |
|
|
8 |
|
|
SECTION 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities |
|
|
8 |
|
|
SECTION 2.08 Cancellation |
|
|
9 |
|
|
SECTION 2.09 Benefits of Indenture |
|
|
9 |
|
|
SECTION 2.10 Authenticating Agent |
|
|
9 |
|
|
SECTION 2.11 Global Securities |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 3.01 Redemption |
|
|
10 |
|
|
SECTION 3.02 Notice of Redemption |
|
|
11 |
|
|
SECTION 3.03 Payment Upon Redemption |
|
|
11 |
|
|
SECTION 3.04 Sinking Fund |
|
|
12 |
|
|
SECTION 3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
|
|
12 |
|
|
SECTION 3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest |
|
|
12 |
|
|
SECTION 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency |
|
|
13 |
|
|
SECTION 4.03 Paying Agents |
|
|
13 |
|
|
SECTION 4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE V SECURITYHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders |
|
|
14 |
|
|
SECTION 5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders |
|
|
14 |
|
|
SECTION 5.03 Reports by the Company |
|
|
14 |
|
|
SECTION 5.04 Reports by the Trustee |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VI REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT |
|
|
15 |
|
-iii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
SECTION 6.01 Events of Default |
|
|
15 |
|
|
SECTION 6.02 Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
|
|
16 |
|
|
SECTION 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected |
|
|
17 |
|
|
SECTION 6.04 Limitation on Suits |
|
|
17 |
|
|
SECTION 6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
|
|
18 |
|
|
SECTION 6.06 Control by Securityholders |
|
|
18 |
|
|
SECTION 6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee |
|
|
19 |
|
|
SECTION 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee |
|
|
20 |
|
|
SECTION 7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities |
|
|
21 |
|
|
SECTION 7.04 May Hold Securities |
|
|
21 |
|
|
SECTION 7.05 Moneys Held in Trust |
|
|
21 |
|
|
SECTION 7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement |
|
|
21 |
|
|
SECTION 7.07 Reliance on Officers Certificate |
|
|
22 |
|
|
SECTION 7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests |
|
|
22 |
|
|
SECTION 7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
|
|
22 |
|
|
SECTION 7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
|
|
22 |
|
|
SECTION 7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor |
|
|
23 |
|
|
SECTION 7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
|
|
24 |
|
|
SECTION 7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders |
|
|
24 |
|
|
SECTION 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders |
|
|
25 |
|
|
SECTION 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners |
|
|
25 |
|
|
SECTION 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded |
|
|
25 |
|
|
SECTION 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders |
|
|
26 |
|
|
SECTION 9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders |
|
|
27 |
|
|
SECTION 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
|
|
27 |
|
|
SECTION 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures |
|
|
27 |
|
|
SECTION 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE X SUCCESSOR ENTITY |
|
|
28 |
|
-iv-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
SECTION 10.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc |
|
|
28 |
|
|
SECTION 10.02 Successor Entity Substituted |
|
|
28 |
|
|
SECTION 10.03 Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XI SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
|
|
29 |
|
|
SECTION 11.02 Discharge of Obligations |
|
|
29 |
|
|
SECTION 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust |
|
|
29 |
|
|
SECTION 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents |
|
|
30 |
|
|
SECTION 11.05 Repayment to Company |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XII IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 12.01 No Recourse |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 13.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns |
|
|
30 |
|
|
SECTION 13.02 Actions by Successor |
|
|
31 |
|
|
SECTION 13.03 Notices |
|
|
31 |
|
|
SECTION 13.04 Governing Law |
|
|
31 |
|
|
SECTION 13.05 Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
|
|
31 |
|
|
SECTION 13.06 Payments on Business Days |
|
|
31 |
|
|
SECTION 13.07 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act |
|
|
32 |
|
|
SECTION 13.08 Counterparts |
|
|
32 |
|
|
SECTION 13.09 Separability |
|
|
32 |
|
|
SECTION 13.10 Assignment |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XIV GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 14.01 Securities Guarantee |
|
|
32 |
|
|
SECTION 14.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability |
|
|
33 |
|
|
SECTION 14.03 Execution and Delivery of Securities Guarantee Notation |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any
bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions. |
-v-
INDENTURE, dated as of [ ], 200[___], between Conns, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company), the Guarantors (as hereinafter defined) and [ ], as trustee (the Trustee):
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the execution and
delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of unsecured debt securities (hereinafter
referred to as the Securities), which may, but are not required to be guaranteed by the
Guarantors, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or
more series as in this Indenture provided, as registered Securities without coupons, to be
authenticated by the certificate of the Trustee;
WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be
authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company and Guarantors have duly authorized the execution
of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company and of
the Guarantors, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the
holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit
of the holders of Securities:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01 Definitions of Terms.
The terms defined in this Section (except as in this Indenture otherwise expressly provided or
unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture
supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section and shall include
the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or that are by reference in such Act defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the
context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture
Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument.
Authenticating Agent means an authenticating agent with respect to all or any of the series
of Securities appointed with respect to all or any series of the Securities by the Trustee pursuant
to Section 2.10.
Bankruptcy Law means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal or state law for the relief
of debtors.
Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the Company or Guarantor, as the case may
be, or any duly authorized committee of such Board of Directors.
Board Resolution means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, to have been duly adopted by the Board
of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.
Business Day means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day other than a day on
which Federal or State banking institutions in the United States (or in any city in which the
paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 4.03 has an office), are authorized or obligated by law,
executive order or regulation to close.
Certificate means a certificate signed by the principal executive officer, the principal
financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company. The Certificate need not
comply with the provisions of Section 13.05.
Company means Conns, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, and, subject to the provisions of Article Ten, shall also include its successors
and assigns.
Corporate Trust Office means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its
corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is
located at [ ], except that whenever a provision herein refers to an office or agency of the
Trustee in the United States, such office is located, at the date hereof, at [ ]
Custodian means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, or similar official under any
Bankruptcy Law.
Default means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute an Event of Default.
Depositary means, with respect to Securities of any series, for which the Company shall
determine that such Securities will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company,
New York, New York, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or other applicable statute
or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either Section
2.01 or 2.11.
Event of Default means, with respect to Securities of a particular series any event
specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.
Global Security means, with respect to any series of Securities, a Security executed by the
Company and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositarys instruction,
all in accordance with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
its nominee.
Governmental Obligations means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United
States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations
of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United
States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit
obligation by the United States of America that, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at
the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as
defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as custodian with respect to
any such Governmental Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such
Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary
receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to
make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount
received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of
principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.
Guarantor means each Person that becomes a guarantor of any Securities pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture.
Herein, hereof and hereunder, and other words of similar import, refer to this Indenture
as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Indenture means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be
supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into in accordance
with the terms hereof.
Interest Payment Date, when used with respect to any installment of interest on a Security
of a particular series, means the date specified in such Security or in a Board Resolution or in an
indenture supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date on which an installment
of interest with respect to Securities of that series is due and payable.
Officers Certificate means in the case of the Company, a certificate signed by the
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, an Executive Vice President or a Senior Vice President and by the Treasurer or
an Assistant Treasurer or the Controller or an Assistant Controller or the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company, or in the case of a Guarantor, a certificate signed by the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President or any duly
authorized
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officer of such Guarantor and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of such Guarantor, that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the
terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.05, if
and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.
Opinion of Counsel means an opinion in writing of legal counsel, who may be an employee of
or counsel for the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, that is delivered to the Trustee in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in
Section 13.05, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.
Outstanding, when used with reference to Securities of any series, means, subject to the
provisions of Section 8.04, as of any particular time, all Securities of that series theretofore
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore
canceled by the Trustee or any paying agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any paying agent for
cancellation or that have previously been canceled; (b) Securities or portions thereof for the
payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary amount shall
have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Company) or
shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its
own paying agent); provided, however, that if such Securities or portions of such Securities are to
be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as in
Article Three provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving
such notice; and (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have
been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Predecessor Security of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all
or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes
of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost,
destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or
stolen Security.
Responsible Officer when used with respect to the Trustee means the President, any Senior
Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer, any corporate trust officer or any
other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those
performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.
Securities means the debt Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
Securities Guarantee means each guarantee of the obligations of the Company under this
Indenture and the Securities by a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Securityholder, holder of Securities, registered holder or other similar term, means the
Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Security shall be registered on the books of
the Company kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation at least a majority of
whose outstanding Voting Stock shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person
or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, (ii)
any general partnership, joint venture or similar entity, at least a majority of whose outstanding
partnership or similar interests shall at the time be owned by such Person, or by one or more of
its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any limited
partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner.
Trustee means [ ], and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven, shall also include its
successors and assigns, and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity
hereunder, Trustee shall mean each such Person. The term Trustee as used with respect to a
particular series of the Securities shall mean the trustee with respect to that series.
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Trust Indenture Act means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, subject to the
provisions of Sections 9.01, 9.02 and 10.01, as in effect at the date of execution of this
instrument.
Voting Stock, as applied to stock of any Person, means shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents in the equity interest (however designated) in such Person having ordinary voting
power for the election of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person, other than shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by reason of the occurrence
of a contingency.
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities.
(a) The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate
principal amount of Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to
the initial issuance of Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company, and set forth in an Officers Certificate, or established in one
or more indentures supplemental hereto:
(1) the title of the Security of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the
series from all other Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series that may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered
upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of that
series);
(3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable and
the place(s) of payment;
(4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner
of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;
(5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on
which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates,
the place(s) of payment, and the record date for the determination of holders to whom interest is
payable on any such Interest Payment Dates;
(6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of such
extension;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and
conditions upon which, Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option
of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Securities of the series
pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in
satisfaction of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the
period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon
which, Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to
such obligation;
(9) the form of the Securities of the series including the form of the certificate of
authentication for such series;
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(10) if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral
multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(11) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which terms shall not be
inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture, as amended by any supplemental indenture) including
any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or regulations or
advisable in connection with the marketing of Securities of that series;
(12) whether the Securities are issuable as a Global Security and, in such case, the identity
of the Depositary for such series;
(13) whether the Securities will be convertible into shares of common stock or other
securities of the Company and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be
so convertible, including the conversion price and the conversion period;
(14) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of
Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity
thereof pursuant to Section 6.01;
(15) any additional or different Events of Default or restrictive covenants provided for with
respect to the Securities of the series; and
(16) whether the Securities of the series will be guaranteed pursuant to the Securities
Guarantee set froth in ARTICLE XIV, any modifications to the terms of ARTICLE XIV applicable to the
Securities of such series and the applicability of any other guarantee.
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination
and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or in any
indentures supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board
Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary of the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantors, and delivered to the
Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers Certificate setting forth the terms of the
series.
Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, with different dates on
which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, with different rates of interest,
if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, with different dates on
which such interest may be payable and with different redemption dates.
SECTION 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustees Certificate.
The Securities of any series and the Trustees certificate of authentication to be borne by
such Securities shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as set forth in one or more
indentures supplemental hereto or as provided in a Board Resolution and as set forth in an
Officers Certificate and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or
designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the
Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or
as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or
with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Securities of that series may be listed,
or to conform to usage.
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SECTION 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment.
The Securities shall be issuable as registered Securities and in the denominations of one
thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, subject to Section 2.01(10). The
Securities of a particular series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate
specified with respect to that series. The principal of and the interest on the Securities of any
series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be
payable in the coin or currency of the United States of America that at the time is legal tender
for public and private debt, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in
the United States. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest on the
Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.
The interest installment on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the
Person in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event that any
Security of a particular series or portion thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date
is subsequent to a regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such
Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation and surrender of
such Security as provided in Section 3.03.
Any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for,
on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of the same series (herein called Defaulted Interest)
shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by
virtue of having been such holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its
election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:
(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities to the Persons in
whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the
close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall
be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of
Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment,
and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the
aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed
payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special
record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor less
than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt
by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company
of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice
of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be
mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in
the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), not less than 10 days prior to such special record
date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date
therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in
whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such
special record date.
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Securities in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such
Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after
notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such
manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution or one or more indentures supplemental hereto
establishing the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term
regular record date as used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities with respect
to any Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the month
immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series
pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the first day of a
month, or the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment
Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest
Payment Date is the fifteenth
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day of a month, whether or not such date is a Business Day.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of a series delivered under
this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security of such series
shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such
other Security.
SECTION 2.04 Execution and Authentications.
The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or one of its
Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents, or its Treasurer, or one of its Assistant
Treasurers, or its Secretary, or one of its Assistant Secretaries, under its corporate seal
attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. Any Securities Guarantee endorsed
on the Securities shall be executed on behalf of the applicable Guarantor by its Chairman of the
Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, its Chief Financial Officer or any of its Vice
Presidents and need not be attested. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or facsimile
signature. The Company and the Guarantors may use the facsimile signature of any Person who were at
any time proper officers of the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, notwithstanding the
fact that at the time the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered or disposed of such
Person shall have ceased to hold such office. The seal of the Company may be in the form of a
facsimile of such seal and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the
Securities. The Securities may contain such notations, legends or endorsements required by law,
stock exchange rule or usage. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the
Trustee.
No Security or Securities Guarantee endorsed thereon shall be valid until authenticated
manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such signature
shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and
delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. At any time
and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver
Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a
written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, signed by an
authorized officer and its Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, and the Trustee in accordance with
such written order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.
In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this
Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to
Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the form
and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such
Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities
under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable
to the Trustee.
SECTION 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Securities of any series may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office or
agency of the Company designated for such purpose in the United States, for other Securities of
such series of authorized denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided
in this Section. In respect of any Securities so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall
execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange
therefor the Security or Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange
shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.
(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or agency designated for such
purpose in the United States, or such other location designated by the Company a register or
registers (herein referred to as the Security Register) in which, subject to such reasonable
regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall register the Securities and the transfers of
Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be
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open for inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of registering Securities
and transfer of Securities as herein provided shall be appointed as authorized by a Board
Resolution (the Security Registrar).
