<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 7, 1997
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-23993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------------
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------------
BARNETT BANKS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
FLORIDA 6712 59-0560515
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Classification Code Number) Identification
incorporation or organization) Number)
</TABLE>
50 NORTH LAURA STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202
(904) 791-7720
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
------------------------------
BARNETT CAPITAL I
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 6719 51-0378532
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Classification Code Number) Identification
incorporation or organization) Number)
</TABLE>
50 NORTH LAURA STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202
(904) 791-7720
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
------------------------------
CHARLES E. RICE
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BARNETT BANKS, INC.
50 NORTH LAURA STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202
(904) 791-7720
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
------------------------------
WITH COPIES TO:
HALCYON E. SKINNER, ESQ.
Mahoney Adams & Criser, P.A.
50 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
(904) 798-2626
------------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
------------------------------
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, please check the following box. / /
------------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO AGGREGATE OFFERING AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PRICE PER UNIT(1) PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
8.06% Capital Securities of Barnett
Capital I................................. $300,000,000 100% $300,000,000 $90,909.00
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2026 of
Barnett Banks, Inc.(2).................... -- -- -- N/A
Barnett Banks, Inc. Guarantee with respect
to Capital Securities(3).................. -- -- -- N/A
Total(4).................................... $300,000,000 100% $300,000,000(5) $90,909.00(6)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee.
(2) The 8.06% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2026 (the "Junior Subordinated
Debentures") were originally purchased by Barnett Capital I with the
proceeds of the sale of the 8.06% Capital Securities of Barnett Capital I
(the "Capital Securities"). No separate consideration will be received for
the Junior Subordinated Debentures distributed upon any liquidation of
Barnett Capital I.
(3) No separate consideration will be received for the Barnett Banks, Inc.
Guarantee (the "Guarantee").
(4) This Registration Statement is deemed to cover the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the rights of holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
under the Indenture (as defined herein), the rights of holders of the
Capital Securities of Barnett Capital I under its Declaration (as defined
herein) and the rights of holders of the Capital Securities under the
Guarantee.
(5) Such amount represents the initial public offering price of the Capital
Securities to be exchanged hereunder and the principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Debentures that may be distributed upon any liquidation of
Barnett Capital I.
(6) Previously Paid.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
BARNETT CAPITAL I
OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS 8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING 8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $1,000 PER CAPITAL SECURITY)
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, BY
BARNETT BANKS, INC.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 9, 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED.
Barnett Capital I, a trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware
(the "Trust") and Barnett Banks, Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Company"),
hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Prospectus (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Prospectus") and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together
constitute the "Exchange Offer"), to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of its 8.06% Capital Securities (the "New Capital
Securities") which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement (as defined
herein) of which this Prospectus constitutes a part, for a like liquidation
amount of its outstanding 8.06% Capital Securities (the "Old Capital
Securities"), of which $300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount is outstanding.
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the Company is also exchanging its guarantee of
the payment of Distributions (as defined herein) and payments on liquidation or
redemption of the Old Capital Securities (the "Old Guarantee") for a like
guarantee of the New Capital Securities (the "New Guarantee") and all of its
8.06% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2026 (the "Old Junior Subordinated
Debentures"), of which $309,279,000 aggregate principal amount is outstanding,
for a like aggregate principal of its 8.06% Junior Subordinated Debentures due
2026 (the "New Junior Subordinated Debentures"), which New Guarantee and New
Junior Subordinated Debentures also have been registered under the Securities
Act. The Old Capital Securities, the Old Guarantee and the Old Junior
Subordinated Debentures are collectively referred to herein as the "Old
Securities", and the New Capital Securities, the New Guarantee and the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures are collectively referred to herein as the "New
Securities".
The terms of the New Securities are identical in all material respects to
the respective terms of the Old Securities, except that (i) the New Securities
have been registered under the Securities Act and therefore will not be subject
to certain restrictions on transfer applicable to the Old Securities, and (ii)
the New Securities will not provide for any liquidated damages relating to the
registration thereof. See "Description of Capital Securities" and "Description
of the Old Securities." The New Capital Securities, the New Junior Subordinated
Debentures and the New Guarantee are being offered for exchange in order to
satisfy certain obligations of the Company and the Trust under the Registration
Rights Agreement dated as of November 27, 1996 (the "Registration Rights
Agreement") among the Company, the Trust and the Initial Purchasers (as defined
herein). In the event that the Exchange Offer is consummated, any Old Capital
Securities which remain outstanding after consummation of the Exchange Offer and
the New Capital Securities issued in the Exchange Offer will vote together as a
single class for purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite
percentage in outstanding liquidation amount thereof have taken certain actions
or exercised certain rights under the Declaration (as defined herein).
--------------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 15 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS WHO TENDER OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES IN THE EXCHANGE
OFFER.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY OR INSURER.
--------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
--------------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 7, 1997.
<PAGE>
The New Capital Securities and the Old Capital Securities (together, the
"Capital Securities") represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the
Trust. The Company is the owner of all of the beneficial ownership interests
represented by common securities of the Trust (the "Common Securities" and,
collectively with the Capital Securities, the "Trust Securities"). The Trust
exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust Securities and investing the
proceeds thereof in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Junior Subordinated
Debentures will mature on December 1, 2026 (the "Stated Maturity"). The Capital
Securities will have a preference under certain circumstances with respect to
cash distributions and amounts payable on liquidation, redemption or otherwise
over the Common Securities. See "Description of the New Securities--Description
of Capital Securities--Subordination of Common Securities."
As used herein and as the context may require, unless expressly stated
otherwise, (i) "Capital Securities" includes the Old Capital Securities and the
New Capital Securities, (ii) "Junior Subordinated Debentures" includes the Old
Junior Subordinated Debentures and the New Junior Subordinated Debentures and
(iii) "Guarantee" includes the Old Guarantee and the New Guarantee.
Holders of the Capital Securities will be entitled to receive cumulative
cash distributions accruing from November 27, 1996 and payable semi-annually in
arrears on the first day of June and December of each year, commencing June 1,
1997, at the annual rate of 8.06% of the liquidation preference of $1,000 per
Capital Security ("Distributions"). The distribution rate and the distribution
payment dates and other payment dates for the Capital Securities will correspond
to the payments and payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which
will be the sole assets of the Trust. The Company will guarantee the payment of
Distributions and payments on liquidation of the Trust or redemption of the
Capital Securities, but only in each case to the extent of funds held by the
Trust, as described herein. See "Description of Guarantee" herein. If the
Company does not make interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
held by the Trust, the Trust will have insufficient funds to pay Distributions
on the Capital Securities. The Company's obligations under the Guarantee, taken
together with its obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the
Indenture (as defined herein), including its obligation to pay all costs,
expenses and liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Capital
Securities), constitute a full and unconditional guarantee of all of the Trust's
obligations under the Capital Securities. The obligations of the Company under
the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures are subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all Indebtedness (as defined in "Description of Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Subordination" herein) of the Company and will be
structurally subordinated to all liabilities and obligations of the Company's
subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1996, approximately $1.2 billion aggregate
principal amount of Indebtedness was outstanding, and the Company's consolidated
subsidiaries had approximately $37.4 billion of indebtedness and other
liabilities. The terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures place no limitation
on the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred by the Company or on the
amount of liabilities and obligations of the Company's subsidiaries. See
"Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures--Subordination."
The Company has the right to defer payment of interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures at any time or from time to time for a period not
exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods with respect to each deferral
period (each, an "Extension Period"), provided that no Extension Period may
extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon
the termination of any such Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then
due on any Interest Payment Date (as defined herein), the Company may elect to
begin a new Extension Period subject to the requirements set forth herein.
Accordingly, there could be multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths
throughout the term of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. If interest payments
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures are so deferred, distributions on the
Capital Securities will also be deferred and the Company may not, and may not
permit any subsidiary of the Company to, subject to certain exceptions set forth
herein, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem,
purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, the Company's
capital stock or (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if
any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities that rank PARI PASSU
with or junior to the Junior
2
<PAGE>
Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to any
guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company
if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU with or junior to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures (other than (a) dividends or distributions in common stock of the
Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee, (c) any declaration of a dividend in
connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the
issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or
repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and (d) purchases of common
stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of the
Company's benefit plans). During an Extension Period, interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will continue to accrue (and the amount of Distributions
to which holders of the Capital Securities are entitled will accumulate) at the
rate of 8.06% per annum, compounded semi-annually, and holders of the Capital
Securities will be required to accrue interest income for United States federal
income tax purposes prior to receipt of cash related to such interest income.
See "Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures--Option to Extend Interest
Payment Period" and "Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are not redeemable prior to December 1,
2006 unless a Special Event (as defined herein) has occurred. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures are redeemable prior to maturity at the option of the
Company, subject to the receipt of any necessary prior approval of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") (i) on or after
December 1, 2006, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 104.030%
of the principal amount thereof on December 1, 2006, declining ratably on each
December 1 thereafter to 100% on or after December 1, 2016, plus the accrued and
unpaid interest thereon, or (ii) at any time, in whole (but not in part), upon
the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, at a redemption price equal
to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount thereof or (b) as determined
by a Quotation Agent (as hereinafter defined), the sum of the present values of
the principal amount and premium payable with respect to an optional redemption
of such Junior Subordinated Debentures on December 1, 2006, together with
scheduled payments of interest from the prepayment date to December 1, 2006,
discounted to the prepayment date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as
defined herein) plus, in either case, accrued interest thereon to the date of
prepayment, in each case subject to the further conditions described under
"Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures--Redemption." The Capital
Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon
repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at maturity or their earlier
redemption, in an amount equal to the amount of related Junior Subordinated
Debentures maturing or being redeemed and at a redemption price equal to the
redemption price of such Junior Subordinated Debentures, in each case plus
accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of redemption.
Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, the Company will
have the right, subject to the receipt of any necessary prior approval of the
Federal Reserve, to terminate the Trust and cause the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Capital Securities and the
Common Securities in liquidation of the Trust. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Redemption" and "--Liquidation Distribution upon Dissolution."
In the event of the liquidation of the Trust, after satisfaction of the
claims of creditors of the Trust, if any, as provided by applicable law, the
holders of the Capital Securities will be entitled to receive a liquidation
preference of $1,000 per Capital Security plus accumulated and unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment, which may be in the form of a
distribution of such amount in Junior Subordinated Debentures as described
above. If such Liquidation Distribution (as defined herein) can be paid only in
part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust on the Capital Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The holder(s)
of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any such
liquidation pro rata with the holders of the Capital Securities, except that if
an Indenture Event of Default (as defined
3
<PAGE>
herein) has occurred and is continuing, the Capital Securities shall have a
priority over the Common Securities. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution."
The Company and the Trust are making the Exchange Offer of the New Capital
Securities in reliance on the position of the staff of the Division of
Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
as set forth in certain interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other
transactions. However, neither the Company nor the Trust has sought its own
interpretive letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the Division
of Corporation Finance of the Commission would make a similar determination with
respect to the Exchange Offer as it has in such interpretive letters to third
parties. Based on these interpretations by the staff of the Division of
Corporation Finance, and subject to the two immediately following sentences, the
Company and the Trust believe that New Capital Securities issued pursuant to
this Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Capital Securities may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than a
holder who is a broker-dealer) without further compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that such
New Capital Securities are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's
business and that such holder is not participating, and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities. However, any
holder of Old Capital Securities who is an "affiliate" of the Company or the
Trust or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing New Capital Securities, or any broker-dealer who purchased Old
Capital Securities from the Trust to resell pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act ("Rule 144A") or any other available exemption under the
Securities Act, (a) will not be able to rely on the interpretations of the staff
of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission set forth in the
above-mentioned interpretive letters, (b) will not be permitted or entitled to
tender such Old Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer and (c) must comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any sale or other transfer of such Old Capital Securities
unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption from such requirements. In
addition, as described below, if any broker-dealer holds Old Capital Securities
acquired for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading
activities and exchanges such Old Capital Securities for New Capital Securities,
then such broker-dealer must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with any resales of such New Capital
Securities.
Each holder of Old Capital Securities who wishes to exchange Old Capital
Securities for New Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer will be required to
represent that (i) it is not an "affiliate" of the Company or the Trust, (ii)
any New Capital Securities to be received by it are being acquired in the
ordinary course of its business, (iii) it has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities, and (iv) if such holder is not a
broker-dealer, such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in,
a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Capital
Securities. In addition, the Company and the Trust may require such holder, as a
condition to such holder's eligibility to participate in the Exchange Offer, to
furnish to the Company and the Trust (or an agent thereof) in writing
information as to the number of "beneficial owners" (within the meaning of Rule
13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), on behalf of whom
such holder holds the Capital Securities to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer.
Each broker-dealer that receives New Capital Securities for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it acquired the Old Capital
Securities for its own account as the result of market-making activities or
other trading activities and must agree that it will deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of
such New Capital Securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the Company and
the Trust believe that broker-dealers who acquired Old Capital Securities for
their own accounts, as a result of market-making activities
4
<PAGE>
or other trading activities ("Participating Broker-Dealers"), may fulfill their
prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the New Capital Securities
received upon exchange of such Old Capital Securities (other than Old Capital
Securities which represent an unsold allotment from the original sale of the Old
Capital Securities) with a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities
Act, which may be the prospectus prepared for an exchange offer so long as it
contains a description of the plan of distribution with respect to the resale of
such New Capital Securities. Accordingly, this Prospectus, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer
during the period referred to below in connection with resales of New Capital
Securities received in exchange for Old Capital Securities where such Old
Capital Securities were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own
account as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Subject to
certain provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company
and the Trust have agreed that this Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
connection with resales of such New Capital Securities for a period ending 180
days after the Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission.
See "Plan of Distribution." Any Participating Broker-Dealer who is an
"affiliate" of the Company or the Trust may not rely on such interpretive
letters and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
See "The Exchange Offer--Resale of New Capital Securities."
In that regard, each Participating Broker-Dealer who surrenders Old Capital
Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be deemed to have agreed, by
execution of the Letter of Transmittal, that, upon receipt of notice from the
Company or the Trust of the occurrence of any event or the discovery of any fact
which makes any statement contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which causes this Prospectus to
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained or incorporated by reference herein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading or of the occurrence of certain other
events specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, such Participating
Broker-Dealer will suspend the sale of New Capital Securities pursuant to this
Prospectus until the Company or the Trust has amended or supplemented this
Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of
the amended or supplemented Prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer or
the Company or the Trust has given notice that the sale of the New Capital
Securities may be resumed, as the case may be.
Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has been only a limited secondary market
and no public market for the Old Capital Securities. The New Capital Securities
will be a new issue of securities for which there currently is no market.
Although the Initial Purchasers have informed the Company and the Trust that
they each currently intend to make a market in the New Capital Securities, they
are not obligated to do so, and any such market making may be discontinued at
any time without notice. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the
development or liquidity of any market for the New Capital Securities. Neither
the Company nor the Trust currently intends to apply for listing of the New
Capital Securities on any securities exchange or for quotation through the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.
Any Old Capital Securities not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer
will remain outstanding and will be entitled to all the same rights and will be
subject to the same limitations applicable thereto under the Declaration (except
for those rights which terminate upon consummation of the Exchange Offer).
Following consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of Old Capital
Securities will continue to be subject to all of the existing restrictions upon
transfer thereof and neither the Company nor the Trust will have any further
obligation to such holders (other than under certain limited circumstances) to
provide for registration under the Securities Act of the Old Capital Securities
held by them. To the extent that Old Capital Securities are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's ability to sell untendered Old
Capital Securities could be adversely affected. See "Risk Factors--Consequences
of a Failure to Exchange Old Capital Securities."
5
<PAGE>
THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS
AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO
TENDER THEIR OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
Old Capital Securities may be tendered for exchange on or prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on June 9, 1997 (such time on such date being
hereinafter called the "Expiration Date"), unless the Exchange Offer is extended
by the Company and the Trust (in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall
mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended). Tenders
of Old Capital Securities may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the
Expiration Date. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum
liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities being tendered for exchange.
However, the Exchange Offer is subject to certain events and conditions which
may be waived by the Company or the Trust and to the terms and provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement. The Company and the Trust have agreed to pay all
expenses of the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange Offer--Fees and Expenses."
Each New Capital Security will pay cumulative Distributions from the most recent
Distribution Date (as hereinafter defined) on the Old Capital Securities
surrendered in exchange for such New Capital Securities or, if no Distributions
have been paid on such Old Capital Securities, from November 27, 1996. Holders
of the Old Capital Securities whose Old Capital Securities are accepted for
exchange will not receive any accumulated Distributions on such Old Capital
Securities for any period from and after the last Distribution Date with respect
to such Old Capital Securities prior to the original issue date of the New
Capital Securities or, if no such Distributions have been paid, will not receive
any accumulated Distributions on such Old Capital Securities, and will be deemed
to have waived the right to receive any Distributions on such Old Capital
Securities accumulated from and after such Distribution Date or, if no such
interest had been paid or duly provided for, from and after November 27, 1996.
This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is being sent to all
registered holders of Old Capital Securities on or about the date of this
Prospectus.
Neither the Company nor the Trust will receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the New Capital Securities offered hereby. No dealer-manager is
being used in connection with this Exchange Offer. See "Use of Proceeds from
Sale of Old Capital Securities" and "Plan of Distribution.'
------------------------
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO ANY
PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY OR THE TRUST SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------------
6
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Available Information...................................................................................... 8
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................................................ 8
Summary.................................................................................................... 9
Barnett Capital I.......................................................................................... 9
The Company................................................................................................ 9
Risk Factors............................................................................................... 15
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
Dividends................................................................................................. 20
Use of Proceeds from Sale of Old Capital Securities........................................................ 20
Accounting Treatment....................................................................................... 20
Regulatory Treatment....................................................................................... 21
Capitalization............................................................................................. 21
Selected Financial Information............................................................................. 22
The Trust.................................................................................................. 23
The Exchange Offer......................................................................................... 24
Description of Capital Securities.......................................................................... 33
Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures.............................................................. 43
Description of Guarantee................................................................................... 51
Description of the Old Securities.......................................................................... 53
Relationship among the Capital Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee............ 53
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences...................................................... 55
Book-Entry Issuance........................................................................................ 60
ERISA Considerations....................................................................................... 62
Plan of Distribution....................................................................................... 63
Legal Matters.............................................................................................. 64
Experts.................................................................................................... 64
</TABLE>
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Commission. Such material filed by the Company with the
Commission may be inspected by anyone without charge at the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the Commission located at
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.
Copies of such material may also be obtained at the Public Reference Section of
the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, upon payment of prescribed fees. The Commission
maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, such as the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission and the address of such Web site is
http://www.sec.gov. Certain of the Company's securities are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE"), and reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning the Company may be inspected at the offices of the NYSE,
20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included or
incorporated by reference herein. The Company does not believe such financial
statements would be material to holders of the Capital Securities because (i)
all of the common securities of the Trust will be owned, directly or indirectly,
by the Company, a reporting company under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Trust has
no independent operations but exists for the sole purpose of issuing securities
representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in its assets and
investing the proceeds thereof in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the
Company, and (iii) the obligations of the Trust under the Capital Securities are
guaranteed by the Company to the extent described herein.
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-4
(the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company and the Trust with the
Commission under the Securities Act. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission, and
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits
relating thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the New
Securities. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any
document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made
to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
or otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996 and the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 14, 1997,
January 24, 1997, and April 7, 1997, previously filed by the Company with the
Commission, are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and shall be deemed
to be a part hereof.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the request of such person, a copy of any or all
of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits
to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference into such documents). Requests for such documents should be submitted
in writing to the Company at 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida
32202-3638, Attention: Corporate Communications Department.
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SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and is subject to,
the more detailed information and financial statements contained elsewhere and
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
BARNETT CAPITAL I
The Trust is a Delaware statutory business trust. The Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of issuing and selling the Trust Securities. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be the sole assets of the Trust and payments under
the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be the sole revenues of the Trust. All
of the Common Securities are owned by the Company.
THE COMPANY
The Company, organized in 1930, is a multi-bank holding company
headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, providing financial services to
consumers and businesses through bank and non-bank subsidiaries. The principal
bank, Barnett Bank, N.A., and its subsidiaries engage in retail financial
services, commercial banking, trust and investment management services. Indirect
auto lending and leasing is carried out in several states. Mortgage lending is
conducted through retail and wholesale offices nationwide. Other banking
activities are concentrated in Florida and southern Georgia. The principal
non-bank subsidiary of the Company is EquiCredit Corporation, which engages in
consumer finance nationwide. On December 31, 1996 the Company had total assets
of $41.2 billion and total deposits of $33.8 billion. On that date, the Company
was one of the top 25 financial institutions in the United States and the
largest bank holding company in Florida.
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 50 North Laura
Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Its mailing address is Post Office Box
40789, Jacksonville, Florida 32203, and its telephone number is (904) 791-7720.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Up to $300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of New Capital Securities
are being offered in exchange for a like aggregate liquidation amount of Old
Capital Securities. The Company and the Trust are making the Exchange Offer in
order to satisfy its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement
relating to the Old Capital Securities. For a description of the procedures for
tendering Old Capital Securities, see "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for
Tendering Old Capital Securities."
EXPIRATION DATE
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 9, 1997 unless the Exchange Offer is
extended by the Company and the Trust. See "The Exchange Offer--Expiration Date;
Extensions; Amendments."
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions, which may be waived by
the Company and the Trust in their sole discretion. The Exchange Offer is not
conditioned upon any minimum liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities being
tendered. See "The Exchange Offer--Conditions to the Exchange Offer."
The Company and the Trust reserve the right in their sole and absolute
discretion, subject to applicable law, at any time and from time to time, (i) to
delay the acceptance of the Old Capital Securities for exchange, (ii) to
terminate the Exchange Offer if certain specified conditions have not been
satisfied, (iii) to extend the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer and retain
all Old Capital Securities tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, subject,
however, to the right of holders of Old Capital Securities to withdraw their
tendered Old Capital Securities, or (iv) to waive any condition or otherwise
amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect. See "The Exchange
Offer--Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments."
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WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
Tenders of Old Capital Securities may be withdrawn at any time on or prior
to the Expiration Date by delivering a written notice of such withdrawal to the
Exchange Agent in conformity with certain procedures set forth below under "The
Exchange Offer--Withdrawal Rights."
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
Brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and other nominees who
hold Old Capital Securities through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") may
effect tenders by book-entry transfer in accordance with DTC's Automated Tender
Offer Program ("ATOP"). Holders of such Old Capital Securities registered in the
name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee are
urged to contact such person promptly if they wish to tender Old Capital
Securities. In order for Old Capital Securities to be tendered by a means other
than by book-entry transfer, a Letter of Transmittal must be completed and
signed in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The Letter of
Transmittal and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal must
be delivered to The First National Bank of Chicago, as exchange agent (the
"Exchange Agent"), by mail, facsimile, hand delivery or overnight courier and
either such Old Capital Securities must be delivered to the Exchange Agent or
specified procedures for guaranteed delivery must be complied with. See "The
Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities."
Letters of Transmittal should not be sent to the Company, the Trust, or the
Information Agent (as hereinafter defined). Such documents should only be sent
to the Exchange Agent. Questions regarding how to tender should be directed to
the Exchange Agent and requests for other information should be directed to the
Information Agent. See "The Exchange Offer--Exchange Agent and Information
Agent."
RESALES OF NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
The Company and the Trust are making the Exchange Offer in reliance on the
position of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission
as set forth in certain interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other
transactions. However, neither the Company nor the Trust has sought its own
interpretive letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the Division
of Corporation Finance of the Commission would make a similar determination with
respect to the Exchange Offer as it has in such interpretive letters to third
parties. Based on these interpretations by the staff of the Division of
Corporation Finance, and subject to the two immediately following sentences, the
Company and the Trust believe that New Capital Securities issued pursuant to
this Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Capital Securities may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than a
holder who is a broker-dealer) without further compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that such
New Capital Securities are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's
business and that such holder is not participating, and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities. However, any
holder of Old Capital Securities who is an "affiliate" of the Company or the
Trust or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing the New Capital Securities, or any broker-dealer who purchased the
Old Capital Securities from the Trust to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any
other available exemption under the Securities Act, (a) will not be able to rely
on the interpretations of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of
the Commission set forth in the above-mentioned interpretive letters, (b) will
not be permitted or entitled to tender such Old Capital Securities in the
Exchange Offer and (c) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or other transfer
of such Old Capital Securities unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption
from such requirements. In addition, as described below, if any broker-dealer
holds Old Capital Securities acquired for its own account as a result of
market-making or other trading activities and exchanges such Old Capital
Securities for New Capital Securities, then such broker-dealer must deliver a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resales of such New Capital Securities.
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Each holder of Old Capital Securities who wishes to exchange Old Capital
Securities for New Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer will be required to
represent that (i) it is not an "affiliate" of the Company or the Trust, (ii)
any New Capital Securities to be received by it are being acquired in the
ordinary course of its business, (iii) it has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities, and (iv) if such holder is not a
broker-dealer, such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in,
a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Capital
Securities. Each broker-dealer that receives New Capital Securities for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that is acquired the Old
Capital Securities for its own account as the result of market-making activities
or other trading activities and must agree that it will deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of
such New Capital Securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the Company and
the Trust believe that broker-dealers who acquired Old Capital Securities for
their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities ("Participating Broker-Dealers") may fulfill their prospectus
delivery requirements with respect to the New Capital Securities received the
New Capital Securities received upon exchange of such Old Capital Securities
(other than Old Capital Securities which represent an unsold allotment from the
original sale of the Old Capital Securities) with a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act, which may be the prospectus prepared for an
exchange offer so long as it contains a description of the plan of distribution
with respect to the resale of such New Capital Securities. Accordingly, this
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of new Capital
Securities received in exchange for Old Capital Securities where such Old
Capital Securities were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own
account as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Subject to
certain provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement and to the
limitations described below under "The Exchange Offer--Resale of New Capital
Securities," the Company and the Trust have agreed that this Prospectus, as it
may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating
Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of such New Capital Securities for a
period ending 90 days after the Expiration Date or, if earlier, when all such
New Capital Securities have been disposed of by such Participating
Broker-Dealer. See "Plan of Distribution." Any Participating Broker-Dealer which
is an affiliate of the Company or the Trust may not rely on such interpretive
letters and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
See "The Exchange Offer--Resales of New Capital Securities."
EXCHANGE AGENT
The exchange agent with respect to the Exchange Offer is The First National
Bank of Chicago (the "Exchange Agent"). See "The Exchange Offer--Exchange Agent
and Information Agent."
INFORMATION AGENT
The Georgeson & Co., Inc. (the "Information Agent") has been retained to act
as information agent to assist in connection with the Exchange Offer. See "The
Exchange Offer--Exchange Agent and Information Agent."
USE OF PROCEEDS
Neither the Company nor the Trust will receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the New Capital Securities offered hereby. See "Use of Proceeds From
Sale of Old Capital Securities."
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THE NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
SECURITIES OFFERED
Up to $300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust's 8.06% Capital
Securities, evidencing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of
the Trust, which have been registered under the Securities Act (Liquidation
Amount $1,000 per Capital Security). The New Capital Securities will be issued
and the Old Capital Securities were issued under the Declaration. The New
Capital Securities and any Old Capital Securities which remain outstanding after
consummation of the Exchange Offer will constitute a single series of Capital
Securities under the Declaration and, accordingly, will vote together as a
single class for purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite
percentage in outstanding liquidation amount thereof have taken certain actions
or exercised certain rights under the Declaration. See "Description of Capital
Securities." The terms of the New Capital Securities are identical in all
material respects to the terms of the Old Capital Securities, except that the
New Capital Securities have been registered under the Securities Act and
therefore are not subject to certain restrictions on transfer applicable to the
Old Capital Securities and will not provide for any liquidated damages in
connection with the registration thereof. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose of
the Exchange Offer," "Description of Capital Securities" and "Description of the
Old Securities." The Capital Securities will have a preference under certain
circumstances with respect to cash distributions and amounts payable on
liquidation, redemption or otherwise over the Common Securities.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Holders of the Capital Securities will be entitled to receive cumulative
cash distributions at an annual rate of 8.06% of the liquidation preference of
$1,000 per Capital Security, accruing from the date of original issuance and
payable semi-annually in arrears on the first day of June and December of each
year, commencing on June 1, 1997. The distribution rate and the distribution and
other payment dates for the Capital Securities will correspond to the interest
rate and interest and other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
See "Description of Capital Securities."
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The New Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on December 1, 2026. The
New Junior Subordinated Debentures will rank subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all Indebtedness of the Company. In addition, the Company's
obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be structurally
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of its
subsidiaries. See "Risk Factors--Ranking of Subordinated Obligations Under the
Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures," "Risk Factors--Status of
Company as Holding Company" and "Description of Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Subordination."
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GUARANTEE
Payment of distributions out of moneys held by the Trust, and payments on
liquidation of the Trust or the redemption of the New Capital Securities, are
guaranteed by the Company to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor.
If the Company does not make principal or interest payments on the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to make
distributions on the New Capital Securities, in which event the Guarantee shall
not apply to such distribution until the Trust has sufficient funds available
therefor. The Company's obligations under the New Guarantee, taken together with
its obligations under the New Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Indenture,
including its obligation to pay all costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust
(other than with respect to the Capital Securities), constitute a full and
unconditional guarantee of all of the Trust's obligations under the Capital
Securities. See "Description of Guarantee" and "Relationship Among the Capital
Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee." The
obligations of the Company under the New Guarantee are subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all Indebtedness of the Company. See "Risk Factors-- Ranking
of Subordinated Obligations Under the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated
Debentures" and "Description of Guarantee."
