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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-A
FOR REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
IXC Communications, Inc.
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware 74-2644120
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(State of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification no.)
1122 Capital of Texas Highway South, Austin, Texas 78746
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which
to be so Registered Each Class is to be Registered
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N/A N/A
If this form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to
Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General
Instruction A.(c), check the following box. [ ]
If this form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General
Instruction A.(d), check the following box. [X]
Securities Act registration statement file numbers to which this form relates:
333-33421, 333-37157 and 333-52433.
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
7-1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007, par value $.01 per share
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(Title of Class)
Depositary Shares each representing 1/20 of a share of 6-3/4%
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (liquidation preference $50 per share)
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(Title of Class)
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(Title of Class)
12-1/2% Series B Junior Exchangeable Preferred Stock Due 2009,
par value $.01 per share
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(Title of Class)
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Item 1. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.
The classes of securities to be registered hereunder are (1) 7-1/4%
Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007, par value $.01 per share (the
"7-1/4% Preferred Stock"), (2) 12-1/2% Series B Junior Exchangeable Preferred
Stock Due 2009, par value $.01 per share (the "12-1/2% Preferred Stock") and (3)
Depositary Shares each representing 1/20 of a share of 6-3/4% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock (liquidation preference $50 per share) (the "6-3/4%
Preferred Stock") of the Registrant. The description of the 7-1/4% Preferred
Stock set forth under the caption "Description of Convertible Preferred Stock"
in the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File
No. 333-33421) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27,
1997 is incorporated herein by reference. The description of the 12-1/2%
Preferred Stock set forth under the caption "Description of the Exchangeable
Preferred Stock" in the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 333-37157) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 15, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference. The
description of the 6-3/4% Preferred Stock set forth under the captions
"Description of Depositary Shares" and "Description of 1998 Convertible
Preferred Stock" in the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-52433) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 19, 1998 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2. Exhibits.
1. Certificate of Designation of the Powers, Preferences and Relative,
Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of 7-1/4% Junior Convertible
Preferred Stock Due 2007 and Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions
Thereof.
2. Certificate of Designation of the Powers, Preferences and Relative,
Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of 12-1/2% Junior Exchangeable
Preferred Stock Due 2009 and 12-1/2% Series B Junior Exchangeable Preferred
Stock Due 2009 and Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions Thereof
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on December 15, 1997).
3. Certificate of Designation of Powers, Preferences and Relative,
Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of 6-3/4% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock and Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions
Thereof (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of IXC Communications, Inc's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998 and filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 7, 1998).
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: August 31, 1999
IXC Communications, Inc.
By: /s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
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Jeffrey C. Smith
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
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EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
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<C> <S>
1 Certificate of Designation of the Powers, Preferences and
Relative, Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of
7-1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007 and
Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions Thereof.
2 Certificate of Designation of the Powers, Preferences and
Relative, Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of
12-1/2% Junior Exchangeable Preferred Stock Due 2009 and 12-1/2%
Series B Junior Exchangeable Preferred Stock Due 2009 and
Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions Thereof
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC Communications,
Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15,
1997).
3 Certificate of Designation of Powers, Preferences and Relative,
Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights of 6-3/4%
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and Qualifications,
Limitations and Restrictions Thereof (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.4 of IXC Communications, Inc's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998 and filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 7, 1998).
</TABLE>
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EXHIBIT 1
EXECUTION COPY
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF THE POWERS,
PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL
AND OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF 7 1/4% JUNIOR
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK DUE 2007 AND
QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS THEREOF
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Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
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IXC Communications, Inc. (the "Company"), a corporation organized and
existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does
hereby certify that, pursuant to authority conferred upon the board of
directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by its Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Restated
Certificate of Incorporation"), and pursuant to the provisions of Section 151
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, said Board of
Directors, at a meeting duly called and held on March 28, 1997, duly approved
and adopted the following resolution (the "Resolution"):
RESOLVED that, pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors by
its Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors does hereby create,
authorize and provide for the issuance of 7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred
Stock Due 2007, par value $.01 per share, with a stated value initially of
$100 per share, consisting of up to 1,400,000 shares having the designation,
preferences, relative, participating, optional and other special rights and
the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof that are set forth
in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and in this Resolution as
follows:
(a) Designation. There is hereby created out of the authorized and
unissued shares of Preferred Stock of the Company a series of Preferred Stock
designated as the "7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007" (the
"Convertible Preferred Stock"). The number of shares constituting the
Convertible Preferred Stock shall be 1,400,000. The liquidation preference of
the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be $100 per share (the "Liquidation
Preference").
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(b) Rank. The Convertible Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend
rights and rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution, rank (i) senior
to all classes of common stock and to each other class of Capital Stock or
series of Preferred Stock established hereafter by the Board of Directors of
the Company, the terms of which do not expressly provide that it ranks senior
to, or on a parity with, the Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividend rights
and rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company
(collectively referred to, together with all classes of common stock of the
Company, as "Junior Stock"); (ii) on a parity with each other class of Capital
Stock or series of Preferred Stock established hereafter by the Board of
Directors of the Company, the terms of which expressly provide that such class
or series will rank on a parity with the Convertible Preferred Stock as to
dividend rights and rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution
(collectively referred to as "Parity Stock"); and (iii) junior to each share of
Series 3 Preferred Stock now or hereafter outstanding and junior to each class
of Capital Stock or series of Preferred Stock established hereafter by the
Board of Directors of the Company, the terms of which hereafter established
classes or series expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior
to the Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividend rights or rights on
liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company (collectively referred
to as "Senior Stock"). The Company may not authorize, create or increase the
authorized amount of any class or series of Senior Stock without the approval
of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock then outstanding, voting or consenting, as the case may be, as one class.
All claims of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock, including claims
with respect to dividend payments, redemption payments, mandatory repurchase
payments or rights upon liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, shall rank
junior to the claims of the holders of any debt of the Company and all other
creditors of the Company.
(c) Dividends. (i) Holders of the outstanding shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors of the Company, out of funds legally available therefor,
dividends on each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock at a rate per annum
equal to 7 1/4% of the Liquidation
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Preference of such share payable quarterly (each such quarterly period being
herein called a "Dividend Period"). In addition to the dividends described in
the preceding sentence, holders of outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock which are Transfer Restricted Securities will be entitled to additional
dividends (the "Additional Dividends"), when, as and if declared by the Board
of Directors of the Company, out of funds legally available therefor, with
respect to the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, which Additional
Dividends shall accrue as follows if any of the following events occur (each
such event in clauses (A) and (B) below being herein called a "Registration
Default"): (A) if by August 31, 1997, the Shelf Registration Statement has not
been declared effective by the Commission; or (B) if after the Shelf
Registration Statement is declared effective (1) the Shelf Registration
Statement thereafter ceases to be effective; or (2) the Shelf Registration
Statement or the related prospectus ceases to be usable (in each case except as
permitted below) in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities
in accordance with and during the periods specified herein because either (I)
any event occurs as a result of which the related prospectus forming part of
such Shelf Registration Statement would include any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made
not misleading, or (II) it shall be necessary to amend such Shelf Registration
Statement or supplement the related prospectus, to comply with the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act or the respective rules thereunder.
Additional Dividends shall accrue on the shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock which are Transfer Restricted Securities from and including the date on
which any such Registration Default shall occur, to but excluding the date on
which all such Registration Defaults have been cured, at a rate of 7 3/4% per
annum.
A Registration Default referred to in clause (B) of paragraph (c)(i) shall
be deemed not to have occurred and be continuing in relation to the Shelf
Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Registration
Default has occurred solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective
amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited
financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective
amendment is not yet effective and needs to be
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declared effective to permit Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) other
material events with respect to the Company that would need to be described in
the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus and (ii) in the case
of clause (y), the Company proceeds promptly and in good faith to amend or
supplement the Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus to describe
such events unless the Company has determined in good faith that there are
material legal or commercial impediments in doing so; provided, however, that
in any case if such Registration Default occurs for a continuous period in
excess of 45 days, Additional Dividends shall be payable in accordance with the
immediately preceding paragraphs of this paragraph (c)(i) from the day such
Registration Default initially occurs until such Registration Default is cured.
Any amounts of Additional Dividends due pursuant to clauses (A) or (B) of
this paragraph (c)(i) or pursuant to the proviso contained in the preceding
sentence will be payable on the regular dividend payment dates with respect to
the Convertible Preferred Stock and on the same terms and conditions and
subject to the same limitations as pertain at such time for the payment of
regular dividends. The amount of Additional Dividends will be determined by
multiplying the applicable Additional Dividends rate by the aggregate
liquidation preference of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
such Additional Dividend rate was applicable during such period (determined on
the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months), and the
denominator of which is 360.
All dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock, including Additional
Dividends, to the extent accrued, shall be cumulative, whether or not earned or
declared, on a daily basis from the Issue Date or, in the case of additional
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock issued in payment of a dividend, from the
date of issuance of such additional shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, and
shall be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year (each a "Dividend Payment Date"), commencing on June
30, 1997 to holders of record on the March 15, June 15, September 15 and
December 15 immediately preceding the relevant Dividend Payment Date. Any
dividend on the Convertible Preferred Stock payable pursuant to this paragraph
(c)(i) on or prior to March 31, 1999 shall be, at the option of the Company,
payable (1) in cash or (2) through the issuance of a number of additional
shares
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(rounded to the nearest whole share) of Convertible Preferred Stock (the
"Additional Shares") equal to the dividend amount divided by the Liquidation
Preference of such Additional Shares. With respect to dividends accrued after
March 31, 1999, all dividends shall be payable in cash; provided, however, that
to the extent and for so long as the Company is prohibited by the terms of any
of its indebtedness then outstanding or by the terms of the Series 3 Preferred
Stock of the Company or any agreement or instrument to which the Company is
then subject, from paying cash dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock,
such dividends will accrue on each share at the rate per annum equal to 8 3/4%
of the Liquidation Preference per share (instead of the 7 1/4% rate set forth
in the first paragraph of this paragraph (c)(i)) (together with any Additional
Dividends then payable, which for purposes of this paragraph shall be payable
at a rate of 0.50% over and above the 8 3/4% rate) payable through the issuance
of a number of Additional Shares (rounded to the nearest whole share) equal to
the dividend amount on such share divided by the Liquidation Preference of such
Additional Shares on the relevant Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided
herein, accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, will not bear interest or bear
dividends thereon.
(ii) All dividends paid with respect to shares of the Convertible Preferred
Stock pursuant to paragraph (c)(i) shall be paid pro rata to the holders
entitled thereto.
(iii) No full dividends may be declared or paid or set apart for the
payment of dividends by the Company on any Parity Stock for any period unless
full cumulative dividends in respect of each Dividend Period ending on or
before such period shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid
(or are deemed declared and paid) in full or declared and, if payable in cash,
a sum in cash sufficient for such payment set apart for such payment on the
Convertible Preferred Stock. If full dividends are not so paid, the
Convertible Preferred Stock will share dividends pro rata with the Parity
Stock.