Upon surrender for transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Company designated
for such purpose, the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantor, shall execute, the Trustee shall
authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a
new Security or Securities, with an endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable,
executed by the Guarantors, of the same series as the Security presented for a like aggregate
principal amount.
All Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as provided
in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) by
a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the
Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such holders duly authorized
attorney in writing.
(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of
Securities, or issue of new Securities in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Company
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation
thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 3.03(b) and Section 9.04 not
involving any transfer.
(d) The Company shall not be required (1) to issue, exchange or register the transfer of any
Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the
mailing of a notice of redemption of less than all the Outstanding Securities of the same series
and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, nor (2) to register the transfer of
or exchange any Securities of any series or portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions
of this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 2.11 hereof.
SECTION 2.06 Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities (printed, lithographed or
typewritten) of any authorized denomination. Such temporary Securities shall be substantially in
the form of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions,
insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined
by the Company. Every temporary Security of any series shall be executed by the Company and be
authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and
with like effect, as the definitive Securities of such series. Without unnecessary delay the
Company will execute and will furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon any or all
temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the
holders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose in the United States,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such
temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of such series,
unless the Company advises the Trustee to the effect that definitive Securities need not be
executed and furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive
Securities of such series authenticated and delivered hereunder.
SECTION 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.
In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or
stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon the Companys
request, the Trustee (subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security with an
endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable, executed by the Guarantors, of the same
series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the
mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security so destroyed, lost or
stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall furnish to the Company and the
Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and,
in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company and
the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of the applicants
Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Security
and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of any
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officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company and the
Guarantors (if applicable) may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the
fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Security that has matured or is
about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of
issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof
except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the
Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may
require to save each of them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the
satisfaction of the Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and the Trustee of the destruction,
loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every replacement Security issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation of the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantors, whether or
not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, or be enforceable
by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately
with any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Securities shall be
held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect
to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or
statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of
negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
SECTION 2.08 Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of
transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any paying agent, be delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be cancelled by it, and no Securities shall
be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of
this Indenture. On request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver
to the Company canceled Securities held by the Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee
may dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a
certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the
Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the
indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation.
SECTION 2.09 Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed
to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Securities, any legal
or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant,
condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and provisions being for
the sole benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of the Securities.
SECTION 2.10 Authenticating Agent.
So long as any of the Securities of any series remain Outstanding there may be an
Authenticating Agent for any or all such series of Securities which the Trustee shall have the
right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to
authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, transfer or partial redemption
thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and
shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All
references in this Indenture to the authentication of Securities by the Trustee shall be deemed to
include authentication by an Authenticating Agent for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall
be acceptable to the Company and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus, as
most recently reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under
which it is organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is
otherwise authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or
examination by Federal or State authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to
be eligible in accordance with these provisions, it shall resign immediately.
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Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the
Trustee, to the Company, and if applicable, to the Guarantor. The Trustee may at any time (and upon
request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written
notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent, to the Company, and if applicable, to the
Guarantor. Upon resignation, termination or cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent,
the Trustee may appoint an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any
successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested
with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if originally named as an
Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.
SECTION 2.11 Global Securities.
(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Securities of a
particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that
(1) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount
of, all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (2) shall be registered in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee, (3) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to
the Depositarys instruction and (4) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred,
in whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or
to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global Security of a series may be
transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to another
nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or
approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities notifies the Company that it
is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary
for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other
applicable statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such
condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of
such series and the Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, will execute and, subject to
Section 2.05, the Trustee will authenticate and deliver the Securities with an endorsement of the
Securities Guarantee, if applicable, executed by the Guarantors, of such series in definitive
registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global
Security. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Securities of any series
shall no longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.11
shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Company, and, if
applicable, the Guarantors. will execute and, subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee, upon receipt of
an Officers Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and
deliver the Securities with an endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable, of such
series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in
exchange for such Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities in
definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Security shall
be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for
the Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such
authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect
participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to
the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS
SECTION 3.01 Redemption.
The Company may redeem the Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates
and in accordance with the terms established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.
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SECTION 3.02 Notice of Redemption.
(a) In case the Company shall desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may
be, a portion of the Securities of any series in accordance with the right reserved so to do, the
Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, give notice of such redemption to holders of the
Securities of such series to be redeemed by mailing, first class postage prepaid, a notice of such
redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days before the date fixed for redemption of
that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the Security Register
unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in
the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not
the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give such notice to the
holder of any Security of any series designated for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect
in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other
Securities of such series or any other series. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to
the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or
elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers Certificate
evidencing compliance with any such restriction.
Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the redemption
price at which Securities of that series are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the
redemption price of such Securities to be redeemed will be made at the office or agency of the
Company in the United States, upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest
accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that from and
after said date interest will cease to accrue and that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if
such is the case. If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the
holders of Securities of that series to be redeemed in whole or in part shall specify the
particular Securities to be so redeemed. In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the
notice that relates to such Security shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed, and shall state that on and after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Security, a
new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion
thereof will be issued.
(b) If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company shall give the
Trustee at least 45 days notice in advance of the date fixed for redemption as to the aggregate
principal amount of Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall
select, by lot or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair in its discretion and
that may provide for the selection of a portion or portions (equal to one thousand U.S. dollars
($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of such Securities of a
denomination larger than $1,000, the Securities to be redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify
the Company in writing of the numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part. The
Company may, if and whenever it shall so elect, by delivery of instructions signed on its behalf by
its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, or any Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President, instruct the Trustee
or any paying agent to call all or any part of the Securities of a particular series for redemption
and to give notice of redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the
name of the Company or its own name as the Trustee or such paying agent may deem advisable. In any
case in which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such paying agent, the
Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such
paying agent, as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records, or
suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such paying agent to
give any notice by mail that may be required under the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 3.03 Payment Upon Redemption.
(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as above provided, the
Securities or portions of Securities of the series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall
become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable
redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and interest on
such Securities or portions of Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for
redemption, unless the Company shall default in the payment of such redemption price and accrued
interest with respect to any such Security or portion thereof. On presentation and surrender of
such Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption at the place of payment specified in the
notice, said Securities shall be paid and redeemed at the applicable redemption price for such
series, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (but if the date
fixed for redemption is an interest payment date, the interest
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installment payable on such date shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of
business on the applicable record date pursuant to Section 2.03).
(b) Upon presentation of any Security of such series that is to be redeemed in part only, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and the office or agency where the
Security is presented shall deliver to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new
Security of the same series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion of the Security so presented.
SECTION 3.04 Sinking Fund.
The provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the
retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01
for Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any
series is herein referred to as a mandatory sinking fund payment, and any payment in excess of
such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as
an optional sinking fund payment. If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the
cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.05.
Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as
provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.
SECTION 3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (a) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any Securities
previously called for redemption) and (b) may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have
been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or
through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such
Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with
respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such
Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities
shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in
such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking
fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities,
the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate specifying the amount of the next
ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of the series, the portion
thereof, if any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series
pursuant to Section 3.05 and the basis for such credit and will, together with such Officers
Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before
each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon
such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.02 and cause notice of the
redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner
provided in Section 3.02. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities
shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on the Securities of that series at the time and place and in the manner provided
herein and established with respect to such Securities.
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SECTION 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
So long as any series of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Company agrees to maintain an
office or agency in the United States, with respect to each such series and at such other location
or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.02, where (a) Securities of that
series may be presented for payment, (b) Securities of that series may be presented as herein above
authorized for registration of transfer and exchange, and (c) notices and demands to or upon the
Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be given or served, such
designation to continue with respect to such office or agency until the Company shall, by written
notice signed by its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or an Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President and
delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or agency for such purposes or any of them.
If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail
to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and demands may be
made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the
Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, notices and demands.
SECTION 4.03 Paying Agents.
(a) If the Company shall appoint one or more paying agents for all or any series of the
Securities, other than the Trustee, the Company will cause each such paying agent to execute and
deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to
the provisions of this Section:
(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of
(and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series (whether such sums have been
paid to it by the Company or by any other obligor of such Securities) in trust for the benefit of
the Persons entitled thereto;
(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or by any other
obligor of such Securities) to make any payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable;
(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure referred to in the
preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the
Trustee all sums so held in trust by such paying agent; and
(4) that it will perform all other duties of paying agent as set forth in this Indenture.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent with respect to any series of the
Securities, it will on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on Securities of that series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of
the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal (and premium, if any) or
interest so becoming due on Securities of that series until such sums shall be paid to such Persons
or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of such action, or
any failure (by it or any other obligor on such Securities) to take such action. Whenever the
Company shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each
due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of that series,
deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or
interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Company will
promptly notify the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (1) the agreement to hold sums
in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, and (2) the
Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any paying
agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such paying agent, such sums
to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were
held by the Company or such paying agent; and, upon such payment by any paying agent to the
Trustee, such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
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SECTION 4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee.
The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will
appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.10, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a
Trustee hereunder.
ARTICLE V
SECURITYHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS
BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee (a) on each regular record
date (as defined in Section 2.03), but in each case will be no more than six months apart, a list,
in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the holders of
each series of Securities as of such regular record date, provided that the Company shall not be
obligated to furnish or cause to be furnished such list at any time that the list shall not differ
in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company and (b) at such
other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company
of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to
the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that, in either case, no such list need be
furnished for any series for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.
SECTION 5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all
information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent
list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of holders of
Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such
capacity).
(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt
of a new list so furnished.
(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act
with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the
Securities. The Company, the Guarantors (if applicable), the Trustee, the Security Registrar and
any other Person shall have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).
SECTION 5.03 Reports by the Company.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the
Company files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information,
documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission
may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file
with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company
is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such sections, then
to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations
prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports that may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, in respect
of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from
time to time in such rules and regulations.
(b) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from to time by the Commission, such
additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the
conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as may be required from time to time by
such rules and regulations.
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(c) The Company covenants and agrees to transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, or
reputable overnight delivery service that provides for evidence of receipt, to the Securityholders,
as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register, within 30 days after the filing
thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be
filed by the Company pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as may be required by
rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
SECTION 5.04 Reports by the Trustee.
(a) On or before [___] in each year in which any of the Securities are Outstanding, the
Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names
and addresses appear upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding [___], if
and to the extent required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(b) The Trustee shall comply with Sections 313(b), 313(c) and 313(d) of the Trust Indenture
Act.
(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be
filed by the Trustee with the Company, with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are
listed (if so listed) and also with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when
any Securities become listed on any stock exchange.
(d) If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Trustee receives actual notice of
such Event of Default, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder notice of the uncured Event of
Default within 90 days after the occurrence thereof. Except in the case of an Event of Default in
payment of principal of, or interest on, any Securities, or in the payment of any sinking or
purchase fund installment, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the board of
directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of
the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Securityholders.
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
SECTION 6.01 Events of Default.
(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Securities of a particular series, Event of Default
means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing:
(1) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the
Securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default
continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment
period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto, shall not
constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;
(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of
the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at
maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking
or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided, however, that a valid
extension of the maturity of such Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture
supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;
(3) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with
respect to that series contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that
series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or agreement that has
been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of
Securities other than such series) for a period of 90 days after the date on which written notice
of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice
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is a Notice of Default hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee, by
registered or certified mail, or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;
(4) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law (i) commences a
voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary
case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
property or (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(5) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under any Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for
relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company for all
or substantially all of its property or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the order
or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.
(b) In each and every such case, unless the principal of all the Securities of that series
shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25%
in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by
notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Securityholders), may declare
the principal of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any
such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable.
(c) At any time after the principal of the Securities of that series shall have been so
declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall
have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to
the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (1)
the Company, or, if applicable, one or more Guarantors, has paid or deposited with the Trustee a
sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of that series
and the principal of (and premium, if any, on) all Securities of that series that shall have become
due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to
the extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of
interest, at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series to the date of such
payment or deposit) and any amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06, and (2) any and all
other Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment
of principal on Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms, shall have
been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.06.
No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or
impair any right consequent thereon.
(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with respect to Securities
of that series under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned
because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined
adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such
proceedings, the Company, the Guarantors, if applicable, and the Trustee shall be restored
respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of
the Company, the Guarantors, if applicable, and the Trustee shall continue as though no such
proceedings had been taken.
SECTION 6.02 Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and
empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums
so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and
may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company, or, if applicable, one or more
Guarantors, or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series and collect the moneys adjudged
or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company , or, if
applicable, one or more Guarantors, or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series,
wherever situated.
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(b) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization,
readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings affecting the Company, or its
creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any
action therein that may be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by
law) be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be necessary or
advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the holders of Securities of a series
allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the Company under this Indenture at the date of
institution of such proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by
the Company after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of the amount payable
to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or
reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the holders of Securities of such series to make
such payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of
such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under
Section 7.06.
(c) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the
terms established with respect to Securities of a series, may be enforced by the Trustee without
the possession of any of such Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other
proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be
brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 7.06, be for the ratable
benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series.
In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect
and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as
the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or
in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or
agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this
Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture
or by law.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to
or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of that series or the rights of any holder
thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any
such proceeding.
SECTION 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected.
Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular
series of Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal (or premium, if
any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities of that series, and notation thereon the
payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all amounts payable to the
Trustee under Section 7.06; and
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of such series for
principal (and premium, if any) and interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such
money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the
amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
respectively.
SECTION 6.04 Limitation on Suits.
No holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any
provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or
under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any
other remedy hereunder, unless (a) such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written
notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Securities of such
series specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided; (b) the holders of not less than
25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have made
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written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name
as trustee hereunder; (c) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable
indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or
thereby; (d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of
indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and (e) during such
60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series shall
not have given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the right of any holder of any
Security to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such
Security, as therein provided, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or
in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), or to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment on or after such respective dates or redemption date, shall not be impaired or
affected without the consent of such holder. By accepting a Security hereunder it is expressly
understood, intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of every Security of such series with
every other such taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Securities of
such series shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the holders of any other of such
Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such holder, or
to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal,
ratable and common benefit of all holders of Securities of such series. For the protection and
enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall
be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
SECTION 6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
(a) All powers and remedies given by this Article to the Trustee or to the Securityholders
shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other powers
and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities, by judicial proceedings or
otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in
this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to such Securities.
(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of the Securities to exercise
any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall
impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or on
acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given
by this Article or by law to the Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time,
and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
SECTION 6.06 Control by Securityholders.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the
time Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 8.01, shall have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to such series; provided,
however, that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture
or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of Securities of any other series at the time
Outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.01. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01,
the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good
faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so
directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability. The holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding affected thereby,
determined in accordance with Section 8.01, may on behalf of the holders of all of the Securities
of such series waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained herein
or established pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to such series and its consequences, except an
uncured default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, any of the
Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due by the terms of such Securities
otherwise than by acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all
matured installments of interest and principal and any premium has been deposited with the Trustee
(in accordance with Section 6.01(c)). Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby shall be
deemed to be cured for all purposes of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee
and the holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and
rights hereunder, respectively;
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but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right
consequent thereon.
SECTION 6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Securities by such holders
acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in
any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against
the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its
discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys fees, against any party
litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses
made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of
Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment
of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series, on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such Security or established pursuant to this Indenture.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of a series and after the curing of all Events of Default with respect to the Securities of that
series that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Securities of such
series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no
implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (that has not been cured or
waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights
and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability
for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct,
except that:
(1) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series
and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to that series that may
have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such
series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not
be liable with respect to the Securities of such series except for the performance of such duties
and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or
obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may with respect to
the Securities of such series conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such
certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to
the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they
conform to the requirements of this Indenture;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
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(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by
it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the
Securities of that series; and
(4) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or
risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its
duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for
believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the
terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any
resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order,
approval, bond, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been
signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Company or a Guarantor mentioned herein
shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument signed in the name of the
Company, by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Executive Vice
President or any Senior Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is
specifically prescribed herein), and, if applicable, signed in the name of such Guarantors by the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Executive Vice President or any Senior
Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically prescribed herein);
(c) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion
of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken
or suffered or omitted hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(d) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to
the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred
therein or thereby; nothing contained herein shall, however, relieve the Trustee of the obligation,
upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to a series of the Securities (that has not
been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and
powers vested in it by this Indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs;
(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good
faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred
upon it by this Indenture;
(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent,
order, approval, bond, security or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do
by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the
particular series affected thereby (determined as provided in Section 8.04); provided, however,
that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities
likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee,
not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this
Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities
as a condition to so proceeding. The
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reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Company or, if paid by the
Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand; and
(g) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties
hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be
responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with
due care by it hereunder.
SECTION 7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities.
(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Securities shall be taken as the statements of
the Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the
correctness of the same.
(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture
or of the Securities.
(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any of
the Securities or of the proceeds of such Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys
paid over by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established pursuant
to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys received by any paying agent other
than the Trustee.
SECTION 7.04 May Hold Securities.
The Trustee or any paying agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it
were not Trustee, paying agent or Security Registrar.
SECTION 7.05 Moneys Held in Trust.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until
used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received,
but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall
be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may
agree with the Company to pay thereon.
SECTION 7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall be entitled
to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to
the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), as the Company and the Trustee may from time to
time agree in writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby
created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of the
Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company will pay or reimburse the
Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made
by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable
compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not regularly in
its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence or
bad faith. The Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors
and employees) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred
without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim of liability in the premises.
(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee
and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute
additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to
that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except
funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular Securities.
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SECTION 7.07 Reliance on Officers Certificate.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions
of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or
established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter
(unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of
negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and
established by an Officers Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the
absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee
for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture
upon the faith thereof.
SECTION 7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest within the meaning of Section
310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with
the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which
shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a
corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such
laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50
million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State,
Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition
at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining
authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at
any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section,
the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.10.
SECTION 7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to
the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company and by
transmitting notice of resignation by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders of
such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving such
notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to
Securities of such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of
Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to
the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted
appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee
may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with
respect to Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a bona fide
holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court
may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor
trustee.
(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 7.08 after written request
therefor by the Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or
Securities for at least six months; or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09
and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such
Securityholder; or
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(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or
insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of
the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or
liquidation,
then, in any such case, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities and
appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of
Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy
to the successor trustee, or, unless the Trustees duty to resign is stayed as provided herein, any
Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months
may, on behalf of that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court
may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee
and appoint a successor trustee.
(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying
the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of
the Company.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee with
respect to the Securities of a series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall
become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section
7.11.
(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to
the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series.
SECTION 7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to all
Securities, every such successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the
Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become
vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request
of the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee
shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities
of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, if applicable, any Guarantor, the retiring
Trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall
execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor trustee shall accept
such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to
transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the
appointment of such successor trustee relates, (2) shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed
necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is
not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change
any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing
herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same
trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart
from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall
be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder; and upon
the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the
retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall
with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
trustee relates have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the
performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture,
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and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become
vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates; but,
on request of the Company, any Guarantor (if applicable) or any successor trustee, such retiring
Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee, to the extent
contemplated by such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such
successor trustee relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company and, if applicable, the
Guarantors, shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph
(a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance
such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the
Company shall transmit notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder by mail, first class
postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security
Register. If the Company fails to transmit such notice within ten days after acceptance of
appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be
transmitted at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which
the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the
Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be
qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties
hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and
deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had
itself authenticated such Securities.
SECTION 7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any
creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has
resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the
extent included therein.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
SECTION 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders.
Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any
action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver
or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders
of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any
instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of
that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.
If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company may, at its option,
as evidenced by an Officers Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such series for the
determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no
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obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date,
but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed
to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite
proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that
purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date;
provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the
record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions
of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.
SECTION 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a
Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the
holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:
(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in
any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.
(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or
by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.
(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as
it shall deem necessary.
SECTION 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners.
Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the
Guarantors (if applicable), the Trustee, any paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem and
treat the Person in whose name such Security shall be registered upon the books of the Company as
the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and
notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by anyone other than the Security
Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of (and premium,
if any) and (subject to Section 2.03) interest on such Security and for all other purposes; and
neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
SECTION 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities
of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, the
Securities of that series that are owned by the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any
other obligor on the Securities of that series or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under common control with the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any
other obligor on the Securities of that series shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only
Securities of such series that the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The
Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the
purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the
pledgees right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not a Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with
the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any such other obligor. In case of a dispute as
to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full
protection to the Trustee.
SECTION 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders.
At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section
8.01, of the taking
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of any action by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of
the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action,
any holder of a Security of that series that is shown by the evidence to be included in the
Securities the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with
the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as
concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of any Security
shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of such
Security, and of any Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration of transfer thereof or
in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such
Security. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal
amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such
action shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the holders of all the
Securities of that series.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders.
In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this Indenture, the Company,
the Guarantors and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or
indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as
then in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following
purposes:
(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency herein or in the Securities of any series;
(b) to comply with Article Ten;
(c) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated
Securities;
(d) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of all or any series
of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such
series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
(e) to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the
authorized amount, terms, purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of Securities, as herein
set forth;
(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder in any
material respect;
(g) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the
Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01, to establish the form of any certifications
required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities, or to
add to the rights of the holders of any series of Securities; or
(h) to add Securities Guarantee and cause any Person to become a Guarantor, and/or evidence
the succession of another Person to a Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the
Securities Guarantee of Guarantor herein and, to the extent applicable, endorsed Company Securities
of any series..
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company and any Guarantors in the execution
of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations
that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such
supplemental indenture that affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the
Company
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and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time
Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
SECTION 9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders.
With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture or indentures at the time Outstanding, the Company, and if applicable, the
Guarantors, when authorized by Board Resolutions, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any
time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions
to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any
supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the
holders of the Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Security then Outstanding
and affected thereby, (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable
upon the redemption thereof, (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities, the holders of
which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, or (iii) release any Guarantor
from any of its obligations under its Securities Guarantee or this Indenture..
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of any series affected
thereby under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or
of Section 10.01, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be deemed to be
modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company, the Guarantors
(if applicable), and the holders of Securities of the series affected thereby shall thereafter be
determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and
amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be
deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
SECTION 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and delivered
after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of
Section 10.01, may bear a notation in form approved by the Company, provided such form meets the
requirements of any exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any matter provided for in
such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of that series so
modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, to any modification of this
Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Company,
authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of that series then
Outstanding.
SECTION 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by Board Resolutions authorizing the execution of
any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of
Securityholders required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company,
and if applicable, any Guarantors, in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such
supplemental indenture affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture
or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter
into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may
receive an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed
pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article
and that it is proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the execution
thereof; provided, however, that such Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with
the execution of a supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of a
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series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Company, and if applicable, any Guarantors, and the
Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall
transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting forth in general terms the
substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of all series affected thereby as
their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail
such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of
any such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE X
SUCCESSOR ENTITY
SECTION 10.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc.
Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent any
consolidation or merger of the Company or any Guarantor with or into any other Person (whether or
not affiliated with the Company) or successive consolidations or mergers in which the Company or
any Guarantor; or their successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of the Company, or any Guarantor,
or their successor or successors as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other
corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or its successor or successors) authorized
to acquire and operate the same; provided, however, the Company, and, if applicable, the
Guarantors, hereby covenants and agrees that, upon any such consolidation or merger (in each case,
if the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is not the survivor of such transaction),
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the due and punctual payment of the principal of
(premium, if any) and interest on all of the Securities of all series in accordance with the terms
of each series, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of
all the covenants and conditions of this Indenture with respect to each series or established with
respect to such series pursuant to Section 2.01 to be kept or performed by the Company shall be
expressly assumed, or guaranteed, as the case may be, if applicable, in the case of Guarantor, by
supplemental indenture (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in
effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed and delivered to the Trustee by the entity
formed by such consolidation, or into which the Company, or a Guarantor, as the case may be, shall
have been merged, or by the entity which shall have acquired such property.
SECTION 10.02 Successor Entity Substituted.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition
and upon the assumption by the successor entity by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered
to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the due and punctual payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all of the Securities of all series Outstanding
and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture or
established with respect to each series of the Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 to be performed
by the Company with respect to each series, such successor entity shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Company with the same effect as if it had been named as the Company herein, and
thereupon the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this
Indenture and the Securities.
(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other
disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the
Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
(c) Nothing contained in this Article shall apply to limit or impose any requirements upon the
consolidation or merger of any Person into the Company or Guarantor where the Company or Guarantor,
as the case may be, is the survivor of such transaction, or the acquisition by the Company or a
Guarantor, by purchase or otherwise, of all or any part of the property of any other Person
(whether or not affiliated with the Company).
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SECTION 10.03 Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may receive an Opinion of Counsel as
conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other
disposition, and any such assumption, comply with the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
If at any time: (a) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all
Securities of a series theretofore authenticated (other than any Securities that have been
destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07) and
Securities for whose payment money or Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in
trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company (and thereupon repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05); or (b) all such Securities of a
particular series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due
and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called
for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of
notice of redemption, and the Company or any Guarantor shall deposit or cause to be deposited with
the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in moneys or Governmental Obligations or a combination
thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at
maturity or upon redemption all Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to
such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall
also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the
Company then this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be of further effect with respect to such
series except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03 and 7.10, that
shall survive until the date of maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and Sections 7.06
and 11.05, that shall survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the
Company and at the cost and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging
satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series.
SECTION 11.02 Discharge of Obligations.
If at any time all such Securities of a particular series not heretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section 11.01
shall have been paid by the Company or any Guarantor by depositing irrevocably with the Trustee as
trust funds moneys or an amount of Governmental Obligations sufficient to pay at maturity or upon
redemption all such Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such
date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company or any
Guarantor shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with
respect to such series, then after the date such moneys or Governmental Obligations, as the case
may be, are deposited with the Trustee, the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under
this Indenture with respect to such series shall cease to be of further effect except for the
provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 7.06, 7.10 and 11.05 hereof that shall
survive until such Securities shall mature and be paid. Thereafter, Sections 7.06 and 11.05 shall
survive.
SECTION 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust.
All moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01
or 11.02 shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either directly or
through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own paying agent), to the holders of
the particular series of Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or
Governmental Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee.
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SECTION 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents.
In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys or Governmental
Obligations then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand
of the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all
further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations.
SECTION 11.05 Repayment to Company.
Any moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with any paying agent or the Trustee, or then
held by the Company, in trust for payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the
Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the holders of such
Securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest on such Securities shall have respectively become due and payable, shall be repaid to
the Company or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and thereupon the
paying agent and the Trustee shall be released from all further liability with respect to such
moneys or Governmental Obligations, and the holder of any of the Securities entitled to receive
such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for the
payment thereof.
ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 12.01 No Recourse.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, or of any
Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future as such, of the Company,
any Guarantor or of any predecessor or successor Person, either directly or through the Company,
any Guarantor or any such predecessor or successor Person, whether by virtue of any constitution,
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being
expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate
obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be
incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors as such, of the Company, any
Guarantor or of any predecessor or successor Person, or any of them, because of the creation of the
indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements
contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom; and that any and all
such personal liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in equity or by
constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims against, every such
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director as such, because of the creation of the indebtedness
hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in
this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and
released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the
issuance of such Securities.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 13.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns.
All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on
behalf of the Company and a Guarantor, as the case may be, shall bind its successors and assigns,
whether so expressed or not.
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SECTION 13.02 Actions by Successor.
Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or
performed by any board, committee or officer of the Company or a Guarantor shall and may be done
and performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or officer of any
corporation that shall at the time be the lawful successor of the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be.