RIGHT TO DEFER INTEREST
The Company has the right to defer payment of interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest payment period on the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures, from time to time, for up to 10 consecutive
semi-annual periods. There could be multiple Extension Periods of varying
lengths throughout the term of the New Junior Subordinated Debentures. If
interest payments on the New Junior Subordinated Debentures are so deferred,
distributions on the New Capital Securities will also be deferred for an
equivalent period and the Company may not, and may not permit any subsidiary of
the Company to, subject to certain exceptions set forth herein, (i) declare or
pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, the Company's capital stock or (ii) make
any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase
or redeem any debt securities that rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to
any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any subsidiary of the
Company if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU with or junior to the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures (other than (a) dividends or distributions in common
stock of the Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee, (c) any declaration of a
dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan,
or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or
repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and (d) purchases of common
stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of the
Company's benefit plans). During an Extension Period, interest on the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures will continue to accrue (and the amount of Distributions
to which holders of the New Capital Securities are entitled will accumulate) at
the rate of 8.06% per annum, compounded semi-annually. During an Extension
Period, holders of Capital Securities will be required to include deferred
interest income allocated to their Capital Securities in their gross income as
original issue discount ("OID") even though the cash payments attributable
thereto have not been made. See "Description of Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payments Period" and "Certain United
States Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue
Discount."
REDEMPTION
The New Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by the Company in
whole or in part on or after December 1, 2006, or at any time in whole upon the
occurrence of a Special Event, in either case subject to any necessary prior
approval of the Federal Reserve. If the New Junior Subordinated Debentures are
redeemed, the Trust must redeem the New Capital Securities having an aggregate
liquidation preference equal to the aggregate principal amount of the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures so
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redeemed. The New Capital Securities will be redeemed upon maturity of the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Redemption."
LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, the Company will
have the right, subject to any necessary prior approval of the Federal Reserve,
to terminate the Trust and cause the New Junior Subordinated Debentures to be
distributed to the holders of the New Capital Securities and the Common
Securities in liquidation of the Trust. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution."
In the event of the liquidation of the Trust, after satisfaction of the
claims of creditors of the Trust, if any, as provided by applicable law, the
holders of the New Capital Securities will be entitled to receive a liquidation
preference of $1000 per New Capital Security plus accumulated and unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment, which may be in the form of a
distribution of such amount in New Junior Subordinated Debentures as described
above. If such Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the
Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation
Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on the New Capital
Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The holder of the Common
Securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any such liquidation
pro rata with the holders of the New Capital Securities, except that if an
Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Capital
Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities. See "Description of
Capital Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution."
RATINGS
It is expected that the New Capital Securities will be rated BBB by Standard
& Poor's Ratings Services and a2 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. A security
rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be
subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating
organization.
ABSENCE OF MARKET FOR THE NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
The New Capital Securities will be a new issue of securities for which there
currently is no market. Although Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Lehman
Brothers, Merrill Lynch & Co. and Salomon Brothers Inc., the initial purchasers
of the Old Capital Securities (the "Initial Purchasers"), have informed the
Company and the Trust that they each currently intend to make a market in the
New Capital Securities, they are not obligated to do so, and any such market
making may be discontinued at any time without notice. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the New
Capital Securities. The Trust and the Company do not intend to apply for listing
of the New Capital Securities on any securities exchange or for quotation
through the National Association of Securities Automated Quotation System.
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RISK FACTORS
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING THE
NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE EXCHANGE OFFER. TO
THE EXTENT ANY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS CONSTITUTES A "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT" AS DEFINED IN SECTION
27A(i)(l) OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW ARE CAUTIONARY
STATEMENTS IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO
DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT.
RANKING OF SUBORDINATED OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEE AND THE JUNIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The obligations of the Company under the Guarantee issued by the Company for
the benefit of the holders of Capital Securities and under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank subordinate and junior in right
of payment to all Indebtedness of the Company. At December 31, 1996, the
Indebtedness of the Company aggregated approximately $1.2 billion. Neither the
Indenture, the Guarantee nor the Declaration place any limitation on the amount
of secured or unsecured Indebtedness that may be incurred by the Company. See
"Description of Guarantee--Status of the Guarantee" and "Description of Junior
Subordinated Debentures--Subordination."
STATUS OF COMPANY AS HOLDING COMPANY
As a holding company, the ability of the Company to make payments of
interest and principal on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be dependent
primarily upon the receipt of dividends and other distributions from the
Company's subsidiaries. The Company's principal subsidiary is Barnett Bank, N.A.
(the "Bank"). There are various regulatory restrictions on the ability of the
Company's banking subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to the
Company. At December 31, 1996, the Company's banking subsidiaries could pay an
aggregate of $315 million in dividends to the Company without prior regulatory
approval. In addition, the right of the Company to participate in any
distribution of assets of any subsidiary, including the Bank, upon such
subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise (and thus the ability of
holders of the Capital Securities to benefit indirectly from such distribution),
will be subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to
the extent that any claims of the Company as a creditor of such subsidiary may
be recognized as such. Accordingly, the Capital Securities will effectively be
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Company's
subsidiaries, and holders of the Capital Securities should look only to the
assets of the Company for payments on the Capital Securities. As of December 31,
1996, the Company's consolidated subsidiaries had indebtedness and other
liabilities of approximately $37.4 billion.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
If a Trust Enforcement Event (as defined herein) occurs and is continuing,
then the holders of Capital Securities would rely on the enforcement by the
Property Trustee (as defined herein) of its rights as a holder of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures against the Company. The holders of a majority in
liquidation preference of the Capital Securities will have the right to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Property Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including the right
to direct the Property Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as a
holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. If the Property Trustee fails to
enforce its rights with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures held by
the Trust, any record holder of Capital Securities may institute legal
proceedings directly against the Company to enforce the Property Trustee's
rights under such Junior Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any
legal proceedings against such Property Trustee or any other person or entity.
If the Company were to default on its obligation to pay amounts payable
under the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Trust would lack funds for the
payment of Distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Capital
Securities or otherwise, and, in such event, holders of the Capital Securities
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would not be able to rely upon the Guarantee for payment of such amounts.
However, in the event the Company failed to pay interest on or principal of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures on the payment date on which such payment is due
and payable, then a holder of Capital Securities may directly institute a
proceeding against the Company for enforcement of payment to such holder of the
interest on or principal of such Junior Subordinated Debentures having a
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital
Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action"). In connection with such Direct
Action, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Capital
Securities under the Declaration to the extent of any payment made by the
Company to such holder of Capital Securities in such Direct Action. Except as
set forth herein, holders of Capital Securities will not be able to exercise
directly any other remedy available to the holders of Junior Subordinated
Debentures or assert directly any other rights in respect of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of Capital Securities-- Enforcement of
Certain Rights by Holders of Capital Securities," "Description of Guarantee" and
"Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures--Debenture Events of Default."
The Declaration provides that each holder of Capital Securities by acceptance
thereof agrees to the provisions of the Guarantee and the Indenture.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD; TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Company has the right under the Indenture to defer the payment of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time or from time to time
for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods, provided that no
Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. As a consequence of any such deferral, semi-annual
Distributions on the Capital Securities by the Trust would be deferred but would
continue to accumulate at the rate of 8.06% per annum, compounded semi-annually
during any such Extension Period. During any such Extension Period, the Company
may not, and may not permit any subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay
any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock or (ii)
make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank PARI PASSU
with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee
payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of
any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU with or junior
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures (other than (a) dividends or distributions
in common stock of the Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee (c) any
declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a
stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the
future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and
(d) purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plans). Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, the Company may further extend the Extension Period, provided
that no Extension Period may exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods or extend
beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon the
termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due on
any Interest Payment Date, the Company may elect to begin a new Extension Period
subject to the above requirements. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Distributions" and "Description of Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period."
Should the Company defer payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, a holder of Capital Securities will be required to accrue income (in
the form of OID) in respect of its pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures held by the Trust for United States federal income tax purposes. As a
result, a holder of Capital Securities will include such income in gross income
for United States federal income tax purposes in advance of the receipt of cash
attributable to such interest income, and will not receive the cash related to
such income from the Trust if the holder disposes of the Capital Securities
prior to the record date for the payment of Distributions with respect to such
Extension Period. See "Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount" and "-- Sales of
Capital Securities."
16
<PAGE>
The Company has no current intention of exercising its right to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. However, should the Company elect to exercise such
right in the future, the market price of the Capital Securities is likely to be
adversely affected. A holder that disposes of its Capital Securities during an
Extension Period, therefore, might not receive the same return on its investment
as a holder that continues to hold its Capital Securities. In addition, as a
result of the existence of the Company's right to defer interest payments, the
market price of the Capital Securities (which represent undivided beneficial
ownership interests in the Junior Subordinated Debentures) may be more volatile
than the market prices of other similar securities where the issuer does not
have such right to defer interest payments.
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION; PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, the Company has the
right, subject to any necessary approval of the Federal Reserve, to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole (but not in part) at the redemption
price described in the Indenture within 90 days following the occurrence of such
Special Event and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the Capital Securities
and Common Securities. A "Special Event" means a Tax Event, a Regulatory Capital
Event or an Investment Company Event (each as defined herein).
Legislation was proposed by the United States Department of the Treasury on
February 6, 1997, as part of President Clinton's Fiscal 1998 Budget Proposal
(the "Proposed Legislation"), that contained a provision which generally would
deny the interest deduction for interest paid or accrued on an instrument issued
by a corporation that (i) has a maximum term of more than 15 years and (ii) is
not shown as indebtedness on the separate balance sheet of the issuer or, where
the instrument is issued to a related party (other than a corporation), where
the holder or some other related party issued a related instrument that is not
shown as indebtedness on the issuer's consolidated balance sheet. This provision
is proposed to be effective generally for instruments issued on or after the
date of first Congressional committee action on the Proposed Legislation. If
this provision were to apply to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Company
would not be able to deduct the interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
It is expected that if the Proposed Legislation were enacted, such legislation
would not apply to the Junior Subordinated Debentures since they would be issued
prior to the date of first Congressional committee action. However, there can be
no assurance that the Proposed Legislation or future legislative proposals or
final legislation will not adversely affect the ability of the Company to deduct
the interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or otherwise affect the tax
treatment of the transactions described herein. Such a change, therefore, could
give rise to a Tax Event, which would permit the Company to cause the redemption
of the Capital Securities upon receiving an opinion of counsel, as described
more fully under "Description of Capital Securities--Redemption--Special Event
Redemption or Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures."
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event the Company will
have the right, subject to any necessary prior approval of the Federal Reserve,
to terminate the Trust and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be
distributed to the holders of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities
in liquidation of the Trust. In addition, upon liquidation of the Trust and
certain other events, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be distributed to
such holders. Under current United States federal income tax law and
interpretations thereof and assuming, as expected, the Trust is treated as a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, a distribution by
the Trust of the Junior Subordinated Debentures pursuant to a liquidation of the
Trust will not be a taxable event to the Trust or to holders of the Capital
Securities and will result in a holder of the Capital Securities receiving
directly such holder's pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
(previously held indirectly through the Trust). If, however, the liquidation of
the Trust were to occur because the Trust is subject to United States
17
<PAGE>
federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures as a result of the occurrence of a Tax Event or
otherwise, the distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures to holders of the
Capital Securities by the Trust would be a taxable event to the Trust and each
holder, and holders of the Capital Securities would recognize gain or loss as if
they had exchanged their Capital Securities for the Junior Subordinated
Debentures they received upon the liquidation of the Trust. See "Certain United
States Federal Income Tax Consequences--Distribution of Junior Subordinated
Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the Trust."
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for Capital Securities or
Junior Subordinated Debentures that may be distributed in exchange for Capital
Securities if a liquidation of the Trust occurs. Accordingly, the Capital
Securities that an investor may purchase, whether pursuant to the offer made
hereby or in the secondary market, or the Junior Subordinated Debentures that a
holder of Capital Securities may receive on liquidation of the Trust, may trade
at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the Capital
Securities offered hereby. Because holders of Capital Securities may receive
Junior Subordinated Debentures on termination of the Trust, prospective
purchasers of Capital Securities are also making an investment decision with
regard to the Junior Subordinated Debentures and should carefully review all the
information regarding the Junior Subordinated Debentures contained herein. See
"Description of Capital Securities--Redemption" and "--Liquidation Distribution
upon Dissolution" and "Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures--General."
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of Capital Securities generally will have limited voting rights
relating only to the modification of the Capital Securities and certain other
matters described herein. Holders of Capital Securities will not be entitled to
vote to appoint, remove or replace any of the Trustees (as defined below), which
voting rights are vested exclusively in the holder of the Common Securities. The
Trustees and the Company may amend the Declaration without the consent of
holders of Capital Securities to ensure that the Trust will be classified as a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, even if such action
adversely affects the interests of such holders. See "Description of Capital
Securities--Voting Rights; Amendment of the Declaration" and "--Removal of
Trustees."
CONSEQUENCES OF A FAILURE TO EXCHANGE OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
The Old Capital Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act
or any state securities laws and therefore may not be offered, sold or otherwise
transferred except in compliance with the registration requirements of the
Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws, or pursuant to an
exemption therefrom or in a transaction not subject thereto, and in each case in
compliance with certain other conditions and restrictions. Old Capital
Securities which remain outstanding after consummation of the Exchange Offer
will continue to bear a legend reflecting such restrictions on transfer. In
addition, upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of Old Capital
Securities which remain outstanding will not have any rights to have such Old
Capital Securities registered under the Securities Act or to any similar rights
under the Registration Rights Agreement (subject to certain limited exceptions).
The Company and the Trust do not intend to register under the Securities Act any
Old Capital Securities which remain outstanding after consummation of the
Exchange Offer (subject to such limited exceptions, if applicable).
To the extent that Old Capital Securities are tendered and accepted in the
Exchange Offer, a holder's ability to sell untendered Old Capital Securities
could be adversely affected. In addition, although the Old Capital Securities
have been designated for trading in the Private Offerings, Resale and Trading
through Automatic linkages ("PORTAL") market, to the extent that Old Capital
Securities are tendered and accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer, any
trading market for Old Capital Securities which remain outstanding after the
Exchange Offer could be adversely affected.
18
<PAGE>
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET
The Old Capital Securities were issued to, and the Company believes are
currently owned by, a relatively small number of beneficial owners. The Old
Capital Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and will be
subject to restrictions on transferability to the extent that they are not
exchanged for the New Capital Securities. Although the New Capital Securities
will generally be permitted to be resold or otherwise transferred by the holders
(who are not affiliates of the Company or the Trust) without compliance with the
registration requirements under the Securities Act, they will constitute a new
issue of securities with no established trading market. The New Capital
Securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. The Company and the
Trustee have been advised by the Initial Purchasers that the Initial Purchasers
presently intend to make a market in the New Capital Securities. However, the
Initial Purchasers are not obligated to do so and any market making activity
with respect to the New Capital Securities may be discontinued at any time
without notice. In addition, such market-making activity will be subject to the
limits imposed by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and may be limited
during the Exchange Offer. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that an active
public or other market will develop for the New Capital Securities or the Old
Capital Securities or as to the liquidity of the trading market for the New
Capital Securities or the Old Capital Securities. If an active public market
does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the New Capital Securities
may be adversely affected.
If a public trading market develops for the New Capital Securities, future
trading prices of such securities will depend on many factors, including, among
other things, prevailing interest rates, results of operations and the market
for similar securities. Depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for
similar securities and other factors, including the financial condition of the
Company, the New Capital Securities may trade at a discount.
EXCHANGE OFFER PROCEDURES
Subject to the conditions set forth under "The Exchange Offer--Conditions to
the Exchange Offer," delivery of New Capital Securities in exchange for Old
Capital Securities tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange
Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (i)
certificates for Old Capital Securities or a book-entry confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of Old Capital Securities into the Exchange Agent's account
at DTC, including an Agent's Message (as defined under the "The Exchange
Offer-Acceptance for Exchange and Issuance of New Capital Securities") if the
tendering holder does not deliver a Letter of Transmittal, (ii) a completed and
signed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent's Message in lieu
of the Letter of Transmittal, and (iii) any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal. Therefore, holders of the Old Capital Securities desiring
to tender such Old Capital Securities in exchange for New Capital Securities
should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. Neither the Company nor
the Trust is under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities
with respect to the tenders of Old Capital Securities for exchange.
19
<PAGE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO
COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The Company's consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
consolidated ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividend requirements for each of the periods indicated are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings to Fixed Charges:
Excluding Interest on Deposits........ 4.65 4.18 4.92 6.04 3.27
Including Interest on Deposits........ 1.77 1.66 1.78 1.69 1.26
Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements:
Excluding Interest on Deposits........ 4.59 3.82 4.29 4.95 2.72
Including Interest on Deposits........ 1.77 1.62 1.73 1.64 1.23
</TABLE>
For purposes of computing the ratios of both earnings to fixed charges and
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements,
earnings represent net income plus applicable income taxes and fixed charges.
Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, represent interest expense
(except interest on deposits), capitalized interest, minority interest and the
interest factor included in rents. Fixed charges, including interest on
deposits, represent all interest expense, capitalized interest, minority
interest, and the interest factor included in rents. Combined fixed charges and
preferred stock dividend requirements, excluding interest on deposits, represent
interest expense (except interest paid on deposits), capitalized interest,
minority interest, an amount equal to the pre-tax earnings required to meet
applicable preferred stock dividend requirements, and the interest factor
included in rents. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend
requirements, including interest on deposits, represent all interest expense,
capitalized interest, minority interest, an amount equal to the pre-tax earnings
required to meet applicable preferred stock dividend requirements, and the
interest factor included in rents.
USE OF PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
Neither the Company nor the Trust will receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the New Capital Securities offered hereby. In consideration for
issuing the New Capital Securities in exchange for Old Capital Securities as
described in this Prospectus, the Trust will receive Old Capital Securities, the
Trust will receive Old Capital Securities in like liquidation amount. The Old
Capital Securities surrendered in exchange for the New Capital Securities will
be retired and cancelled.
The net proceeds to the Trust from the offering of the Old Capital
Securities was approximately $300,000,000 (before deducting expenses associated
with the offering). All of the proceeds from the sale of the Old Capital
Securities were invested by the Trust in the Old Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The Company intends that the net proceeds from the sale of the Old Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be used for general corporate purposes, which may
include the repayment of indebtedness, investments in or extensions of credit to
its subsidiaries and the financing of possible acquisitions.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
For financial reporting purposes, the Trust will be treated as a subsidiary
of the Company and, accordingly, the accounts of the Trust will be included in
the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Capital Securities
will be presented in the consolidated statements of financial condition of the
Company as a separate line item directly above shareholders' equity under the
caption "Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Securities of Trusts Holding
Solely Parent Debentures" and appropriate disclosures about the Capital
Securities, the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for financial
reporting purposes. The Company will record Distributions payable on the Capital
Securities as an expense in the consolidated statements of income.
20
<PAGE>
REGULATORY TREATMENT
The Company is required by the Federal Reserve to maintain certain levels of
capital for bank regulatory purposes. The Company expects that the Capital
Securities will be treated as Tier 1 capital of the Company for such purposes.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996. The following data should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto of the Company incorporated herein by reference. The issuance of the New
Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer will have no effect on the
capitalization of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1996
-----------------------
AS
ACTUAL ADJUSTED(2)
---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term debt:
Direct obligations of Company................... $1,215,928 $ 1,215,928
Obligations of Company subsidiaries............. 10,601 10,601
---------- -----------
Total long-term debt.......................... 1,226,529 1,226,529
---------- -----------
Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
Securities of Trusts Holding Solely Parent
Debentures...................................... 500,000(1) 750,000(2)
---------- -----------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock................................. 212 212
Common stock.................................... 395,338 395,338
Contributed capital............................. 220,041 220,041
Net unrealized gain on investment securities
available for sale............................ 8,187 8,187
Retained earnings............................... 2,808,749 2,808,749
Less: employee stock plan obligation (62,196) (62,196)
---------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity...................... 3,370,331 3,370,331
---------- -----------
Total capitalization.......................... $5,096,860 $ 5,346,860
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
CAPITAL RATIOS:
Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets............. 10.97% 11.80%
Total risk-based capital to risk-based assets 14.17% 15.01%
Leverage........................................ 8.21% 8.83%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Securities of Trusts Holding
Solely Parent Debentures reflects the Capital Securities. The Trust is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and holds the Junior Subordinated
Debentures as its sole asset. This amount also includes the issuance of the
$200,000,000 Barnett Capital II 7.95% Capital Securities.
(2) The consolidated capitalization of the Company is set forth as adjusted for
the issuance of the $250,000,000 Barnett Capital III Floating Rate Capital
Securities on January 28, 1997.
21
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
information of the Company as of and for the periods indicated below. The
summary consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 were derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company incorporated herein by reference. The consolidated
financial data contained herein is adjusted to reflect a 2 for 1 stock split as
of September 6, 1996. The following information should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of the Company, together with the
related notes thereto, incorporated herein by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE
AND PER SHARE DATA)
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING DATA:
INTEREST INCOME
Loans................................................................... $ 2,656,886 $ 2,580,408 $ 2,164,320
Investment securities................................................... 325,206 375,692 387,465
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell................................................................ 23,698 4,887 3,108
Total interest income............................................... 3,005,790 2,960,987 2,554,893
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits................................................................ 924,331 993,046 761,511
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to
repurchase............................................................ 77,049 90,730 93,714
Other short-term borrowings............................................. 41,449 57,154 5,719
Long-term debt.......................................................... 93,941 78,323 60,464
Total interest expense.............................................. 1,136,770 1,219,253 921,408
Net interest income................................................. 1,869,020 1,741,734 1,633,485
Provision for loan losses............................................... 154,572 122,531 74,049
Net interest income after provision for loan losses................. 1,714,448 1,619,203 1,559,436
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts..................................... 237,779 225,966 227,573
Consumer finance income................................................. 125,866 83,477 --
Trust income 81,394 78,036 77,357
Credit card discounts and fees.......................................... 44,015 60,999 54,377
Mortgage banking income................................................. 67,111 62,640 33,112
Brokerage income........................................................ 43,990 31,694 30,010
Other service charges and fees.......................................... 141,331 118,616 104,845
Securities transactions................................................. 19,197 4,994 (13,086)
Other income............................................................ 49,811 52,601 28,412
Total non-interest income........................................... 810,494 719,023 542,600
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits.......................................... 829,939 758,930 648,658
Net occupancy expense................................................... 135,933 126,480 118,251
Furniture and equipment expense......................................... 153,696 144,461 138,546
SAIF assessment......................................................... 24,524 -- --
Other expense........................................................... 472,896 488,761 458,776
Total non-interest expense.......................................... 1,616,988 1,518,632 1,364,231
Net non-interest expense............................................ 806,494 799,609 821,631
EARNINGS
Income before income taxes and minority interest........................ 907,954 819,594 737,805
Income tax provision.................................................... 341,082 286,293 249,834
Net income before minority interest................................. 566,872 533,301 487,971
Minority interest, net of income taxes.................................. (2,381) -- --
Net income.............................................................. 564,491 533,301 487,971
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Primary: Earnings per share............................................. $ 2.89 $ 2.65 $ 2.39
Average number of shares................................................ 194,297,705 195,094,816 196,162,382
Dividends on preferred stock............................................ $ 2,168 $ 15,861 $ 18,200
Fully diluted: Earnings per share....................................... $ 2.86 $ 2.56 $ 2.33
Average number of shares 197,354,540 207,959,474 209,532,262
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets........................................................ $41,231,375 $41,553,545 $41,278,319
Total liabilities................................................... 37,361,044 38,281,359 38,144,136
Total shareholders' equity.......................................... 3,370,331 3,272,186 3,134,183
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......................... 41,231,375 41,553,545 41,278,319
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
The Trust is a statutory business trust created under the Delaware Business
Trust Act, as amended (the "Trust Act"), pursuant to a declaration of trust (as
amended and restated, the "Declaration") and the filing of a certificate of
trust as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Company
has acquired Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation preference equal to
at least 3% of the total capital of the Trust. The Trust used all the proceeds
derived from the issuance of the Old Capital Securities and the Common
Securities to purchase the Old Junior Subordinated Debentures and, accordingly,
the assets of the Trust consist solely of the Old Junior Subordinated
Debentures. The Trust exists for the exclusive purpose of (i) issuing the Trust
Securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets
of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Securities in the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, and (iii) engaging in only those other
activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Pursuant to the Declaration, there will initially be five trustees (the
"Trustees") for the Trust. Three of the Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") will
be individuals who are employees or officers of or who are affiliated with the
Company. The fourth trustee will be a financial institution that is unaffiliated
with the Company (the "Property Trustee"). The fifth trustee will be an entity
that maintains its principal place of business in the State of Delaware (the
"Delaware Trustee"). Initially, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national
banking association, will act as Property Trustee, and its affiliate, First
Chicago Delaware Inc., a Delaware corporation, will act as Delaware Trustee
until, in each case, removed or replaced by the Company as holder of the Common
Securities. The First National Bank of Chicago, will also act as trustee under
the Guarantee (the "Guarantee Trustee").
The Property Trustee will hold title to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities, and the Property Trustee
will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges with respect
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures under the Indenture (as defined herein) as
the holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In addition, the Property
Trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing
bank account (the "Property Account") to hold all payments made in respect of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Securities. The Guarantee Trustee will hold the Guarantee for the benefit of the
holders of the Capital Securities. The Company, as the holder of all the Common
Securities, will have the right to appoint, remove or replace any of the
Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of trustees, PROVIDED that the
number of trustees shall be at least three; PROVIDED further that at least one
trustee shall be a Delaware Trustee, at least one trustee shall be the Property
Trustee and at least one Trustee shall be a Regular Trustee. The Company will
pay all fees and expenses related to the organization and operations of the
Trust (including any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of
whatever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or
any other domestic taxing authority upon the Trust) and the offering of the
Capital Securities and be responsible for all debts and obligations of the Trust
(other than with respect to the Capital Securities).
For so long as the Capital Securities remain outstanding, the Company will
covenant (i) to maintain directly or indirectly 100% ownership of the Common
Securities, (ii) to cause the Trust to remain a statutory business trust and not
to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up, liquidate or be terminated, except as
permitted by the Declaration, (iii) to use its commercially reasonable efforts
to ensure that the Trust will not be an "investment company" for purposes of the
1940 Act (as defined herein) and (iv) to take no action that would be reasonably
likely to cause the Trust to be classified as an association or a publicly
traded partnership taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes.
The rights of the holders of the Capital Securities, including economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Declaration and the Trust Act. See "Description of Capital Securities." The
Declaration and the Guarantee also incorporate by reference the terms of the
Trust Indenture Act.
23
<PAGE>
The location of the principal executive office of the Trust is c/o Barnett
Banks, Inc., 50 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, and its
telephone number is (904) 791-7720.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
In connection with the sale of the Old Capital Securities, the Company and
the Trust entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial
Purchasers, pursuant to which the Company and the Trust agreed, among other
things, to file and to use their reasonable efforts to cause to become effective
with the Commission a registration statement with respect to the exchange of the
Old Capital Securities for capital securities with terms identical in all
material respects to the terms of the Old Capital Securities.
The Exchange Offer is being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of
the Company and the Trust under the Registration Rights Agreement. The form and
terms of the New Capital Securities are the same as the form and terms of the
Old Capital Securities except that the New Capital Securities have been
registered under the Securities Act and therefore will not be subject to certain
restrictions on transfer applicable to the Old Capital Securities and will not
provide for any liquidated damages in connection therewith. In that regard, the
Registration Rights Agreement provides that, if the Exchange Offer is not
consummated by July 7, 1997, then, with respect to the first 90-day period
immediately thereafter, the Company will pay liquidated damages to each holder
of Old Capital Securities in an amount equal to $.25 per week per $1,000
liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities held by such holder. The amount of
such liquidated damages will increase by an additional $.05 per week per $1,000
liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities with respect to each subsequent
90-day period until the Exchange Offer is consummated, up to a maximum amount of
liquidated damages of $.50 per week per $1,000 liquidation amount of Old Capital
Securities. Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of Old Capital
Securities will not be entitled to any liquidated damages with respect thereto
or any further registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement,
except under limited circumstances. See "Risk Factors--Consequences of a Failure
to Exchange Old Capital Securities" and "Description of the Old Securities."
The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will the Company or the Trust
accept tenders for exchange from, holders of Old Capital Securities in any
jurisdiction in which the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be
in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "holder" with respect to the
Exchange Offer means any person whose Old Capital Securities are held of record
by The Depository Trust Company who desires to deliver such Old Capital
Securities by book-entry transfer at The Depository Trust Company.
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the Company will exchange as soon as
practicable after the date hereof, the Old Guarantee for the New Guarantee and
all of the Old Junior Subordinated Debentures, of which $309,279,000 aggregate
principal amount is outstanding, for like aggregate principal amount of the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures. The New Guarantee and New Junior Subordinated
Debentures have been registered under the Securities Act.
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE
The Company and the Trust hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Prospectus and in the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal, to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of New
Capital Securities for a like aggregate liquidation amount of Old Capital
Securities properly tendered on or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined
below) and not properly withdrawn in accordance with the procedures described
below. The Trust will issue, promptly after the Expiration Date, an aggregate
liquidation amount of up to $300,000,000 of New Capital Securities in exchange
for a like aggregate liquidation amount of outstanding Old Capital Securities
tendered and accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer.
24
<PAGE>
The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum liquidation amount of
Old Capital Securities being tendered. As of the date of this Prospectus,
$300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of the Old Capital Securities is
outstanding.
Holders of Old Capital Securities do not have any appraisal or dissenters'
rights in connection with the Exchange Offer. Old Capital Securities which are
not tendered for or are tendered but not accepted in connection with the
Exchange Offer will remain outstanding and be entitled to the benefits of the
Declaration, but will not be entitled to any further registration rights under
the Registration Rights Agreement, except under limited circumstances. See "Risk
Factors--Consequences of a Failure to Exchange Old Capital Securities" and
"Description of the Old Securities."