(iv) The Company will not (A) declare, pay or set apart funds for the
payment of any dividend or other distribution with respect to any Junior Stock
or (B) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any Junior Stock
through a sinking fund or otherwise, unless (1) all accrued and unpaid
dividends with respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock
at the time such
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dividends are payable have been paid or funds have been set apart for payment
of such dividends and (2) sufficient funds have been paid or set apart for the
payment of the dividend for the current dividend period with respect to the
Convertible Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock. As used herein, the term
"dividend" does not include dividends payable solely in shares of Junior Stock
on Junior Stock or in options, warrants or rights to holders of Junior Stock to
subscribe or purchase any Junior Stock.
(v) Dividends on account of arrears for any past Dividend Period and
dividends in connection with any optional redemption may be declared and paid
at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to holders
of record on such date, not more than 45 days prior to the payment thereof, as
may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company.
(vi) Dividends payable on the Convertible Preferred Stock for any period
other than a Dividend Period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
consisting year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days elapsed
in the period for which payable. Dividends payable on the Convertible
Preferred Stock for a full Dividend Period will be computed by dividing the per
annum dividend rate by four.
(vii) Certificates of Common Stock relating to Convertible Preferred Stock
surrendered for conversion by a registered Holder during the period from the
close of business on any regular record date next preceding any Dividend
Payment Date to the opening of business on such Dividend Payment Date (except
Convertible Preferred Shares called for redemption on a Redemption Date within
such period) must be accompanied by payment in cash of an amount equal to the
accrued but unpaid dividends thereon which such registered Holder is to receive
on such Dividend Payment Date with respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock
so surrendered.
(d) Liquidation Preference. (i) Upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, holders of Convertible
Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Company
available for distribution to its stockholders, the Liquidation Preference of
the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, plus, without
duplication, an amount in cash equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends
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(whether or not earned or declared and including Additional Dividends, if any,)
thereon to the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding-up (including
an amount equal to a prorated dividend for the period from the last Dividend
Payment Date to the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding-up that
would have been payable had the Convertible Preferred Stock been the subject of
an Optional Redemption on such date) before any distribution is made on any
Junior Stock. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to the
Convertible Preferred Stock and all Parity Stock are not paid in full, the
Convertible Preferred Stock and the Parity Stock will share equally and ratably
(in proportion to the respective amounts that would be payable on such shares
of Convertible Preferred Stock and the Parity Stock, respectively, if all
amounts payable thereon had been paid in full) in any distribution of assets of
the Company to which each is entitled. After payment of the full amount of the
Liquidation Preference of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
(and, if applicable, an amount equal to a prorated dividend), the holders of
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further
participation in any distribution of assets of the Company.
(ii) For the purposes of this paragraph (d), neither the sale, conveyance,
exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other
consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the
Company nor the consolidation or merger of the Company with or into one or more
other entities shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of the Company.
(e) Redemption. (i) Optional Redemption. (A) The Convertible Preferred
Stock shall not be redeemable prior to April 3, 2000. On or after April 3,
2000, each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock may be redeemed (subject to
the legal availability of funds therefor) at any time, in whole or in part, at
the option of the Company, at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage
of the Liquidation Preference of such share) set forth below, plus, without
duplication, an amount in cash equal to all accrued and unpaid Liquidated
Damages and all accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption
(the "Optional Redemption Date") (including an amount in cash equal to a
prorated dividend for the period from the Dividend Payment Date immediately
prior to the Optional Redemption Date) (the
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"Optional Redemption Price"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to April 1,
2002, the Company shall only have the option to redeem shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock if, during the period of 30 consecutive Trading Days ending on
the Trading Day immediately preceding the date that the Redemption Notice is
mailed to holders, the Closing Bid Price for the Common Stock exceeded 150% of
the Conversion Price effective on the date of such Redemption Notice for at
least 20 of such Trading Days. If redeemed during the 12-month period
beginning April 1 of each of the years set forth below (or in the case of the
year 2000, April 3), the Optional Redemption Price per share shall be the
applicable percentage of the Liquidation Preference of such share set forth
below plus, without duplication, in each case, an amount in cash equal to all
accrued and unpaid Liquidated Damages and all accrued and unpaid dividends
(including an amount equal to a prorated dividend from the immediately
preceding Dividend Payment Date to the Optional Redemption Date), if any, to
the Optional Redemption Date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year in which redemption occurs Percentage
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<S> <C>
2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.83%
2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.03%
2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.22%
2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.42%
2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.61%
2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.81%
2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.00%
</TABLE>
(B) In the event of a redemption of only a portion of the then outstanding
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company shall effect such redemption
on a pro rata basis, except that the Company may redeem all of the shares held
by holders of fewer than 100 shares (or all of the shares held by holders who
would hold less than 100 shares as a result of such redemption), as may be
determined by the Company.
(ii) Mandatory Redemption. Each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock
(if not earlier redeemed or converted) shall be subject to mandatory redemption
in whole (to the extent of lawfully available funds therefor) on March 31, 2007
(the "Mandatory Redemption Date") at a price equal to 100% of the Liquidation
Preference of such share, plus, without duplication, all accrued and unpaid
Liquidated Damages and accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (including
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an amount equal to a prorated dividend thereon from the immediately preceding
Dividend Payment Date to the Mandatory Redemption Date), if any, to the
Mandatory Redemption Date (the "Mandatory Redemption Price").
(iii) Procedure for Redemption. (A) On and after the Optional Redemption
Date or the Mandatory Redemption Date, as the case may be (the "Redemption
Date"), unless the Company defaults in the payment of the applicable redemption
price, dividends will cease to accumulate on shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of such shares will
terminate except for the right to receive the Optional Redemption Price or the
Mandatory Redemption Price, as the case may be, without interest; provided,
however, that if a notice of redemption shall have been given as provided in
paragraph (iii)(B) and the funds necessary for redemption (including an amount
in respect of all dividends that will accrue to the Redemption Date) shall have
been segregated and irrevocably set apart by the Company, in trust for the
benefit of the holders of the shares called for redemption, then dividends
shall cease to accumulate on the Redemption Date on the shares to be redeemed
and, at the close of business on the day on which such funds are segregated and
set apart, the holders of the shares to be redeemed shall, with respect to the
shares to be redeemed, cease to be stockholders of the Company and shall be
entitled only to receive the Optional Redemption Price or the Mandatory
Redemption Price, as the case may be, for such shares without interest from the
Redemption Date.
(B) With respect to a redemption pursuant to paragraph (e)(i) or (e)(ii),
the Company will send a written notice of redemption by first class mail to
each holder of record of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, not fewer than
15 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date at its registered
address (the "Redemption Notice"); provided, however, that no failure to give
such notice nor any deficiency therein shall affect the validity of the
procedure for the redemption of any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be
redeemed except as to the holder or holders to whom the Company has failed to
give said notice or except as to the holder or holders whose notice was
defective. The Redemption Notice shall state:
(1) whether the redemption is pursuant to paragraph (e)(i) or (e)(ii)
hereof;
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(2) the Optional Redemption Price or the Mandatory Redemption Price, as
the case may be;
(3) whether all or less than all the outstanding shares of the Convertible
Preferred Stock are to be redeemed and the total number of shares of the
Convertible Preferred Stock being redeemed;
(4) the Redemption Date;
(5) that the holder is to surrender to the Company, in the manner, at the
place or places and at the price designated, his certificate or certificates
representing the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be redeemed; and
(6) that dividends on the shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock to be
redeemed shall cease to accumulate on such Redemption Date unless the Company
defaults in the payment of the Optional Redemption Price or the Mandatory
Redemption Price, as the case may be.
(C) Each holder of Convertible Preferred Stock shall surrender the
certificate or certificates representing such shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock to the Company, duly endorsed (or otherwise in proper form for transfer,
as determined by the Company), in the manner and at the place designated in the
Redemption Notice, and on the Redemption Date the full Optional Redemption
Price or Mandatory Redemption Price, as the case may be, for such shares shall
be payable in cash to the person whose name appears on such certificate or
certificates as the owner thereof, and each surrendered certificate shall be
canceled and retired. In the event that less than all of the shares
represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be
issued representing the unredeemed shares.
(f) Voting Rights. (i) The holders of Convertible Preferred Stock, except
as otherwise required under Delaware law or as set forth in paragraphs (ii) and
(iii) below, shall not be entitled or permitted to vote on any matter required
or permitted to be voted upon by the stockholders of the Company.
(ii) (A) If (1) dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock are in
arrears and unpaid for six or more Dividend Periods (whether or not
consecutive) (a "Dividend
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Default"); or (2) the Company fails to redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock on
March 31, 2007, or fails to otherwise discharge any redemption obligation with
respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock, then the number of directors
constituting the Board of Directors of the Company will be increased by two and
the Holders of the then outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
(together with the holders of Parity Stock upon which like rights have been
conferred and are exercisable), voting separately and as a class, shall have the
right and power to elect such two additional directors. Each such event
described in clauses (1) or (2) above is a "Voting Rights Triggering Event". A
Voting Rights Triggering Event shall not be deemed to have occurred if at the
time of such event there are less than 200,000 shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock then outstanding.
(B) The voting rights set forth in subparagraph (f)(ii)(A) above will
continue until such time as (x) in the case of a Dividend Default, all
dividends in arrears on the Convertible Preferred Stock are paid in full in
cash, (y) in all other cases, any failure, breach or default giving rise to
such Voting Rights Triggering Event is remedied or waived by the Holders of at
least two-thirds of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding
or (z) at any time there are less than 200,000 shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock outstanding, at which time the term of any directors elected pursuant to
the provisions of subparagraph (f)(ii)(A) above shall terminate and the number
of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be decreased by two
(until the occurrence of any subsequent Voting Rights Triggering Event). At
any time after voting power to elect directors shall have become vested and be
continuing in the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock (together with the
holders of Parity Stock upon which like rights have been conferred and are
exercisable) pursuant to subparagraph (f)(ii)(A) hereof, or if vacancies shall
exist in the offices of directors elected by such holders, a proper officer of
the Company may, and upon the written request of the holders of record of at
least 25% of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding or the
holders of 25% of the shares of Parity Stock then outstanding upon which like
rights have been confirmed and are exercisable addressed to the secretary of
the Company shall, call a special meeting of the Holders of Convertible
Preferred Stock and the holders of such Parity Stock for the purpose of
electing the directors which such holders are entitled to elect pursuant to the
terms hereof;
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provided, however, that no such special meeting shall be called if the next
annual meeting of stockholders of the Company is to be held within 60 days
after the voting power to elect directors shall have become vested, in which
case such meeting shall be deemed to have been called for such next annual
meeting. If such meeting shall not be called by a proper officer of the
Company within 20 days after personal service to the secretary of the Company
at its principal executive offices, then the Holders of record of at least 25%
of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock or the holders of 25%
of the shares of Parity Stock upon which like rights have been confirmed and
are exercisable may designate in writing one of their members to call such
meeting at the expense of the Company, and such meeting may be called by the
person so designated upon the notice required for the annual meetings of
stockholders of the Company and shall be held at the place for holding the
annual meetings of stockholders. Any holder of Convertible Preferred Stock or
such Parity Stock so designated shall have, and the Company shall provide,
access to the lists of holders of Convertible Preferred Stock and the holders
of such Parity Stock to be called pursuant to the provisions hereof. If no
special meeting of the Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock and the holders
of such Parity Stock is called as provided in this paragraph (f)(ii), then such
meeting shall be deemed to have been called for the next annual meeting of
stockholders of the Company or special meeting of the holders of any other
capital stock of the Company.