SECTION 13.03 Notices.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein any notice or demand that by any provision of
this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders of
Securities to or on the Company or any Guarantors may be given or served by being deposited first
class postage prepaid in a post-office letterbox addressed (until another address is filed in
writing by the Company with the Trustee), as follows: [ ]. Any notice, election, request or demand
by the Company, any Guarantor or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have
been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee.
SECTION 13.04 Governing Law.
This Indenture and each Security and, if applicable, each Securities Guarantee, shall be
deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for purposes
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State.
SECTION 13.05 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company or Guarantor to the Trustee to take any
action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company or Guarantor, as the case may be,
shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers Certificate stating that all conditions precedent
provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an
Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have
been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the
furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating
to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee
with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include (1) a
statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the
statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in
the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable
him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been
complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such
condition or covenant has been complied with.
(c) The Company shall furnish to the Trustee, on [___] of each year, a brief certificate from
the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to
his or her knowledge of such obligors compliance with all conditions and covenants under this
Indenture. For purposes of this subsection, such compliance shall be determined without regard to
any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder.
SECTION 13.06 Payments on Business Days.
Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and as set forth
in an Officers Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this
Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal of any Security or the
date of redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or
principal (and premium, if any) may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force
and effect as if made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue
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for the period after such nominal date.
SECTION 13.07 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with
the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed
duties shall control.
SECTION 13.08 Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 13.09 Separability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of
any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this
Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if
such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.
SECTION 13.10 Assignment.
The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under
this Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, provided that, in
the event of any such assignment, the Company will remain liable for all such obligations. Subject
to the foregoing, the Indenture is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the parties thereto
and their respective successors and assigns. This Indenture may not otherwise be assigned by the
parties thereto.
ARTICLE XIV
GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 14.01 Securities Guarantee.
(a) Subject to the other provisions of this ARTICLE XIV, each of the Guarantors hereby jointly
and severally, guarantees to each holder of a Security of each series to which this ARTICLE XIV has
been made applicable as provided in SECTION 2.01(a)(16) (the Securities of such series being
referred to herein as the Guaranteed Securities) (which Security has been authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee), and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the
validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Guaranteed Securities, the obligations of the
Company hereunder or thereunder, that:
(i) the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Guaranteed Securities will be
promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and
interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Guaranteed Securities, if any, if lawful,
and all other obligations of the Company to the holders of Guaranteed Securities, or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the
terms hereof and thereof; and
(ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Guaranteed Securities or
any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration
or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever
reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated top pay the same immediately. Each
Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
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(b) To the extent permissible under applicable law, the obligations of the Guarantors under
this Securities Guarantee are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Guaranteed Securities or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce
the same, any waiver or consent by any holder of the Guaranteed Securities with respect to any
provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to
enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable
discharge or defense of a guarantor. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor
hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event
of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the
Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Securities Guarantee
will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the
Guaranteed Securities and this Indenture.
(c) If any holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the
Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in
relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such
holder, this Securities Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full
force and effect.
(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation
to the holders in respect to any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all
obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the holders of Guaranteed
Securities and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed
hereby may be accelerated as provided in ARTICLE VI hereof for the purposes of this Securities
Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration
in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of
acceleration of such obligations as provided in ARTICLE VI hereof, such obligations (regardless of
whether due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose
of this Securities Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any
non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the
Holders under the Securities Guarantee.
SECTION 14.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Guaranteed Securities, each holder thereof, hereby
confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Securities Guarantee of such
Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the
Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or
state law to the extent applicable to any Securities Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing
intention, the Trustee, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the holders and each
Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the
maximum amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and
fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to
any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any
other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this ARTICLE XIV,
result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Securities Guarantee not constituting a
fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
SECTION 14.03 Execution and Delivery of Securities Guarantee Notation.
To evidence its Securities Guarantee set forth in SECTION 14.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby
agrees that a notation of such Securities Guarantee substantially in the form established pursuant
to a Board Resolution or in a supplemental indenture, will be endorsed by an officer of such
Guarantor on each Guaranteed Security authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this
Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its officers.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Securities Guarantee set forth in SECTION 14.01 hereof
will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Guaranteed
Security a notation of such Securities Guarantee.
If an officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Securities Guarantee no longer
holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Guaranteed Security on which a
Securities Guarantee is endorsed, the
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Securities Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.
The delivery of any Guaranteed Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof
hereunder, will constitute due delivery of the Securities Guarantee of such Guaranteed Security set
froth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as
of the day and year first above written.
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[Name of any Guarantor] |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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[
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title:
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-34-
exv4w3
EXHIBIT 4.3
FORM OF SUBORDINATED INDENTURE
CONNS, INC.,
ISSUER
AND
[ ],
TRUSTEE
INDENTURE
DATED AS OF [ ], 200[___]
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE(1)
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Section of |
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Trust Indenture Act |
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Section of |
of 1939, as amended |
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Indenture |
310(a)(1) |
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7.09 |
310(a)(2) |
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7.09 |
310(a)(3) |
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Inapplicable |
310(a)(4) |
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Inapplicable |
310(b) |
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7.08 |
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7.10 |
310(c) |
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Inapplicable |
311(a) |
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7.13 |
311(b) |
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7.13 |
311(c) |
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Inapplicable |
312(a) |
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5.01 |
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5.02(a) |
312(b) |
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5.02(c) |
312(c) |
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5.02(c) |
313(a) |
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5.04(a) |
313(b) |
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5.04(b) |
313(c) |
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5.04(a) |
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5.04(b) |
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5.04(c) |
313(d) |
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5.04(b) |
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5.04(c) |
314(a) |
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5.03 |
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13.05(c) |
314(b) |
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Inapplicable |
314(c) |
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13.05 |
314(d) |
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Inapplicable |
314(e) |
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13.05 |
314(f) |
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Inapplicable |
315(a)(1) |
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7.01(b) |
315(a)(2) |
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7.02 |
315(b) |
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5.04(d) |
315(c) |
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7.01 |
315(d) |
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7.01 |
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7.02 |
315(e) |
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6.07 |
316(a) |
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6.06 |
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8.04 |
316(b) |
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6.04 |
316(c) |
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8.01 |
317(a) |
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6.02 |
317(b) |
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4.03 |
318(a) |
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13.07 |
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(1) |
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This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture
and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its
terms or provisions. |
-i-
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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
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1 |
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SECTION 1.01 Definitions of Terms |
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1 |
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ARTICLE II ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES |
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4 |
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SECTION 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities |
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4 |
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SECTION 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustees Certificate |
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5 |
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SECTION 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment |
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6 |
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SECTION 2.04 Execution and Authentications |
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7 |
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SECTION 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
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7 |
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SECTION 2.06 Temporary Securities |
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8 |
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SECTION 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities |
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8 |
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SECTION 2.08 Cancellation |
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9 |
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SECTION 2.09 Benefits of Indenture |
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9 |
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SECTION 2.10 Authenticating Agent |
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9 |
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SECTION 2.11 Global Securities |
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10 |
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ARTICLE III REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS |
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11 |
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SECTION 3.01 Redemption |
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11 |
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SECTION 3.02 Notice of Redemption |
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11 |
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SECTION 3.03 Payment Upon Redemption |
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12 |
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SECTION 3.04 Sinking Fund |
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12 |
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SECTION 3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
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12 |
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SECTION 3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
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12 |
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ARTICLE IV COVENANTS |
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13 |
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SECTION 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest |
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13 |
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SECTION 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency |
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13 |
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SECTION 4.03 Paying Agents |
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13 |
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SECTION 4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee |
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14 |
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ARTICLE V SECURITYHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE |
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14 |
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SECTION 5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders |
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14 |
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SECTION 5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders |
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14 |
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SECTION 5.03 Reports by the Company |
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14 |
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SECTION 5.04 Reports by the Trustee |
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15 |
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-i-
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ARTICLE VI REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT |
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15 |
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SECTION 6.01 Events of Default |
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15 |
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SECTION 6.02 Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
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17 |
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SECTION 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected |
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17 |
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SECTION 6.04 Limitation on Suits |
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18 |
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SECTION 6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
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18 |
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SECTION 6.06 Control by Securityholders |
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19 |
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SECTION 6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs |
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19 |
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ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE |
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19 |
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SECTION 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee |
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19 |
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SECTION 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee |
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20 |
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SECTION 7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities |
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21 |
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SECTION 7.04 May Hold Securities |
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21 |
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SECTION 7.05 Moneys Held in Trust |
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21 |
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SECTION 7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement |
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22 |
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SECTION 7.07 Reliance on Officers Certificate |
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22 |
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SECTION 7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests |
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22 |
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SECTION 7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
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22 |
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SECTION 7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
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23 |
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SECTION 7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor |
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23 |
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SECTION 7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
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24 |
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SECTION 7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company |
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25 |
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ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS |
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25 |
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SECTION 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders |
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25 |
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SECTION 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders |
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25 |
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SECTION 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners |
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25 |
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SECTION 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded |
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26 |
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SECTION 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders |
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26 |
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ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
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26 |
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SECTION 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders |
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26 |
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SECTION 9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders |
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27 |
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SECTION 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
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27 |
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SECTION 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures |
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28 |
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SECTION 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
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28 |
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-ii-
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ARTICLE X SUCCESSOR ENTITY |
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28 |
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SECTION 10.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc |
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28 |
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SECTION 10.02 Successor Entity Substituted |
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29 |
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SECTION 10.03 Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee |
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29 |
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ARTICLE XI SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
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29 |
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SECTION 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
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29 |
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SECTION 11.02 Discharge of Obligations |
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30 |
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SECTION 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust |
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30 |
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SECTION 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents |
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30 |
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SECTION 11.05 Repayment to Company |
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30 |
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ARTICLE XII IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS |
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30 |
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SECTION 12.01 No Recourse |
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30 |
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ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.02 Actions by Successor |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.03 Notices |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.04 Governing Law |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.05 Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
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31 |
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SECTION 13.06 Payments on Business Days |
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32 |
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SECTION 13.07 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act |
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32 |
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SECTION 13.08 Counterparts |
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32 |
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SECTION 13.09 Separability |
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32 |
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SECTION 13.10 Assignment |
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32 |
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ARTICLE XIV SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES |
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32 |
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SECTION 14.01 Subordination Terms |
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32 |
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ARTICLE XV GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES |
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33 |
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SECTION 15.01 Securities Guarantee |
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33 |
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SECTION 15.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability |
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34 |
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SECTION 15.03 Execution and Delivery of Securities Guarantee Notation |
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34 |
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(2) |
|
This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any
bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions. |
-iii-
INDENTURE, dated as of [___], 200[_], between Conns, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company), the Guarantors (as hereinafter defined) and [___], as trustee (the Trustee):
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the execution and
delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of unsecured subordinated debt securities
(hereinafter referred to as the Securities), which may, but are not required to be guaranteed by
the Guarantors, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or
more series as in this Indenture provided, as registered Securities without coupons, to be
authenticated by the certificate of the Trustee;
WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be
authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company and Guarantors have duly authorized the execution
of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company and of
the Guarantors, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the
holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit
of the holders of Securities:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01 Definitions of Terms.
The terms defined in this Section (except as in this Indenture otherwise expressly provided or
unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture
supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section and shall include
the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or that are by reference in such Act defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the
context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture
Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument.
Authenticating Agent means an authenticating agent with respect to all or any of the series
of Securities appointed with respect to all or any series of the Securities by the Trustee pursuant
to Section 2.10.
Bankruptcy Law means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal or state law for the relief
of debtors.
Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the Company or Guarantor, as the case may
be, or any duly authorized committee of such Board of Directors.
Board Resolution means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, to have been duly adopted by the Board
of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.
Business Day means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day other than a day on
which Federal or State banking institutions in the United States (or in any city in which the
paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 4.03 has an office), are authorized or obligated by law,
executive order or regulation to close.
Certificate means a certificate signed by the principal executive officer, the principal
financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company. The Certificate need not
comply with the provisions of Section 13.05.
Company means Conns, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, and, subject to the provisions of Article Ten, shall also include its successors
and assigns.
Corporate Trust Office means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its
corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is
located at [___], except that whenever a provision herein refers to an office or agency of the
Trustee in the United States, such office is located, at the date hereof, at [___].
Custodian means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, or similar official under any
Bankruptcy Law.
Default means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute an Event of Default.
Depositary means, with respect to Securities of any series, for which the Company shall
determine that such Securities will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company,
New York, New York, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or other applicable statute
or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either Section
2.01 or 2.11.
Event of Default means, with respect to Securities of a particular series any event
specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.
Global Security means, with respect to any series of Securities, a Security executed by the
Company and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositarys instruction,
all in accordance with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
its nominee.
Governmental Obligations means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United
States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations
of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United
States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit
obligation by the United States of America that, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at
the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as
defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as custodian with respect to
any such Governmental Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such
Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary
receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to
make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount
received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of
principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.
Guarantor means each Person that becomes a guarantor of any Securities pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture.
Herein, hereof and hereunder, and other words of similar import, refer to this Indenture
as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Indenture means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be
supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into in accordance
with the terms hereof.
Interest Payment Date, when used with respect to any installment of interest on a Security
of a particular series, means the date specified in such Security or in a Board Resolution or in an
indenture supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date on which an installment
of interest with respect to Securities of that series is due and payable.
Officers Certificate means in the case of the Company, a certificate signed by the
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, an Executive Vice President or a Senior Vice President and by the Treasurer or
an Assistant Treasurer or the Controller or an Assistant Controller or the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company, or in the case of a Guarantor, a certificate signed by the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President or any duly
authorized
-2-
officer of such Guarantor and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of such Guarantor, that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the
terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.05, if
and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.
Opinion of Counsel means an opinion in writing of legal counsel, who may be an employee of
or counsel for the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, that is delivered to the Trustee in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in
Section 13.05, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.