If any tendered Old Capital Securities are not accepted for exchange because
of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, such unaccepted Old Capital Securities will be returned, without
expense, to the tendering holder thereof promptly after the Expiration Date.
Holders who tender Old Capital Securities in connection with the Exchange
Offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to
the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to
the exchange of Old Capital Securities in connection with the Exchange Offer.
The Company and the Trust will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain
applicable taxes described below, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See
"--Fees and Expenses."
NEITHER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY NOR THE TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES AS TO WHETHER TO
TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THEIR OLD CAPITAL
SECURITIES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER. IN ADDITION, NO ONE HAS BEEN
AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION. HOLDERS OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
AND, IF SO, THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES TO TENDER AFTER
READING THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CONSULTING WITH THEIR
ADVISERS, IF ANY BASED ON THEIR OWN FINANCIAL POSITION AND REQUIREMENTS.
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 9,
1997 unless the Exchange Offer is extended by the Company and the Trust (in
which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to
which the Exchange Offer is extended).
The Company and the Trust expressly reserve the right in their sole and
absolute discretion, subject to applicable law, at any time and from time to
time, (i) to delay the acceptance of the Old Capital Securities for exchange,
(ii) to terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or not any Old Capital Securities
have theretofore been accepted for change) if the Company and the Trust
determine, in their sole and absolute discretion, that any of the events or
conditions referred to under "--Conditions to the Exchange Offer" have occurred
or exist or have not been satisfied, (iii) to extend the Expiration Date of the
Exchange Offer and retain all Old Capital Securities tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the right of holders of Old Capital
Securities to withdraw their tendered Old Capital Securities as described under
"--Withdrawal Rights," and (iv) to waive any condition or otherwise amend the
terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect. If the Exchange Offer is amended in
a manner determined by the Company and the Trust to constitute a material
change, or if the Company and the Trust waive a material condition of the
Exchange Offer, the Company or the Trust will promptly disclose such amendment
by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the registered
holders of the Old Capital Securities, and the Company and the Trust will extend
the Exchange Offer to the extent required by Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
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Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed promptly by oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent and by
making a public announcement thereof, and such announcement in the case of an
extension will be made no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting
the manner in which the Company or the Trust may choose to make any public
announcement and subject to applicable law, neither the Company nor the Trustee
shall have any obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any
such public announcement other than by issuing a release to an appropriate news
agency.
ACCEPTANCE FOR EXCHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company and the Trust will exchange, and will issue to the Exchange Agent, New
Capital Securities for Old Capital Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn
(pursuant to the withdrawal rights described under "--Withdrawal Rights")
promptly after the Expiration Date.
In all cases, delivery of New Capital Securities in exchange for Old Capital
Securities tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer
will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (i) certificates
for Old Capital Securities or a book-entry confirmation of a book-entry transfer
of Old Capital Securities into the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository
Trust Company ("DTC"), including an Agent's Message (as hereinafter defined) if
the tendering holder has not delivered a Letter of Transmittal, (ii) the Letter
of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed,
with any required signature guarantees or (in the case of a book-entry transfer)
an Agent's Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal, and (iii) any other
documents required by the Letter of Transmittal. Accordingly, the delivery of
New Capital Securities might not be made to all holders at the same time, and
will depend upon when certificates for Old Capital Securities and other required
documents are received by the Exchange Agent.
The term "book-entry confirmation" means a timely confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of Old Capital Securities into the Exchange Agent's account
at DTC. The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to and
received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation,
which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement from the tendering
participant, which acknowledgement states that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Trust and the
Company may enforce such Letter of Transmittal against such participant.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the Company and
the Trust will be deemed to have accepted for exchange, and thereby exchanged,
Old Capital Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn as, if and when the
Company or the Trust gives oral or written notice to the Exchange Agent of the
Company's and the Trust's acceptance of such Old Capital Securities for exchange
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the
Company and the Trust for the purpose of receiving tenders of Old Capital
Securities, Letters of Transmittal and related documents and transmitting New
Capital Securities which will not be held in global form by DTC or a nominee of
DTC to validly tendering holders. Such exchange will be made promptly after the
Expiration Date. If for any reason whatsoever, acceptance for exchange or the
exchange of any Old Capital Securities tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer
is delayed (whether before or after the Company's and the Trust's acceptance for
exchange of Old Capital Securities) or the Company and the Trust extend the
Exchange Offer or are unable to accept for exchange Old Capital Securities
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then, without prejudice to the
Company's and the Trust's rights set forth herein, the Exchange Agent may,
nevertheless, on behalf of the Company and the Trust and subject to Rule
14e-1(c) under the Exchange Act, retain tendered Old Capital Securities and such
Old Capital Securities may not be withdrawn except to the extent tendering
holders are entitled to withdrawal rights as described under "--Withdrawal
Rights."
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Pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal or Agent's Message in lieu thereof, a
holder of Old Capital Securities will represent, warrant and agree in the Letter
of Transmittal that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, sell,
assign and transfer Old Capital Securities, that the Trust will acquire good,
marketable and unencumbered title to the tendered Old Capital Securities, free
and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and the Old
Capital Securities tendered for exchange are not subject to any adverse claims
or proxies. The holder also will warrant and agree that it will, upon request,
execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company, the Trust or
the Exchange Agent to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, sale,
assignment and transfer of the Old Capital Securities tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
VALID TENDER. Except as set forth below, in order for Old Capital
Securities to be validly tendered by book-entry transfer, a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any
required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu of the Letter of
Transmittal, and, in either case, any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, must be delivered to the Exchange Agent by mail, facsimile, hand
delivery or overnight courier at the Exchange Agent's address set forth under
"--Exchange Agent and Information Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date and
either (i) tendered Old Capital Securities must be received by the Exchange
Agent, (ii) such Old Capital Securities must be tendered pursuant to the
procedures for book-entry transfer set forth below, or (iii) the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth below must be complied with.
If less than all of the Old Capital Securities are tendered, a tendering
holder should fill in the amount of Old Capital Securities being tendered in the
appropriate box on the Letter of Transmittal. The entire amount of Old Capital
Securities delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered
unless otherwise indicated.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK, OF THE TENDERING
HOLDER, AND DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE
EXCHANGE AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS TO BE BY MAIL, THE USE OF REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, OR AN OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS
RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY.
BOOK ENTRY TRANSFER. The Exchange Agent and DTC have confirmed that any
Participant (as defined in "Book-Entry Issuance--Depositary Procedures") in
DTC's book-entry transfer facility system may utilize DTC's ATOP procedures to
tender Old Capital Securities. The Exchange Agent will establish an account with
respect to the Old Capital Securities at DTC for purposes of the Exchange Offer
within two business days after the date of this Prospectus. Any Participant may
make a book-entry delivery of the Old Capital Securities by causing DTC to
transfer such Old Capital Securities into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC in
accordance with DTC's procedures for transfers. However, although delivery of
Old Capital Securities may be effected through book-entry transfer in to the
Exchange Agent's account at DTC, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature
guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal, and any
other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal must in any case be
delivered to and received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth under
"--Exchange Agent and Information Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date, or
the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below must be complied with.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH DTC'S PROCEDURES DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES. Signature guarantees on the Letter of Transmittal are
unnecessary unless (a) a certificate for the Old Capital Securities is
registered in a name other than that of the person surrendering
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the certificate or (b) such registered holder completes the box entitled
"Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" in the Letter
of Transmittal. In the case of (a) or (b) above, the endorsement or signature on
the Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a firm or other entity
identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act as an "eligible guarantor
institution," including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a bank; (ii) a
broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or government securities
broker or dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national securities exchange,
registered securities association or clearing agency; or (v) a savings
association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association (each, an
"Eligible Institution"), unless surrendered on behalf of such Eligible
Institution.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY. If a holder desires to tender Old Capital Securities
pursuant to the Exchange Offer and time will not permit all required documents
to reach the Exchange Agent on or before the Expiration Date, or the procedures
for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, such Old Capital
Securities may nevertheless be tendered, provided that all of the following
guaranteed delivery procedures are complied with:
(i) such tenders are made by or through an Eligible Institution;
(ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, substantially in the form accompanying the Letter of Transmittal,
is received by the Exchange Agent, as provided below, on or prior to
Expiration Date; and
(iii) the Certificates or a book-entry confirmation of a book-entry
transfer representing all tendered Old Capital Securities, together with a
properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), or Agent's Message in lieu thereof, with any required signature
guarantees and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal,
are received by the Exchange Agent within five New York Stock Exchange
trading days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by
facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such notice.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the delivery of New Capital
Securities in exchange for Old Capital Securities tendered and accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will in all cases be made only after
timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of a book-entry confirmation with respect
to such Old Capital Securities, and a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), or Agent's Message in lieu
thereof, together with any required signature guarantees and any other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal. Accordingly, the delivery of New Capital
Securities might not be made to all tendering holders at the same time, and will
depend upon when book-entry confirmations with respect to Old Capital Securities
and other required documents are received by the Exchange Agent.
The acceptance by the Company and the Trust for exchange of Old Capital
Securities tendered pursuant to any of the procedures described above will
constitute a binding agreement between the tendering holder, the Company and the
Trust upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer.
DETERMINATION OF VALIDITY. All questions as to the form of documents,
validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of
any tendered Old Capital Securities will be determined by the Trust, in its sole
discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The
Company and the Trust reserve the absolute right, in their sole and absolute
discretion, to reject any and all tenders determined by them not to be in proper
form or the acceptance of which, or exchange for, may, in the view of counsel to
the Company and the Trust, be unlawful. The Company and the Trust also reserve
the absolute right, subject to applicable law, to waive any of the conditions of
the Exchange Offer as set forth
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under "--Conditions to the Exchange Offer") or any condition or irregularity in
any tender of Old Capital Securities of any particular holder whether or not
similar conditions or irregularities are waived in the case of other holders.
The Company's and the Trust's interpretation of the terms and conditions of
the Exchange Offer (including the Letter of Transmittal and the instructions
thereto) will be final and binding. No tender of Old Capital Securities will be
deemed to have been validly made until all irregularities with respect to such
tender have been cured or waived. Neither the Company, the Trust, their
affiliates or assigns, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under
any duty to give any notification of any irregularities in tenders or incur any
liability for failure to give any such notification.
If any Letter of Transmittal, endorsement, bond power, powers of attorney,
or any other document required by the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a
trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a
corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
such person should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company or
the Trust, proper evidence satisfactory to the Company or the Trust, in its sole
discretion, of such person's authority to act must be submitted.
A beneficial owner of Old Capital Securities that are held by or registered
in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
or custodian is urged to contact such entity promptly if such beneficial holder
wishes to participate in the Exchange Offer.
RESALE OF NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
The Company and the Trust are making the Exchange Offer for the Capital
Securities in reliance on the position of the staff of the Division of Corporate
Finance of the Commission as set forth in certain interpretive letters addressed
to third parties in other transactions. However, neither the Company nor the
Trust sought its own interpretive letter and there can be no assurance that the
staff of the Division of Corporate Finance of the Commission would make a
similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as it has in such
interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these interpretations by the
staff of the Division of Corporation Finance, and subject to the two immediately
following sentences, the Company and the Trust believe that the New Capital
Securities issued pursuant to this Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Capital
Securities may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a
holder thereof (other than a holder who is a broker-dealer) without further
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act, provided that such New Capital Securities are acquired in the
ordinary course of such holder's business and that such holder is not
participating, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate, in a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of
such New Capital Securities. However, any holder of Old Capital Securities who
is an "affiliate" of the Company or the Trust or who intends to participate in
the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing New Capital Securities, or
any broker-dealer who purchased Old Capital Securities from the Trust to resell
pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act,
(a) will not be able to rely on the interpretations of the staff of the Division
of Corporation Finance of the Commission set forth in the above-mentioned
interpretive letters, (b) will not be permitted or entitled to tender such Old
Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer and (c) must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any sale or other transfer of such Old Capital Securities unless
such sale is made pursuant to an exemption from such requirements. In addition,
as described below, if any broker-dealer holds Old Capital Securities acquired
for its own account as a result of market making or other trading activities and
exchanges such Old Capital Securities for New Capital Securities, then such
broker-dealer must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resales of such New Capital Securities.
Each holder of Old Capital Securities who wishes to exchange Old Capital
Securities for New Capital Securities in the Exchange Offer will be required to
represent that (i) it is not an "affiliate" of the
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Company or the Trust, (ii) any New Capital Securities to be received by it are
being acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (iii) it has no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution
(within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities, and
(iv) if such holder is not a broker-dealer, such holder is not engaged in, and
does not intend to engage in, a distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of such New Capital Securities. In addition, the Company and the
Trust may require such holder, as a condition to such holder's eligibility to
participate in the Exchange Offer, to furnish to the Company and the Trust (or
an agent thereof) in writing information as to the number of "beneficial owners"
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) on behalf of whom such
holder holds the Capital Securities to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer. Each
broker-dealer that receives New Capital Securities for its own account pursuant
to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it acquired the Old Capital
Securities for its own account as the result of market making activities or
other trading activities and must agree that it will deliver a prospectus
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of
such New Capital Securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of the Corporation
Finance of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the
Company and the Trust believe that broker-dealers who acquired Old Capital
Securities for their own accounts as a result of market making or other trading
activities ("Participating Broker-Dealers") may fulfill their prospectus
delivery requirements with respect to the New Capital Securities received upon
exchange of such Old Capital Securities (other than Old Capital Securities which
represent an unsold allotment from the original sale of the Old Capital
Securities) with a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act,
which may be the prospectus prepared for an exchange offer so long as it
contains a description of the plan of distribution with respect to the resale of
such New Capital Securities. Accordingly, this Prospectus, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer
during the period referred to below in connection with resales of New Capital
Securities received in exchange for Old Capital Securities where such Old
Capital Securities were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own
account as a result of market making or other trading activities. Subject to
certain provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company
and the Trust have agreed that this Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
connection with resales of such New Capital Securities for a period ending 180
days after the Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission.
See "Plan of Distribution." Any Participating Broker-Dealer who is an
"affiliate" of the Company or the Trust may not rely on such interpretive
letters and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
In that regard, each Participating Broker-Dealer who surrenders Old Capital
Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be deemed to have agreed, by
execution of the Letter of Transmittal or delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu
thereof, that, upon receipt of notice from the Company or the Trust of the
existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of
a material fact or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in
this Prospectus in order to make the statements contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus untrue, such Participating Broker-Dealer will
suspend the sale of New Capital Securities pursuant to this Prospectus until the
Company or the Trust has amended or supplemented this Prospectus to correct such
misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of the amended or supplemented
Prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer or the Company or the Trust has
given notice that the sale of the New Capital Securities may be resumed, as the
case may be.
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Capital Securities may
be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date.
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In order for a withdrawal to be effective a written, telegraphic, telex or
facsimile transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely received by
the Exchange Agent at its address set forth under "-- Exchange Agent and
Information Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify the name of the person who tendered the Old Capital
Securities to be withdrawn and the aggregate principal amount of Old Capital
Securities to be withdrawn. If Old Capital Securities have been tendered
pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in "--Procedures
for Tendering Old Capital Securities," the notice of withdrawal must specify the
name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of Old
Capital Securities, in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective if
delivered to the Exchange Agent by written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission. Withdrawals of tenders of Old Capital Securities may not be
rescinded. Old Capital Securities properly withdrawn will not be deemed validly
tendered for purposes of the Exchange Offer, but may be retendered at any
subsequent time on or prior to the Expiration Date by following any of the
procedures described above under "--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital
Securities."
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company and the
Trust in their sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding
on all parties. Neither the Company, the Trust, any affiliates or assigns of the
Company or the Trust, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any
duty to give any notification of any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal
or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Any Old
Capital Securities which have been tendered but which are withdrawn will be
returned to the holder thereof promptly after withdrawal.
DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES
Holders of Old Capital Securities whose Old Capital Securities are accepted
for exchange will not receive any accumulated Distributions on such Old Capital
Securities for any period from and after the last Distribution Date with respect
to such Old Capital Securities prior to the original issue date of the New
Capital Securities or, if no such Distributions have been made, will not receive
any accumulated Distributions on such Old Capital Securities, and will be deemed
to have waived the right to receive any Distributions on such Old Capital
Securities accumulated from and after such Distribution Date or, if no such
Distributions have been made, from and after November 27, 1996. However, because
Distributions on the New Capital Securities will accumulate from and after the
last Distribution Date with respect to the Old Capital Securities prior to the
original issue date of the New Capital Securities, or if no such Distributions
have been made, from November 27, 1996, the amount of Distributions received by
holders whose Old Capital Securities are accepted for exchange will not be
affected by the exchange.
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Exchange Offer, or any extension
of the Exchange Offer, the Trust will not be required to accept for exchange, or
to exchange, any Old Capital Securities for any New Capital Securities, and, as
described below, may terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or not any Old
Capital Securities have theretofore been accepted for exchange) or may waive any
conditions to or amend the Exchange Offer, if any of the following conditions
have occurred or exist:
(a) the Company and the Trust are not permitted to consummate the
Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law
or Commission policy;
(b) the Company has received an opinion of counsel, rendered by a law
firm having a recognized national tax practice, to the effect that, as a
result of the consummation of the Exchange Offer, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that (x) the Trust could be subject to United States
federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the Old
Junior Subordinated Debenture or New Junior Subordinated Debentures, (y)
interest payable by the Company on such Old Junior Subordinated Debentures
or New Junior Subordinated Debentures would not be deductible by the
Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes,
or (z) the Trust could be subject to more than a DE MINIMIS amount of other
taxes, duties or other governmental charges;
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(c) any action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in
any court or by or before any governmental agency or body with respect to
the Exchange Offer which, in the Company's and the Trust's judgment, would
reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Company or the Trust to
proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(d) any law, statute, rule or regulation shall have been adopted or
enacted which, in the Company's and the Trust's judgment, would reasonably
be expected to impair the ability of the Company or the Trust to proceed
with the Exchange Offer;
(e) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by United States or
Florida authorities which, in the Company's and the Trust's judgment, would
reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Company or the Trust to
proceed with the Exchange Offer; or
(f) trading on the New York Stock Exchange or generally in the United
States over-the-counter market shall have been suspended by order of the
Commission or any other governmental authority which, in the Company's and
the Trust's judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of
the Company or the Trust to proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(g) a stop order shall have been issued by the Commission or any state
securities authority suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement or proceedings shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of
the Company or the Trust, threatened for that purpose; or
(h) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in
the business or financial affairs of the Company or the Trust or any of
their subsidiaries has occurred which, in the sole judgment of the Company
and the Trust, might materially impair the ability of the Company or the
Trust to proceed with the Exchange Offer.
If the Company and the Trust determine in their sole and absolute discretion
that any of the foregoing events or conditions has occurred or exists, the
Company and the Trust may, subject to applicable law, terminate the Exchange
Offer (whether or not any Old Capital Securities have theretofore been accepted
for exchange) or may amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect. If
such amendment constitutes a material change to the Exchange Offer, the Company
and the Trust will promptly disclose such waiver by means of a prospectus
supplement that will be distributed to the registered holders of the Old Capital
Securities, and the Company and the Trust will extend the Exchange Offer to the
extent required by Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
The First National Bank of Chicago has been appointed as Exchange Agent for
the Exchange Offer. Delivery of the Letters of Transmittal and any other
required documents and questions regarding procedures for tendering Old Capital
Securities should be directed to the Exchange Agent as follows:
The First National Bank of Chicago
c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York
14 Wall Street
8th Floor, Window 2
New York, New York 10005
Attn: Corporate Trust Administration
Telephone: 212-240-8801
Facsimile: 212-240-8938
Delivery to other than the above address or facsimile number will not
constitute a valid delivery.
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Other questions, requests for assistance, and requests for additional copies
of this Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery should be directed to The Georgeson & Co., Inc., which has been
retained by the Company and the Trust to act as Information Agent with respect
to the Exchange Offer, as follows:
The Georgeson & Co., Inc.
Wall Street Plaza
30th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Telephone: 1-800-223-2064
Banks and brokers may contact the Information Agent at 1-800-445-1790.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The Company and the Trust have agreed to pay the Exchange Agent and the
Information Agent reasonable and customary fees for their services and will
reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
therewith. The Company and the Trust will also pay brokerage houses and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them in forwarding copies of this Prospectus and related documents
to the beneficial owners of Old Capital Securities and in tendering Old Capital
Securities for their customers.
Holders who tender their Old Capital Securities for exchange will not be
obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith. If, however, New
Capital Securities are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of,
any person other than the registered holder of the Old Capital Securities
tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange
of Old Capital Securities in connection with the Exchange Offer, then the amount
of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any
other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence
of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter
of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to
such tendering holder.
Neither the Company nor the Trust will make any payment to brokers, dealers
or others soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
Pursuant to the terms of the Declaration, the Regular Trustees on behalf of
the Trust have issued the Old Capital Securities and will issue the New Capital
Securities. The New Capital Securities will represent undivided beneficial
ownership interests in the assets of the Trust and the holders thereof will be
entitled to a preference in certain circumstances with respect to Distributions
and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation over the Common Securities, as
well as other benefits as described in the Declaration. This summary of certain
provisions of the Capital Securities and the Declaration does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
all the provisions of the Declaration, including the definitions therein of
certain terms, and the Trust Indenture Act. Wherever particular defined terms of
the Declaration (as supplemented or amended from time to time) are referred to
herein, the definitions of such defined terms are incorporated herein by
reference.
GENERAL
The Capital Securities (including the Old Capital Securities and the New
Capital Securities) will rank PARI PASSU, and payments will be made thereon pro
rata, with the Common Securities except as described under "--Subordination of
Common Securities." Legal title to the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
held by the Property Trustee in trust for the benefit of the holders of the
Capital Securities and the Common Securities. The Guarantee executed by the
Company for the benefit of the holders of the Capital Securities will be a
guarantee on a subordinated basis with respect to the Capital Securities but
will not
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guarantee payment of Distributions or amounts payable on redemption or
liquidation of the Capital Securities when the Trust does not have sufficient
funds available to make such payments. See "Description of Guarantee." In such
event, the remedy of a holder of Capital Securities is to vote to direct the
Property Trustee to enforce the Property Trustee's rights under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. See "--Voting Rights; Amendment of the Declaration"
below. The Company's obligations under the Guarantee, taken together with its
obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Indenture,
including its obligation to pay all costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust
(other than with respect to the Capital Securities), constitute a full and
unconditional guarantee of all of the Trust's obligations under the Capital
Securities.
Holders of the Capital Securities have no preemptive or similar rights.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions on each Capital Security will be payable at the annual rate of
8.06% of the liquidation preference of $1,000, payable semi-annually in arrears
on June 1 and December 1 of each year. Distributions will accumulate from
November 27, 1996, the date of original issuance, and commence on June 1, 1997.
The amount of Distributions payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Distributions on the Capital Securities must be paid on the dates payable to
the extent that the Trust has funds available for the payment of such
distributions. The revenue of the Trust available for distribution to holders of
its Capital Securities will be limited to payments under the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in which the Trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance and
sale of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities. See "Description of
Junior Subordinated Debentures." If the Company does not make interest payments
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Property Trustee will not have funds
available to pay Distributions on the Capital Securities.
The Company will have the right under the Indenture to defer the payment of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time or from time to time
for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods (each, an
"Extension Period"), provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the
Stated Maturity (as defined below) of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. As a
consequence of any such extension, semi-annual Distributions on the Capital
Securities will be deferred by the Trust during any such Extension Period.
Distributions to which holders of the Capital Securities are entitled will
accumulate and compound semi-annually at the rate per annum of 8.06% thereof
from the relevant payment date for such Distributions. The term "Distributions"
as used herein shall include any such compounded amounts unless the context
otherwise requires. During any such Extension Period, the Company may not, and
may not permit any subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any
dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock or (ii)
make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank PARI PASSU
with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee
payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of
any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU with or junior
in interest to the Junior Subordinated Debentures (other than (a) dividends or
distributions in common stock of the Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee,
(c) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a
stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the
future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and
(d) purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plans). Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, the Company may further extend the Extension Period, provided
that no Extension Period may exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods or extend
beyond the Stated Maturity (as defined below) of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period and the payment of
all amounts then due on any Interest Payment Date, the Company may elect to
begin a new Extension Period. See "Description of the Junior Subordinated
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Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period" and "Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
The Company has no current intention of exercising its right to defer payments
of interest by extending the interest payment period of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures.
In the event that any date on which Distributions are payable on the Capital
Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distributions payable on
such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and
without any additional Distributions or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was
originally payable (each date on which Distributions are payable in accordance
with the foregoing, a "Distribution Date"). A "Business Day" shall mean any day
other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in The
City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain
closed or a day on which the corporate trust office of the Property Trustee or
the Indenture Trustee (as defined herein) is closed for business.
Distributions on the Capital Securities (other than distributions on a
Redemption Date) will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the
register of the Trust on the relevant record dates, which shall be the 15th day
of the month prior to the relevant Distribution Date. Distributions payable on
any Capital Securities that are not punctually paid on any Distribution Date
will cease to be payable to the person in whose name such Capital Securities are
registered on the relevant record date, and such defaulted distribution will
instead be payable to the person in whose name such Capital Securities are
registered on the special record date or other specified date determined in
accordance with the Declaration.
REDEMPTION
Unless a Special Event has occurred, the Capital Securities will not be
redeemable prior to December 1, 2006. Upon the repayment or redemption of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, whether at Stated Maturity (as defined herein)
or upon earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture, the proceeds from such
repayment or redemption shall be applied by the Property Trustee to redeem the
Capital Securities and Common Securities, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days notice prior to the date fixed for repayment or redemption. If less than
all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are to be repaid or redeemed on a
Redemption Date, then the proceeds from such repayment or redemption shall be
allocated to the redemption pro rata of the Capital Securities and Common
Securities.
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES. If a Special Event shall occur and be continuing, the Company will
have the right, subject to the receipt of any necessary prior approval of the
Federal Reserve, to either (i) redeem within 90 days following the occurrence of
such Special Event the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the date of redemption
(the "Redemption Date") in whole (but not in part) and thereby cause a mandatory
redemption of the Capital Securities in whole (but not in part) at a redemption
price with respect to the Capital Securities equal to the Special Event
Redemption Price (equal to the Special Event Prepayment Price in respect of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures) or (ii) terminate the Trust and, after
satisfaction of the claims of creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable
law, cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders
of the Capital Securities in liquidation of the Trust. Under current United
States federal income tax law and interpretations thereof and assuming, as
expected, the Trust is treated as a grantor trust, a distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures should not be a taxable event to holders of the Capital
Securities. Should there be a change in law, a change in legal interpretation,
certain Tax Events or other circumstances, however, the distribution could be a
taxable event to holders of the Capital Securities. See "Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences--Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures
to Holders of Capital Securities."
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If the Company does not elect either option described above, the Capital
Securities will remain outstanding until the repayment of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, whether at maturity or redemption, and in the event a
Tax Event has occurred and is continuing, the Company will be obligated to pay
any additional taxes, duties, assessments and other governmental charges (other
than withholding taxes) to which the Trust has become subject as a result of a
Tax Event. See "Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures".
A "Special Event" means a Tax Event, Regulatory Capital Event or an
Investment Company Event. A "Tax Event" means the receipt by the Company of an
opinion of counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized national tax
practice, to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, change in or
announced prospective change in the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the
United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or
therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial
decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or
change is adopted or which proposed change, pronouncement or decision is
announced on or after the date of original issuance of the Capital Securities,
there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be
within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, (ii) interest payable by the Company on such Junior Subordinated
Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date of such opinion, will not be,
deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income
tax purposes, or (iii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of
such opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or
other governmental charges. A "Regulatory Capital Event" means that the Company
shall have received an opinion of independent bank regulatory counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment
to or change (including any announced prospective change) in the laws (or any
regulations thereunder) of the United States or any rules, guidelines or
policies of the Federal Reserve or (b) any official administrative pronouncement
or judicial decision for interpreting or applying such laws or regulations which
amendment or change is effective or such pronouncement or decision is announced
on or after the date of original issuance of the Capital Securities, the Capital
Securities do not constitute, or within 90 days of the date thereof, will not
constitute Tier I capital (or its then equivalent); provided, however, that the
distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in connection with the
liquidation of the Trust by the Company shall not in and of itself constitute a
Regulatory Capital Event unless such liquidation shall have occurred in
connection with a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event. "Investment Company
Event" means the receipt by the Trust of an opinion of counsel, rendered by a
law firm having a recognized national securities practice, to the effect that,
as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in
interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"),
the Trust is or will be considered an "investment company" that is required to
be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"), which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date of
original issuance of the Capital Securities.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
Capital Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the
Redemption Price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous
redemption or payment at Stated Maturity (as defined below) of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. Redemptions of the Capital Securities shall be made and
the Redemption Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent
that the Trust has sufficient funds available for the payment of such Redemption
Price. See also "--Subordination of Common Securities."
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of Capital Securities to be
redeemed at its registered address. If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in
respect of the Capital Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on
the Redemption Date, to the extent funds are available, the Property Trustee
will deposit
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irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price for
all securities held in DTC and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and
authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders of the Capital Securities.
See "--Book-Entry Issuance." If any Capital Securities are held in definitive
form, the Trust, to the extent funds are available, will irrevocably deposit
with the paying agent for the Capital Securities held in definitive form funds
sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give the paying agent
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the
holders thereof upon surrender of their certificates evidencing the Capital
Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to
the Redemption Date for any Capital Security called for redemption shall be
payable to the holders of such Capital Security on the relevant record dates for
the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given
and funds deposited as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights
of the holders of such Capital Securities so called for redemption will cease,
except the right of the holders of such Capital Securities to receive the
Redemption Price, but without interest on such Redemption Price, and such
Capital Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date
fixed for redemption of Capital Securities is not a Business Day, then payment
of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding
day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in
respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next
calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such
payment was originally payable. In the event that payment of the Redemption
Price in respect of Capital Securities called for redemption is improperly
withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by the Company pursuant
to the Guarantee as described under "Description of Guarantee," Distributions on
such Capital Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate,
from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust for the Capital
Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid, in which case the
actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the Redemption Price.