(C) At any meeting held for the purposes of electing directors at which the
Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock (together with the holders of Parity
Stock upon which like rights have been conferred and are exercisable) shall
have the right, voting together as a separate class, to elect directors as
aforesaid, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of at least a
majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock (and such Parity Stock) shall be required to constitute a quorum thereof.
(D) Any vacancy occurring in the office of a director elected by the
Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock (and such Parity Stock) may be filled by
the remaining director elected by the Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock
(and such Parity Stock) unless and until such vacancy shall be filled by the
Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock (and such Parity Stock).
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<PAGE> 13
(iii) (A) So long as any shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock are
outstanding, the Company will not authorize, create or increase the authorized
amount of any class or series of Senior Stock without the affirmative vote or
consent of holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting or consenting, as the case may be, as
one class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or by resolution
adopted at an annual or special meeting (except that no such vote or consent
shall be required for the issuance of additional shares of Series 3 Preferred
Stock to be paid as dividends on such Series 3 Preferred Stock pursuant to the
terms of such Series 3 Preferred Stock).
(B) So long as any shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock are
outstanding, the Company will not amend this Certificate of Designation so as
to affect adversely the specified rights, preferences, privileges or voting
rights of Holders of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock or to authorize the
issuance of any additional shares of Convertible Preferred Stock (except to
authorize the issuance of additional shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to
be paid as dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock, for which no consent
shall be necessary) without the affirmative vote or consent of Holders of at
least two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock, voting or consenting, as the case may be, as one class, given in person
or by proxy, either in writing or by resolution adopted at an annual or special
meeting.
(C) Except as set forth in paragraph (f)(iii)(A) or (B) above, (x) the
creation, authorization or issuance of any shares of any Junior Stock, Parity
Stock or Senior Stock, including the designation of a series of Convertible
Preferred Stock, or (y) the increase or decrease in the amount of authorized
Capital Stock of any class, including Preferred Stock, shall not require the
consent of Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock and shall not be deemed to
affect adversely the rights, preferences, privileges or voting rights of shares
of Convertible Preferred Stock.
(iv) In any case in which the Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock shall
be entitled to vote pursuant to this paragraph (f) or pursuant to Delaware law,
each Holder of Convertible Preferred Stock entitled to vote with respect to
such matters shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Convertible
Preferred Stock held.
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<PAGE> 14
(v) Except as required by law, the Holders of the Convertible Preferred
Stock will not be entitled to vote on any merger or consolidation involving the
Company or a sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company.
(g) Conversion. (i) At any time after 60 days from the Issue Date, at the
option of the Holder thereof, any share of Convertible Preferred Stock may be
converted at the Liquidation Preference thereof into fully paid and
nonassessable Common Stock (calculated as to each conversion to the nearest
1/100 of a share), at the Conversion Price, determined as hereinafter provided,
in effect at the time of conversion. Such conversion right shall expire at the
close of business on the Mandatory Redemption Date. In case a share of
Convertible Preferred Stock is called for optional redemption, such conversion
right in respect of the share of Convertible Preferred Stock so called shall
expire at the close of business on the applicable Optional Redemption Date,
unless the Company defaults in making the payment due upon redemption.
The price at which Common Stock shall be delivered upon conversion (herein
called the "Conversion Price") shall be initially $23.46 per share of Common
Stock. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted in certain instances as provided
in paragraph (g)(iv) and paragraph (g)(v).
(ii) In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any share
of Convertible Preferred Stock to be converted shall surrender the certificate
for such share of Convertible Preferred Stock, duly endorsed or assigned to the
Company or in blank, at the office of the Transfer Agent or at any office or
agency of the Company maintained for that purpose, accompanied by written
notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B that the Holder elects to
convert such share of Convertible Preferred Stock or, if fewer than all of the
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by a single share certificate
are to be converted, the number of shares represented thereby to be converted.
Except as provided in paragraph (c)(viii), no payment or adjustment shall be
made upon any conversion on account of any dividends accrued on the shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion or on account of any
dividends on the Common Stock issued upon conversion. Such notice shall also
contain the office or the address to which the Company should deliver shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion (and any other payments or certificates
related thereto). Except as
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<PAGE> 15
provided in paragraph (c)(viii), in no event shall the Company be obligated to
pay any converting Holder any unpaid dividend, whether or not in arrears, on
converted shares or any dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon
such conversion.
Shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have been converted
immediately prior to the close of business on the day of surrender of such
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for conversion in accordance with the
foregoing provisions, and at such time the rights of the Holders of such shares
of Convertible Preferred Stock as Holders shall cease, and the person or
persons entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon conversion shall be
treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Stock
at such time. As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date, the
Company shall issue and shall deliver to such office or agency as the
converting Holder shall have designated in its written notice to the Company a
certificate or certificates for the number of full Common Stock issuable upon
conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as
provided in paragraph (g)(iii) hereof.
In the case of any conversion of fewer than all the shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock evidenced by a certificate, upon such conversion the Company
shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver to the
Holder thereof (at the address designated by such Holder), at the expense of
the Company, a new certificate or certificates representing the number of
unconverted shares of Convertible Preferred Stock.
(iii) No fractional Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion of a
share of Convertible Preferred Stock. If more than one share of Convertible
Preferred Stock shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same
holder, the number of full shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon
conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock so surrendered. Instead of any fractional share of
Common Stock which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any share of
Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in respect
of such fraction in an amount equal to the same fraction of the closing price
(as defined in paragraph (g)(iv)(7)) per share of Common Stock at the close of
business on the Business Day prior to the day of conversion.
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<PAGE> 16
(iv) The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time by the
Company as follows:
(1) If the Company shall hereafter pay a dividend or make a distribution in
Common Stock to all holders of any outstanding class or series of Common
Stock of the Company, the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of
business on the date following the date fixed for the determination of
shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution shall be
reduced by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the
close of business on the Record Date (as defined in paragraph (g)(iv)(7))
fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum of such
number of outstanding shares and the total number of shares constituting such
dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become effective
immediately after the opening of business on the day following the Record
Date. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this
paragraph (g)(iv)(i) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion
Price shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would then be in
effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
(2) If the Company shall offer or issue rights or warrants to all holders
of its outstanding Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase
Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current Market Price (as
defined in paragraph (g)(iv)(7)) on the Record Date fixed for the
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants,
the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of
business on the date after such Record Date by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the
close of business on the Record Date plus the number of shares of Common
Stock which the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares of
Common Stock subject to such rights or warrants would purchase at such
Current Market Price and of which the denominator shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the Record
Date plus the total number of additional shares of Common Stock subject to
such
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<PAGE> 17
rights or warrants for subscription or purchase. Such adjustment shall
become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day
following the Record Date fixed for determination of shareholders entitled to
purchase or receive such rights or warrants. To the extent that shares of
Common Stock are not delivered pursuant to such rights or warrants, upon the
expiration or termination of such rights or warrants the Conversion Price
shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in
effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants
been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common
Stock actually delivered. If such rights or warrants are not so issued, the
Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which
would then be in effect if such date fixed for the determination of
shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants had not been fixed.
In determining whether any rights or warrants entitle the holders to
subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at less than such Current Market
Price, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of
Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received
for such rights or warrants, with the value of such consideration, if other
than cash, to be determined by the Board of Directors.
(3) If the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided into a
greater number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect at
the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such
subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and,
conversely, if the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into
a smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect at
the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such
combination becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, such
reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective immediately
after the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such
subdivision or combination becomes effective.
(4) If the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all
holders of its shares of Common Stock shares of any class of capital stock of
the Company (other than any dividends or distributions
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<PAGE> 18
to which paragraph (g)(iv)(1) applies) or evidences of its indebtedness, cash
or other assets (including securities, but excluding any rights or warrants
of a type referred to in paragraph (g)(iv)(2) and excluding dividends and
distributions paid exclusively in cash and excluding any capital stock,
evidences of indebtedness, cash or assets distributed upon a merger or
consolidation to which paragraph (g)(v) applies) (the foregoing hereinafter
in this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) called the "Distributed Securities"), then, in
each such case, the Conversion Price shall be reduced so that the same shall
be equal to the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in
effect immediately prior to the close of business on the Record Date (as
defined in paragraph (g)(iv)(7)) with respect to such distribution by a
fraction of which the numerator shall be the Current Market Price (determined
as provided in paragraph (g)(iv)(7)) of the Common Stock on such date less
the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose
determination shall be conclusive and described in a resolution of the Board
of Directors) on such date of the portion of the Distributed Securities so
distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the denominator shall
be such Current Market Price, such reduction to become effective immediately
prior to the opening of business on the day following the Record Date;
provided, however, that, in the event the then fair market value (as so
determined) of the portion of the Distributed Securities so distributed
applicable to one share of Common Stock is equal to or greater than the
Current Market Price on the Record Date, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment,
adequate provision shall be made so that each holder of Convertible Preferred
Stock shall have the right to receive upon conversion of a share of
Convertible Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) the amount of
Distributed Securities such holder would have received had such holder
converted such share of Convertible Preferred Stock (or portion thereof)
immediately prior to such Record Date. If such dividend or distribution is
not so paid or made, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the
Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such dividend or
distribution had not been declared. If the Board of Directors determines the
fair market value of any distribution for purposes of this paragraph
(g)(iv)(4) by reference to the actual or when issued trading market for any
securities comprising all
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<PAGE> 19
or part of such distribution, it must in doing so consider the prices in such
market over the same period used in computing the Current Market Price
pursuant to paragraph (g)(iv)(7) to the extent possible.
Rights or warrants distributed by the Company to all holders of Common Stock
entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of the
Company's capital stock (either initially or under certain circumstances),
which rights or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified event or events
("Dilution Trigger Event"): (i) are deemed to be transferred with such
Common Stock; (ii) are not exercisable; and (iii) are also issued in respect
of future issuances of Common Stock, shall be deemed not to have been
distributed for purposes of this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) (and no adjustment to
the Conversion Price under this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) shall be required) until
the occurrence of the earliest Dilution Trigger Event, whereupon such rights
and warrants shall be deemed to have been distributed and an appropriate
adjustment to the Conversion Price under this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) shall be
made. If any such rights or warrants, including any such existing rights or
warrants distributed prior to the date hereof, are subject to subsequent
events, upon the occurrence of each of which such rights or warrants shall
become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of
indebtedness or other assets, then the occurrence of each such event shall be
deemed to be such date of issuance and record date with respect to new rights
or warrants (and a termination or expiration of the existing rights or
warrants without exercise by the holder thereof). In addition, in the event
of any distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights or warrants, or any
Dilution Trigger Event with respect thereto, that was counted for purposes of
calculating a distribution amount for which an adjustment to the Conversion
Price under this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) was made, (1) in the case of any such
rights or warrants which shall all have been redeemed or repurchased without
exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted
upon such final redemption or repurchase to give effect to such distribution
or Dilution Trigger Event, as the case may be, as though it were a cash
distribution, equal to the per share redemption or repurchase price received
by a holder or holders of Common Stock with respect to such rights or
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<PAGE> 20
warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights or warrants), made to
all holders of Common Stock as of the date of such redemption or repurchase,
and (2) in the case of such rights or warrants which shall have expired or
been terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price
shall be readjusted as if such rights and warrants had not been issued.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) to the
contrary, capital stock, rights, warrants, evidences of indebtedness, other
securities, cash or other assets (including, without limitation, any rights
distributed pursuant to any shareholder rights plan) shall be deemed not to
have been distributed for purposes of this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) if the
Company makes proper provision so that each holder of shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock who converts a share of Convertible Preferred Stock (or any
portion thereof) after the date fixed for determination of shareholders
entitled to receive such distribution shall be entitled to receive upon such
conversion, in addition to the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion,
the amount and kind of such distributions that such holder would have been
entitled to receive if such holder had, immediately prior to such
determination date, converted such share of Convertible Preferred Stock into
Common Stock.