Outstanding, when used with reference to Securities of any series, means, subject to the
provisions of Section 8.04, as of any particular time, all Securities of that series theretofore
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore
canceled by the Trustee or any paying agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any paying agent for
cancellation or that have previously been canceled; (b) Securities or portions thereof for the
payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary amount shall
have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Company) or
shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its
own paying agent); provided, however, that if such Securities or portions of such Securities are to
be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as in
Article Three provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving
such notice; and (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have
been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Predecessor Security of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all
or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes
of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost,
destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or
stolen Security.
Responsible Officer when used with respect to the Trustee means the President, any Senior
Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer, any corporate trust officer or any
other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those
performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.
Securities means the debt Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
Securities Guarantee means each guarantee of the obligations of the Company under this
Indenture and the Securities by a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Securityholder, holder of Securities, registered holder or other similar term, means the
Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Security shall be registered on the books of
the Company kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
Senior Indebtedness means indebtedness issued pursuant to a senior indenture, as
supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental thereto, payment of which shall be
senior to the payment of the Securities issued hereunder, pursuant to ARTICLE XIV hereof.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation at least a majority of
whose outstanding Voting Stock shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person
or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, (ii)
any general partnership, joint venture or similar entity, at least a majority of whose outstanding
partnership or similar interests shall at the time be owned by such Person, or by one or more of
its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any limited
partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner.
-3-
Trustee means [___], and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven, shall also include its
successors and assigns, and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity
hereunder, Trustee shall mean each such Person. The term Trustee as used with respect to a
particular series of the Securities shall mean the trustee with respect to that series.
Trust Indenture Act means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, subject to the
provisions of Sections 9.01, 9.02 and 10.01, as in effect at the date of execution of this
instrument.
Voting Stock, as applied to stock of any Person, means shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents in the equity interest (however designated) in such Person having ordinary voting
power for the election of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person, other than shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by reason of the occurrence
of a contingency.
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities.
(a) The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate
principal amount of Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to
the initial issuance of Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company, and set forth in an Officers Certificate, or established in one
or more indentures supplemental hereto:
(1) the title of the Security of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the
series from all other Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series that may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered
upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of that
series);
(3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable and
the place(s) of payment;
(4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner
of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;
(5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on
which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates,
the place(s) of payment, and the record date for the determination of holders to whom interest is
payable on any such Interest Payment Dates;
(6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of such
extension;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and
conditions upon which, Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option
of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Securities of the series
pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in
satisfaction of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the
period or periods within which, the price or
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prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series shall be
redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) the form of the Securities of the series including the form of the certificate of
authentication for such series;
(10) if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral
multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(11) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which terms shall not be
inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture, as amended by any supplemental indenture) including
any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or regulations or
advisable in connection with the marketing of Securities of that series;
(12) whether the Securities are issuable as a Global Security and, in such case, the identity
of the Depositary for such series;
(13) whether the Securities will be convertible into shares of common stock or other
securities of the Company and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be
so convertible, including the conversion price and the conversion period;
(14) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of
Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity
thereof pursuant to Section 6.01;
(15) the subordination terms of the Securities of the series;
(16) any additional or different Events of Default or restrictive covenants provided for with
respect to the Securities of the series; and
(17) whether the Securities of the series will be guaranteed pursuant to the Securities
Guarantee set froth in ARTICLE XV, any modifications to the terms of ARTICLE XV applicable to the
Securities of such series and the applicability of any other guarantee.
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination
and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or in any
indentures supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board
Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, delivered to the Trustee
at or prior to the delivery of the Officers Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, with different dates on
which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, with different rates of interest,
if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, with different dates on
which such interest may be payable and with different redemption dates.
SECTION 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustees Certificate.
The Securities of any series and the Trustees certificate of authentication to be borne by
such Securities shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as set forth in one or more
indentures supplemental hereto or as provided in a Board Resolution and as set forth in an
Officers Certificate and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or
designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the
Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or
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as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto
or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Securities of that series may be
listed, or to conform to usage.
SECTION 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment.
The Securities shall be issuable as registered Securities and in the denominations of one
thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, subject to Section 2.01(10). The
Securities of a particular series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate
specified with respect to that series. The principal of and the interest on the Securities of any
series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be
payable in the coin or currency of the United States of America that at the time is legal tender
for public and private debt, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in
the United States. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest on the
Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.
The interest installment on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the
Person in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event that any
Security of a particular series or portion thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date
is subsequent to a regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such
Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation and surrender of
such Security as provided in Section 3.03.
Any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for,
on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of the same series (herein called Defaulted Interest)
shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by
virtue of having been such holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its
election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:
(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities to the Persons in
whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the
close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall
be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of
Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment,
and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the
aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed
payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special
record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor less
than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt
by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company
of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice
of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be
mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in
the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), not less than 10 days prior to such special record
date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date
therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in
whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such
special record date.
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Securities in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such
Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after
notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such
manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution or one or more indentures supplemental hereto
establishing the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term
regular record date as used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities with respect
to any Interest Payment Date for such series
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shall mean either the fifteenth day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an
Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if
such Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the last day of the month immediately
preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to
Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month,
whether or not such date is a Business Day.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of a series delivered under
this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security of such series
shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such
other Security.
SECTION 2.04 Execution and Authentications.
The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or one of its
Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents, or its Treasurer, or one of its Assistant
Treasurers, or its Secretary, or one of its Assistant Secretaries, under its corporate seal
attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. Any Securities Guarantee endorsed
on the Securities shall be executed on behalf of the applicable Guarantor by its Chairman of the
Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, its Chief Financial Officer or any of its Vice
Presidents and need not be attested. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or facsimile
signature. The Company and the Guarantors may use the facsimile signature of any Person who were at
any time proper officers of the Company or a Guarantor, as the case may be, notwithstanding the
fact that at the time the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered or disposed of such
Person shall have ceased to hold such office. The seal of the Company may be in the form of a
facsimile of such seal and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the
Securities. The Securities may contain such notations, legends or endorsements required by law,
stock exchange rule or usage. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the
Trustee.
No Security or Securities Guarantee endorsed thereon shall be valid until authenticated
manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such signature
shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and
delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. At any time
and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver
Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a
written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, signed by an
authorized officer and its Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, and the Trustee in accordance with
such written order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.
In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this
Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to
Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the form
and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such
Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities
under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable
to the Trustee.
SECTION 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Securities of any series may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office or
agency of the Company designated for such purpose in the United States, for other Securities of
such series of authorized denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided
in this Section. In respect of any Securities so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall
execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange
therefor the Security or Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange
shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.
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(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or agency designated for such
purpose in the United States, or such other location designated by the Company a register or
registers (herein referred to as the Security Register) in which, subject to such reasonable
regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall register the Securities and the transfers of
Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be open for
inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of registering Securities and transfer of
Securities as herein provided shall be appointed as authorized by a Board Resolution (the Security
Registrar).
Upon surrender for transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Company designated
for such purpose, the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantor, shall execute, the Trustee shall
authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a
new Security or Securities, with an endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable,
executed by the Guarantors, of the same series as the Security presented for a like aggregate
principal amount.
All Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as provided
in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) by
a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the
Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such holders duly authorized
attorney in writing.
(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of
Securities, or issue of new Securities in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Company
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation
thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 3.03(b) and Section 9.04 not
involving any transfer.
(d) The Company shall not be required (1) to issue, exchange or register the transfer of any
Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the
mailing of a notice of redemption of less than all the Outstanding Securities of the same series
and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, nor (2) to register the transfer of
or exchange any Securities of any series or portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions
of this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 2.11 hereof.
SECTION 2.06 Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities (printed, lithographed or
typewritten) of any authorized denomination. Such temporary Securities shall be substantially in
the form of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions,
insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined
by the Company. Every temporary Security of any series shall be executed by the Company and be
authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and
with like effect, as the definitive Securities of such series. Without unnecessary delay the
Company will execute and will furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon any or all
temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the
holders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose in the United States,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such
temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of such series,
unless the Company advises the Trustee to the effect that definitive Securities need not be
executed and furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive
Securities of such series authenticated and delivered hereunder.
SECTION 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.
In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or
stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon the Companys
request, the Trustee (subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security with an
endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable, executed by the Guarantors, of the same
series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the
mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security
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so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall
furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to
save each of them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall
also furnish to the Company and the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss
or theft of the applicants Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any
such substituted Security and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of any
officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company and the
Guarantors (if applicable) may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the
fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Security that has matured or is
about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of
issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof
except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the
Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may
require to save each of them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the
satisfaction of the Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and the Trustee of the destruction,
loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every replacement Security issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation of the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantors, whether or
not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, or be enforceable
by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately
with any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Securities shall be
held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect
to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or
statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of
negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
SECTION 2.08 Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of
transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any paying agent, be delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be cancelled by it, and no Securities shall
be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of
this Indenture. On request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver
to the Company canceled Securities held by the Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee
may dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a
certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the
Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the
indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation.
SECTION 2.09 Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed
to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Securities (and, with
respect to the provisions of ARTICLE XIV, the holders of Senior Indebtedness), any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant,
condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and provisions being for
the sole benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of the Securities (and, with respect to
the provisions of ARTICLE XIV, the holders of Senior Indebtedness).
SECTION 2.10 Authenticating Agent.
So long as any of the Securities of any series remain Outstanding there may be an
Authenticating Agent for any or all such series of Securities which the Trustee shall have the
right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to
authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, transfer or partial redemption
thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and
shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All
references in this Indenture to the authentication of Securities by the Trustee shall be deemed to
include authentication by an
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Authenticating Agent for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the
Company and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus, as most recently
reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under which it is
organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise
authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or examination by
Federal or State authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with these provisions, it shall resign immediately.
Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the
Trustee, to the Company, and if applicable, to the Guarantor. The Trustee may at any time (and upon
request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written
notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent, to the Company, and if applicable, to the
Guarantor. Upon resignation, termination or cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent,
the Trustee may appoint an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any
successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested
with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if originally named as an
Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.
SECTION 2.11 Global Securities.
(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Securities of a
particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that
(1) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount
of, all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (2) shall be registered in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee, (3) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to
the Depositarys instruction and (4) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred,
in whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or
to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global Security of a series may be
transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to another
nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or
approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities notifies the Company that it
is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary
for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other
applicable statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such
condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of
such series and the Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, will execute and, subject to
Section 2.05, the Trustee will authenticate and deliver the Securities with an endorsement of the
Securities Guarantee, if applicable, executed by the Guarantors, of such series in definitive
registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global
Security. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Securities of any series
shall no longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.11
shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Company, and, if
applicable, the Guarantors. will execute and, subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee, upon receipt of
an Officers Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and
deliver the Securities with an endorsement of the Securities Guarantee, if applicable, of such
series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in
exchange for such Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities in
definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Security shall
be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for
the Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such
authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect
participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to
the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.
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ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS
SECTION 3.01 Redemption.
The Company may redeem the Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates
and in accordance with the terms established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.
SECTION 3.02 Notice of Redemption.
(a) In case the Company shall desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may
be, a portion of the Securities of any series in accordance with the right reserved so to do, the
Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, give notice of such redemption to holders of the
Securities of such series to be redeemed by mailing, first class postage prepaid, a notice of such
redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days before the date fixed for redemption of
that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the Security Register
unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in
the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not
the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give such notice to the
holder of any Security of any series designated for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect
in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other
Securities of such series or any other series. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to
the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or
elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers Certificate
evidencing compliance with any such restriction.
Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the redemption
price at which Securities of that series are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the
redemption price of such Securities to be redeemed will be made at the office or agency of the
Company in the United States, upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest
accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that from and
after said date interest will cease to accrue and that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if
such is the case. If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the
holders of Securities of that series to be redeemed in whole or in part shall specify the
particular Securities to be so redeemed. In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the
notice that relates to such Security shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed, and shall state that on and after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Security, a
new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion
thereof will be issued.
(b) If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company shall give the
Trustee at least 45 days notice in advance of the date fixed for redemption as to the aggregate
principal amount of Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall
select, by lot or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair in its discretion and
that may provide for the selection of a portion or portions (equal to one thousand U.S. dollars
($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of such Securities of a
denomination larger than $1,000, the Securities to be redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify
the Company in writing of the numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part. The
Company may, if and whenever it shall so elect, by delivery of instructions signed on its behalf by
its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, or any Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President, instruct the Trustee
or any paying agent to call all or any part of the Securities of a particular series for redemption
and to give notice of redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the
name of the Company or its own name as the Trustee or such paying agent may deem advisable. In any
case in which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such paying agent, the
Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such
paying agent, as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records, or
suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such paying agent to
give any notice by mail that may be required under the provisions of this Section.
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SECTION 3.03 Payment Upon Redemption.
(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as above provided, the
Securities or portions of Securities of the series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall
become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable
redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and interest on
such Securities or portions of Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for
redemption, unless the Company shall default in the payment of such redemption price and accrued
interest with respect to any such Security or portion thereof. On presentation and surrender of
such Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption at the place of payment specified in the
notice, said Securities shall be paid and redeemed at the applicable redemption price for such
series, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (but if the date
fixed for redemption is an interest payment date, the interest installment payable on such date
shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of business on the applicable record date
pursuant to Section 2.03).
(b) Upon presentation of any Security of such series that is to be redeemed in part only, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and the office or agency where the
Security is presented shall deliver to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new
Security of the same series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion of the Security so presented.
SECTION 3.04 Sinking Fund.
The provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the
retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01
for Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any
series is herein referred to as a mandatory sinking fund payment, and any payment in excess of
such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as
an optional sinking fund payment. If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the
cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.05.
Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as
provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.