Subject to applicable law (including, without limitation, United States
federal securities law), the Company or its subsidiaries may at any time and
from time to time purchase outstanding Capital Securities by tender, in the open
market or by private agreement.
The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Capital
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been paid on all
Capital Securities for all semi-annual distribution periods terminating on or
prior to the date of redemption. If less than all of the Capital Securities and
Common Securities issued by the Trust are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date,
then the aggregate amount of such Capital Securities and Common Securities to be
redeemed shall be allocated pro rata among the Capital Securities and the Common
Securities. The particular Capital Securities to be redeemed shall be selected
on a pro rata basis not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the
Property Trustee from the outstanding Capital Securities not previously called
for redemption, by such method as the Property Trustee shall deem fair and
appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions
(equal to $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of the
liquidation preference of Capital Securities of denominations larger than
$1,000. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the trust registrar in
writing of the Capital Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of
any Capital Security selected for partial redemption, the liquidation preference
thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of the Declaration, unless the context
otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Capital
Securities shall relate, in the case of any Capital Security redeemed or to be
redeemed only in part, to the portion of the aggregate liquidation preference of
Capital Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
SUBORDINATION OF COMMON SECURITIES
Payment of Distributions on, and the Redemption Price of, the Capital
Securities and the Common Securities, as applicable, shall be made pro rata
based on the liquidation preference of such Capital
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Securities and Common Securities; provided, however, that if on any Distribution
Date or Redemption Date an Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, no payment of any Distribution on, or Redemption Price of, any of
the Common Securities, and no other payment on account of the redemption,
liquidation or other acquisition of such Common Securities, shall be made unless
payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on all of
the outstanding Capital Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on
or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price the full
amount of such Redemption Price on all of the outstanding Capital Securities
then called for redemption, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds
available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full
in cash of all Distributions on, or Redemption Price of, the Capital Securities
then due and payable.
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall automatically dissolve on the
first to occur of: (i) certain events of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation
of the Company; (ii) the distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
the holders of the Capital Securities and Common Securities; (iii) the
redemption of all of the Capital Securities in connection with the maturity or
redemption of all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and (iv) the entry by a
court of competent jurisdiction of an order for the dissolution of the Trust.
If an early dissolution occurs as described in clause (i), (ii) or (iv)
above, the Trust shall be liquidated by the Trustees as expeditiously as the
Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to the
holders of the Capital Securities and Common Securities their pro rata interest
in the Junior Subordinated Debentures, unless such distribution is determined by
the Property Trustee not to be practical, in which event such holders will be
entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to
holders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided
by applicable law, an amount equal to, in the case of holders of Capital
Securities, the aggregate of the liquidation amount plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation
Distribution"). If such Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part
because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate
Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on the
Capital Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The holder(s) of the
Common Securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any such
liquidation pro rata with the holders of the Capital Securities, except that if
an Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Capital
Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities.
After the liquidation date is fixed for any distribution of Junior
Subordinated Debentures to holders of the Capital Securities (i) the Capital
Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii) DTC or its nominee,
as a record holder of Capital Securities, will receive a registered global
certificate or certificates representing the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
be delivered upon such distribution and (iii) any certificates representing
Capital Securities not held by DTC or its nominee will be deemed to represent
Junior Subordinated Debentures having a principal amount equal to the
liquidation amount of such Capital Securities, and bearing accrued and unpaid
interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions on such
Capital Securities until such certificates are presented for cancellation
whereupon the Company will issue to such holder, and the Indenture Trustee will
authenticate, a certificate representing such Junior Subordinated Debentures.
TRUST ENFORCEMENT EVENTS
An Indenture Event of Default constitutes a Trust Enforcement Event under
the Declaration with respect to the Trust Securities, provided that pursuant to
the Declaration, the holder of the Common Securities will be deemed to have
waived any Trust Enforcement Event with respect to the Common Securities until
all Trust Enforcement Events with respect to the Capital Securities have been
cured,
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waived or otherwise eliminated. Until such Trust Enforcement Event with respect
to the Capital Securities has been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the
Property Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the holders of
the Capital Securities and only the holders of the Capital Securities will have
the right to direct the Property Trustee with respect to certain matters under
the Declaration, and therefore the Indenture.
Upon the occurrence of a Trust Enforcement Event, the Indenture Trustee (as
defined herein) or the Property Trustee as the holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will have the right under the Indenture to declare the principal of
and interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be immediately due and
payable. Each of the Company and the Trust is required to file annually with the
Property Trustee an officer's certificate as to its compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Declaration.
If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights with respect to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted
by law, any record holder of Capital Securities may institute legal proceedings
directly against the Company to enforce the Property Trustee's rights under such
Junior Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any legal proceedings
against such Property Trustee or any other person or entity. In addition, if a
Trust Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest, principal or other
required payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued to the Trust on
the date such interest, principal or other payment is otherwise payable, then a
record holder of Capital Securities may, on or after the respective due dates
specified in the Junior Subordinated Debentures, institute a proceeding directly
against the Company for enforcement of payment on Junior Subordinated Debentures
having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the
Capital Securities held by such holder. In connection with such Direct Action,
the Company will be subrogated to the rights of such record holder of Capital
Securities to the extent of any payment made by the Company to such record
holder of Capital Securities.
VOTING RIGHTS; AMENDMENT OF THE DECLARATION
Except as provided below and under "Description of Guarantee--Amendments and
Assignment" and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the holders of
the Capital Securities will have no voting rights.
So long as any Junior Subordinated Debentures are held by the Property
Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee or
executing any trust or power conferred on the Property Trustee with respect to
such Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) waive any past default that is
waivable under the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a
declaration that the principal of all the Junior Subordinated Debentures shall
be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment, modification or termination
of the Indenture or such Junior Subordinated Debentures, where such consent
shall be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the
holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of all outstanding
Capital Securities; provided, however, that where a consent under the Indenture
would require the consent of each holder of Junior Subordinated Debentures
affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without
the prior consent of each holder of Capital Securities. The Trustees shall not
revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of
the Capital Securities except pursuant to a subsequent vote of the holders of
the Capital Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify each holder of record
of the Capital Securities of any notice of default which it receives with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In addition to obtaining the
foregoing approvals of the holders of the Capital Securities, prior to taking
any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall receive an opinion of counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified
as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes on
account of such action.
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The Declaration may be amended from time to time by the Company and a
majority of the Regular Trustees (and in certain circumstances the Property
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee), without the consent of the holders of the
Capital Securities, (i) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any
provisions in the Declaration that may be inconsistent with any other provision,
or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising
under the Declaration that shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions
of the Declaration, or (ii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the
Declaration to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will
be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust
at all times that any Capital Securities and Common Securities are outstanding
or to ensure that the Trust will not be required to register as an "investment
company" under the Investment Company Act, provided, however, that such action
shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder
of Capital Securities or Common Securities, and any amendments of the
Declaration shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the holders
of Capital Securities and Common Securities. The Declaration may be amended by
the Company and a majority of the Regular Trustees with (i) the consent of
holders representing not less than a majority (based upon liquidation
preferences) of the outstanding Capital Securities and Common Securities and
(ii) receipt by the Regular Trustees of an opinion of counsel to the effect that
such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Regular Trustees in
accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust's status as a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust's exemption
from status of an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act,
provided, further that without the consent of each holder of Capital Securities
and Common Securities affected thereby, the Declaration may not be amended to
(i) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Capital Securities
and Common Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any
Distribution required to be made in respect of the Capital Securities and Common
Securities as of a specified date or (ii) restrict the right of a holder of
Capital Securities or Common Securities to institute suit for the enforcement of
any such payment on or after such date.
Any required approval of holders of Capital Securities may be given at a
meeting of holders of Capital Securities convened for such purpose or pursuant
to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at
which holders of Capital Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon
which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be given to
each holder of record of Capital Securities in the manner set forth in the
Declaration.
No vote or consent of the holders of Capital Securities will be required for
the Trust to redeem and cancel its Capital Securities in accordance with the
Declaration.
Notwithstanding that holders of Capital Securities are entitled to vote or
consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the Capital
Securities that are owned by the Company, the Trustees or any affiliate of the
Company or any Trustees, shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated
as if they were not outstanding.
EXPENSES AND TAXES
In the Indenture, the Company, as borrower, has agreed to pay all debts and
other obligations (other than with respect to the Capital Securities) and all
costs and expenses of the Trust (including costs and expenses relating to the
organization of the Trust, the fees and expenses of the Trustees and the costs
and expenses relating to the operation of the Trust) and to pay any and all
taxes and all costs and expenses with respect thereto (other than United States
withholding taxes) to which the Trust might become subject. The foregoing
obligations of the Company under the Indenture are for the benefit of, and shall
be enforceable by, any person to whom any such debts, obligations, costs,
expenses and taxes are owed (a "Creditor") whether or not such Creditor has
received notice thereof. Any such Creditor may enforce such obligations of the
Company directly against the Company, and the Company has irrevocably waived any
right or remedy to require that any such Creditor take any action against the
Trust or any other person before proceeding against the Company. The Company has
also agreed in the Indenture to execute such additional agreements as may be
necessary or desirable to give full effect to the foregoing.
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REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
The Property Trustee will act as registrar and transfer agent for the
Capital Securities.
Registration of transfers of Capital Securities will be effected without
charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment of any tax or other
governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or
exchange. The Trust will not be required (i) to register or cause to be
registered the transfer or exchange of the Capital Securities during a period
beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of
the relevant notice of redemption and ending at the close of business on the day
of mailing of such notice of redemption or (ii) to register or cause to be
registered the transfer or exchange of any Capital Securities so selected for
redemption, except in the case of any Capital Securities being redeemed in part,
any portion thereof not to be redeemed.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE
The Property Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a
Trust Enforcement Event, undertakes to perform only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Declaration and, after such Trust Enforcement
Event, must exercise 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 Property Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the
powers vested in it by the Declaration at the request of any holder of Capital
Securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities that might be incurred thereby. If no Trust Enforcement Event
has occurred and is continuing and the Property Trustee is required to decide
between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous provisions in the
Declaration or is unsure of the application of any provision of the Declaration,
and the matter is not one on which holders of Capital Securities are entitled
under the Declaration to vote, then the Property Trustee may, but shall be under
no duty to, take such action as is directed by the Company and, if not so
directed, shall take such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests
of the holders of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities and will have
no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENCY
Payments in respect of the Global Certificates shall be made to DTC, which
shall credit the relevant accounts at DTC on the applicable Distribution Dates
or, if the Capital Securities are held in definitive form, such payments shall
be made by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto as such
address shall appear on the Register. The paying agent (the "Paying Agent")
shall initially be the Property Trustee and any co-paying agent chosen by the
Property Trustee and acceptable to the Regular Trustees and the Company. The
Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days' written
notice to the Property Trustee and the Company. In the event that the Property
Trustee shall no longer be the Paying Agent, the Regular Trustees shall appoint
a successor (which shall be a bank or trust company acceptable to the Regular
Trustees and the Company) to act as Paying Agent.
MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AMALGAMATIONS OR REPLACEMENTS OF THE TRUST
The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other Person, except as
described below or as otherwise described in the Declaration. The Trust may, at
the request of the Company, with the consent of the Regular Trustees and without
the consent of the holders of the Capital Securities, merge with or into,
consolidate, amalgamate, be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such
under the laws of any State; provided that (i) such successor entity either (a)
expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the
Capital Securities or (b) substitutes for the Capital Securities other
securities having substantially the same terms as the Capital Securities (the
"Successor Securities") so long as the Successor
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Securities rank the same as the Capital Securities rank in priority with respect
to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii)
the Company expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the
same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, (iii) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation,
replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the Capital Securities
(including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, (iv) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely
affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Capital
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, (v)
such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the
Trust, (vi) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer, or lease, the Company has received an opinion from
independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that
(a) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer
or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of the Capital Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect and (b) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation,
replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, (1) neither the Trust nor such
successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act and (2) the Trust or the successor entity will continue
to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes, (vii) the Company or any permitted successor or assignee owns all of
the common securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of
such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent
provided by the Guarantee, (viii) such successor entity expressly assumes all of
the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trustees and (ix) the Successor
Securities are listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon
notification of issuance on any national securities exchange or other
organization on which the Capital Securities are then listed. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100%
in aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital Securities, consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit
any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it
if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer
or lease would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other
than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OF TRUSTEES
Any corporation into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any
Regular Trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with
which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which such Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of such Trustee, shall be the successor of such Trustee under the Declaration,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of
and to operate the Trust in such a way that the Trust will not be deemed to be
an "investment company" required to be registered under the Investment Company
Act or classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes and so that the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be treated as
indebtedness of the Company for United States federal income tax purposes. In
this connection, the Company and the Regular Trustees are authorized to take any
action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or the
Declaration, that the Company and the Regular Trustees determine in their
discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such
action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the
Capital Securities.
The Trust may not borrow money nor issue debt nor mortgage or pledge any of
its assets.
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DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The Old Junior Subordinated Debentures were issued and the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures are to be issued under a Junior Subordinated Indenture
(the "Indenture") between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as
trustee (the "Indenture Trustee"). This summary of certain terms and provisions
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Indenture does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
the Indenture.
GENERAL
Concurrently with the issuance of the Capital Securities, the Trust invested
the proceeds thereof and the consideration paid by the Company for the Common
Securities in the Old Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the Company. The
Company will exchange the Old Junior Subordinated Debentures for the New Junior
Subordinated Debentures as soon as practicable after the date hereof. No Old
Junior Subordinated Debentures will remain outstanding after such exchange.
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be in the principal amount equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital Securities plus the
Company's concurrent investment in the Common Securities. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures will bear interest at the annual rate of 8.06% of the
principal amount thereof, payable semi-annually in arrears on the first day of
June and December of each year (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing
June 1, 1997, to the person in whose name each Junior Subordinated Debenture is
registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the close of business on the 15th
day of the month prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date. It is anticipated
that, until the liquidation, if any, of the Trust, each Junior Subordinated
Debenture will be held in the name of the Property Trustee in trust for the
benefit of the holders of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities. The
amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which
interest is payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is not a Business Day,
then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on the date such payment was originally payable. Accrued interest that is not
paid on the applicable Interest Payment Date will bear additional interest on
the amount thereof (to the extent permitted by law) at the rate per annum of
8.06% thereof, compounded semi-annually. The term "interest" as used herein
shall include semi-annual interest payments and interest on semi-annual interest
payments not paid on the applicable Interest Payment Date, as applicable.
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on December 1, 2026 (the
"Stated Maturity").
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior
and be subordinate in right of payment to all Indebtedness (as defined below) of
the Company. The Indenture does not limit the incurrence or issuance of other
secured or unsecured debt of the Company, whether under the Indenture or any
existing or other indenture that the Company may enter into in the future or
otherwise. See "-- Subordination."
The general provisions of the Indenture do not afford holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other
transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect holders of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
So long as no Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Company has the right under the Indenture to defer the payment of interest at
any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive
semi-annual periods with respect to each Extension Period, provided that no
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Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. At the end of such Extension Period, the Company must
pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the
annual rate of 8.06%, compounded semi-annually, to the extent permitted by
applicable law). During an Extension Period, interest will continue to accrue
and holders of Junior Subordinated Debentures (or holders of Capital Securities
while the Capital Securities are outstanding) will be required to accrue
interest income (as OID) for United States federal income tax purposes. See
"Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences--Interest Income and
Original Issue Discount."
During any such Extension Period, the Company may not, and may not permit
any subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or
distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of the Company's capital stock or (ii) make any payment of
principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities of the Company that rank PARI PASSU with or junior in interest
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with
respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any subsidiary
of the Company if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU or junior in interest to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures (other than (a) dividends or distributions in
common stock of the Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee, (c) any
declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a
stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the
future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and
(d) purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plans). Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, the Company may further extend the Extension Period, provided
that no Extension Period may exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods or extend
beyond the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Upon the
termination of any such Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due
on any Interest Payment Date, the Company may elect to begin a new Extension
Period subject to the above requirements. No interest shall be due and payable
during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof. The Company must give the
Property Trustee, the Regular Trustees and the Indenture Trustee notice of its
election of such Extension Period not less than one Business Day prior to such
record date. The Property Trustee shall give notice of the Company's election to
begin a new Extension Period to the holders of the Capital Securities.
REDEMPTION
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are not redeemable prior to December 1,
2006 unless a Special Event has occurred. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are
redeemable prior to maturity at the option of the Company, subject to the
receipt of any necessary prior approval of the Federal Reserve, on or after
December 1, 2006, in whole or in part at any time at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if redeemed during the
twelve-month period beginning on December 1 of the years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
2006.............................................................................. 104.030%
2007.............................................................................. 103.627%
2008.............................................................................. 103.224%
2009.............................................................................. 102.821%
2010.............................................................................. 102.418%
2011.............................................................................. 102.015%
2012.............................................................................. 101.612%
2013.............................................................................. 101.209%
2014.............................................................................. 100.806%
2015.............................................................................. 100.403%
</TABLE>
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On or after December 1, 2016, the redemption price will be 100%, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are also redeemable at any time in whole
(but not in part), within 90 days of the occurrence of a Special Event, at a
redemption price (the "Special Event Prepayment Price") equal to the greater of
(i) 100% of the principal amount of such Junior Subordinated Debentures or (ii)
as determined by a Quotation Agent (as defined below), the sum of the present
values of the principal amount and premium payable with respect to an optional
redemption on such Junior Subordinated Debentures on December 1, 2006, together
with scheduled payments of interest from the prepayment date to December 1, 2006
(the "Remaining Life") discounted to the prepayment date on a semi-annual basis
(assuming a 360-day year consisting of 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury
Rate, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to the date of prepayment.
"Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any prepayment date, the
Treasury Rate plus (i) 1.25% if such prepayment date occurs on or before
December 1, 1997 or (ii) 0.50% if such prepayment date occurs after December 1,
1997.
"Treasury Rate" means (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the
average for the immediately prior week, appearing in the most recently published
statistical release designated "H.15(519)" or any successor publication which is
published weekly by the Federal Reserve and which establishes yields on actively
traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the
caption "Treasury Constant Maturities", for the maturity corresponding to the
Remaining Life (if no maturity is within three months before or after the
Remaining Life, yields for the two published maturities most closely
corresponding to the Remaining Life shall be determined and the Treasury Rate
shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis,
rounding to the nearest month) or (ii) if such release (or any successor
release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does
not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent
yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for
the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal
amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such prepayment date. The
Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third business day preceding the
prepayment date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means with respect to any prepayment date the
United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a
maturity comparable to the Remaining Life that would be utilized, at the time of
selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Remaining
Life. If no United States treasury security has a maturity which is within a
period from three months before to three months after December 1, 2006, the two
most closely corresponding United States Treasury securities shall be used as
the Comparable Treasury Issue, and the Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or
extrapolated on a straight-line basis, rounding to the nearest month using such
securities.
"Quotation Agent" means (i) Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and their
respective successors; provided, however, that if the foregoing shall cease to
be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary
Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another Primary
Treasury Dealer; and (ii) any other Primary Treasury Dealer selected by the
Indenture Trustee after consultation with the Company.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means (A) the average of five Reference Treasury
Dealer Quotations for such prepayment date, after excluding the highest and
lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Indenture
Trustee obtains fewer than three such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the
average of all such Quotations.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference
Treasury Dealer and any prepayment date, the average, as determined by the
Indenture Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for
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the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its
principal amount) quoted in writing to the Indenture Trustee by such Reference
Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the third business day
preceding such prepayment date.
If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed, the Trust must redeem
the Capital Securities having an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the
aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures so redeemed. See
"Description of Capital Securities--Mandatory Redemption."
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless the Company defaults
in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest
ceases to accrue on such Junior Subordinated Debentures or portions thereof
called for redemption.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
The Company will covenant in the Indenture that if and so long as the Trust
is the holder of all Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Company, as borrower,
will pay to the Trust all fees and expenses related to the Trust and the
offering of the Capital Securities and will pay, directly or indirectly, all
ongoing costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust (including any taxes,
duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than
withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any domestic taxing authority
upon the Trust but excluding obligations under the Capital Securities).
The Company will also covenant that it will not, and will not permit any
subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions
on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to,
any of the Company's capital stock or (ii) make any payment of principal,
interest or premium, if any, on or repay or repurchase or redeem any debt
securities of the Company that rank PARI PASSU with or junior in interest to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to
any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any subsidiary of the
Company if such guarantee ranks PARI PASSU with or junior in interest to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures (other than (a) dividends or distributions in
common stock of the Company, (b) payments under the Guarantee (c) any
declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a
stockholders' rights plans, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the
future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and
(d) purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights
under any of the Company's benefit plan) if at such time (x) there shall have
occurred any event of which the Company has actual knowledge that (I) with the
giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Indenture
Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Debentures and (II) in
respect of which the Company shall not have taken reasonable steps to cure, (y)
the Company shall be in default with respect to its payment of any obligations
under the Guarantee or (z) the Company shall have given notice of its election
of an Extension Period as provided in the Indenture and shall not have rescinded
such notice, or such Extension Period, or any extension thereof, shall be
continuing.
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SUBORDINATION
In the Indenture, the Company has covenanted and agreed that any Junior
Subordinated Debentures issued thereunder will be subordinated and junior in
right of payment to all Indebtedness to the extent provided in the Indenture.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt
restructuring or similar proceedings in connection with any insolvency or
bankruptcy proceeding of the Company, the holders of Indebtedness will first be
entitled to receive payment in full of principal of and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on such Indebtedness before the holders of Junior Subordinated
Debentures or the Property Trustee on behalf of the holders of Capital
Securities will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the
principal of and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that holders of Indebtedness shall
not be entitled to receive payment of any such amounts to the extent that such
holders would be required by the subordination provisions of such Indebtedness
to pay such amounts over to the obligees on trade accounts payable or other
liabilities arising in the ordinary course of the Company's business.
In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the holders of all Indebtedness outstanding at the time of such
acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts
then due thereon (including any amounts due upon acceleration) before the
holders of Junior Subordinated Debentures will be entitled to receive or retain
any payment in respect of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if
any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that holders of
Indebtedness shall not be entitled to receive payment of any such amounts to the
extent that such holders would be required by the subordination provisions of
such Indebtedness to pay such amounts over to the obligees on trade accounts
payable or other liabilities arising in the ordinary course of the Company's
business.
No payments on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if
any, in respect of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be made if there shall
have occurred and be continuing a default in any payment with respect to
Indebtedness, or an event of default with respect to any Indebtedness resulting
in the acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if any judicial proceeding shall
be pending with respect to any such default.
"Indebtedness" means with respect to any person, whether recourse is to all
or a portion of the assets of such person and whether or not contingent, (i)
every obligation of such person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of
such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property,
assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such person with
respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued
for the account of such person; (iv) every obligation of such person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding
trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such person; (vi) every
obligation of such person for claims (as defined in Section 101(4) of the United
States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended) in respect of derivative products
such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and
similar arrangements; and (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (vi) of another person and all dividends of another person
the payment of which, in either case, such person has guaranteed or is
responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise; provided
that "Indebtedness" shall not include (i) any obligations which, by their terms,
are expressly stated to rank PARI PASSU in right of payment with, or to not be
superior in right of payment to, the Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) any
Indebtedness of the Company which when incurred and without respect to any
election under Section 1111(b) of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as
amended, was without recourse to the Company, (iii) any Indebtedness of the
Company to any of its subsidiaries, (iv) Indebtedness to any employee of the
Company or (v) any indebtedness in respect of debt securities issued to any
trust, or a trustee of such trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with
the
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Company that is a financing entity of the Company in connection with the
issuance of such financing entity of securities that are similar to the Capital
Securities.
The Indenture places no limitation on the amount of additional Indebtedness
that may be incurred by the Company or any indebtedness or other liabilities
that may be incurred by the Company's subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1996,
Indebtedness of the Company aggregated approximately $1.2 billion, and the
Company's consolidated subsidiaries had indebtedness and other liabilities of
approximately $37.4 billion to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be
effectively subordinated.
INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The Indenture provides that any one or more of the following described
events with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures that has occurred and
is continuing constitutes an "Indenture Event of Default" with respect to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures:
(i) failure for 30 days to pay any interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures when due (subject to the deferral of any due date in the case of
an Extension Period); or
(ii) failure to pay any principal on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
when due whether at maturity, upon redemption by declaration or otherwise;
or
(iii) failure to observe or perform in any material respect certain other
covenants contained in the Indenture for 90 days after written notice to the
Company from the Indenture Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in
aggregate outstanding principal amount of outstanding Junior Subordinated
Debentures; or
(iv) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
Company.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of
Junior Subordinated Debentures have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture
Trustee. The Indenture Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
outstanding principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures may declare the
principal due and payable immediately upon an Indenture Event of Default, and,
should the Indenture Trustee or such holders of such Junior Subordinated
Debentures fail to make such declaration, the holders of at least 25% in
aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital Securities shall have such
right. The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of
Junior Subordinated Debentures may annul such declaration and waive the default
if the default (other than the non-payment of the principal of Junior
Subordinated Debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration) has
been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and
principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the
Indenture Trustee, and should the holders of such Junior Subordinated Debentures
fail to annul such declaration and waive such default, the holders of a majority
in aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital Securities shall have such
right.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures affected thereby may, on behalf of the holders of
all the Junior Subordinated Debentures, waive any past default, except a default
in the payment of principal or interest (unless such default has been cured and
a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due
otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee) or
a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot
be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding
Junior Subordinated Debentures, and should the holders of such Junior
Subordinated Debentures fail to waive such default, the holders of a majority in
aggregate liquidation preference of the Capital Securities shall have such
right. The Company is required to file annually with the Indenture Trustee a
certificate as to whether or not the Company is in compliance with all the
conditions and covenants applicable to it under the Indenture.
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In case an Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Property Trustee will have the right to declare the principal of and the
interest on such Junior Subordinated Debentures and any other amounts payable
under the Indenture, to be forthwith due and payable and to enforce its other
rights as a creditor with respect to such Junior Subordinated Debentures.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
If an Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such
event is attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the date such interest or principal is
otherwise payable, a holder of Capital Securities may institute a Direct Action
for payment. The Company may not amend the Indenture to remove the foregoing
right to bring a Direct Action without the prior written consent of the holders
of all of the Capital Securities. Notwithstanding any payment made to such
holder of Capital Securities by the Company in connection with a Direct Action,
the Company shall remain obligated to pay the principal of or interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust or the Property Trustee and the
Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of such Capital
Securities with respect to payments on the Capital Securities to the extent of
any payments made by the Company to such holder in any Direct Action. The
holders of Capital Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other
remedy available to the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
The Indenture provides that the Company shall not consolidate with or merge
into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless (i) in case the Company
consolidates with or merges into another Person or conveys, transfers or leases
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the
successor Person is organized under the laws of the United States or any state
or the District of Columbia, and such successor Person expressly assumes the
Company's obligations on the Junior Subordinated Debentures issued under the
Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect thereto, no Indenture Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become
an Indenture Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; (iii) if
at the time any Capital Securities are outstanding, such transaction is
permitted under the Declaration and Guarantee and does not give rise to any
breach or violation of the Declaration or Guarantee, (iv) any such lease shall
provide that it will remain in effect so long as any Junior Subordinated
Debentures are outstanding, and (v) certain other conditions as prescribed in
the Indenture are met.
MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE
From time to time the Company and the Indenture Trustee may, without the
consent of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, amend, waive or
supplement the Indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things,
curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies (provided that any such action
does not materially adversely affect the interest of the holders of Junior
Subordinated Debentures) and qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of,
the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The Indenture contains provisions
permitting the Company and the Indenture Trustee, with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding Junior
Subordinated Debentures affected, to modify the Indenture in a manner affecting
the rights of the holders of such Junior Subordinated Debentures; provided that
no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding
Junior Subordinated Debentures so affected, (i) change the stated maturity of
Junior Subordinated Debentures, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon (except such
extension as is contemplated hereby) or (ii) reduce the percentage of principal
amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures, the holders of which are required to
consent to any such modification of the Indenture, provided that, so long as any
Capital Securities remain outstanding, no such modification may be made that
adversely affects the holders of such Capital Securities in any material
respect, and no termination of the Indenture may occur, and no waiver of any
Indenture Event of Default
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or compliance with any covenant under the Indenture may be effective, without
the prior consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate
liquidation preference of the Capital Securities unless and until the principal
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon have been paid in full and certain other conditions are satisfied.
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE
The Indenture provides that the Company, at the Company's option: (a) will
be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange
of Junior Subordinated Debentures, replace stolen, lost or mutilated Junior
Subordinated Debentures, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in
trust) or (b) need not comply with certain restrictive covenants of the
Indenture (including that described in the second paragraph under "Certain
Covenants of the Company"), in each case if the Company deposits, in trust with
the Indenture Trustee or a defeasance agent, money or U.S. Government
Obligations which through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof
in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to
pay all the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures on the dates such payments are due in accordance with
the terms of such Junior Subordinated Debentures. To exercise any such option,
the Company is required to deliver to the Indenture Trustee or a defeasance
agent, if any, an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related
defeasance would not cause the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to
recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes
and, in the case of a discharge pursuant to clause (a), such opinion shall be
accompanied by a private letter ruling to such effect received by the Company
from the United States Internal Service or revenue ruling pertaining to a
comparable form of transaction to the effect published by the United States
Internal Revenue Service.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES; BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE
Under certain circumstances involving the termination of the Trust, Junior
Subordinated Debentures may be distributed to the holders of the Capital
Securities in liquidation of the Trust after satisfaction of liabilities to
creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law. If distributed to holders
of Capital Securities in liquidation, the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
initially be issued in the form of Global Certificates and definitive
securities. DTC, or any successor depositary, will act as depositary for such
Global Certificates. It is anticipated that the depositary arrangements for such
Global Certificates would be substantially identical to those in effect for the
Capital Securities. For a description of Global Certificates and definitive
securities, see "Book-Entry Issuance."