For purposes of this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) and paragraphs (g)(iv)(1) and (2),
any dividend or distribution to which this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) is
applicable that also includes Common Stock, or rights or warrants to
subscribe for or purchase Common Stock to which paragraph (g)(iv)(2) applies
(or both), shall be deemed instead to be (1) a dividend or distribution of
the evidences of indebtedness, cash, assets, shares of capital stock, rights
or warrants other than (A) such shares of Common Stock or (B) rights or
warrants to which paragraph (g)(iv)(2) applies (and any Conversion Price
reduction required by this paragraph (g)(iv)(4) with respect to such dividend
or distribution shall then be made) immediately followed by (2) a dividend or
distribution of such Common Stock or such rights or warrants (and any further
Conversion Price reduction required by paragraph (g)(iv)(1) and (2) with
respect to such dividend or distribution shall then be made), except that (1)
the Record Date of such
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<PAGE> 21
dividend or distribution shall be substituted as "the Record Date fixed for
the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other
distribution", "Record Date fixed for such determination" and "Record Date"
within the meaning of paragraph (g)(iv)(1) and as "the Record Date fixed for
the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights or
warrants", "the date fixed for the determination of the shareholders entitled
to receive such rights or warrants" and "such Record Date" within the meaning
of paragraph (g)(iv)(2), and (2) any share of Common Stock included in such
dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding at the close of
business on the date fixed for such determination" within the meaning of
paragraph (g)(iv)(1).
(5) If the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all
holders of its Common Stock cash (excluding any cash that is distributed upon
a merger or consolidation to which paragraph (g)(v) applies or as part of a
distribution referred to in paragraph (g)(iv)) in an aggregate amount that,
combined together with (1) the aggregate amount of any other such
distributions to all holders of its Common Stock made exclusively in cash
within the 12 months preceding the date of payment of such distribution, and
in respect of which no adjustment pursuant to this paragraph (g)(iv)(5) has
been made, and (2) the aggregate of any cash plus the fair market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive
and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors) of consideration
payable in respect of any tender offer by the Company or a Subsidiary of the
Company for all or any portion of the Common Stock concluded within the 12
months preceding the date of payment of such distribution, and in respect of
which no adjustment pursuant to paragraph (g)(iv)(4) has been made, exceeds
12.5% of the product of the Current Market Price (determined as provided in
paragraph (g)(iv)(7)) on the Record Date with respect to such distribution
times the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date, then,
and in each such case, immediately after the close of business on such date,
the Conversion Price shall be reduced so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to
the close of business on
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<PAGE> 22
such Record Date by a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be equal to
the Current Market Price on the Record Date less an amount equal to the
quotient of (x) the excess of such combined amount over such 12.5% amount
divided by (y) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record
Date and (ii) the denominator of which shall be equal to the Current Market
Price on such Record Date; provided, however, that, if the portion of the
cash so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock is equal to or
greater than the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the Record Date,
in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that
each holder of Convertible Preferred Stock shall have the right to receive
upon conversion of a share of Convertible Preferred Stock (or any portion
thereof) the amount of cash such holder would have received had such holder
converted such share of Convertible Preferred Stock (or portion thereof)
immediately prior to such Record Date. If such dividend or distribution is
not so paid or made, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the
Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such dividend or
distribution had not been declared.
(6) If a tender or exchange offer made by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries for all or any portion of the Common Stock expires and such
tender or exchange offer (as amended upon the expiration thereof) requires
the payment to shareholders (based on the acceptance (up to any maximum
specified in the terms of the tender offer) of Purchased Shares (as defined
below)) of an aggregate consideration having a fair market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive
and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors) that, combined
together with (1) the aggregate of the cash plus the fair market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive
and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors), as of the
expiration of such tender offer, of consideration payable in respect of any
other tender offers, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for all or any
portion of the Common Stock expiring within the 12 months preceding the
expiration of such tender offer and in respect of which no adjustment
pursuant to this paragraph (g)(iv)(6) has been made and (2) the aggregate
amount of any distributions to all holders of
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<PAGE> 23
the Common Stock made exclusively in cash within 12 months preceding the
expiration of such tender offer and in respect of which no adjustment
pursuant to paragraph (g)(iv)(5) has been made, exceeds 12.5% of the product
of the Current Market Price (determined as provided in paragraph (g)(iv)(7))
as of the last time (the "Expiration Time") tenders could have been made
pursuant to such tender offer (as it may be amended) times the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding (including any tendered shares) at the
Expiration Time, then, and in each such case, immediately prior to the
opening of business on the day after the date of the Expiration Time, the
Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of the Expiration Time by a fraction of
which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
(including any tendered shares) at the Expiration Time multiplied by the
Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding
the Expiration Time and the denominator shall be the sum of (x) the fair
market value (determined as aforesaid) of the aggregate consideration payable
to shareholders based on the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the
terms of the tender offer) of all shares validly tendered and not withdrawn
as of the Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted, up to any such
maximum, being referred to as the "Purchased Shares") and (y) the product of
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (less any Purchased Shares)
at the Expiration Time and the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on
the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Time, such reduction (if any)
to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day
following the Expiration Time. If the Company is obligated to purchase
shares pursuant to any such tender offer, but the Company is permanently
prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchases or all such
purchases are rescinded, the Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be
the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such tender offer had
not been made. If the application of this paragraph (g)(iv)(6) to any tender
offer would result in an increase in the Conversion Price, no adjustment
shall be made for such tender offer under this paragraph (g)(iv)(6).
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<PAGE> 24
(7) For purposes of this paragraph (g)(iv), the following terms shall have
the meaning indicated:
"closing price" with respect to any securities on any day means the closing
price on such day or, if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of
the reported high and low prices on such day, in each case on The Nasdaq
National Market or the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable, or, if such
security is not listed or admitted to trading on such national market or
exchange, on the principal national securities exchange or quotation system
on which such security is quoted or listed or admitted to trading, or, if not
quoted or listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange
or quotation system, the average of the high and low prices of such security
on the over-the-counter market on the day in question as reported by the
National Quotation Bureau Incorporated or a similar generally accepted
reporting service, or, if not so available, in such manner as furnished by
any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the
Board of Directors for that purpose, or a price determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and described
in a resolution of the Board of Directors.
"Current Market Price" means the average of the daily closing prices per
share of Common Stock for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately prior
to the date in question; provided, however, that (A) if the "ex" date (as
hereinafter defined) for any event (other than the issuance or distribution
requiring such computation) that requires an adjustment to the Conversion
Price pursuant to paragraphs (g)(iv)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) occurs
during such 10 consecutive trading days, the closing price for each trading
day prior to the "ex" date for such other event shall be adjusted by
multiplying such closing price by the same fraction by which the Conversion
Price is so required to be adjusted as a result of such other event, (B) if
the "ex" date for any event (other than the issuance or distribution
requiring such computation) that requires an adjustment to the Conversion
Price pursuant to paragraphs (g)(iv)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) occurs on
or after the "ex" date for the issuance or distribution requiring such
computation and prior to the day in question, the closing price for each
trading day on and after the
24
<PAGE> 25
"ex" date for such other event shall be adjusted by multiplying such closing
price by the reciprocal of the fraction by which the Conversion Price is so
required to be adjusted as a result of such other event and (C) if the "ex"
date for the issuance or distribution requiring such computation is prior to
the day in question, after taking into account any adjustment required
pursuant to clause (A) or (B) of this proviso, the closing price for each
trading day on or after such "ex" date shall be adjusted by adding thereto
the amount of any cash and the fair market value (as determined by the Board
of Directors in a manner consistent with any determination of such value for
purposes of paragraphs (g)(iv)(4) or (5), whose determination shall be
conclusive and described in a resolution of the Board of Directors) of the
evidence of indebtedness, shares of capital stock or assets being distributed
applicable to one Common Stock as of the close of business on the day before
such "ex" date. For purposes of any computation under paragraph (g)(vi), the
Current Market Price on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the
daily closing prices per share of Common Stock for such day and the next two
succeeding trading days; provided, however, that, if the "ex" date for any
event (other than the tender offer requiring such computation) that requires
an adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to paragraph (g)(iv)(1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6) occurs on or after the Expiration Time for the tender or
exchange offer requiring such computation and prior to the day in question,
the closing price for each trading day on and after the "ex" date for such
other event shall be adjusted by multiplying such closing price by the
reciprocal of the fraction by which the Conversion Price is so required to be
adjusted as a result of such other event. For purposes of this paragraph,
the term "ex" date (I) when used with respect to any issuance or
distribution, means the first date on which the Common Stock trades regular
way on the relevant exchange or in the relevant market from which the closing
price was obtained without the right to receive such issuance or
distribution, (II) when used with respect to any subdivision or combination
of Common Stock, means the first date on which the Common Stock trades
regular way on such exchange or in such market after the time at which such
subdivision or combination becomes effective and (III) when used with respect
to any tender or exchange offer means the first date on which the Common
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Stock trades regular way on such exchange or in such market after the
Expiration Time of such offer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever
successive adjustments to the Conversion Price are called for pursuant to this
paragraph (g)(iv), such adjustments shall be made to the Current Market Price
as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the intent of this paragraph
(g)(iv) and to avoid unjust or inequitable results, as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors.
"fair market value" shall mean the amount which a willing buyer would pay a
willing seller in an arm's-length transaction.
"Record Date" shall mean, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other
transaction or event in which the holders of Common Stock have the right to
receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the Common Stock
(or other applicable security) is exchanged for or converted into any
combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such cash, securities or
other property (whether such date is fixed by the Board of Directors or by
statute, contract or otherwise).
(8) No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required unless such
adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such
price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this
paragraph (g)(iv)(8) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and
taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this
paragraph (g)(iv)(8) shall be made by the Company and shall be made to the
nearest cent or to the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as the case may be.
No adjustment need be made for a change in the par value or no par value of
the Common Stock.
(9) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as herein provided, the
Company shall promptly file with the Transfer Agent an Officers' Certificate
setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a
brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment. Promptly after
delivery of such certificate, the Company shall prepare a notice of such
adjustment of the Conversion Price setting forth the
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<PAGE> 27
adjusted Conversion Price and the date on which each adjustment becomes
effective and shall mail such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion
Price to each holder of Convertible Preferred Stock at such holder's last
address appearing on the register of holders maintained for that purpose
within 20 days of the effective date of such adjustment. Failure to deliver
such notice shall not affect the legality or validity of any such adjustment.