SECTION 3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (a) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any Securities
previously called for redemption) and (b) may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have
been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or
through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such
Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with
respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such
Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities
shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in
such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking
fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities,
the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate specifying the amount of the next
ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of the series, the portion
thereof, if any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series
pursuant to Section 3.05 and the basis for such credit and will, together with such Officers
Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before
each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon
such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.02 and cause notice of the
redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner
provided in Section 3.02. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities
shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.
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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on the Securities of that series at the time and place and in the manner provided
herein and established with respect to such Securities.
SECTION 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
So long as any series of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Company agrees to maintain an
office or agency in the United States, with respect to each such series and at such other location
or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.02, where (a) Securities of that
series may be presented for payment, (b) Securities of that series may be presented as herein above
authorized for registration of transfer and exchange, and (c) notices and demands to or upon the
Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be given or served, such
designation to continue with respect to such office or agency until the Company shall, by written
notice signed by its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or an Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President and
delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or agency for such purposes or any of them.
If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail
to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and demands may be
made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the
Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, notices and demands.
SECTION 4.03 Paying Agents.
(a) If the Company shall appoint one or more paying agents for all or any series of the
Securities, other than the Trustee, the Company will cause each such paying agent to execute and
deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to
the provisions of this Section:
(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of
(and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series (whether such sums have been
paid to it by the Company or by any other obligor of such Securities) in trust for the benefit of
the Persons entitled thereto;
(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or by any other
obligor of such Securities) to make any payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable;
(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure referred to in the
preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the
Trustee all sums so held in trust by such paying agent; and
(4) that it will perform all other duties of paying agent as set forth in this Indenture.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent with respect to any series of the
Securities, it will on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on Securities of that series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of
the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal (and premium, if any) or
interest so becoming due on Securities of that series until such sums shall be paid to such Persons
or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of such action, or
any failure (by it or any other obligor on such Securities) to take such action. Whenever the
Company shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each
due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of that series,
deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or
interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled
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to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the
Company will promptly notify the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (1) the agreement to hold sums
in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, and (2) the
Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any paying
agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such paying agent, such sums
to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were
held by the Company or such paying agent; and, upon such payment by any paying agent to the
Trustee, such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
SECTION 4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee.
The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will
appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.10, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a
Trustee hereunder.
ARTICLE V
SECURITYHOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS
BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee (a) on each regular record
date (as defined in Section 2.03), but in each case will be no more than six months apart, a list,
in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the holders of
each series of Securities as of such regular record date, provided that the Company shall not be
obligated to furnish or cause to be furnished such list at any time that the list shall not differ
in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company and (b) at such
other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company
of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to
the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that, in either case, no such list need be
furnished for any series for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.
SECTION 5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all
information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent
list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of holders of
Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such
capacity).
(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt
of a new list so furnished.
(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act
with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the
Securities. The Company, the Guarantors (if applicable), the Trustee, the Security Registrar and
any other Person shall have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).
SECTION 5.03 Reports by the Company.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the
Company files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information,
documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission
may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file
with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company
is not required to file information, documents or reports
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pursuant to either of such sections, then to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of
the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to
Section 13 of the Exchange Act, in respect of a security listed and registered on a national
securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations.
(b) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from to time by the Commission, such
additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the
conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as may be required from time to time by
such rules and regulations.
(c) The Company covenants and agrees to transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, or
reputable overnight delivery service that provides for evidence of receipt, to the Securityholders,
as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register, within 30 days after the filing
thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be
filed by the Company pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as may be required by
rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
SECTION 5.04 Reports by the Trustee.
(a) On or before [___] in each year in which any of the Securities are Outstanding, the
Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names
and addresses appear upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding [___], if
and to the extent required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(b) The Trustee shall comply with Sections 313(b), 313(c) and 313(d) of the Trust Indenture
Act.
(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be
filed by the Trustee with the Company, with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are
listed (if so listed) and also with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when
any Securities become listed on any stock exchange.
(d) If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Trustee receives actual notice of
such Event of Default, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder notice of the uncured Event of
Default within 90 days after the occurrence thereof. Except in the case of an Event of Default in
payment of principal of, or interest on, any Securities, or in the payment of any sinking or
purchase fund installment, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the board of
directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of
the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Securityholders.
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
SECTION 6.01 Events of Default.
(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Securities of a particular series, Event of Default
means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing:
(1) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the
Securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default
continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment
period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto, shall not
constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;
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(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of
the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at
maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking
or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided, however, that a valid
extension of the maturity of such Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture
supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;
(3) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with
respect to that series contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that
series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or agreement that has
been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of
Securities other than such series) for a period of 90 days after the date on which written notice
of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is a Notice of
Default hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee, by registered or certified
mail, or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;
(4) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law (i) commences a
voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary
case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
property or (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(5) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under any Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for
relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company for all
or substantially all of its property or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the order
or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.
(b) In each and every such case, unless the principal of all the Securities of that series
shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25%
in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by
notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Securityholders), may declare
the principal of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any
such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable.
(c) At any time after the principal of the Securities of that series shall have been so
declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall
have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to
the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (1)
the Company, or, if applicable, one or more Guarantors, has paid or deposited with the Trustee a
sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of that series
and the principal of (and premium, if any, on) all Securities of that series that shall have become
due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to
the extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of
interest, at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series to the date of such
payment or deposit) and any amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06, and (2) any and all
other Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment
of principal on Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms, shall have
been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.06.
No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or
impair any right consequent thereon.
(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with respect to Securities
of that series under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned
because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined
adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such
proceedings, the Company, the Guarantors, if applicable, and the Trustee shall be restored
respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and
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powers of the Company, the Guarantors, if applicable, and the Trustee shall continue as though
no such proceedings had been taken.
SECTION 6.02 Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and
empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums
so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and
may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or, if applicable, one or more
Guarantors, or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series and collect the moneys adjudged
or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company, or, if
applicable, one or more Guarantors, or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series,
wherever situated.
(b) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization,
readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings affecting the Company, or its
creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any
action therein that may be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by
law) be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be necessary or
advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the holders of Securities of a series
allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the Company under this Indenture at the date of
institution of such proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by
the Company after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of the amount payable
to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or
reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the holders of Securities of such series to make
such payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of
such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under
Section 7.06.
(c) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the
terms established with respect to Securities of a series, may be enforced by the Trustee without
the possession of any of such Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other
proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be
brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 7.06, be for the ratable
benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series.
In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect
and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as
the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or
in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or
agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this
Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture
or by law.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to
or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of that series or the rights of any holder
thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any
such proceeding.
SECTION 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected.
Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular
series of Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal (or premium, if
any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities of that series, and notation thereon the
payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all amounts payable to the
Trustee under Section 7.06;
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SECOND: To the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company if and to the extent required
by ARTICLE XIV; and
THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of such series for
principal (and premium, if any) and interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such
money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the
amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
respectively.
SECTION 6.04 Limitation on Suits.
No holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any
provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or
under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any
other remedy hereunder, unless (a) such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written
notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Securities of such
series specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided; (b) the holders of not less than
25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have made
written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as
trustee hereunder; (c) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable
indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or
thereby; (d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of
indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and (e) during such
60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series shall
not have given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the right of any holder of any
Security to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such
Security, as therein provided, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or
in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), or to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment on or after such respective dates or redemption date, shall not be impaired or
affected without the consent of such holder. By accepting a Security hereunder it is expressly
understood, intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of every Security of such series with
every other such taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Securities of
such series shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the holders of any other of such
Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such holder, or
to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal,
ratable and common benefit of all holders of Securities of such series. For the protection and
enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall
be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
SECTION 6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
(a) All powers and remedies given by this Article to the Trustee or to the Securityholders
shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other powers
and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities, by judicial proceedings or
otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in
this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to such Securities.
(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of the Securities to exercise
any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall
impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or on
acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given
by this Article or by law to the Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time,
and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
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SECTION 6.06 Control by Securityholders.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the
time Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 8.01, shall have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to such series; provided,
however, that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture
or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of Securities of any other series at the time
Outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.01. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01,
the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good
faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so
directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability. The holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding affected thereby,
determined in accordance with Section 8.01, may on behalf of the holders of all of the Securities
of such series waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained herein
or established pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to such series and its consequences, except an
uncured default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, any of the
Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due by the terms of such Securities
otherwise than by acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all
matured installments of interest and principal and any premium has been deposited with the Trustee
(in accordance with Section 6.01(c)). Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby shall be
deemed to be cured for all purposes of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee
and the holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and
rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default
or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Securities by such holders
acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in
any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against
the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its
discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys fees, against any party
litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses
made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of
Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment
of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series, on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such Security or established pursuant to this Indenture.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of a series and after the curing of all Events of Default with respect to the Securities of that
series that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Securities of such
series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no
implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (that has not been cured or
waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights
and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability
for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct,
except that:
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(1) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series
and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to that series that may
have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such
series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not
be liable with respect to the Securities of such series except for the performance of such duties
and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or
obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may with respect to
the Securities of such series conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such
certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to
the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they
conform to the requirements of this Indenture;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by
it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the
Securities of that series; and
(4) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or
risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its
duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for
believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the
terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any
resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order,
approval, bond, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been
signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Company or a Guarantor mentioned herein
shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument signed in the name of the
Company, by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Executive Vice
President or any Senior Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is
specifically prescribed herein), and, if applicable, signed in the name of such Guarantors by the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Executive Vice President or any Senior
Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically prescribed herein);
(c) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion
of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken
or suffered or omitted hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
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(d) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to
the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred
therein or thereby; nothing contained herein shall, however, relieve the Trustee of the obligation,
upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to a series of the Securities (that has not
been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and
powers vested in it by this Indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs;
(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good
faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred
upon it by this Indenture;
(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent,
order, approval, bond, security or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do
by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the
particular series affected thereby (determined as provided in Section 8.04); provided, however,
that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities
likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee,
not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this
Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities
as a condition to so proceeding. The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by
the Company or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand; and
(g) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties
hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be
responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with
due care by it hereunder.
SECTION 7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities.
(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Securities shall be taken as the statements of
the Company, and, if applicable, the Guarantors, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the
correctness of the same.
(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture
or of the Securities.
(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any of
the Securities or of the proceeds of such Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys
paid over by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established pursuant
to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys received by any paying agent other
than the Trustee.
SECTION 7.04 May Hold Securities.
The Trustee or any paying agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it
were not Trustee, paying agent or Security Registrar.
SECTION 7.05 Moneys Held in Trust.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until
used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received,
but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall
be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may
agree with the Company to pay thereon.
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SECTION 7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall be entitled
to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to
the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), as the Company and the Trustee may from time to
time agree in writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby
created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of the
Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company will pay or reimburse the
Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made
by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable
compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not regularly in
its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence or
bad faith. The Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors
and employees) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred
without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim of liability in the premises.
(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee
and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute
additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to
that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except
funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular Securities.
SECTION 7.07 Reliance on Officers Certificate.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions
of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or
established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter
(unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of
negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and
established by an Officers Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the
absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee
for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture
upon the faith thereof.
SECTION 7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest within the meaning of Section
310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with
the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which
shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a
corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such
laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50
million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State,
Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition
at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining
authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at
any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section,
the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.10.
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SECTION 7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to
the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company and by
transmitting notice of resignation by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders of
such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving such
notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to
Securities of such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of
Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to
the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted
appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee
may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with
respect to Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a bona fide
holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court
may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor
trustee.
(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 7.08 after written request
therefor by the Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or
Securities for at least six months; or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09
and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such
Securityholder; or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or
insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of
the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or
liquidation,
then, in any such case, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities and
appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of
Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy
to the successor trustee, or, unless the Trustees duty to resign is stayed as provided herein, any
Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months
may, on behalf of that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court
may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee
and appoint a successor trustee.
(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying
the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of
the Company.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee with
respect to the Securities of a series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall
become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section
7.11.
(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to
the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series.
SECTION 7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to all
Securities, every such successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the
Company, the Guarantors (if applicable) and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment, and thereupon the resignation or
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removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any
further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or
the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and
deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of
the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all
property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities
of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, if applicable, any Guarantor,, the retiring
Trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall
execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor trustee shall accept
such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to
transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the
appointment of such successor trustee relates, (2) shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed
necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is
not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change
any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing
herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same
trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart
from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall
be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder; and upon
the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the
retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall
with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
trustee relates have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the
performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture, and each such
successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or
those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates; but, on request of the
Company, any Guarantor (if applicable) or any successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly
assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee, to the extent contemplated by such
supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect
to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee
relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company and, if applicable, the
Guarantors, shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph
(a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance
such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the
Company shall transmit notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder by mail, first class
postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security
Register. If the Company fails to transmit such notice within ten days after acceptance of
appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be
transmitted at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which
the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the
Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be
qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties
hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation
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to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so
authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such
Securities.
SECTION 7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any
creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has
resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the
extent included therein.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
SECTION 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders.
Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any
action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver
or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders
of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any
instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of
that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.
If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company may, at its option,
as evidenced by an Officers Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such series for the
determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such
a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record
at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes
of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of
that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities
of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided, however, that no such
authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed
effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later
than six months after the record date.
SECTION 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a
Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the
holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:
(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in
any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.
(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or
by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.
(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as
it shall deem necessary.
SECTION 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners.
Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the
Guarantors (if applicable), the Trustee, any paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem and
treat the Person in whose name
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such Security shall be registered upon the books of the Company as the absolute owner of such
Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership
or writing thereon made by anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving
payment of or on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 2.03)
interest on such Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
SECTION 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities
of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, the
Securities of that series that are owned by the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any
other obligor on the Securities of that series or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under common control with the Company, or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any
other obligor on the Securities of that series shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only
Securities of such series that the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The
Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the
purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the
pledgees right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not a Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with
the Company or, if applicable, any Guarantor, or any such other obligor. In case of a dispute as to
such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection
to the Trustee.