There can be no assurance as to the market price of any Junior Subordinated
Debentures that may be distributed to the holders of Capital Securities.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
The Company initially will act as Paying Agent with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures except that, if the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
distributed to the holders of the Capital Securities in liquidation of such
holders' interests in the Trust, the Indenture Trustee will act as the Paying
Agent. The Company at any time may designate additional Paying Agents or rescind
the designation of any Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through
which any Paying Agent acts, except that the Company will be required to
maintain a Paying Agent at the place of payment.
Any moneys deposited with the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then
held by the Company in trust, for the payment of the principal of and premium,
if any, or interest on any Junior Subordinated Debentures and remaining
unclaimed for two years after such principal and premium, if any, or interest
has become due and payable shall, at the request of the Company, be repaid to
the Company and the holder of such Junior Subordinated Debentures shall
thereafter look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to the Company for
payment thereof.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE
The Indenture Trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and
responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust
Indenture Act. Subject to such provisions, the Indenture Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the
request of any holder of Junior Subordinated Debentures, unless offered
reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred thereby. The Indenture Trustee is not required to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the
performance of its duties if the Indenture Trustee reasonably believes that
repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.
DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEE
The Old Guarantee was executed and delivered by the Company concurrently
with the issuance by the Trust of the Old Capital Securities for the benefit of
the holders from time to time of such Capital Securities. As soon as practicable
after the date hereof, the Old Guarantee will be exchanged by the Company for
the New Guarantee. The First National Bank of Chicago will act as indenture
trustee ("Guarantee Trustee"). This summary of certain provisions of the
Guarantee does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Guarantee, including
the definitions therein of certain terms. The Guarantee Trustee will hold the
Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Capital Securities.
GENERAL
The Company has irrevocably and unconditionally agreed (and under the New
Guarantee will irrevocably and unconditionally agree) to pay in full on a
subordinated basis, to the extent set forth herein, the Guarantee Payments (as
defined below) to the holders of the Capital Securities, as and when due,
regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Trust may
have or assert other than the defense of payment. The following payments with
respect to the Capital Securities, to the extent not paid by or on behalf of the
Trust (the "Guarantee Payments"), will be subject to the Guarantee: (i) any
accumulated and unpaid Distributions required to be paid on the Capital
Securities, to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available therefor at
the time, (ii) the redemption price with respect to any Capital Securities
called for redemption, to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available
therefor at such time, or (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding up or liquidation of the Trust (unless the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are distributed to holders of the Capital Securities), the lesser of
(a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date of payment and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust
remaining available for distribution to holders of Capital Securities. The
Company's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct
payment of the required amounts by the Company to the holders of the applicable
Capital Securities or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to such holders.
The Guarantee will be an irrevocable guarantee on a subordinated basis of
the Trust's obligations under the Capital Securities, but will apply only to the
extent that the Trust has funds on hand available to make such payments, and is
not a guarantee of collection.
If the Company does not make interest payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures held by the Trust, the Trust will not be able to pay Distributions on
the Capital Securities and will not have funds legally available therefor. The
Guarantee will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all general
liabilities of the Company. See "--Status of the Guarantee." The Guarantee does
not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of the
Company, whether under the Indenture or any existing or other indenture that the
Company may enter into in the future or otherwise.
The Company has, through the Guarantee, the Junior Subordinated Debentures
and the Indenture, taken together, fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of
the Trust's obligations under the Capital
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Securities. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with
fewer than all of the other documents constitutes such guarantee. It is only the
combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full
and unconditional guarantee of the Trust's obligations under the Capital
Securities. See "Relationship Among the Capital Securities, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee--General."
STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE
The Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Company and
will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to Indebtedness of the
Company. The Guarantee does not place a limitation on the amount of additional
Indebtedness that may be incurred by the Company.
The Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection
(i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against
the Guarantor to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity). The
Guarantee will be held for the benefit of the holders of the Capital Securities.
The Guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments
in full to the extent not paid by the Trust or upon distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to the holders of the Capital Securities in exchange for
all of the Capital Securities.
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of the Capital Securities (in which case no vote will be
required), the Guarantee may not be amended without the prior approval of the
holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate liquidation preference of
the outstanding Capital Securities. The manner of obtaining any such approval
will be as set forth under "Description of Capital Securities--Voting Rights;
Amendment of the Declaration." All guarantees and agreements contained in the
Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of
the Capital Securities then outstanding.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under the Guarantee will occur upon the failure of the
Company to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder. The
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the
Capital Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in
respect of the Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee.
Any holder of the Capital Securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Company to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or
any other person or entity.
The Company, as guarantor, is required to file annually with the Guarantee
Trustee a certificate as to whether or not the Company is in compliance with all
the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the Guarantee.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The Guarantee Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a
default by the Company in performance of the Guarantee, undertakes to perform
only such duties as are specifically set forth in each Guarantee and, after
default with respect to the Guarantee, must exercise 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 Guarantee Trustee is under no obligation
to exercise any of the powers vested in it by
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the Guarantee at the request of any holder of any Capital Security unless it is
offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that
might be incurred thereby.
TERMINATION OF THE GUARANTEE
The Guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon full
payment of the redemption price of the Capital Securities, upon full payment of
the amounts payable upon liquidation of the Trust or upon distribution of Junior
Subordinated Debentures to the holders of the Capital Securities in exchange for
all of the Capital Securities. The Guarantee will continue to be effective or
will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of the Capital
Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the Capital Securities or
the Guarantee.
GOVERNING LAW
The Guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OLD SECURITIES
The terms of the Old Securities are identical in all material respect to the
New Securities, except that the Old Securities have not been registered under
the Securities Act, are subject to certain restrictions on transfer and are
entitled to certain rights under the Registration Rights Agreement (which rights
will terminate upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, except under limited
circumstances). In addition, the Registration Rights Agreement provides that, in
the event that the Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to July 7,
1997, or, in certain limited circumstances, in the event a shelf registration
statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") with respect to the resale of the
Old Capital Securities is not declared effective on or prior to May 24, 1997
(each, a "Registration Default"), then the Company will pay liquidated damages
to each holder of Old Capital Securities with respect to the first 90-day period
immediately following the occurrence of such Registration Default in an amount
equal to $.25 per week per $1,000 liquidation amount of Capital Securities. The
amount of such liquidated damages will increase by an additional $.05 per week
per $1,000 liquidation amount of Capital Securities with respect to each
subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to
a maximum amount of liquidated damages of $.50 per week per $1,000 liquidation
amount of Capital Securities. The New Capital Securities are not, and upon
consummation of the Exchange Offer the Old Capital Securities will not be,
entitled to any such liquidated damages. Accordingly, holders of Old Capital
Securities should review the information set forth under "Risk Factors--Certain
Consequences of a Failure to Exchange Old Capital Securities."
RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE CAPITAL SECURITIES,
THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE
Payments of Distributions and other amounts due on the Capital Securities
(to the extent the Trust has funds available for the payment of such
Distributions) are irrevocably guaranteed by the Company as and to the extent
set forth under "Description of Guarantee." A holder of Capital Securities may
institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company to enforce payment of
such Distributions to such holder after the respective due dates. Taken
together, the Company's obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
the Indenture and the Guarantee provide, in the aggregate, a full and
unconditional guarantee of payments of Distributions and other amounts due on
the Capital Securities. No single document standing alone or operating in
conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes such
guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents that has the
effect of providing a full and unconditional guarantee of the Trust's
obligations under the Capital Securities. The obligations of the Company under
the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures are subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all Indebtedness of the Company.
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SUFFICIENCY OF PAYMENTS
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
Distributions and other payments due on the Capital Securities, primarily
because (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
will be equal to the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the
Capital Securities and the Common Securities; (ii) the interest rate and
interest and other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
match the Distribution rate and Distribution and other payment dates for the
related Capital Securities; (iii) the Company shall pay for all and any costs,
expenses and liabilities of the Trust except the Trust's obligations under the
Capital Securities; and (iv) the Declaration further provides that the Trust
will not engage in any activity that is not consistent with the limited purposes
of the Trust.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture, the Company has
the right to set-off any payment it is otherwise required to make thereunder
with and to the extent the Company has theretofore made, or is concurrently on
the date of such payment making, a payment under the Guarantee.
ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
A holder of Capital Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Company to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust or any
other person or entity.
A default or event of default under any Indebtedness of the Company will not
constitute a default or Indenture Event of Default. In addition, in the event of
payment defaults under, or acceleration of, Indebtedness of the Company, the
subordination provisions of the Indenture provide that no payments may be made
in respect of the Junior Subordinated Debentures until such Indebtedness has
been paid in full or any payment default thereunder has been cured or waived.
Failure to make required payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would
constitute an Indenture Event of Default under the Indenture.
LIMITED PURPOSE OF TRUST
The Capital Securities evidence a beneficial interest in the Trust, and the
Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Capital Securities and the
Common Securities and investing the proceeds thereof in Junior Subordinated
Debentures. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of Capital
Securities and a holder of Junior Subordinated Debentures is that a holder of
Junior Subordinated Debentures is entitled to receive from the Company the
principal amount of and interest accrued on Junior Subordinated Debentures held,
while a holder of Capital Securities is entitled to receive Distributions from
the Trust (or from the Company under the Guarantee) if and to the extent the
Trust has funds available for the payment of such Distributions.
RIGHTS UPON DISSOLUTION
Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of
the Trust involving the liquidation of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, after
satisfaction of the claims of creditors of the Trust, if any, as provided by
applicable law, the holders of the Capital Securities will be entitled to
receive, out of assets held by the Trust, the liquidation distribution in cash.
See "Description of Capital Securities-- Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution." Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy of the
Company, the Property Trustee, as holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
would be a subordinated creditor of the Company, subordinated in right of
payment to all Indebtedness, but entitled to receive payment in full of
principal and interest before any stockholders of the Company receive payments
or distributions. Since the Company is the guarantor under the Guarantee and has
agreed to pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust (other than
the Trust's obligations to the holders of the Capital Securities), the positions
of a holder of Capital Securities and a holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures relative to other creditors and to stockholders of the Company in the
event of liquidation or bankruptcy of the Company would be substantially the
same.
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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
In the opinion of Mahoney, Adams & Criser, special United States federal
income tax counsel to the Company and the Trust ("Tax Counsel"), the following
summary accurately describes the material United States federal income tax
consequences that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of
the Capital Securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with
Capital Securities held as capital assets by United States Holders (defined
below) who purchase the Capital Securities upon original issuance. As used
herein, a "United States Holder" means (i) a person that is a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United
States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust the
income of which is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its
source; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a "United States Holder" shall include any trust
if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over
the administration of such trust and one or more United States fiduciaries have
the authority to control all the substantial decisions of such trust. The tax
treatment of a holder may vary depending on his, her or its particular
situation. This summary does not address all the tax consequences that may be
relevant to a particular holder or to holders who may be subject to special tax
treatment, such as banks, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment
companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, or
tax-exempt investors. In addition, this summary does not include any description
of any alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any state, local
or foreign government that may be applicable to a holder of Capital Securities.
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and
judicial interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are
subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. The authorities on which
this summary is based are subject to various interpretations and the opinions of
Tax Counsel are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the
courts, either of which could take a contrary position. Moreover, no rulings
have been or will be sought from the IRS with respect to the transactions
described herein. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not
challenge the opinions expressed herein or that a court would not sustain such a
challenge. Thus, it is possible that the federal income tax treatment of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Capital Securities may differ from
the treatment described below.
HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE CAPITAL
SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND
OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR
OTHER TAX LAWS. FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE POSSIBLE REDEMPTION OF THE CAPITAL
SECURITIES UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF CERTAIN TAX EVENTS SEE "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL
SECURITIES--REDEMPTION" AND "--LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION."
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EXCHANGE OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
The exchange of Old Capital Securities for New Capital Securities will not
be a taxable event to holders for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a
holder will have the same adjusted basis and holding period in the New Capital
Securities as the holder has in the Old Capital Securities immediately before
the exchange.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
In connection with the issuance of the Capital Securities, Tax Counsel is of
the opinion that under current law and assuming full compliance with the terms
of the Declaration and other documents, and based upon certain facts and
assumptions contained in such opinion, the Trust will be classified as a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for United States federal income tax
purposes, each holder of Capital Securities generally will be considered the
owner of an undivided interest in the Junior Subordinated Debentures and, thus,
will be required to include in its gross income its allocable share of income on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The Company, the Trust and the holders of the Capital Securities (by
acceptance of a beneficial interest in a Capital Security) will agree to treat
the Junior Subordinated Debentures as indebtedness for all United States tax
purposes. In connection with the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current law, and based on certain
representations, facts and assumptions set forth in such opinion, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be classified as indebtedness for United States
federal income tax purposes.
INTEREST INCOME AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
Except as set forth below, stated interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures generally will be taxable to a holder as ordinary income at the time
it is paid or accrued in accordance with such holder's regular method of tax
accounting.
The Company believes that, under the applicable Treasury regulations, the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will not be treated as issued with original issue
discount ("OID") within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Code. If, however,
the Company exercises its right to defer payments of interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Junior Subordinated Debentures will become OID
instruments at such time and all holders will be required to accrue the stated
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on a daily basis during the
Extension Period even though the Company will not pay such interest until the
end of the Extension Period, and even though some holders may use the cash
method of tax accounting. Moreover, thereafter the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be taxed as OID instruments for as long as they remain
outstanding. Thus, even after the end of an Extension Period, all holders would
be required to continue to include the stated interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures in income on a daily basis, regardless of their method
of tax accounting and in advance of receipt of the cash attributable to such
interest income. Under the OID economic accrual rules, a holder would accrue an
amount of interest income each year that approximates the stated interest
payments called for under the terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and
actual cash payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would not
be reported separately as taxable income. Any amount of OID included in a
holder's gross income (whether or not during an Extension Period) with respect
to a Capital Security will increase such holder's tax basis in such Capital
Security, and the amount of Distributions received by a holder in respect of
such accrued OID will reduce the tax basis of such Capital Security.
The Treasury regulations described above have not yet been addressed in any
rulings or other interpretations by the IRS, and it is possible that the IRS
could take a contrary position. If the IRS were to
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assert successfully that the stated interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures was OID regardless of whether the Company exercises its option to
defer payments of interest on such debentures, all holders of Capital Securities
would be required to include such stated interest in income on a daily economic
accrual basis as described above.
Corporate holders of Capital Securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income recognized by such
holders with respect to the Capital Securities.
DISTRIBUTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE
TRUST
As described under the caption "Description of Junior Subordinated
Debentures--Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures," Junior Subordinated
Debentures may be distributed to holders in exchange for the Capital Securities
and in liquidation of the Trust. Under current law, such a distribution would be
non-taxable, and will result in the holder receiving directly its pro rata share
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures previously held indirectly through the
Trust, with a holding period and aggregate tax basis equal to the holding period
and aggregate tax basis such holder had in its Capital Securities before such
distributions. If, however, the liquidation of the Trust were to occur because
the Trust is subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income
accrued or received on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the distribution of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures to holders would be a taxable event to the
Trust and to each holder and a holder would recognize gain or loss as if the
holder had exchanged its Capital Securities for the Junior Subordinated
Debentures it received upon liquidation of the Trust.
A holder would accrue interest in respect of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures received from the Trust in the manner described above under
"--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount."
Under certain circumstances described herein (see "Description of Capital
Securities--Special Event Redemption or Distribution of Junior Subordinated
Debentures"), the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed for cash, with
the proceeds of such redemption distributed to holders in redemption of their
Capital Securities. Under current law, such a redemption would constitute a
taxable disposition of the redeemed Capital Securities for United States federal
income tax purposes, and a holder would recognize gain or loss as if it sold
such redeemed Capital Securities for cash. See "--Sales of Capital Securities."
SALES OF CAPITAL SECURITIES
A holder that sells Capital Securities will recognize gain or loss equal to
the difference between the amount realized by the holder on the sale or
redemption of the Capital Securities (except to the extent that such amount
realized is characterized as a payment in respect of accrued but unpaid interest
on such holder's allocable share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures) and the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the Capital Securities sold or redeemed. Such
gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and generally will be a
long-term capital gain or loss if the Capital Securities have been held for more
than one year. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be
applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax purposes.
PROPOSED TAX LAW CHANGES
Legislation was proposed by the United States Department of the Treasury on
February 6, 1997, as part of President Clinton's Fiscal 1998 Budget Proposal
(the "Proposed Legislation"), that contained a provision which generally would
deny the interest deduction for interest paid or accrued on an instrument issued
by a corporation that (i) has a maximum term of more than 15 years and (ii) is
not shown as indebtedness on the separate balance sheet of the issuer or, where
the instrument is issued to a related party (other than a corporation), where
the holder or some other related party issued a related instrument that is not
shown as indebtedness on the issuer's consolidated balance sheet. This provision
is proposed to be effective generally for instruments issued on or after the
date of first Congressional committee action on the Proposed Legislation. If
this provision were to apply to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
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Company would not be able to deduct the interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. It is expected that if the Proposed Legislation were enacted, such
legislation would not apply to the Junior Subordinated Debentures since they
would be issued prior to the date of first Congressional committee action.
However, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Legislation or future
legislative proposals or final legislation will not adversely affect the ability
of the Company to deduct the interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or
otherwise affect the tax treatment of the transactions described herein. If
enacted, such a change could give rise to a Tax Event, which would permit the
Company to cause the redemption of the Capital Securities upon receiving an
opinion of counsel, as described more fully under "Description of Capital
Securities--Redemption--Special Event Redemption or Distribution of Junior
Subordinated Debentures."
NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
As used herein, the term "Non-United States Holder" means any person that is
not a United States Holder. As discussed above, the Capital Securities will be
treated as evidence of an indirect beneficial ownership interest in the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. See "--Classification of the Trust." Thus, under
present United States federal income tax law, and subject to the discussion
below concerning backup withholding:
(a) no withholding of United States federal income tax will be required
with respect to the payment by the Company or any paying agent of principal
or interest (which for purposes of this discussion includes any OID) on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures to a Non-United States Holder, provided (i)
that the beneficial owner of the Capital Securities ("Beneficial Owner")
does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote within
the meaning of section 871(h)(3) of the Code and the regulations thereunder,
(ii) the Beneficial Owner is not a controlled foreign corporation that is
related to the Company through stock ownership, (iii) the Beneficial Owner
is not a bank whose receipt of interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures is described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and (iv) the
Beneficial Owner satisfies the statement requirement (described generally
below) set forth in section 871(h) and section 881(c) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder; and
(b) no withholding of United States federal income tax will be required
with respect to any gain realized by a Non-United States Holder upon the
sale or other disposition of the Capital Securities.
To satisfy the requirement referred to in (a)(iv) above, the Beneficial
Owner, or a financial institution holding the Capital Securities on behalf of
such owner, must provide, in accordance with specified procedures, to the Trust
or its paying agent, a statement to the effect that the Beneficial Owner is not
a United States Holder. Pursuant to current temporary Treasury regulations,
these requirements will be met if (1) the Beneficial Owner provides his name and
address, and certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United
States person (which certification may be made on an IRS Form W-8 (or successor
form)) or (2) a financial institution holding the Capital Securities on behalf
of the Beneficial Owner certifies, under penalties of perjury, that such
statement has been received by it and furnishes a paying agent with a copy
thereof.
If a Non-United States Holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the
"portfolio interest" exception described in (a) above, payments of premium, if
any, and interest (including any OID) made to such Non-United States Holder will
be subject to a 30% withholding tax unless the Beneficial Owner provides the
Company or its paying agent, as the case may be, with a properly executed (1)
IRS Form 1001 (or successor form) claiming an exemption from, or a reduction of,
such withholding tax under the benefit of a tax treaty or (2) IRS Form 4224 (or
successor form) stating that interest paid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the
Beneficial Owner's conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
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As discussed above, legislation was introduced in the 105th Congress that
could adversely affect the characterization of interest payable on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, and would adversely affect Non-United States Holders by
characterizing income derived from the Junior Subordinated Debentures as
dividends which would generally be subject to a 30% withholding tax when paid to
a Non-United States Holder. See "--Proposed Tax Law Changes."
If a Non-United States Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the
United States and interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is effectively
connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the Non-United States
Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax discussed above, will be
subject to United States federal income tax on such interest on a net income
basis in the same manner as if it were a United States Holder. In addition, if
such Non-United States Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a
branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and
profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments. For this purpose, such
interest would be included in such foreign corporation's earnings and profits.
Any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the Capital
Securities generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax
unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with a trade or business in the
United States of the Non-United States Holder, (ii) in the case of a Non-United
States Holder who is an individual, such individual is present in the United
States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale, exchange or
retirement, and certain other conditions are met, and (iii) in the case of any
gain representing accrued interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
requirements described above are not satisfied.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Income on the Capital Securities held of record by United States Holders
(other than corporations and other exempt holders) will be reported annually to
such holders and to the IRS. The Regular Trustees currently intend to deliver
such reports to holders of record prior to January 31 following each calendar
year. It is anticipated that persons who hold Capital Securities as nominees for
beneficial holders will report the required tax information to beneficial
holders on Form 1099.
"Backup withholding" at a rate of 31% will apply to payments of interest to
non-exempt United States Holders unless the holder furnishes its taxpayer
identification number in the manner prescribed in applicable Treasury
regulations, certifies that such number is correct, certifies as to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding and meets certain other conditions.
No information reporting or backup withholding will be required with respect
to payments made by the Trust or any paying agent to Non-United States Holders
if a statement described in (a)(iv) under "Non-United States Holders" has been
received and the payor does not have actual knowledge that the beneficial owner
is a United States person.
In addition, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply if
payments of the principal, interest, OID or premium on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are paid or collected by a foreign office of a custodian, nominee or
other foreign agent on behalf of the Beneficial Owner, or if a foreign office of
a broker (as defined in applicable Treasury regulations) pays the proceeds of
the sale of the Capital Securities to the owner thereof. If, however, such
nominee, custodian, agent or broker is, for United States federal income tax
purposes, a United States person, a controlled foreign corporation or a foreign
person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States, such payments will not be
subject to backup withholding but will be subject to information reporting,
unless (1) such custodian, nominee, agent or broker has documentary evidence in
its records that the Beneficial Owner is not a United States person and certain
other conditions are met or (2) the Beneficial Owner otherwise establishes an
exemption.
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Payment of the proceeds from disposition of Capital Securities to or through
a United States office of a broker is subject to information reporting and
backup withholding unless the holder or beneficial owner establishes an
exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
Any amounts withheld from a holder of the Capital Securities under the
backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such
holder's United States federal income tax liability, provided the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE
The New Capital Securities initially will be represented by one or more
Capital Securities in registered, global form (collectively, the "Global Capital
Securities"). The Global Capital Securities will be deposited upon issuance with
the Property Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in
New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each
case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as
described below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Capital Securities may be transferred,
in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of
DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Capital Securities may
not be exchanged for Capital Securities in certificated form except in the
limited circumstances described below. See "--Exchange of Book-Entry Capital
Securities for Certificated Capital Securities."
Transfer of beneficial interests in the Global Capital Securities will be
subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect
participants (including, if applicable, those of the Euroclear System
("Euroclear") and CEDEL, S.A. ("CEDEL")), which may change from time to time.
DEPOSITARY PROCEDURES
DTC has advised the Trust and the Company that DTC is a limited-purpose
trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations
(collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also
available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant,
either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants").
Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on
behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The
ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each actual purchaser
of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the
Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC has also advised the Trust and the Company that, pursuant to procedures
established by it, (i) upon deposit of the Global Capital Securities, DTC will
credit the accounts of Participants designated by the Initial Purchasers with
portions of the principal amount of the Global Capital Securities and (ii)
ownership of such interests in the Global Capital Securities will be shown on,
and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and
the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests
in the Global Capital Securities).
Investors in the Global Capital Securities may hold their interests therein
directly through DTC if they are participants in such system, or indirectly
through organizations (including Euroclear and CEDEL) which are participants in
such system. All interest in a Global Capital Security, including any held
through Euroclear or CEDEL, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of
DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or CEDEL may also be subject to the
procedures and requirements of such system. The laws of some states require that
certain persons take physical delivery in certificated form of securities that
they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global
Capital Security to such
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persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of
Participants, which in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants and certain
banks, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Capital
Security to pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not participate
in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may
be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests. For
certain other restrictions on the transferability of the Capital Securities, see
"--Exchange of Book-Entry Capital Securities for Certificated Capital
Securities" below.
Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global Capital
Securities will not have Capital Securities registered in their name, will not
received physical delivery of Capital Securities in certificated form and will
not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof for any purpose.
Payments in respect of the Global Capital Security registered in the name
DTC or its nominee will be payable by the Property Trustee to DTC in its
capacity as the registered holder. The Property Trustee will treat the persons
in whose names the Capital Securities, including the Global Capital Securities,
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither the
Property Trustee nor any agent thereof has or will have any responsibility or
liability for (i) any aspect of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect
Participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in the Global Capital Securities, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect
Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the
Global Capital Securities or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and
practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants. DTC has
advised the Trust and the Company that its current practice, upon receipt of any
payment in respect of securities such as the Capital Securities, is to credit
the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date
unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment
date. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the
beneficial owners of Capital Securities will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the
Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of
DTC, the Property Trustee or the Trust. Neither the Trust nor the Property
Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants in
identifying the beneficial owners of the Capital Securities, and the Trust and
the Property Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying
on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
Except for trades involving only Euroclear or CEDEL participants, interests
in the Global Capital Securities will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System and secondary market trading activity in such interests will therefore
settle in immediately available funds, subject in all cases to the rules and
procedures of DTC and its participants.
Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTC's procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between
participants in Euroclear or CEDEL will be effected in the ordinary way in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the
Capital Securities described herein, cross-market transfers between the
Participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or CEDEL participants, on
the other hand, will be effect through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on
behalf of Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by its respective depositary;
however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to
Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in
accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines
(Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, will, if
the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its
respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by
delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Capital Securities in
DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for
same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and CEDEL
participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositaries for
Euroclear or CEDEL.
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Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or
CEDEL participant purchasing an interest in a Global Capital Security from a
Participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to
the relevant Euroclear of CEDEL participant, during the securities settlement
processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and CEDEL)
immediately following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or
CEDEL as a result of sales of interest in a Global Capital Security by or
through a Euroclear or CEDEL participant to a Participant in DTC will be
received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the
relevant Euroclear or CEDEL cash account only as of the business day for
Euroclear or CEDEL following DTC's settlement date.
DTC has advised the Trust and the Company that it will take any action
permitted to be taken by a holder of Capital Securities only at the direction of
one or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests in the Global
Capital Securities are credited. However, if there is an Event of Default, DTC
reserves the right to exchange the Global Capital Securities for legended
Capital Securities in certificated form and to distribute such Capital
Securities to its Participants.
The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL and
their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that the Trust and the
Company believe to be reliable, but neither the Trust nor the Company takes
responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Although DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL have agreed to the foregoing procedures to
facilitate transfers of interest in the Global Capital Securities among
participants in DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL, they are under no obligation to
perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be
discontinued at any time. Neither the Trust nor the Property Trustee will have
any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or CEDEL or their
respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations
under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
EXCHANGE OF BOOK-ENTRY CAPITAL SECURITIES FOR CERTIFICATED CAPITAL SECURITIES
A Global Capital Security is exchangeable for Capital Securities in
registered certificated form if (i) DTC (x) notifies the Trust that it is
unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Capital Security
and the Trust thereupon fails to appoint a successor Depositary or (y) has
ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the
Company in its sole discretion elects to cause the issuance of the Capital
Securities in certificated form or (iii) there shall have occurred and be
continuing an Event of Default or any event which after notice or lapse of time
or both would be an Event of Default under the Declaration. In addition,
beneficial interests in a Global Capital Security may be exchanged for
certificated Capital Securities upon request but only upon at least 20 days
prior written notice given to the Property Trustee by or on behalf of DTC in
accordance with customary procedures. In all cases, certificated Capital
Securities delivered in exchange for any Global Capital Security or beneficial
interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved
denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary (in accordance with
its customary procedures).
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
Generally, employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), or section 4975 of
the Code ("Plans"), may purchase Capital Securities, subject to the investing
fiduciary's determination that the investment in Capital Securities satisfies
ERISA's fiduciary standards and other requirements applicable to investments by
the Plan.
The Department of Labor ("DOL") has issued a regulation (29 C.F.R. Section
2510.3-101) (the "DOL Regulation") concerning the definition of what constitutes
the assets of a Plan. The DOL Regulation provides that as a general rule, the
underlying assets and properties of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
certain other entities in which a plan makes an "equity" investment will be
deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of the investing plan unless certain
exceptions apply.
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There can be no assurance that any of the exceptions set forth in the DOL
regulation will apply to the purchase of Capital Securities offered hereby and,
as a result, an investing Plan's assets could be considered to include an
undivided interest in the Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust. In
the event that assets of the Trust are considered assets of an investing Plan,
the Company, the Trustees and other persons, in providing services with respect
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, may be considered fiduciaries to such
Plan and subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA
(including the prohibited transaction provisions thereof). In addition, the
prohibited transaction provisions of Section 4975 of the Code could apply with
respect to transactions engaged in by any "disqualified person," as defined
below, involving such assets unless a statutory or administrative exemption
applies.