(10) In any case in which this paragraph (g)(iv) provides that an
adjustment shall become effective immediately after a Record Date for an
event, the Company may defer until the occurrence of such event issuing to
the holder of any share of Convertible Preferred Stock converted after such
Record Date and before the occurrence of such event the additional Common
Stock issuable upon such conversion by reason of the adjustment required by
such event over and above the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion
before giving effect to such adjustment.
(11) For purposes of this paragraph (g)(iv), the number of shares of Common
Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury
of the Company but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip
certificates issued in lieu of fractions of Common Stock. The Company shall
not pay any dividend or make any distribution on Common Stock held in the
treasury of the Company.
(v) In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the
Company into, any other corporation, or in case of any merger of another
corporation into the Company (other than a merger which does not result in
any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company), or in case of any conveyance or
transfer of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an
entirety, the holder of each share of Convertible Preferred Stock then
outstanding shall have the right thereafter, during the period such
Convertible Preferred Stock shall be convertible as specified in paragraph
(g)(i), to convert such share of Convertible Preferred Stock only into the
kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such
consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer by a holder of the number of
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<PAGE> 28
shares of Common Stock of the Company into which such share of Convertible
Preferred Stock might have been converted immediately prior to such
consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, assuming such holder of Common
Stock of the Company failed to exercise his rights of election, if any, as to
the kind or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon
such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer (provided that, if the
kind or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such
consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer is not the same for each share
of Common Stock of the Company in respect of which such rights of election
shall not have been exercised ("nonelecting share"), then for the purpose of
this paragraph (g)(v) the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer
by each nonelecting share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so
receivable per share by a plurality of the nonelecting shares). Such
securities shall provide for adjustments which, for events subsequent to the
effective date of the triggering event, shall be as nearly equivalent as may
be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this paragraph (g)(v). The
above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive
consolidations, mergers, conveyances or transfers.
(vi) In case:
(1) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution) on its
Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of its earned surplus; or
(2) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of its Common
Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital
stock of any class or of any other rights; or
(3) of any reclassification of the Common Stock of the Company (other than a
subdivision or combination of its outstanding Common Stock), or of any
consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party and for which approval
of any shareholders of the Company is required, or the sale or transfer of all
or substantially all the assets of the Company; or
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<PAGE> 29
(4) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up
of the Company;
then the Company shall cause to be filed with the Transfer Agent and at each
office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of the Convertible
Preferred Stock, and shall cause to be mailed to all holders at their last
addresses as they shall appear in the Convertible Preferred Stock Register, at
least 20 days (or 10 days in any case specified in clause (1) or (2) above)
prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the
date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend,
distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date
as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to such
dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date
on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the
date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be
entitled to exchange their Common Stock for securities, cash or other property
deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up. Failure to give the notice requested
by this Section or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity
of any dividend, distribution, right, warrant, reclassification, consolidation,
merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, or the vote
upon any such action.
(vii) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from
preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock
(or out of its authorized shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the
Company), for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Convertible
Preferred Stock, the full number of Common Stock then issuable upon the
conversion of all outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock.
(viii) The Company will pay any and all document, stamp or similar issue or
transfer taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of
Common Stock on conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant hereto.
The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable
in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of
Common Stock in a name other than that of the holder of the share of
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<PAGE> 30
Convertible Preferred Stock or the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be
converted, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the
Person requesting such issue has paid to the Company the amount of any such
tax, or has established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax has
been paid.
(ix) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs
to the contrary, if any Change in Control occurs then, if the Company does not
elect to make a Change in Control Offer, the Conversion Price in effect shall
be adjusted immediately after such Change in Control as described below. In
addition, in the event of a Common Stock Change in Control (as defined in this
paragraph (g)(ix)), each share of the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be
convertible solely into common stock of the kind received by holders of Common
Stock as the result of such Common Stock Change in Control. For purposes of
calculating any adjustment to be made pursuant to this paragraph in the event
of a Change in Control, immediately after such Change in Control:
(A) in the case of a Non-Stock Change in Control (as defined in this
paragraph (g)(ix)), the Conversion Price shall thereupon become the lower of
(x) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Change
in Control, but after giving effect to any other prior adjustments, and (y)
the result obtained by multiplying the greater of the Applicable Price (as
defined in this paragraph (g)(ix)) or the then applicable Reference Market
Price (as defined in this paragraph (g)(ix)) by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be $100.00 and the denominator shall be the then current
Optional Redemption Price per share; and
(B) in the case of a Common Stock Change in Control, the Conversion Price in
effect immediately prior to such Common Stock Change in Control, but after
giving effect to any prior adjustments, shall thereupon be adjusted by
multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, of which the numerator shall
be the Purchaser Stock Price (as defined in this paragraph (g)(ix)) and the
denominator shall be the Applicable Price; provided, however, that in the
event of a Common Stock Change in Control in which (x) 100% of the value of
the consideration received by a holder of Common Stock is common stock of the
successor, acquiror, or other third
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party (and cash, if any, is paid with respect to any fractional interests in
such common stock resulting from such Common Stock Change in Control) and (y)
all of the Common Stock will have been exchanged for, converted into, or
acquired for, common stock (and cash with respect to fractional interests) of
the successor, acquiror or other third party, the Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior to such Common Stock Change in Control shall thereupon be
adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, of which the
numerator shall be one (1) and the denominator shall be the number of shares
of common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party received by
a holder of one share of Common Stock as a result of such Common Stock Change
in Control.
(3) For purposes of this paragraph (ix), the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
"Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Non-Stock Change in Control
in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash, the amount of
cash received by the holder of one share of Common Stock and (ii) in the
event of any other Non-Stock Change in Control or any Common Stock Change in
Control, the average of the Closing Bid Prices for the Common Stock during
the ten Trading Days prior to and including the record date for the
determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive cash,
securities, property or other assets in connection with such Non-Stock Change
in Control or Common Stock Change in Control or, if there is no such record
date, the date upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the
right to receive such cash, securities, property or other assets, in each
case, as adjusted in good faith by the Board of Directors to appropriately
reflect any of the events referred to in paragraph (g)(iv)(1) through (6).
"Common Stock Change in Control" means any Change in Control in which more
than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors
of the Company) of the consideration received by holders of Common Stock
consists of common stock that for each of the ten consecutive Trading Days
referred to in the preceding paragraph has been admitted for listing or
admitted for listing subject to notice of issuance on a national securities
exchange or quoted on The Nasdaq
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National Market; provided, however, that a Change in Control shall not be a
Common Stock Change in Control unless either (i) the Company continues to
exist after the occurrence of such Change in Control and the outstanding
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock continue to exist as outstanding shares
of Convertible Preferred Stock, or (ii) not later than the occurrence of such
Change in Control, the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are
converted into or exchanged for shares of convertible preferred stock of a
corporation succeeding to the business of the Company, which convertible
preferred stock has powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions,
substantially similar to those of the Convertible Preferred Stock.
"Non-Stock Change in Control" means any Change in Control other than a
Common Stock Change in Control.
"Purchaser Stock Price" means, with respect to any Common Stock Change in
Control, the product of (i) the number of shares of common stock received in
such Common Stock Change of Control for each share of Common Stock, and (ii)
the average of the per share Closing Prices for the common stock received in
such Common Stock Change in Control for the ten consecutive Trading Days
prior to and including the record date for the determination of the holders
of Common Stock entitled to receive such common stock, or if there is no such
record date, the date upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have
the right to receive such common stock, in each case, as adjusted in good
faith by the Board of Directors to appropriately reflect any of the events
referred to in paragraph (g)(iv)(1) through (6); provided, however, that if
no such Closing Prices exist, then the Purchaser Stock Price shall be set at
a price determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $13.50 (which is an amount
equal to 66-2/3% of the reported last sale price for the Common Stock on The
Nasdaq National Market on March 25, 1997), and in the event of any adjustment
to the conversion prices other than as a result of a Change in Control, the
Reference Market Price shall also be adjusted so that the ratio of the
Reference Market Price to the Conversion Price
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after giving effect to any such adjustment shall always be the same as the
ratio of $13.50 to the initial Conversion Price set forth in paragraph
(g)(i).
(h) Change in Control. (i) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control
(the date of such occurrence being the "Change in Control Date"), the Company
shall be obligated to (1) purchase all or a portion of each holder's
Convertible Preferred Stock in cash pursuant to the offer described in
paragraph (h)(iii) (the "Change of Control Offer") at a purchase price equal to
100% of the Liquidation Preference, plus, without duplication, all accrued and
unpaid Liquidated Damages and all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to the
Change of Control Payment Date, including an amount in cash equal to a prorated
dividend for the period from the Dividend Payment Date immediately prior to the
Change of Control Payment Date to the Change of Control Payment Date or (2)
adjust the conversion price as provided under paragraph (g)(ix).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall, prior to electing to make a
Change of Control Offer, make an offer to redeem all outstanding shares of
Series 3 Preferred Stock.
(ii) Prior to the mailing of the notice referred to in paragraph (h)(iii),
but in any event within 15 days following the date on which the Company knows
or reasonably should have known that a Change in Control has occurred, the
Company covenants that it shall promptly determine if the purchase of the
Convertible Preferred Stock would violate or constitute a default under the
Indenture or other indebtedness of the Company.
(iii) Within 15 days following the date on which the Company knows or
reasonably should have known that a Change in Control has occurred, the Company
must send, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, a notice to each holder of
Convertible Preferred Stock. Such notice shall state whether the Change of
Control Offer would be permitted under the Indenture or other indebtedness of
the Company, and if permitted, such notice shall contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable such holders to tender Convertible Preferred
Stock pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. If the Change of Control Offer
would be permitted under the Indenture or other indebtedness of the Company,
such notice shall state:
(A) that a Change of Control has occurred, that the Change of Control Offer
is being made pursuant to
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this paragraph (h) and that all Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered
and not withdrawn will be accepted for payment;
(B) the purchase price (including the amount of accrued dividends, if any)
and the purchase date (which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than
75 days from the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by
law) (the "Change of Control Payment Date");
(C) that any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock not tendered will
continue to accrue dividends;
(D) that, unless the Company defaults in making payment therefor, any share
of Convertible Preferred Stock accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer shall cease to accrue dividends after the Change of Control
Payment Date;
(E) that holders electing to have any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender
such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, properly endorsed for transfer,
together with such other customary documents as the Company and the Transfer
Agent may reasonably request to the Transfer Agent and registrar for the
Convertible Preferred Stock at the address specified in the notice prior to
the close of business on the Business Day prior to the Change of Control
Payment Date;
(F) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company
receives, not later than five Business Days prior to the Change of Control
Payment Date, a telegram, a telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting
forth the name of the holder, the number of shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock the holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such holder is
withdrawing his election to have such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
purchased;
(G) that holders whose shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are purchased
only in part will be issued a new certificate representing the unpurchased
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock; and
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(H) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control.
If the Change of Control Offer would not be permitted under the Indenture
or other indebtedness of the Company, such notice shall state the Conversion
Price as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (g)(ix).
(iv) The Company will comply with any tender offer rules under the Exchange
Act which then may be applicable, including Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1, in
connection with any offer required to be made by the Company to repurchase the
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock as a result of a Change of Control. To
the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict
with provisions of this Certificate of Designation, the Company shall comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to
have breached its obligations under this Certificate of Designation by virtue
thereof.