SECTION 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders.
At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section
8.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection
with such action, any holder of a Security of that series that is shown by the evidence to be
included in the Securities the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing
written notice with the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such
action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of
any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and
owners of such Security, and of any Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration of
transfer thereof or in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto
is made upon such Security. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or percentage in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in
connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the
holders of all the Securities of that series.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders.
In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this Indenture, the Company,
the Guarantors and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or
indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as
then in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following
purposes:
(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency herein or in the Securities of any series;
(b) to comply with Article Ten;
(c) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated
Securities;
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(d) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of all or any series
of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such
series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
(e) to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the
authorized amount, terms, purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of Securities, as herein
set forth;
(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder in any
material respect;
(g) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the
Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01, to establish the form of any certifications
required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities, or to
add to the rights of the holders of any series of Securities; or
(h) to add Securities Guarantee and cause any Person to become a Guarantor, and/or evidence
the succession of another Person to a Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the
Securities Guarantee of Guarantor herein and, to the extent applicable, endorsed Company Securities
of any series.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company and any Guarantors in the execution
of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations
that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such
supplemental indenture that affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the
Company and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time
Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
SECTION 9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders.
With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture or indentures at the time Outstanding, the Company, and if applicable, the
Guarantors, when authorized by Board Resolutions, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any
time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions
to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any
supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the
holders of the Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Security then Outstanding
and affected thereby, (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable
upon the redemption thereof, (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities, the holders of
which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture or (iii) release any Guarantor
from any of its obligations under its Securities Guarantee or this Indenture..
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of any series affected
thereby under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or
of Section 10.01, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be deemed to be
modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company, the Guarantors
(if applicable), and the holders of Securities of the series affected thereby
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shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to
such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental
indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any
and all purposes.
SECTION 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and delivered
after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of
Section 10.01, may bear a notation in form approved by the Company, provided such form meets the
requirements of any exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any matter provided for in
such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of that series so
modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, to any modification of this
Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Company,
authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of that series then
Outstanding.
SECTION 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by Board Resolutions authorizing the execution of
any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of
Securityholders required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company,
and if applicable, any Guarantors, in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such
supplemental indenture affects the Trustees own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture
or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter
into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may
receive an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed
pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article
and that it is proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the execution
thereof; provided, however, that such Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with
the execution of a supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of a series of Securities
pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Company, and if applicable, any Guarantors, and the
Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall
transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting forth in general terms the
substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of all series affected thereby as
their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail
such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of
any such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE X
SUCCESSOR ENTITY
SECTION 10.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc.
Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent any
consolidation or merger of the Company or any Guarantor with or into any other Person (whether or
not affiliated with the Company) or successive consolidations or mergers in which the Company or
any Guarantor; or their successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the property of the Company, or any Guarantor,
or their successor or successors as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other
corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or its successor or successors) authorized
to acquire and operate the same; provided, however, the Company, and, if applicable, the
Guarantors, hereby covenants and agrees that, upon any such consolidation or merger (in each case,
if the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is not the survivor of such transaction),
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the due and punctual payment of the principal of
(premium, if any) and interest on all of the Securities of all series in accordance with the terms
of each series, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of
all the covenants and conditions of this Indenture with respect to each series or established with
respect to such series pursuant to Section 2.01 to be kept or performed by the Company shall be
expressly assumed, or guaranteed, as the case may be, if applicable, in the case of Guarantor, by
supplemental indenture (which shall conform to the
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provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee
executed and delivered to the Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into which the
Company, or a Guarantor, as the case may be, shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall
have acquired such property.
SECTION 10.02 Successor Entity Substituted.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition
and upon the assumption by the successor entity by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered
to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the due and punctual payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all of the Securities of all series Outstanding
and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture or
established with respect to each series of the Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 to be performed
by the Company with respect to each series, such successor entity shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Company with the same effect as if it had been named as the Company herein, and
thereupon the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this
Indenture and the Securities.
(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other
disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the
Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
(c) Nothing contained in this Article shall apply to limit or impose any requirements upon the
consolidation or merger of any Person into the Company or Guarantor where the Company or Guarantor,
as the case may be, is the survivor of such transaction, or the acquisition by the Company or a
Guarantor, by purchase or otherwise, of all or any part of the property of any other Person
(whether or not affiliated with the Company).
SECTION 10.03 Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may receive an Opinion of Counsel as
conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other
disposition, and any such assumption, comply with the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
If at any time: (a) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all
Securities of a series theretofore authenticated (other than any Securities that have been
destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07) and
Securities for whose payment money or Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in
trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company (and thereupon repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05); or (b) all such Securities of a
particular series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due
and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called
for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of
notice of redemption, and the Company or any Guarantor shall deposit or cause to be deposited with
the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in moneys or Governmental Obligations or a combination
thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at
maturity or upon redemption all Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to
such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall
also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the
Company then this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be of further effect with respect to such
series except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03 and 7.10, that
shall survive until the date of maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and Sections 7.06
and 11.05, that shall survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the
Company and at the cost and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging
satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series.
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SECTION 11.02 Discharge of Obligations.
If at any time all such Securities of a particular series not heretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section 11.01
shall have been paid by the Company or any Guarantor by depositing irrevocably with the Trustee as
trust funds moneys or an amount of Governmental Obligations sufficient to pay at maturity or upon
redemption all such Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such
date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company or any
Guarantor shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with
respect to such series, then after the date such moneys or Governmental Obligations, as the case
may be, are deposited with the Trustee, the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under
this Indenture with respect to such series shall cease to be of further effect except for the
provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 7.06, 7.10 and 11.05 hereof that shall
survive until such Securities shall mature and be paid. Thereafter, Sections 7.06 and 11.05 shall
survive.
SECTION 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust.
All moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01
or 11.02 shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either directly or
through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own paying agent), to the holders of
the particular series of Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or
Governmental Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee.
SECTION 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents.
In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys or Governmental
Obligations then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand
of the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all
further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations.
SECTION 11.05 Repayment to Company.
Any moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with any paying agent or the Trustee, or then
held by the Company, in trust for payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the
Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the holders of such
Securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest on such Securities shall have respectively become due and payable, shall be repaid to
the Company or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and thereupon the
paying agent and the Trustee shall be released from all further liability with respect to such
moneys or Governmental Obligations, and the holder of any of the Securities entitled to receive
such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for the
payment thereof.
ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 12.01 No Recourse.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, or of any
Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future as such, of the Company,
any Guarantor or of any predecessor or successor Person, either directly or through the Company,
any Guarantor or any such predecessor or successor Person, whether by virtue of any constitution,
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being
expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate
obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be
incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors as such, of the Company, any
Guarantor or of any predecessor or successor Person, or any of them, because of the creation of the
indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by
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reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of
the Securities or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and
nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such
rights and claims against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer or director as such,
because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the
obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or
implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a
consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of such Securities.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 13.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns.
All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on
behalf of the Company and a Guarantor, as the case may be, shall bind its successors and assigns,
whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 13.02 Actions by Successor.
Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or
performed by any board, committee or officer of the Company or a Guarantor shall and may be done
and performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or officer of any
corporation that shall at the time be the lawful successor of the Company or the Guarantor, as the
case may be.
SECTION 13.03 Notices.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein any notice or demand that by any provision of
this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders of
Securities to or on the Company or any Guarantors may be given or served by being deposited first
class postage prepaid in a post-office letterbox addressed (until another address is filed in
writing by the Company with the Trustee), as follows: [___]. Any notice, election, request or
demand by the Company, any Guarantor or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed
to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
SECTION 13.04 Governing Law.
This Indenture and each Security and, if applicable, each Securities Guarantee, shall be
deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for purposes
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State.
SECTION 13.05 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company or Guarantor to the Trustee to take any
action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company or Guarantor, as the case may be,
shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers Certificate stating that all conditions precedent
provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an
Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have
been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the
furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating
to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee
with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include (1) a
statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the
statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in
the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is
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necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
(c) The Company shall furnish to the Trustee, on [___] of each year, a brief certificate from
the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to
his or her knowledge of such obligors compliance with all conditions and covenants under this
Indenture. For purposes of this subsection, such compliance shall be determined without regard to
any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder.
SECTION 13.06 Payments on Business Days.
Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and as set forth
in an Officers Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this
Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal of any Security or the
date of redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or
principal (and premium, if any) may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force
and effect as if made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue
for the period after such nominal date.
SECTION 13.07 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with
the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed
duties shall control.
SECTION 13.08 Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 13.09 Separability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of
any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this
Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if
such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.
SECTION 13.10 Assignment.
The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under
this Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, provided that, in
the event of any such assignment, the Company will remain liable for all such obligations. Subject
to the foregoing, the Indenture is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the parties thereto
and their respective successors and assigns. This Indenture may not otherwise be assigned by the
parties thereto.
ARTICLE XIV
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 14.01 Subordination Terms.
The payment by the Company of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any
series of Securities issued hereunder shall be subordinated to the extent set forth in an indenture
supplemental hereto relating to such Securities.
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ARTICLE XV
GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 15.01 Securities Guarantee.
(a) Subject to the other provisions of this ARTICLE XV ARTICLE XV, each of the Guarantors
hereby jointly and severally, guarantees to each holder of a Security of each series to which this
ARTICLE XV has been made applicable as provided in SECTION 2.01(a)(16) (the Securities of such
series being referred to herein as the Guaranteed Securities) (which Security has been
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee), and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns,
irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Guaranteed Securities, the
obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:
(i) the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Guaranteed Securities will be
promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and
interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Guaranteed Securities, if any, if lawful,
and all other obligations of the Company to the holders of Guaranteed Securities, or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the
terms hereof and thereof; and
(ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Guaranteed Securities or
any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration
or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever
reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated top pay the same immediately. Each
Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
(b) To the extent permissible under applicable law, the obligations of the Guarantors under
this Securities Guarantee are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Guaranteed Securities or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce
the same, any waiver or consent by any holder of the Guaranteed Securities with respect to any
provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to
enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable
discharge or defense of a guarantor. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor
hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event
of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the
Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Securities Guarantee
will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the
Guaranteed Securities and this Indenture.
(c) If any holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the
Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in
relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such
holder, this Securities Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full
force and effect.
(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation
to the holders in respect to any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all
obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the holders of Guaranteed
Securities and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed
hereby may be accelerated as provided in ARTICLE VI hereof for the purposes of this Securities
Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration
in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of
acceleration of such obligations as provided in ARTICLE VI hereof, such obligations (regardless of
whether due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose
of this Securities Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any
non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the
Holders under the Securities Guarantee.
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SECTION 15.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Guaranteed Securities, each holder thereof, hereby
confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Securities Guarantee of such
Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the
Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or
state law to the extent applicable to any Securities Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing
intention, the Trustee, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the holders and each
Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the
maximum amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and
fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to
any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any
other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this ARTICLE XV, result
in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Securities Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance.
SECTION 15.03 Execution and Delivery of Securities Guarantee Notation.
To evidence its Securities Guarantee set forth in SECTION 15.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby
agrees that a notation of such Securities Guarantee substantially in the form established pursuant
to a Board Resolution or in a supplemental indenture, will be endorsed by an officer of such
Guarantor on each Guaranteed Security authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this
Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its officers.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Securities Guarantee set forth in SECTION 15.01 hereof
will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Guaranteed
Security a notation of such Securities Guarantee.
If an officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Securities Guarantee no longer
holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Guaranteed Security on which a
Securities Guarantee is endorsed, the Securities Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.
The delivery of any Guaranteed Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof
hereunder, will constitute due delivery of the Securities Guarantee of such Guaranteed Security set
froth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as
of the day and year first above written.
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exv5w1
Exhibit 5.1
Fulbright & Jaworski l.l.p.
A Registered Limited Liability Partnership
2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2800
Dallas, Texas 75201-2784
www.fulbright.com
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facsimile: (214) 855-8200 |
February
18, 2009
Conns Inc.
3295 College Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701-4611
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Conns Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), Conn
Appliances, Inc., a Texas corporation (CAI), CAIAR, Inc., a Delaware corporation (CAIAR), CAI
Credit Insurance Agency, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (Credit), CAI Holding Co., a Delaware
corporation (CAI Holding), and Conn Credit Corporation Inc., a Texas corporation (CCC, and
along with CAI, CAIAR, Credit, CAI Holding, the Guarantors) in connection with the preparation of
a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the Registration Statement), to which this opinion is an
exhibit, filed by the Company and the Guarantors with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
Commission) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act). The Registration
Statement relates to the offering from time to time as set forth in the Registration Statement,
pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act, the form of prospectus contained therein (the Prospectus) and
one or more supplements to the Prospectus (each, a Prospectus Supplement), of (i) debt securities
in one or more series, which may be senior (Senior Debt Securities) or subordinated
(Subordinated Debt Securities and, together with the Senior Debt Securities, the Debt
Securities), (ii) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (Common Stock), (iii)
shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (Preferred Stock), (iv) warrants for the
purchase of Debt Securities, Common Stock or Preferred Stock (Warrants) and (v) guarantees of
Debt Securities by the Guarantors (Guarantees), having an aggregate initial public offering price
not to exceed $150,000,000, and each on terms to be determined at the time of its offering. In
addition, the Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and Warrants may be convertible into or exercisable
for Common Stock or Preferred Stock. The Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants,
and Guarantees are collectively referred to herein as the Securities.
The Debt Securities will be issued in one or more series pursuant to (i) a senior indenture
(the Senior Debt Securities Indenture) or (ii) a subordinated indenture (the Subordinated Debt
Securities Indenture and, together with the Senior Debt Securities Indenture, the Indentures),
each Indenture to be entered into by the Company, a financial institution to be named therein, as
trustee (the Trustee), and, if applicable, one or more Guarantors as guarantors with respect to
one or more such series, substantially in the forms attached as Exhibits 4.2 and 4.3, respectively,
to the Registration Statement, and each as the same may hereafter be modified or supplemented from
time to time, among other things, at the time of and in connection with the issuance of one or more
series of the Debt Securities.