Even if they are not fiduciaries, the Company and/or any of its affiliates
may be considered a "party in interest" (within the meaning of ERISA) or a
"disqualified person" (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code) with
respect to certain Plans. The acquisition and ownership of Capital Securities by
a Plan (or by an individual retirement arrangement or other plan described in
Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code) may constitute or result in a prohibited
transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, unless such Capital
Securities are acquired pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable
exemption. As a result, Plans with respect to which the Company or any of its
affiliates is a party in interest or a disqualified person should not acquire
Capital Securities unless such Capital Securities are acquired pursuant to and
in accordance with an applicable prohibited transaction exemption.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is possible that the New Capital
Securities may qualify as "publicly offered securities" under the DOL Regulation
if, in addition to the exchange pursuant to any effective registration
statement, they are also "widely held" and "freely transferable" at the time of
the Exchange Offer. Under the DOL Regulation, a class of securities is "widely
held" only if it is a class of securities owned by 100 or more investors
independent of the issuer and each other. Although it is possible that at the
time of the Exchange Offer the New Capital Securities will be "widely held", no
assurances can be given that that will be true. If the New Capital Securities
are "publicly offered securities" at the time of the Exchange Offer, the assets
of the Trust would not be assets of the Investing Plans as of such time. If the
New Capital Securities did not qualify as "publicly offered securities", the
foregoing discussion about plan assets in the preceding paragraphs would also be
available to the New Capital Securities.
Any Plans or other entities whose assets include Plan assets subject to
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code proposing to acquire Capital Securities or New
Capital Securities should consult with their own counsel.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives New Capital Securities for its own account
in connection with the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Capital Securities. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by Participating Broker-Dealers during the period referred to below in
connection with resales of New Capital Securities received in exchange for Old
Capital Securities if such Old Capital Securities were acquired by such
Participating Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market making
activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that this
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of such New Capital
Securities for a period ending 180 days after the Commission declares the
Registration Statement effective (subject to extension under certain limited
circumstances described herein). See "The Exchange Offer--Resales of New Capital
Securities." Neither the Company nor the Trust will receive any cash proceeds
from the issuance of the New Capital Securities offered hereby. New Capital
Securities received by broker-dealers for their own accounts in connection with
the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in
the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of
options on the New Capital Securities or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to
such prevailing
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market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to
purchasers or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the
form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the
purchasers of any such New Capital Securities. Any broker-dealer that resells
new Capital Securities that were received by it for its own account in
connection with the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in
a distribution of such New Capital Securities may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on any
such resale of New Capital Securities and any commissions or concessions
received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under
the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that
it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities
Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the New Capital
Securities will be passed upon for the Trust by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.,
special Delaware counsel to the Company and the Trust. The validity of the New
Junior Subordinated Debentures and the New Guarantee will be passed upon for the
Company and the Trust by Mahoney, Adams & Criser, P.A. Mahoney, Adams & Criser,
P.A. will rely on the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. as to matters
of Delaware law. Certain United States federal income taxation matters will also
be passed upon for the Company and the Trust by Mahoney, Adams & Criser, P.A.
Marshall M. Criser, a member of the firm of Mahoney, Adams & Criser, P.A., is a
director of the Company.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus and elsewhere in
the Registration Statement by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent certified public accountants, as indicated in their reports with
respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in giving said reports.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and the
Bylaws of Barnett require the indemnification of directors and officers to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
Subsection (1) of Section 607.0850 of the Florida Business Corporation Act
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party to any
proceeding (other than an action by, or in the right of, the corporation), by
reason of the fact that he 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 liability incurred in connection
with such proceeding (including any appeal thereof) if he acted in good faith
and in a manner he 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 his conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (2) of Section 607.0850 empowers a corporation to indemnify any
person who was or is a party to any proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such
person acted in any of the capacities set forth in the preceding paragraph,
against expenses and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment
of the board of directors, the estimated expenses of litigating the proceeding
to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense
or settlement of such proceeding, including appeals, provided that the person
acted under the standards set forth in the preceding paragraph. However, no
indemnification should be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person is adjudged to be liable unless, and only to the extent that, the court
in which such proceeding was brought, or any other court of competent
jurisdiction, shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication 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
deems proper.
Subsection (3) provides that to the extent a director or officer of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
proceeding referred to in subsection (1) or (2) of Section 607.0850 or in the
defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against
expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
Subsection (4) provides that any indemnification under subsection (1) or (2)
of Section 607.0850, unless determined by a court, shall be made by the
corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsection
(1) or (2) of Section 607.0850. Such determination shall be made:
(a) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting
of directors who were not parties to such proceeding;
(b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, by
majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board of directors (in
which directors who are parties may participate) consisting solely of two or
more directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;
(c) by independent legal counsel:
(1) selected by the board of directors as prescribed in paragraph (a)
or the committee selected as prescribed in paragraph (b); or
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(2) if no quorum of directors can be obtained under paragraph (a) or
no committee can be designated under paragraph (b), by a majority vote of
the full board of directors (in which directors who are parties may
participate); or
(d) by the shareholders by a majority vote of a quorum of shareholders
who were not parties to such proceedings or, if no quorum is obtainable, by
a majority vote of shareholders who were not parties to such proceeding.
Under subsection (6), expenses incurred by a director or officer in
defending a civil or criminal proceeding may be paid by the corporation in
advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it is ultimately
determined that such director or officer is not entitled to indemnification
under Section 607.0850.
Subsection (7) states that indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided under Section 607.0850 are not exclusive and empowers the corporation
to make any other or further indemnification or advancement of expenses under
any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, for actions in an official capacity and in other capacities while
holding an office. However, a corporation cannot indemnify or advance expenses
if a judgment or other final adjudication establishes that the actions or
omissions to act of the director or officer were material to the adjudicated
cause of action and the director or officer (a) violated criminal law, unless
the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was lawful
or had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, (b) derived an
improper personal benefit from a transaction, (c) was or is a director in a
circumstance where the liability under Section 607.0834 (relating to unlawful
distributions) applies, or (d) engaged in willful misconduct or conscious
disregard for the best interests of the corporation in a proceeding by or in
right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding
by or in right of a shareholder.
Subsection (9) permits any director or officer who is or was a party to a
proceeding to apply for indemnification or advancement of expenses, or both, to
any court of competent jurisdiction and lists the determinations the court
should make before ordering indemnification or advancement of expenses.
Subsection (12) permits a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance for
a director or officer against any liability incurred in his official capacity or
arising out of his status as such regardless of the corporation's power to
indemnify him against such liability under Section 607.0850.
As allowed by Section 607.0850(12), Barnett Banks, Inc. maintains liability
insurance covering directors and officers.
In addition, under the Declaration, Barnett Banks, Inc. agreed to indemnify
the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee for, and to hold each of them
harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or
bad faith on the part of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the
case may be, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or
administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and
expenses of defending either of them against any claim or liability in
connection with the exercise or performance of any of their respective powers or
duties thereunder.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index on page II-8 of this Registration
Statement have been previously filed, are filed herewith, will be filed by
amendment, or are incorporated herein by reference to other filings.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
II-2
<PAGE>
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plan's 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.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Jacksonville, Florida,
on the 7th day of May, 1997.
BARNETT BANKS, INC.
By: *
--------------------------------
Charles E. Rice,
CHAIRMAN
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
By: /s/ GREGORY M. DELANEY
--------------------------------
Gregory M. Delaney
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Walter H. Alford
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Rita Bornstein
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
James L. Broadhead
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Alvin R. Carpenter
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Marshall M. Criser
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Jack B. Critchfield
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Remedios Diaz Oliver
*
- ------------------------------ President, Chief Operating May 7, 1997
Allen L. Lastinger, Jr. Officer and Director
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ GREGORY M. DELANEY
- ------------------------------ Controller (Principal May 7, 1997
Gregory M. Delaney Accounting Officer)
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Thompson L. Rankin
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Clarence V. McKee
* Chief Financial Officer
- ------------------------------ (Principal Financial May 7, 1997
Charles W. Newman Officer)
Chairman, Chief Executive
* Officer and Director
- ------------------------------ (Principal Executive May 7, 1997
Charles E. Rice Officer)
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Frederick H. Schultz
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
Stewart Turley
*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1997
John A. Williams
/s/ GREGORY M. DELANEY
- ------------------------------
Gregory M. Delaney
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Jacksonville, Florida,
on the 7th day of May, 1997.
BARNETT CAPITAL I
BY: *
--------------------------------
Paris P. Thermenos,
Regular Trustee
By: *
--------------------------------
Charles W. Newman,
Regular Trustee
By: *
--------------------------------
Patrick J. McCann,
Regular Trustee
By: /s/ GREGORY M. DELANEY
--------------------------------
Gregory M. Delaney,
Attorney-in-Fact
II-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT EXHIBIT PAGINATION/
NUMBER DESIGNATION NUMBERING
- ---------- ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
(3)(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Barnett's
of Barnett Banks, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-3, No.
33-59246).
(3)(b) Bylaws of Barnett Banks, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(b) to
Barnett's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1994).
(4)(a) Rights Agreement. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(c) to
Barnett's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
No. 33-36307).
(4)(b) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to
November 27, 1996 among Barnett Banks, Inc., Barnett's Annual Report on
Barnett Capital I and Morgan Stanley & Co., Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & 1996)
Smith Incorporated, and Salomon Brothers Inc,
for the benefit of holders of Capital
Securities of Barnett Capital I.
(4)(c) Form of New Guarantee Agreement between Barnett
Banks, Inc. and The First National Bank of
Chicago, as trustee, for the benefit of
holders of securities of Barnett Capital I.
(4)(d) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to
Barnett Capital I dated as of November 27, Barnett's Annual Report on
1996 by and among Barnett Banks, Inc., The Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
First National Bank of Chicago, as Property 1996)
Trustee, First Chicago Delaware, Inc., as the
Delaware Trustee, and the initial Regular
Trustees named therein.
(4)(e) Indenture dated November 27, 1996, between (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to
Barnett Banks, Inc. and The First national Barnett's Annual Report on
Bank of Chicago, as trustee, relating to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
issuance of Barnett's $300,000,000 8.06% 1996)
Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2026
(including form of Junior Subordinated
Debenture).
(4)(f) Form of New Capital Security Certificate for
Barnett Capital I.
(5)(a) Form of Opinion of Mahoney Adams & Criser, P.A.
as to the validity of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures and Guarantee.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT EXHIBIT PAGINATION/
NUMBER DESIGNATION NUMBERING
- ---------- ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
*(5)(b) Form of Opinion of Richards, Layton and Finger,
P.A., special Delaware counsel, as to the
validity of the Capital Securities.
(12) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12 to
Charges. Barnett's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996)
(23)(a) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (relating to
financial statements of Barnett Banks, Inc.)
(23)(b) Consent of Mahoney Adams & Criser, P.A.,
counsel to Barnett Banks, Inc. (included in
Exhibit (5)(a)).
*(23)(c) Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.,
special Delaware counsel (included in Exhibit
(5)(b)).
*(24)(a) Powers of Attorney of the Corporation.
*(24)(b) Resolution of Board of Directors authorizing
Powers of Attorney.
*(24)(c) Powers of Attorney of the Trust.
*(25)(a) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
with respect to Junior Subordinated Debenture
Indenture.
*(25)(b) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
with respect to Capital Securities Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust.
*(25)(c) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
with respect to Guarantee Agreement.
(99)(a) Form of Letter of Transmittal.
(99)(b) Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
(99)(c) Form of Exchange Agency Agreement
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously Filed
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4(c)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
BARNETT CAPITAL I
DATED AS OF JUNE ___, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE TABLE*
Section of Trust
Indenture Act of Section of
1939, as amended Agreement
310(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1(a)
310(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1(c)
310(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
311(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2(b)
311(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2(b)
311(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
312(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2(a)
312(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2(b)
312(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.9
313(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
313(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
313(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
313(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
314(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4
314(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
314(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.5
314(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
314(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.5
314(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
315(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1(d); 3.2(a)
315(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.7(a)
315(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1(c)
315(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1(d)
316(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.6; 5.4(a)
317(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.10; 5.4
318(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1(b)
*This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Agreement and
shall not have any bearing upon the interpretation of any of its terms and
provisions.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1
Page
----
INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SECTION 1.1 Interpretation and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE 2
TRUST INDENTURE ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.1 Trust Indenture Act; Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2.3 Reports by Guarantee Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2.4 Periodic Reports to Guarantee Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2.6 Guarantee Event of Default; Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2.7 Guarantee Event of Default; Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 2.8 Conflicting Interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 2.9 Disclosure of Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 2.10 Guarantee Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE 3
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 3.1 Powers and Duties of Guarantee Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 3.2 Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Guarantee. . . . . . 10
ARTICLE 4
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECTION 4.1 Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECTION 4.2 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Guarantee Trustee. . . . 11
ARTICLE 5
GUARANTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 5.1 Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 5.2 Waiver of Notice and Demand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 5.3 Obligations Not Affected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 5.4 Rights of Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 5.5 Guarantee of Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 5.6 Subrogation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 5.7 Independent Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 6
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION. . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 6.1 Limitation of Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 6.2 Ranking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 7.1 Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 8.1 Exculpation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 8.2 Indemnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 9.1 Successors and Assigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 9.2 Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 9.3 Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 9.4 Benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION 9.5 Governing Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION 9.6 Execution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
<PAGE>
FORM OF GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Guarantee"), dated as of ___________,
1997, is executed and delivered by Barnett Banks, Inc., a Florida corporation
(the "Guarantor"), and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the
"Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of the
Securities (as defined herein) of Barnett Capital I, a Delaware statutory
business trust (the "Trust").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Declaration (as defined herein), the Trust
issued on November 27, 1996, $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of capital
securities, having an aggregate liquidation amount of $1,000, designated the
8.06% Capital Securities (the "Old Capital Securities") and 9,279,000 common
securities, having an aggregate liquidation amount of $1,000, designated the
8.06% Common Securities (the "Common Securities");
WHEREAS, the Old Capital Securities and Common Securities were
guaranteed by the Guarantor to the extent and on the terms and conditions set
forth in the Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 27, 1996 (the "Old
Guarantee") from the Guarantor to the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of
holders of the Old Capital Securities and the Common Securities;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined in
the Declaration), the Trust has offered to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 8.06% Capital Securities, liquidation amount $1,000 per
capital security (the "New Capital Securities," and, together with the Old
Capital Securities, the "Capital Securities") which have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Guarantor
and the Guarantee Trustee wish to exchange the Old Guarantee for this Guarantee,
which is substantially the same as the Old Guarantee except that it has been
registered under the Securities Act and qualified under the Trust Indenture Act
and does not contain restrictions on transfer, and which is for the benefit of
the Holders of New Capital Securities, Old Capital Securities not exchanged for
New Capital Securities and the Common Securities (collectively, the
"Securities"); and
WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to retain the Securities, the
Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set
forth in this Guarantee, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the Guarantee
Payments (as defined
<PAGE>
herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set
forth herein, including that if a Trust Enforcement Event has occurred and is
continuing, the rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive
payments under this Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of Holders of
Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Guarantee.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the
Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee for the benefit of
the Holders.
ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS. In this Guarantee,
unless the context otherwise requires:
capitalized terms used in this Guarantee but not defined in the
preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them in this
Section 1.1;
a term defined anywhere in this Guarantee has the same meaning
throughout;
all references to "the Guarantee" or "this Guarantee" are to this
Guarantee as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;
all references in this Guarantee to Articles and Sections are to
Articles and Sections of this Guarantee, unless otherwise specified;
a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when
used in this Guarantee, unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee or
unless the context otherwise requires; and
a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa and a
reference to the masculine includes, as applicable, the feminine.
"Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor rule thereunder.
"Business Day" has the meaning given to such term in the Indenture.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Guarantee Trustee at
which the corporate trust business of the Guarantee Trustee shall at any
particular time, be principally administered, which office at the date of
execution of this Guarantee is located at 153 West 51st Street, New York, New
York 10019.
<PAGE>
"Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of Securities.
"Debentures" means the series of subordinated deferrable interest
debentures to be issued by the Guarantor, designated the 8.06% Junior
Subordinated Debentures due 2026 held by the Property Trustee (as defined in the
Declaration) of the Trust.
"Declaration" means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust,
dated as of November 27, 1996, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time, among the trustees of the Trust named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor,
and the holders from time to time of undivided beneficial ownership interests in
the assets of the Trust.
"Guarantee Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any
of its payment or other obligations under this Guarantee.
"Guarantee Trustee" means The First National Bank of Chicago, until a
successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment
pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee and thereafter means each such Successor
Guarantee Trustee.
"Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions,
without duplication, with respect to the Securities, to the extent not paid
or made by the Trust: (i) any accumulated and unpaid Distributions (as
defined in the Declaration) that are required to be paid on such Securities
to the extent the Trust shall have sufficient funds available therefor at the
time, (ii) the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date of redemption with respect to any Securities called
for redemption by the Trust, to the extent the Trust shall have sufficient
funds available therefor at the time, and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than
in connection with the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in exchange
for Securities as provided in the Declaration), the lesser of (a) the
aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid Distributions
on the Securities to the date of payment, and (b) the amount of assets of the
Trust remaining available for distribution to Holders in liquidation of the
Trust (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution"). If a Trust
Enforcement Event (as defined in the Declaration) has occurred and is
continuing, the rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive
Guarantee Payments under this Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of
Holders of the Capital Securities to receive payments hereunder.
"Holder" shall mean any holder of Securities, as registered on the
books and records of the Trust; provided, however, that, in determining whether
the Holders of the requisite percentage of Capital Securities have given any
request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the
Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor or any other obligor on the Capital
Securities; and provided further, that in determining whether the Holders of the
requisite liquidation amount of Capital Securities
<PAGE>
have voted on any matter provided for in this Guarantee, then for the purpose
of such determination only (and not for any other purpose hereunder), if the
Capital Securities remain in the form of one or more Global Certificates (as
defined in the Declaration), the term "Holders" shall mean the holder of the
Global Certificate acting at the direction of the Preferred Security
Beneficial Owners (as defined in the Declaration).
"Indemnified Person" means the Guarantee Trustee, any Affiliate of the
Guarantee Trustee, and any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners,
employees, representatives, nominees, custodians or agents of the Guarantee
Trustee.
"Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of November 27, 1996, among
the Guarantor (the "Company") and The First National Bank of Chicago, as
trustee, and any indenture supplemental thereto pursuant to which the Debentures
are to be issued to the Property Trustee (as defined in the Declaration) of the
Trust.
"Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities" means, except as
provided in the terms of the Securities or by the Trust Indenture Act, Holder(s)
of outstanding Securities, voting separately as a class, who are the record
holders of more than 50% of the aggregate liquidation amount (including the
stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus
accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages
are determined) of all outstanding Securities. In determining whether the
Holders of the requisite amount of Securities have voted, Securities which are
owned by the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor shall be disregarded
for the purpose of any such determination.
"Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
certificate signed on behalf of such Person by two Authorized Officers (as
defined in the Declaration) of such Person. Any Officers' Certificate delivered
with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this
Guarantee shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate
has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation undertaken by each officer on behalf of such Person in
rendering the Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or
investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such
officer on behalf of such Person to express an informed opinion as to
whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer
acting on behalf of such Person, such condition or covenant has been
complied with.
<PAGE>
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
"Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee,
any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Guarantee Trustee,
including any vice president, any assistant vice president, the secretary, any
assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer or other officer of
the Corporate Trust Office of the Guarantee Trustee customarily performing
functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and
also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other
officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee Trustee
possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.
ARTICLE 2
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1 TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION. This Guarantee is
subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be
part of this Guarantee and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such
provisions.
If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee 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 2.2 LISTS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES. The Guarantor shall
provide the Guarantee Trustee with a list, in such form as the Guarantee Trustee
may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of the
Securities ("List of Holders"), (i) semi-annually, not later than June 30 and
December 31 of each year and current as of such date, and (ii) at such other
times as the Guarantee Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days of receipt
by the Guarantor of a written request from the Guarantee Trustee for a List of
Holders as of a date no more than 15 days before such List of Holders is given
to the Guarantee Trustee; excluding from any such list names and addresses
received by the Guarantee Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (as
defined in the Indenture). The Guarantee Trustee shall preserve, in as current
a form as is reasonably practicable, all information contained in Lists of
Holders given to it, provided that it may destroy any List of Holders previously
given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.
<PAGE>
The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under
Sections 311(a), 311(b) and 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3 REPORTS BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. Within 60 days after May
15 of each year (commencing with the year of the first anniversary of the
issuance of the Securities), the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to the Holders
of the Securities such reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust
Indenture Act (if any) in the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of
the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the
requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.4 PERIODIC REPORTS TO GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. The Guarantor
shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such documents, reports and information
as required by Section 314 (if any) of the Trust Indenture Act and the
compliance certificate required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the
form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.5 EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The
Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of compliance
with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee that
relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture
Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to
Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.6 GUARANTEE EVENT OF DEFAULT; WAIVER. The Holders of a
Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities may, by vote or written
consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Securities, waive any past
Guarantee Event of default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such
Guarantee Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Guarantee Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of this Guarantee, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or Guarantee Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 2.7 GUARANTEE EVENT OF DEFAULT; NOTICE. The Guarantee
Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a Guarantee Event of
Default, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders of the
Securities, notices of all Guarantee Events of Default actually known to a
Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless such defaults have been
cured before the giving of such notice; provided, that the Guarantee Trustee
shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a Responsible
Officer of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding
of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities.
The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
Guarantee Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received
written notice thereof or a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee charged
with the
<PAGE>
administration of the Declaration shall have obtained actual knowledge
thereof.
SECTION 2.8 CONFLICTING INTERESTS. The Declaration shall be deemed
to be specifically described in this Guarantee for the purposes of clause (i) of
the first provision contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.9 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. The disclosure of information
as to the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities in accordance
with Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act, regardless of the source from which
such information was derived, shall not be deemed to be a violation of any
existing law, or any law hereafter enacted which does not specifically refer to
Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act, nor shall the Guarantee Trustee be held
accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under
Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.10 GUARANTEE TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. Upon the
occurrence of a Guarantee Event of Default, the Guarantee Trustee is hereby
authorized to (a) recover judgment, in its own name and as trustee of an express
trust, against the Guarantor for the whole amount of any Guarantee Payments
remaining unpaid and (b) file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents
as may be necessary or advisable in order to have its claims and those of the
Holders of the Securities allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the
Guarantor, its creditors or its property.
ARTICLE 3
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.1 POWERS AND DUTIES OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
This Guarantee shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee on behalf of
the Trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities, and the Guarantee
Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee to any Person except a Holder of
Securities exercising his or her rights pursuant to Section 5.4(b) or to a
Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee.
The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee in and to this Guarantee
shall automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, and such vesting
and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents
have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor
Guarantee Trustee.
If a Guarantee Event of Default actually known to a Responsible
Officer of the Guarantee Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee
Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders of the
Securities.
The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Guarantee Event
<PAGE>
of Default and after the curing of all Guarantee Events of Default that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in this Guarantee, and no implied covenants shall be read into this
Guarantee against the Guarantee Trustee. In case a Guarantee Event of Default
has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6) and is
actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee
Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Guarantee, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as
a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his or her own affairs.
No provision of this Guarantee shall be construed to relieve the
Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent
failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
prior to the occurrence of any Guarantee Event of Default
and after the curing or waiving of all such Guarantee Events of
Default that may have occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall
be determined solely by the express provisions of this Guarantee,
and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable except for the
performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically
set forth in this Guarantee, and no implied covenants or
obligations shall be read into this Guarantee against the
Guarantee Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee
Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may 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 Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
Guarantee; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions
that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be
furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee shall
be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not
they conform to the requirements of this Guarantee;
the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee
Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment
was made;
the Guarantee 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 Liquidation
<PAGE>
Amount of the Securities relating to the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee; and
no provision of this Guarantee shall require the Guarantee
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 the Guarantee Trustee
shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such
funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of
this Guarantee or indemnify, reasonably satisfactory to the Guarantee
Trustee, against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to
it.
SECTION 3.2 CERTAIN RIGHTS OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. Subject to the
provisions of Section 3.1:
The Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, and shall be
fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any
resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report,
notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note,
other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by
it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the
proper party or parties.
Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this
Guarantee shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers' Certificate.
Whenever, in the administration of this Guarantee, the
Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or
established before taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder,
the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically
prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and
conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of
such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.
The Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to see to any
recording, filing or registration or any instrument (or any
rerecording, refiling or registration thereof).
The Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel, and the
advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters shall
be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any
action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
accordance with such advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel
to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may include any of its
employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to
<PAGE>
seek instructions concerning the administration of this Guarantee from
any court of competent jurisdiction.
The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to
exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee at
the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have
provided to the Guarantee Trustee such security and indemnity,
reasonably satisfactory to the Guarantee Trustee, against the costs,
expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of
the Guarantee Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and
liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such
request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be
requested by the Guarantee Trustee; provided, that nothing contained
in this Section 3.2(a)(vi) shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee
Trustee, upon the occurrence of a Guarantee Event of Default, of its
obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this
Guarantee.
The Guarantee 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,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in
its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into
such facts or matters as it may see fit.
The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or
powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by
or through agents, nominees, custodians or attorneys, and the
Guarantee 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.
Any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or its agents
hereunder shall bind the Holders of the Securities, and the signature
of the Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and
effective to perform any such action. No third party shall be
required to inquire as to the authority of the Guarantee Trustee to so
act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and provisions of
this Guarantee, both of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the
Guarantee Trustee's or its agent's taking such action.
Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee the
Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with
respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action
hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (i) may request instructions from the
Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities, (ii)
may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other
action
<PAGE>
until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected
in conclusively relying on or acting in accordance with such
instructions.
No provision of this Guarantee shall be deemed to impose any duty or
obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any
right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction
in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee Trustee shall be
unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any
such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No
permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be
construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.3 NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF GUARANTEE.
The recitals contained in this Guarantee shall be taken as the statements of the
Guarantor, and the Guarantee Trustee does not assume any responsibility for
their correctness. The Guarantee Trustee makes no representations as to the
validity or sufficiency of this Guarantee.
ARTICLE 4
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.1 GUARANTEE TRUSTEE; ELIGIBILITY.
There shall be at all times a Guarantee Trustee which shall:
not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and
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 Person permitted by
the Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an institutional
trustee under the Trust Indenture Act, 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 supervising or examining authority referred to above, then, for
the purposes of this Section 4.1(a)(ii), 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.
If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible
to so act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign
in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).
<PAGE>
If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions
of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 4.2 APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF GUARANTEE
TRUSTEE.
Subject to Section 4.1(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed
or removed with or without cause at any time by the Guarantor.
The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with
Section 4.2(a) until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
The Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold such office
until a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its
removal or resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without
need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by
the Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall
not take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee
Trustee.
If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and
accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 30 days after
delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of removal or resignation, the
removed or resigning Guarantee Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may
thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint
a Successor Guarantee Trustee.
No Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or omissions to
act of any Successor Guarantee Trustee.
Upon termination of this Guarantee or removal or resignation of
the Guarantee Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Guarantor shall pay to
the Guarantee Trustee all amounts owing for fees and reimbursement of expenses
which have accrued to the date of such termination, removal or resignation.
ARTICLE 5
GUARANTEE
<PAGE>
SECTION 5.1 GUARANTEE.
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to
the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore
paid by the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off
or counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation
to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required
amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Trust to pay such
amounts to the Holders.
SECTION 5.2 WAIVER OF NOTICE AND DEMAND.
The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Guarantee and
of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for
payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Trust or any other
Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment,
notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Guarantor retains all of
its rights under the Indenture to (i) extend the interest payment period on the
Debentures and the Guarantor shall not be obligated hereunder to make any
Guarantee Payments during any Extended Interest Payment Period (as defined in
the Indenture) with respect to the Distributions (as defined in the Declaration)
on the Securities, and (ii) change the maturity date of the Debentures to the
extent permitted by the Indenture.
SECTION 5.3 OBLIGATIONS NOT AFFECTED.
The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor
under this Guarantee shall be absolute and unconditional and shall remain in
full force and effect until the entire liquidation amount of all outstanding
Securities shall have been paid and such obligation shall in no way be affected
or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any event, including
without limitation, the following, whether or not with notice to, or the consent
of, the Guarantor:
The release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Trust of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the Securities to be performed or
observed by the Trust;
The extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price (as defined in the
Indenture), Liquidation Distribution or any other sums payable under the
terms of the Securities or the extension of time for the performance of any
other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with the
Securities (other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions,
Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or other sum payable that
results from the extension of any interest payment period on the Debentures
or any change to the maturity date of the Debentures permitted by the
Indenture);
<PAGE>
Any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Property Trustee or the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any
right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Property Trustee or the
Holders pursuant to the terms of the Securities, or any action on the part
of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any kind;
The voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of
any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the
benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or
readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust
or any of the assets of the Trust;
Any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Securities;
The settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby
or hereby incurred; or
Any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute
a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the
intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder
shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
There shall be no obligation of the Guarantee Trustee or the Holders
to give notice to, or obtain consent of the Guarantor or any other Person with
respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
No setoff, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any obligation, or
any defense of any kind or nature that the Guarantor has or may have against any
Holder shall be available hereunder to the Guarantor against such Holder to
reduce the payments to it under this Guarantee.
SECTION 5.4 RIGHTS OF HOLDERS.
The Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Guarantee
or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this
Guarantee.
If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce this Guarantee, then
any Holder of Securities may, subject to the subordination provisions of Section
6.2, institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce the
Guarantee Trustee's rights under this Guarantee without first instituting a
legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or
entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Guarantor has failed to make a
Guarantee Payment, a Holder of Securities may, subject to the subordination
provisions of Section 6.2, directly institute a
<PAGE>
proceeding against the Guarantor for enforcement of the Guarantee for such
payment to the Holder of the Securities of the principal of or interest on
the Debentures on or after the respective due dates specified in the
Debentures, and the amount of the payment will be based on the Holder's pro
rata share of the amount due and owing on all of the Securities. The
Guarantor hereby waives any right or remedy to require that any action on
this Guarantee be brought first against the Trust or any other person or
entity before proceeding directly against the Guarantor.