(v) On the Change of Control Payment Date the Company shall (A) accept for
payment the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered pursuant to
the Change of Control Offer, (B) pay to the holders of shares so accepted the
purchase price therefor in cash and (C) cancel and retire each surrendered
certificate. Unless the Company defaults in the payment for the shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,
dividends will cease to accrue with respect to the shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock tendered and all rights of holders of such tendered shares will
terminate, except for the right to receive payment therefor, on the Change of
Control Payment Date.
(vi) To accept the Change of Control Offer, the holder of a share of
Convertible Preferred Stock shall deliver, on or before the 10th day prior to
the Change of Control Payment Date, written notice to the Company (or an agent
designated by the Company for such purpose) of such holder's acceptance,
together with certificates evidencing the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
with respect to which the Change of Control Offer is being accepted, duly
endorsed for transfer.
(i) Reissuance of Convertible Preferred Stock. Shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock that have been issued and reacquired in any manner, including
shares purchased or redeemed or exchanged, shall not be reissued as shares of
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Convertible Preferred Stock and shall (upon compliance with any applicable
provisions of the laws of Delaware) have the status of authorized and
unissued shares of Preferred Stock undesignated as to series and may be
redesignated and reissued as part of any series of Preferred Stock; provided,
however, that so long as any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are
outstanding, any issuance of such shares must be in compliance with the terms
hereof.
(j) Business Day. If any payment, redemption or exchange shall be required
by the terms hereof to be made on a day that is not a Business Day, such
payment, redemption or exchange shall be made on the immediately succeeding
Business Day.
(k) Limitation on Mergers and Asset Sales. The Company may not consolidate
with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially
all its assets to, any person unless: (1) the successor, transferee or lessee
(if not the Company) is organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the
Convertible Preferred Stock shall be converted into or exchanged for and shall
become shares of such successor, transferee or lessee, having in respect of
such successor, transferee or lessee substantially the same powers, preference
and relative participating, optional or other special rights and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, that the Convertible
Preferred Stock had immediately prior to such transaction; and (2) the Company
delivers to the Transfer Agent an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer complies with this
Certificate of Designation. The successor, transferee or lessee will be the
successor company.
(l) Certificates. (i) Form and Dating. The Convertible Preferred Stock
and the Transfer Agent's certificate of authentication shall be substantially
in the form of Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a
part of this Certificate of Designation. The Convertible Preferred Stock
certificate may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock
exchange rule, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage
(provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable
to the Company). Each Convertible Preferred Stock certificate shall be dated
the date of its authentication. The terms of the Convertible
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Preferred Stock certificate set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of
this Certificate of Designation.
(A) Global Convertible Preferred Stock. The Convertible Preferred Stock
sold in reliance on Rule 144A shall be issued initially in the form of one or
more fully registered global certificates with the global securities legend and
restricted securities legend set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the "Global
Convertible Preferred Stock"), which shall be deposited on behalf of the
purchasers represented thereby with the Transfer Agent, at its New York office,
as custodian for DTC (or with such other custodian as DTC may direct), and
registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC, duly executed by the Company
and authenticated by the Transfer Agent as hereinafter provided. The number of
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by Global Convertible
Preferred Stock may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments
made on the records of the Transfer Agent and DTC or its nominee as hereinafter
provided.
(B) Book-Entry Provisions. In the event Global Convertible Preferred Stock
is deposited with or on behalf of DTC, the Company shall execute and the
Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global
Convertible Preferred Stock certificates that (a) shall be registered in the
name of DTC for such Global Convertible Preferred Stock or the nominee of DTC
and (b) shall be delivered by the Transfer Agent to DTC or pursuant to DTC's
instructions or held by the Transfer Agent as custodian for DTC.
Members of, or participants in, DTC ("Agent Members") shall have no rights
under this Certificate of Designation with respect to any Global Convertible
Preferred Stock held on their behalf by DTC or by the Transfer Agent as the
custodian of DTC or under such Global Convertible Preferred Stock, and DTC may
be treated by the Company, the Transfer Agent and any agent of the Company or
the Transfer Agent as the absolute owner of such Global Convertible Preferred
Stock for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing
herein shall prevent the Company, the Transfer Agent or any agent of the
Company or the Transfer Agent from giving effect to any written certification,
proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its
Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the
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exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global
Convertible Preferred Stock.
(C) Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock. Convertible Preferred Stock
initially sold to certain "accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1),
(2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7) under the Securities Act) or sold in offshore
transactions pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act will be issued
in fully registered certificated form ("Certificated Convertible Preferred
Stock").
Except as provided in this paragraph (l)(i) or in paragraph (l)(iii), owners
of beneficial interests in Global Convertible Preferred Stock will not be
entitled to receive physical delivery of Certificated Convertible Preferred
Stock.
After a transfer of any Convertible Preferred Stock during the period of the
effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such
Convertible Preferred Stock, all requirements pertaining to legends on such
Convertible Preferred Stock will cease to apply, the requirements requiring
that any such Convertible Preferred Stock issued to Holders be issued in global
form will cease to apply, and Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock without
legends will be available to the transferee of the Holder of such Convertible
Preferred Stock upon exchange of such transferring Holder's Convertible
Preferred Stock or directions to transfer such Holder's interest in the Global
Convertible Preferred Stock, as applicable.
(ii) Execution and Authentication. Two Officers shall sign the Convertible
Preferred Stock for the Company by manual or facsimile signature. The
Company's seal shall be impressed, affixed, imprinted or reproduced on the
Convertible Preferred Stock and may be in facsimile form.
If an Officer whose signature is on Convertible Preferred Stock no longer
holds that office at the time the Transfer Agent authenticates the Convertible
Preferred Stock, the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be valid nevertheless.
A Convertible Preferred Stock shall not be valid until an authorized
signatory of the Transfer Agent manually signs the certificate of
authentication on the Convertible Preferred Stock. The signature shall be
conclusive evidence
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that the Convertible Preferred Stock has been authenticated under this
Certificate of Designation.
The Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver 1,000,000 shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock for original issue upon a written order of the
Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant
Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company. In addition, the Transfer
Agent shall authenticate and deliver, from time to time, Additional Shares for
original issue upon order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an
Officer or either an Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary of the Company.
Such orders shall specify the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Convertible
Preferred Stock is to be authenticated.
The Transfer Agent may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable
to the Company to authenticate the Convertible Preferred Stock. Unless limited
by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate
Convertible Preferred Stock whenever the Transfer Agent may do so. Each
reference in this Certificate of Designation to authentication by the Transfer
Agent includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the
same rights as the Transfer Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
(iii) Transfer and Exchange. (A) Transfer and Exchange of Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock. When Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock is
presented to the Transfer Agent with a request to register the transfer of such
Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock or to exchange such Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock for an equal number of shares of Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock of other authorized denominations, the Transfer
Agent shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its
reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided, however, that
the Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered for transfer or
exchange:
(1) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer
Agent, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in
writing; and
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(2) in the case of Transfer Restricted Securities that are Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock, are being transferred or exchanged pursuant to
an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to
clause (I), (II) or (III) below, and are accompanied by the following
additional information and documents, as applicable:
(I) if such Transfer Restricted Securities are being delivered to the
Transfer Agent by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder,
without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect in
substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto; or
(II) if such Transfer Restricted Securities are being transferred to the
Company or to a "qualified institutional buyer" ("QIB") in accordance with
Rule 144A under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from
registration in accordance with Rule 144 or Regulation S under the
Securities Act, a certification to that effect (in substantially the form of
Exhibit C hereto); or
(III) if such Transfer Restricted Securities are being transferred to an
"accredited investor" as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5),
(6) or (7) under the Securities Act that is acquiring the Securities for its
own account, or for the account of such an accredited investor, in each case
in a minimum principal amount of $100,000 for investment purposes and not
with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in
violation of the Securities Act, or in reliance on another exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act: a certification to that
effect in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, and if the Company or
the Transfer Agent so requests, evidence reasonably satisfactory to them as
to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in
paragraph (l)(iii)(G)(1) below.
(B) Restrictions on Transfer of Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock
for a Beneficial Interest in Global Convertible Preferred Stock. Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for a
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beneficial interest in Global Convertible Preferred Stock except upon
satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the
Transfer Agent of Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock, duly endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to
the Transfer Agent, together with:
(1) if such Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock is a Transfer
Restricted Security, certification that such Certificated Convertible
Preferred Stock is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A
under the Securities Act; and
(2) whether or not such Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock is a
Transfer Restricted Security, written instructions directing the Transfer
Agent to make, or to direct DTC to make, an adjustment on its books and
records with respect to such Global Convertible Preferred Stock to reflect an
increase in the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented
by the Global Convertible Preferred Stock,
then the Transfer Agent shall cancel such Certificated Convertible Preferred
Stock and cause, or direct DTC to cause, in accordance with the standing
instructions and procedures existing between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the
number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by the Global
Convertible Preferred Stock to be increased accordingly. If no Global
Convertible Preferred Stock is then outstanding, the Company shall issue and
the Transfer Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the
form of an Officers' Certificate, a new Global Convertible Preferred Stock
representing the appropriate number of shares.
(C) Transfer and Exchange of Global Convertible Preferred Stock. The
transfer and exchange of Global Convertible Preferred Stock or beneficial
interests therein shall be effected through DTC, in accordance with this
Certificate of Designation (including applicable restrictions on transfer set
forth herein, if any) and the procedures of DTC therefor.
(D) Transfer of a Beneficial Interest in Global Convertible Preferred Stock
for a Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock.
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<PAGE> 42
(1) Any person having a beneficial interest in Convertible Preferred
Stock that is being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to clause (I),
(II) or (III) below may upon request, and if accompanied by the information
specified below, exchange such beneficial interest for Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock representing the same number of shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock. Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of written
instructions or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC from
DTC or its nominee on behalf of any person having a beneficial interest in
Global Convertible Preferred Stock and upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of
a written order or such other form of instructions as is customary for DTC
or the person designated by DTC as having such a beneficial interest in a
Transfer Restricted Security only, and upon the following additional
information and documents (all of which may be submitted by facsimile):
(I) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the person
designated by DTC as being the owner of a beneficial interest in Global
Convertible Preferred Stock, a certification from such person to that
effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto);
(II) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in
accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act or pursuant to an
exemption from registration in accordance with Rule 144 or Regulation S
under the Securities Act, a certification to that effect (in substantially
the form of Exhibit C hereto); or
(III) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an "accredited
investor" as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7)
under the Securities Act that is acquiring the security for its own
account, or for the account of such an accredited investor, in each case in
a minimum principal amount of $100,000 for investment purposes and not with
a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in
violation of the Securities Act, or in reliance on another exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act, a
42
<PAGE> 43
certification to that effect from the transferor (in substantially the form
of Exhibit C hereto), and if the Company or the Transfer Agent so requests,
evidence reasonably satisfactory to them as to the compliance with the
restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in paragraph (l)(iii)(G)(1)
below;
then, the Transfer Agent or DTC, at the direction of the Transfer Agent, will
cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing
between DTC and the Transfer Agent, the number of shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock represented by Global Convertible Preferred Stock to be reduced
on its books and records and, following such reduction, the Company will
execute and the Transfer Agent will authenticate and deliver to the transferee
Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock.