Austin Beijing Dallas Denver Dubai Hong Kong Houston London Los Angeles Minneapolis
Munich New York Riyadh San Antonio St. Louis Washington DC
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 2
Any Guarantee of one or more series of Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to a supplement
to the Indenture pursuant to which the corresponding Debt Securities are issued.
Warrants to purchase Common Stock and Preferred Stock are collectively referred to herein as
the Stock Warrants. Warrants to purchase Debt Securities are referred to herein as the Debt
Warrants. The Stock Warrants and the Debt Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the
Securities Warrants. The Stock Warrants will be issued under a stock warrant agreement (the
Stock Warrant Agreement) between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as
stock warrant agent. The Debt Warrants will be issued under a debt warrant agreement (the Debt
Warrant Agreement) between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as debt
warrant agent. The Stock Warrant Agreement and the Debt Warrant Agreement are collectively referred
to herein as the Warrant Agreements.
We have examined the Registration Statement, the form of Senior Debt Securities Indenture and
the form of Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, which forms have been filed with the Commission
as exhibits to the Registration Statement.
In connection with the foregoing, we also have examined originals or copies of such corporate
records, as applicable, of the Company and the Guarantors, certificates and other communications of
public officials, certificates of officers of the Company and the Guarantors and such other
records, agreements, instruments and other documents as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of
rendering the opinions expressed herein. As to questions of fact material to those opinions, we
have, to the extent we deemed appropriate, relied on certificates of officers of the Company and
the Guarantors and on certificates and other communications of public officials. We have assumed
the genuineness of all signatures on, and the authenticity of, all documents submitted to us as
originals, the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as
copies, the due authorization, execution and delivery by the parties thereto of all documents
examined by us, and the legal capacity of each individual who signed any of those documents.
In rendering the opinions expressed below with respect to the Securities, we have assumed
that:
(1) the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments) will have become effective and comply with all applicable laws;
(2) a Prospectus Supplement with respect to each issued Security will have been
prepared and filed with the Commission describing the corresponding Securities offered
thereby;
(3) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and
state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement, as amended and
in effect, and the corresponding Prospectus Supplement;
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 3
(4) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any
Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the
Company and the other parties thereto;
(5) the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company or similar governing
documents of any of the Guarantors will not have been amended in any manner that would
affect any legal conclusion set forth herein, and any Certificate of Designation in respect
of Preferred Stock will be in conformity therewith and with applicable law;
(6) the consideration paid for any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock will
comply with Section 153(a) or (b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL) or
any successor provision;
(7) at the time of any offering or sale of Securities, the Company will have such
number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, if applicable, as set forth in such
offering or sale, authorized and available for issuance;
(8) all Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being
offered will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon
such conversion, exchange or exercise;
(9) each supplemental indenture to either Indenture pursuant to which any series of
Debt Securities are issued will comply with such Indenture as theretofore supplemented and
related to such series, and the form and terms of such Debt Securities will comply with such
Indenture as then supplemented and related to such series (including by such supplemental
indenture);
(10) none of the terms of any Security to be established subsequent to the date hereof
nor the issuance and delivery of such Security, nor the compliance by the Company and the
Guarantors with the terms of such Security, will violate any applicable law or will result
in the violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding on the Company
or any Guarantor or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having
jurisdiction over the Company or any Guarantor;
(11) the receipt by each person to whom or for whose benefit a Security is to be issued
(collectively, the Holders) of a certificate for such Security or the receipt by an
applicable depositary, acting as agent, on behalf of all Holders of the class or series of
Securities of which such Security is one, of a certified receipt or other writing then
evidencing such Securities, and the issuance and sale of and payment for the Securities so
acquired, in accordance with the applicable purchase, underwriting or similar agreement
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) and the board of directors
of each applicable Guarantor and the Registration Statement, as amended and in effect
(including the Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement); and
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 4
(12) for all purposes of our opinions herein expressed at all times material thereto
there will be a single institution acting as Trustee for the holders of Debt Securities
outstanding under the Senior Debt Securities Indenture, or the Subordinated Debt Securities
Indenture, as the case may be.
Based upon the foregoing, and having regard for such legal considerations as we deem relevant,
we are of the opinion that:
(i) With respect to authorized but unissued Common Stock, assuming (a) the taking by
the Board of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance of such
Common Stock, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters and (b) the due issuance
and delivery of such Common Stock, upon payment (or delivery) of the consideration therefor
in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement
approved by the Board, such Common Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
(ii) With respect to authorized but unissued Preferred Stock, assuming (a) the taking
by the Board of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance of a
series of the Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, (b)
the due filing with the Office of the Secretary of State of Delaware of the corresponding
Certificate of Designation for the particular series of Preferred Stock to be issued and (c)
the due issuance and delivery of such series of the Preferred Stock, upon payment (or
delivery) of the consideration therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive
purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board, such shares of the
Preferred Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(iii) With respect to any series of Debt Securities to be issued under the Senior Debt
Securities Indenture, assuming (a) the Senior Debt Securities Indenture, all then existing
and applicable supplements thereto and the supplemental indenture pursuant to which such
Debt Securities are issued, if any, executed and delivered at the time of and in connection
with the issuance of such Debt Securities, have been duly authorized and validly executed
and delivered by the Company and validly executed, delivered and authenticated by the
Trustee, (b) the Senior Debt Securities Indenture, as then and theretofore supplemented, has
been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (c) the Company has
taken all necessary corporate action to approve the Senior Debt Securities Indenture, and
the issuance and terms of such series of Debt Securities, the terms of the offering thereof
and related matters, and (d) the Debt Securities of such series have been duly executed,
authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt
Securities Indenture (as then supplemented and applicable) and the applicable definitive
purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board, upon payment (or
delivery) of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such series of Debt Securities
will be legally issued and constitute binding obligations of the Company.
(iv) With respect to any series of Debt Securities to be issued under the Subordinated
Debt Securities Indenture, assuming (a) the Subordinated Debt Securities
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 5
Indenture, all then existing and applicable supplements thereto and the supplemental
indenture pursuant to which such Debt Securities are issued, if any, executed and delivered
at the time of and in connection with the issuance of such Debt Securities, have been duly
authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and validly executed, delivered
and authenticated by the Trustee, (b) the Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, as then
and theretofore supplemented, has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended, (c) the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the
Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, and the issuance and terms of such series of Debt
Securities, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, and (d) the Debt
Securities of such series have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in
accordance with the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture (as then
supplemented and applicable) and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar
agreement approved by the Board, upon payment (or delivery) of the consideration therefor
provided for therein, such series of Debt Securities will be legally issued and constitute
binding obligations of the Company.
(v) With respect to the Guarantees, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate
action by the board of directors of each Guarantor a party thereto to authorize and approve
the issuance and terms of the Guarantees, the terms of the offering thereof and related
matters and (b) the due execution, issuance and delivery of the Guarantees for fair
consideration or reasonably equivalent value therefor as provided for in the applicable
definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the board of directors of
each Guarantor and otherwise in accordance with the applicable Indenture, such Guarantees
will be legally issued and constitute binding obligations of the applicable Guarantor.
(vi) With respect to the Warrants, assuming (a) the taking by the Board of all
necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of the Warrants,
the terms of the offering thereof and related matters and (b) the due execution, issuance
and delivery of the Warrants, upon payment of fair consideration or reasonably equivalent
value therefor as provided for in the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or
similar agreement approved by the Board and otherwise in accordance with the applicable
Warrant Agreement, such Warrants will be legally issued and constitute binding obligations
of the Company under applicable state law governing the Warrant Agreement.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following:
(a) The enforceability of any document, instrument or Security may be limited or
affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation,
rearrangement, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws (including
court decisions) now or hereafter in effect and affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors generally or providing for the relief of debtors, (ii) the refusal of a particular
court to grant equitable remedies, including without limitation specific performance and
injunctive relief, (iii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 6
such remedies are sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iv) with respect to
any Debt Securities denominated in a currency other than United States dollars, the
requirement that a claim (or a foreign currency judgment in respect of such a claim) with
respect to such Securities be converted to United States dollars at a rate of exchange
prevailing on a date determined pursuant to applicable law or governmental authority.
(b) In rendering the foregoing opinions, we express no opinion as to the legality,
validity, enforceability or binding effect of provisions of each of the referenced
agreements relating to indemnities and rights of contribution to the extent prohibited by
public policy or that might require indemnification for losses or expenses caused by
negligence, gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or illegality of an indemnified
party.
(c) We express no opinion as to any provision that (i) relates to severability or
separability or (ii) purports to require all amendments, supplements or waivers to be in
writing.
(d) With respect to Section 7.06(a) of each of the Senior Debt Securities Indenture and
the Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, we express no opinion with respect to the
enforceability of such section should limitations on the compensation of trustees be enacted
in the future. With respect to Section 12.01 of each of the Senior Debt Securities
Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, we express no opinion as to the
enforceability of any of the provisions contained therein to the extent that any such
provisions purport to waive liability for violations of securities laws.
This opinion speaks as of its date and we undertake no, and hereby disclaim any, duty to
advise as to changes of fact or law coming to our attention after the delivery hereof on such date.
For the purposes of the opinions expressed above, we have assumed that, at the time of the
execution and delivery of each Indenture, each supplemental indenture, each Certificate of
Designation in respect of Preferred Stock, and each Warrant Agreement to be used in connection with
an issuance of Warrants, and at the time of the issuance and delivery of each Security, (a) the
Company will be validly existing in good standing under the law of the State of Delaware, it will
have full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under such Indenture,
supplemental indenture, Certificate of Designation, Warrant Agreement, or Security, as the case may
be, and there shall have occurred no change in applicable law (statutory or decisional), rule or
regulation, or in any other relevant fact or circumstance, that (in any such case) would adversely
affect our ability to render at such time an opinion containing the same legal conclusions herein
set forth and subject only to such (or fewer) assumptions, limitations and qualifications as are
contained herein, and (b) in the case of the Securities, at the time of issuance, execution and
delivery thereof or of the instrument evidencing the same (i) the Registration Statement, and any
amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), will have become effective and will
comply with all applicable laws, (ii) a Prospectus Supplement will have been prepared and filed
with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby, (iii) all Securities will have been
issued and sold in compliance with applicable United States federal and state securities laws and
in the manner stated in the Registration Statement, as amended and in effect, and the corresponding
Prospectus Supplement, and (iv) a definitive
Conns Inc.
February 18, 2009
Page 7
purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have
been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties
thereto.
The opinions expressed herein are limited exclusively to the federal laws of the United States
of America, the laws of the State of New York and the laws of the State of Texas and applicable
provisions of, respectively, the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware General Corporation Law and
reported judicial interpretations of such law, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of
the laws of any other jurisdiction. To the extent that any of the Guarantors are incorporated
under the laws of another jurisdiction, we have assumed the following: (i) that such Guarantor has
been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of
its state of incorporation; (ii) that each of the Indenture and the Guarantees have been duly
authorized by it, the Indenture has been duly executed by it and it has full corporate power and
authority to enter into each of such agreements; and (iii) no consent, approval, authorization or
order of any court or governmental agency or body of its state of incorporation is required of it
for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Indenture or Guarantees.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
and to the statements made with respect thereto under the caption Legal Matters in the Prospectus
included as part of the Registration Statement. This consent is not to be construed as an
admission that we are a party whose consent is required to be filed with the Registration Statement
under the provisions of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
exv12w1
Exhibit 12.1
Statement
of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended October 31,
|
|
|
Year Ended January 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands, except ratio amounts)
|
|
|
Income before minority interest and income taxes
|
|
$
|
21,418
|
|
|
$
|
40,852
|
|
|
$
|
61,195
|
|
|
$
|
62,586
|
|
|
$
|
63,444
|
|
|
$
|
47,511
|
|
|
$
|
38,303
|
|
Fixed charges
|
|
|
10,143
|
|
|
|
7,836
|
|
|
|
10,808
|
|
|
|
9,776
|
|
|
|
8,898
|
|
|
|
9,580
|
|
|
|
12,845
|
|
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
(135
|
)
|
|
|
(202
|
)
|
|
|
(252
|
)
|
|
|
(299
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preference dividends of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,986
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total earnings
|
|
$
|
31,426
|
|
|
$
|
48,486
|
|
|
$
|
71,751
|
|
|
$
|
72,063
|
|
|
$
|
72,342
|
|
|
$
|
57,091
|
|
|
$
|
48,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense (including capitalized interest)
|
|
$
|
816
|
|
|
$
|
314
|
|
|
$
|
499
|
|
|
$
|
375
|
|
|
$
|
379
|
|
|
$
|
1,297
|
|
|
$
|
2,120
|
|
Amortized premiums and expenses
|
|
|
435
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
|
175
|
|
Estimated interest within rent expense
|
|
|
8,892
|
|
|
|
7,482
|
|
|
|
10,256
|
|
|
|
9,348
|
|
|
|
8,456
|
|
|
|
8,114
|
|
|
|
7,564
|
|
Preference dividends of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fixed charges
|
|
$
|
10,143
|
|
|
$
|
7,836
|
|
|
$
|
10,808
|
|
|
$
|
9,776
|
|
|
$
|
8,898
|
|
|
$
|
9,580
|
|
|
$
|
12,845
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
|
|
|
3.10
|
|
|
|
6.19
|
|
|
|
6.64
|
|
|
|
7.37
|
|
|
|
8.13
|
|
|
|
5.96
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
|
exv23w2
Exhibit 23.2
Consent
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
Experts in this Registration Statement
(Form S-3)
and related Prospectus of Conns, Inc. for the registration
of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and warrants
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports
dated March 26, 2008, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Conns, Inc., and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of
Conns, Inc., included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K)
for the year ended January 31, 2008, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Houston, Texas
February 16, 2009