<PAGE>
SECTION 5.5 GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT.
This Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection.
SECTION 5.6 SUBROGATION.
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the
Holders of Securities against the Trust in respect of any amounts paid to such
Holders by the Guarantor under this Guarantee; provided, however, that the
Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of
law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any right that it may acquire by way of
subrogation of any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as
a result of payment under this Guarantee, if at the time of any such payment,
any amounts are due and unpaid under this Guarantee. If any amount shall be
paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor
agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount
to the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders.
SECTION 5.7 INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS.
The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are
independent of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Securities, and
that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make
Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee notwithstanding the
occurrence of any event referred to in subsections 5.3(a) through 5.3(g),
inclusive, hereof.
ARTICLE 6
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1 LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS.
So long as any Securities remain outstanding, if there shall have
occurred a Guarantee Event of Default or a Trust Enforcement Event, then the
Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit any subsidiary of the Guarantor, to
(i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, the Guarantor's capital
stock or (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities that rank pari passu with or
junior to the Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to any
guarantee by the Guarantor of the debt securities of any subsidiary of the
Guarantor if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior to the Debentures
(other than (a) dividends or distributions in common stock of the Guarantor, (b)
payments under this Guarantee and (c) any declaration of a dividend in
connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the
issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or
repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, and (d) purchases of common
stock related to the issuance of
<PAGE>
common stock or rights under any of the Company's benefit plans).
SECTION 6.2 RANKING.
This Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the
Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of the Guarantor, except those liabilities of the Guarantor made
pari passu or subordinate by their terms.
If a Trust Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing under the
Declaration, the rights of the holders of the Common Securities to receive
Guarantee Payments hereunder shall be subordinated to the rights of the holders
of the Securities to receive payment of all amounts due and owing hereunder.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.1 TERMINATION.
This Guarantee shall terminate upon (i) full payment of the Redemption
Price of all Securities, (ii) upon the distribution of the Debentures to the
Holders of all the Securities or (iii) upon full payment of the amounts payable
in accordance with the Declaration upon liquidation of the Trust.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guarantee will continue to be effective or
will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder of Securities
must restore payment of any sums paid under the Securities or under this
Guarantee.
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1 EXCULPATION.
No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any Covered Person for any loss,
damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted
by such Indemnified Person in good faith in accordance with this Guarantee and
in a manner that such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the
scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Guarantee or
by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss,
damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's negligence or
willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
<PAGE>
An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Guarantor and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matter the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care
by or on behalf of the Guarantor, including information, opinions, reports or
statements as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits,
losses, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from
which Distributions to Holders of Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 8.2 INDEMNIFICATION.
The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person for, and to
hold each Indemnified Person harmless against any loss, liability or expense
incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and
expenses) of defending itself against, or investigating, any claim or liability
in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder. The obligation to indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.2 shall
survive the termination of this Guarantee.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
All guarantees and agreements contained in this Guarantee shall bind
the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the
Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Securities then
outstanding.
<PAGE>
SECTION 9.2 AMENDMENTS.
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the
rights of the Holders (in which case no consent of the Holders will be
required), this Guarantee may only be amended with the prior approval of the
Holders of at least a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Securities. The
provisions of Section 12.2 of the Declaration with respect to meetings of, and
action by written consent of the Holders of the Securities apply to the giving
of such approval.
SECTION 9.3 NOTICES.
All notices provided for in this Guarantee shall be in writing, duly
signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be delivered, telecopied or
mailed by registered or certified mail, as follows:
If given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's
mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee
Trustee may give notice of to the Guarantor and the Holders of the
Securities):
The First National Bank of Chicago
153 West 51st Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
Fax: (212) 373-1383
If given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing addresses
set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to
the Guarantee Trustee and the Holders of the Securities):
Barnett Banks, Inc.
Post Office Box 40789
Jacksonville, Florida 32203
Attn: Secretary
Fax: (904) 791-7124
If given to any Holder of Securities, at the address set forth on
the books and records of the Trust.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid, except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery
or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was
given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on
the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.
<PAGE>
SECTION 9.4 BENEFIT.
This Guarantee is solely for the benefit of the Holders of the
Securities and, subject to Section 3.1(a), is not separately transferable from
the Securities.
SECTION 9.5 GOVERNING LAW.
THIS GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 9.6 EXECUTION.
This guarantee may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument, and may be executed
by manual or facsimile signature.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Guarantee is executed as of the day and year
first above written.
BARNETT BANKS, INC.,
as Guarantor
By:
---------------------------------
Name: Hinton F. Nobles, Jr.
Title: Executive Vice President
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
as Guarantee Trustee
By:
---------------------------------
Name: Mary R. Fonti
Title: Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>
Exhibit (4)(f)
This Capital Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the
Declaration hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation (the "Depository"), or a
nominee of the Depository. This Capital Security is exchangeable for Capital
Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depository or
its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Declaration
and no transfer of this Capital Security (other than a transfer of this
Capital Security as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository
or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the
Depository) may be registered except in limited circumstances.
Unless this Capital Security is presented by an authorized
representative of the Depository to Barnett Capital I or its agent for
registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Capital Security issued
is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as registered by an
authorized representative of the Depository (and any payment hereon is made to
Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized
representative of the Depository), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
CERTIFICATE NO. ______ NUMBER OF CAPITAL SECURITIES: __________
CUSIP NO. ___________
CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING CAPITAL SECURITIES
OF
BARNETT CAPITAL I
8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $1,000 PER CAPITAL SECURITY)
BARNETT CAPITAL I, a statutory business trust created under the laws
of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Cede & Co. (the
"Holder") is the registered owner of 200,000 capital securities of the Trust
representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the
Trust designated the 8.06% Capital Securities (liquidation amount $1,000 per
Capital Security) (the "Capital Securities"). The Capital Securities are
transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly
authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer as provided in the Declaration (as defined below).
The designation, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other
terms and provisions of the Capital Securities represented hereby are issued
and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of November 27, 1996 (as
the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration"), among Barnett
Banks, Inc., as Sponsor, Paris P. Thermenos, Charles W. Newman and Patrick J.
McCann, as Regular Trustees, The First National Bank of Chicago, as Property
Trustee, and First Chicago Delaware Inc., as Delaware Trustee. Capitalized
terms used herein but not
<PAGE>
defined shall have the meaning given them in the Declaration. The Holder is
entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee to the extent described therein.
The Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration, the Guarantee and the
Indenture to a Holder without charge upon written request to the Sponsor at
its principal place of business.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
By acceptance, the Holder agrees to treat, for United States federal
income tax purposes, the Debentures as indebtedness and the Capital Securities
as evidence of undivided indirect beneficial ownership interests in the
Debentures.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate this ____
day of _________, 1997.
BARNETT CAPITAL I
By:
---------------------------------
Paris P. Thermenos
Regular Trustee
This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned
Declaration.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
as Property Trustee
By:
---------------------------------
Authorized Officer
<PAGE>
Exhibit 5(a)
May 7, 1997
Barnett Banks, Inc.
50 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Barnett Capital I
50 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement (the
"Registration Statement") of Barnett Banks, Inc. ("Barnett") and Barnett
Capital I (the "Trust") on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 7, 1997, covering the registration under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of up to (a) $300,000,000
aggregate liquidation amount of 8.06% Capital Securities of the Trust
("Capital Securities"), (b) $309,279,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.06%
Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2026 of Barnett ("New Junior Subordinated
Debentures") and (c) the guarantee of Barnett with respect to payment on
liquidation or redemption of the Capital Securities (the "New Guarantee"), to
be issued in exchange for a like liquidation amount of existing Capital
Securities, ("Old Junior Subordinated Debentures") and an existing like
Guarantee (the "Old Guarantee"), respectively, which have not been registered
under the Securities Act.
In connection with the issuance of such securities, we have examined the
Purchase Agreement dated as of November 20, 1996, among Barnett, the Trust,
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Salomon Brothers Inc., the Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust of Barnett Capital I dated as of November
27, 1996, among Barnett and the trustees named therein, including The First
National Bank of Chicago, as Property Trustee ("FNB"), the Indenture dated as
of November 27, 1996, between Barnett and FNB, as trustee, (the "Indenture")
and the Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 27, 1996 between Barnett and
FNB, as trustee. In addition, we have examined such other statements,
reports and certificates of Barnett and the Trust, certificates of public
officials and other documents and instruments pertaining to Barnett, and have
considered such questions of law, as we have deemed necessary and appropriate
to render the opinions hereinafter expressed.
We are admitted to the practice of law in the State of Florida and,
except as set forth below, nothing contained herein shall be construed to be
an opinion as to the effect of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of Florida and the United States of America as in effect on the date
hereof.
<PAGE>
Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that:
(a) The New Junior Subordinated Debentures have been duly authorized, and
when duly issued, executed, authenticated and delivered in exchange for a like
aggregate principal amount of Old Junior Subordinated Debentures in accordance
with the provisions of the Indenture, will constitute valid and legally binding
obligations of Barnett enforceable against Barnett in accordance with their
terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting
creditors' rights generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing.
(b) The New Guarantee has been duly authorized by Barnett and when duly
executed, issued and delivered by Barnett in exchange for the Old Guarantee,
assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by FNB, as trustee, will
constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of Barnett, enforceable
against Barnett in accordance with its terms subject to the effects of
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and
other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, general
equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
(c) The statements in the Registration Statement under the caption
"Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" are accurate and fairly
summarize the matters referred to therein.
We hereby consent to the use of our name in the Registration Statement as
counsel for Barnett and the Trust who will pass upon the legality of Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee and certain United Stated federal
income tax considerations and to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we came within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules or regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
MAHONEY ADAMS & CRISER, P.A.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(A)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Form S-4 registration statement of our report
dated January 13, 1997, incorporated by reference in Barnett Banks, Inc.'s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and to all references to our Firm
included in this registration statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Jacksonville, Florida
May 7, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(a)
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
BARNETT CAPITAL I
OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
(Liquidation Amount $1,000 per Capital Security)
Pursuant to the Prospectus
DATED MAY 7, 1997
THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JUNE 9, 1997,
UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
BY MAIL/OVERNIGHT DELIVERY/HAND DELIVERY:
The First National Bank of Chicago
c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York
14 Wall Street
8th Floor, Window 2
New York, New York 10005
Attn: Corporate Trust Administration
TO CONFIRM BY TELEPHONE OR FOR INFORMATION
REGARDING THE PROCEDURES FOR
TENDERING OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES:
(212) 240-8801
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSIONS:
(212) 240-8938
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER
OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning
given them in the Prospectus (as defined below).
This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by holders of Old Capital
Securities (as defined below) either (a) if Old Capital Securities are to be
forwarded herewith or (b) if tenders of Old Capital Securities are to be made by
book-entry transfer to an account maintained by The First National Bank of
Chicago (the "Exchange Agent") at The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") pursuant
to the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old
Capital Securities" in the Prospectus and an Agent's Message (as defined below)
is not delivered. Certificates, or book-entry confirmation of a book-entry
transfer of such Old Capital Securities into the Exchange Agent's account at
DTC, as well as this
<PAGE>
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly
executed, with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents
required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent
at its address set forth above on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders by
book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an Agent's Message in lieu of
this Letter of Transmittal. The term "book-entry confirmation" means a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Old Capital Securities into the
Exchange Agent's account at DTC. The term "Agent's Message" means a message,
transmitted by DTC to and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a
book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express
acknowledgement from the tendering participant, which acknowledgement states
that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by this Letter of
Transmittal and that the Trust and Barnett Banks, Inc. may enforce this Letter
of Transmittal against such participant.
Holders of Old Capital Securities whose certificates (the "Certificates")
for such Old Capital Securities are not immediately available or who cannot
deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange
Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus) or who
cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must
tender their Old Capital Securities according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old
Capital Securities" in the Prospectus.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC OR THE INFORMATION AGENT DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
NOTE: SIGNATURE MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
ALL TENDERING HOLDERS COMPLETE THIS BOX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DESCRIPTION OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES TENDERED
LIQUIDATION
AMOUNT OF OLD
CAPITAL
SECURITIES
OLD CAPITAL TENDERED (IF NUMBER OF
SECURITIES LIQUIDATION BENEFICIAL
TENDERED AMOUNT OF OLD HOLDERS FOR
(ATTACH CAPITAL WHOM OLD
PLEASE PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS ADDITIONAL SECURITIES CAPITAL
OF REGISTERED HOLDER CERTIFICATE LIST IF LESS THAN SECURITIES ARE
(PLEASE COMPLETE IF BLANK) NUMBER(S)* NECESSARY) ALL)** HELD
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Total Amount Tendered:
</TABLE>
* Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
** All Old Capital Securities held shall be deemed tendered unless a lesser
number is specified in this column.
<PAGE>
(BOXES BELOW TO BE CHECKED BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT
WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution
- -----------------------------------------------------------
DTC Account Number
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Transaction Code Number
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
/ / CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF
TENDERED OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE
FOLLOWING:
Name of Registered Holder(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Window Ticket Number (if any)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
-------------------------------------------
Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery
-----------------------------------------------
DTC Account Number
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Transaction Code Number
------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED OLD CAPITAL
SECURITIES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH
ABOVE.
/ / CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED THE OLD CAPITAL
SECURITIES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET MAKING OR OTHER TRADING
ACTIVITIES (A "PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER") AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR
SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
Name:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
<PAGE>
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Barnett Capital I, a trust created under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), and Barnett Banks, Inc., a
Florida corporation, as Depositor ("Barnett"), the above described aggregate
Liquidation Amount of the Trust's 8.06% Capital Securities due December 1, 2026
(the "Old Capital Securities") in exchange for a like aggregate Liquidation
Amount of the Trust's 8.06% Capital Securities due December 1, 2026 (the "New
Capital Securities") which have been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated May 7, 1997 (as the same may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"), receipt of which
is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which, together with
the Prospectus, constitute the "Exchange Offer").
Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of all or any
portion of the Old Capital Securities tendered herewith in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is
extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or
amendment), the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the
order of the Trust all right, title and interest in and to such Old Capital
Securities as are being tendered herewith. The undersigned hereby irrevocable
constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as its agent and attorney-in-fact
(with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent is also acting as agent of Barnett
and the Trust in connection with the Exchange Offer) with respect to the
tendered Old Capital Securities, with full power of substitution (such power of
attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest),
subject only to the right of withdrawal described in the Prospectus, to (i)
deliver Certificates for Old Capital Securities to Barnett or the Trust together
with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the
order of, the Trust, upon receipt by the Exchange Agent, as the undersigned's
agent, of the New Capital Securities to be issued in exchange for such Old
Capital Securities or to effectuate such transfer using the book-entry transfer
procedure described in the Prospectus, (ii) present Certificates for such Old
Capital Securities for transfer or evidence of book-entry transfer of such Old
Capital Securities and to transfer the Old Capital Securities on the books of
the Trust, and (iii) receive for the account of the Trust all benefits and
otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Old Capital
Securities, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange
Offer.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT THE UNDERSIGNED HAS FULL
POWER AND AUTHORITY TO TENDER, EXCHANGE, SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER THE OLD
CAPITAL SECURITIES TENDERED HEREBY AND THAT, WHEN THE SAME ARE ACCEPTED FOR
EXCHANGE, THE TRUST WILL ACQUIRE GOOD, MARKETABLE AND UNENCUMBERED TITLE
THERETO, FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, RESTRICTIONS, CHARGES AND ENCUMBRANCES,
AND THAT THE OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES TENDERED HEREBY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY
ADVERSE CLAIMS OR PROXIES. THE UNDERSIGNED WILL, UPON REQUEST, EXECUTE AND
DELIVER ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS DEEMED BY BARNETT, THE TRUST OR THE EXCHANGE
AGENT TO BE NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO COMPLETE THE EXCHANGE, ASSIGNMENT AND
TRANSFER OF THE OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES TENDERED HEREBY, AND THE UNDERSIGNED WILL
COMPLY WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. THE
UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) of the Old Capital
Securities tendered hereby should be printed above, if they are not already set
forth above, as they appear on the Certificates representing such Old Capital
Securities. The Certificate number(s) and the Old Capital Securities that the
undersigned wishes to tender should be indicated in the appropriate boxes above.
If any tendered Old Capital Securities are not exchanged pursuant to the
Exchange Offer for any reason, or if the Certificates are submitted for more Old
Capital Securities than are tendered or accepted for exchange, Certificates for
such nonexchanged or nontendered Old Capital Securities will be returned (or, in
the case of Old Capital Securities tendered by book-entry transfer, such Old
Capital Securities will
<PAGE>
be credited to an account maintained at DTC), without expense to the tendering
holder, promptly following the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Old Capital Securities pursuant
to any one of the procedures described in "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for
Tendering Old Capital Securities" in the Prospectus and in the instructions
hereto will, upon Barnett's and the Trust's acceptance for exchange of such
tendered Old Capital Securities, constitute a binding agreement between the
undersigned, Barnett and the Trust upon the terms and subject to the conditions
of the Exchange Offer. The undersigned recognizes that, under certain
circumstances set forth in the Prospectus, Barnett and the Trust may not be
required to accept for exchange any of the Old Capital Securities tendered
hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" below, the undersigned hereby directs that the New Capital
Securities be issued in the name(s) of the undersigned or, in the case of a
book-entry transfer of Old Capital Securities, that such New Capital Securities
be credited to the account indicated above maintained at DTC. If applicable,
substitute Certificates representing Old Capital Securities not tendered or not
accepted for exchange will be issued to the undersigned or, in the case of a
book-entry transfer of Old Capital Securities, will be credited to the account
indicated above maintained at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under
"Special Delivery Instructions," please deliver New Capital Securities to the
undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned's signature.
BY TENDERING OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REPRESENTS AND AGREES THAT (I) NEITHER THE
UNDERSIGNED NOR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER IS AN "AFFILIATE" OF BARNETT OR THE TRUST,
(II) ANY NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES TO BE RECEIVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED ARE BEING
ACQUIRED IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF ITS BUSINESS OR THE BUSINESS OF ANY
BENEFICIAL OWNER, (III) THE UNDERSIGNED AND EACH BENEFICIAL OWNER HAVE NO
ARRANGEMENT OR UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISTRIBUTION
(WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES TO BE
RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, AND (IV) IF THE UNDERSIGNED OR ANY BENEFICIAL
OWNER IS NOT A BROKER-DEALER, THE UNDERSIGNED AND ANY SUCH BENEFICIAL OWNER IS
NOT ENGAGED IN, AND DOES NOT INTEND TO ENGAGE IN, A DISTRIBUTION (WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF SUCH NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES. BY TENDERING OLD
CAPITAL SECURITIES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL, A HOLDER OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES WHICH IS A BROKER-DEALER
REPRESENTS AND AGREES, CONSISTENT WITH CERTAIN INTERPRETIVE LETTERS ISSUED BY
THE STAFF OF THE DIVISION OF CORPORATION FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION TO THIRD PARTIES, THAT (A) SUCH OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES HELD BY THE
BROKER-DEALER ARE HELD ONLY AS A NOMINEE, OR (B) SUCH OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES
WERE ACQUIRED BY SUCH BROKER-DEALER FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF
MARKET-MAKING ACTIVITIES OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES AND IT WILL DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
RESALE OF SUCH NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES (PROVIDED THAT, BY SO ACKNOWLEDGING AND BY
DELIVERING A PROSPECTUS, SUCH BROKER-DEALER WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO ADMIT THAT IT
IS AN "UNDERWRITER" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT).
Barnett and the Trust have agreed that, subject to the provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement and the limitations described in the Prospectus,
the Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be
used by a Participating Broker-Dealer (as defined below) in connection with
resales of New Capital Securities received in exchange for Old Capital
Securities where such Old Capital Securities were acquired by such Participating
Broker-Dealer for its own account as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities, for a period ending 90 days after the Expiration Date
(subject to extension under certain limited circumstances described in the
Prospectus) or, if earlier, when all such New Capital Securities have been
disposed of by such Participating Broker-Dealer. In that regard, each
broker-dealer who acquired Old Capital Securities for its own account as a
result of market-making
<PAGE>
or other trading activities (a "Participating Broker-Dealer"), by tendering such
Old Capital Securities and executing this Letter Of Transmittal or effecting
delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu thereof, agrees that, upon receipt of
notice from Barnett or the Trust of the occurrence of any event or the discovery
of any fact which makes any statement contained or incorporated by reference in
the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which causes the Prospectus to
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained or incorporated by referenced therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading or of the occurrence of certain other
events specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, such Participating
Broker-Dealer will suspend the sale of New Capital Securities pursuant to the
Prospectus until Barnett and the Trust have amended or supplemented the
Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of
the amended or supplemented Prospectus to the Participating Broker-Dealer or
Barnett or the Trust has given notice that the sale of the New Capital
Securities may be resumed, as the case may be. If Barnett or the Trust gives
such notice to suspend the sale of the New Capital Securities, it shall extend
the 90-day period referred to above during which Participating Broker-Dealers
are entitled to use the Prospectus in connection with the resale of New Capital
Securities by the number of days during the period from and including the date
of the giving of such notice to and including the date when Participating
Broker-Dealers shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended
Prospectus necessary to permit resales of the New Capital Securities or to and
including the date on which Barnett or the Trust has given notice that the sale
of New Capital Securities may be resumed, as the case may be.
Holders of Old Capital Securities whose Old Capital Securities are accepted
for exchange will not receive accrued interest on such Old Capital Securities
for any period from and after the last Distribution Date to which interest has
been paid or duly provided for on such Old Capital Securities prior to the
original issue date of the New Capital Securities or, if no such interest has
been paid or duly provided for, will not receive any accrued interest on such
Old Capital Securities, and the undersigned waives the right to receive any
interest on such Old Capital Securities accrued from and after such Distribution
Date or, if no such interest has been paid or duly provided for, from and after
November 27, 1996.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter of
Transmittal shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and any
obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs,
executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy,
legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as
stated in the Prospectus, this tender is irrevocable.
<PAGE>
HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2, 5 AND 6)
(PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THIS LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL)
(NOTE: SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED
IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 2)
Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
Certificate(s) for the Old Capital Securities hereby tendered or on a security
position listing, or by any person(s) authorized to become the registered
holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith (including such
opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as may be required by
Barnett, the Trust or the Exchange Agent for the Old Capital Securities to
comply with the restrictions on transfer applicable to the Old Capital Securi-
ties). If signature is by an attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee,
guardian, officer of a corporation or another acting in a fiduciary capacity or
representative capacity, please set forth the signer's full title. See
Instruction 5.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Signature(s) of Holder(s))
Date --------------------------------------------------------, 199 -
Name(s) -----------------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Capacity (Full Title) -------------------------------------------------
Address ------------------------------------------------------------
(include Zip Code)
Area Code and Telephone Number ------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s))
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2 AND 5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Authorized Signature)
Date --------------------------------------------------------, 199 -
Name of Firm ------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (Full Title) -------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Address ------------------------------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area Code and Telephone Number
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if the New Capital
Securities or any Old Capital Securities that
are not tendered are to be issued in the name
of someone other than the registered holder
of the Old Capital Securities whose name
appears above.
ISSUE
/ / New Capital Securities
/ / Old Capital Securities not tendered
To ------------------------------------------
Name(s) ------------------------------------
Address -------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and
Telephone Number --------------------------
- --------------------------------------------
(Tax Identification or Social Security
Number)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if New Capital Securities or
any Old Capital Securities that are not tendered are to
be sent to someone other than the registered holder of
the Old Capital Securities whose name appears above, or
such registered holder at an address other than that
shown above.
MAIL
/ / New Capital Securities
/ / Old Capital Securities not tendered
To ------------------------------------------
Name(s) ------------------------------------
Address -------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and
Telephone Number --------------------------
- --------------------------------------------
(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
1. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES; GUARANTEED DELIVERY
PROCEDURES. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed either if (a)
Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or (b) tenders are to be made pursuant
to the procedures for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities" in the Prospectus and an
Agent's Message is not delivered. Certificates, as well as this Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with
any required signature guarantees, a substitute Form W-9 (or facsimile thereof)
and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received
by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above on or prior to the
Expiration Date; provided, however, that book-entry transfers of Old Capital
Securities may be effected in accordance with the procedures mandated by DTC's
Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). Although delivery of Old Capital
Securities may be effected through ATOP, this Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required
signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu of this Letter of
Transmittal, and any other required documents, must in any case be delivered to
and received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above on or prior to
the Expiration Date, or the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in this
Instruction 1 must be complied with.
Holders who wish to tender their Old Capital Securities and (i) whose Old
Capital Securities are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver
their Old Capital Securities, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required
documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or (iii) who
cannot complete the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely
basis, may tender their Old Capital Securities by properly completing and duly
executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old
Capital Securities" in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures: (i) such
tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution (as defined below);
(ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
substantially in the form made available by Barnett, must be received by the
Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the Certificates or
a book-entry confirmation representing all tendered Old Capital Securities, in
proper form for transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), or Agent's Message in lieu
thereof, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required
by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent within five New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. trading days after the date of execution of such
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as provided in "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities" in the Prospectus.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by
facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice. For Old Capital
Securities to be properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery
procedure, the Exchange Agent must receive a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery on or
prior to the Expiration Date. As used herein and in the Prospectus, "Eligible
Institution" means a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act as "an eligible guarantor institution," including (as such terms
are defined therein) (i) a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities
broker or dealer or government securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit
union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or
clearing agency; or (v) a savings association that is a participant in a
Securities Transfer Association.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER
AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS TO BE BY MAIL, THE USE OF REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS
RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY.
Neither Barnett nor the Trust will accept any alternative, conditional or
contingent tenders. Each tendering holder, by execution of a Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) or delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu
thereof, waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of such
tender.
2. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee on this Letter of
Transmittal is required if:
(i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder (which
term, for purposes of this document, shall include any participant in
DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of
the Old Capital Securities) of Old Capital Securities tendered herewith,
unless such holder(s) has completed either the box entitled "Special
Issuance Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery
Instructions" above, or
(ii) such Old Capital Securities are tendered for the account of a firm that
is an Eligible Institution.
In all other cases, an Eligible Institution must guarantee the signature(s)
on this Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 5.
3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided in the box captioned
"Description of Old Capital Securities" is inadequate, the Certificate number(s)
and/or the liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities and any other required
information should be listed on a separate signed schedule which is attached to
this Letter of Transmittal.
4. PARTIAL TENDERS AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS. If less than all the Old Capital
Securities evidenced by any Certificate submitted are to be tendered, fill in
the liquidation amount of Old Capital Securities to be tendered in the box
entitled "Liquidation Amount of Old Capital Securities Tendered (if less than
all)." In such case, new Certificates for the remainder of the Old Capital
Securities that were evidenced by your old Certificates will only be sent to the
holder of the Old Capital Security, or, in the case of book-entry transfer, will
be credited to an account maintained at DTC, promptly after the Expiration Date.
All Old Capital Securities presented by Certificates delivered to the Exchange
Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
<PAGE>
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Capital Securities may
be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. In order for a
withdrawal to be effective on or prior to that time, a written, telegraphic,
telex or facsimile transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely
received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above on or prior to the
Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the
person who tendered the Old Capital Securities to be withdrawn, and (if
Certificates for Old Capital Securities have been tendered) the name of the
registered holder of the Old Capital Securities as set forth on the Certificate
for the Old Capital Securities, if different from that of the person who
tendered such Old Capital Securities. If Certificates for the Old Capital
Securities have been delivered or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent,
then prior to the physical release of such Certificates for the Old Capital
Securities, the tendering holder must submit the serial numbers shown on the
particular Certificates for the Old Capital Securities to be withdrawn and the
signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution, except in the case of Old Capital Securities tendered for the
account of an Eligible Institution. If Old Capital Securities have been tendered
pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities," the notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited
with the withdrawal of Old Capital Securities, in which case a notice of
withdrawal will be effective if delivered to the Exchange Agent by written,
telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission. Withdrawals of tenders of Old
Capital Securities may not be rescinded. Old Capital Securities properly
withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered for purposes of the Exchange
Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time on or prior to the
Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described in the Prospectus
under "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities."
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by Barnett and the Trust,
in their sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all
parties. Barnett and the Trust, any affiliates or assigns of Barnett and the
Trust, the Exchange Agent or any other person shall not be under any duty to
give any notification of any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur
any liability for failure to give any such notification. Any Old Capital
Securities which have been tendered but which are withdrawn will be returned to
the holder thereof without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal.
5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, ASSIGNMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holders of the Old
Capital Securities tendered hereby, the signatures must correspond exactly with
the names as written on the face of the Certificates without alteration,
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any of the Old Capital Securities tendered hereby are owned of record by
two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If any tendered Old Capital Securities are registered in any different names
on several Certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as
many separate Letters of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof) as there are
different registrations of Certificates.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Certificates or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing and must submit proper evidence
satisfactory to Barnett and the Trust, in their sole discretion, of such
persons' authority to so act.
When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered owners of the
Old Capital Securities listed and transmitted hereby, no endorsements of
Certificates or separate bond powers are required unless New Capital Securities
are to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered holders.
Signatures on such Certificates or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered owners of the Old Capital Securities listed, the Certificates must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name
or names of the registered owners appear on the Certificates, and also must be
accompanied by such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as
Barnett or the Trust may require in accordance with the restrictions on transfer
applicable to the Old Capital Securities. Signatures on such Certificates or
bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
6. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If New Capital Securities
are to be issued in the name of a person other than the signer of this Letter of
Transmittal, or if New Capital Securities are to be sent to someone other than
the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown
above, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed.