(2) Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock issued in exchange for a
beneficial interest in a Global Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this
paragraph (l)(iii)(D) shall be registered in such names and in such
authorized denominations as DTC, pursuant to instructions from its direct or
indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Transfer Agent. The
Transfer Agent shall deliver such Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock to
the persons in whose names such Convertible Preferred Stock are so registered
in accordance with the instructions of DTC.
(E) Restrictions on Transfer and Exchange of Global Convertible Preferred
Stock. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Designation
(other than the provisions set forth in paragraph (l)(iii)(F)), Global
Convertible Preferred Stock may not be transferred as a whole except by DTC to
a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or by
DTC or any such nominee to a successor depository or a nominee of such
successor depository.
(F) Authentication of Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock. If at any
time:
(1) DTC notifies the Company that DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as
depository for the Global Convertible Preferred Stock and a successor
depository for the Global Convertible Preferred Stock is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days after delivery of such notice;
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<PAGE> 44
(2) DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act;
(3) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Voting Rights Triggering
Event; or
(4) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Transfer Agent in
writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated Convertible
Preferred Stock under this Certificate of Designation,
then the Company will execute, and the Transfer Agent, upon receipt of a
written order of the Company signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either
an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company requesting the
authentication and delivery of Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock to the
persons designated by the Company, will authenticate and deliver Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock represented by the Global Convertible Preferred Stock, in
exchange for such Global Convertible Preferred Stock.
(G) Legend. (1) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (2), each
certificate evidencing the Global Convertible Preferred Stock and the
Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock (and all Convertible Preferred Stock
issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in
substantially the following form:
"THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) (AND THE COMMON STOCK
INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A
TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD,
PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN
APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED
HEREBY (OR THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) IS
HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE
PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A
THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (AND OF THE COMMON
STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IN CONVERTIBLE) AGREES FOR THE
44
<PAGE> 45
BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY (AND THE COMMON STOCK INTO
WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF
RULE 144A, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 904 OF
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF
AVAILABLE), (4) TO THE COMPANY OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES."
(2) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Security (including
any Transfer Restricted Security represented by Global Convertible Preferred
Stock) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act:
(I) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is a Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall permit the Holder
thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for a Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock that does not bear the legend set forth above
and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted
Security; and
(II) in the case of any Transfer Restricted Security that is represented
by a Global Convertible Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent shall permit the
Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Security for a
Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock Security that does not bear the
legend set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such
Transfer Restricted Security, if the Holder's request for such exchange was
made in reliance on Rule 144 and the Holder certifies to that effect in
writing to the Transfer Agent (such certification to be in the form set
forth on the reverse of the Transfer Restricted Security).
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<PAGE> 46
(H) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Convertible Preferred Stock. At
such time as all beneficial interests in Global Convertible Preferred Stock
have either been exchanged for Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock,
redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Convertible Preferred Stock
shall be returned to DTC for cancellation or retained and canceled by the
Transfer Agent. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial
interest in Global Convertible Preferred Stock is exchanged for Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, the number of
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by such Global Convertible
Preferred Stock shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books
and records of the Transfer Agent with respect to such Global Convertible
Preferred Stock, by the Transfer Agent or DTC, to reflect such reduction.
(I) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Convertible
Preferred Stock. (1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the
Company shall execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock and Global Convertible Preferred Stock as required
pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (iii).
(2) All Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock and Global Convertible
Preferred Stock issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock or Global Convertible Preferred
Stock shall be the valid obligations of the Company, entitled to the same
benefits under this Certificate of Designation as the Certificated
Convertible Preferred Stock or Global Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered
upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(3) Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock, the Transfer Agent and the Company may deem and
treat the person in whose name such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are
registered as the absolute owner of such Convertible Preferred Stock and
neither the Transfer Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.
(4) No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of
transfer or exchange upon surrender of any Convertible Preferred Stock
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<PAGE> 47
Certificate at the office of the Transfer Agent maintained for that purpose.
However, the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax
or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
registration of transfer or exchange of Convertible Preferred Stock
Certificates.
(5) Upon any sale or transfer of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
(including any Convertible Preferred Stock represented by a Global
Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate) pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act or pursuant to an opinion of counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the Company that no legend is required:
(A) in the case of any Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock, the
Transfer Agent shall permit the holder thereof to exchange such
Convertible Preferred Stock for Certificated Convertible Preferred
Stock that does not bear the legend set forth in paragraph (iii)(G)
above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Convertible
Preferred Stock; and
(B) in the case of any Global Convertible Preferred Stock, such
Convertible Preferred Stock shall not be required to bear the legend
set forth in paragraph (iii)(G) above but shall continue to be subject
to the provisions of paragraph (iii)(D) hereof; provided, however,
that with respect to any request for an exchange of Convertible
Preferred Stock that is represented by Global Convertible Preferred
Stock for Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock that does not bear
the legend set forth in paragraph (iii)(G) above in connection with a
sale or transfer thereof pursuant to Rule 144 (and based upon an
opinion of counsel if the Company so requests), the Holder thereof
shall certify in writing to the Transfer Agent that such request is
being made pursuant to Rule 144 (such certification to be
substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto).
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<PAGE> 48
(iv) Replacement Certificates. If a mutilated Convertible Preferred
Stock certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent or if the Holder of a
Convertible Preferred Stock certificate claims that the Convertible Preferred
Stock certificate has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company
shall issue and the Transfer Agent shall countersign a replacement
Convertible Preferred Stock certificate if the reasonable requirements of the
Transfer Agent and of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in
effect in the State of New York are met. If required by the Transfer Agent
or the Company, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the
judgment of the Company and the Transfer Agent to protect the Company and the
Transfer Agent from any loss which either of them may suffer if a Convertible
Preferred Stock certificate is replaced. The Company and the Transfer Agent
may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Convertible Preferred
Stock certificate.
(v) Temporary Certificates. Until definitive Convertible Preferred Stock
certificates are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Transfer
Agent shall countersign temporary Convertible Preferred Stock certificates.
Temporary Convertible Preferred Stock certificates shall be substantially in
the form of definitive Convertible Preferred Stock certificates but may have
variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Convertible
Preferred Stock certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall
prepare and the Transfer Agent shall countersign definitive Convertible
Preferred Stock certificates and deliver them in exchange for temporary
Convertible Preferred Stock certificates.
(vi) Cancellation. (A) In the event the Company shall purchase or
otherwise acquire Certificated Convertible Preferred Stock, the same shall
thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancellation.
(B) At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Convertible
Preferred Stock have either been exchanged for Certificated Convertible
Preferred Stock, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Convertible
Preferred Stock shall thereupon be delivered to the Transfer Agent for
cancellation.
(C) The Transfer Agent and no one else shall cancel and destroy all
Convertible Preferred Stock certificates surrendered for transfer, exchange,
replacement
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<PAGE> 49
or cancellation and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company
unless the Company directs the Transfer Agent to deliver canceled Convertible
Preferred Stock certificates to the Company. The Company may not issue new
Convertible Preferred Stock certificates to replace Convertible Preferred Stock
certificates to the extent they evidence Convertible Preferred Stock which the
Company has purchased or otherwise acquired.
(m) Additional Rights of Holders. In addition to the rights provided to
Holders under this Certificate of Designation, Holders shall have the rights
set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
(o) Certain Definitions. As used in this Certificate of Designation, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (and (1) terms defined in the
singular have comparable meanings when used in the plural and vice versa, (2)
"including" means including without limitation, (3) "or" is not exclusive and
(4) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in
accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect on the Issue Date and all accounting calculations will be determined in
accordance with such principles), unless the content otherwise requires:
"Business Day" means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.
"capital stock" of any person means any and all shares, interests, rights to
purchase, warrants, options, participation or other equivalents of or interests
in (however designated) equity of such person, including any Preferred Stock,
but excluding any debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for such
equity.
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<PAGE> 50
"Change in Control" or "Change of Control" means: (i) the sale, lease,
transfer, conveyance other disposition (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act), (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of
the Company, (iii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without
limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any
"person" (as defined above), (other than officers, directors and stockholders
of the Company and their affiliates on the date of this Certificate of
Designation), becomes the beneficial owner (as determined in accordance with
Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more
than 50% of the voting stock of the Company or (iv) the first day on which a
majority of the members of the board of directors (excluding the directors
elected pursuant to paragraph (f) are not Continuing Directors.
"Closing Bid Price" means on any day the last reported bid price on such
day, or in case no bid takes place on such day, the average of the reported
closing bid and asked prices, in each case on the Nasdaq National Market or, if
the Common Stock is not quoted on such system, on the principal national
securities exchange on which such stock is listed or admitted to trading, or if
not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by any independent
registered broker-dealer firm, selected by the Company for that purpose.
"Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of
the Board of Directors who (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the
date of this Certificate of Designation or (ii) was nominated for election or
elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the
Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of
such nomination or election.
"Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, a Voting Rights Triggering Event.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
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<PAGE> 51
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Holders" means the registered holders from time to time of the Convertible
Preferred Stock.
"Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of October 5, 1995 between the
Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company.
"Issue Date" means the date on which the Convertible Preferred Stock is
initially issued.
"Legal Holiday" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking
institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.
"Liquidated Damages" means, with respect to any share of Convertible
Preferred Stock, the Additional Dividends then accrued, if any, on such share
pursuant to paragraph (c).
"Officer" means the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any
Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the
Company.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel who is
acceptable to the Transfer Agent. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel
to the Company or the Transfer Agent.
"person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
"Preferred Stock", as applied to the Capital Stock of any corporation, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred
as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such corporation, over
shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such corporation.
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<PAGE> 52
"Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement
dated March 25, 1997 among the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
and Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. with respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock.
"SEC" or "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933.
"Series 3 Preferred Stock" means the 10% Junior Series 3 Preferred Stock of
the Company.
"Shelf Registration Statement" means a shelf registration statement filed
with the SEC to cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by holders
thereof, as required by the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation, association, partnership, limited
liability company or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total
voting power of shares of capital stock or other interests entitled (without
regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of
directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by the Company, the Company and one or more
Subsidiaries or one or more Subsidiaries and any partnership the sole general
partner or the managing partner of which the Company or any Subsidiary or the
only general partners of which are the Company and one or more Subsidiaries or
one or more Subsidiaries.
"Trading Day" means, in respect of any securities exchange or securities
market, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, other than any
day on which securities are not traded on the applicable securities exchange or
in the applicable securities market.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent for the Convertible Preferred
Stock appointed by the Company, which initially shall be ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
"Transfer Restricted Securities" means each share of Convertible Preferred
Stock (or the shares of Common Stock into which such share of Convertible
Preferred Stock is convertible) (including additional shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock issued in payment of dividends on the
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<PAGE> 53
Convertible Preferred Stock, if any, as permitted in accordance with the terms
hereof) until (i) the date on which such security has been effectively
registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the
Shelf Registration Statement or (ii) the date on which such security is
distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is
saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any successor
rule thereof) or would be saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities
Act had it not been held by, or had it never been held by, an affiliate of the
Company.
"Voting Stock" of a corporation means all classes of Capital Stock of such
corporation then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said IXC Communications, Inc., has caused this
Certificate of Designation to be signed by John J. Willingham, its Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, this 31st day of March, 1997.
IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
by /s/ John J. Willingham
----------------------------------
Name: John J. Willingham
Title: Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
54
<PAGE> 55
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
FACE OF SECURITY
[THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) (AND THE COMMON STOCK
INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION
EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED IN ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION
THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY (OR THE COMMON
STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE
SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY
EVIDENCED HEREBY (AND OF THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS
CONVERTIBLE) AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY (AND
THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS CONVERTIBLE) MAY BE RESOLD,
PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER
REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF
RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE
ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE
904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF
AVAILABLE), (4) TO THE COMPANY OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES.]*
[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC"), NEW YORK, NEW YORK,
TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OF PAYMENT,
AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH
OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY
PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON
__________________________________
* Subject to removal upon registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or
otherwise when the security shall no longer be a restricted security.
<PAGE> 56
IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO. HAS AN INTEREST
HEREIN.]**
[TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE,
BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH
SUCCESSOR'S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION REFERRED TO BELOW.]**
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND
TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH REGISTRAR AND
TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES
WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
Number of Shares of Convertible
Certificate Number Preferred Stock
[ ] [ ]
CUSIP NO.: [ ]
7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007
(par value $0.01) (liquidation preference $100
per share of Convertible Preferred Stock)
of
IXC Communications, Inc.
IXC Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby
certifies that [ ] (the "Holder") is the registered owner of fully paid
and non-assessable preferred securities of the Company designated the 7 1/4%
Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007 (par value $0.01) (liquidation
preference $100 per share of Convertible Preferred Stock) (the "Convertible
Preferred Stock"). The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are transferable
on the books and records of the Registrar, in person or by a duly authorized
attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form
for transfer. The designation, rights, privileges,
__________________________________
** Subject to removal if not a global security.
2
<PAGE> 57
restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Convertible
Preferred Stock represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be
subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation dated March [ ],
1997, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Certificate of
Designation"). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the
meaning given them in the Certificate of Designation. The Company will provide
a copy of the Certificate of Designation to a Holder without charge upon
written request to the Company at its principal place of business.
Reference is hereby made to select provisions of the Convertible Preferred
Stock set forth on the reverse hereof, and to the Certificate of Designation,
which select provisions and the Certificate of Designation shall for all
purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Certificate of
Designation and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
Unless the Transfer Agent's Certificate of Authentication hereon has been
properly executed, these shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall not be
entitled to any benefit under the Certificate of Designation or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this certificate this [ ] day
of [ ], [ ].
IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
[Seal]
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
3
<PAGE> 58
TRANSFER AGENT'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Convertible Preferred Stock referred to in the within
mentioned Certificate of Designation.
Dated: [ ], [ ]
CHASEMELLON SHAREHOLDER
SERVICES, L.L.C.
as Transfer Agent,
By:
---------------------------
Authorized Signatory
4
<PAGE> 59
REVERSE OF SECURITY
Dividends on each share of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be payable at a
rate per annum set forth in the face hereof or as provided in the Certificate
of Designation (including Additional Dividends).
The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be redeemable as provided in
the Certificate of Designation. The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
shall be convertible into the Company's Common Stock in the manner and
according to the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designation.
As required under Delaware law, the Company shall furnish to any Holder upon
request and without charge, a full summary statement of the designations,
voting rights preferences, limitations and special rights of the shares of each
class or series authorized to be issued by the Company so far as they have been
fixed and determined and the authority of the Board of Directors to fix and
determine the designations, voting rights, preferences, limitations and special
rights of the class and series of shares of the Company.
5
<PAGE> 60
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers the shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock evidenced hereby to:
------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
agent to transfer the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock evidenced hereby on
the books of the Transfer Agent and Registrar. The agent may substitute
another to act for him or her.
Date:
------------------------------
Signature:
-------------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Convertible
Preferred Stock Certificate)
Signature Guarantee:***
------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------
*** (Signature must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" that
is, a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union
meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include
membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be
determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP,
all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.)
6
<PAGE> 61
EXHIBIT B
NOTICE OF CONVERSION
(To be Executed by the Registered Holder
in order to Convert the Convertible, Preferred Stock)
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert (the "Conversion") shares
of 7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Convertible Preferred
Stock"), represented by stock certificate No(s). _______________ (the
"Convertible Preferred Stock Certificates") into shares of common stock
("Common Stock") of IXC Communications, Inc. (the "Company") according to the
conditions of the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Certificate of Designation"), as of the date
written below. If shares are to be issued in the name of a person other than
the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with
respect thereto and is delivering herewith such certificates. No fee will be
charged to the holder for any conversion, except for transfer taxes, if any. A
copy of each Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate is attached hereto (or
evidence of loss, theft or destruction thereof).
The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the
undersigned of the shares of Common Stock issuable to the undersigned upon
conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock shall be made pursuant to
registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"),
or pursuant to any exemption from registration under the Act.
Any holder, upon the exercise of its conversion rights in accordance with the
terms of the Certificate of Designation and the Convertible Preferred Stock,
agrees to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed
thereto in or pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.
Date of Conversion: ________________________
Applicable Conversion Price: _______________
Number of shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock to be Converted: ____________
<PAGE> 62
Number of shares of
Common Stock to be Issued: _________________
Signature: _________________________________
Name: ______________________________________
Address:** _________________________________
Fax No.: ___________________________________
- -----------------------------
* The Company is not required to issue shares of Common Stock until the
original Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(s) (or evidence of loss,
theft or destruction thereof) to be converted are received by the Company or
its Transfer Agent. The Company shall issue and deliver shares of Common
Stock to an overnight courier not later than three business days following
receipt of the original Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate(s) to be
converted.
** Address where shares of Common Stock and any other payments or certificates
shall be sent by the Company.
2
<PAGE> 63
EXHIBIT C
CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR
REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
Re: 7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007 (the "Convertible
Preferred Stock") of IXC Communications, Inc. (the "Company")
This Certificate relates to ____ shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held
in [ ] */ book-entry or [ ] */ definitive form by _______________ (the
"Transferor").
The Transferor*:
[ ] has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to deliver in exchange
for its beneficial interest in the Convertible Preferred Stock held by the
depository shares of Convertible Preferred Stock in definitive, registered form
equal to its beneficial interest in such Convertible Preferred Stock (or the
portion thereof indicated above); or
[ ] has requested the Transfer Agent by written order to exchange or
register the transfer of Convertible Preferred Stock.
In connection with such request and in respect of such Convertible Preferred
Stock, the Transferor does hereby certify that the Transferor is familiar with
the Certificate of Designation relating to the above captioned Convertible
Preferred Stock and that the transfer of this Convertible Preferred Stock does
not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
Act") because */:
[ ] Such Convertible Preferred Stock is being acquired for the Transferor's
own account without transfer.
[ ] Such Convertible Preferred Stock is being transferred to the Company.
[ ] Such Convertible Preferred Stock is being transferred (i) to a qualified
institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), in
reliance on Rule 144A or (ii) pursuant to an exemption from registration in
accordance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act (and, in the case of clause
(ii), based on an opinion of counsel if the Company so requests and together
__________________________________
*/Please check applicable box.
<PAGE> 64
with a certification in substantially the form of Exhibit E to the
Certificate of Designation).
[ ] Such Convertible Preferred Stock is being transferred to an accredited
investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7)
under the Securities Act pursuant to a private placement exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act (together with a certification
in substantially the form of Exhibit D to the Certificate of Designation).
[ ] Such Convertible Preferred Stock is being transferred in reliance on and
in compliance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act (and based on an opinion of counsel if the Company so requests).
-------------------------------
[INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR]
Date: By
------------------------------- -------------------------------
2
<PAGE> 65
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE
TO BE DELIVERED BY ACCREDITED INVESTORS
_____________, _____
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
Attention: [ ]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with our proposed purchase of certain 7 1/4% Junior
Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007 (the "Convertible Preferred Stock"), of
IXC Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), we represent
that:
(i) we are an "accredited investor" within the meaning of Rule
501(a)(1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(6) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") (an "Accredited Investor"), or an entity in which all of
the equity owners are Accredited Investors;
(ii) any purchase of Convertible Preferred Stock will be for our own account
or for the account of one or more other Accredited Investors as to which we
exercise sole investment discretion;
(iii) we have such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters that we are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of purchasing
Convertible Preferred Stock and we and any accounts for which we are acting
are able to bear the economic risks of our or their investment;
(iv) we are not acquiring Convertible Preferred Stock with a view to any
distribution thereof in a transaction that would violate the Securities Act
or the securities laws of any State of the United States or any other
applicable jurisdiction; provided that the disposition of our property and
the property of any accounts for which we are acting as fiduciary shall
remain at all times without our control; and
(v) we acknowledge that we have had access to such financial and other
information, and have been afforded the opportunity to ask such questions of
representatives of the Company and receive answers
<PAGE> 66
thereto, as we deem necessary in connection with our decision to purchase
Convertible Preferred Stock.
We understand that the Convertible Preferred Stock has not been registered
under the Securities Act, and we agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of each
account for which we acquire any Convertible Preferred Stock, that such
Convertible Preferred Stock may be offered, resold, pledged or otherwise
transferred only (i) to a person whom we reasonably believe to be a qualified
institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in a
transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, in a transaction meeting the
requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, outside the United States to
a foreign person in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 904 under
the Securities Act (and, unless such transfer occurs in a transaction meeting
the requirements of Rule 144A, based upon an opinion of counsel, if the Company
so requests), (ii) to the Company or (iii) pursuant to an effective
registration statement, and, in each case, in accordance with any applicable
securities laws of any State of the United States or any other applicable
jurisdiction. We understand that the registrar will not be required to accept
for registration of transfer any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, except
upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the Company that the foregoing
restrictions on transfer have been complied with. We further understand that
the Convertible Preferred Stock purchased by us will bear a legend reflecting
the substance of this paragraph. We further agree to provide to any person
acquiring any of the Convertible Preferred Stock from us a notice advising such
person that resales of the Convertible Preferred Stock are restricted as stated
herein.
We acknowledge that you, the Company and others will rely upon our
confirmations, acknowledgements and agreements set forth herein, and we agree
to notify you promptly in writing if any of our representations or warranties
herein ceases to be accurate and complete.
2
<PAGE> 67
THIS LETTER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Very truly yours,
-------------------------------
(Name of Transferee)
By:
---------------------------
Name:
Title:
Address:
3
<PAGE> 68
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED IN
CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S
__________, ____
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
Attention: [ ]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with our proposed sale of certain 7 1/4% Junior Convertible
Preferred Stock Due 2007 (the "Convertible Preferred Stock") of IXC
Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("the "Company"), we represent
that:
(i) the offer of the Convertible Preferred Stock was not made to a person
in the United States;
(ii) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside
the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably
believed that the transferee was outside the United States;
(iii) no directed selling efforts have been made by us in the United States
in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of
Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), as
applicable; and
(iv) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme by us to evade the
registration requirements of the Securities Act.
You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and you are
irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any
interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry
with
<PAGE> 69
respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the
meanings set forth in Regulation S.
Very truly yours,
----------------------------------
(Name of Transferor)
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Address:
2