Certificates for Old Capital Securities not exchanged will be returned by mail
or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, by crediting the account indicated above
maintained at DTC. See Instruction 4.
7. IRREGULARITIES. Barnett and the Trust will determine, in their sole
discretion, all questions as to the form of documents, validity, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Old
Capital Securities, which determination shall be final and binding on all
parties. Barnett and the Trust reserve the absolute right to reject any and all
tenders determined by either of them not to be in proper form or the acceptance
of which, or exchange for, may, in the view of counsel to Barnett and the Trust,
be unlawful. Barnett and the Trust also reserve the absolute right, subject to
applicable law, to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer set forth
in the Prospectus or any conditions or irregularity in any tender of Old Capital
Securities of any particular holder whether or not similar conditions or
irregularities are waived in the case of other holders. Barnett's and the
Trust's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer
(including this Letter of Transmittal and the instructions hereto) will be final
and binding. No tender of Old Capital Securities will be deemed to have been
validly made until all irregularities with respect to such tender have been
cured or waived. Barnett, the Trust, any affiliates or assigns of Barnett, the
Trust, the Exchange Agent, or any other person shall not be under any duty to
give notification of any irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for
failure to give such notification.
<PAGE>
8. QUESTIONS, REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions
regarding the procedures for tender or withdrawal of Old Capital Securities may
be directed to the Exchange Agent at its address and telephone number set forth
on the front of this Letter of Transmittal.
Other questions, requests for assistance, and requests for additional copies
of the Prospectus, this Letter of Transmittal and Notices of Guaranteed Delivery
should be directed to The Georgeson & Co., Inc. (the "Information Agent"), which
has been retained by the Company and the Trust to act as Information Agent with
respect to the Exchange Offer, as follows:
The Georgeson & Co., Inc.
Wall Street Plaza
30th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Telephone: 1-800-223-2064
Banks and brokers may contact the Information Agent at 1-800-445-1790.
Additional copies of the Prospectus, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and
this Letter of Transmittal may also be obtained from your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee.
9. 31% BACKUP WITHHOLDING; SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Under U.S. Federal income
tax law, a holder whose tendered Old Capital Securities are accepted for
exchange is required to provide the Exchange Agent with such holder's correct
taxpayer identification number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9 below. If the
Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") may subject the holder or other payee to a $50 penalty. In
addition, payments to such holders or other payees with respect to Old Capital
Securities exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be subject to 31% backup
withholding.
The box in Part 2 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be checked if the tendering
holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends to apply
for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 2 is checked, the holder or
other payee must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number below in order to avoid backup withholding.
Notwithstanding that the box in Part 2 is checked and the Certificate of
Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed, the Exchange Agent will
withhold 31% of all payments made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is
provided to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will retain such amounts
withheld during the 60 day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9.
If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with its TIN within 60 days after the
date of the Substitute Form W-9, the amounts retained during the 60 day period
will be remitted to the holder and no further amounts shall be retained or
withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, the holder
has not provided the Exchange Agent with its TIN within such 60 day period,
amounts withheld will be remitted to the IRS as backup withholding. In addition,
31% of all payments made thereafter will be withheld and remitted to the IRS
until a correct TIN is provided.
The holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the TIN (e.g., social
security number or employer identification number) of the registered owner of
the Old Capital Securities or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers
attached to, or endorsed on, the Old Capital Securities. If the Old Capital
Securities are registered in more than one name or are not in the name of the
actual owner, the Exchange Agent will provide upon request "Guidelines for
Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for
additional guidance on which number to report.
Certain holders (including, among others, corporations, financial
institutions and certain foreign persons) may not be subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. Such holders should nevertheless
complete the attached Substitute Form W-9 below, and write "exempt" on the face
thereof, to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. A foreign person may
qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting a properly completed IRS Form W-8,
signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holder's exempt status. The
Exchange Agent will provide upon request "Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance
on which holders are exempt from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional U.S. Federal income tax. Rather, the
U.S. Federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding will
be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an
overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.
10. LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. If any Certificates
representing Old Capital Securities have been lost, destroyed or stolen, the
holder should promptly notify the Exchange Agent. The holder will then be
instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the
Certificates. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be
processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen
Certificates have been followed.
11. SECURITY TRANSFER TAXES. Holders who tender their Old Capital
Securities for exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in
connection therewith. If, however, New Capital Securities are to be delivered
to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered
holder of the Old Capital Securities tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed
for any reason other than the exchange of Old Capital Securities in connection
with the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer tax (whether
imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the
tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption
therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such
transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR FACSIMILE THEREOF) OR AN AGENT'S
MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE
EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
<PAGE>
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING SECURITY HOLDERS
(SEE INSTRUCTION 9)
PAYER'S NAME: THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
PART 1--PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN
SUBSTITUTE ON THE LINE AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY TIN ----------------------------------------
SIGNING AND DATING BELOW Social Security Number or Employer
Identification Number
FORM W-9
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
PAYOR'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER Name ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) (Please Print)
Address---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
PART 2 -- AWAITING TIN / /
PART 3--CERTIFICATION--UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT (1) THE NUMBER SHOWN ON THIS FORM IS MY CORRECT
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (OR I AM WAITING FOR A NUMBER TO BE ISSUED TO ME), (2) I AM NOT SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING EITHER BECAUSE (I) I AM EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING, (II) I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE ("IRS") THAT I AM SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE TO REPORT ALL INTEREST OR DIVIDENDS, OR
(III) THE IRS HAS NOTIFIED ME THAT I AM NO LONGER SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING, AND (3) ANY OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED ON
THIS FORM IS TRUE AND CORRECT.
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION OF THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN CERTIFICATIONS
REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
Signature ------------------ Date ------------------
</TABLE>
You must cross out item (2) in Part (3) above if you have been notified by the
IRS that you are subject to backup withholding because of underreporting
interest or dividends on you tax return and you have not been notified by the
IRS that you are no longer subject to backup withholding.
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY AMOUNTS PAID TO YOU PURSUANT TO
THE EXCHANGE OFFER. THE EXCHANGE AGENT WILL PROVIDE "GUIDELINES FOR
CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9"
UPON REQUEST IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED TO ME, AND EITHER (1) I HAVE MAILED OR DELIVERED AN
APPLICATION TO RECEIVE A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO THE APPROPRIATE
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CENTER OR SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OR (2)
I INTEND TO MAIL OR DELIVER AN APPLICATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I UNDERSTAND THAT
IF I DO NOT PROVIDE A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER BY THE TIME OF PAYMENT, 31%
OF ALL PAYMENTS TO ME ON ACCOUNT OF THE NEW CAPITAL SECURITIES SHALL BE RETAINED
UNTIL I PROVIDE A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND THAT,
IF I DO NOT PROVIDE MY TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WITHIN 60 DAYS, SUCH
RETAINED AMOUNTS SHALL BE REMITTED TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS BACKUP
WITHHOLDING AND 31% OF ALL REPORTABLE PAYMENTS MADE TO ME THEREAFTER WILL BE
WITHHELD AND REMITTED TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE UNTIL I PROVIDE A TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION OF
THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
Signature ------------------ Date ------------------, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(b)
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR TENDER OF
8.06% CAPITAL SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $1,000 PER CAPITAL SECURITY)
OF
BARNETT CAPITAL I
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED
BY BARNETT BANKS, INC.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to this
form, must be used to accept the Exchange Offer (as defined below) if (i)
certificates for the Trust's (as defined below) 8.06% Capital Securities due
December 1, 2026 (the "Old Capital Securities") are not immediately available,
(ii) Old Capital Securities, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required
documents cannot be delivered to The First National Bank of Chicago (the
"Exchange Agent") on or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the
Prospectus referred to below) or (iii) the procedures for delivery by book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis. This Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery may be delivered by hand, overnight courier or mail, or transmitted by
facsimile transmission, to the Exchange Agent. See "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering Old Capital Securities" in the Prospectus.
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
BY MAIL/OVERNIGHT DELIVERY/HAND DELIVERY:
The First National Bank of Chicago
c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York
14 Wall Street
8th Floor, Window 2
New York, New York 10005
Attn: Corporate Trust Administration
TO CONFIRM BY TELEPHONE OR FOR INFORMATION:
(212) 240-8801
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION:
(212) 240-8938
DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA
FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID
DELIVERY.
THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS NOT TO BE USED TO GUARANTEE
SIGNATURES. IF A SIGNATURE ON A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS REQUIRED TO BE
GUARANTEED BY AN "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION" UNDER THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO, SUCH
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MUST APPEAR IN THE APPLICABLE SPACE PROVIDED IN THE
SIGNATURE BOX ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
<PAGE>
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Barnett Capital I, a trust created under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated May 7, 1997 (as the same may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"), and the related
Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange Offer"), receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged, the aggregate principal amount of Old Capital
Securities set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set
forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer-- Procedures for
Tendering Old Capital Securities."
Aggregate Liquidation Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
Amount Tendered:
Certificate No(s). Address(es):
(if available) Area Code and Telephone Number(s):
If Old Capital Securities will be tendered by book-entry transfer, provide the
following information:
Signature(s):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DTC Account Number:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GUARANTEE ON THE NEXT PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED
<PAGE>
GUARANTEE
(NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
The undersigned, a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as an "eligible guarantor
institution", including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a bank; (ii) a
broker, dealer, municipal securities broker, municipal securities dealer,
government securities broker, government securities dealer, (iii) a credit
union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or
clearing agency; or (v) a savings association that is a participant in a
Securities Transfer Association recognized program (each of the foregoing being
referred to as an "Eligible Institution"), hereby guarantees to deliver to the
Exchange Agent, at its address set forth above, either the Old Capital
Securities tendered hereby in proper form for transfer, or confirmation of the
book-entry transfer of such Old Capital Securities to the Exchange Agent's
account at The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), pursuant to the procedures for
book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus, in either case together with
one or more properly completed and duly executed Letters of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), or Agent's Message (as defined in the Prospectus) in lieu
thereof, and any other required documents within five business days after the
date of execution of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letters of Transmittal
and the Old Capital Securities tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within the
time period set forth above and that failure to do so could result in a
financial loss to the undersigned.
Name of Firm
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Authorized Signature)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
Area Code and Telephone Number (
- ----)
- ----------------------------
Date:
- ----------------------------------
NOTE: DO NOT SEND OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED
DELIVERY. ACTUAL SURRENDER OF OLD CAPITAL SECURITIES MUST BE MADE
PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY
EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (99)(c)
(FORM OF EXCHANGE AGENCY AGREEMENT)
May ___, 1997
The First National Bank of Chicago
One First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60670
Ladies and Gentlemen:
BARNETT BANKS, INC., a Florida corporation, as Depositor ("Barnett") and
BARNETT CAPITAL I, a trust formed under the laws of the state of Delaware
(the "Trust") hereby appoint THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO to act as
exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent") in connection with an exchange offer by
Barnett and the Trust to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate Liquidation
Amount of the Trust's 8.06% Capital Securities due December 1, 2026 (the "New
Securities"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), for a like aggregate Liquidation Amount of
the Trust's outstanding 8.06% Capital Securities due December 1, 2026 (the
"Old Securities"). The terms and conditions of the exchange offer are set
forth in a Prospectus dated May ___, 1997 (as the same may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus") and in the related Letter
of Transmittal, which together constitute the "Exchange Offer." The
registered holders of the Capital Securities are hereinafter referred to as
the "Holders." Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the
respective meanings assigned thereto in the Prospectus.
The Exchange Offer is expected to be commenced by the Trust on or about
__________, 1997. The Letter of Transmittal accompanying the Prospectus (or
in the case of book-entry securities, the ATOP system) is to be used by the
holders of the Old Securities to accept the Exchange Offer and contains
instructions with respect to (i) the delivery of certificates for Old
Securities tendered in connection therewith and (ii) the book-entry transfer
of Old Securities to the Exchange Agent's account.
The Exchange Offer shall expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on
__________, 1997 or on such later date or time to which the Trust may extend
the Exchange Offer from time to time by giving oral (to be confirmed in
writing) or written notice to the Exchange Agent before 9:00 a.m., New York
City time, on the business day following the previously scheduled Expiration
Date.
The Trust expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the Exchange
Offer, and not to accept for exchange and Old Securities not theretofore
accepted for exchange, based upon any conditions of the Exchange Offer described
in the Prospectus. The Trust will give oral (to be confirmed in writing) or
written notice of any
<PAGE>
amendment, termination or nonacceptance of Old Securities to the Exchange
Agent promptly after any amendment, termination or nonacceptance.
On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements of
Barnett, the Trust and the Exchange Agent contained herein and subject to the
terms and conditions hereof, the following sets forth the agreement between
Barnett, the Trust and the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer:
1. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES AS EXCHANGE AGENT.
a. Barnett and the Trust hereby authorize and appoint The First
National Bank of Chicago to act as Exchange Agent in connection with the
Exchange Offer and The First National Bank of Chicago agrees to act as
Exchange Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer. As Exchange Agent, The
First National Bank of Chicago will perform those services as are
specifically set forth in the section of the Prospectus captioned "The
Exchange Offer" and as are outlined herein.
b. Barnett and the Trust acknowledge and agree that The First National
Bank of Chicago has been retained pursuant to this Agreement to act solely as
Exchange Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer, and in such capacity, the
Exchange Agent shall perform such duties in good faith.
c. The Exchange Agent will establish an account with respect to the
Old Securities at The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") for the purposes of
the Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of the Prospectus,
and any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's system may make
book-entry delivery of the Old Securities by causing DTC to transfer such Old
Securities into the Exchange Agent's account in accordance with DTC's
procedure for such transfer.
d. The Exchange Agent will examine each of the Letters of Transmittal and
certificates for Old Securities and any other documents delivered or mailed to
the Exchange Agent by or for Holders of the Old Securities, and any book-entry
confirmations (as defined in the Prospectus) received by the Exchange Agent with
respect to the Old Securities, to ascertain whether: (i) the Letters of
Transmittal and any such other documents are duly executed and properly
completed in accordance with the instructions set forth therein and that such
book-entry confirmations are in due and proper form and contain the information
required to be set forth therein, (ii) the Old Securities have otherwise been
properly tendered, and (iii) Holders have provided their correct Tax
Identification Number or required certification. Determination of all questions
as to validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for exchange of any Old
Securities shall be made by Barnett or the Trust, whose determination shall be
final and binding. In each case where the Letters of Transmittal or any other
documents have been improperly completed or executed or where book-entry
confirmations are not in due and proper form or omit certain information, or any
of the certificates for Old Securities are not in proper form for transfer or
some other irregularity in connection with the tender of the Old Securities
exists, the Exchange Agent will endeavor to advise
<PAGE>
the tendering Holders of the irregularity and to take any other action may be
necessary or advisable as to cause such irregularity to be corrected.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Exchange Agent shall not incur any
liability for failure to give any such notification.
e. With the approval of any Regular Trustee of the Trust or any person
designated in writing by Barnett (a "Designated Officer") (such approval, if
given orally, to be confirmed in writing) or any other party designated by
any such Regular Trustee or Designated Officer, the Exchange Agent is
authorized to waive any irregularities in connection with any tender of Old
Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
f. Tenders of Old Securities may be made only as set forth in the
Letter of Transmittal and in the section of the Prospectus captioned "The
Exchange Offer" and Old Securities shall be considered properly tendered only
when tendered in accordance with the procedures set forth therein.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, Old Securities which any
Regular Trustee or Designated Officer shall approve (such approval, if given
orally, to be confirmed in writing) as having been properly tendered shall be
considered to be properly tendered.
g. The Exchange Agent shall advise Barnett and the Trust with respect
to any Old Securities received after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date and accept their instructions with respect to disposition of
such Old Securities.
h. The Exchange Agent shall accept tenders:
(a) in cases where the Old Securities are registered in two or more
names only if signed by all named Holders;
(b) in cases where the signing person (as indicated on the Letter of
Transmittal) is acting in a fiduciary or a representative capacity only
when proper evidence of such person's authority so to act is submitted; and
(c) from persons other than the registered Holder of Old Securities
provided that customary transfer requirements, including any applicable
transfer taxes, are fulfilled.
The Exchange Agent shall accept partial tenders of Old Securities where so
indicated and as permitted in the Letter of Transmittal and deliver certificates
for Old Securities to the transfer agent for split-up and return any untendered
Old Securities or Old Securities which have not been accepted by Barnett and the
Trust to the Holder (or such other person as may be designated in the Letter of
Transmittal) as promptly as practicable after expiration or termination of the
Exchange Offer.
i. Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange
Offer, the Trust will notify the Exchange Agent (such notice if given orally, to
be confirmed in writing) of its acceptance, promptly after the Expiration Date,
of all Old Securities
<PAGE>
properly tendered and the Exchange Agent, on behalf of the Trust, will
exchange such Old Securities for New Securities and cause such Old Securities
to be canceled. Delivery of New Securities will be made on behalf of the
Trust by the Exchange Agent at the rate of $1,000 liquidation amount of the
corresponding series of Old Securities tendered promptly after notice (such
notice if given orally, to be confirmed in writing) of acceptance of said Old
Securities by the Trust; provided, however, that in all cases, Old Securities
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be exchanged only after timely
receipt by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Old Securities (or
confirmation of book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at
DTC), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) or Agent's Message in lieu thereof), with any required
signature guarantees and any other required documents. You shall issue New
Securities only in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.
j. Tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer are irrevocable, except
that, subject to the terms and the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and
the Letter of Transmittal, Old Securities tendered pursuant to the Exchange
Offer may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date.
k. The Trust shall not be required to exchange any Old Securities
tendered if any of the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer are not
met. Notice of any decision by Barnett and the Trust not to exchange any Old
Securities tendered shall be given by Barnett or the Trust orally (and
confirmed in writing) to the Exchange Agent.
l. If, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Barnett and the Trust do not
accept for exchange all or part of the Old Securities tendered because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer--Conditions to the Exchange
Offer" or otherwise, the Exchange Agent shall promptly after the expiration
or termination of the Exchange Offer return such certificates for unaccepted
Old Securities (or effect appropriate book-entry transfer), together with any
related required documents and the Letters of Transmittal relating thereto
that are in the Exchange Agent's possession, to the persons who deposited
such certificates.
m. Certificates for reissued Old Securities, unaccepted Old Securities
or New Securities shall be forwarded by (a) first-class certified mail,
return receipt requested under a blanket surety bond obtained by the Exchange
Agent protecting the Exchange Agent, Barnett and the Trust from loss or
liability arising out of the non-receipt or non-delivery or such certificates
or (b) by registered mail insured by the Exchange Agent separately for the
replacement value of each such certificate.
n. The Exchange Agent is not authorized to pay or offer to pay any
concessions, commissions or solicitation fees to any broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other persons or to engage or use any
person to solicit tenders.
o. As Exchange Agent, The First National Bank of Chicago:
<PAGE>
(i) shall have no duties or obligations other than those
specifically set forth in the section of the Prospectus captioned "The
Exchange Offer," the Letter of Transmittal or herein or as may be
subsequently agreed to in writing;
(ii) will make no representations and will have no
responsibilities as to the validity, value or genuineness of any of the
certificates for the Old Securities deposited pursuant to the Exchange
Offer, and will not be required to and will make no representation as
to the validity, value or genuineness of the Exchange Offer;
(iii) shall not be obligated to take any legal action hereunder
which might in the Exchange Agent's reasonable judgment involve any
expense or liability, unless the Exchange Agent shall have been
furnished with reasonable indemnity;
(iv) may reasonably rely on and shall be protected in acting in
reliance upon any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter,
telegram or other document or security delivered to the Exchange Agent and
reasonably believed by the Exchange Agent to be genuine and to have been
signed by the proper party or parties;
(v) may reasonably act upon any tender, statement, request,
agreement or other instrument whatsoever not only as to its due
execution and validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as
to the truth and accuracy of any information contained therein, which
the Exchange Agent believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been
signed or represented by a proper person or persons;
(vi) may rely on and shall be protected in acting upon written or
oral instructions from any Regular Trustee or Designated Officer;
(vii) may consult with its own counsel with respect to any
questions relating to the Exchange Agent's duties and responsibilities and
the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken
by the Exchange Agent hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the
advice or opinion of such counsel;
(viii) shall not advise any person tendering Old Securities pursuant
to the Exchange Offer as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering all
or any portion of its Old Securities or as to the market value, decline or
appreciation in market value of any Old Securities or as to the market
value of the New Securities; and
(ix) The Exchange Agent shall take such action as may from time to
<PAGE>
time be requested by Barnett or the Trust to furnish copies of the
Prospectus, Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or
such other forms as may be approved from time to time by Barnett and the
Trust, to all persons requesting such documents and to accept and comply
with telephone requests for information relating to the procedures for
accepting (or withdrawing from) the Exchange Offer. Barnett and the Trust
will furnish you with copies of such documents at your request.
p. The Exchange Agent shall advise by facsimile transmission or
telephone and promptly thereafter confirm in writing to Barnett and the Trust
and such other persons as Barnett and the Trust may request, daily (and more
frequently during the week immediately preceding the Expiration Date and if
otherwise requested), up to and including the Expiration Date, the aggregate
liquidation amount of Old Securities which have been tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer and the items received by the Exchange Agent pursuant to the
Exchange Offer and this Agreement, reporting separately and cumulatively as
to items properly received and items improperly received. In addition, the
Exchange Agent will also provide, and cooperate in making available to
Barnett and the Trust or any such other persons as requested from time to
time, such other information in its possession as Barnett and the Trust may
reasonably request. Such cooperation shall include, without limitation, the
granting by the Exchange Agent to Barnett and the Trust, and such persons as
Barnett and the Trust may request, of access to those persons on the Exchange
Agent's staff who are responsible for receiving tenders, in order to ensure
that immediately prior to the Expiration Date Barnett and the Trust shall
have received information in sufficient detail to enable Barnett and the
Trust to decide whether to extend the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Agent
shall prepare a final list of all persons whose tenders were accepted, the
aggregate liquidation amount of Old Securities tendered and the aggregate
liquidation amount of Old Securities accepted and deliver said list to
Barnett and the Trust.
q. Letters of Transmittal, book-entry confirmations and Notices of
Guaranteed Delivery shall be stamped by the Exchange Agent as to the date and
time of receipt thereof and shall be preserved by the Exchange Agent for a
period of time at least equal to the period of time the Exchange Agent
preserves other records pertaining to the transfer of securities, or one
year, whichever is longer, and thereafter shall be delivered by the Exchange
Agent to Barnett and the Trust. The Exchange Agent shall dispose of unused
Letters of Transmittal and other surplus materials by returning them to
Barnett or the Trust.
r. The Exchange Agent hereby expressly waives any lien, encumbrance or
right of set-off whatsoever that the Exchange Agent may have respect to funds
deposited with it for the payment of transfer taxes by reasons of amounts, if
any, borrowed by Barnett or the Trust, of any of its or their subsidiaries or
affiliates pursuant to any loan or credit agreement with the Exchange Agent or
for compensation owed to the Exchange Agent hereunder or for any other matter.
s. The Exchange Agent hereby acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus and
<PAGE>
the Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and further
acknowledges that it has examined each of them. Any inconsistency between
this Agreement, on the one hand, and the Prospectus and the Letter of
Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (as they may be amended or
supplemented from time to time), on the other hand, shall be resolved in
favor of the latter three documents, except with respect to the duties,
liabilities and indemnification of the Exchange Agent which shall be
controlled by this Agreement.
<PAGE>
2. COMPENSATION
For services rendered as Exchange Agent hereunder, the Exchange Agent
shall be entitled to such compensation as is set forth on Schedule I attached
hereto.
3. INDEMNIFICATION
a. The Trust hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Exchange
Agent against and from any and all costs, losses, liabilities and expenses
(including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements) arising out of or in
connection with any act, omission, delay or refusal made by the Exchange
Agent in reliance upon any signature, endorsement, assignment, certificate,
order, request, notice, instruction or other instrument or document
reasonably believed by the Exchange Agent to be valid, genuine and sufficient
and in accepting any tender or effecting any transfer of Old Securities
reasonably believed by the Exchange Agent in good faith to be authorized, and
in delaying or refusing in good faith to accept any tenders or effect any
transfer of Old Securities. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, neither Barnett nor the Trust shall be liable for
indemnification or otherwise for any loss, liability, cost or expense to the
extent arising out of the Exchange Agent's bad faith, gross negligence or
willful misconduct. In no case shall the Trust be liable under this
indemnity with respect to any claim against the Exchange Agent until the
Trust shall be notified by the Exchange Agent, by letter, of the written
assertion of a claim against the Exchange Agent or of any other action
commenced against the Exchange Agent, promptly after the Exchange Agent shall
have received any such written assertion or notice of commencement of action.
The Trust shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense
of any such claim or other action, and, if the Trust so elects, the Trust may
assume the defense of any pending or threatened action to enforce any such
claim. In the event that the Trust shall assume the defense of any such suit
or threatened action in respect of which indemnification may be sought
hereunder, the Trust shall not be liable for the fees and expenses incurred
thereafter of any additional counsel retained by the Exchange Agent so long
as the Exchange Agent consents to the Trust's retention of counsel, which
consent may not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that the Trust
shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any such action if the named
parties to such action include Barnett or the Trust and the Exchange Agent
and representation of the parties by the same legal counsel would, in the
written opinion of counsel for the Exchange Agent, be inappropriate due to
actual or potential conflicting interests among them. It is understood that
neither Barnett nor the Trust shall be liable under this paragraph for the
fees and disbursements of more than one legal counsel for the Exchange Agent.
In the event that the Trust shall assume the defense of any such suit with
counsel reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent, the Trust shall not
thereafter be liable for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the
Exchange Agent.
b. The Exchange Agent agrees that, without the prior written consent
of the Trust (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), it will not
settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or
threatened claim, action or
<PAGE>
proceeding in respect of which indemnification could be sought in accordance
with the indemnification provision of this Agreement (whether or not the
Exchange Agent, Barnett or the Trust or any of its directors, officers and
controlling persons is an actual or potential party to such claim, action or
proceeding), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an
unconditional release of Barnett or the Trust and its directors, officers and
controlling persons from all liability arising out of such claim, action or
proceeding.
4. TAX INFORMATION
a. The Exchange Agent shall arrange to comply with all requirements
under the tax laws of the United States, including those relating to missing
Tax Identification Numbers, and shall file any appropriate reports with the
Internal Revenue Service. Barnett and the Trust understand that the Exchange
Agent is required, in certain instances, to deduct 31% with respect to
interest paid on the New Securities and proceeds from the sale, exchange,
redemption or retirement of the New Securities from Holders who have not
supplied their correct Taxpayer Identification Number or required
certification. Such funds will be turned over to the Internal Revenue
Service in accordance with applicable regulations. The Exchange Agent shall
notify Barnett and the Trust of any Holder who has failed to supply such
Taxpayer Identification Number or certification.
b. The Exchange Agent shall notify the Trust of the amount of any
transfer taxes payable in respect of the exchange of Old Securities and, upon
receipt of written approval from the Trust, the Exchange Agent shall deliver
or cause to be delivered, in a timely manner to each governmental authority
to which any transfer taxes are payable in respect of the exchange of Old
Securities, its check in the amount of all transfer taxes so payable, and the
Trust shall reimburse the Exchange Agent for the amount of any and all
transfer taxes payable in respect of the exchange of Old Securities;
provided, however, that the Exchange Agent shall reimburse the trust for
amounts refunded to the Exchange Agent in respect of your payment of any such
transfer taxes, at such time as such refund is received by the Exchange Agent.
5. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts
executed in and to be performed in that state without regard to conflicts of
laws principles.
6. NOTICES. Any communication or notice provided for hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been given upon
receipt) be delivery in person, telecopy, or overnight delivery or by
registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to
the applicable party at the address indicated below:
If to Barnett:
Barnett Banks, Inc.
<PAGE>
50 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Attention: Treasurer
If to the Trust:
c/o Barnett Banks, Inc.
50 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Attention: Treasurer
If to the Exchange Agent:
The First National Bank of Chicago
One First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60670
Telecopier No.: 312-407-1708
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such
party in a written notice complying as to delivery with the terms of this
Section.
7. PARTIES IN INTEREST. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their successors and assigns
and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall
confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. Without limitation to the
foregoing, the parties hereto expressly agree that no holder of Old
Securities or New Securities shall have any right, benefit or remedy of any
nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
8. COUNTERPARTS; SEVERABILITY. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, and each of such counterparts shall together constitute
one and the same agreement. If any term or other provision of this Agreement
or the application thereof is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced
by any rule of law, or public policy, all other provisions of this Agreement
shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or
legal substance of the agreements contained herein is not affected in any
manner adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or
provision or the application thereof is invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so
as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a
mutually acceptable manner in order that the agreements contained herein may
be performed as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
9. CAPTIONS. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are
included
<PAGE>
for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may not be amended or modified nor may any provision
hereof by waived except in writing signed by each party to be bound thereby.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (a) the
90th day following the expiration, withdrawal, or termination of the Exchange
Offer, (b) the close of business on the date of actual receipt of written
notice by the Exchange Agent from Barnett and the Trust stating that this
Agreement is terminated, (c) one year following the date of this Agreement,
or (d) the time and date on which this Agreement shall be terminated by
mutual consent of the parties hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
Kindly indicate the Exchange Agent's acceptance of the foregoing
provisions by signing in the space provided below for that purpose and
returning to Barnett a copy of this Agreement so signed, whereupon this
Agreement and the Exchange Agent's acceptance shall constitute a binding
agreement between the Exchange Agent, Barnett and the Trust.
Very truly yours,
BARNETT BANKS, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
Name: Paris P. Thermenos
Title: Treasurer
BARNETT CAPITAL I
By:
---------------------------------
Name: Paris P. Thermenos
Title: Regular Trustee
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first written above:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
<PAGE>
By:
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
